Could Caleb Wilson Shake Up the Top of the 2026 NBA Draft?

Now that the 2025-26 regular season is in the rearview, Caleb Wilson has entered the conversation for the Sacramento Kings as they shift focus toward the NBA Draft and lottery positioning following their coin-flip loss to the Utah Jazz.

That result locked Sacramento into the fifth-best lottery odds, giving them an 11.5% chance at the No. 1 overall pick and a 45.2% chance to land in the top four.

If the Kings do move up to No. 3—behind projected top-two picks AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson—the conversation becomes far more interesting.

Duke forward Cameron Boozer has long been considered a lock for that top-three range, but Sactown Sports’ Carmichael Dave believes Caleb Wilson could disrupt that expectation.

“I think Caleb Wilson might be the guy that messes that up,” Dave said.

More on NBA Draft prospect Caleb Wilson

The 6’10, 215-pound freshman at the University of North Carolina averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 58 percent from the field over 24 games before suffering season-ending hand and thumb injuries.

His two-way versatility and physical tools have clearly caught the attention of decision-makers across the league.

“There are a lot of front office folk that love Caleb Wilson,” Dave said.

(Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)

That kind of league-wide interest could force Sacramento to think long-term rather than strictly addressing immediate needs. While the Kings have a clear hole at point guard, passing on a high-upside forward like Wilson may be difficult if he’s on the board.

“If the Kings are in third, I think they really, really, really have to take a strong look at that,” Dave said.

If Sacramento stays at No. 5, however, the focus likely shifts to guards—most notably Darius Acuff Jr. Dave believes that outcome is not only possible, but probable.

“If the Kings stay at five, I would handicap it at 75% if available, they take Darius Acuff Jr.,” Dave said.

Acuff brings elite scoring and playmaking to the table. The 6’3 guard averaged 23.5 points (7th in NCAA Division I), 3.1 rebounds, 6.4 assists (13th in NCAA Division I), and 0.8 steals per game on 49 percent shooting from the field and an impressive 44 percent from three-point range. That offensive production fits exactly what Sacramento has been missing in the backcourt.

(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

“I see all of that in the future for Darius Acuff Jr., with the Kings,” Dave said.

Still, there are legitimate concerns about his long-term impact, particularly on the defensive end.

“My worry about Acuff is absolutely that. He’s got great numbers, but the defense isn’t there,” Dave said.

Ultimately, this decision could define the Kings’ direction for years to come.

Whether it’s betting on the upside of Caleb Wilson or addressing a need with Darius Acuff Jr., Sacramento is in a position to add a foundational piece in a draft that may not follow the expected script.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Why recent history says the 5th-best Lottery odds may help Sacramento
• Should the Kings’ main offseason priority be a PG?
• Kings, Russell Westbrook both open to reuniting for 2026-27
• Exclusive: Kings GM Scott Perry lays out his offseason thought process

Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule

• Sunday, May 10th – NBA Draft Lottery
• Thursday, June 4th– NBA Finals begin
• Thursday, June 25th – NBA Draft (Round 1)
• Friday, June 26th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
• Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
• Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
• Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official

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