Should the Kings steer clear of Cameron Boozer?

As the Sacramento Kings turn their attention toward the NBA Draft and lottery positioning, one name continues to surface in projections and debates: Cameron Boozer.

Following their coin-flip loss to the Utah Jazz, Sacramento now holds the fifth-best lottery odds, giving them an 11.5% chance at the No. 1 overall pick and a 45.2% chance to jump into the top four when the lottery is held on May 10.

With that uncertainty comes a wide range of draft scenarios — including the possibility of Boozer landing in Sacramento.

Cameron Boozer, a 6-foot-9, 250-pound forward out of Duke, has the resume of a top-five selection in this year’s loaded draft class.

The freshman averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds (leading the ACC), 4.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting an efficient 55% from the field, 39% from three, and 79% from the free-throw line across 38 games.

His all-around offensive game is a major selling point for teams like the Kings, who are searching for a go-to scorer and potential future face of the franchise.

CAMERON BOOZER IS THE NAISMITH PLAYER OF THE YEAR 🤩 pic.twitter.com/N5fP3ufWMM

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 5, 2026

More on Cameron Boozer

In a recent discussion on Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys, Kevin Gleason and Allen Stiles broke down Cameron Boozer’s fit with Sacramento, referencing a mock draft from Kevin O’Connor that had the Kings selecting him with the third overall pick.

Gleason noted that O’Connor described Boozer as a player who “can post up, run pick and roll, set screen, spot up and crash the boards,” adding that “he doesn’t need to rely on bully ball to make an impact as a scorer or passer.”

Still, the conversation wasn’t without skepticism.

“The Kings don’t have a leader. They need kind of an adult in the room,” Stiles said, reacting to the reasoning behind the pick. Gleason added bluntly, “They need just competence.”

There’s also the looming question of fit. O’Connor suggested that drafting Boozer “would almost certainly signal the end of the Domantas Sabonis era,” a point Gleason pushed back on slightly, saying, “I think the Kings are doing everything they can to bring an end to that era as it is. I don’t think that’s dependent on who they draft.”

Sacramento had trade deadline talks with the Toronto Raptors that would have sent Sabonis north, but no deal came to fruition. Sabonis was then ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury, one that required surgery to repair a torn meniscus.

It’s widely expected that the Kings will revisit those trade talks this offseason as they look to offload salary and prioritize their young core, one that would include this year’s lottery pick.

(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Despite differing views, both hosts acknowledged the reality of Sacramento’s position.

“Now that we’re seeing how ugly this could get. If you get a top-five talent in this draft, I think I’m okay with it,” Gleason said. “Beggars can’t be choosers at this point.”

Stiles agreed there’s intrigue but cautioned about fan reaction. “My sense is that if the Kings end up with one of the top three picks and they take Cameron Boozer. I think a lot of fans will be very disappointed,” he said.

Defense remains a key concern, prompting many draft talent evaluators to move players like North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson ahead of Boozer in mock drafts.

“This growing conversation about his defense. That worries me more than any other conversation,” Stiles added, pointing to questions about Boozer’s lateral quickness and positional fit.

For the Kings, the Cameron Boozer decision may ultimately come down to upside versus certainty–but, of course, there aren’t many certainties when it comes to the NBA Draft.

Sacramento will likely have to secure a top-four pick to have a chance at Boozer, and we’ll have much more clarity on their draft position come May 10th’s Lottery.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

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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