Recent history of the 7th overall pick in the NBA Draft

The Sacramento Kings are one day away from making the 7th pick in the NBA Draft, and recent history suggests there is plenty of reason for optimism.

Sacramento owns the seventh overall selection in Tuesday night’s 2026 NBA Draft, a spot that has produced several standout players over the last decade.

Among the most notable names selected seventh overall are Denver Nuggets star Jamal Murray in 2016, Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga in 2021, and Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe in 2022.

Looking at the last 10 7th pick selections in the NBA Draft, teams have found a mix of All-Stars, high-level starters, and promising young talent.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 24: Jonathan Kuminga #0 of the Atlanta Hawks dunks during the third quarter against the Washington Wizards at State Farm Arena on February 24, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Recent History of the 7th pick in the NBA Draft

• 2025: Jeremiah Fears (New Orleans)
• 2024: Donovan Clingan (Portland)
• 2023: Bilal Coulibaly (Indiana)
• 2022: Shaedon Sharpe (Portland)
• 2021: Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State)
• 2020: Killian Hayes (Detroit)
• 2019: Coby White (Chicago)
• 2018: Wendell Carter Jr. (Chicago)
• 2017: Lauri Markkanen (Chicago)
• 2016: Jamal Murray (Denver)

The most recent players taken seventh overall include Jeremiah Fears (2025), Donovan Clingan (2024), Bilal Coulibaly (2023), Shaedon Sharpe (2022), Jonathan Kuminga (2021), Killian Hayes (2020), Coby White (2019), Wendell Carter Jr. (2018), Lauri Markkanen (2017), and Jamal Murray (2016).

Among that group, Murray has developed into an NBA champion and All-Star with Denver, while Markkanen earned All-Star honors with Utah. White, Carter Jr., Sharpe, and Kuminga have all become key contributors for their respective franchises.

Now, Sacramento hopes to add another impactful player to that list.

For more than a month, Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. has been heavily linked to the Kings with the 7th pick in the NBA Draft. Acuff reportedly worked out privately for Sacramento and has consistently appeared in mock drafts as the team’s most likely selection.

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 20: Kingston Flemings #4 of the Houston Cougars dribbles the ball as Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks defends during the first half of the Never Forget Tribute Classic at Prudential Center on December 20, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)

However, Acuff is not the only guard under consideration.

The Kings also conducted a private workout with Houston standout Kingston Flemings, another projected top-10 prospect who enjoyed a stellar freshman season with the Cougars. Flemings has emerged as one of the fastest-rising guards in the class and could be available when Sacramento is on the clock.

Whether the Kings ultimately select Acuff, Flemings, or another prospect, history shows the 7th pick in the NBA Draft has often delivered talented players capable of changing a franchise’s trajectory, something Sacramento desperately needs.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The Sacramento Kings are preparing for a crucial 2026 NBA Draft, which is set to take place from Tuesday, June 23rd, through Wednesday, June 24th.

Sacramento owns the 7th pick in the Draft, giving them a chance at selecting a talented player with upside, such as Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., Houston’s Kingston Flemings, and Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, among others.

Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports for pre-draft workout news, player breakdowns, draft rumors, and MUCH more.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule

• Tuesday, June 23rd – NBA Draft (Round 1)
• Wednesday, June 24th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
• Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
• Saturday, July 4th – Monday, July 6th – California Classic at Golden 1 Center
• Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
• Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

Kings Don’t Need To Rush To Trade LaVine or SabonisUC Davis Football Ranked No. 6 In Stats Perform Top 25 Preseason PollChristian McCaffrey ranked No. 2 RB in Madden 2749ers sign DL Ogbo Okoronkwo, waive DL’s Givens & SampleTrent Williams ranked among top-5 OT’s in Madden 27Would Russell Westbrook be the perfect mentor for Darius Acuff Jr.?