Kingston Flemings draws De’Aaron Fox comparisons ahead of NBA Draft

The Sacramento Kings are once again searching for a franchise-changing guard in the NBA Draft, and one name continues to gain traction: Kingston Flemings.

With the Kings holding the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the conversation around Flemings has intensified in recent weeks, especially because of the comparisons being made to former Sacramento guard De’Aaron Fox.

On a recent episode of The Matt George Podcast, Sactown Sports’ Brenden Nunes joined Matt George to break down whether Kingston Flemings could realistically become Sacramento’s next elite lead guard.

While the similarities to Fox are obvious, both acknowledged there are major differences between the two prospects.

(Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images)

More on Kingston Flemings

Kingston Flemings is coming off an impressive freshman season at University of Houston where he averaged 16.1 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 47.6% from the field and 38.7% from beyond the arc.

His combination of speed, playmaking, and shot creation has made him one of the most intriguing guards in the draft class, with some mock drafts projecting him as a top-five pick in a loaded class.

The biggest reason Flemings draws Fox comparisons is his explosiveness with the ball in his hands. Nunes explained that both guards possess elite downhill speed and the ability to pressure defenses in transition and the halfcourt.

“I think there’s a lot of finishing around the rim. The same superpower of that speed,” Nunes said. “De’Aaron is faster. I just look at their feet now because it’s really hard to gauge how quick these dudes are actually moving.”

However, Nunes also pointed out that Fox entered the NBA as a more polished finisher and a more explosive athlete overall.

“There’s a big difference in the finishing,” Nunes explained. “I think it’s like an eight percent difference. De’Aaron’s much better at playing through contact and finishing around the rim.”

Houston’s Kingston Flemings measured 6’2.5 barefoot and 183 pounds at the NBA Draft Combine, with a 6’3.5 wingspan and 8’2.5 standing reach

Flemings has grown and filled out over the past two years, but does not have great dimensions for an NBA guard by any means. pic.twitter.com/vVhoDhpOeC

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 11, 2026

While Kingston Flemings may not yet possess Fox’s elite finishing ability, he does offer one major advantage as a prospect: perimeter shooting.

Flemings knocked down nearly 39% of his threes during his lone college season, something Fox struggled to consistently provide early in his NBA career.

“You would be betting on the three,” Nunes said. “Again, not very much volume for Flemings, but he knocked it down at a really good rate.”

That shooting upside could make Kingston Flemings an ideal fit for Sacramento’s evolving roster. The Kings have desperately needed more consistent three-point creation from the guard position, and Flemings’ offensive versatility could help address that immediately.

There’s also the reality of draft expectations. Fox was widely viewed as a future superstar coming out of the University of Kentucky in 2017, while Fleming is viewed by many scouts as slightly less explosive but potentially more balanced offensively.

Still, Nunes made it clear that drafting a player anywhere near Fox’s caliber at No. 7 would still represent a huge win for Sacramento, especially on the heels of a 22-60 season.

“Adding a De’Aaron caliber player would be a win,” Nunes said. “If you’re really confident a guy is going to be a Batman or Robin caliber player, I’m probably leaning a little bit more towards the Robin.”

Check out the full episode of The Matt George Podcast and share your thoughts in the comments.

Subscribe to The Matt George Podcast on Sactown Sports

Subscribe to The Matt George Podcast on Apple & Spotify. You can also watch all episodes of The Matt George Podcast on the Sactown Sports YouTube page & sactownsports.com.

You can also hear Matt on Sactown Sports alongside Kayla Anderson on The Matt & Kayla Show, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Is it too soon for the Kings to move on from Domantas Sabonis?
• First Look: Sacramento Kings New Jersey Patch Sponsorship Beginning in 2026-27
• Sactown Scouting Report: The Pace, Poise, and Playmaking of Kingston Flemings
• Top Guards Impressing At 2026 NBA Draft Combine

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

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