Three 2024 NBA Draft prospects Sacramento could consider at 13

Going into tonight's first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings own the 13th selection. Who could they consider with that pick?

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Jun 26, 2024, 12:53 PM

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General manager Monte McNair is heading into his fifth draft as the lead decision-maker of the Sacramento Kings organization. At this point, it seems like his front office has a ‘type’ in the first round, centered around what’s already known rather than hypotheticals.

Let’s look at their previous draft selections to get a better idea.

In 2020, right after being hired, McNair was fortunate that Tyrese Haliburton fell into their lap with the 12th pick. He was highly productive throughout two seasons at Iowa State, flashing connective abilities, perimeter shooting, and elite playmaking. Few expected him to develop into the star he’s become, but he was a safe bet to be a productive NBA player.

Their most shocking selection came one year later when they took another guard, Davion Mitchell, who was coming off a National Championship with the Baylor Bears. Questions existed about how his unideal NBA size could impact him at the next level, but he undoubtedly contributed to winning at the collegiate level.

Mitchell’s defense was a near-sure bet, even if the positional versatility was a reasonable concern. Upside swings who struggled in college, such as Ziaire Williams and Jalen Johnson, were available, but they elected to go with the talent who’s proven his ability to contribute.

2023 might be the most evident example, where Sacramento’s front office selected Keegan Murray over Jaden Ivey. Murray led the NCAA in points per game, but there were external concerns about his ceiling as a top-five pick with underwhelming self-creation and athleticism.

The Iowa product has been dispelling those narratives during his time in the NBA, but I think he still fits the title of a somewhat known, reliable commodity.

That’s not to say the Kings are necessarily risk-averse in the draft process, but they seem to value what is known over hypothetical potential. A few options in the 2024 NBA Draft fit their apparent model and could be available when they get on the clock at 13.

Dalton Knecht | 23 years old | 6’6 | 6’9 wingspan | Tennessee

There have been nine lottery picks since 2014 who were 23 or older at the time of their selection: Doug McDermott, Frank Kaminsky, Buddy Hield, Denzel Valentine, Obi Toppin, Cameron Johnson, Davion Mitchell, Chris Duarte, and Ochai Agbaji.

Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht fits into that category as a late bloomer, significantly growing into his body later throughout his high school years. His basketball journey up to this point has been similar.

After spending his first two collegiate seasons at Northeastern Junior College, Knecht moved to Northern Colorado. Averaging 8.9 points in his junior season, the wing jumped up to 20.2 points per night in his senior season at Northern Colorado — leading to a chance to play a fifth collegiate season, now with the Tennessee Volunteers.

In 2023-24, Knecht tallied 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on 45.8 percent from the field, 39.7 percent from three, and 77.2 from the free throw line.

The three-point shooting jumps off the page, shooting above 38 percent on six or more three-point attempts in each of the last two seasons.

Being able to run through screens off-ball before catching, squaring up, and being able to knock it down from range off the perimeter is a valuable skill set in today’s NBA, and even more so in an offense that centers around Domantas Sabonis’s playmaking at the elbow.

Everything you need to know about Dalton Knecht before the 2024 NBA Draft 👀

6’6” | 212 lbs | 23 years old | W – @Vol_Hoops

◦21.7 PTS, 4.9 REB, 1.8 AST, 0.7 STL, 0.6 BLK
◦45.8 FG% 39.7 3PT% 77.2 FT%
◦36 Games, 30.6 MIN

From JUCO ➡️ Northern Colorado ➡️ Tennessee —

Knecht… pic.twitter.com/CzOQGI3WLG

— No Ceilings (@NoCeilingsNBA) June 22, 2024

Ideal spacing and quick decision-making are optimal skills for players looking to complement Sabonis and De’Aaron Fox. Knecht fits the description well.

Earning SEC Player of the Year, All-American, and a Naismith College Player of the Year finalist, his production at Tennessee was phenomenal. Some of his off-the-dribble capabilities led to those recognitions and provided a sense of optimism regarding his NBA role.

Self-creation would not be his expected responsibility early with the Kings, but slowly working his way into more duties is a common roadmap.

With defenses forced to respect his jumper, both on and off-ball, Knecht did an excellent job of countering with timely cuts to the basket, converting 79.4 percent (27/34) of his plays as a cutter. The athleticism shown in the clips above certainly aids him in that aspect.

Defense is another story for Knecht. His bounce does not translate into exceptional lateral movement to stay in front of defenders, and it should be expected that he will be targeted on that end early in his career.

But, his impactful length aids him there, leaving an idea that he could be competent or above average in due time. Knecht’s offensive skillset seems like it could be a seamless fit into Sacramento’s schemes, and the upside that exists (even at 23 years old) makes him an intriguing consideration for the 13th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

The Tennesse product seems to have a wide range of potential outcomes on draft night, with most assuming he will be taken before the Kings are on the clock. But there have been some whispers about him being available until then.

Devin Carter | 22 years old | 6’3 | 6’9 wingspan | Providence

I know, I know. Every Kings’ fans first reaction is going to be, ‘Why would they take another guard?” Unless there’s a belief that Kevin Huerter, Keon Ellis, Davion Mitchell, or even Malik Monk are the starting two guards of a future championship-caliber team, improvements need to be made eventually and the draft is an avenue to do so.

Carter projects as an ideal complimentary player who does a bit of everything on both ends who plays bigger than his listed height.

After being third on his team in scoring in 2022-23 (13.0 ppg), the guard took a ginormous leap last season, averaging 19.7 points (1st on his team), 8.7 rebounds (1st), 3.6 assists (1st), 1.8 steals (1st), and 1.0 block (2nd) per game on 47.3 percent from the field, 37.7 percent from three, and 74.9 percent on free throws.

The scoring is impressive, but we’ve got to start with his absurd production on the glass. Thanks to his relentless mindset and eye-popping athleticism, he averaged more rebounds than 7’2 Donovan Clingan, 7′ Alex Sarr, and 6’11 Kyle Filipowski.

Devin Carter talks about taking pride in rebounding as a guard and playing on both ends of the court. He averaged 8.7 rpg, 1.8 stl, and 1 blk per game as a guard!! 🫣 pic.twitter.com/bZKKXWmFYM

— Jordan Richard (@JordanRichardSC) June 15, 2024

It’s a great example of Carter’s willingness to contribute in any way possible, and the rest of his game fits that mold. Drawing comparisons to Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, his defense appears close to a surefire bet to translate.

Becoming the primary option in college allowed him to grow as a driver, passer, and creative finisher around the basket. His offensive skillset reminds me of a more developed Colby Jones.

Converting 56.3 percent of his two-point attempts last season at Providence, he’s an exceptional cutter with a good feel for the game and ferocious finishes.

DUDE DEVIN CARTER!!!! THE EXCLAMATION POINT! @kingcarter2225 x @PCFriarsMBB pic.twitter.com/4KrYu4Vh2F

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) January 27, 2024

As for his long-range shot, it’s a similar story to Davion Mitchell’s coming out of college. Carter knocked down 37.7 percent of his threes last season but was under thirty percent on significantly less volume in the two seasons prior. His jump on that end looks real, as he showed both off the bounce and catch-and-shoot, but it’s not without concerns.

Oh, and he’s also got legitimate All-Defensive potential. Hounding on-ball defenders, getting skinny while fighting through ball screens, and remaining active and aware off-ball with his 6’9 wingspan makes for a promising combination, even at 6’3. He’s a true defensive playmaker, annoying in the best way possible.

Devin Carter should be taken in the #NBADraft lottery:

– Elite competitor
– Big time defender
– Russell Westbrook-level rim attacker

Can’t talk about Devin Carter & not talk about his defense. Just watch the commitment in these 2 clips. @PCFriarsmbb pic.twitter.com/5Sxd5nilUO

— Mike O’Donnell (@MOD4three) June 25, 2024

The Kings were reportedly willing to shop the 13th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft for Alex Caruso, but Carter could help fill that role long-term as he develops in the league.

Tristan Da Silva | 23 years old | 6’8 | 6’10 wingspan | Colorado

Da Silva is not one of the 2024 NBA Draft prospects whose game jumps off the screen when watching him. He just plays the right way and does a little bit of everything, similar to Harrison Barnes.

That may scare some Sacramento fans away, but that type of player is tremendously valuable in the modern NBA. Think of how many times the Kings could have used another forward-sized connector on their depth chart.

Da Silva’s two most surefire skills are his shooting and finishing. In his rookie season, 26.7 percent of his triples were converted. Since then, he’s never dipped below 37 percent, including above 39 percent in the last two years on nearly four attempts per showing during that time.

Pair that rate with a high release and confidence from a few steps behind the arc, and it’s easy to see how that would translate. Especially when you watch some of his off-ball movement and finishing offensively.

Tristan da Silva is the BEST cutter in this draft class. #NBADraft pic.twitter.com/Q1Ht061HgE

— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) June 25, 2024

As Sam Vecenie highlights above, Da Silva’s understanding of the ideal moments to cut to the basket, seal his matchup when appropriate, and quickly finish with either hand could capitalize on Sabonis’s playmaking wits.

Knecht and Carter have more upside offensively due to their superior athleticism and greater flashes of creation for themselves and others. The Colorado product didn’t display those same upside moments, but his floor as an intelligent offensive player who can convert from inside and out and make quick decisions is encouraging.

Tristan Da Silva’s 2.4 APG hints at his passing ability:

+ Sees the floor well out of drives
+ Quickly recognizes the hole in the defense when attacking closeouts/after up fakes
+Can make passes out of P&Rs with both hands pic.twitter.com/DhpYnZU1pZ

— Rich (@MavsDraft) May 29, 2024

As for his defense, the Barnes comparison could come back into play — not the current 32-year-old version of Barnes, but earlier in his career when teams felt comfortable enough to assign him to tough matchups at the two(?), three, or four, but not expecting lockdown peskiness.

Of course, there is a wide range of NBA outcomes here, with some being more skeptical of his defensive contributions than others.

Yet, the Kings could benefit from adding size and positional versatility to their roster, and their 2024 NBA Draft qualifications should simply be, “Can they effectively share the floor with both Fox and Sabonis?”

Knecht and Carter seem to have more room to grow into more than that, but the “safe” pick of Tristan Da Silva could be a notable addition on a rookie deal moving forward.

Quick thoughts on Ron Holland

Rumors are floating around about G League Ignite’s Ron Holland potentially being available in the late lottery Wednesday night. His tools are tantalizing, and he was touted as potentially the best prospect in the draft before his stint with the Ignite.

But, he’s a project that will surely come with growing pains early in his career. Looking to continue trending upwards from their last two seasons, would they be willing to be patient with a prospect of that ilk? Is his talent simply too intriguing to pass up? Or, maybe his workouts and interviews have been as bad as rumored and they would prefer to stay away. Who knows.

The aspect that should be considered here is trade value. Now, if he “falls,” that speaks volumes about his current perceived value, but spending a year or so displaying his potential in limited stints could turn him into a valuable player in discussions.

When blockbuster deals take place for stars around the NBA, a marquee young talent is typically exchanged. Currently, Keegan Murray is the only player who fits that mold, and there seems to be little desire to include him in talks. Davion Mitchell certainly doesn’t hold that type of value.

If they were to select Holland, which would go against their typical draft “type,” he could end up being a vital trade asset as they remain opportunistic in case someone were to become available.

When is the next NBA off-season date of interest?

The NBA Draft is now a two-night event.

Wednesday, June 26th, will act as the first night of the 2024 NBA Draft, where the Sacramento Kings will make their first-round selection (13th). The second round of the draft will be held on Thursday, June 27th, where the Kings will use its 45th overall pick.

Sacramento hasn’t had a first-round pick since 2022, when it selected Iowa product Keegan Murray with the fourth overall pick.

Stay locked into Sactown Sports for all of your Kings draft coverage, including player profiles, reports regarding pre-draft workouts, draft night coverage, and much more.

NBA Offseason Schedule