This is correct, the pick is top 1 protected. The variance between the Philly and Kings picks could be 20+. As bad as losing the pick would be for us, arguably worse is how much it would strengthen one of our toughest rivals.
The issue is not only is that Philly would be adding the number one pick to an already stacked roster, but they would have 3 choices in RJ Barrett, Nassir Little, and Cam Reddish that would be able to immediately step into their core and fit their timeline. After missing out on Tatum, LeBron, Paul George, and Kawhi Philly needs a stud wing and the 2019 draft could be their best chance at one.
I think the scenario to hope for is that although the Kings have by far one of the worst roster's, they also have no incentive to tank. This mean's that when the Hawks, Knicks, Nets, and Suns of the world start dreaming of high draft picks, Sac will try to pick up some wins to establish their culture. I'd be happy if we end up with any where from 2-7 just to keep the pick out of Philly's hands.
we keep hearing this particular narrative here, yet, i don't see it as holding up when we check history.
brooklyn had no incentive to tank in either 2016 or 2017, yet they still stunk. as important as any supposed "desire" or plan to tank my be, sometimes rosters simply are filled with bad players and they stink without intentionally tanking.
i am betting that sacramento is one of those stinky teams.
Yeah, the lack of any incentive to tank doesn't stop teams with very little talent that doesn't really fit, an unimpressive coaching staff and a historically poor management from getting high picks. Sacramento fits that description
The Kings were quite arguably the 2nd worst team last season but they only finished 7th worst.
Exactly, for as bad as the Kings are in a vacuum/on paper they have an owner with deep pockets who is trying to build something.
As for the "very little talent" aspect well sure I guess but...
De'Aarron Fox - High draft pick, strong in the clutch last season, and has publicly gone at other players including Lonzo. Hardly an ideal roll over tank commander.
Bogdan Bogdnavonic - All rookie second team and is playing for his next contract after already amassing a solid body of work in Euro Legue
-Note apparently he just had 2 knee surguries this offseason not sure where he is with his health-
Harry Giles III - Considered by far the best player of his class. We've seen players come back from ACL tears and have productive careers. Giles has everything you look for in a modern big man and comes with Duke Pedigree.
Marvin Bagley III - Who knows how good he can be but it's orth noting that he has the capability of being an extremely productive rebounder and finisher at the NBA level. Was he drafted too high over guys like Wendell Carter and Doncic? Probably. Is he already a bust? far from it.
Buddy Hield - One of the better young shooters in the game. Definitely playing for a contract. Hield has all of the ability to become a high volume combo guard. He doesn't have to be Curry to be a positive player for this franchise.
Zach Randolph and Kosta Koufous - Helped steal some games last year particularly when he matched up against Boogie. Prideful, solid hand locker room presence.
Willey Caulie Stein - Make it break it year for WCS. Has shown flashes but never put it together. They waived Papagiannis who was one of his biggest competitors for minutes.
Skal Labisseire - Was the consensus number 1 pick until he fell off. Has looked bigger in offseason workouts this summer. They only need 1 of these guys to take the next step for the Kings to become a palatable roster
Yogi Ferrell and Nemanja Bijelcia - Stealing these guys were the move of a team that is trying to establish winning ways not a tank squad.
Personally think they will finish ahead of Atlanta, Phoenix, NYK, and Orlando. Possibly Brooklyn and we'll see what Memphis looks like if they falter out of the game and consider dropping Marc Gasol at the deadline.