We all know the Kings are going to make a weird pick, but this is a selection that I actually don’t mind for them. Precious Achiuwa is a small-ball big that has a lot of perimeter defensive ability. Offensively, he isn’t going to give much, other than in a off-ball, transition sort of role.
The Kings need a long-term defensive player to go alongside Marvin Bagley, and Achiuwa is a modern-day option in that respect. He is incredibly mobile and athletic and fits better than any traditional center.
The Kings need to hit on this selection after not owning their first-round pick last season. They have a reasonable chance to make a playoff run next season, but it starts and ends with improving their roster this offseason.
The Kings do have a core to build around – De’Aaron Fox is a legitimate star and Marvin Bagley is good when healthy. But they need much, much more in order to be competitive in a loaded Western Conference.