The 2022 NBA Draft It finished Keegan Murray is the latest member of Sacramento Kings.. But who else did Kings pick up? They didn’t pick the second round, but Kings picked up a few undrafted free agents.
Here’s a quick look at new people:
Ellis steals Kings to sign a two-way contract. He’s a player that many thought would be drafted in the second round, but he somehow realized he wasn’t drafted himself. Ellis was one of the best two-way guards in the country last year and won the spot on the SEC All-Defensive Team (2022). He led Alabama with rebound, steal, 3-point percentages and free-throw percentages of 6.1, 1.9, 36.6% and 88.1%, respectively.
Alabama coach Nate Oates identifies Ellis as “he’s your classic 3D guy.” This is a role that can immediately bring great benefits to Sacramento. With a wingspan of 6 feet 8.5, slightly below 6 feet-5, 167 pounds, Ellis lacks the size to protect larger players. However, he has the skill and length to defend 1 to 3 very well. He is bidirectional, but at some point during the season you may see him rise permanently. He was a teammate with the defensive talent Herb Jones, a prominent newcomer to the NBA last year. Hopefully he can bring the same energy to Sacramento.
Jared Rhoden is scheduled for the second half of the 2nd / UDFA and could be a great 3 & D wing.
A great defender with length, quick feet, high motors, and versatility.
Three balls need more consistency, but it can play a more spot-up role. More than 80% FT shooter, 88th percentile with spot-up. pic.twitter.com/WtBQVfRhYG
— Aidan Maher (@ Aidan_Maher17) June 23, 2022
Roden wasn’t one of the most talked about players in the country, but he actually had a very successful college career. Roden, a three-year starter at Seaton Hall, was named to First Team All-to help his school reach the NCAA tournament three times.Big East (2022). He was even selected as the Men’s Division I Player of the Week in March of this past season.
At 6 feet-6, 210 pounds, Roden improved his shooting ability with an average of 15.5 points and 6.7 rebounds in his senior years. He can shoot from deep, but he is very confident in his midrange game. Roden is also a very active defender and another typical 3D guy who fills the holes needed for the Kings.
In an interview earlier this week, Roden reportedly said: Ten to fifteen years from now, you will meet me, who is still on the list. “
This is a kind of idea that any coach can lag behind. With a two-way deal like Ellis, it’s not surprising that Roden worked on the Sacramento roster within a few seasons. He has talent, good work ethic, and the right mindset for the vulnerable player.
Jeriah Horne (Tulsa) is an elderly prospect who won’t surprise me even if he earns two ways. She is a solid off-ball shooter and defender.
-84 percentile spot-up
-75th in the cut
-99th place as a runner
-93th catch-off pic.twitter.com/1sTR4k9gkQ— Tyler Metcalf (@ tmetcalf11) June 22, 2022
Horn experienced one of the most interesting journeys of a college athlete in this class. After playing in first grade Nebraska, he was transferred to Tulsa for the next two years. After that, he left Tulsa for Colorado. But then he returned to Tulsa for the final season. Very rare, but not strange enough to avoid him as a player.
Whatever kept him away from Tulsa must not have been that big. When he returned, he was the most productive season to date, averaging 16.1 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. He also achieved 41.5% of 3 with more than 5 trials per game. The 6-foot-7, 220-pound horn is tall and durable, and has the ability to provide additional points and rebounds to the roster like Roden. Wing depth and shooting were two of the biggest holes in Sacramento’s roster. The horn fills both. He currently has 10 exhibit contracts, but is aiming to win a two-way contract during the Summer League.
Perhaps the most interesting guy in the group, Smith, Sacramento Kings During the Summer League, he has the chance to sign his own contract. Unlike most of the time, Smith didn’t play in college, the G League, or abroad. He instead played in a brand new overtime league. A place for players who aren’t going to college but aren’t yet NBA qualified.
The 6’9, 230-pound forward, ranked 237 in the 22-year class by 247sports, had offers from Baylor, Auburn, Alabama and more. But he chose to take a unique route. Smith is strong and athletic, but he is very cheeky. He has an average of 14.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game this past season and has a powerful paint game. But he is not a good shooter and can’t place his floor well. His coaches and teammates appreciated him for not being fascinated by noise, high energy, and overall great people and players. It’s difficult to profile players in his situation, but Kings could have an interesting project in their hands.
