THE 2024 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft is rapidly approaching, with each team making their final preparations ahead of adding some young talent to the best competition in the world.

There are some seriously impressive prospects available, with the crop stretching all around the globe as more international players begin to gain recognition. Suddenly, the collegiate system is not the only method to joining the NBA, which has allowed a broader range of players to compete at the top level.

With the NBA wrapping up the 2023/24 season as we speak, the teams already eliminated have spent the past few weeks considering which players they will select to prepare for the future, and the recent Draft Lottery saw the official order determined.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be taking a look at each team and how their draft will potentially pan out on June 26-27. With all 30 sides in their own unique situation, there is plenty to unpack ahead of the next injection of exciting players.

On the agenda today are the Sacramento Kings, who are still looking to make a deep playoff push after years of making the postseason, and perhaps another young piece is the answer.

Sacramento Kings

Draft Selections

13, 45

Contracted Players

De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, Harrison Barnes, Kevin Huerter, Keegan Murray (team option), Trey Lyles, Sasha Vezenkov, Davion Mitchell (team option), Chris Duarte (team option), Colby Jones, Keon Ellis

The Kings have been threatening to become one of the most dangerous players in the NBA over the past five years, but have not been able to put it together when it mattered most. They seem a piece or two away from truly competing, and the draft could see the team add the players they are missing.

With the imminent departure of star shooting guard Malik Monk, the Kings could do with some backcourt depth. One option for this category could be Devin Carter, who would bring a defence-first mindset to the role.

The Providence guard can guard multiple positions, rebounds well and can finish well at the rim to prove a valuable contributor on the offensive end. Although his jumpshot is not the prettiest, Carter shot 40 per cent from behind the arc, so he is solid enough on that front.

Another candidate for the 12th pick is Jared McCain out of Duke, who would also be a valuable addition next to Fox. His shooting would be a great fit for the Kings, given he can knock down shots from just about anywhere, and also create them off the dribble.

With their last pick, the Kings will be likely looking towards another position, and forward Justin Edwards could be worth a look. He was initially considered a chance to be selected in the lottery, but has dropped down the pecking order since the start of the season. However, if he can reach the form he delivered throughout his high school career, where he was an excellent shotmaker, he could be value.