Blessing in Disguise

On Tuesday, when the Kings received the fifth pick in the NBA lottery, those across the Cowbell Kingdom lamented: what in the hell?!? With a 15.9% chance to snag the number one overall pick, the Sacramento Kings slid to fifth. Ouch. It's a familiar sentiment: last year, with a 25% chance of getting the first overall pick, the Kings ended up receiving the fourth pick. Unlucky wouldn't even begin to describe it. Sure, it all worked out in the end, but falling that far still added insult to injury.

This may indeed suck, but I really feel it's a blessing in disguise. Sources (aka everyone who is paid to follow this kind of stuff stuff) say that John Wall, the mercurial, exciting, and naturally gifted Point Guard out of Kentucky will go first. He's an apparent game changer, a once in a generation talent, and possesses an exceptional ability to put a round ball through a hoop ten-feet off the ground.

Wall is certain to go first no matter what, which is why it makes me glad that the Kings didn't get the first-overall pick. First off, I don't know if you are aware of this, but the Kings already have a pretty good point guard. The rest of the depth at the guard position isn't bad either. The dependable Beno Udrih returned to form last season, and Ime Udoka can be relied upon to provide solid one-on-one defense, athleticism and the occasional corner three. Donte Greene, Omri Casspi, and Francisco Garcia, while playing more of the two and three spots, provide plenty of depth in the back court. Sure, these guys aren't exactly all-world talents, but hey, they are competent. There is at least some hope there.

But that Kings front court? Eeeeesh. Jason Thompson, bless his heart, couldn't stay in front of a tree on defense. The Kid is a defensive liability, possesses a streaky offensive game, and has a propensity for commiting fouls. Lots and lots of fouls. Hawes is no better. Yes, he has an outside stroke and some size. But he's too soft, lacks any shot-blocking ability, and has not yet cultivated a down-low presence.

Yup. That's a foul, JT.

The two big guys I love on the team are Jon Brockman and Carl Landry. We already know how I feel about Landry. He's tough as nails, athletic, and has both an offensive and defensive game. Meanwhile, Brockman is a hustler, through and through. The Brockness Monster plays bigger than his 6'-7'' frame would suggest and he isn't afraid to do the team's dirty work. He's an Anderson Varejao type, minus the annoying Side-Show Bob haircut. Another plus: when I had the fortune of meeting him, he shook my hand like a man.

Tyreke, here, should take notes on how to shake hands. Also, that's my arm on the left. Hi Mom!

But don't let those two fool you. The Kings need a big man. Desperately. Like the Pope is Catholic, a circle is round, and the Lakers are evil, the Kings need help inside. It's just the truth. I feared with the first pick, the Kings would be pressured into selecting John Wall. That would have been disastrous. Evans and Wall sharing the rock would have hindered their development and it would have translated into losses on the court. The Kevin Martin debacle of last year, all over again.

With the fifth pick, the Kings will have a better shot at nabbing a big man. Perfect. DeMarcus Cousins, the 6'-11'', 270 pound beast out of Kentucky is projected to go around fourth or fifth. He's right where the Kings are picking and he's exactly what they need. Sure, there are some concerns about his commitment to staying in shape, but what rookie isn't a little rough around the edges? I say his potential upside makes it worth it.

So don't feel so bad, Kings faithful. Like Garth Brooks says (er, sings?): some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.