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2014 NBA Draft: Grading each team’s draft

By Brad Rowland

Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; A general view as basketball fans walk past a sculpture before the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; A general view as basketball fans walk past a sculpture before the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 30, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Nik Stauskas (11) dunks against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half of the finals of the midwest regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Nik Stauskas (11) dunks against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half of the finals of the midwest regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Sacramento Kings

With only one pick in this year’s draft, the Kings had to make it count, and they certainly did that with Michigan guard Nik Stauskas. At first glance, this is an interesting fit for Sacramento, especially given that they spent a 2013 lottery selection on Ben McLemore, but with reports that he could be on the trading block, Stauskas appeared to be the “best player available” pick.

For my money, Stauskas is the best shooter in the 2014 NBA Draft class, and he has the mental make-up to be a strong scorer as well. Athleticism concerns are unwarranted if you examine his measurables, and with the ball-handling skills that make some believe that he could even flash some point guard ability, there is no reason to compare Stauskas to stand-still jump shooters in the Kyle Korver-Jason Kapono mold. The fit may not be ideal, but Nik Stauskas can play. Right now.

Grade: B+

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