Kings NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Final Picks for Every Round
Kings NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Final Picks for Every Round
Here's a look at our final predictions for the Sacramento Kings' 2026 NBA Draft.Logan Struck|
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Sacramento KingsIt is officially the eve of the 2026 NBA Draft, and rumors have continued to swirl around the league as experts try to predict what will happen on June 23. As for the Sacramento Kings, they seem to be the only team in the league in which everyone knows exactly who they are targeting.
The Kings hold three total picks in this year's draft, with one first-rounder (No. 7) and two second-rounders (Nos. 34 and 45). Here is the full look at who we think the Kings will draft with those three selections.
For a look at the Kings On SI NBA Mock Draft 1.0
First, though, I'll run down the top-six picks to get a full look at who I think will be available for the Kings when they are on the clock.
- Wizards - AJ Dybantsa
- Jazz - Darryn Peterson
- Grizzlies - Cameron Boozer
- Bulls - Caleb Wilson
- Clippers - Keaton Wagler
- Nets - Mikel Brown Jr.
Now, for the Kings' selections:
Round 1, Pick 7: Darius Acuff Jr.
6'2" | Guard | 19 | Arkansas
If the top six shakes out as I expect, the Kings will have two choices at No. 7: Darius Acuff Jr. and Kingston Flemings. However, based on several reports leading up to the draft, Acuff is their guy.
The Arkansas Razorbacks' John Calipari product had a phenomenal freshman season, averaging 23.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, while shooting 48.4% from the field and 44.0% from three-point range. Acuff is a bona fide offensive star, and his elite skill set should translate to the NBA level.
Of course, there are extreme defensive concerns with Acuff, which is where the conversation with Flemings comes in. Flemings, the Houston Cougars product, is a high-level defender and an overall two-way playmaker. For a team that needs help on both sides of the ball, Flemings would not be a bad pick, but Acuff has more potential to be a franchise cornerstone.
As long as the Kings can surround Acuff with impactful defenders to cover up his weakness, he should be able to take the franchise to the next level offensively. Unless something crazy happens, this will be who the Kings are selecting on draft night.
Round 2, Pick 34: Baba Miller
6'10" | Forward | 22 | Cincinnati
It is difficult to project these second-round selections, but with how eager the Kings were to see Baba Miller in person, it would not be shocking if they took the Spanish forward. Miller had a scheduled pre-draft workout in Sacramento, but missed it due to sickness. The Kings made sure to finally get him in the gym, and it is hard to imagine this freak of nature struggling to impress the Sacramento scouts.
Miller is 6-foot-10.5 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, yet he has guard-like skills and mobility. Miller tested very well at the combine, being one of the quickest big men in the draft, making him an intriguing prospect based on that alone.
With his size and athleticism, Miller is a terrific rebounder with promising defensive tools. On the offensive end, he can handle the ball and is a high-level passer for his size. If everything comes together for him, he has legitimate potential at the NBA level, but he will need some work.
Even with some question marks, there is too much to enjoy about Miller's game to not take a flyer on him in the second round, especially for a team that could use more length and athleticism at the forward spot.
Round 2, Pick 45: Emanuel Sharp
6'3" | Guard | 22 | Houston
The Kings also brought in Emanuel Sharp for a pre-draft workout, and it is easy to predict that Sacramento likely fell in love with him. Sharp is a high-character guy who plays very hard on both sides of the ball, and certainly fits the mold for what the Kings are looking for.
Sure, Sharp is not the biggest or most athletic guard, but after playing four years in Kelvin Sampson's system with the Cougars, there is no question about how hard he works, especially as a defender.
Sharp can also make an impact on offense with his jump shot, both off-the-dribble and as a catch-and-shoot threat. While the 3-and-D label is commonly overused, Sharp fits the mold for an off-ball guard who can shoot from deep and defend the opposing team's best player. It would be very hard for the Kings to pass on Sharp if he is available at 45.
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Published Jun 22, 2026
LOGAN STRUCKLogan Struck is the Deputy Editor for Inside the Kings - SI.com's team website following the Sacramento Kings.
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Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
