The Kings selected shooting guard Malachi Richardson out of Syracuse University with the No. 22 overall pick (via the Charlotte Hornets).
The 20-year-old freshman started every game for the Orange, averaging 13.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He connected on 35 percent of his long-range attempts, taking six per game.
Richardson also played a huge role in the 10-seeded Orange’s run to the Final Four in this past year’s NCAA Tournament, including a 23-point performance to help the Orange upset Virginia in the Elite Eight.
Richardson earned ACC All-Freshman team honors, which is voted on by both the coaches and media for his breakout season.
With the size of a prototypical shooting guard, standing 6-foot-6 and a wingspan of 7-feet, the sharp-shooting guard is a versatile scorer who has range, but can also put the ball on the floor and finish at the rim.
Richardson attended Trenton Catholic Academy in New Jersey for his freshman, junior and senior years of high school, scoring a total of 1245 points in his three years and averaging 18.7 points as a senior. He was named a McDonald’s All-American and a Jordan Brand All-American in 2015.
When asked what he thought about the Kings, Richardson expressed his excitement to get to work.
“I just look forward to going out there and working my tail off, trying to help that organization.”
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