Elfrid Payton

Alex Kramers

Seated at circular tables in the conference center inside the Westin New York at Times Square and surrounded by a sea of cameras, smartphones and recorders, 20 top-ranked collegiate and international prospects fielded questions from journalists across the globe at Wednesday’s NBA Draft Media Availability session.

Envisioning an exciting opportunity to flourish with the Kings, numerous candidates in contention to be selected with Sacramento’s No. 8 pick spoke favorably about the organization and eagerly anticipated the possibility of joining DeMarcus Cousins, Rudy Gay and Co. in purple and black.  “Oh my goodness – that would be incredible,” said Arizona forward Aaron Gordon, who earned First-Team All-Pac-12 and Third-Team Sporting News All-American honors last season. “(Cousins and Gay) are very, very talented players at different positions, so if I could take a (few) pieces from each one of them, it’s going to be a monster.”

An explosive athlete capable of guarding multiple positions, the energetic 6-foot-9 forward ranked among the conference leaders in rebounding (8.0 per game), blocks (1.0) and field goal percentage (49.5), drawing frequent comparisons to four-time NBA All-Star Shawn Marion.

“I believe I’m a high-character person. I believe I’m a good teammate – that’s the main thing,” said Gordon. “(I bring a) high motor and defense – everybody can use defense.”

Forward Julius Randle – who earned Third-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC honors en route to guiding the Wildcats to the national championship game – believes he and fellow Kentucky product Cousins would form one of the League’s most formidable frontcourts.  “DeMarcus is extremely talented – a really good player – so I think that frontline could be pretty good,” he said.

The bruising big man raved about Sacramento’s play-calling and history of player development.

“(The Kings) do a good job with their forwards – I see how they let Cuz and Rudy Gay play,” said Randle. “I think they do a good job with young guys, too – letting them work through mistakes.”

A terrific inside-outside scorer, as well as an outstanding rebounder and shot-blocker, Indiana big man Noah Vonleh similarly pictures joining No. 15 to form a multifaceted Sacramento frontline.

“I’m a really versatile guy,” said Vonleh. “I can pull guys away from the basket, face up and I think I would really complement him.”

Following his recent workout in the River City, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Third-Team All-Conference selection came away impressed with Sacramento’s front office and the ownership’s long-term vision.

“I thought they were a pretty well-organized organization,” he said. “They had nice facilities and I just liked everything about them. They said they’re building a new arena, so that would be really nice to (play in].”

Oklahoma St. guard Marcus Smart – who’s drawn high praise for his all-around game and passionate leadership – likewise came away excited by the organization’s direction and upbeat outlook after his Sacramento workout.

“The coaching staff, everybody was great – great attitude and everything’s positive,” said the two-time First-Team All-Big 12 selection.

“It’s a young team that’s competing – (they’re) just looking for more guys to come in, compete and help the team any way they can.”

Louisiana-Lafayette guard Elfrid Payton – a terrific two-way player who stuffed the stat sheet with 19.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.3 steals per outing – explains his playmaking and sound defensive instincts are among his strongest assets.

“(I’d bring) defense and my ability to run a team, try to get people shots when it’s needed and get those big-time stops when we need it, too,” said the 2013-14 All-Sun Belt Conference selection and League’s Defensive Player of the Year.

“A lot of guys in the NBA are great at scoring, and I think my length could help affect that.”

Syracuse freshman guard Tyler Ennis – who averaged an ACC-leading 5.5 assists and 2.1 steals to go along with 12.9 points per game last season – reveals Sacramento’s high-octane offense would perfectly suit his skill set.

“I think (playing for) the Kings is a great situation for whatever point guard is in there,” said the 6-foot-2 dynamo. “They have so much talent on the wings. They have a bunch of young bigs who are really good. To go in there with that kind of talent and have that roster to pitch to … I think it would be a great fit for me as a pass-first guy.”

The Second-Team All-American and All-ACC Defensive Team member received plenty of positive feedback from team personnel during meetings in Chicago and Sacramento.

“They’re really cool – they were my first interview at the (Pre-draft) Combine, so they just seem so down to Earth,” said Ennis. “You’re there with the G.M. and the owner was there to watch me work out, so I think it’s better when you have owners and front office people (who) kind of have a relationship with you.”

Possessing unlimited range and excellent court vision, Michigan guard Nik Stauskas – who connected on 44.2 percent from behind the arc while leading the Wolverines in both scoring (17.5 points per game) and assists (3.3) – anticipates his outside touch would be a welcome addition.

“I know they have DeMarcus Cousins down low – obviously he’s one of the best bigs in the League – they have Isaiah Thomas, Ben McLemore, Rudy Gay,” said the Big Ten Player of the Year. “They have a really talented group over there, so if I can come in and help space the floor, make shots for them, it would be key.”

Duke forward Rodney Hood – who knocked down an ACC-leading 42 percent of his attempts from behind the arc – believes Sacramento would benefit from his efficient long-range scoring, as well.

“I think their team needs shooting and I think I’d fit well with any team that needs shooting,” said the Mississippi native, adding he struck an immediate rapport with Kings General Manager Pete D’Alessandro. “Whether I come off the bench or get a little bit of playing time, I think I can contribute to the team.”

One of the Draft’s most impressive high-flyers and above-the-rim finishers, as well as an adept ball-handler and outside scorer, UCLA guard Zach LaVine pictures getting plenty of good looks by playing alongside Sacramento’s top scorers.

“(Players) like that who draw so much attention, you get a lot of open shots, (plus I’d) be able to get in there and get them shots, as well,” said Pac-12 All-Freshman Team selection. “Playing off of them as a rookie would help me immensely, so I would be in a great situation.”

Creighton forward Doug McDermott – a polished scorer who notched an NCAA-leading 26.7 points per game on 52.6 percent from the field and 44.9 percent from downtown last season – notes the Kings are loaded with remarkable, young talent at every position.

“(There are) a lot of great fans in Sacramento, and they’re definitely building their team around DeMarcus Cousins, who’s obviously one of the best players in the League,” said the AP Player of the Year. “They have a good group of young guys, too – Ben McLemore, I think he’s going to be a superstar. So, I think that would be a great spot.”

- Find out who will be Sacramento’s selection in the 2014 Draft on Thursday, beginning at 4 p.m. PDT on ESPN. Plus, be sure to visit the Kings Draft Viewing Parties at Firestone Public House downtown and Bistro 33 in El Dorado Hills Town Center!

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Rising Stars See Fit With Kings

Steven Wilson

With just two days remaining before the 2014 NBA Draft, league analysts have produced their final versions of mock drafts. There are many notable changes throughout the league including a first-time selection for Louisiana-Lafayette guard Elfrid Payton.

Payton posted a stellar junior season averaging 19.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.3 steals per game. The 6-foot-4 guard propelled the Ragin' Cajuns to a 23-12 record and an NCAA Tournament berth. He also garnered first-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors and was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year. Payton received votes from Bleacher Report and ESPN.com in this week’s roundup after ESPN analyst Chad Ford chose Payton as his biggest draft riser.

While Payton garnered a pair of votes, Aaron Gordon led the way with four picks from the experts marking the second time over the past four weeks that Gordon finished with the most votes. Known for his defensive prowess and outstanding athletic ability, Gordon has jumped around draft boards with picks ranging from four to ten.

Marcus Smart is another player who has been shuffled around mock drafts. The 6-foot-3 guard from Oklahoma State is a likely top-ten selection in a deep pool of point guards. Smart finished with two votes in this week’s roundup including selections from CBS Sports and NBA.com.

Creighton’s Doug McDermott also received a pair of votes this week including selections by Draft Express and Net Scouts. The Kings front office saw McDermott and Michigan guard Nik Stauskas in Chicago last week, stating those two players were two of the best shooters in the draft.

Finally, Julius Randle made his second appearance on the roundup as he received a vote from SI.com. Randle helped carry Kentucky to the National Championship game last year thanks to a couple big games in the NCAA Tournament.

So now, with just two days remaining until the Draft, check out who analysts believe the Kings will select with the team’s eighth-overall pick:

"Gordon's defensive tenacity would be a great fit with the Kings, and once he bulks up to match up with NBA big men, he'd form a fantastic duo with DeMarcus Cousins. With Gordon's athleticism, quickness and defensive IQ, he will become a force on the defensive end-he hasn't shown great success as a shot-blocker yet, but if he works on his timing he has the verticality and the attitude to become the defensive shot-blocker that DeMarcus has long asked for.” – Bryant West, SactownRoyalty.com

“It appears as if Aaron Gordon has really been improving his craft this summer since the season ended as he looks bigger, faster and stronger in preparation for the 2014 NBA Draft. Gordon is projected to go as high as 5th overall and no later than 8th overall to the Sacramento Kings, some even believing he could fall as far as 10th to the Philadelphia 76ers. His lack of offensive touch as a “tweener forward” is keeping him from propelling up draft boards, despite his freakish athleticism and relentless defense.” – Gabe Encinas, Fansided.com

Marcus Smart – PG, Oklahoma State – 2 votes

“Former Oklahoma State guard Marcus Smart is reportedly headed east to work out for the Philadelphia 76ers. Smart worked out for the Lakers on Friday, but is getting looks from the Sixers now as well. Emibiid's injury and surgery has significantly shifted the top of the draft. The former Kansas center was the projected No. 1 pick, but now the Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly considering taking Australian point guard Dante Exum or Kansas wing Andrew Wiggins with the top pick.” – Erik Horne, NewsOK.com 

Elfrid Payton – PG, Louisiana-Lafayette – 2 votes

"ESPN NBA Draft expert Chad Ford released his latest mock draft, version 8.0, today. In that mock draft, Ford had the Sacramento Kings selecting Elfrid Payton. Payton is an athletic score first point guard that most believe will play point guard in the NBA. While you have to take all mock drafts with a grain of salt, Payton to the Kings at number eight seems logical especially in Ford’s mock draft. When the Kings made their selection Marcus Smart, Noah Vonleh and Aaron Gordon were all off the board. Smart, Vonleh and Gordon are among the names most commonly associated with the Kings. The selection also makes sense because the Kings are reported to be in the market for a point guard, specifically one with the size Payton posses.” – Kyle Robert, Fansided.com 

Doug McDermott – F, Creighton – 2 votes

“We made the trip back there and watched both [Doug McDermott and Nik Stauskas] workout and those two are probably the best shooters in the draft. Shooting is something that every team needs and something we need more of. Those two can really shoot the ball – they were really impressive.” – Kings Assistant GM, Mike Bratz

“If they’re looking for a defensive-minded big man to pair with DeMarcus Cousins, they should find one in this draft. There is a chance that Embiid falls this far, but if not, Vonleh or Gordon could be the pick here.” – Sean Deveney, SportingNews.com

“Randle continues to impress — so much so that he’s vying with Indiana’s Noah Vonleh and Arizona’s Aaron Gordon to become the first power forward taken in the 2014 NBA draft. Vonleh has the best long-range shot and the best shot-blocking potential of the trio. Gordon is the best defender in the group. But Randle is the best scorer.” – Josh Robbins, The Orlando Sentinel

mock-draft-roundup-4-0

Mock Draft Roundup 4.0

Katie Cracchiolo

Following is a list of scheduled attendees for Sacramento Kings pre-Draft workouts, which will take place at Kings Practice Facility leading up to the 2014 NBA Draft on June 26.

Eric Moreland (Oregon State, 6-foot-10, Forward-Center)

Elfrid Payton (Louisiana-Lafayette, 6-foot-3, Guard)

Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State, 6-foot-4, Guard)

Noah Vonleh (Indiana, 6-foot-10, Forward-Center)

Stephen Holt (St. Mary's (CA), 6-foot-4, Guard)

Brendan Lane (Pepperdine, 6-foot-10, Forward-Center)

Jarell Eddie (Virginia Tech, 6-foot-7, Forward)

JaKarr Sampson (St. John's, 6-foot-9, Forward)

Xavier Thames (San Diego State, 6-foot-3, Guard)

Sim Bhullar (New Mexico State, 7-foot-5, Center)

Elijah Pittman (Marshall/Delaware NBA D-League, 6-foot-9, Forward)

Richard Solomon (California, 6-foot-10, Forward)

Keith Appling (Michigan State, 6-foot-1, Guard)

Mike Dixon Jr. (Memphis, 6-foot-1, Guard)

DeAndre Kane (Iowa State, 6-foot-4, Guard)

Jarred Shaw (Utah State, 6-foot-10, Forward-Center)

Aaric Murray (Texas Southern, 6-foot-10, Center)

Stay current with Kings.com for complete pre-Draft workout coverage.

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Prospects Announced for Kings Pre-Draft Workouts

sacjwise

Following a stellar junior season in which Payton averaged 19.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.3 steals per game and helped the Ragin' Cajuns to a 23-12 record, the six-foot-four Louisiana-Lafayette guard received his fair share of postseason hardware. Payton was named the 2014 recipient of the Lefty Driesell National Defensive Player of the Year award and was named to the Lou Henson All-America Team. He also garnered first-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors and was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year. Payton helped lead the Ragin’ Cajuns to their first NCAA Championships berth since 2005 despite falling in the second round to Creighton, 76-66. In all, Payton scored 30 or more points in four contests including a season-high 34 points in a double-overtime loss to Louisiana-Monroe, 103-98, on January 4.

“With the recent success of mid-major guards jumping into the lottery – Damian Lillard (Weber State) in 2012, C.J. McCollum (Lehigh) last year – there is a precedent. Players from smaller schools have proven their worth in the draft preparation process after breakout college seasons raised their stock. In declaring for the draft this April, Payton committed to do the same and now must elevate his game yet again.” – Jeremy Woo, SI.com

“The Kings three biggest needs are shooting, defense and basketball IQ. Payton checks the last two boxes, but that shooting is still a major concern. Given that he's only 20, though, there isn't anything in his game that can't be fixed with the right effort and coaching. For what it's worth, the Kings do have a well-respected shooting coach in Chris Jent, who worked closely with LeBron James at fixing his shooting mechanics early in his career. If the Kings are comfortable with Payton's flaw and think they can overcome it, he's otherwise a great fit. He's got the pass-first mentality and defensive intensity Michael Malone has always raved about.” – Bryant West, SactownRoyalty.com

“Payton was [a] surprise addition to the FIBA team that [competed] in the Czech Republic [last year]. He was placed on the roster due to his length, defense and overall activity… Right on cue, he impressed the committee and the coaching staff so much at the tryouts in Colorado Springs, Colo., that it was a clear decision to add him to the roster.” – Andy Katz, ESPN.com

“[In Chad Ford’s most current Mock Draft], the Sacramento Kings would pass on Julius Randle, which may surprise most NBA Draft pundits. Between the Kings depth at the power forward spot and the need for [a] point guard, the Kings may be inclined to select Payton. Especially if they view Payton and Randle as similar prospects.” – Kyle Robert, Fansided.com

Elfrid Payton

Rising Stars See Fit With Kings

Mock Draft Roundup 4.0

Prospects Announced for Kings Pre-Draft Workouts

Prospect Profile: Elfrid Payton

Kings Pre-Draft Workout: 6/2/14