Noah Vonleh

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

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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

Noah Vonleh, who participated in the Kings first round of pre-Draft workouts, surpassed Marcus Smart as the favorite pick from notable league evaluators. The 6-foot-10 prospect from Indiana earned four votes this week, including selections from Sports Illustrated and CBS Sports, as pundits praised his ability to stretch the defense and knock down perimeter shots.

Smart, who tallied the most votes in the first two Mock Draft Roundups, fell two spots as he garnered one vote from NBA.com. Smart – the 6-foot-3 point guard from Oklahoma State – also participated in the Kings first session of pre-Draft workouts back on June 2nd.

Creighton’s Doug McDermott has been an analyst favorite for some time now and finished second this week with three total votes, including a selection by Fox Sports and Net Scouts. Much like Vonleh, McDermott has the ability to knock down perimeter shots. As a senior, he drained 44-percent of his three-point attempts and led the league in scoring with a 26.7 points per game average en route to consensus National Player of the Year honors.

Another player who has garnered a lot of attention lately is Arizona’s Aaron Gordon, who most recently received two selections from league analysts. Gordon has impressed teams with his athleticism and jumping ability and has been slotted as a top-ten pick in nearly every mock draft.

Finally, there were two new selections in this week’s Roundup as Julius Randle and Rodney Hood surfaced on a few Draft board. Randle – a 6-foot-9 prospect out of Kentucky – possesses a unique combination of size and athleticism says Joe Kotoch from SheridanHoops.com, the lone site that pegged Randle falling to the Kings at No. 8.

Meanwhile, NBADraft.net chose Hood as one of the many prospects Sacramento is contemplating in the coming weeks.

With just two weeks remaining until the Draft, NBA writers have started to narrow their selections. Check out who they believe the Kings will select with the team’s eighth-overall pick below:

“The 18-year-old is a project, but he has great physical tools and shot 48.5 percent from three-point range (16-of-33) at Indiana. For a team that has rotated big men alongside DeMarcus Cousins, Vonleh could be a nice fit.” – Chris Mannix, SI.com 

“As I've long said of this scenario,  [Noah Vonleh could be] the sugar to DeMarcus Cousins' spice.” – Matt Moore, CBSSports.com

Doug McDermott – F, Creighton – 3 votes

“I think his ability to stretch the floor and attract defenders will just open up even more room for Cousins to operate in the post. Plus McDermott can be placed almost anywhere on the floor, so Cousins should learn how to play off him well.” – Ed Isaacson, NBADraftBlog.com

“Gordon is a unique athlete who averaged 12.4 points and eight rebounds in one year of college, and he grabbed a career-high 18 rebounds in the Wildcats' loss to Wisconsin in the Elite Eight. He'll likely be capable of playing either forward position in the NBA.” – Gary Parrish, CBSSports.com 

Marcus Smart – PG, Oklahoma State – 1 vote

“Smart will be a physical force, [and he] has a chance to be very good defensively and has a great attitude, but the team that takes him will have to see [a] true point guard through an assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.8-2.6 on a college squad with other NBA prospects. Some front offices do see it.” – Scott Howard-Cooper, NBA.com 

Julius Randle – PF, Kentucky – 1 vote

“Before Embiid supplanted Randle as the top big in the draft, scouts and executives around the league raved about Randle’s combination of size and athleticism. After an impressive freshman campaign highlighted by the Wildcats’ run in March, Randle is right on the cusp of the top five.” - Joe Kotoch, SheridanHoops.com 

“The idea of the sharp-shooting Hood on the perimeter for this team is tantalizing.” - Reid Forgrave, FoxSports.com

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Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

Smart remained the steady favorite for league analysts as the Oklahoma State guard garnered four selections, including picks from ESPN.com and NBA.com. Vonleh wasn’t far behind though. The 18-year-old forward gained two votes from the last installment of the roundup as three NBA pundits projected him in a Kings uniform come June 26.

Right in line with Vonleh was Doug McDermott, who held three votes for the second-consecutive week. McDermott was the only vote getter not to have visited the team’s facilities in Sacramento.

With three weeks still remaining until Sacramento makes its final decision, a lot could change, but check out who NBA writers believe the Kings will select with the team’s eighth-overall pick as of now:

Marcus Smart – PG, Oklahoma State – 4 votes

“[Smart] can defend any player on the wing with his long arms and sturdy frame. [His] slew of skills makes him hard to peg with a current NBA comparison. He's a table-setter and scorer like James Harden but actually has an interest in playing defense -- and is really good at it. He can slash, finish and affect the game in every facet like Dwyane Wade but isn't quite as athletic as Wade was in his prime.” – Peter Bukowski, SI.com

“As a basketball player, Smart is physical, athletic and a competitor. The Kings could really use a leader and Smart has showed that ability at Oklahoma State. Smart is a special talent at point guard and will give the Kings a physical mismatch that they can exploit.” – Joe Kotoch, Sheridanhoops.com

“Vonleh is a legitimate big man in a draft that features many small forward/power forward hybrids. His size has pushed his stock up, and it will only be solidified when the pre-Draft camp measurements are done.” – Sean Deveney, SportingNews.com

“Noah Vonleh was perhaps the most talented player in college basketball whose team didn’t qualify for the NCAA Tournament this season… The 6-foot-10 power forward has a soft touch around the rim that allows him to finish with hook shots over either shoulder. He can stretch the floor with his jumper, although it was a small sample size as he was 16-of-33 from three this season. There’s intrigue that he can be a true inside-out threat in the NBA. Vonleh also has a good handle where he can face the basket and attack off the dribble. If the defense sags, he’s capable of knocking down the mid-range shot.” – Carl Berman, NetScoutsBasketball.com

“Harrison Barnes saw Doug McDermott long before any talent evaluators or scouts did. The Golden State Warriors forward played alongside McDermott at Ames High School (Iowa), as the duo won 53 straight games and back-to-back state titles. As a result, Barnes isn't very surprised by the success McDermott has had at the college level. ‘He was obviously a very skilled player,’ Barnes said. ‘And his growth at Creighton really shows the type of development he will continue to have.’” – Jeff Borzello, CBSSports.com

“Gordon's best offensive skill is his ability to make reads on cuts. He has lightning-quick recognition of when his defender has fallen asleep and understands the spacing to find himself buckets… Gordon is more raw than some of the other freshman, but consider that Gordon may well have been worthy of the No. 1 overall pick last year, even over Victor Oladipo.” - Matt Moore, CBSSports.com

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Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

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Kings Pre-Draft Workout: 6/2/14

sacjwise

Vonleh was voted Big Ten Freshman of the Year after finishing first in the league in rebounding and 23rd in the league in scoring. The Hoosier’s freshman recorded a career-high 19 points to go along with six boards and a block on the road against the Nittany Lions of Penn State on January 11. Vonleh did most of his damage early in the game as he scored 12 straight points in the opening minutes. His teammate Austin Etherington pushed Indiana out in front for good as he drained a three-pointer from the corner to seal a 79-76 victory.

“With his 7-4 wingspan and terrific 242 pound frame, Vonleh has the body, length and intensity-level needed to compete on the interior in the NBA. He shows some ability to score both inside and out, flashing hook shots over either shoulder and range out to the 3-point line, but does not have the skill-level or aggressiveness needed to be a consistent scorer at the college level yet." - Draft Express

“Vonleh has nearly all the skills to be a great long-term fit [with Sacramento] next to DeMarcus Cousins. In a season or two, he could provide the Kings with a lengthy, high-energy defensive presence. His 7'4 wingspan and blocking instincts would be a welcome addition, and his balanced offensive skills would allow the Kings to stretch the floor with an additional shooter while not sacrificing on the defensive end.” – SB Nation, Sactown Royalty

Where do you see yourself playing in the NBA?

“I see myself as a stretch-four and then hopefully one day work my way more out to the perimeter and be a three-man. I just have to keep working.”

What did the scouts at the combine say to you?

“People were surprised with my measurements at the combine. They were really impressed. We had our pro day the other day and I was just showing them how I can handle the ball and how well I can shoot it. Hopefully, it’s going to continue to get better.”

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Prospect Profile: Noah Vonleh

The Sacramento Kings hosted their first two pre-Draft workouts at the team’s practice facility on Monday, featuring eight prospects. Following the workout, Kings.com caught up with Smart, Vonleh, Ennis, Lane and Kings Assistant GM Mike Bratz to gain insight about Monday’s workout and more.

“Everyone was out there competing and going hard. That’s what you expect at these workouts – go out there and compete.”

“[The Kings] have a great coaching staff. Everybody gets along with each other. They are very interactive with their players – you can tell they care, which is a good thing.”

On returning to school for a sophomore season:

“I definitely think I made the right decision on coming back [for my sophomore year]. I have no regrets. I got to go back and have another year in college, enjoy that experience and still be able to play in the NBA.”

What were you trying to show the coaches today?

“I was just trying to show that I can handle the ball, I can play away from the basket and I’m really versatile. [I can] rebound the ball, rebound in my area and I have great touch.”

How do you see yourself fitting in with this team?

“I can definitely see myself complementing [DeMarcus Cousins]. He’s a great player – he can put up 20 and 15 every night. I think I could take some help away from him in the paint and stretch the floor with my shooting and versatility.”

Where do you think you will be drafted on June 26?

“I think top-five – hopefully it all works out. Some people are saying top-ten, so I don’t know. Hopefully, somewhere in the top-10 – I wouldn’t mind to play for anyone who picks me up. I am going to work hard from Day 1.”

“It was a good workout. I got a lot of shots up and we were able to compete a little bit as well, so it was good to be able to show every part of your game like that.”

What did you try to show the coaches today?

“You definitely want to show that you can knockdown the NBA three. In college, you’re not able to show that. Personally, I wanted to show that I can defend. Coming from Syracuse, a lot of people question if you can defend.”

Are you more of a pass-first or shoot-first guard?

“Growing up I was always pass first. This past summer in Czech Republic playing for team Canada, I had to take more of a scoring role and I was able to lead the tournament in scoring. But it kind of just depends on the team. With all the credit that the athletic guys get in the league, a true point guard is someone who makes others better and I think every team needs that.”

On his performance at the pre-Draft workout:

“I shot the ball really well, which is good for me to let them see what I can do. I just tried to be out there, be active as much as I can defensively and knock down my shots.”

What aspect of your game have you been working on lately?

“That was the biggest thing today. [I just wanted to] be able to show them my range from three. I didn’t shoot that many threes this year, so it was good to show them that.”

What current NBA player do you try to model your game after?

“Obviously, he would have to come from Sacramento – Ryan Anderson. That’s who I want to be like. He’s a great shooter. He’s done a lot in the league – it would be great to play up to that level.”

“He shot the ball really well early in the workout. I wasn’t surprised – he’s a really well-rounded player. Obviously, he’s made big shots in his career – you like to see those things.”

What type of player do you think Smart will be in the NBA?

“I think good players do whatever they need to do. Marcus needed to score at Oklahoma State. He also had a couple of guys who could shoot, but they needed him to score the ball. When he gets in the pros, I think it depends on what the makeup of his team is. I expect him to be more of a passer than he was in college and more of a playmaker and defender.”

How much of a factor are these pre-Draft workouts in deciding who to draft?

“The thing about bringing them in – you get to know them a little bit and they also get to interact with your coaching staff. It’s just another little piece to the whole puzzle.”