New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum delivered an outstanding performance against the Sacramento Kings, scoring a game-high 30 points in the Pelicans’ 133-100 victory at the Golden 1 Center. However, the most significant blow McCollum dealt came after the game when he revealed that Sacramento had initially planned to draft him with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.
“Yeah, Sacramento was supposed to draft me. They had me come back for a second workout, actually told me they were going to take me at seven and didn’t, so I enjoy playing here.”
"Sacramento was supposed to draft me, they had me come back for a second work out. They actually told me they would take me at 7… I enjoy playing here"
— CJ McCollum on why he plays well in Sacramento pic.twitter.com/4kPU3ZyYcN
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) January 8, 2024
Pelicans‘ star McCollum disclosed that the Kings had informed him of their intention and even had him return for a second workout. Still, they ultimately opted for Kansas guard Ben McLemore at No. 7, while McCollum fell to the No. 10 spot where the Portland Trail Blazers selected him.
This statement adds a layer of satisfaction for McCollum when facing the Kings and showcases his career trajectory compared to the player Sacramento selected instead.
While McLemore spent five seasons with the Kings, averaging 9.0 points per game, he did not achieve the impact that McCollum has had in his career. McCollum, known for his scoring prowess, became one of the most reliable scoring threats in the league and formed a potent backcourt duo with Damian Lillard during their nine seasons together in Portland.
McCollum’s success and his recent standout performance against the Kings highlight what could have been for Sacramento had they chosen differently in the 2013 NBA Draft.
The Kings Have Made Some Serious Mistakes In The Draft
The Sacramento Kings’ tumultuous journey in the NBA, marked by a 16-year playoff drought and a lack of championship success since 1951, has been exacerbated by a series of detrimental draft mistakes. These errors have not only prevented the team from building a competitive roster but also resulted in missed opportunities to secure future NBA superstars.
One notable misstep occurred in the 1976 NBA Draft when the Kings selected Richard Washington as the 3rd overall pick. The more promising option, Adrian Dantley, chosen six picks later by the Buffalo Braves, developed into a prolific scorer and multi-time All-Star, showcasing the Kings’ failure to capitalize on a valuable draft position.
In 1978, the Kings sought a replacement for Tiny Archibald and selected Phil Ford as the 2nd overall pick. However, passing on Larry Bird, who went on to achieve multiple NBA championships and MVP awards with the Boston Celtics, highlighted another missed opportunity for the Kings to secure a franchise-altering player.
The 2012 NBA Draft saw the Kings choosing Thomas Robinson with the 5th overall pick, passing on future superstar Damian Lillard, who was selected next by the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard’s subsequent accomplishments, including multiple All-Star selections and consistent scoring prowess, underline the Kings’ inability to identify and secure transformative talents.
More recent examples include the selection of Marvin Bagley III as the 2nd overall pick in 2018 while passing on Luka Doncic, who has since propelled the Dallas Mavericks to Western Conference contention. The Kings’ failure to draft Doncic has left them grappling with a playoff drought and questioning their decision-making.
While there is optimism about the potential of newer picks, the team’s history of draft mistakes serves as a cautionary tale. Breaking free from this curse will likely require sustained success in identifying and securing top-tier talent, allowing the Kings to compete at the highest level in the challenging Western Conference.
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