Kings Acquire Kentucky Superstar in a New NBA Mock Draft

The Sacramento Kings steal Rob Dillingham in a new CBS Sports mock draft.

Kentucky's guard Rob Dillingham (0) drives past Vanderbilt's guard Ezra Manjon (5) during the first half of an NCAA basketball game at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., Wednesday, Mar. 6, 2024 / Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / USA

The Sacramento Kings are only three days away from having a new face in the building as the 2024 NBA Draft starts on June 26th.

It's unclear what position the Kings will address in this year's draft. The team has worked out a variety of players from the NCAA Player of the Year in Zach Edey to hometown star Jared McCain.

Sacramento native Jared McCain (Duke 6’2 Guard) worked out with his hometown Kings this weekend ahead Wednesday’s Draft, according to league sources.

McCain visited with Kings brass at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. @JandersonSacBee first to report the weekend workout.

— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) June 23, 2024

Sacramento recently re-signed guard Malik Monk to a four-year contract that will keep one of the league's most explosive players in California. This signing could make a guard less likely to be drafted, but that doesn't stop CBS analyst Kyle Boone from foreseeing a star guard landing with the Kings.

Boone predicts that Rob Dillingham, a shifty guard out of the University of Kentucky, will fall to the 13th overall pick and right into Sacramento's lap. Dillingham brings an unmatched offensive bag to the table that is only overshadowed by his defensive shortcomings.

In his one year in college, Dillingham averaged 15.2 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game while coming off the bench. His efficient 44.4% three-point shot allowed him to shred apart defenses that were forced to respect his handles and his shooting ability.

Kentucky freshman Rob Dillingham off the bench against No. 5 Tennessee:

🟦 35 Pts
🟦 6-8 3pt
🟦 4 Ast pic.twitter.com/nQ8klt13At

— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) February 4, 2024

While Sacramento's backcourt is fairly strong, the team could use another shot creator off the bench. The defensive capabilities of Keon Ellis paired with the offensive mindset of Dillingham would allow for an elite rotation for head coach Mike Brown to choose from.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and 176 pounds, Dillingham's size raises concerns heading into the draft. The physicality of the NBA is no joke and it's very possible for Dillingham to struggle defensively in the league. He would likely have to play a point guard role for the Kings, as it would give him a better defensive matchup instead of guarding the 2 spot.

There's a saying in scouting circles: "Are you better than your problems?"

Usually, that has to do a player's off court issues, but it fits with Dillingham's defense as well. Trae Young's better than his defensive issues.

Is Rob? https://t.co/pTsxHqwlpw pic.twitter.com/jzO1CFcrsV

— Rob Dauster (@RobDauster) June 5, 2024

It's unlikely that Dillingham drops to the 13th pick, but Sacramento might have a no-brainer if he does. His quick handles and shot-creating abilities can prove beneficial to a Kings team that looked creatively drained towards the end of the 2023-24 season.

2024 NBA Draft coverage will begin at 4:30 PT on Wednesday, June 26th.

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