NBA Draft History Shows Kings Could Find Impact Player at No. 13

NBA Draft History Shows Kings Could Find Impact Player at No. 13 originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area

The Kings had no luck in the lottery on Sunday and will have the 13th overall pick in next month’s 2024 NBA Draft, but history shows that might not be the worst position to be in.

Previous Drafts Showed Teams Found Impact Players in 13th placewith five-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns point guard Devin Booker as just two recent examples.

And on the more notable side of a broader spectrum, Karl Malone, Jalen Rose, Kobe Bryant, Corey Maggette and Richard Jefferson also went with the 13th overall selection.

But going back to recent history, here are the last 13th overall picks since 2000, from the most recent (2023 project) to the oldest (2000 project).

1. Gradey Dick (Raptors)

2. Jalen Duren (pistons)

3. Chris Duarte (Pacers)

4. Kira Lewis Jr. (Pelicans)

5. Tyler Herro (heat)

6. Jerome Robinson (Clippers)

7. Donovan Mitchell (Nuggets)

8. Georgios Papagiannis (Suns)

9. Devin Booker (Sun)

10. Zach LaVine (Timberwolves)

11. Kelly Olynyk (Mavericks)

12. Kendall Marshall (Suns)

13. Markieff Morris (Suns)

14. Ed Davis (Raptors)

15. Tyler Hansbrough (Pacers)

16. Brandon Rush (Trail Blazers)

17. Julian Wright (Wasps)

18. Thabo Sefolosha (76ers)

19. Sean May (Bobcats/Hornets)

20. Sebastian Telfair (Trail Blazers)

21. Marcus Banks (Grizzlies)

22. Marcus Haislip (Bucks)

23. Richard Jefferson (Rockets)

24. Courtney Alexander (Magic)

It is clear that some of the players listed fell short of expectations. But just seeing some of the names listed should give Kings fans hope for the potential of Sacramento’s future first-round pick.

It may be too early to evaluate Dick after just one season with the Raptors, but Duren’s consistent and steady growth in his second season makes it clear that he was a steal for the Pistons.

Once he was able to stay healthy and ready for Miami, Herro showed flashes of star potential. He’s coming off three consecutive seasons averaging at least 20 points and has helped lead the Heat to multiple playoff runs.

Mitchell, who was drafted by the Denver Nuggets and later traded to Utah, spent his first five seasons with the Jazz. He was traded to the Cavaliers ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season and averaged 27.5 points on 47.5 percent shooting with 4.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists in two seasons with Cleveland.

Booker spent his nine-year career in Phoenix, averaging 24.3 points on 46.4 percent shooting with 4.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists in that span.

The list is endless, and for the Kings, they too are hoping to hit the jackpot when they get to the draft that begins June 26th.

This will trigger the start of what is expected to be a busy offseason for Kings general manager Monte McNair and Co. as Sacramento hopes to get back into playoff contention next season.