It's no different than taking a final exam. The more you prepare, the better you score.
The Kings are entering their most harried stages of homework leading up to the test otherwise known as the NBA draft on June 26, with the team focusing first on the No. 12 pick, followed by picks at No. 42 and No. 43. They desperately need promising point guards and have a deficiency in frontcourt athleticism.
Last week, the process of finding those answers continued. Although the Kings don't release information regarding their workouts, numerous sources shed light on some of the players who have either worked out in Sacramento or plan to do so. A Friday workout included Georgetown center Roy Hibbert.
The 7-foot-2 center surprised many by pulling out of the draft around this time last year. Hibbert, who was considered a likely lottery pick in 2007, returned for his senior season and has seen his stock drop even though his production increased. Hibbert is far from a spectacular athlete, but his skills in the post and defensive talents have long intrigued front-office types.
He was joined in the workout by fellow big man Nathan Jawai, a 6-10, 270-pound power forward from Australia. The 21-year-old could be a project, but his physicality and surprising mobility have increased interest.
Also taking part was DeMarcus Nelson, the Duke senior guard who attended Vallejo High School and spent his senior prep season at Sheldon. The prospect of Nelson joining his hometown team as a second-round selection would seem possible only if he put on a stellar shooting display.
Nelson's shooting ability has been the complaint about his game, the negative contrasting the positives of an all-around game, athleticism and phenomenal strength. At the predraft camp in Orlando (May 27-30), Nelson was among the strongest guards on the bench press.
After working out with Phoenix, North Carolina State forward JJ Hickson told reporters that he already had worked out with the Kings. Other players who worked out at the Kings' practice facility this week included Oklahoma State guard Marcus Dove (6-9, 215) and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis point guard George Hill (6-2, 180).
There is, however, much more to come. Sophomore Texas point guard D.J. Augustin is expected to hold a workout in Sacramento this week, possibly Monday. The 6-foot, 180-pounder very well could be gone by the time the Kings pick, but his up-tempo game and scoring punch would be welcome if he is still on the board.
If his workout is in fact Monday, he will face off against Mike Taylor. The Iowa State product, 22, played in the NBA Development League last season and raised his stock at the predraft camp. West Virginia small forward Joe Alexander (6-8, 230) also appears to be headed Sacramento's way, as he recently told the Sporting News he had a workout scheduled with the Kings.
