With the seventh overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings selected Ben McLemore, shooting guard from the University of Kansas.
The draft has already brought many surprises to fans including the Cleveland Cavaliers, who selected power forward Anthony Bennett with the first overall pick.
In fact, the projected first overall pick Nerlens Noel fell to the New Orleans Pelicans at no. 6. The big man was eventually packaged with a 2014 first round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers for All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday and the 42nd overall pick in this year’s draft.
McLemore was projected as high as the second overall pick in the draft and yet fell to Sacramento at no.7. He entered the draft after his freshman year, where he averaged 15.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.
His gets praised for his excellent shooting, especially from behind the arc. The 6’5″ shooting guard shot 42.0% from downtown, good for second in the Big 12.
McLemore has drawn comparisons to Ray Allen, which if true, the Kings just landed one of the best picks in the draft.
With this selection, it seems as though free agent Tyreke Evans will not remain in Sacramento and got their replacement with the selection of the Kansas guard.
Overall, the Kings made a safe and excellent decision in drafting McLemore who will likely make an immediate impact in the NBA, as he already has a starting job and solid minutes for the upcoming season.
GRADE: B