The Examiner 2009 NBA Mock Draft: Kings select Tyreke Evans with fourth pick

June 16, 6:07 PMSacramento Kings ExaminerRick Rockwell

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 The 2009 NBA Draft is the most pressure packed draft the Kings have seen in decades. Coming off the worse record in the NBA, the Kings desperately wanted at least a top-two spot in the draft to land Blake Griffin or Ricky Rubio. Instead, they ended up with the fourth pick and an unknown selection.

With the hiring of Paul Westphal, optimism seems to be slowly building despite the bad luck with the ping pong balls. If Geoff Petrie can deliver a solid draft then the Sactown Revival is on.

Team Needs

The Kings have many holes to fill. The most recognized position of need is at point guard. Last year’s starter, Beno Udrih, had a terrible season by any standard. But, he wasn’t the only one. The Kings also lack depth at center and power forward. And to make things worse, they need to get more athletic. The quick athletic teams made the young Kings look like they were the Washington Generals.

Draft Rumors

Many rumors are flying around about Ricky Rubio still ending up on the Kings. It’s a no-brainer that Petrie is enamored by Rubio and his talents will help draw more fans to the games. Unfortunately, Rubio is expected to go before the Kings pick.

Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans are rumored to be high on the Kings list. Holiday had two workouts with the Kings including one against Brandon Jennings and Johnny Flynn. But Evans appears to be the better athlete with more potential.

The Examiner 2009 NBA Mock Selection

Coming down to the final seconds allotted, I and the Sacramento Kings select guard Tyreke Evans from Memphis.

Evans’ athleticism and physique edged him out over Jrue Holiday to become the next Sacramento Kings point guard. Evans’ ability to play shooting guard or point guard is too much for the Kings to overlook.

At 6’5”, Evans is a taller guard who can post up smaller guys in the league. Last year Evans played both point guard and shooting guard for the Memphis Tigers. He averaged 17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals per game. Evans is very proficient in getting to the basket. But, the biggest knock on him is his perimeter shot. He shot less than 28% from behind the arc and his jump shot is questionable at best.

At 19 years of age, I believe Evans has plenty of time to grow into a solid all-around point guard in the NBA. You can teach someone how to shoot but you can’t teach size and athleticism which Evans has over the rest of the point guards in this draft.

Videos of Evans' workout with the Kings

 For more info:  Sacbee.com coverage of Tyreke Evans 

 Examiner 2009 NBA Mock Draft:

• Mock Draft Big Board    
• #3 Pick - Oklahoma Thunder     
• #5 Pick - Washington Wizards