Chris Bell worked out for the Sacramento Kings on June 11, and the Bay Area native made it clear that being close to home meant something to him.
The Sacramento Kings held another session of pre-draft workouts, and one of the six candidates on the floor was a well-known face in Northern California: Cal forward Chris Bell.
The Bay Area native has shown convincingly that he is worthy, and the Kings must have recognized it.
The Kings are thoroughly preparing for the 2026 NBA Draft and won't miss any opportunity. Holding the No. 7 overall pick along with second-round selections at 34 and 45, Sacramento has plenty to work with this draft.
A Homecoming With a Purpose
Bell is not just another out-of-state prospect flying in for a tryout. He grew up in Concord, California, attended De La Salle High School, and played his final college season just down the highway at UC Berkeley.
Coming home to audition for the Kings carries a different kind of meaning for him.
"It feels good just to be back in the Bay. Obviously being in Sacramento, you know, it's super close to home, so it definitely feels good just to be back here, feeling the weather, the air," Bell told reporters after the workout.
That comfort and familiarity showed. The Kings reportedly liked what they saw from the 6-foot-7 wing. He also had workouts with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers, and Charlotte Hornets along the way.
The Numbers Back Him Up
Bell's senior season at Cal was a genuine breakout. He averaged 14.2 points and 2.6 rebounds, shooting 40% from three, numbers that translate directly to what NBA teams want from a 3-and-D wing off the bench.
He was also honest about what he's trying to prove on the workout circuit: "Everybody knows I can make shots. I've been doing that my whole college career. So just showing the other things - the defense, the ball-handling."
That self-awareness is encouraging. He's not overselling himself; he knows his lane, and he's working to expand it.
Mock boards have Bell going in the second round, right where the Kings pick at 34 and 45.
Does His Addition Make Sense for the Kings?
Honestly? Yes, and here's why.
The Kings have built a quiet reputation for giving second-round and undrafted wings a real shot through their G League affiliate. Bell fits that pipeline perfectly. He's a local kid who plays hard, shoots the ball at an elite level, and brings the kind of energy Sacramento's coaching staff has repeatedly prioritized.
He mentioned advice he received during the process.
“Always be the most energetic guy, come in shape,” Bell said. “Don't take it for granted - the top 1% of the world gets to compete in the NBA."
Since the Kings are still on the lookout for dependable wing players, a driven shooter from the Bay Area who has already grown fond of Sacramento would be the type of low-risk, high-reward signing that the team should really consider.
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