Could Andrej Stojakovic, son of a Kings legend, emerge from the 2026 draft's deep talent pool to reignite Sacramento?
As the Sacramento Kings' disappointing season wraps up, the focus turns to the NBA draft. This year's draft is dominated by big-time talent, especially in the lottery.
If the Kings (19-55) can secure a top-five selection, they will likely draft a franchise-changing talent like BYU's AJ Dybantsa, Kansas' Darryn Peterson or Arkansas' Darius Acuff, who have all cemented themselves as bona fide lottery selections.
However, there is some real value to be found in these uber-talented drafts towards the end of the first and early second round. One name to look out for is Illinois combo guard Andrej Stojakovic, who has been a key part of the Fighting Illini's Elite 8 run.
In Illinois' three tourney games thus far, Stojakovic has averaged 14.3 points, while shooting an efficient 53.6-percent from the field.
In the Illini's Sweet 16 65-55 victory over Houston, which has one of the top defenses in the country, Stojakovic scored 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, while adding a steal and two assists.
Stojakovic also did a great job defensively, helping hold Houston's starting backcourt to just 17 combined points on 6-for-21 shooting.
Another positive in Stojakovic's game is his versatility, which he had displayed in his varying role with Illinois this season. Stojakovic has found himself in-and-out of the starting lineup throughout the year, as Illinois head coach Brad Underwood opts to bring him off the pine in some situations as a flame-throwing bench scorer.
In Illinois' second round victory, a 76-55 victory over Virginia Commonwealth, Stojakovic led all scorers with 21 points, doing so in 26 minutes off the bench.
Following the game, Stojakovic gave an impressive and humble reply about how he has managed his varying minutes this season.
"I think me coming here and getting to this point, just like every other newcomer that came to this team this year, all we can do is help this team go as far as we can," Stojakovic said. "We came here for a reason -- because we believe in this program, and we're going to continue to control what we can, and that's how much we work at it and with what intensity we play."
Current projections shows Stojakovic as a mid-to-late second rounder, as his 6-foot-7 frame and shooting ability are perfect for a 3-and-D wing in the NBA.
Stojakovic is the son of long-time Kings sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic, who was drafted by Sacramento in 1996 and finally left pro ball in Greece to join the Kings in 1998, earning three All-Star selections in eight seasons.
Peja was one of the best shooters in the league, winning back-to-back 3-point contests during the 2002 and 2003 All-Star weekend.
Andrej also has familiarity with Kings rookie big man Maxime Raynaud, as the two played together at Stanford during Andrej's freshman season.
Raynuad has seen a big jump in production since the All-Star break, likely cementing himself as a big part of Sacramento's future. Perhaps, he can also provide a bit of input on what Stojakovic could bring to the Kings, doing a bit of recruiting for his former college running mate.
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