Houston’s all-time leader in three-pointers brings elite perimeter defense and a winning pedigree to Sacramento, offering the Kings a high-floor spark plug ready for immediate rotation minutes.
Wrapping up the Sacramento Kings' 2026 draft class is Houston guard Emanuel Sharp, who provides another element of 3-point shooting to the roster.
Entering the draft, perimeter scoring and offensive firepower were huge needs for the Kings, and after adding Darius Acuff Jr., Alex Karaban, and Sharp, the team should see major improvements from deep.
Taken at the No. 45 pick, Sharp was drafted where he was projected to be taken, and adds another experienced college player to the roster.
Sharp made it to the Sweet 16 or beyond in each of his four seasons with the Cougars, including a national championship berth two seasons ago.
After failing to start a game in his freshman campaign, Sharp was a full-time starter for the rest of his tenure, averaging 12.6 points or better each year.
This past season, Sharp averaged a career-high 15.5 points per game, shooting the deep ball at 37.2-percent.
I love the Kings front office's overall approach to this draft, taking their big swing on Acuff and then drafting two of the most solid, winning-culture players available later on.
Draft Grade: A-
While serving as the Cougars' top 3-point threat, Sharp also took it upon himself to guard opposing team's best guards.
Sharp's point of attack on defense is elite, while using his strength and size to stand his ground against taller players.
Despite being listed at just 6-foot-3, Sharp plays much bigger, anchoring an elite Houston defense.
Sharp has the ability to get hot quickly, using a quick release and constant off-ball movement to free himself up for looks.
This past season, Sharp became the 3-point make career leader at Houston, making 309 deep balls.
While shot selection was a problem at times for Sharp, he made up for questionable attempts with maximum effort on the defensive end.
Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson, who's notoriously tough on his players, praised Sharp for his resilience and work ethic, saying he'll remember his four-year senior for his ability to "walk through the storm."
Players like Sharp and Karaban should bring winning identity and culture to the Kings, which are both much-needed.
Sharp's defensive intensity and 3-point shooting make him an instant plug-and-play guy who should battle for significant bench minutes right away.
With looming decisions about veteran forward DeMar DeRozan and starting shooting guard Zach LaVine, Sharp's role could expand even further if the Kings decide to shake things up.
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