The Sacramento Kings have point guard to address this offseason. This Tennessee star presents some late round potential.
The Sacramento Kings appear to be desiring a new floor leader moving forward. Especially since Russell Westbrook can't play forever.
The 2026 NBA Draft presents multiple possibilities there.
KingsRoundtable already mentioned numerous names who could fit, from Keaton Wagler of Illinois, Kingston Flemings of Houston, all the way to Bennett Stirtz of Iowa.
But Sacramento doesn't need to swoop up a point guard right away especially if the franchise ends up at No. 1. The PG class brings plenty of options even in the second round.
Hence how Ja'Kobi Gillespie of Tennessee enters the picture here.
Instinctive Scorer
Head coach Doug Christie could fall in love with a scoring guard, especially at PG.
After all, he played with a high volume scorer before named Mike Bibby during the early 2000s for Sacramento.
This point man brings impressive scoring instincts to the floor. Gillespie holds the edge in speeding past defenders to the hoop thanks to his quick feet.
Gillespie hits defenders with an explosive first step and can change direction to create shot openings.
Smooth Shooting Touch
Gillespie brings a catch-and-shooting option to his next team.
Not just because he's open often on the floor. But largely due to displaying a smooth release and arc to his attempts.
He delivered eight attempts behind the arc per game and nearly hitting 35% of his baskets.
He's a strong spot-up shooter but can also hit pullup jumpers when needed.
Post Attacker
He doesn't bring the biggest frame to the hardwood.
But the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder is fearless in attacking the paint. He throws his body inside like a running back trying to power through the goal line. Oh, he did that against one of the tougher conference in America the Southeastern Conference.
Except he finishes strong to the hoop even if he needs to resort to his off-hand.
He'll even resort to a floater if needed but quickly gets the shot off before he gets sandwiched by defenders. He even takes care of the basketball at a high level with a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Areas of Concern
Yes he plays with no fear. He did that extremely well in the SEC.
But his diminutive size presents a dilemma.
He may wear himself down with constant contact. Gillespie also could struggle fighting through traffic at his size especially on designed screens.
He looks like he thrives better in space versus pick-and-roll situations too.
Are Kings a Fit?
Christie could fawn over the competitive nature Gillespie brings.
He's also an older prospect, meaning he'll get the leadership aspect down pat in a heartbeat.
But he only arrives if two scenarios occur: The Kings pass on point guard help in the first round and if the Vols star is available in the second round. He looks like he can be worth taking at 45th overall if he falls that low.
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