Boasting elite rim protection and ferocious finishing ability, this BYU standout brings high-motor defensive energy to Sacramento’s radar as a potential diamond in the rough.
The Sacrmento Kings have two second-round picks -- Nos. 34 and 45 -- expanding the range of prospects to choose from in the 2026 NBA Draft in five days.
Lorenzo J. Reyna and Matthew Feldman of the KingsRoundtable have covered various prospects who are likely second-round picks: Tennessee's Ja'Kobi Gillespie, Purdue's Braden Smith and Arkansas' Trevon Brazile.
Thursday's profile will feature BYU forward Keba Keita. He played alongside potential No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa and completed a pre-draft workout with the Kings.
High Motor Defensive Activity
Keita's calling card is on the defensive side of the ball, and he was the fifth-best rim protector in the Big 12 (1.8 blocks per game). He makes a statement when blocking shots -- sending them to the third or fourth rows, blocking it off the glass or stuffing a dunk attempt.
The 6-foot-8 center's athleticism helps him cover a lot of ground when he's out of position. If he's within the area, Keita will recover and send a shot attempt flying out of the arena.
Finishes with Authority Around the Rim
His offensive arsenal is extremely limited to alley oops or dump-off passes for dunks. However, with every attempt he has at the rim, Keita will try to finish fiercely.
Almost every dunk feels like he's trying to rip the rim off. It's a defender's best bet not to contest Keita because they will likely end up on a highlight play.
What makes him such a lob threat is his screen setting ability. Keita sets hard picks, creating contact with the defender for separation, and then rolls hard to the basket. He'll thrive with a playmaker who can make pinpoint lob passes in the half-court.
Areas of Concern
Keita's size and free-throw shooting are two significant concerns. He is 6-foot-8 and his skill set is more of a small-ball center than a forward. His height is more fitting for a wing, so he could struggle against centers who are 6-foot-10 or taller, even with his athletic ability.
The former Cougar is a career 50% free-throw shooter. Such a weakness allows teams to employ the "Hack-a-Shaq" method, which involves following a player who is a poor free-throw shooter.
Draft Range
Sacramento hosted Keita for a pre-draft workout, meaning he is on its draft radar. However, the 23-year-old hasn't appeared on many mock drafts, suggesting he is a priority undrafted free agent rather than a second-round pick.
Are the Kings a Fit?
A high-motor defensive forward doubling as a lob threat is a great pickup for many teams. Keita's journey to success in the NBA will likely play out as Dylan Cardwell's did for Sacramento.
Cardwell has a similar play style to the BYU forward, focusing his energy on defense and rebounding. His high motor helped earn him a four-year contract and cemented him as part of the organization's young core.
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