A defensive pest with an elite basketball IQ, this Iowa State standout brings high-level playmaking and hustle to Sacramento’s radar as a potential backcourt anchor.
Less than two weeks out from the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings continue to bring in various prospects for closer looks.
On Tuesday, the Kings hosted their next round of players, with Iowa State guard Tamin Lipsey being one of the most notable names in attendance.
In this profile, I will highlight the veteran point guard and what makes him a potential second rounder.
Traditional Lead Guard
While point guards today typically drive the scoring engine at the next level, Lipsey prefers to initiate the offense and get his teammates involved.
He is a coach's best friend at the point guard position - limiting turnovers, controlling pace, and getting his team into the right offensive set.
While Lipsey had his best statistical season for the Cyclones last season, much of his value doesn't show up on the stat sheet, as head coach T.J. Otzelberger began mentioning "Lipsey plays" to describe the 6-foot-1 guard's off the book plays.
Frequently throughout the Cyclones' run to the Sweet 16, Lipsey caused turnovers with defensive pressure and earned extra possessions with his hustle.
Alongside sharpshooting forward Milan Momcilovic, Lipsey helped anchor one of the most dynamic offenses in the country.
Against Kentucky in the Round of 32, Lipsey dominated nearly every facet of the game, scoring 26 points and dropping ten dimes.
Defensive Stopper
Despite being undersized, Lipsey plays stellar defense, finishing as a Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist/finalist over his past two seasons.
In the Cyclones' 82-63 victory over Kentucky, Lipsey recorded five steals, marking his sixth occasion with five or more takeaways.
Lipsey is strong at the point guard position, using his frame and early point-of-attack to impact opposing ball handlers.
Areas For Improvement
Lipsey can knock down the 3-ball, but it isn't a huge part of his game.
While Lipsey's main value comes as a playmaker and defender, he needs to be able to consistently knock down the long ball to stay on the court.
Luckily, Lipsey's shot mechanics are sound and his midrange jumper falls at a high clip.
This baseline should allow him to grow as a 3-point shooter.
Draft Projection
Lipsey is seen as a late-second round prospect, likely landing with a contending team as an UDFA.
On ESPN's big board, Lipsey is ranked the No. 69 overall player in the class.
Are Kings a Fit?
While the Kings have various players similar to Lipsey already on the roster, like Devin Carter, the longtime Cyclone provides a level of defense that is lacking in Sacramento's backcourt.
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