Vanderbilt’s prolific marksman offers the size and elite perimeter accuracy Sacramento craves. Discover how this 40-percent deep threat could bolster the Kings' bench and revitalize their floor spacing.
This offseason is a pivotal point in the Sacramento Kings' rebuild, as the front office has multiple draft picks and big decisions to make regarding veteran contracts.
Outside of the No. 7 overall pick, the Kings also have two early second rounders, giving them a semblance of trade capital and flexibility.
In this profile, I will highlight Vanderbilt sharpshooter Tyler Nickel, who helped orchestrate the Commodores' remarkable turnaround.
3-Point Marksman
Nickel is one of the most talented 3-point shooters in the draft class, using his size and quick release to elevate over contests.
Last season, Nickel knocked down the third-most long balls in program history (110) at Vanderbilt, shooting at a 40-percent clip.
Nickel also set career-bests from the field (44.5-percent) and the free-throw line (84.7-percent).
During Vanderbilt's early undefeated run, Nickel had multiple 6+ 3-point performances, including an 8-of-10 shooting night against Wake Forest.
Nickel has the ability to heat up quickly and carry makes over into his next shots.
Along the Commodores' program record 16-game win streak to start the season, Nickel cashed in on 57 deep balls.
Whatever is Necessary
Alongside Nickel's marksmanship, he plays with maximum effort, showing improvement in other facets of the game.
Against LSU, Nickel recorded his first and only career double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, leading both squads in boards.
Nickel also notched career-bests in steals (28) and blocks (19), showing major growth as an overall defender.
During Nickel's eight-three performance against the Demon Deacons, he also swatted away three shots and recorded a steal.
Areas For Improvement
Although Nickel will likely play most of his minutes off the ball, he needs to improve as a ball handler and driver.
While Nickel's 3-point ability is his calling card, the 6-foot-7 wing will need to be able to put the ball on the floor and get to a secondary look.
As a career 84-percent shooter from the charity stripe, Nickel needs to look to find ways to get to the line more than the 1.4 per game he averaged in college.
Draft Projection
Nickel will likely have no problem finding his way off the draft board in the second round, as he fits a lot of team's 3-and-D molds at the next level.
On ESPN's big board, Nickel is ranked as the No. 50 overall prospect.
In CBS Sports' Adam Finkelstein's latest full mock, Nickel landed with the Brooklyn Nets at the No. 43 overall pick.
Are Kings a Fit?
Nickel's shooting prowess makes him a fit on any team in today's perimeter-oriented NBA.
For Sacramento, who really missed Keegan Murray's spacing at the forward position last year, Nickel would help space the floor for the Kings non-shooters.
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