The NBA draft will be an exciting time for Duke fans, just as it always is, but there are some questions about how things will look in a few months.
In a recent mock draft, Christopher Kline of FanSided slotted Duke’s Cameron Boozer at No. 2 overall to the Sacramento Kings. While Boozer going No. 2 would be a great thing, playing for the Kings might not be.
“The Kings are a profoundly wayward organization with no evident team-building principles or direction, so selecting one of the winningest 18-year-olds in modern history is a smart next step,” Kline wrote. “Cameron Boozer, son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, stacked wins and accolades in high school, then immediately became the best player in college basketball for a competitive Duke squad.”
“There are some who question his NBA projection, primarily on defense, but his tools, skill and IQ are off the charts.”
At Duke, Boozer has established himself as one of the most complete offensive players and as I continue to say, his consistency has to be something teams are looking at.
He’s already really good at just understanding the game, which isn’t easily taught.
“Boozer is an incredible processor in the frontcourt, able to diagnose, manipulate and exploit defensive lapses at warp speed. He's a brilliant passing hub, a genuine force of nature in the post, and a skilled shooter and slasher from the perimeter.”
That versatility is what makes him so appealing in today’s NBA. He does have questions about is game, but most college players do.
“He doesn't offer much as a rim protector on defense, but Boozer logs plenty of steals with quick hands and laser-focused instincts. He's built from granite and mature beyond his years. He's the sort of stabilizer Sacramento has needed for a long, long time.”
For a Kings franchise in need of a lot of talent, it’s best to take the top player available in the draft. If they believe Boozer is that guy when the time comes, that’s who should be playing in Sacramento.
There’s still a lot of time left in this season, so expect his stock to go up or down.