Here's a little more draft talk for your Memorial Day Weekend:
I spoke with Ryan Blake, the NBA's assistant director of scouting, about a variety of draft-related topics.
Here's a bit on three players the Kings could find themselves look at with the fifth pick. Blake thinks the Kings are in a good position and should land a very good player because after the first two or three picks, there's no telling what will happen.
I think that means the Kings could be in position to trade the pick depending on who falls to five.
*Blake likes Kentucky center DeMarcus Cousins. He likened questions about Cousins' work ethic to questions that followed Amar'e Stoudemire. Because he was so much bigger and stronger than his peers, Stoudemire didn't have to work hard to dominate in high school. But he showed he could accept coaching and be pushed to excel.
Blake acknowledged teams will question Cousins' maturity, but he sees a lot of upside to him.
"(Cousins) matured during the year," Blake said. "Not only with his mental toughness but the physical part."
*Kansas center Cole Aldrich will need to get stronger, Blake said.
"Depending on where he goes it he can be a pretty safe pick," Blake said. "He might not develop intones that every 20 year center, but he could be a 10-10 guy."
*Blake likes Wesley Johnson's versatility. Many of asked if Johnson could play shooting guard after being projected as a small forward.
If Cousins is gone at No. 5, Johnson might be the best player available and penciled in as the starting shooting guard next season for the Kings.
"This guy is going to be gobbled up and he can play more than one spot," Blake said. "He's a high energy player and he's always around the ball. I wouldn't bypass him too far in the draft."
--Jason Jones
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