On a team stacked with guards, a true forward could be exactly what the doctor ordered for the Sacramento Kings. That’s where Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat comes in. He has the muscle to lock down anyone and the speed to get around them, too. He’s the new blood the Kings need.

The Arizona native has built a stellar reputation as a baller already in his young career. He’s collected four FIBA gold medals in three different age brackets. He’s a 2025 McDonald’s All-American and the 2023 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year. Plus, he’s eighth on FanSided’s 2026 NBA Draft Big Board.

At 6 feet 8 inches and 235 pounds, Koa is built to dominate at both ends of the court. He’s currently averaging 15.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. On top of that, he’s also averaging 0.9 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. Those are numbers the Kings could put to good use.

Peat’s efficiency, particularly from mid-range and in the paint, has to be seen to be believed. This is someone who can use speed, power, or a little of both to score. And that’s in college. With a couple of years of development in the NBA, he could become a very dangerous man.

Koa Peat becomes a King

What makes Peat so compelling is that he plays with a confidence well beyond his age. At 19 years old, he shows nearly no fear. That doesn’t mean his play is out of control or dangerous. It just means that he does his best work against a challenging opponent, no matter who they are.

The Kings need that kind of power player. Speed and strength are one thing, but knowing how to use them is another. And Peat already seems to have a good handle on that. Keeping all the positives in mind, there are still a few areas of improvement, especially beyond the arc.

Peat isn’t exactly known as a prolific or skilled three-point shooter. He’s only taken four three-point shots in eight games this season, and sunk none of them. He is still an effective scorer and gets to the free-throw line frequently. Still, it would be nice to see him shooting threes more.

There is a controlled aggression to Peat that the Kings desperately need on their roster. He’s intense, but still derives great joy from the game. Even if he isn’t a great three-point shooter, he is such a threat in the paint that he will open up opportunities for others from deep.