{"id":715999,"date":"2026-04-22T16:54:59","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T16:54:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/715999\/"},"modified":"2026-04-22T16:54:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T16:54:59","slug":"could-caleb-wilson-shake-up-the-top-of-the-2026-nba-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/715999\/","title":{"rendered":"Could Caleb Wilson shake up the top of the 2026 NBA Draft?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Now that the 2025-26 regular season is in the rearview, Caleb Wilson has entered the conversation for the Sacramento Kings as they shift focus toward the NBA Draft and lottery positioning following their coin-flip loss to the Utah Jazz.<\/p>\n

That result locked Sacramento into the fifth-best lottery odds, giving them an 11.5% chance at the No. 1 overall pick and a 45.2% chance to land in the top four.<\/p>\n

If the Kings do move up to No. 3\u2014behind projected top-two picks AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson\u2014the conversation becomes far more interesting.<\/p>\n

Duke forward Cameron Boozer has long been considered a lock for that top-three range, but Sactown Sports\u2019 Carmichael Dave<\/a> believes Caleb Wilson could disrupt that expectation.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think Caleb Wilson might be the guy that messes that up,\u201d Dave said.<\/p>\n

More on NBA Draft prospect Caleb Wilson<\/p>\n

The 6\u201910, 215-pound freshman at the University of North Carolina averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 58 percent from the field over 24 games before suffering season-ending hand and thumb injuries.<\/p>\n

His two-way versatility and physical tools have clearly caught the attention of decision-makers across the league.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are a lot of front office folk that love Caleb Wilson,\u201d Dave said.<\/p>\n

\"CHAPEL<\/p>\n

(Photo by David Jensen\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

That kind of league-wide interest could force Sacramento to think long-term rather than strictly addressing immediate needs. While the Kings have a clear hole at point guard, passing on a high-upside forward like Wilson may be difficult if he\u2019s on the board.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf the Kings are in third, I think they really, really, really have to take a strong look at that,\u201d Dave said.<\/p>\n

If Sacramento stays at No. 5, however, the focus likely shifts to guards\u2014most notably Darius Acuff Jr.\u00a0Dave believes that outcome is not only possible, but probable.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf the Kings stay at five, I would handicap it at 75% if available, they take Darius Acuff Jr.,\u201d Dave said.<\/p>\n

Acuff brings elite scoring and playmaking to the table. The 6\u20193 guard averaged 23.5 points (7th in NCAA Division I), 3.1 rebounds, 6.4 assists (13th in NCAA Division I), and 0.8 steals per game on 49 percent shooting from the field and an impressive 44 percent from three-point range. That offensive production fits exactly what Sacramento has been missing in the backcourt.<\/p>\n

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(Photo by Wesley Hitt\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cI see all of that in the future for Darius Acuff Jr., with the Kings,\u201d Dave said.<\/p>\n

Still, there are legitimate concerns about his long-term impact, particularly on the defensive end.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy worry about Acuff is absolutely that. He\u2019s got great numbers, but the defense isn\u2019t there,\u201d Dave said.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, this decision could define the Kings\u2019 direction for years to come.<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s betting on the upside of Caleb Wilson or addressing a need with Darius Acuff Jr., Sacramento is in a position to add a foundational piece in a draft that may not follow the expected script.<\/p>\n

When is the next Sacramento Kings offseason date of interest?<\/p>\n

The Sacramento Kings will now look ahead to the highly anticipated NBA Draft Lottery, which is set for Sunday, May 10th.<\/p>\n

Sacramento hasn\u2019t secured the top pick in the NBA Draft since 1989, when it selected center Pervis Ellison with the first overall selection.<\/p>\n

Be sure to stay locked in to Sactown Sports 1140 all offseason for NBA Draft Lottery coverage, NBA Draft previews and analysis, NBA Summer League content, and MUCH more!<\/p>\n

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports<\/p>\n

Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule<\/p>\n

Tuesday, April 14th\u00a0\u2013 NBA Play-In Tournament begins
\nSaturday, April 18th\u00a0\u2013 NBA Playoffs begin
\nSunday, May 10th\u00a0\u2013 NBA Draft Lottery
\nThursday, June 4th\u2013 NBA Finals begin
\nThursday, June 25th\u00a0\u2013 NBA Draft (Round 1)
\nFriday, June 26th\u00a0\u2013 NBA Draft (Round 2)
\nTuesday, June 30th\u00a0\u2013 NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
\nThursday, July 9th\u00a0\u2013 NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
\nMonday, July 13th\u00a0\u2013 Free Agency moratorium ends \/ signings can become official<\/p>\n

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