NBA Draft 2012: Draft Options for the Sacramento Kings at No. 5

The last two times the Sacramento Kings chose in the top five of the NBA draft they were able to get promising players. Tyreke Evans (pick No. 4 in 2009) won Rookie of the Year in 2009-10. DeMarcus Cousins (pick No. 5 in 2010) averaged 18.1 points and 11 rebounds this year in his second NBA season. With the 2012 draft shaping up to be one of the deeper drafts in recent memory, the Kings should get another impact prospect.

Here are the options for the Kings at No. 5. Some of these players have either worked out for the Kings or they would be good fits for Sacramento based on the team's needs and where the players are projected to go in the draft.

Note: I'm not including players that definitely won't be there when the Kings are selecting at No. 5. Of course anything is possible, but in all likelihood, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Anthony Davis will be long gone by the time Sacramento's picking, so they're not included in this article.

Thomas Robinson, Kansas

Robinson would fit well with the Sacramento Kings. He's one of the top power forwards in this draft. He also officially measured out to 6'7.75" without shoes at the recent combine, showing that he has the size needed to play the 4 in the NBA. Robinson's also got an excellent wingspan at 7'3.25".

Between his size and his skills, Robinson's sure to go in the top five. At this point, the only question is whether or not he'll still be on the clock when the Kings draft.

Damian Lillard, Weber State

Lillard was at the Kings' practice facility on Wednesday for an official workout. Before the combine, it looked like there was no way Lillard would be drafted in the top five. But due to his excellent showing at the scouting combine, Lillard is skyrocketing up draft boards. He's undoubtedly a good player. He's also a Northern California native, hailing from Oakland, Calif.

However, if the Kings draft Lillard then they'll likely have to make a trade because Tyreke Evans, Jimmer Fredette and Isaiah Thomas all play point guard. One thing is certain, the Kings must select the best player available, regardless of position. If the Kings think Lillard is the best player available, they should draft him.

Andre Drummond, Connecticut

Sacramento had an individual meeting with Drummond at last week's combine. While there, the Kings talked about how Drummond's skill set would mesh well with DeMarcus Cousins. There is a lot of risk with Drummond because he's such a raw player, but at 6'9.75" and with a 7'6.25" wingspan, there's no doubting that Drummond is a physical specimen. If he's there at No. 5, he might be a good option for Sacramento.

Harrison Barnes, North Carolina

Sacramento has been looking for a good small forward for a while. They tinkered with Tyreke Evans at the 3 last season, but he might not be a long-term solution there. If Barnes is available, he could be an intriguing pick.

He's not the best ball handler, but Barnes has shown the ability to consistently knock down shots. That's something Sacramento could really use.

Bradley Beal, Florida

There's a decent chance that Beal won't be there when the Kings make their pick at No. 5. That said, if he is, he could be a good option for the Kings. He displayed good all-around skills at Florida last season. He's also supposed to be a much better shooter than his percentages at Florida would indicate.

With his versatility, he could play point guard or shooting guard. That could be intriguing for Sacramento and its packed backcourt.