So, in my opinion, we have two good starters that have the potential to be all-stars, and some solid rotational players in Marcus Thorton and JT that ideally would complete a 3 man guard and big man rotation. We also have a lottery pick this year, some intriguing young players in Jimmer Fredette and JJ Hickson, and a fair amount of cap space.

The next important question is the following: What do we need? Obviously, if we agree on the assessment above, we have holes at the 1, 3, and the 4/5. However, as we have seen this year, we need a specific type of player to complement the ones we currently have or the team will remain unbalanced and painful to watch.

For the point guard position, we need someone that would offset Tyreke’s weaknesses, so I would look specifically at a more traditional pass first player and someone that can stretch the defense with their outside shooting. Because the draft this year seems limited in point guards, I would look for the answer here in free agency. Top on my list would be DJ Augustin. First and foremost, he is good shooter. He can run the pick and roll with DeMarcus (which we are badly needing as we get very little in the way of assisted baskets close to the rim) and he will move the ball. Also, with Kemba Walker playing well, it is very likely that Charlotte might not want to match a big offer for him, so he is a player that we could realistically get.

Small forward is our greatest need at this point. John Salmons is playing out of position and looks as if he has lost a step, making him much less effective than he was during his first go-around. Worse, he has an awful contract. The only saving grace here is that we had to add contract dollars simply to make it to the minimum floor level for the cap, and his contract comes off the books about the same time Tyreke and DeMarcus will be getting a big pay raise. That being said, it sure would have been nice to get some production for the cap money being spent, and we are getting nothing at this point.

Good news is this draft is loaded in small forwards and two specifically, Michael Gilchrist and Harrison Barnes, would both provide a dramatic upgrade at the position. Because Barnes is the better shooter, he is my favorite of the two. On the free agency front, Nic Batum is a restricted free agent, and Portland already has Gerald Wallace at the 3, so it is likely he will be available. In this case, if we completely luck out and get the first or second pick in the draft, I would go hard after Batum and sign him to a big deal. This is the ideal scenario as he is a great defender, moves well without the ball and knocks down the open shot, strengthening all of our teams' current weaknesses.

At the 4/5 position, this draft also has several players that would be instant upgrades. Anthony Davis and Andre Drummond would be wonderful complements next to DMC. Ideally, the player we put next to DeMarcus would be an athletic shotblocker that also can score, and they both fit the bill. If we draft lower, I would look to fill the 3 spot in the draft and try to land Ryan Anderson in free agency. Again because Orlando is going all in for Howard, I doubt they are going to tie up a lot of cap space on Anderson. He also works well because he can stretch the floor with his outside shooting. Lastly, as a local kid, he might actually look at Sacramento as an attractive destination, which would be a refreshing change.

Adding any combination of these players next year with our cap space and draft picks should markedly improve the team, and I feel like with a little luck, we could make a big leap.