Analysts Dalton Johnson and Tristi Rodriguez have outlined how the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings could address their point‑guard needs in the 2026 NBA mock draft. Johnson and Rodriguez point to KD Burries for Golden State and Kingston Flemings for Sacramento as the most plausible first‑round selections.

Kingston Flemings as the Kings' potentail fix after the 2022 lottery miss

When Sacramento fell low in the 2022 draft lottery, the franchise’s long‑standing point‑guard vacancy became even more urgent, according to the analysts.. ESPN’s Jeremy Woo is cited as saying that Flemings, currently a backup guard for the Houston Rockets, could slide into a starting role for the Kings if they reach him in the first round.

Flemings brings a blend of size and playmaking that matches the Kings’ need to improve ball distribution for their young core. Johnson notes that his experience in a veteran‑led Rockets locker room could help accelerate Sacramento’s rebuilding timeline.

KD Burries as the Warriors' lottery gamble despite age concerns

Golden State’s roster, anchored by Steph Curry and Draymond Green, faces a looming gap at the point after Steve Kerr’s return, says the report.. The analysts highlight KD Burries, a versatile combo guard, as a lottery‑level talent who could slot into the Warriors’ system, even thhough he is older than typical first‑round rookies.

Rodriguez argues that Burries’ ability to defend multiple positions and stretch the floor aligns with Kerr’s emphasis on flexibility. However, the analysts caution that his age may limit upside, a point echoed by Woo’s assessment of Burries as a “significant lottery pick but somewhat situated between positions.”

Jeremy Woo’s three guard candidates for Bay Area teams

Beyond Flemings and Burries, Woo also mentions Acuff and Mikel Brown Jr. as viable point‑guard options for both franchises. Acuff, a dynamic guard from Georgetown, has been “frequently linked” with the Warriors, while Brown Jr. remains on the radar for Sacramento.

The inclusion of these names underscores how the two clubs might prioritize different skill sets: the Warriors could favor Acuff’s scoring punch, whereas the Kings may lean toward Flemings’ traditional playmaking.

Why the Kings' 2022 lottery miss still shapes 2026 plans

The 2022 lottery disappointment forced Sacramento into a prolonged search for a franchise point guard, a narrative that Johnson and Rodriguez say still informs their mock‑draft outlook. The team’s front office reportedly values a guard who can immediately command the offense, a criterion that elevates Flemings above other prospects.

This lingering need explains why the analysts give Flemings a higher probability of being selected by the Kings than any other guard in the mock scenario.

Who will the Warriors pair with Burries if he lands?

The report does not specify whether Golden State would add a veteran backup to mentor Burries, leaving a key question unanswered. Both Johnson and Rodriguez note that the Warriors’ roster construction will likely hinge on whether they can secure a complementary guard in free agency or later rounds.

As the mock draft evolves,the uncertainty around the Warriors’ supporting cast for Burries remains a critical factor for their championship window.