As the NBA draft inches ever closer, the hype around former Wisconsin Badger guard Nick Boyd only continues to build. Just a few months ago, Boyd found himself well outside the top 60 on most major outlets' boards and mocks, citing his age and lack of elite size as reasons behind his lack of draft love.
However, in a recent mock released by The Athletic's Sam Vecenie, Boyd came in as the 45th overall pick to the Sacramento Kings, well higher than what anyone could have imagined. Vecenie had him being selected higher than numerous other high-profile college players such as Jaden Bradley, Tamin Lipsey, Nick Martinelli, and many more, showcasing just how much the hype has built around the 25-year-old.
Hello! Updated 2026 NBA mock draft with intel is here. Two weeks out!
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) June 8, 2026
(Free to read, everyone has access through this link.)https://t.co/8FsFHy7wmT pic.twitter.com/jzYotz5yj4
The real draft hype around Boyd began after the NBA Draft Combine, a setting in which the 6-foot-3 guard stood out. He showcased just how lethal he could be as a creator and point-of-attack defender, doing it against what is, in theory, NBA-level competition. That performance, on top of his stellar senior year, was enough for many to tout him as a draftable prospect and likely was a large reason why he landed at 45 on this mock.
Is this Realistic?
If Boyd were to be selected by the Kings, it may actually be the dream scenario for him. In a vacuum, that statement doesn't exactly sound coherent because of Sacramento's recent spiral all the way down to one of, if not the worst franchise in the NBA. Because of this, many would presume that it wouldn't be ideal to land there, believing that a losing environment to that degree isn't exactly the best spot for a "young" player.
However, in Boyd's case, he is already nearly fully developed. There are, of course, still some areas he has to improve in, but it's just a fact that most basketball players' prime is in the 25-to-30-year-old range. Boyd, already being in there, likely doesn't have much room to grow, meaning that a team is drafting him for who he is right now, not necessarily who he could be down the line.
In the Kings' case, what they need more than anything is players they can put on the floor right now and get production out of. This is especially apparent at the guard spot given they were forced to hit free agency multiple times throughout the year in search of a capable guard. If they were to add Boyd into the mix, he may not be a starter, but he should be able to at least absorb a handful of minutes early on and hold his own in the NBA setting.
Does this mean Boyd is going to be a starter and an immense impact player right away? No. But there is a very real world where he could be on a standard contract by the end of the year if Sacramento chooses to select him.
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