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Kings Scout Tobi Lawal: High-Flying Dunker, Rim Protector
20 Jun
Summary
- Tobi Lawal is an athletic forward with ferocious dunks.
- He excels at rim protection with impressive shot-blocking ability.
- Lawal's shooting consistency is a significant concern for his draft stock.
The Sacramento Kings are preparing for the 2026 NBA Draft with two second-round selections, numbers 34 and 45. A prospect on their radar is Tobi Lawal, a four-year college player from Virginia Tech. Lawal, originally from London, has showcased elite athleticism, frequently finishing with powerful dunks and acting as a lob threat.
His defensive capabilities are notable, especially his rim protection, where he averaged a career-high 1.1 blocks in his final season. Lawal demonstrates effective shot-blocking by timing his jumps while keeping two feet on the ground. Despite these strengths, his shooting remains a question mark. He shot only 25% from three-point range last season and is a career 67% free-throw shooter.
Mock drafts project Lawal as a late-second-round pick, with some anticipating him being selected by the Atlanta Hawks or Houston Rockets. Sacramento's draft position in the 50s means they may need to trade up or hope he falls to acquire him, as they do not currently hold picks in that range. His athleticism and rim-protecting skills are considered translatable NBA traits.
