Kemba Walker: Is the UConn Guard Sacramento-bound?

For a team that has been subjected to some rough periods over their history, this past year may have been the worst for the Sacramento Kings.

Having faced a summer of uncertainty about whether the team will relocate, as well as finishing the season with a record of 24-58, has made things tough in California's capital.

Fortunately, there is a glimmer of light for the team as a new player will be added this week.

With the No. 7 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Kings are looking to find another young talent to add to their youthful core of Tyreke Evans, DeMarcus Cousins, and Omri Casspi.

One player the Kings will definitely be looking at with the seventh overall pick is University of Connecticut guard Kemba Walker.

Walker finished the 2010-2011 with a NCAA Championship victory and the fourth-highest scoring average in Division I basketball. His combination of blinding speed, quickness, and the ability to change direction while going at full steam, makes him a coveted NBA prospect.

He improved his shooting significantly in his last year at Connecticut and proved to be an effective leader. At times, Walker seemed to carry the team on his shoulders.

He can score seemingly at will, but is also an excellent distributor so he can become a very good NBA point guard.

The major concern about Walker is his size. He is barely 6'1 so his ability to finish at the rim may not be as much of an asset in the NBA as it was in college. Walker showed great toughness throughout last season, however, and was absolutely fearless taking the ball to the rack against much bigger opponents.

Playing with Evans in Sacramento Walker could be an effective guard combination. Evans likes the ball in his hands, so Walker could play both on and off-ball, allowing him to use his full range of skills.

There are other options for the Kings aside from Walker, including Kawhi Leonard and Alec Burns -- two potential slashers who would also add excitement to the team.

But the Kings could use an extra distributor at the point, which Walker could quickly become. Perhaps most importantly, the Kings need gutsy winners, and Walker fits that description.

A youth revival featuring Walker, with Evans, Casspi, and Cousins would be good news for an organization that could use some these days.