In the first game of 2015, the Kings faced off against the Timberwolves. This season, the Timberwolves were in a rebuild. After trading away their star player, Kevin Love, their new core, Andrew Wiggins, was beginning to show the talent expected of a first overall pick. However, with weaknesses across the roster, the Timberwolves found themselves battling for the top pick once again.
The Kings easily took the road victory, but their record began to fluctuate afterward. They secured back-to-back wins against the Pistons and Thunder but then suffered three consecutive home losses to the Nuggets, Cavaliers, and Mavericks. These defeats dropped their record to 27-16. The cost of those three losses was significant, erasing their hard-earned advantage in the standings. The fifth-placed Clippers overtook them, and if not for the Grizzlies stumbling in the Southwest Division, the Kings might have dropped even further.
The losing streak delivered a blow to the team's morale. Their experienced coach, Mike Malone, knew the signs well—his young team had hit the infamous rookie wall. With key rotation players like Zach LaVine and Nikola Jokic in their rookie seasons and CJ McCollum only in his second, the squad was lacking the seasoned poise to push through tough stretches. While superstars like LeBron James might break through immediately, most players encounter growing pains in their first few years. Many talented individuals with great potential fall at this stage.
Coach Malone, recognizing the importance of managing this phase carefully, worked hard to keep the team's spirits high. But some responsibility for their recent losses fell on Jake. While his young squad was giving it their all, Jake wasn't even in Sacramento.
Instead, Jake was at the University of Kentucky's gym, bundled up in a thick coat and sunglasses, watching the Wildcats' practice. Beside him, an analyst provided detailed scouting reports on the NCAA prospects.
"If nothing changes, Karl-Anthony Towns will be the top contender for the No. 1 pick this year," the analyst noted, pointing to Towns as he warmed up.
Jake rolled his eyes under his sunglasses. "I know all about Towns, but what does that have to do with us?"
This year, the Kings only had their own first-round pick and the right to swap with the Knicks. In the original timeline, the Knicks had the worst record in the league and ended up with the fourth pick, but because the Kings held the swap rights, the Knicks were fighting harder than expected, sitting on the edge of playoff contention. At this point, Jake would be grateful just to land a lottery pick.
Sensing Jake's disinterest, the analyst quickly moved on. "There are two more key players: Trey Lyles, the starting power forward next to Towns, and Devin Booker, their backcourt star. Both are expected to be lottery picks."
The analyst hesitated before adding, "But Boss, isn't it a bit early for scouting? Don't teams usually wait until March Madness?"
Jake didn't even glance his way. 'Better to start early than late.'"
"Are you done, kid?" Jake snapped, though the banter was lighthearted.
As the Kentucky players began their scrimmage, Jake's attention sharpened, especially on a certain player. "Let's talk to the coach later. Keep a close eye on Devin Booker."
The analyst quickly scribbled a note. "Boss, are you thinking of bringing in someone to share ball-handling duties with CJ?"
Jake smiled to himself. "We'll see who ends up as the secondary."
The players below were aware of Jake's presence, and their intensity reflected it, treating the scrimmage as if it were a regular season game. Afterward, Jake made his way down to talk with the coach.
From a distance, Booker and Towns sat on the bench, whispering to each other.
"That's Jake," Towns said, covering his mouth with a towel.
"Yeah, he looks taller in person than on TV," Booker replied. "Who do you think he's here for?"
Towns chuckled. "Probably you."
A younger player chimed in, "It would be amazing to get drafted by the Kings. Since Jake took over, he's been giving rookies all kinds of chances. Have you seen their games? They're filled with young players."
This was exactly the message Jake wanted to project: The Kings were a place where rookies could grow and flourish. By making this clear, he hoped to draw talented young players to Sacramento. In the NBA, drafting is rarely a one-sided affair; for top players, it's as much about the players wanting to join a team as it is the team selecting them.
After chatting with the coach, Jake stood up to leave. It was still early in the scouting season, but his primary goal had been achieved—making appearances at universities like Kentucky to build rapport and improve his standing among the nation's top talent.
"Boss, this is the last stop. Where are we heading tomorrow?" The analyst asked Jake while lugging a large briefcase. They had been moving non-stop over the past two days, visiting all the major powerhouses in the NCAA.
"The last stop?" Jake paused, thinking for a moment. "Let's not head back yet. We're going to Tennessee."
"Tennessee?" The analyst frowned, checking his tablet. "The University of Tennessee is a solid team this year, but their core players are juniors and seniors—guys with limited potential. Why go there?"
Jake smiled and shook his finger. "We're going to see if we can find a hidden gem!"
Jake's decision to visit Tennessee wasn't on a whim. He recalled from his past experiences that there was a lesser-known talent there that many were overlooking.
Meanwhile, Jake's movements hadn't gone unnoticed. In a world where sports reporters scrutinize every action, word quickly spread about his scouting trip. Those familiar with his reputation knew he was always ahead of the curve.
"Look at Jake, so dedicated," Popovich remarked with mock disdain, glancing at Buford across the room in San Antonio. "You, on the other hand, hide in the office all day doing nothing."
Buford, unbothered, tossed his pen onto the desk. "Easy for you to say. I'm working smarter, not harder. Let the young guy do the running around. You're just jealous of your former apprentice's energy."
Popovich raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about? He's your apprentice too, you know."
"Of course he is," Buford replied with a smirk. "I'm just trying to figure out what's going through his head." He handed Popovich a sheet of paper. "These are the players he's been focusing on lately. I've spent hours trying to figure out his game plan, but I still can't crack it."
Popovich scanned the list, shaking his head in bewilderment. "What is this? It's all over the place."
It wasn't surprising the two veteran executives were puzzled. Jake had made it a point to scout all types of players—ignoring conventional strategies and looking at every position.
After a moment of thought, Buford leaned back in his chair, lighting a cigar. "No, I need to get out there myself for a few days. I need to see firsthand what Jake's really up to."