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Could Kings Target Purdue's Fletcher Loyer as UDFA?
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- Could Kings Target Purdue's Fletcher Loyer as UDFA?
(Jeff Curry/Imagn Images)
As the 2026 NBA Draft inches closer, the lesser-known prospects have worked out for various teams and are on their radars as potential undrafted free agents.
Some prospects do not get drafted, while others facilitate their way to other teams via their agent. Saturday's focus is on Purdue Boilermakers guard Fletcher Loyer . He started alongside Smith for all four years of his career at Purdue.
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Knockdown Sharpshooter
Loyer has shot 41.1% from three-point range for his collegiate career. He made Boilermaker history, ending his tenure with the program as the leader in three-pointers made with 309.
The 6-foot-5 guard can shoot off-the-catch, off movement and use escape dribbles to reset his shooting motion after defenders fly by. His volume increased to 6.6 attempts last season, and the percentage remained over 40%, cementing himself as a cream of the crop shooter.
Shooting Gravity Opens Driving Lanes
While Loyer is primarily a shooter, defenses are overly aware of his ability to get hot from beyond the arc. As a result, defenders can overplay his shot, creating open driving lanes for him to attack.
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He can drive to the rim off a dribble handoff from the big man or take one dribble inside the arc for a mid-range jumper. His limited inside scoring ability helps expand his offensive game and prevents defenses from completely taking him out of the game.
Areas of Concern
Speaking of defense, that is a flaw in Loyer's game. He is not known as a lockdown defender, but after Monday's workout, he said he's working to become a better individual and team defender.
Specialists in the NBA are valuable additions to teams, but in high-stakes moments, they are often the first ones targeted on the floor. Improving on the defensive side of the ball makes it much harder for teams to target Loyer as the weak link.
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Are the Kings a Fit?
Sacramento has a history of rostering good shooters: Kevin Huerter , Malik Monk and Keegan Murray . The Kings finished dead last in three-pointers made (10.3), attempted (30.2) and tied for last in percentage (34%).
Adding Loyer to the team would increase the team's shooting prowess and potentially pair him with an elite guard, if Sacramento drafts one with the No. 7 pick.
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