They gave the kings a C. Seems like they did a little better than
that. I would have said C+/B- the Moore signing is going to pay off.
SACRAMENTO
WHAT WENT RIGHT:
=B7 They locked up Kevin Martin.
In a move for the long-term future, the Kings signed the popular
shooting guard to a five-year extension worth a re****ted $50 million.
Martin, a fourth-year pro, was one of Sacramento's few bright spots a
year ago, as he averaged a team-leading 20.2 points on 47.3 percent
shooting to go with 4.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. The Kings
wanted to get K-Mart locked up so they wouldn't have to worry about
him leaving as a free agent next summer.
=B7 They signed Mikki Moore.
Hoping to improve on his team's dismal rebounding and shot-blocking,
GM Geoff Petrie signed the 7-foot journeyman center to a three-year
$18 million free agent deal. Moore, 31, averaged a career-high 9.8
points and 5.1 rebounds in 26 minutes a year ago for the Nets, while
leading the NBA in field goal percentage (60.9). His length,
athleticism and ability to run the floor should provide some
dimensions they lack with reigning starting center Brad Miller.
=B7 Ron Artest stayed out of trouble.
It might not seem like a big deal, but Artest was on his best behavior
this summer. The mercurial guard spent part of it touring Africa with
fellow NBA players, where he impressed observers with his maturity and
concern. The Kings hope it's a sign that Artest has put his
difficulties behind him and that he's ready for a season without
controversy.
WHAT WENT WRONG
=B7 They got played by Stan the Man.
While charismatic Reggie Theus might turn out to be a fine coach, he
was not the Kings' first choice. Stan Van Gundy appeared to be the
front-runner before he abruptly changed direction and signed with the
Magic instead. Van Gundy's U-turn left the Kings scrambling.
Sacramento can only hope Theus, who has no previous NBA coaching
experience, can learn fast on the job.
=B7 They failed to clear out dead weight
After last year's dismal campaign, one could argue the Kings needed to
make a major shakeup. While their roster features some big NBA names
in Mike Bibby, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Brad Miller and Kenny Thomas,
those veterans just did not play up to their abilities in '06-'07.
Petrie no doubt would have liked to move one or more for the right
player(s) in return, but it didn't happen.
GRADE: C
Locking up Martin was a good move, but it doesn't address their
concerns for this season. They better hope Theus can inspire those
vets.
For all the teams...
http://s****tsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/marty_burns/08/31/pacific.rep=
ortcard/index.html
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