Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

by louismg on Jul 12, 2007 11:47 AM PDT in Free Agency/Trades Comment 46 comments

Everybody thought I was nuts when I pleaded for Yi Jianlian to consider Sacramento as the place he wanted to eventually land after summarily dissing Milwaukee. But the rumors are escalating, after the Sacramento Bee's Scott Howard-Cooper says the 7-footer power forward-center would be interested in doing time at Arco.

The whole situation around Yi following his being drafted by the Bucks has been sensitive, so real facts are lacking so far, and no sides involved told the Bee much. And Howard-Cooper's story does mention one critical sticking point that could derail the whole thing:

"Sacramento faces major hurdles, though, in the possibility of a trade even coming close to reality. Most notably, the Kings have very little to offer that Milwaukee would want. "

Interestingly, though I missed the Bee story this morning (too d**n busy), the way I found this rumor was gaining traction was due to a spike in visits to my own site where I had also posted the initial Yi to Sacramento speculation. A lot of people are out there scouring the Web looking for information on Yi Jianlian possibly coming to the Kings. (See a screenshot of the searches)

I think this just crossed the line from "A snowball's chance in hell" to "The chance that Artest plays a full 82-game schedule in Sacramento".

0 recs | Comment 46 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Wowza! That's some crazytalk. More importantly, could Spencer Hawes coexist with a communist?

by hscs on Jul 12, 2007 12:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

As they would both be rookies, maybe they'd have to sit on other ends of the bench while watching Artest hog the ball.

Kings-obsessed. A's obsessed. More ramblings: louisgray.com

by louismg on Jul 12, 2007 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Young Spencer will have to learn that China is more Capitalist than we are, there is just a government monoploy. Did you see that the guy responsible for the dog food debacle was executed? Talk about performance based reward programs.

by NYCFan on Jul 12, 2007 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

I never considered that Hacksaw would let the market decide if he should befriend Yi or not.

by hscs on Jul 12, 2007 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

the question is - what would milwaukee want from us for Yi.
They don't need Hawes because they already have a player similar to him in Bogut. And even if they didnt have Bogut I wouldn't want to give away Spencer. I was bitching that we took him on draft night (and i would exchange him for Yi without a blink then) but once we got him, he's our guy. He's not Spencer Hawes anymore, he's our Spencer :)
They could be interested in Bibby if Mo Williams leaves for Miami.
They probably would be MUCH interested in Cisco who is our greatest asset with Kevin being untouchable. And I don't want to get rid of Cisco who is a steady dose of minutes away from breaking through for a guy who can become the next Nikoloz Tschikiswhatever (of course there's also the possibility he's a 20-10 guy 3 years from now).

by cwebb on Jul 12, 2007 12:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

nikoloz is actually playing on the nuggets summer league team.

by dun on Jul 12, 2007 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Could a three-teamer facilitate this? Come on, you crazy GM wannabees, get to work!

by otis29 on Jul 12, 2007 12:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Since the Knicks want Artest but don't want to give up Lee, maybe a three way with the Knicks could be a possibility. I just have no concept of what it might look like.

by jacquetbg on Jul 12, 2007 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Here's a deal that I had speculated on earlier (note this was about a week ago before Ron reiterated his desire to stay in Sacramento and stick with his contract)...works salary wise, and I think all teams involved would probably pull the trigger.

Minnesota gets Ron Artest and a lottery protected #1 from Sacramento for Corey Brewer, #2 in 2008, and Davis. Bucks get Brewer and #2 in 08 for Yi, and we get Yi and Davis for a protected #1 and Artest.

I think the price on this might be a little high from our standpoint, especially now after Ron's statements, but I think we're probably rebuilding anyways...why not start Bibby/Martin/Garcia/Yi/Hawes? We'd be horrible right now, but fun to watch, and after we draft a point next year with the top 5 pick, we have a really great base. The problem is making sure K-Mart resigns long term...and also getting minutes to the contract mistakes on the bench.

Also - I'm not taking his summer performances too seriously, all of the new draft picks have had pretty hectic schedules and not a lot of time geared towards working out for actual basketball games (as opposed to draft workouts). It's not suprising that a lot of these guys are rusty. I still think Yi has an outside chance to be another Pau Gasol, and if he approaches that potential a Yi/Hawes combo would work out well in the frontcourt.

by coachtheus on Jul 12, 2007 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Yi for Hawes! It makes so much sense it's ridiculous. I know we're all stoked about Hawes' Louis Amundson-esque domination of the Vegas freakin' Summer League, a sub-preseason collection of players so devoid of talent that DeSagana freakin' Diop looks like Tim Duncan crossed with Shaq, but come on! Someone wake up Geoff Petrie and let's do this thing. Don't get me wrong: I love Petrie's patience in rebuilding the team...in the same way that I loved the way Nero patiently waited for the fires of Rome to burn themselves out.

Freakin' Kings.

by DB on Jul 12, 2007 12:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Sadly, Milwaukee thinks they have a good center.

by Ziller on Jul 12, 2007 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Have you guys actually watched Yi at the summer league? Ya know, where he's not playing against teenagers that are a half a foot shorter than him but against(almost) men.

On the one hand, folks down play Hawes stellar performance because the competition supposedly sucks; and, on the other hand, we want to take a guy, Yi, who has been AWFUL in Las Vegas - indeed, maybe the biggest disapointment of any of the major players. As far as I can tell, Yi has never shown he can do anything against quality players. At this point, he still hasn't.

So explain to me again why any sane person would want to exchange him for Hawes - a guy that is a near lock to be an excellent scorer in this league.

by Kusian on Jul 12, 2007 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Here is a quote from Yahoo Sports about the Amazing Yi:

"Instead of Yi not wanting Milwaukee, maybe Milwaukee does not want Yi. The No. 6 pick again struggled, making only one field goal (1-for-5 from the field) and finishing with a mere seven points to go with eight fouls..."

Man, this guy kicks f*cking ass!!!!

by Kusian on Jul 12, 2007 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Excellent point, Kusian. You said exactly what was on my mind.

by KingsFan on Jul 12, 2007 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

I think that Golden State would do Yi for Brandon Wright, and I'm betting that given the fact that the Bucks have Bogut they'd rather have Wright than Hawes.

by section214 on Jul 12, 2007 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

No way, GSW went out and traded for Wright so they can send him in a package for KG or develop him as their future PF which doesn't appear to be that far off.

We are slipping into the NBA abyss.

by jjham15 on Jul 12, 2007 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Yes, but they initially wanted Yi, and I have serious doubts that the KG deal is going to happen. My point is that there are locations that Yi would like that have more to offer than us. The Bulls would probably swap Noah for Yi as well.

by section214 on Jul 12, 2007 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Here is a future transcript of a call coming into Grant Napear's show this afternoon: "Hey Grant! Thanks for taking my call. I hear Yi Jianlian might land in Sacramento. Is there was any way we could trade Kenny Thomas and Brad Miller for Yi?"

by R3DLiN3 on Jul 12, 2007 12:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Can't wait to listen to this.

by Ziller on Jul 12, 2007 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

You forgot to add the part where Grant loses his freakin' mind and works himself into a 'roid rage while Mike trys to cool the situation by calmly asking the caller if, perhaps, he/she had considered why another GM would want to make such an inane trade.

by Kusian on Jul 12, 2007 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

oh yeah!! lols. I forgot to add that part.

by R3DLiN3 on Jul 12, 2007 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

The other amusing part of the Rant and Mike sportsline show is when there is a call rant can't be bothered with he just says nothing at all, the guy drones on then he signs off and rant says nothing. I realise there are alot of idiot callers but as a host you have engage your guests do you not?

by Murf on Jul 13, 2007 8:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Mike will only ask that question, however, after making an awkward and painful analogy between the proposed trade and his Trojan football playing days.

by rbiegler on Jul 12, 2007 1:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

LOL! Nicely done, sir.

by Kusian on Jul 12, 2007 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Don't forget the rhetorical questions. "Do I think the Kings can get Yi? No."

by Ziller on Jul 12, 2007 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

"On the one hand, folks down play Hawes stellar performance because the competition supposedly sucks; and, on the other hand, we want to take a guy, Yi, who has been AWFUL in Las Vegas."

Maybe because no one with sense puts any stock in the Vegas freakin' summer league. Hawes has been better than Oden or Durant in Vegas, so I guess he'll have a better career, right? Riiiiight. I don't even put stock in preseason games, much less the Vegas freakin' summer league. For instance, all I heard last season was how Louis Amundson was kicking ass in Vegas and was going to be a major part of the team and how Petrie was an unqualified genius for snapping him up. The guy couldn't even beat a stoned-out-of-his-gourd Maurice Taylor for a roster spot. It's the Vegas freakin' summer league, people! It means nothing!

Freakin' Kings.

by DB on Jul 12, 2007 2:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

So, Yi will do even better against really good competition? I mean, after all, Vegas means nothing. And, if you shoot 20% from the field against nobodies, you will no doubt light it up against seasoned veterans.

Sure, that makes perfect nonsense.

And, as far as Amundson went, he was always on the fence for even making the team. He did one thing well in Vegas last summer: rebound. He didn't shoot well from the field or from the line. But, I'll give you this: I'd take Yi over Louis.

by Kusian on Jul 12, 2007 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Sorry, I have to agree with the previous comment. By your reasoning, Durant and Oden are already busts going up against grown men. Summer league does mean nothing. Give it some time. You have to look at the whole picture. Will Yi be good? Who knows? But I'm sure not basing my decision on a few summer league games where things are so serious that Oden can pick up 10 fouls and still be in the game.

by jacquetbg on Jul 12, 2007 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Oden and Durant (and Hawes) have proven themselves against real competition in the NCAA. Yi hasn't proven anything. He hasn't consistently played against first-rate competition. I'll believe all the hype when I actually see some performance.

Hey, I'm certainly not saying that there is not potential - he is 7'0 and athletic - but he is quite obviously not in the same league as Oden and Durant. And I'm very confident in saying that he won't prove to be the scorer that Hawes will.

by Kusian on Jul 12, 2007 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

I'm going to post this link again:
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/06_wcm/scheResu/p/eventid/3507/gamename/6/groupname/D/langlc/en/rou ndid/4742/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html
Stats from the USA v. China World Championship game, second round. Yi put up 13-7 with two blocked shots against "real men" ... all the "real men" considered out best. Not great. But certainly not bad.

by NYCFan on Jul 12, 2007 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

I tend to throw last year out the window. I (retrospectively) don't put any stock in who played what minutes last year, because I'm not sure that I have any faith in Muss' decisions. It was obvious that he didn't dole out playing time according to talent, energy, or any other merit based attribute. Let's not fault Louis for Muss' decisions.

That being said, I look at summer league with a fairly large grain of salt. However, Yi is underperforming with a team of his peers (who he has supposedly practiced with before) against mediocre competition. And as it was said before, not hitting open shots is a sin, regardles of the competition level. Who knows what Yi will end up doing, but summer league is looking ugly for him.

by misterbrister on Jul 12, 2007 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

This has been an incredibly entertaining thread to read through. Kudos to all of you on comments both thought provoking and down right hilarious.

by section214 on Jul 12, 2007 2:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Good call. We can have fun, be bitter and hopeful all at once.

Kings-obsessed. A's obsessed. More ramblings: louisgray.com

by louismg on Jul 12, 2007 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

My point: the great players in Summer League history have been some bum and some other bum. Or maybe it was LeBron James and Dwayne Wade. Who knows and who cares? If Derek Jeter goes 4-for-4 in a pro-am softball game, does that mean he's lock for the MVP? Of course not. If he goes 0-for-4, does that mean he's washed up? No. (shoot, now I'm doing Mike Lamb...does anyone else love the way Lamb lets a pointless thought die out slowly, pausing between words for seconds at a time as he finishes? It's like watching a car crash in slow motion.). Because it's a meaningless pro-am softball game. The Vegas freakin' summer league is the same deal - whether you dominate or get dominated, who cares? It counts for less than nothing, except where 12th through 13th men are concerned.

Freakin' Kings.

by DB on Jul 12, 2007 3:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

DB,
You argument with Jeter is the same as with Oden and Durant - and for the same reason inadequate. Jeter, like Oden and Durant, is proven - one of the very best at what he does. These people have all already proven themselves against very good competition. Yi has not and, therefore, your logic is decidedly illogical. Moreover, Yi is now facing toughter competition than he ever has and is choking in the face of opponents that can actually play the game - even if not all of them are NBA-ready.

Now he may end up being great. Perhaps, as basketball is a team sport, his teammates are keeping him down. (An argument can be made, for example, that the guard play is not very good.) But, I'm not going to concide that he is a better choice than Hawes until he proves it on the court. He hasn't.

by Kusian on Jul 12, 2007 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

I think the idea of int'l players not being proven is outdated. Some can play and some can't. That's equally as true of NCAA stars.

Derek Jeter isn't the best SS in baseball and certainly not defensively. That's a bad comparison. Jeter has never led a team to a title. Babe Ruth he isn't.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Jul 12, 2007 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Dude. I love going on the Kings blog and seeing Jeter get slammed. It's like nirvana.

Kings-obsessed. A's obsessed. More ramblings: louisgray.com

by louismg on Jul 12, 2007 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Slamming Jeter is easy. This whole captain bs is just that. BS! Anyway I don't like Jeter. But I don't like alot of ppl out there either.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Jul 12, 2007 11:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

The deal with Yi, however, is that he's mostly played against teenagers - and not very good ones.
He's is, at this point, the most overrated person drafted in the top 10. He simply has done nothing to warrant his selection.

by Kusian on Jul 13, 2007 2:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

As it pertains to summer league I agree with you 100%, Kusian. If I'm a Bucks fan I have a pretty good knot in my stomach right now, when I think that I could have had Brewer, B.Wright, Noah...
I would say, though, that because this is just summer league that no one has really warranted their selection yet. Kings fans can feel a little better about Hawes, Warriors fans can think that they got a steal in Belinelli, Bulls fans can be disappointed that Noah is injured. The true validation of the pick, however, will take one, two or maybe even three years in some cases (Kevin Martin, hello!).

by section214 on Jul 13, 2007 8:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

You speak truth, sir. Good points.

by Kusian on Jul 13, 2007 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

...does anyone else love the way Lamb lets a pointless thought die out slowly, pausing between words for seconds at a time as he finishes? It's like watching a car crash in slow motion.).... I was taking a drink when I read this. Almost lost it...too funny)

"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." - Beverly Sills

by wvphil on Jul 12, 2007 10:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

My argument is that the Vegas freakin' summer league means dick and I stand by it. Whether you kill or get killed, it means less than nothing. Hawes is doing an excellent job...good for him. But I'll start caring when it starts counting.

Freakin' Kings.

by DB on Jul 12, 2007 5:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

"We can have fun, be bitter and hopeful all at once."

Amen, brother. When faced with the likely prospect of Kenny Thomas starting at power forward for the FOURTH year in a row, hopeful bitterness is the only fun we've got.

Freakin' Kings.

by DB on Jul 12, 2007 5:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

True dat!

by Kusian on Jul 12, 2007 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Yi Jianlian to the Kings Rumors Spreading

Incidentally, Jeter has won 4 titles, I believe. To paraphrase Vince Vaughan in "Anchorman": As an A's fan, I absolutely despise Derek Jeter. By goddammit, I respect him. He's killed us too many times not to.

Freakin' Kings.

by DB on Jul 13, 2007 12:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs