I don’t see particular harm in picking up QD’s option. He’s cheap and has had flashes (including summer league and his last regular season game).

I understand the decision with Williams. $4 million … that’s whole lotta bagels for a guy who is currently playing behind Kenny Thomas.

I don’t think the team believes in either player. There is a good chance that one or both are stashed on the inactive list once Miller and Cisco get back. I don’t think either player is a threat to get more than an NBA minimum contract next season, so I don’t see picking up either contract.

That being said, I don’t understand what the hell is going on with Shelden Williams’s playing time. He’s looked solid (defensively) throughout the preseason and all of a sudden he’s behind Kenny Thomas. This makes no sense. Shelden should be begging for a trade to Utah, where Jerry Sloan can teach him to hurt people – which is what will keep him in the league.

It’s a shame that Douby missed the entire preseason. This was a real opportunity for Quincy to prove that he could play. There is a narrow window of opportunity with Cisco out, but those minutes may end up going to Bobby Brown, with Bobby Jackson playing the off-guard spot instead of Douby. Regardless, Douby will get no time once Cisco comes back.

I voted it doesn’t make sense. For several reasons actually. If you aren’t going to have cap room in 2009, keeping Williams makes sense through that season on his rookie contract. Keeping Douby as a trade chip, especially for a team trying to dump Kenny Thomas, on the assumption that his suckage has no usefulness to this team, makes a bit of sense. As TZ says Douby is pretty cheap. Williams I wouldn’t be surprised because 4 million for a player like him is a lot, but the Dubs just payed for a player of similar caliber in Ronny Turiaf the same amount of money. Maybe the Kings get Williams for cheaper, but it’s doubtful.

In short, and I try to keep this stuff short, is that it makes sense that the Kings would deny them options, but from a team standpoint it doesn’t make sense they would willingly just let 2 chips fall off the table so easily.

My understanding is the team maintains Bird rights on both players, and can go over the cap for one or both if there is some sort of breakout, which allows the Kings to hedge their bets.

Either way, these two should be hyper-motivated.

I understand that the options would be short term, and may not be considered a ton of money. I also know (from previous situations) that declining these options may end up being decisions we rue someday. That being said, picking up their options feels like it would be trying to maintain the status quo. And the status quo around here ain’t the ticket. This is a time when we’re on the rise, even if it is a slow rise. It’s a new direction, and I think Douby and Williams feel too much like the old.

because I don’t see either player getting an offer for more than their current salary on their next contract. 4 million is A LOT to pay for Sheldon Williams. Yes, the Warriors got Ronnie Turaif over the summer but that doesn’t make it a smart move, in fact, I think its a pretty stupid move.
  Also, if either one of these guys does have a good season and leaves for more money, we have 2 first round picks and a second next year, plus there are always guys playing in europe (bobby brown) who are ready to play for a lower salary. I just don’t see these end of the bench positions as something we need to pay 7 million dollars for.

based on the current roster. Neither of these guys are going to bank any real time. In short, neither player had earned an extension. The reasons why may vary (injuries, Theus’ head in proximity to his arse), but neither Douby or Williams merited next year’s money. I like both players and hope that they land in an environment where their talents will be better displayed. Perhaps that may even be here (especially for Williams) if the roster turns over a bit.

Sorry I had to…