(A great essay by darknight from the FanPosts. - TZ)

Thomas Carlyle once wrote, "In idleness there is a perpetual despair."  With as deep as this year's draft seems, with as many needs as the Kings currently have, and with recent history as the model, I am convinced this franchise cannot be idle come Thursday and the rest of the offseason.  These are my reasons for why Petrie & Co. can't settle to sit stagnant with their current roster and picks (12, 42 and 43):

This draft is as deep as any. Hibbert, a lottery-lock last year, could go as late as #25 to Houston.  Guys with moderate to super upside can be found in the 20-30 range (i.e. Douglas-Roberts, Anderson, Walker) and some could even fall into the second round (i.e. Batum, Ibaka, Hickson).  That is why teams like Portland and Seattle, both run by competent GM's in Pritchard and Presti, have acquired as many picks as possible in this draft in an effort to snag some of these guys or try to move up.  Petrie is no fool either based on his record.  I expect him to use those picks at 42 and 43 for some still unforseen purpose. (Hopefully another 1st rounder and/or packaged with a member of the infamous Hydra).

This team has needs.  We have no point guard.  Most likely Beno won't get as much money somewhere else, but there is still no guarantee he resigns. And even then, he's not the long-term answer.  I'm beating the proverbial horse, everyone knows what we need.

Several case scenarios suggest that moving up in the draft to attain not only need, but the best player available can be extremely rewarding.  In 2005 the Jazz dealt 3 picks to move up and select Deron Williams.  The guy was named to Team USA this week.  In 2006 Boston nabbed Rajon Rondo from the Suns at #21 for cash and a future pick.  Seems like I watched him in the Finals recently when he had a 6 steal, 8 assist, 7 rebound and 21 point game. 

Finally, I realize things could be worse.  It just seems like this draft is a tremendous opportunity for the Kings to improve their roster.  I will not despair if Petrie doesn't make any moves, but I will be disappointed if we head into next season with Thomas, Abdur-Rahim, Williams and Douby all still on the roster and competing for PT with a couple of guys we picked at 42 and 43 that more than likely have no chance of playing more than 10-12 minutes a night during their career. All that said, in Petrie we trust, he did find Peja and Martin and I'm confident he'll find a player again.  I just want him --or preferably "them"-- found on Thursday night.