With Brad gone where will our next Center come from?

by HighTops on Aug 31, 2008 9:06 PM PDT

Languishing in this wasteland of summer, I browsed through recent posts to get my fix of anything Kings. Some of the most repeated themes, seem to revolve around trading Brad Miller. But, other than the repeated suggestion of trading him to Chicago for Noah, few involve trading for a replacement center.

So, the question that I put up for discussion is "Where will Brad's replacement come from and who might it be?

Will he part of the Miller trade? Will he be a FA? Draft pick in 09 or 10? A separate trade other than the one envolving Miller? And if so, who do we give up? (Cisco, others, Draft choices) Should he be a backup or starter? Should he be a rookie, journeyman or vet? Or, do we try to move JT or Williams to the 5?

Of course this is a extremely subjective topic, so please be generous in your praise and kind in you criticism.

(This is a FanPost from a member of the Sactown Royalty community. The views expressed come from the member, and not Sactown Royalty staff.)

0 recs | Comment 39 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Actually...

We have this guy on our team named Spencer who’s probably up to the job

Kevin Martin, line 1 holding for you. Your destiny is calling. - Section214

by vfettke on Aug 31, 2008 10:18 PM PDT 0 recs

I'm not sure about the 'probably' part...

but we should find out a bit more about that this season. While I hope Spencer is eventually up to it, he’s still got a lot to prove.

by cabz on Sep 2, 2008 12:20 AM PDT up 0 recs

Actually

I’ve heard of him, but do you think he’s ready to play 48 minutes a game for 82 games?

"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom

by HighTops on Sep 1, 2008 1:01 AM PDT 0 recs

There's a center out there

that plays 48 minutes a night for 82 games? Name please, and let’s go get him.

I think that Hawes will be ready for 30 minutes a night after this season, which is 5 minutes night less than waht Brad played last year. That leaves 18 minutes, a few of which will get eaten up whenever the Kings go “small.”

So they need another center. And for all the Ricky Rubio talk, I’m really interested in watching Hasheem Thabeet out of Connecticut this year. He is a 7’3" shot blocking machine. He was still raw offensively last year, but he runs the floor well and he is a defensive presence.

There is no doubt that the KIngs will need to add probably two centers to the roster once Miller is gone. And at this very moment, Hawes still needs to prove that he can be the #1 guy (as would be expected of almost any 20 year old, 2nd year center). Hawes does not make Miller expendable…yet.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Sep 1, 2008 9:43 AM PDT up 0 recs

Very true

But I definitely see Spencer as being ready in a couple years. He’s still young and raw but he possesses all the skills needed to get better and I don’t really see him not being our #1 Center.

Kevin Martin, line 1 holding for you. Your destiny is calling. - Section214

by vfettke on Sep 2, 2008 7:27 PM PDT up 0 recs

Agreed

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Sep 2, 2008 7:43 PM PDT up 0 recs

Stop hating on Wilt Section

That’s all im going to say about a center who played 48 mins over an 82 game schedule.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on

by pookeyguru on Sep 4, 2008 2:13 PM PDT up 0 recs

...and still had time for the ladies!

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Sep 4, 2008 5:30 PM PDT up 0 recs

I don't believe

they would be considered ladies…..

Let's go home.-Kevin Martin

by LeaguePassAddict on Sep 4, 2008 6:32 PM PDT up 0 recs

... of the evening.

Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott

by Kfan in Korea on Sep 4, 2008 6:35 PM PDT up 0 recs

Speak for yourself

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on

by pookeyguru on Sep 8, 2008 6:48 PM PDT up 0 recs

I couldn't agree more

Thabeet and the other top prospects at the 4 & 5 in next years draft all seem to have potential. But, they all seem to be freshman or sophomores, so which ones do you think could move into the backup role behind Hawes and play 15 minutes?

I know a lot of people here don’t think highly about our PG future with Beno & Brown and are probably turning red just because were talking about drafting big. So, if drafting a big is not going to fill an immediate need, do we go after some 4th or 5th year guy like Zaza Pachulic or Indiana’s David Harrison. Or, do we still go for a big that’s going to be a project, plus pick up an experienced backup to fill in for the time being. Like the Clippers did with Skinner, and sign him for league minimum for 1 year.

"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom

by HighTops on Sep 1, 2008 1:36 PM PDT 0 recs

I think Thabeet is a junior

But beyond that, if/when you deal MIller, either an expiring backup center comes along as a piece of the deal, or you go find a guy to give you some minutes during the transition. You wouldn’t spend a lot of money there, just enough to bring in a guy that can bang and give you some minutes.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Sep 1, 2008 2:40 PM PDT up 0 recs

Shelden Williams = Brian Skinner

As a Kings fan who hasn’t seen such a thing in many moons, I savor the idea of having a dominant defensive presence in the paint like Thabeet. But wouldn’t it be nearly impossible to play him together with Shawes, since they’re both so slow? I know that Thabeet can run the floor in transition better than expected for a guy who’s 7’3", but like Shawes, I don’t see the kind of lateral quickness needed to jump out and defend a guard on the pick and roll, or defend an athletic big man facing up (say, Amare Stoudemire).

I’m fully into rebuilding mode, but like nearly everybody else here, I think Spencer has a long way to before he’ll be ready to step into an everyday, starting role.

by furious.d on Sep 2, 2008 11:20 AM PDT up 0 recs

Thabeet & Hawes share the center position

No one suggested they play together. We were discussing replacements for Miller.

You are correct in pointing out that 7+ foot centers aren’t known for their lateral quickness. So, if you want your center to move to stop the ball and take charges, he wouldn’t be a great choice.

On the other hand, there are centers like Mutombo who let you go by and then stuff the ball back into your face. And, Mutombo may still play this year and he’e in his forties. That’s a solid return if Thabeet can play like that.

Like the Redeem team did, the great teams pressure the ball handlers into making mistakes and then control the boards to eliminate second chance points. And, as you pointed out someone like Amare can do that & excell on offense.

"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom

by HighTops on Sep 2, 2008 1:23 PM PDT up 0 recs

Slow your roll, homeskillet

I’d say we should probably avoid using Mutombo as the guage for potential return on a shot-blocking big man. Mutombo’s longevity is the exception, not the rule, with big guys. Not only is he easily one of the top shot-blockers and big defenders of all time, but this comparison also falls short in that Denver (the team who drafted Mutombo) did not get 17 years worth of return from him.

Never forget: I am a complete idiot

by Exhibit G on Sep 2, 2008 3:50 PM PDT up 0 recs

Point well taken

I never intended to imply that I was able to project the future potential of any draft choice. My only intent was in suggesting an alternate type of defense in the paint. I also was trying (but not very well it seems) to point out that his style was effective over a long period of time.

"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom

by HighTops on Sep 2, 2008 10:43 PM PDT up 0 recs

I understand that you were pointing out that Mutombo’s style was effective over a long period of time, and I agree with that point. My point is just that Mutombo is one of the greatest defensive big men to ever play. It’d be like if we compared the impact of drafting a talented 2-guard like O.J. Mayo to what draftng Jordan did to turnaround the Bulls. Probably not an apt comparison.

Never forget: I am a complete idiot

by Exhibit G on Sep 3, 2008 12:10 PM PDT up 0 recs

Funny you should mention the Bulls & Jordan

I lived in Chicago during the 80’s and early 90’s, and had season tickets. The three years before they drafted him, the Bulls didn’t make the playoffs. Then the next three year they got knocked out in the first round.

Then in 87 they made 3 acquisitions Pippen, Grant & a coach named Phil Jackson. Over the next three years they lost in the Semi’s once and Finals twice. It wasn’t until 90 when Jackson became head coach and Grant & Pippen broke into the starting lineup that they won the Championship.

Although Jordan lead the league in scoring for the 5th year in a row and was named MVP of the League and the Playoffs, without those 3 acquisitions in 87 the Bull might still be trying to win their 1st Championship. Who were the center? Bill Cartwrght & Wil Purdue, two names with only 1 allstar appearance between them.

Purdue was drafted #11 in the 88 draft and Cartwright was picked up as a FA in 88. Both had long but unspectacular careers. My point of all this, is that maybe you don’t need stars at every position to win a Championship. And, you certainly don’t need multiple stars at the same position.

"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom

by HighTops on Sep 3, 2008 11:35 PM PDT up 0 recs

Inverse is also true

…without those 3 acquisitions in 87 the Bull might still be trying to win their 1st Championship

While I agree with this statement, the inverse is also just as true (if not more so). Without that one really really big acquisition (the greatest player ever?) they would also likely still be looking for that first championship.

…maybe you don’t need stars at every position to win a Championship.

I agree, but it sure helps when you have at least one SUPER-star on your roster to balance that out.

by smgmatt on Sep 4, 2008 7:01 AM PDT up 0 recs

Phil Jackson became head coach in 89 btw

And the Bulls made the playoffs in the 80-81 season under Jerry Sloan. (Yes, he did coach in Chicago.)

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on

by pookeyguru on Sep 4, 2008 2:16 PM PDT up 0 recs

Players who play the same position often play together

And NBA teams don’t generally use lottery picks (as Shawes was and Thabeet projects to be) with the intention of developing them into backups. I am suggesting that the next big man that the Kings go after – with the intention of retaining – be someone that can be paired with both Thompson and Hawes in different situations.

I think that your initial point was that the Kings can’t get rid of Brad without replacing him immediately, which I agree with wholeheartedly. I also agree that Thabeet will be an elite defender in the NBA. I just don’t think he’s right for the team, assuming that we see Hawes as a big part of our future.

What if, instead, we drafted a young, energetic, athletic PF/C with quick enough feet to stay in front of guys, a strong enough body not to be a doormat in the post, and a solid post game? I know guys like that don’t grow on trees, but if we found him we could have a rotation of big men (Hawes, Thompson and Player X) who could each play with one another.

Otherwise, we might as well go out and sign Dikembe Mutombo for the veterans’ minimum, and save that first round pick for someone who complements our future core.

by furious.d on Sep 2, 2008 8:25 PM PDT up 0 recs

As was the case when Reggie played Miller & Hawes together

Your suggestion of a PF/C with quick feet, is similar to the suggestion of Kfan wear he said the front court could consist of JT, Greene’ & Garcia.

One question, within the kings offense, how difficult would it be for rookies to learn two positions. 4&5 for JT and 3&4 for Greene’

Or, do you have a FA or Draft pick in mind?

"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom

by HighTops on Sep 2, 2008 11:01 PM PDT up 0 recs

Spencer

Spencer Hawes if he can continue his improvement, develop a low post game and be more consistent.

Summer league was rough for him but it’s summer league and I’m looking forward Spencer getting into shape and playing well. The Kings need Spencer because his development is going to be key the next couple of years.

BOOK IT!

by kingme18 on Sep 1, 2008 5:30 PM PDT 0 recs

Hawes just turned 20

It’s way too early to draw any conclusions regarding his future worth. This time next year will still be way to early. Also we have a new 6-11 rookie, who according to him is still growing. Should Spencer not pan out, there is a good chance a front court of JT, Greene and Garcia could work as well.

It’s just too early to have this discussion. Brad’s still on the team, we have a couple of young possibilities, and we have 3 1st round picks over the next two years. We have plenty of options, and little solid information to base this discussion on.

Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott

by Kfan in Korea on Sep 1, 2008 6:01 PM PDT 0 recs

Politely disagree

While it’s way too early to trade Brad, it’s never too early to talk about the continued rebuilding of this team.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Sep 1, 2008 8:37 PM PDT up 0 recs

It's never too early to talk

Talking isn’t going to change anything other than our own expectations. For instance, I had never considered moving JT to center & Greene’ to the 4. But, now that you mention it, Greene’ is 6’ll" 225 and still growing. So, if he can put on a few pounds of muscle, he might make a good 4.

I’m sure there are others, who have different views that I’d be interested in hearing.

"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom

by HighTops on Sep 1, 2008 9:30 PM PDT up 0 recs

Well

I don’t know if it’s way too early to trade Brad. I’d be for trading him now if a good offer came along.

But I do think it’s way too early to write Hawes off as a bust, and framing a discussion about the future of the 5 position with no mention of our “center of the future” seems to be doing just that. I was just saying that IMO it’s way too early to be having the “What should we do now that Hawes is a bust?” conversation.

Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott

by Kfan in Korea on Sep 2, 2008 1:47 PM PDT up 0 recs

I didn't see anyone calling Hawes a bust

How many NBA teams have one NBA center? Hawes could become the next Wilt Chamberlain (sexual exploits notwithstanding), and the Kings will still need another center or two on the roster.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Sep 2, 2008 3:17 PM PDT up 0 recs

I guess I missed

where he was talking about backup center. There is no mention of Hawes anywhere in the original post. That says to me that the poster believes he will be a non-factor ie a bust. Maybe I just completely misread the post. If so then disregard everything I wrote.

Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott

by Kfan in Korea on Sep 2, 2008 3:48 PM PDT up 0 recs

Give him time Section

He might get to 10000 by the time he’s 80. Hugh Hefner has.

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on

by pookeyguru on Sep 4, 2008 2:18 PM PDT up 0 recs

I can see were you might think that.

In starting the post I only wanted to question those who wished to trade Brad this year, as to where his replacement would be coming from.

I purposely left the question of who would start open for discussion, to allow a more free flow of ideas. Although, in a later post, I did unintentionally say a backup to Hawes. And, I questioned weather a player past his rookie contract or a vet would be the best course of action.

"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom

by HighTops on Sep 2, 2008 10:32 PM PDT 0 recs

You need to use the reply button

So we know what you’re responding to.

Let's go home.-Kevin Martin

by LeaguePassAddict on Sep 3, 2008 6:32 AM PDT up 0 recs

Sorry

Too anxious to explain myself.

"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom

by HighTops on Sep 3, 2008 11:43 PM PDT up 0 recs

How about Sheldon at center

He’s listed as PF/C. Made the paint his home at Duke. I know he’s only listed as 6’9" but he has a arm span of 88" or that of someone 7’4". He may be the strongest guy on the team.

I was reminded of a game between the Lakers & Kings, when Adelman had CWebb guard Shaq. Pre CWebb injury of coarse. I remember Shaq trying to back down CWebb but Webb was too strong. Shaq had to keep reposting, but couldn’t always get to where he wanted. Eventually, he put up some bad shots, & Webb was in postion to rebound.

And, you know what Jerry Reyolds says, “you don’t rebound with you head”.

"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom

by HighTops on Sep 3, 2008 11:58 PM PDT 0 recs

"You don't rebound with your head"

Too bad. With Shelden’s melon he’d lead the league in rebounding. The forehead alone would grab 6 per game.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Sep 4, 2008 7:33 AM PDT up 0 recs

You make me laugh

How can you be so cruel? But i’m laughing as I type this

"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom

by HighTops on Sep 4, 2008 10:35 AM PDT up 0 recs

Ask yourself this

Would Shelden ever bother to give a shit what some guy on some blog thinks of him? (Especially when Shelden is dating a good looking young woman, makes several millions of year playing a game, and has the luxury of calling one of the more prestigious universities home. I doubt Shelden could ever care what people say about his forehead. Or at least I would hope he wouldn’t.)

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on

by pookeyguru on Sep 4, 2008 2:20 PM PDT up 0 recs