A Young Team With an Aversion to Youth

by Ziller on Nov 5, 2009 12:16 PM PST in Commentary Comment 66 comments

The signing of Ime Udoka, like the signing of Desmond Mason before it, portends little for the Sacramento Kings. Udoka, like Mason, is an aging defensive roleplayer whose a bit of a drain on offense at a position where the Kings have plenty of talent. Udoka turned 32 years old last August, having only three seasons of real NBA experience. He served as Portland's starting small forward in the halycon Death to Z-Bo 2006-07, 32-win season. Udoka spent the last two seasons as a Bowen Memorial player off the bench in San Antonio. Portland brought him to camp this fall but cut him, and no one had been rumored to give him a serious nibble in the two weeks since.

Except Sacramento.

Before Udoka, the Kings could be considered deep at two positions: point guard (Tyreke Evans, Beno Udrih, Sergio Rodriguez) and small forward (Andres Nocioni, Omri Casspi, Desmond Mason, Donte Greene). The Kings have the youngest frontline (21-year-old Spencer Hawes and 23-year-old Jason Thompson) in the league, and one of those dudes led the entire NBA in fouls last season. Behind them, Sean May has proven to still be 15-20 pounds too heavy to be consistently effective, Kenny Thomas has proven to be too stonehanded to play more than spot duty, and Jon Brockman has rebounded his tail off but can't get consistent minutes. And all three of those dudes are undersized. At the two-guard, the Kings have literally no one but Kevin Martin (until Francisco Garcia returns sometime after the All-Star break, which is about 50 games away). Udrih, Evans and Casspi have all played at two-guard; it hasn't really worked out.

If the team is to sign a free agent right now, the player should do one of two things: fill a positional need (Udoka played the two forward positions exclusively last season, so he ain't a big or a two-guard) or add a real asset to the team's cupboard. A 32-year-old minimum-salary player no one else wanted is not an asset.

As I said back when I argued against the Mason signing, this team -- this young, building team -- needs to spend these roster spots, these minimum salary contracts on players with potential. The best-case scenario with Udoka is that he replaces Mason as the starter at small forward, allowing Nocioni to get back to his mixed-results PF/SF bench role, pushing Casspi back in the rotation and guaranteeing Greene's ticket to Reno. And at the end of the season, what has happened? You've put a used Band-Aid on a gushing wound, and the used Band-Aid a little closer to ruination.

That's the best-case scenario. What's the worst-case scenario if you sign a young big man or two-guard? Honestly? I mean, the team signed Bobby Brown (a young point guard prospect when the team was hurting at the position) last year, and the worst-case scenario came to fruition: the team had to trade him for expiring contracts. Brown had been absolutely awful ... and he was able to be traded despite a second year of guaranteed money. You don't have to guarantee a second season for these young cats. And they also happen to be a bit cheaper than your average Ime Udoka.

It's like Justin Williams getting caught in a threesome made Geoff Petrie and the front office scared of every D-League prospect in the country. It was a bad idea to sign an aging, without-promise Desmond Mason, and it's a bad idea to replace him with an aging, without-promise Ime Udoka. End the cycle!

***

When Mason is released -- and he will be -- it's going to be pretty sad to hear the send-off. I mean, what can the front office possibly say? "We didn't realize he was this bad, even though all data suggested he was really this bad." How do you justify signing a player for his leadership and defense ... and then signing his replacement five games into the season? It's absurd. Talent is the name of the game, and if Udoka has more talent than no less than two dozen D-League or European league players, call me Mary. Add in the age factor, and it's inconceivable as to why these decisions continue to be made. What's the plan here?

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Couldn't agree more.

I sort of wish we had taken a flyer on Rod Benson. Whatever. Perhaps a trade is brewing where we lose Nocioni so the Kings need another wing?

Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.

by Aykis16 on Nov 5, 2009 12:29 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I can find an argument against this though...

..we HAVE the young talent we’re trying to develop right now. Signing these less talented vets isn’t necessarily trying to COMPETE now, but rather give these youngsters an example of how to play in the NBA. They may not be as talented, but to call them ‘less’ professional is quite insulting for the guys the Kings have brought in. I’m not necessarily defending the signing(although I think Udoka is a MUCH better fit than Mason for his ability to hit the three ball), but showing why an organization attempting to build around young talent, may want some cheap vets on the squad.

Udoka’s been around and had his NBA career in jeopardy many times, so he knows what it takes to stay in the league and how to get it done.

I would have preferred another 7 footer on the roster(hopefully via trade – I’m looking at you Andres Nocioni), but Udoka is DEFINITELY a solid signing and may have been the best unsigned player without a contract.

by Smills91 on Nov 5, 2009 3:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thoughts

Holy crap, I did not realize that Udoka was 32. Silly me, I guess I assumed he was young since he hadn’t been in the league very long.

If the Justin Williams incident scared the team away from D-Leaguers, will Noc’s recent incident scare them away from veterans?

I do not envy the role of Geoff Petrie right now. He’s rebuilding the team, but there will still be a constant pressure to produce results. And to the average fan, results are measured in wins. For most teams, this is absolutely the correct way to judge a team. If you win, you are successful. You lose, you are not. But with a rebuilding team there are other ways to see results, such as the team’s recent strides in defense (opponent FG% notwithstanding). But when the team is trying to get a new arena, the pressure to produce traditional results (read: wins) can overtake the necessary need for patience. I still fail to see the rationale behind signing guys like Udoka and Mason. They hurt one form of progress without directly contributing to the more traditional measure of results.

Never forget: I am a complete idiot

by Exhibit G on Nov 5, 2009 12:30 PM PST reply actions 2 recs

Couldn't agree more

I had the same reaction, 32 years old! Wow, that really is contrary to a building and an up and coming team… Then again, if they brought in a veteran who could contribute wins… That ain’t so bad. We really need wins. Not sure that Udoka does that though… Reallly spot on analysis there.

There just has to be more brewing for this to make sense. I am hoping that GP doesn’t have a trade go sour for Noc. I mean what else could he be celebrating? Now a DUI could totally derail something like that.

by MustangMBS on Nov 5, 2009 12:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I had the same thought;

that the gap between Ziller’s assessment of the situation and Petrie’s assessment and actions is the pressure to produce wins. TZ, it seems, and many of us are happy to watch the kids run around and measure their success by effort and improvement with a mind toward long-term goals as opposed to actual wins this year, but it seems that the Organization is really hoping to exceed expectations for wins this year to get their momentum headed in the right direction. I also agree that the arena situation is influencing that mindset.

"Sometimes the capriciousness of youth anesthetizes common sense." -Let Geoff's words guide our patience this season.

by AnotherStupidSN on Nov 5, 2009 1:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting take, but I think a little misguided

This team has lots and lots of “maybes”, guys still finding their game in the league, we don’t need more marginal “maybes”, unless GP thinks they have real potential.

The advantage of veterans over “maybes” is they know they’re role, and you don’t have to waste any time on them you don’t want to. Guys like Mason and Udoka, they know the drill, they know they’re lucky to be in the league and will be good soldiers, if they’re good guys they might even help some of the younger players.

Look at the Mason/Casspi/Donte situation. Mason is taking the time Casspi and Donte don’t deserve. Some nights that could be 20 minutes, some nights its 5, based on how the young guys play. Now, of course, Mason is a bad example, because he hasn’t worked out to date, but that’s the theory.

If the person in Mason’s role was a D-Leaguer, what if they are good? Do you then give them minutes you would rather give to Casspi because the D-Leaguer is going good?

The other scenario is worse, when you put in Mason/Udoka, in theory at least you’re going to get competant NBA play. It will be bad, because they aren’t good players, but at least they are going to follow their assignments and do their job, even if they’re past their prime and do it badly. What about your D-Leaguer? Its tough to yank Casspi for blowing a defensive assignment, for example, and then have the D-Leaguer do it worse than he was.

We’re bringing in veterans, to fill out the minutes around the development of our young guys. There is some value to professionalism and consistency, even if its consistently bad. I think you guys are right, Udoka is here to replace Mason. I would like GP to find another big guy, either a veteran like Mason/Udoka or a young guy if GP thinks they have legit talent, but I don’t think GP sees anyone that would contribute.

Professional Hyperbole Slayer

by ForThree on Nov 5, 2009 12:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Eh?

There is some value to professionalism and consistency, even if its consistently bad.

Is the above kind of, or completely, contradictory? I keep trying to wrap my head around how playing bad players is good and I can feel a migraine coming on…

by MustangMBS on Nov 5, 2009 12:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

There’s a difference between doing a job badly, and not knowing how to do a job.

And badly in this context, isn’t a value judgement, its relative to your peers.

Professional Hyperbole Slayer

by ForThree on Nov 5, 2009 1:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Watch those first five games

and tell me Mason (doing a job badly) is any better than Greene (doesn’t know how to do a job) would have been.

by Ziller on Nov 5, 2009 2:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Let's hope PW starts thinking that way

I’d like to see Donte getting minutes at the 3/4.

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

by HighTops on Nov 5, 2009 2:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know if Donté should even step on the floor right now.

Mason is horrible offensively but he has played reasonable defense. Greene shoots about the same as Mason but brings very little defensive right now. If we are talking Mason v. Noc/Casspi then I’m with you but I don’t think Greene has the confidence to help this team at all in his present form.

No law when it comes to me.
I let you type critics write and I just keep it hood.
That will never change.
I am not kissing no ones ass because I'm in LA. Suck a cock.

-Ron Artest (e-mail exchange with Kyle Slavin)

by jjham15 on Nov 5, 2009 2:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

agree to disagree

I do think Greene would have done a worse job than Mason did.

Professional Hyperbole Slayer

by ForThree on Nov 5, 2009 2:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree completely

I think I’ve been viewed as saying that Mason is a great player. I’m not saying that at all. But I do think we have enough “potential” on this team. Until we decide that we have the starting five to take us to the playoffs, we need to play the young guys while filling in with known commodities. Why bring in a D-league player to back up a guy that is barely out of his rookie year himself? That said, I don’t know why we keep bringing in swing men. Are you telling me there are no vetran centers who can play 5-15 minutes a night when the young guys get in foul trouble or get injured?

"Shut up and Coach!"
Vfettke

by SavageBeast on Nov 5, 2009 2:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Mason is invisible on offense

, but Donte actually has the potential to make it worse. Mainly by taking bad shots early in the shot clock.

I thought Donte actually played well with Sergio on the court in preseason. I think Sergio set up the offense a little better and hit him in the right spots. I don’t see Beno and Evans doing that very well.

by markdog333 on Nov 6, 2009 6:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

There is some value to professionalism and consistency, even if its consistently bad

I’m still rolling that around in my head. But, I think I know what your saying.

Inexperienced D-leaguers and undrafted free agents normally can’t play D. PW was brought in to improve the D, and to develop the youth. Mason was the Defensive player that was suppost to cover up for a lack of D at the 2/3. But, his offense was just so bad that it didn’t make up for his defensive improvement.

So, Plan B. Omri’s showing more improvement than expected. And, Martin has to play 48mpg for us to win. So, in comes Udoka and out goes Mason. Udoka doesn’t take minutes away from any of the youth. He gives us another shooter and not lockdown defense but defense when Martin sits. And Martin gets 8 mpg to rest. If we go with a SG prospect with no D, by the time Martin returns we’re in a hole again.

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

by HighTops on Nov 5, 2009 1:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

An example

if the plan is, don’t let Brandon Roy beat you, and you put Mason on Roy, probably Mason is going to get beat off the dribble and Roy is going to score some, but when LeMarcus Aldridge has the ball in the post, Mason also probably isn’t leaving Roy to double team, because he knows the plan, and has been around the NBA enough to stick to it.

In that situation, the D-Leaguer could do anything, he could be the second coming of Shane Battier defensively and no one noticed before, or he could be staring at the cheerleaders, cause they don’t have girls like that for free in Reno; who knows?

When Westphal benches Omri though for making an error, a veteran probably isn’t going to make the same error, when a D-Leaguer is just as likely to, or do something dumber. None of that is going to keep Brandon Roy from doing his thing, because he’s just better than Mason though.

Professional Hyperbole Slayer

by ForThree on Nov 5, 2009 1:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Are you saying that either way we are just as equally screwed?

Cause that is how it is coming across. The thing is that if we are going to be screwed either way then we should go with the youth that needs those lesson that have the potential to guard these elite players just as well as a Udoka or Mason. That is building for the future.

by MustangMBS on Nov 5, 2009 1:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, we are screwed either way if you're looking at the win column

What I’m saying is, its easier for Casspi to learn if he watches Mason get into a proper defensive stance, fight through screens the right way, close out shooters, make good decisions on when to shoot, etc, even if Mason still gets beat off the dribble because he’s lost a step or misses 70% of his shots.

That’s better than another 22 year old on the roster who doesn’t know anything either, but might have upside, unless you really believe in the D-Leaguer.

Make no mistake, we’re going to suck either way. And with what I’m describing we are missing on a couple of D-Leaguer dice rolls, but our dice roll this year is Sean May (other than our drafted guys), and I don’t know how how many more guys you want on the team that have very little NBA experience.

Professional Hyperbole Slayer

by ForThree on Nov 5, 2009 1:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Well,

I think people learn best by doing something rather than watching. It really isn’t a choice about a D Leaguer when you had young talent on the bench. Talent that needs to develop and grow.

I don’t have a problem with Udoka as a backup SG over a D-Leaguer, but I think that Casspi could be a serviceable backup as he is pretty versatile. I would rather see him get more minutes.

by MustangMBS on Nov 5, 2009 2:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

So basically your argument is that you'd rather know what you're getting

Than have some unknown play whatever his style of defense, even if we know that what we’re getting is crap (or in Mason’s case, average)?

Perfectly reasonable argument, but I’d rather gamble and get the upside. If anything, we’d save money.

Defense can be taught. I think we need to start focusing our attention to the coaching staff’s dedication to teaching defense, specifically teaching the guys to communicate, switch, and adjust assignments. This won’t solve all the problems, but it’ll be a start.

by clicc916 on Nov 5, 2009 1:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Petrie is pretty simple, actually

Petrie has always been fascinated by:
*Unathletic jump shooters

Veterans
Swingmen

Udoka is 2 1/2 of those three things. Sean May is two of them. Desmon Mason is two of them. Signing Udoka doesn’t make any sense and everyone but the Kings front office knows it.

by Carl on Nov 5, 2009 1:44 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

That's just mean.

Sean May lost some weight in the offseason, so he’s down to like 1.5 of them at least.

by clicc916 on Nov 5, 2009 1:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Mason lasted 5 games, Udoka might last longer, but then maybe not.

Martin can’t play 48mpg forever. If Udoka can give him 8-10 mpg of rest, without digging the reserves into a hole, than he’ll finish out the year and be gone. If his offense & defense can’t help us hold a lead or stay close, then he’s gone as quickly as Mason.

Udoka isn’t going to take Mason’s minutes, he’s going to take Omri’s minutes at the 2. Noc is going to continue to start and Omri is going to get more minutes at the 3. So, as far as the youth development is concerned, this is a better deal than having Mason.

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

by HighTops on Nov 5, 2009 2:04 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Which makes me think Omri may get some time at the 2 instead.

Maybe this signing is an overreaction to NocDUI news?

There's nothing to fear but everything.

by elfboy_ on Nov 5, 2009 6:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Decision made long before Noc incident

It takes time to negote. Mason’s departure was probably decided even before they decided to try Udoka.

It may have more to do with Beno getting more minutes at point then Sergio, or Omri not performing as well at SG.

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

by HighTops on Nov 6, 2009 12:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Awesome TZ

This situation, AND the Yankees winning the WS, is all because the Panda was shafted from the All-Star Game by Charlie Manuel…

Vanquish the Foe, a BYU Cougars blog at SB Nation

by sroufe on Nov 5, 2009 2:04 PM PST reply actions 1 recs

Wow, for once I totally disagree with T- Zilly.

I see this season- all 5 games of it in this light:

1- Hard fought crazy overtime win.
2- Hard fought loses.
2- Horrible performances- 1 against a marginal team and 1 against a contender.

Of the 4 loses, 3 of these loses I fully write off as “Paul Westphal Fucked Us” loses. Starting May and Mason was a moronic idea from every aspect, you can’t convince me otherwise. Now, I’m willing to forgive the coach for trying something different but either way the first three games of the season go down as a coaching miscalculations leading directly to losses (which may or may not have been losses anyway).

Now, if I completely remove the first three games of the season- place them in the wasted 7.5 hours of my life file and just focus on games 4 and 5, the Kings are now a .500 team. Then I have to ask myself, if Ime Udoka was on the court guarding Joe Johnson, Rudy Gay & OJ Mayo during crucial Kevin Martin rest periods of the 2nd and 3rd quarter, would Martin have had the steam to finish the game stronger?

Who knows if the Kings could have beat Atlanta but what I do know is that the Kings have played solid, competitive ball over the last two games. So, forgiving the first three games, how bad are the they? Not a .500 team but certainly not a 70 loss team either. By adding a player like Udoka, Petrie is telling this fan that he believes that the team he has assembled might not be as bad as the first three games of the season suggested. Sure, this team is young but that doesn’t mean it has to be horrible and it doesn’t mean that this group of young players needs to go through a completely disheartening 15-20 win season.

A culture change is needed. Losing games because you don’t have basic bench players who fill roles is unacceptable. We know that Udoka plays solid defense and can shoot the three. We know the Kings need perimeter defense and three point shooters and that he was signed to a non-guaranteed 1 yr deal. I hope that Petrie goes out and finds another player like Udoka- whether a NBDL guy or a FA to fill minutes in the post- even if that guy is a 32 year old veteran.

No law when it comes to me.
I let you type critics write and I just keep it hood.
That will never change.
I am not kissing no ones ass because I'm in LA. Suck a cock.

-Ron Artest (e-mail exchange with Kyle Slavin)

by jjham15 on Nov 5, 2009 2:07 PM PST reply actions 5 recs

I agree with a lot of this

My problem is largely with Udoka’s position rather than his age or talent level. The Kings do NOT need another small forward. I would actually be happy if they signed a non-guaranteed middling veteran who plays decent defense at center. In other words, as bad as Calvin Booth is, I’d rather have him than Udoka.

by Carl on Nov 5, 2009 2:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm pretty sure the Kings are going to have Udoka play a lot of 2.

Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.

by Aykis16 on Nov 5, 2009 2:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I personally hope we're not falling into the SF Giants trap

Where Petrie (Sabean) signs the wrong kind of guys (vets, unathletic swingmen) and then Westphal (Bochy) plays them a lot because he presumes the GM knows what he’s doing.

by discocricket on Nov 5, 2009 2:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I miss Justin Williams

Dip til I rip

http://reclaimingthetitle.wordpress.com

by Muff209 on Nov 5, 2009 2:28 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

So do the ladies

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Nov 5, 2009 2:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Remember that 5 steal game against Yao?

Man cutting that guy was stupid, he could always work on his free throws, but he had an amazing feel for defense.

Hope

by Ultrakingsfan on Nov 5, 2009 3:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe, maybe not

I remember watching him at an open practice, and he could just not digest the concept of rotations and team defense. I mean, Kenny Thomas was getting it, but 3-Wil just couldn’t grasp the concept. I believe that this may be the same demon that is holding Donté Greene back right now. Great physical tools, but no ability to grasp the X’s and O’s.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Nov 5, 2009 3:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Physically gifted, but couldn’t tell where he belonged on the court at any given instance.

Victory is tasty.

by iashwash on Nov 5, 2009 4:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

me too

lets try and pick up sean williams from new jersey, althletic shot blocker who doesn’t even play, last year of contract too. DO it PETRIE!!!!

Greetings from Mexico

by El Scorcho on Nov 5, 2009 2:49 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I like this idea

He does have both some potential and als fits a need.

Now, NJ needs every healthy body they can get. I personally believe we’ll beat them out in the win column.

So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii

by lietothegirls on Nov 5, 2009 4:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I like Williams but.....

the dude is a nut with severe emotional issues.

No law when it comes to me.
I let you type critics write and I just keep it hood.
That will never change.
I am not kissing no ones ass because I'm in LA. Suck a cock.

-Ron Artest (e-mail exchange with Kyle Slavin)

by jjham15 on Nov 5, 2009 4:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I was at the game where he had 5 blocks against the Kings. His physical toolset is amazing. His emotional quagmire, however, leaves him where he’s at.

Victory is tasty.

by iashwash on Nov 5, 2009 4:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

A larger, less armed Delonte West

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Nov 5, 2009 4:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

except Delonte can ball out. Sean Williams may never put it together as a basketball player.

I love both of those guys btw, and root for them and hope they do well. But if I was a GM, would I put them on my team? Only as the 14th or 15th spot, hoping the gamble pays out.

Victory is tasty.

by iashwash on Nov 5, 2009 7:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Noc might be more palatable

He will make less money than Jackson will, and has a shorter contract.

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

by pookeyguru on Nov 5, 2009 7:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

This is in reply to your quote about S-Jax below IW

Sorry.

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

by pookeyguru on Nov 5, 2009 7:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Some Suggestions for YOUNG available players

PURELY suggestions since I have NO idea where these players are right now. They may not even be available but how about signing a young big that at least could MAYBE surprise us:

1. Nick Fazekas. 6’11" center/power forward from Nevada. Good shooter from deep, decent scorer (consistant 20 pt scorer) and was also one of the best rebounders (11.1) in the NCAA in 2007. Not sure where he is now.
2. Richard Hendrix. 6’9" power forward that had injury problems in his NBA stint so far. I believe he was released by Golden State last season. If he is healthy he could be a decent project signing. He was one of the best rebounders per 40 minutes in college (13.2) and if healthy could be interesting for a 12th man project.
3. Leo Lyons. 6’9" forward that would be my #1 if he was more of a power player. For some reason he did not get picked up this season by an NBA team even though he outperformed many drafted players at the VSL. This guy, as Jerry Reynolds likes to say, is just a basketball player. He can shoot, drive, rebound, pass and run the floor. In 23 minutes per game in college he put up 14.6 points (25.1/40 min.) and 6.1 rebounds (10.5/40 min) as well as an impressive 3.5 assists per 40 minutes.
4. Justin Williams. Just kidding.

There are some YOUNG players that could come in and maybe surprise and give the Kings something in the 4/5 slots. These are just a few

Kings rule! (They are royalty - right?)

by dalt99 on Nov 5, 2009 3:03 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Why not Justin Williams.

The Kings just need someone to steal 8-10 minutes a game. Williams rebounded and blocked shots at an incredible rate.

No law when it comes to me.
I let you type critics write and I just keep it hood.
That will never change.
I am not kissing no ones ass because I'm in LA. Suck a cock.

-Ron Artest (e-mail exchange with Kyle Slavin)

by jjham15 on Nov 5, 2009 4:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Hendrix is with Cran Granada right now

I’m not sure he’d leave to go to the NBA for unguaranteed money.

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

by pookeyguru on Nov 5, 2009 4:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Fazekas is in the French League right now (not sure and I'm not going to beat all ends of the earth to figure it out)

I’m not sure if he’s available or not, or if the Kings even want him, but I’m sure Calvin Booth is available.

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

by pookeyguru on Nov 5, 2009 4:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

Great research Pookey. I wasn’t sure where they were. Leo Lyons is stil out there I bet. Also, like Ziller says, there are some D-league players that could come in for a look. Signing an aging 6’5" small forward putting up stats that any D-leaguer could put up is not my idea of worthwhile.

Kings rule! (They are royalty - right?)

by dalt99 on Nov 5, 2009 4:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I kinda understand the signing of Udoka

The signing of Mason didn’t work to somebody’s satisfaction (maybe Paul Westphal’s even), and that is what it is.

Even then, to me it’s not worth getting worked up over or hoping the Kings could get Fazekas to be filler. The Kings have Thomas, May, Brockman at the 4/5 spots behind JT & Shawes. They probably won’t get a real upgrade until the draft. That’s the way it is in the NBA sometimes.

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

by pookeyguru on Nov 5, 2009 4:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed, but

With Fazekas or Lyons, there is a POSSIBILITY of a guy that could come in this year and fit in to the system and begin to meet the potential he showed in college.

With Udoka, what you see is what you get = Not much really.

Kings rule! (They are royalty - right?)

by dalt99 on Nov 5, 2009 4:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Well yes dalt

But, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the Kings might be able to pry Nazr Mohammed from the Bobcats for Nocioni or someone like that.

It kinda kills 2 birds with 1 stone. But, that’s just a guess.

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

by pookeyguru on Nov 5, 2009 6:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

but I think I read that they’re desperate for Stephen Jackson, funny enough, and Nazr is one of the many names connected in that deal.

Francisco Garcia… we miss you buddy. Get healthy.

Victory is tasty.

by iashwash on Nov 5, 2009 7:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Noc might be more palatable He will make less money than Jackson will, and has a shorter contract.

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

by pookeyguru on Nov 5, 2009 7:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

And is slightly less crazy

But more drunk.

Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.

by Aykis16 on Nov 5, 2009 8:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd rather have a drunk Noc

than Stephen Jackson sober.

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

by pookeyguru on Nov 5, 2009 8:54 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

one of the things that bothers me about Noce drinking is...

few of the NBA players drink. It messes with your metablolism and dehydrates you and these guys run about 10-12 miiles per game (the 35+ min guys anyways). it is one of the reason many, most smoke.

Unfortunately, that drug is a demotivator.

Any gritty drunk or a carefree stoner? Pick your poison.

by betweentheeyes on Nov 5, 2009 11:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs