Sacramento Kings NBA Draft 2009: What I'm Hearing
by Tom Ziller on Jun 19, 2009 3:43 PM PDT
in NBA Draft
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PrintInstead of pushing this stuff out in various comment threads, I figured I'd collect it in one post. Perhaps there will be enough grist for another edition next week.
* Tyreke Evans is back on Sunday precisely because he disappointed in his first visit. If Evans wants to be a King, he needs to blow the doors off on Sunday. I was there for Visit No. 1, and they opened up the last 15 minutes for viewing. You can't take a whole lot from that, but he didn't look like dynamite. Two of the matchups on Sunday -- Nick Calathes and Toney Douglas -- seem tailor-made to test Evans' physicality. I'm sure Evans' defense will be a nice test for Stephen Curry, as well.
* Plenty of teams are actually trying to get the No. 4 pick from Sacramento. This hurts to write, it pains me personally, but ... there's talk the No. 23 or 31 could also be up for sale. Sale, as in selling to the Rockets, Cavs or Spurs for $3 million, Phoenix style. It seems like the scenario would be that the team has two or three key guys they'd like to get at either pick. If they aren't available, the pick can be had for some cash or salary relief.
* The split Chad Ford reported is real in a sense, but perhaps overstated. Neither side has an interest in trading up for Ricky Rubio -- if he's there at No. 4, that's where the battle lines are drawn. The anti-Rubio segment believes the team can't afford to wait for the kid to develop, and that he further exacerbates the problem of a lack of toughness on the team. There's also a concern he might wilt so far from home, especially on a losing team. The pro-Rubio folks have varying reasons: excitement and charisma for some, incredible passing instincts and unbelievable on-court maturity for others.
* How much does the uncertainty about Geoff Petrie's future with the team weigh in on the Rubio battle? I'll let you decide. I do hear, though, that Petrie's above the fray on this one. I also get the sense that it's not just the basketball ops people involved, though the basketball ops people (which at this point is the front office, the scouting team led by Scotty Stirling, and Paul Westphal) are obviously central to the whole scenario.
* The Flynn interest is real, and there really hasn't been internal debate. In other words, if Rubio goes No. 2 or 3 or the anti-Rubio folks win Petrie's support, and if Evans doesn't dominate the practice facility on Sunday, Flynn will likely be the choice. Flynn doesn't seem to have any internal detractors (which is a bit surprising given that hardly any other team in the top nine is rumored to be interested). He must have been stunning during Pointguardpalooza #1.
* Jrue Holiday has no chance of going No. 4. Brandon Jennings is almost surely a no-go, too (and not because of his press conference). I haven't heard a damn thing from anyone about the interest level around Curry. I imagine he'll need to make a statement Sunday to join the club.
* The Kings are trying to set up a last-minute workout with Hasheem Thabeet. Sam Young comes in Monday (with other wings, one would assume), and Tuesday/Wednesday remain clear according to the team's public announcements.
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What worries me now...
Is that my perception is being tainted by the choices I made in an attempt to win a mytholgical t-shirt. I don’t know what the hell I want anymore.
Rocks are free, and slingshots easily stolen.
TZ
I do hear, though, that Petrie’s above the fray on this one.
Can you clarify this? I’m not quite sure what it means in the context of the Rubio discussions…
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
Petrie
isn’t necessarily on one side or the other. Ancillary members of the organization are the ones pushing and shoving about Rubio — both internally and apparently in Ford’s and Woj’s columns.
Do those people really matter?
I swear that if Colleen Maloof makes this pick I’m going to burn the Palms to the ground. I don’t care who Ford is talking to and for that matter, exactly how many people are left in the Kings organization to get information from? Cooper, Petrie, Petrie Jr, Jerry Reynolds, Sterling, Levien, the Brothers Maloof, SAR, Fat and a late entry from Westphal- I don’t see how SAR, Westphal or Fat have much imput and all the others have worked together (except Levien) for YEARS.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
by jjham15 on Jun 19, 2009 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Peaches has the tiebreaking vote.
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
Wouldn't it be freaky now
and really horribly unfortunate if the Palms burned down suddenly next week?
Lower their expectations and rise to met them
It's a bigger organization
than you think. And I’m not obviously not on a first name basis with Mama Maloof …
Thanks much for the clarification
And especially for the information you’ve given us here.
This makes me think that Petrie has someone else altogether in mind at the #4.
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
It's settled then
I haven’t heard a damn thing from anyone about the interest level around Curry
This must mean that Curry is the pick!
Nice summary TZ. I hadn’t heard the rumor about selling the 23rd pick. I too shudder at the thought.
Never forget: I am a complete idiot
Wouldn't be surprised
He’s the second coming of Mike Bibby, after all.
I'd like to tell you all I told you so (see my selections on the StR Draft Board)
but I have to wait until Thursday night. Steph Curry will be the pick.
Selling the #23 should surprise no one. If the Kings can’t get just what they want, and we have seen that the money is tight, they either gamble that Casspi, Klaver, Brown, or their half-Serbian cousins are worth $3M today, or waiting to see what pans out in Summer League/FA market. I would bet the favorite choice would be Nick Calathes as he will be in the Greek League for a year.
I am more inclined to think that the #31 will be somone they can also stash abroad. Jerebko/Beaubois anyone?
by betweentheeyes on Jun 19, 2009 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm 90% certain
that the Lakers take one of these 4 people with their first round pick : Calathes/Beaubois/Claver/Jerebko because it allows them to make a potentially good pick while having the player not on the cap for this year if they’re still in Europe.
Father of the "Natt this!" movement.
I really hope he isn't
"I'm too weird ta live but much too rare ta die"
by aKingisBored on Jun 20, 2009 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions
Flynn
No matter how good he was in his work-out, I hope Petrie doesn’t base his pick off just that work-out. The thought of drafting Flynn makes me cringe. We need a PG who can be a floor leader and pass the ball well, not a PG that’s drafted primarily for defense and nothing else.
Flynn as a defensive specialist?
You are describing both Holiday and Evans, Flynn played his college ball at Syracuse playing 100% zone defense. He is a major defensive project- see Green, Donté.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
Who is this Donté Green
you speak of? I know there’s a Donté Greene on the Kings, but I’m not familiar with anyone named Donté Green.
"I'm too weird ta live but much too rare ta die"
by aKingisBored on Jun 20, 2009 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions
everybody is a diacritic critic
accent grave puts one in a somber mood
accent aigu rhymes with eff you.
ok, what is the correct alt+ ### for each?
by betweentheeyes on Jun 20, 2009 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions
I think you have the wrong guy, Cloudy...
Flynn is a lightning quick, very fast 6 footer with average wingspan but who’s quite strong. He’s a true point, a good passer, and by all accounts is a floor general type who can read the court very well. He’s known for his one-on-one offensive skills and can break down defenders, attack the basket and dish or get to the line.
I don’t think he has much of a reputation as a defender at this point, but on offense he makes things happen.
I still would like to see Rubio here because he’s a great talent and would rekindle the Kings fan base in a huge way but if he’s off the board we could do a lot worse than Jonny Flynn.
"When the going gets Weird, the Weird turn professional."
(Hunter Thompson)
I think Petrie wants to make a pick he wouldn't have made in the past three or four drafts
17-65….. with six of his draft picks on the roster
Oopsy
There are four Kings draft picks on the roster – Martin, Garcia, Hawes and JT. K9(woof!), Nocioni and Greene came via trade, and Udrih was a free agent signing.
I agree that Petrie is looking for a player that will make an impact, as that is what you want/need to do with a #4 pick. As has been well chronicled here in the past, the four current draft picks that are on the roster are fair/good/great value when you consider where they were selected in relation to the depth of their particular draft.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
by section214 on Jun 20, 2009 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I hope we trade down, then, if Petrie decides he's the guy
I really don’t think Flynn would be picked in the top 5 or even top 8 if we weren’t there to pick him.
Good stuff.
Although it really seems bizarre to me how much emphasis they put on the workouts. I guess if it works it works, but you’d think one off performance by a player wouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
It's possible the sale of #23 is to pay for moving up to land Rubio.
Memphis shouldn’t be all that interested in another first round pick to go with their other two. By selling the pick, the Kings can use that money to pay for a #4 FOR #2 swap in order to keep costs down. Does this team really need 5 picks over two years on the roster at one time? The money could also be used to pay for a FA like Diogu.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
No
No moving up for Rubio, is what I’ve heard from multiple people.
by Tom Ziller on Jun 19, 2009 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
This is a stare down.
And Petrie never blinks. I trust that you have some good “ins” but no one but Petrie knows the whole plan in this situation and I can’t imagine that Levien has his eyes set on someone else with all the coincidences sounding he and the Rubio situation.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
yeah, if I was GP, I might spread a very credible story that we won't be moving up for that wus
Rubio, and by the way, he’ll crumble on your losing teams in Memphis, LA and OK, too
Life is every mammal's journey from very very wet to very very dry.
Jason Thompson
Is it true that Memphis wanted JT from the Kings to move to #2 pick? Memphis is definitely grasping for straws. I would take him as the #2 pick this year (behind Griffin of course), he was the steal of the draft last year. Thank god the Kings shut this down. Martin, Hawes, Garcia, & JT are the future core. We need a PG to build around them. Hopefully Rubio, I will settle for Flynn or Evans. Rubio would obviously be the best for the fans!
Take a look at last year’s 2nd round picks. These guys never even played. Chalmers is the only guy I have heard of. I am worried about selling the late 1st round pick and relying on the early 2nd round pick. http://www.nba.com/draft2008/board.html
nothing personal. but we are going to 'settle" for whoever Petrie picks
"We are in the business of kicking butt and business is very, very good." - Charles Barkley
I'm crushed
by the sell the draft picks remark. A building team selling draft picks? If thats true, then we’ve become a bottom feeder, saving every dime, hoping that luck gets us out of it.
If that’s the battle plan I fully expect last fan out will have to turn off the lights. Wow…please don’t let this be true.
by ElRonToro on Jun 19, 2009 3:58 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
It seems unlikely
That someone would spend $3M on the 23rd pick in a draft widely considered to be very weak. Add in the first year’s salary for the 23rd pick (~$1.1M last season), and you’re talking about someone spending about $4.1M on a late first round pick in a weak draft. Seems unlikely.
From the people who brought you Reggie Musselnatt.
by My Losing Season on Jun 20, 2009 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, I hope that is just smoke with no fire
Although you take Spencer, JT and add the #4 and whichever remaining pick they don’t sell – that’s a lot of youth they are trying to inject into a cohesive unit.
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
Right
So, couldn’t they take that “sale” money and put it toward signing a more experienced free agent? I guess I am just saying it doesn’t mean they are having a fire sale to stop the financial bleeding (even though they are…)
by OrangeLazarus on Jun 19, 2009 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Diogu?
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
hmmm...
Did anyone else get the feeling Diogu was pulling a page from the Jerome James final season in Seattle playbook?
by OrangeLazarus on Jun 19, 2009 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I could live with
trading the 23 for a vet…but for money, hell no. That philosophy will quickly have me rethinking any season ticket renewals…and this is season 21 for me. That is a screw the fans attitude. If Gavin and Joe are this poor, its time for them to sell.
by ElRonToro on Jun 19, 2009 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Dunno
These guys were wiling to break the piggybank when they had a team willing to win a championship. I’m not going to get too upset if they try to save a few when we are terrible.
This is an issue that many companies are dealing with right now – but I agree, it’s not great for fan morale.
Also, it’s easy to say “it’s time for them to sell”. If that happens, the team is probably gone. I’d rather they sell the pick than sell the team, to be honest.
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
Yes, that first sentence sucked
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
sensible, Otis
I am with you – selling the #23 pick is not so bad – especially in a “bad draft” and this team will be lottery bound for the next two seasons at least. Re-building will not happen all at once. Two rookies and then whomever is added as FAs will be plenty of new faces next season.
I look at this way – if selling the pick helps the team stay in Sacramento than let it happen and live with all of the #23-#30 picks never ending blather about them possibly becoming something other than meaningless bench players.
by betweentheeyes on Jun 19, 2009 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Can't stay in Sacramento making no money.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
I guess what I'm saying
if its part of a master plan to get better…then ok…but it doesn’t stop the fan frustration. Last years salary dumps I could see a positioning…when you sll the 23 when you suck,,that seems to be hell with the team we need to lose less money. I get it, its not my money, but AAAARRRRGGHHH ..its my money when I buy tickets.
Kevin Martin is by far our best player and he was selected at #26, three picks after #23.
Obviously draft classes differ, but if we sell the pick that’s really going to sting.
There now I've met the 75 word count. -pookeyguru
I totally see what you are saying
I tend to defend the Maloofs because I deal with the business side of a bad economy on a daily basis. Unfortunately, these types of decisions need to be made strictly a fiscal standpoint at times.
Selling this team to someone with deep pockets who’s looking for a playtoy to throw his money at might be the best decision. Then the Maloofs wouldn’t have to deal with the hassle of the Sacramento economy, the arena issue, etc. And the fans wouldn’t have to worry about a penny pinching ownership who may or may not be willing to spend the money necessary to get their squad back to the playoffs.
But it would also most likely mean the end of the “Sacramento Kings”…and that would blow.
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
Agreed
But if money puts you in a position to put a lesser team on the floor then, eventually, fans make business ( budget decisions too). I love the Maloofs, but I want them to the belief that to make money you have to spend money. Lets all keep our fingers crossed.
That's very true
The proof will be in the pudding this year. I think the Petrie/Levien/Westphal trio should be good enough at their jobs to improve this team and get it back in the right direction, even with some financial restrictions imposed by ownership.
Fact is, the Kings aren’t the only team doing this kind of thing…the field is fairly level in that regard.
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
Phoenix sold picks...
…that turned into Rajon Rondo and Rudy Fernandez. That didn’t come back to bit them in the ass at all.
Bottom line: rookie scale players are cheap and can in some cases develop into real solid pieces in the rebuilding process. Plus, with Petrie’s record of drafting, it would be foolish to sell the pick.
Lastly, we have to have, what, at least 12 or 13 players on our roster. Picking up veterans at the league minimum is going to cost you the same or more than a rookie picked at the end of the first round. It’s just a bad, bad long term business decision.
Ditto ElRon
Can you say Rudy Fernandez?
If they start selling picks, I’m not renewing AND I’m torching my 89-90 Kings team poster.
Los Reyes de Sacramento son brutales!
by ttylerbballcamper on Jun 19, 2009 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Trying to set up a Thabeet workout
They must think there’s a chance he’s going to be there at the #4 pick. Has Thabeet worked out for anyone yet?
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
Now THAT would be an interesting turn of events
The Kings trade up to the #2 but pick Thabeet instead of Rubio…oh the humanity!
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
I would seriously contemplate starting a Fire Geoff Petrie Petition
Kings rule! (They are royalty - right?)
I would ask TZ to pull his wizard cap over his face in protest
or at least wear it backwards…
by betweentheeyes on Jun 19, 2009 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Sell Picks?
Don’t they need to add 8 players to the roster, 4 at the minimum? Wouldn’t the player at the #23 pick come cheaper than free agency. Unless the plan is to call up the entire D-League.
by bignerd on Jun 19, 2009 4:03 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Cheaper if you don't factor in the 3 million.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
Bobby Brown and he wasn’t even good enough to take ANY minutes from Beno.
by Kevin Conroy on Jun 19, 2009 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Selling the #23 pays for three undrafted players of Dahntay Jones level free agents.
Well there’s a championship winning strategy if I’ve ever heard one.
You have to look at it as a 4 million dollar swing.
3 mill for selling it +1 million due to an unproven commodity @ #23 in a suspect draft. I want this team to stabilize financially as much as I want a winning product because I want to continue watching the Sacramento Kings- not the San Jose Kings. Remember that the Kings own the #31 which is at least equal to a late first round pick and maybe even more valuable due to the lack of guaranteed money involved. Add to this that the the Kings have Thompson, Donté and a very young Hawes along with 2 other picks. I’m usually all for trading for a second first rounder- the Kings did it last year with Donté (although they didn’t draft him) but this draft is just not that good.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
A Bad team needs draft picks.
Simple as that. The Kings are either going to get a new arena in Sacramento or they’re going to move. A couple million here or there isn’t going to change the outcome.
I'm not endorsing it
Just telling you where the justification would come from. As I said in the post, it makes me cry to think they’d pawn off a first-round draft pick to lessen the pain of the bottom line.
Probably just a 3 million dollar swing
Somebody has to be on the team and I think minimum is like around 800000
Understood
TZ – I wasn’t criticizing you at all. I appreciate your information and insight. My criticism was directed to the cynical, penny-penching Maloof in my head, and in real life, should such a tiny atrocity be committed on the fans of this team.
What I don't understand is why they would sell off the pick
When they could just as easily keep it and save money by having a cheap player, even at a wrong position as opposed to just outright selling it.
Selling the pick is a bad sign that they are too affected by the recent economic issue’s. A very bad sign.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
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.....
IMO the Kings have not been shy about pinching pennies
and scraping dimes.
Look at all of the economic cut backs with staffing, players trades, coaching promotions, coaching hires, assistant coaching hires. They have lowered ticket prices to attract more fans to help remedy the lowest attendance in the League. ARCO has too few corporate boxes. The NBA is loaning them bail out money.
Why would selling the #23 draft pick (Casspi, Budinger, Sam Young) for $3M and guaranteed money for 3 years seem so out of line? I think other teams have made this commitment to cut costs (even more publicly than the Kings, look at Phoenix) but we see the Kings stance as taller because we are closer to it.
We all except professional sports teams to open the faucet and let the cash flow freely. These are tough economic times and the Maloofs are severely enough effected that they are showing financial vulnerability, a big no-no to the fanbase, and they know it and have done it anyway.
I expect this next year to show a bit a of a scramble starting draft day, FA week and then all the way to the Feb trade deadline – Washington, Milwaukee (Jefferson, Redd, Seesions, Villanueva, Bogut – they are way over the cap – I can’t see it), New Jersey, Charlotte, the Clippers, the Warriors – mediocre teams with large financial commitments going nowhere. They have to want to dump salaries. The Kings are being a bit more pre-emptive and losing out on a #23 that they are not all that excited about is not the beginning of the end. If it is, the end already began and this is just a another nail in the coffin.
by betweentheeyes on Jun 20, 2009 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions
The NBA gave bail out money to the Magic too
I don’t think anything you said is remotely true. But, I got something about that very prospect coming up as well. I just haven’t figured out exactly how I want to write it yet.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
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.....
you could start off by saying
I don’t think anything you said is remotely true
You just said that to make me smile, right?
oh, and add Detroit to the list of clubs I expect to cut back big time on costs. Word on the street is that their corporate sponsorship is waning.
by betweentheeyes on Jun 20, 2009 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Wow
Corporate ownership is declining in Detroit where it’s been dominated by the automobile industry. The same automobile industry that is paring down and no longer being the presence it once was, and is actually trying to emulate Japan at the moment for their making of cars.
Ummm, in otherwords, no shit sherlock.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
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.....
gems of wisdom
I can’t help it, I overflow with them.
by betweentheeyes on Jun 20, 2009 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Ah
I knew it was something.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
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.....
dude, you can call me on bulls*** everytime and you would be right
It is why I sit down when I post, it keeps the overflow to a minimum.
by betweentheeyes on Jun 21, 2009 6:35 AM PDT up reply actions
I don't tolerate bullshit well bte
Sorry.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
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.....
No
It means I don’t tolerate bullshit.
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
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.....
That's good to hear...
about Holiday and Jennings. That restores some of my faith in the good sense of the front office.
TY LAWSON!
I am still very upset that they haven’t brought him in for a look. That’s a big shame.
Ugh. Well, I suppose Ty Lawson can’t do what Flynn can do.
Oh wait…
Kings rule! (They are royalty - right?)
Thabeet - Lawson - Casspi?
I think I can hear lttg breathing heavy.
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
I think
they are bringing Thabeet and Joseph Merrick for a workout to decide who is more impressionant to see yet more useless on the floor
"Even when I’m old and grey, I won’t be able to play it, but I’ll still love the game." — Michael Jordan
Go Kings!
You made me Google, you SOB
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
I'm spreadin culture lol
David Lynch made a good film abouth him…It should be “The Elephant Man”, I suggest it
"Even when I’m old and grey, I won’t be able to play it, but I’ll still love the game." — Michael Jordan
Go Kings!
Flynn?
Please tell me you’re kidding me? If Rubio’s gone and the choice is between Brandon Jennings and Jonny Flynn and they choose Flynn I’m going to cry. A lot.
www.mancancook.net
Jennings = Marbury 2.0
Flynn could be cp3-2.0
"It would be my honor to be your new stepfather."
by PhutureKings on Jun 19, 2009 7:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Marbury 2.0 how?
Is he Marbury-esque talent-wise or crazy-wise?
Because before the crazy really kicked in over the last couple years he was pretty talented
www.mancancook.net
Statistically talented but he didn't help his teams win.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
Someone on StR mentioned that Flynn had a lot of Bobby Jackson in him. I think that's the best comparison.
"El once, chico. Eleven."
I mentioned Bobby Jackson
But I think Flynn is a much better passer.
Father of the "Natt this!" movement.
The whole scenario suggests to me
that simply none of the PG’s have blown their socks off. There’s no reason to move up. There is reason to take a better look at Thabeet. It seems like maybe all of the guys (who would actually work out for them) looked OK, but no one really set himself apart, other than perhaps one guy (Flynn) who really shouldn’t otherwise be getting #4 attention.
Lower their expectations and rise to met them
Good reasoning
But still, Flynn? No Lawson? Still no Curry so maybe he will blow them away.
Kings rule! (They are royalty - right?)
Here's why Rubio will be the pick at #4...
…because if Rubio is there at 4 then somebody like Minnesota would give us Kevin Love and the #6 pick – and we can still take Flynn at the 6.
Life is every mammal's journey from very very wet to very very dry.
Please don't get my hopes up
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
one might argue that if Thabeet is at #4
that he too is trade bait. I see three scenarios:
1) Thabeet for #7 and Anthony Randolph
2) Thabeet for and K9 for the #16 and Luol Deng
3) Thabeet for #2 Rubio and Rudy Gay(this is the Memphis Grizzlies)
3a) Thabeet stays on the Kings and I poison myself with an endless loop of the Go-Go’s “We got the beat”
by betweentheeyes on Jun 19, 2009 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Wait
Thabeet for Rubio and Rudy Gay?
Why wouldn’t Memphis just take Thabeet at #2 if that was who they wanted.
Because its the Grizzlies
as he so deftly pointed out
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 19, 2009 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
That's actually really good.
Lower their expectations and rise to met them
Hope we don't sell any picks
Selling picks is not a good way to rebuild.
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
But niether is starting a 23 and under house party.
Youth is good, too much youth is not.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
So trade it
Package it and move up. Trade it for a future pick. Trade if for a player. Selling it for cash, does nothing to improve the team.
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 Jun 19, 2009 7:12 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
The team is an business
The business is a sinking ship and they can buy $3M worth of bail out. $3M isn’t nothing.
It is a harsh and unpleasant reality. On the Maloof side, they probably feel that they have spent heavily during the good times to make the team good, and now with things on the downside they hope the fans understand that a tightened belt is understandable.
Does this mean they should sell the team? I hope not. I don’t see any offers on the table, just offers to move. I am of the hope that with some judicious smarts the rebuilding may be slower but progress will come and as the economy rebounds so will the Kings. (Yes, the Kings need more rebounding)
by betweentheeyes on Jun 19, 2009 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Doesn't make it a good rebuilding move
I don’t care about the Maloof’s financial problems. I understand the justifications and the fear of losing the team, but that doesn’t make it a smart basketball move.
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 Jun 20, 2009 12:56 AM PDT up reply actions
at some point and I don't think it's this year but it could be
the Kings are going to trade some of the young pieces and our homer feelings could be hurt. I think the rationale for possibly selling the 23rd pick in the draft is that past say the 10th pick, there is very little differentiation in player’s skills and the FO may be thinking that the level of player they get with the 31st isn’t all that different from the 23rd. And while while we spend their money fairly freely, the Maloofs may be thinking “hey 3 million bucks is 3 million bucks”.
Kfan, we don’t know what 3 million dollars in this economy means to the organization. I agree that on it’s face it doesn’t seem to do much for the fans but it also may pay for my boy Ike Diogu or whoever for 2 years and at this point that may be more attractive to the organization.
TZ is reporting a rumor that may turn out to be a fact but we have heard nothing from the organization about what they are actually going to do. If they said that they are selling the pick because they can’t handle any more rookies at this point and are using the money to bring in a vet they wouldn’t ordinarily hired I wouldn’t have a problem with that. On the other hand if they say they are selling the pick because they need it to keep the organization afloat for the coming season that would give me pause.
"We are in the business of kicking butt and business is very, very good." - Charles Barkley
It could be as simple as they are saying
If #23 is crap and won’t ever contribute lets sell the spot …that thinking would be ok. I would still prefer to trade it though.
Could the $3M be used to pay for Rubio's buyout?
If they get Rubio at #4, sell #23 and put the $3M towards buying out his contract… that sounds ok to me and gets Rubio in town faster.
No
Teams can’t contribute that much. I think the rules state $500K, or maybe it’s $800K.
The draft lottery has reinforced my belief that there are not enough bad words in the English language.
by LeaguePassAddict on Jun 20, 2009 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Thanks...
Somewhere somebody once said “I wish there was a pill I could take to make me not care about my team”… I wish I had that pill. Think of all the chores I could get done, but I have the feeling my wife would still find something to nag me about.
I guess given what is available at the 23 rd pick
I’d probably rather resign Ike. Thus selling the pick is not so bad.
"It would be my honor to be your new stepfather."
I like Flynn
and think that he might even help the Kings more quickly with his true point skills,
but in a few years I worry that he will be another Nate Robinson while Evans will be a star impact player (not right away, by any means) but a guy with monstrous defensive/offensive potential. Can you imagine that wingspan harassing Lakers and guarding the inbound pass? Not to mention a sweet post game.
The big question in my mind is Rubio. I’m on the fence about him. Think he is a 4 year project but am willing to admit that he could surprise me. I like his fundamentals and IQ.
If the Maloofs have any brains at all they will stay OUT of this decision.. their track record sucks ass.
At any rate, After the shittiest year of Kings ball in the 14 years I’ve been going to see them and watching them on TV, I’m willing to renew my NBA league pass, stay up late on the East Coast, with either Rubio/Evans or Flynn at number 4. At least it will be interesting
Go Kings.
My issue with Evans and a few other of these "point guard" prospects....
I don’t think they are point guards. Evans and Holiday in particular look like combo or two guards to me and not long term fixes at the point. They might be good players but not at the position that the Kings have a need at. Adding a great physical athlete without a defined position is fine but not at #4.
I agree to an extent about Flynn, he really looks like a bigger Nate Robinson. His defensive liabilities really make me nervous with the current Kings make-up. Someone in this thread said CP3 2.0 but I really question that possibility.
I think Rubio- after the contract situation is resolved might be the lesser of all evils here. I don’t see a multi-year project, he should be starting by game 60 when the Kings are eliminated from the playoffs and getting 15-20 minutes a night before that. Remember, Rubio has been playing professional European basketball for a long time, even if his frame looks slight, he measures well and understands NBA fundamentals like the pick and roll that many college point guards need time to learn.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
Im sick of all these rumors
They’re all fun, but there is a new one every few hours. One minute, Grizz are gonna draft Rubio @ 2. Then i hear something about Kevin love being traded to us to move up if RR is still there at #4? Then something about us selling our picks? Come on now. Who does that?
AB: Jeff Francoeur
Pitching: Any pitcher in MLB
Runners: Escobar at 3rd, Chipper at 2nd, McCann at 1st.
Pitch 1: In play, out(s)
If they're thinking about selling a pick
Then to me that means there is either a potential star (in Petrie’s eyes) that could be available and if he’s not on the board they don’t want the pick, OR it could mean that they want to save money next season, draft a player who’ll do a season or two in Euroleague (Casspi or Calathes) and then sign or trade the player when the financial/roster situation improves.
I continue to be surprised that Flynn is in the mix at #4, I didn’t see anything that said “lottery talent” during the NCAA season. They must really like his toughness and he must be shooting the lights out right now.
Ricky's charisma, unselfishness and dedication
also makes everyone else in the team work harder on both ends, at least it’s been that way in Spain
Nobody expects a Spanish Acquisition!
Am I the only guy that is interested in Hasheem Thabeet?
No offense to Spencer Hawes but he is probably NOT the kind of center to anchor a defense that you need to win in the NBA. Look at the past champs they all had a strong and defensive minded or defensive imposing center.
1998-2003: Shaq and Duncan
2004: Wallace twins
2005 and 2007 Duncan
2006: Shaq and Mourning
2008: Garnett and Perkins
2009: Bynum, Gasol
The Kings are tissue paper thin up front and a sieve in the backcourt. Paul Westphal keeps talking about defense and rebounding. While the Sene comparisons are scary but Sene didn’t play for one of the best college coaches of all time in Jim Calhoun who has helped many of his players succeed in the NBA. I think if Thabeet turns out to be Okafor, the Kings will have done extremely well.
Call me crazy but I will be quite happy if the Kings pick up Thabeet with the 4th pick should he fall there. 7’2" or 7’3" whatever but Thabeet is intriguing.
BOOK IT!
The only guy?
You’ve been here long enough to know better!
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
Honestly
I hardly keep track who says what. Still it seemed like the overall opinion is that Thabeet = definite bust.
BOOK IT!
heh
I was referring to LTTG, the original Thabeet cheerleader.
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
And coiner of the now comm (and commonly mocked)
ThaBEEEEEET.
The draft lottery has reinforced my belief that there are not enough bad words in the English language.
by LeaguePassAddict on Jun 20, 2009 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions
TROLLLLLLLLbeet!
Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....
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.....
I wouldn't call
Bynum and Gasol defensive minded or defensive imposing center, not at all. Gasol only defended a bit during the finals, because you can’t refuse to defend at all (like he did in previous appearance – look for example the Utah series) on the finals.
"Even when I’m old and grey, I won’t be able to play it, but I’ll still love the game." — Michael Jordan
Go Kings!
Yes, U R
I love your history lesson. However, u did miss one point. Those centers combined would average 25+ points a game. Thabeet + Hawes aren’t going to get you anywhere near there. As for Thabeet’s defense, it is only good on team help. Remember he got rocked TWICE by Blair which showd his man on man defense wasn’t that tough. Lastly, look at Thabeet’s rebound numbers. They weren’t that great for someone who was nearly a foot (when you include wing span) taller than anyone else on the court. Remember in drafts, height is NOT better than talent (See who was picked over Michael Jordan….).
Wow
First of all Hawes averaged 13 PPG as a starter last season (33 min/game). If you believe he can at least get up to 15 PPG in his career then your statement about Hawes/Thabeet combining for 25 or more PPG is invalid because Thabeet could average 10 PPG on nothing other than hustle putbacks, alley oops, and 50% free throw shooting.
Second, the reason he got rocked by Blair is because Blair is half a foot-shorter but still has a ton of weight. So Blair had much more leverage against Thabeet. In the NBA Thabeet will actually be going against guys that can almost look him in the eye and our PF would handle a guy like Blair. That’s not to say Thabeet doesn’t have his flaws, because he does and that is one of them. But everyone in this draft has noticeable flaws and I’d like to think Thabeet could shore that one up with an extra ~10 lbs of leg muscle.
Lastly, there is not Michael Jordan level talent in this draft period, let alone at our pick. So the Sam Bowie comparison is not really legit.
I think I pulled my swagger muscle...
truly?
In the NBA Thabeet will actually be going against guys that can almost look him in the eye and our PF would handle a guy like Blair.
O’Neal, Shaquille.
Howard, Dwight.
Perkins, Kendrick.
Davis, Glen.
These are the first four examples I can give you. In the NBA Thabeet is going to be pushed from a part to another of the paint without understanding how it’s happening.
"Even when I’m old and grey, I won’t be able to play it, but I’ll still love the game." — Michael Jordan
Go Kings!
by Panzerfaust on Jun 21, 2009 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions
No you are not
In a draft littered with busts and mediocrity I’m almost more inclined to go for the home run. If people stop and think that he has only been playing organized basketball for around 4 years, then they might be a little more impressed with his progress. With his frame and athleticism, the chances of him becoming serviceable at the very least is good. The great thing about Thabeet is he doesn’t need the ball to be an effective player. The Kings’ biggest needs are a true PG and a defensive Big (PF/C). Thabeet solves the latter and considering this is a PG heavy draft, the Kings can find a serviceable PG later in the draft without dropping off too much talent-wise.
A Hawes/Thompson/Thabeet frontcourt would be the perfect balance of inside scoring, outside scoring, rebounding and shotblocking. They would form a tremendously imposing frontline and would be relatively young and cheap. Thabeet is obviously a bit of a project, so he won’t improve the Kings tremendously in the short-term, but his upside is as enormous as he is. If we can manage to grab one more top-10 draft pick next year and turn it into the PG of our future (Mr. Wall please), then we are pretty stacked to get back into competition mode.
I think I pulled my swagger muscle...
This
If people stop and think that he has only been playing organized basketball for around 4 years,
Sounds like the kind of logic used to justify drafting Michael Olowokandi.
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
That is largely irrelevant to the overall point. And you’re making it sound like I think Thabeet will be an all star. I don’t. I just think he will be more valuable to our team as a 10/9/3 kinda guy while playing 25 min/game versus an average PG. As a roleplaying Big, Thabeet would fill the gaps that Hawes and Thompson cannot and he won’t demand the ball in any situation.
I think I pulled my swagger muscle...
I see what you are saying
I’m just not sure take a defensive specialist with such a high pick. I know we all worry about the lack of a defensive presence in the paint, but you can correct some of this team’s defensive deficiencies by adding a perimeter guy that can stop penetration. And a better team defensive concept wouldn’t hurt either.
Fact is, this team’s offense is a problem as well. By correcting a defensive deficiency, you may be further damaging an already subpar offense.
I’d rather go the route of taking a player like Evans than a lesser one-dimensional player (even if that one dimension is above average).
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
People compare Thabeet to Sene? Really? That’s crazy. Sene basically got drafted off a good performance at the Nike Hoop Summit game and by measuring out to have insanely long limbs. It certainly wasn’t off his game performance over in Europe since he hardly played. Thabeet was co big east player of the year this season. He is a far more substantial and tested prospect.
I think what get’s overlooked amid his awkwardness in the post and his late basketball background is his shown aptitude for the game. He came in immediately to major division 1 college basketball and averaged 3.8 blocks in 24 minutes. That’s a lot of natural ability. And then the next two seasons he continued to block a ton of shots but he got better at not fouling. He’s really advanced in his ability to avoid contact in the air and block shots.
He also made improvements in his free throw shooting, going from 51 to 69 to 62. I think that says a lot about his ability, work ethic, talent because a lot of big men never improve their free throw shooting. He, with his raw basketball background, was able to do that very quickly.
I don’t think he’ll ever be a franchise center based on the way he runs. That may sound ludicrous but aside from Yao, franchise bigs run naturally and athletically and Thabeet doesn’t do that. I think that speaks to limited potential of his footwork. But even so, I think he’s going to be at least a defensive force and I think based on his track record, he’s capable of developing more offensively.
Shot blocking...
can only get you so far. Shawn Bradley was actually one of the best shot blockers of his time.
Trading Down????
- Plenty of teams are actually trying to get the No. 4 pick from Sacramento. This hurts to write, it pains me personally, but … there’s talk the No. 23 or 31 could also be up for sale. Sale, as in selling to the Rockets, Cavs or Spurs for $3 million, Phoenix style. It seems like the scenario would be that the team has two or three key guys they’d like to get at either pick. If they aren’t available, the pick can be had for some cash or salary relief.
Kind of curious who is trying to get the #4 pick from us. Personally, I think Flynn is the Kings guy. He reminds me of Tony Parker when he first came into the league. Quick, passer without much of an outside shot. However, I think #4 is too high to take him so trading down for him and saving a couple of million dollars makes sense.
I know that NY is looking at Curry (and maybe even Rubio if he is still on the board), but is #8 too far down to take him and still get Flynn? Can NY put the right package together since they don’t have anyone on their roster I would want back? Are they willing to go #4 for #8 + 2010 first round pick unprotected (since they are most likely going to be in the lottery again next year)?
I don't think there is any chance the Knicks would go for that
Isaiah isn’t there anymore.
I understand....
yea, but if one thinks about it, NY might be willing to still trade the pick because they won’t have to pay guarenteed lottery money for a player when they are going to be deeeeeep into the 2010 FA market. Would u rather spend millions on a lottery pick/bust or on the chance of getting Lebron, DWade, etc.???? But I do agree that the likelihood of this happening is practically nil. But the trading down out of #4 does make since if the Kings have decided on Flynn as the pick
All the Kings draft picks
Here is what I would like to see the Kings do
At #4, Trade down a few spots and then pick up Flynn. Hopefully, pick up a future 1st round pick (in hopefully a better draft year). I really think they can do it because there has been a number of teams looking at acquire the #5 pick and getting ahead of your competition is always best..
At #23, I know everyone is talking about selling the pick, but I think that drafting a SG/SF would be nice here. Obviously, whoever is picked is going to be a bench player, but a Sam Young at SF or the shooting of Budinger backing up Martin wouldn’t be bad. I would rather acquire talent and then package them into deals for better players down the road, kind of like what Portland has been doing.
In the second round, look at one of the remaining big men like Josh Heytvelt or the guy from ASU. Josh Heytvelt has been compared to Scott Pollard and any team can use a hustle/rebounder type to “toughen” up their squads.
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