What do we have, and what do we need?

by Robby1987 on Feb 25, 2011 6:13 PM PST

All this negativity surrounding our Kings moving to Anaheim has got me down. So for a change of pace, lets look at the prospects on our team and see what our future needs to be successful here in SACRAMENTO.

Donte Greene: A few years ago we considered Donte Greene to be a developing player to consider as a potential starter and maybe more. At this point, its fairly safe to say Donte will probably not be a part of our future team. Hes had a turbulent year and unfortunately he hasnt stepped up in his giving oppurtunities.

Omri Casspi: I consider Omri to continue his growth as a player. Hes a scrappy, never give up, kind of player. Those type of people are a rare commodity in its own. Consider Omri as a starter in our future plans.

Demarcus Cousins: Franchise Player, next.

Tyreke: See Demarcus Cousins.

Beno Udrih: Definitely a 6th man. No way he should be starting as I believe PG is our teams weakness at this point. I truly like Beno as a player. Hes fun to watch, just his defense is lacking and it really hurts our ability to win games.

Jason Thompson: This ones tricky, at one point alot of us Kings fans were so high on Thompson that we would double take on the possibility of trading Thompson for Chris Bosh among others. Now its a pretty safe assumption that Thompson is a fringe starter and a good rotational big man. Nothing great but good enough to crack his way into a rotation for solid mins. A role player if you will.

Sammy D: Defensive presence on the inside. Another great rotational big man, hopefully we sign him for at least 3 years to bring defensive energy when needed. Off the bench or as a starter. Who knows but for sure we could use him while we attempt to develop Hassan Whiteside.

Francisco Garcia: He has been under rated I feel. Hes injured ALOT, we all know that. However, team leaders are rare for this young team. Garcia seems to have filled that void with his experience and knowledge. When D.Cousins and Greene battled, it was Garcia who talked to Cousins. I say we let him ride out his contract and re-asses the situation then. No need to salary dump is what im saying. He brings to our team what alot of players couldn't.

Hassan Whiteside: Hes a work in progress, however when he fell to us in the second round I was giddy. There had been reports he maybe selected with our top choice. Lets hope we can develop Whiteside into a good player. BTW Whiteside loves Little Caesars, ive seen him at the Natomas Lil Caesars on multiple occasions. He is one big KID. Emphasis on KID.

Marcus Thornton: The Jury is out on him. Cant say I know much of him as I dont really follow the Hornets. I do know he was a solid rookie last year and he can score. His defense may become a liability. Repeating history, we have scorers but not enough defensive players.

The Rest: Since we are talking about the future I decided to leave the rest out. I like Pooh, Jermaine Taylor, and the rest. I just dont see them as long term solutions to this roster.

Considering where we were a few years back, I see much optimism in our current roster. We should have a top 5 pick coming our way, with a decent draft. We dont need superstars at this point (always welcomed, however) if we can pick up a starter in this draft at the PG position, id be happy going into next year. Beno should be our spark 6th man. JT should continue to start, unless improvement is found via free agency. I do believe PG has to be our draft pick. Tyreke should play the 2 and he can do it effectively when healthy. Cousins will continue to grow up as both a man and a player, and Omri will continue to scrap for loose balls.

So the question, perfect off season in your opinions? Lets keep it realistic, no trade machine. Asinine trade thread for that. What should we draft, consider as a free agent both as starters or role players. With our draft picks who would fit into our current build.

14 wins doesn't describe the talent this team has. We blow games late, and with years of experience we should learn how to finish these games. The light at the end of the tunnel of this rebuilding process is coming. Lets keep this thread optimistic and use it as an outlet to discuss the teams future. I knew we are in the cloud of relocation, but as you can see there are about 20 threads devoted to that. Keep it positive, Go Kings!!

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

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We are definitely in the right direction. The building blocks I see is

1.Tyreke Evans = Franchise player
2. DeMarcus Cousins = Franchise player
3. Omri Casspi = solid SF, hopefully can develop into our primary starter/ needs to become better defensively.
4. Marcus Thornton = solid scorer, excellent rookie year.
5. Jason Thompson = I think J.T. has reached his ceiling, I see him only as a rotational big man/ a solid big man off the bench.
6. Our 1st round pick this year.
7. Cap space/ This is where Daly comes into play, but I would not want to overpay him maybe a 3 year 17 million. I honestly think he’ll go to a contender though.

I hope Hassan Whiteside is able to make my list, but he hasn’t played yet. Tremendous upside though.

The Maloofs will always be some playas, Geoff Petrie can neva be a hata, Chris Webber will always be a playa, Mike Biiby can neva be a hata, Vlade Divac will always be a player, Doug Christe can neva be a hata, Bobby Jackson will always be a playa, Peja Stojakovic can neva be a hata, White Chocalate will always be a playa, Rick Adelman can neva be a hata, Pete Carril you know he's a playa, Kevin Martin can neva be a hata, Omri Casspi will always be a playa, DeMarcus Cousins can neva be a hata, Tyreke Evans now that's a real playa, THE SACRAMENTO KINGS NOW THEM SOME REAL PLAYAS!!!!!

by slamson on Feb 25, 2011 6:50 PM PST reply actions

I like JT

Im still hoping he figures it out but it looks as if you’re right, he has reached his ceiling. Either way hes a good spot starter and bench big man. Plus he runs the floor really well.

Sacramento Kings, Oakland Raiders. Best teams everrrrrrr

by Robby1987 on Feb 25, 2011 6:55 PM PST up reply actions

For the draft I would hope to land a pure point guard

1. Kyrie Irving
2. Kemba Walker
3. Sign some veterans = Zach Randolph, Tayshaun Prince, Shane Battier, Aaron Brooks, Jamal Crawford, Arron Afflalo, Michael Redd, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Wilson Chandler, Kelenna Azubuike, Ronny Turiaf, Andrei Kirilenko. Two or three of these players will help us out big time.

by slamson on Feb 25, 2011 7:02 PM PST up reply actions

Randolph is the obvious

But unlikely.

I think Battier would help alot. Hes a good veteran presence and a good defender.

Sacramento Kings, Oakland Raiders. Best teams everrrrrrr

by Robby1987 on Feb 25, 2011 7:18 PM PST up reply actions

Nice post, fun read

How about drafting Terrence Jones #4 and Demetri McCamey #34. I’d love Irving with the first pick but odds of him coming out and the Kings getting him are low. Any trades/free agent signings are almost to random to consider. Take your pick. Tayshawn Prince, Shane Battier, Andrei Kirilenko, Wilson Chandler. I don’t know why those are all small fowards, they just seem to be the FAs that are worthy. How about Bibby? What?

PG: Beno
        McCamey (he’s a senior who appears to have maturity/command of games, high assists and good 3pt pct)
        Bibby (he may get bought out in Washington? let him come home to Sac with his
                    his 38 pct career 3 pt and 3/1 assist/t.o. ratio and retire his jersey. Would the
                    Power Balance crowd come out to support good? old? Bibby?)

SG: Tyreke, Thornton, Taylor

SF: Casspi, Garcia, Greene, see above (Prince, Battier, etc.)

PF: Cousins
Jones (he may be a young, energized, do everything Lebron clone)
Whiteside

C: Dalembert, JT, Whiteside

That’s kinda messy. How about a starting 5 of Beno, Tyreke, Prince, Cousins, Dalembert.
Bench: McCamey, Thornton/Garcia, Casspi, Jones, JT/Whiteside

by busybe on Feb 25, 2011 7:52 PM PST reply actions

I feel like if Beno is starting next year

Ill go into the season pessimistic. Not saying we are doomed, just how I feel about his lack of defense.

Sacramento Kings, Oakland Raiders. Best teams everrrrrrr

by Robby1987 on Feb 25, 2011 7:57 PM PST up reply actions

I know what you mean

but what point guard would be better? A rookie: Irving/Kemba/Brandon Knight/Nolan Smith/McCamey? How about free agents/trades? As much as I’d like Rondo,Westbrook, etc. I’m thinking they won’t be available. Atleast Prince/Battier/Kirilenko or Afflalo/Courtney Lee would help on the perimeter.

by busybe on Feb 25, 2011 10:36 PM PST up reply actions

Well

If BPA is not a PG, then I say we find someone who is desperate about the BPA at the time.

If the draft lottery miraculously goes our way for a change, Kyrie Irving would be the pick Id go with. Otherwise try to find a suitor for our draft choice and hopfully they have a PG of value to offer.

I think Raymon Felton maybe available after this year. It shoudlnt take much to get him either. Hes not great but I feel like hes a definite upgrade over Beno to play the Point. If they choose to run with Tyreke at the point then we should grab a defensive minded, three point shooting two guard.

Sacramento Kings, Oakland Raiders. Best teams everrrrrrr

by Robby1987 on Feb 26, 2011 4:15 AM PST up reply actions

If you land Irving, you start Irving

by gtbassett on Feb 26, 2011 4:13 PM PST up reply actions

I'm sorry

But i don’t see us landing Bibby, Prince or Battier…..hell i still think Dali is going to the Heat next season and i feel Bibby may follow him there….If you think about it that’s all that team needs a PG who wont turn the ball over and hit wide open shots….(sounds a lot like bibby) and Center who doesn’t need many touches, who will block shots and run the floor (sounds a lot like Dali)

I think Prince or Battier will end up with the C’s or the Spurs….Why would they want to deal with our immature players? They’ve made their money, they want rings…and SacTown is not the place to go….sorry

by shadowchicken on Feb 26, 2011 2:57 PM PST up reply actions

I would add Andrei Kirilenko and resign Dalembert

Draft a point guard in Kyrie Irving (if we luck out). Even if we don’t get lucky, I would be tempted to grab Kemba Walker

1- Irving/Beno
2-Reke/Beno
3-AK 47/Casspi
4-Dalembert/JT
5-Boogie/JT

Solid.

by R-Man on Feb 25, 2011 8:15 PM PST reply actions

Solid

along with Garcia, Whiteside, Thornton

by busybe on Feb 25, 2011 10:38 PM PST up reply actions

I still think Whiteside

Is a year from cracking the rotation. He will be brought along slowly, hes gotta learn the game first.

Sacramento Kings, Oakland Raiders. Best teams everrrrrrr

by Robby1987 on Feb 26, 2011 4:33 AM PST up reply actions

This is probably too much thought put into this

But I am going with the theory that the NBA’s new CBA will contain a hard cap and all the stories I’ve been reading say it’s at 45 million. I have not read how this will be done in terms of teams having exemptions for current players but will be unable to add? But I’ve also heard theories that teams will be able to buy out large contracts, so the guys with one or two years left on huge contracts may become free agents which could dramatically increase the free agent pool.

The Kings will be at 28 million during the next off-season. If the hard cap is at 45 million that will give us about 17 million to play with. But here’s where I hesitate at saying the Kings will be aggressive. We all know the Maloofs are having financial difficulties and have worked much harder at making the Kings the lowest payroll this year than making the Kings a better team. I know the line has been just wait until this off-season and we will spend the money. I am frightened that the Maloofs will come out after the new CBA that includes a gard cap and say, we have to save room to resign Cousins and Tyreke.

So in my realistic prediction of the moment (and this changes all the time), here’s my prediction on next years team.

PG – 1st round pick, Beno, Jeter
SG – Tyreke, Thorton, Taylor
SF – Caspi, Garcia, Greene
PF – Cousins, Thompson
C- Dalembert, 2nd round pick, Whiteside

Yikes! I know. All we did was resign Thorton and Dalembert? Essentially the same team that won what may be 15-20 games this season. Yep. However I wonder if a coaching change is made at the end of the year? Next year all that youth has another year of experience and we will be adding a point guard with a top 5 pick. Our second round pick will be high as well. So having the same team worked for OKC. That is what Grant and others will be saying when we don’t make a huge splash in free agency. However consider this.

Is there a better free agent center than Dalembert? Would AK47 and Shane Battier make us that much better? If THorton is a shooter and young, is there a better player that can be had for what I think would be a reasonable contract?

I just don’t see that many free agents (even if teams salary dump because of a hard cap) that would make a huge impact on the win percentage on this team. Those guys seem to get to pick their destinations and they are not small market teams. Our hopes for improvement ride on the shoulders of Tyreke, Cousins and whoever we get with our first round pick this year. They have the potential to make it happen, but until it does all it is is potential. Here’s to hoping.

by nerdninja on Feb 25, 2011 11:48 PM PST reply actions

I hardly doubt the Hard Cap will be as low as 45 million as that 42 millions is the minimum cap this year, and max contracts around 20 million + that would be impossible. I think the Hard cap would be somewhere right around 60-70 million (Remember we are scraping the bottom of the barrel here with 42 million). I could see us going after Dally, AK47 (he is not close to being a max salary guy) and keeping our 1st round pick as well as resigning Thornton and maybe one or 2 other small contract guys. We have to be aware with guys who will be requiring a resign in the near future such as JT, JT2, Omri, Tyreke, Darnell(Would probably be a cheap 1-1.5m contract).You also gotta remember Benos got the Player option at 7.8 million in 2012/2013 (He would be 1/6th of the Hard cap in your situation)

Founder of team Omté Caspeen

by Widowwolf on Feb 26, 2011 12:52 AM PST up reply actions

Here's a quote from a story I read.

Some NBA team executives believe that the league office will seek to institute a hard cap — a total salary number which no team may exceed — in the next collective bargaining agreement.

Such a firm cap could be phased in over a period of years, allowing teams to gradually shed payroll after the 2010-2011 season.

“If there’s going to be a lockout, then there’s a 99 percent chance there is going to be a hard cap,” one GM said.

The possibility of a hard cap could chill spending this summer.

“Teams might say, ‘I don’t want to give $15 million to $20 million to one guy because that might lock me out of a hard cap,’” said a team executive. “It could change everything.”

A hard cap would drive player salaries down considerably.

“In the new deal, $8 million is going to be star-player money,” predicted one GM.

by nerdninja on Feb 27, 2011 12:54 AM PST up reply actions

If they're pushing for 8 million for star money...

I think the reality will end up being around 12-13 million for star players max considering there has to be some kind of compromise from the 20 million salaries that stars get these days.

by gtbassett on Feb 27, 2011 2:07 AM PST up reply actions

It depends

on how steadfast the owners are. If there is a lockout the owners will outlast the players. Most players are not the uber-rich athletes (more rich than I by a landslide, but just saying). A lot of these mid-teir guys will start bending. That is why a 2011/2012 NBA season is definately in jeopardy. Unlike the NFL which is pulling in major money, the NBA is not mearly as popular and the small markets not nearly as profitable. It could be like the last NHL lockout where a major reduction in player compensation happens. And if a lockout happens and there is a lost season the NBA will take a major hit in popularity. Only diehard NBA fans will remain I fear. Not a good situation.

by nerdninja on Feb 27, 2011 10:25 AM PST up reply actions

Most players in the NFL don't make big money.

That’s a myth.

EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter

No mistakes in the tango, Donna. 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.....

If Omri has 12 games with 85+ TS% (20+ mins only) on the season, I will send RikSmits a slice of Cherry Pie with real Californian cheese pasteurized locally in Washington state.

by pookeyguru on Feb 27, 2011 11:02 AM PST up reply actions

I should have been more clear

I meant the league itself and the owners as a whole. NFL is king in sports.

by nerdninja on Feb 28, 2011 12:54 AM PST up reply actions

Yes but it has a lot of built in advantages the NBA will never have.

EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter

No mistakes in the tango, Donna. 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.....

If Omri has 12 games with 85+ TS% (20+ mins only) on the season, I will send RikSmits a slice of Cherry Pie with real Californian cheese pasteurized locally in Washington state.

by pookeyguru on Feb 28, 2011 9:27 AM PST up reply actions

I have been doing a lot of reading on this

and from what I am reading the owners are going in with hard cap, 4 year guarenteed contracts, and massive pay decrease. The owners want the hard cap at 45 million. Now will they get that? Probably not but things will change once the new CBA is announced.

by nerdninja on Feb 27, 2011 12:55 AM PST up reply actions

Well with the CBA

Alot of unknowns in there.

Well thought out, good considering the fact that we will have to pay Tyreke and Cousins (hoping we can keep them here)

I will say this, even with improvement from Tyreke, Omri, Cousins we need to add another Vet to the mix.

Bare with me here, it may sound a bit looney. We throw money at Zach Randolph. Hes not as crazy as he was in his Portland days, and in some ways I really feel like he would be a great help to Cousins. He can explain to Cousins his own mess hes gone through. Maybe Cousins listens and realizes he can save himself a ton of money and headaches if he controls his emotions. Also on the basketball side of things, this would give us a great rebounder, good scorer both in the post and decent from as far as the three point line. Hes really become a much better player and person since hes been in Memphis. Dunno if Memphis will bring him back (im guessing they do). Assuming they dont, Id like to see us make a splash and go after Randolph.

Sacramento Kings, Oakland Raiders. Best teams everrrrrrr

by Robby1987 on Feb 26, 2011 4:24 AM PST up reply actions

Let me get this straight

You want Z-Bo to mentor DeMarcus Cousins?

it may sound a bit looney

Yes it does.

by betweentheeyes on Feb 26, 2011 9:36 AM PST reply actions

reply fail

by betweentheeyes on Feb 26, 2011 9:36 AM PST up reply actions

Looney but I honestly feel it would work. Z-Bo has been there. Hes stayed outta trouble in Memphis and I think hes figured out when and where its ok to act like fool. If HE figured out how to be a pro and an All-Star, I think he could work with Cousins and I feel Cousins may respond well.

Just a theory, but either way I think Randolph would be a real positive for our wins and loss column.

Sacramento Kings, Oakland Raiders. Best teams everrrrrrr

by Robby1987 on Feb 26, 2011 6:49 PM PST up reply actions

I definitely agree

Zach is a BEAST, him and Cousins would do major damage in the post… I really don’t think Memphis will resign him either.

by slamson on Feb 26, 2011 9:50 PM PST up reply actions

...

I figure with our luck, there’s no way we’ll get the first pick. I’ll stick us at fourth or so just for the sake of this exercise. Here’s what I’d go for:

1. Re-sign Samuel Dalembert to a reasonable extension
2. Match any reasonable offer for Marcus Thornton in restricted free agency
3. Sign Andrei Kirilenko as a free agent in the offseason
4. Trade pick 4 for an established veteran player…say, pick 4, Donte Greene, and Hassan Whiteside for Andre Iguodala.

Roster:

PG: Beno Udrih, Pooh Jeter
SG: Tyreke Evans, Marcus Thornton, Jermaine Taylor, Luther Head
SF: Andre Iguodala, Omri Casspi, Francisco Garcia
PF: Andre Kirilenko, Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins, Samuel Dalembert

Starters:

Cousins
Kirilenko
Iguodala
Evans
Udrih

Bench:

Dalembert
Thompson
Casspi
Thornton
Garcia

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by CaliforniaJag on Feb 26, 2011 1:19 PM PST reply actions

Does it really matter if you're at the #1 pick?

There isn’t a clearcut #1 guy in this draft by most opinions out there.

EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter

No mistakes in the tango, Donna. 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.....

If Omri has 12 games with 85+ TS% (20+ mins only) on the season, I will send RikSmits a slice of Cherry Pie with real Californian cheese pasteurized locally in Washington state.

by pookeyguru on Feb 26, 2011 1:33 PM PST up reply actions

That's true

I think if the Kings get the #1 pick they’ll pick Irving. If they end up with anything else and Irving goes before their pick I can easily see them trading the pick.

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by CaliforniaJag on Feb 26, 2011 1:44 PM PST up reply actions

Assuming Irving comes out.

And assuming that the Kings (assuming Irving doesn’t play again) believe that 8 games in college qualifies him to be the #1 pick in the draft.

EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter

No mistakes in the tango, Donna. 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.....

If Omri has 12 games with 85+ TS% (20+ mins only) on the season, I will send RikSmits a slice of Cherry Pie with real Californian cheese pasteurized locally in Washington state.

by pookeyguru on Feb 26, 2011 1:50 PM PST up reply actions

Obviously

That’s why I said “I think”. Geoff Petrie has a long history of disagreeing with me, and he’s done quite a bit better than I would have as the Kings’ GM, so I’ll obviously defer to him. This was just a fun exercise.

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Follow me on Twitter if you feel like it.

Formerly Gallagher's Watermelons and Player To Be Named Later

by CaliforniaJag on Feb 27, 2011 12:32 AM PST up reply actions

I'd be just fine

if this team is going nowhere.

Having said that, I have no high hopes for this draft. I don’t think Irving will declare. Dukies rarely do after one year.

Free agency should be the place, and I hope we can at least keep Dalembert, get Battier after his half season in Memphis, and a good veteran PG.

Dunking Dutchman - betting that Omri will have at least 12 games with 85% TS% this season.

by RikSmits on Feb 26, 2011 1:36 PM PST reply actions

Good veteran PG.

Like who?

EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter

No mistakes in the tango, Donna. 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.....

If Omri has 12 games with 85+ TS% (20+ mins only) on the season, I will send RikSmits a slice of Cherry Pie with real Californian cheese pasteurized locally in Washington state.

by pookeyguru on Feb 26, 2011 1:37 PM PST up reply actions

Mo Cheecks?

Dunking Dutchman - betting that Omri will have at least 12 games with 85% TS% this season.

by RikSmits on Feb 26, 2011 1:40 PM PST up reply actions

Haha.

I would love to have an in his prime Mo on this team.

EvilCowtownInc: Screwin Suckaz over since 1985...... On Twitter

No mistakes in the tango, Donna. 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.....

If Omri has 12 games with 85+ TS% (20+ mins only) on the season, I will send RikSmits a slice of Cherry Pie with real Californian cheese pasteurized locally in Washington state.

by pookeyguru on Feb 26, 2011 1:47 PM PST up reply actions