Arizona's Shakur Added to Summer League Roster

by Tom Ziller on Jul 1, 2007 9:08 AM PDT in News

Here's another addition to the Kings' summer league roster: Arizona's Mustafa Shakur. The Tucson Citizen reports Shakur has accepted Sacramento's invitation.

On my jog this morning, I was considering point guard possibilities for the summer league (I'm a sick person, I know), and Shakur's name popped into my head. He worked out for the Kings last year (before he pulled out of the draft) as well as this spring. Lo and behold, here he is.

That he went undrafted isn't surprising -- the similar but better Zabian Dowdell of Virginia Tech didn't hear his name either. (Dowdell is headed to Seattle's summer league team -- even though the Sonics employ Luke Ridnour, Earl Watson, and Delonte West.) Shakur had a love-hate relationship with UA legend Lute Olson -- Mustafa tested the draft waters last year, and rumors had Olson and the Wildcats hoping Shakur would stay in the draft to let the program start fresh with Marcus Williams (now a Spur) and Chase Budinger.

Shakur is a poor three-point shooter and records too many turnovers. He's about the same size as Ronnie Price though much more of a point guard and less of a scorer/defender. His assist rate was very good last season -- again, he turns it over a lot, but his assists make up for most of those.

Unless Price flees for another locale, I can't imagine Shakur making the team.

As of now, the summer league roster looks like this:

Kings Summer League Roster, as of 06/30/07
Quincy Douby
Spencer Hawes
Francisco Garcia
Justin Williams
Ronnie Price
Darryl Watkins
Mustafa Shakur

(Bold indicates player is in under contract with the team for the 2007-08 season. Italics indicates player's inclusion on summer league team has not been confirmed.)

Tweet Comment 13 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Re: Arizona's Shakur Added to Summer League Roster

Plus we have a guy with one of the coolest names in the L.

by Chris The Greek on Jul 1, 2007 9:26 AM PDT reply actions

Re: Arizona's Shakur Added to Summer League Roster

If Shakur is to replace Ronnie because he can get a better deal elsewhere so be it. I can live with that. When you get younger you generally get worse because young players aren't as equipped to deal with the rigors of playing in the NBA as guys 5-8 years in are. At the same time you can't develop as a time unless you have a plethora of young playres coming through your team. The trick is to keep moving in a positive direction while keeping your eye on that mix of young/old. It's a delicate balance I think that most teams mess up. Geoff Petrie, and the Kings, could be in alot worse shape than alot of teams out there who have totally rebuilt.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Jul 1, 2007 9:58 AM PDT reply actions

Re: Arizona's Shakur Added to Summer League Roster

i loved this kid in arizona. he is the kind of lights out and fearless shooter (kinda like acie law iv) that we could desperatley use off the bench. i think if price leaves, then he could see some good time, spelling bibby in short 5-minute spurts.

agreed about the name, it sounds like a lion:
MUSTAFA SHAKUR

when will the Kenny Thomas Reign of Terror end?!!??

by diehardkingsfan5 on Jul 1, 2007 10:03 AM PDT reply actions

Re: Arizona's Shakur Added to Summer League Roster

Remove Bibby and the monster that is Team Dime will die!

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Jul 1, 2007 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: Arizona's Shakur Added to Summer League Roster

this guy sucks.
he underachieved throughout his college career (hot name coming out of HS), has low bball iq, isnt a good shooter and often doesnt play under control.
Plus the whole Arizona programme was a real mess this year.
Cool name though :]
But the comparison to acie is offensive imho.

by cwebb on Jul 1, 2007 11:49 AM PDT reply actions

Re: Arizona's Shakur Added to Summer League Roster

Well, last year I wanted the Kings to pick up Justin Williams for Summer League and was very happy when they did. I also liked Louis Amundson.

This year my picks for the Kings to bring in are not as numerous or as good (I think) but here goes:

Point Guard: Mustafa Shakur is a good choice but if Bobby Brown is available I think he would be a good choice.

SG - No need.
SF - None worthwhile
PF - Ahmet Gueye is an athletic PF out of Hawaii. He grabbed an impressive 11.3 boards per 40 mins as well as 2 1/2 blocks a game. Not a great player but could be worth a look in Summer Camp.

C - Maybe Kyle Visser. He is a good scoring center but not a great rebounder. Better than Hawes but nothing special.
Ryvon Covile out of Detroit is a nice rebounder but at 6'9" might be a bit small for a center. Don't know if he could work as a PF. He could be worth a look at least.

He can shoot, and he looks good in a suit. Hey, everybody - It's REGGIE TIME!

by dalt99 on Jul 1, 2007 10:07 PM PDT reply actions