Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

by louismg on Jul 3, 2007 8:06 AM PDT Comment 34 comments

Although Hoopsworld says the Kings have too many needs to fill this off-season, the latest rumor du jour is that the Kings just may be chasing after Chauncey Billups, after the Sacramento Bee confirmed that Petrie is on the look for help for the squad.

In the story, by Sam Amick, Petrie says that drafting Spencer Hawes was just the beginning of the Kings' rebuilding effort, and that much remains to be done.

"We're not in that game (for the big-name players) unless those situations ... are going to turn into sign-and-trade-type situations," Petrie said. "That doesn't usually happen for a while, and whether we could be involved in them is an open question at this point, too."

That Mike Bibby didn't opt out of his $13.5 million option year in the contract certainly didn't help the Kings' salary cap flexibility. It also puts a potential block at the PG position for some time, where Billups arguably could fall if he were signed.

In addition to Billups, The Bee cites Rashard Lewis and Gerald Wallace as potential acquisition targets.

(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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Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

The more I read and hear, the more I think the Kings are going to attempt the "quick" rebuild. If the Kings are to aquire a top name free agent such as Billups, they are looking to win now as opposed to later, don't you think?

by Reverend John on Jul 3, 2007 9:09 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

Yep, and Billups is a 30 year old point who is going to demand Mike Bibby type numbers.

We are slipping into the NBA abyss.

by jjham15 on Jul 3, 2007 9:15 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

Yeah, my preference would be to build with younger players. But the good news out of this is that (1) Petrie is active. I was getting a little worried with the lack of any sort of activity during the draft. I was hoping he would snag at least a second rounder or something. And (2) if Billups is on the radar, Bibby must not be in the long term plans.

by henryclemente on Jul 3, 2007 9:27 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2924228
Rashard Lewis' FA signing with Orlando.

As far as the Kings pursuing Billups I don't see it myself. I don't see why Billups would leave Detroit for less money in Sacramento with a worse team myself. Plus Billups family is supposedly comfortable in Detroit too (if you believe his wife). I don't think going after Billups is a wise move just one that appeals to fans because he is a very good player.

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 3, 2007 9:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

Talk about BS rumors. Why would Billups come here? Makes no sense for a lot of reasons.

Not quite on topic, but with Orlando signing Lewis what happens to Hedo? Wasn't he their starting SF? And didn't he have a pretty nice season?

by Kusian on Jul 3, 2007 11:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

Hedo actually had kind of a down year. He had this mysterious ailment that kept him out of the lineup for several games, lost time to Ariza at points and most of his numbers were down from the season before. There was a lot of disgruntlement on the RealGM Magic board about his lackluster defense as well. He didn't fit well with Grant Hill either. It's a bummer, Hedo is my favorite player and every time I think he'll breakout he falls backwards. He's not an option for us at this point, but I think there was a good argument for trying to keep him in the Miller S/T.

Are the Maloofs trying to make Sacramento hate the franchise?

by discocricket on Jul 3, 2007 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

p.s. Now that I think about it, I think it was the previous year that Hedo played well for Orlando. I'm pretty sure his numbers went down this past year. Either way, good as Hedo's all around game is, Lewis is a big improvement on the offensive end.

by Kusian on Jul 3, 2007 11:27 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

Is Billups that much different then Bibby? He's more of the same, a score first mentality point guard. This move wouldn't be enough of an upgrade to warrant. I say keep looking.

by blah blah on Jul 3, 2007 11:29 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

Defense defense defense.

by Mityt on Jul 3, 2007 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

Billups is a ton better than Bibby... but yeah, I'm not sure this is the right direction, depending on what's leaving.

Furthermore, the Detroit report is blowing it up. The Kings will not be in the running for Billups.

by Ziller on Jul 3, 2007 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

To me, it seemed like a Sac Bee throwaway line to say who's out there, and the Detroit guys took it to mean the Kings were really going after him. He doesn't look like he'd revolutionize this team any.

Kings-obsessed. A's obsessed. More ramblings: louisgray.com

by louismg on Jul 3, 2007 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

Louis let me point out the last lines of the piece by Amick.

We're not in that game (for the big-name players) unless those situations ... are going to turn into sign-and-trade-type situations," Petrie said. "That doesn't usually happen for a while, and whether we could be involved in them is an open question at this point, too."

(I know you highlighted this but the bottom part of this wouldn't make sense without the top part)

As is the likelihood that the Kings will use none, some or all of the midlevel exception.

"We want to keep an eye on our future salary cap and what types of players are available," Petrie said.

Doesn't sound to me a guy who thinks the 2008 FA market is that enticing. Especially to a rebuilding team that needs to get cheaper and younger at the same time. Which is not what FA usually is about.

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 3, 2007 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&id=2924526&act ion=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba%2finsider%2fcolumns%2fstory%3fcolum nist%3dhollinger_john%26id%3d2924526

This is a free Hollinger column about the Lewis signing in Orlando. It's interesting as it points out repeatedly the Magic have to renounce the rights to Darko, but not why, in order to sign Lewis.

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 3, 2007 12:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

I want Darko.

by CAB on Jul 3, 2007 12:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah....free darko & all of that...

I really like Billup's game; especially on the defensive end....it'd be an interesting change having a defensive-minded p.g. that could train a youngster in his footsteps....alas; he's too expensive & probably more than happy to stay in Detroit.

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rhondda

by Rhondda Nunes on Jul 3, 2007 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

I must be the only person who doesn't want Darko. I just don't think he's really worth it and the Magic would probably expect K-Mart in return. Or worse somebody like D-Lee if the Kings managed to have him. The problem with basketball teams is they aren't built on fantasy idea's but real people.

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 3, 2007 1:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

Plus with Darko you would have to negotiate something before the Magic officially sign Lewis. Other than that you would be on the same playing field as the 29 other teams looking to offer the MLE to Darko. I wouldn't be shocked to see Darko sign a 2 year 12-14 mil deal in LA this offseason.

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 3, 2007 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

I think Darko is unrestricted meaning the Magic had to renounce his rights to offer Lewis a contract. The Kings wouldn't need to give the Magic anything just offer him a contract..

Damn you Robert Horry!!!

by chupacabra on Jul 3, 2007 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

You need to read what I wrote again chupa lol. I'm totally aware of what you say and what you say is correct. HOWEVER, in order for the Kings to compete for Darko's services it's most likely a sign and trade would have to be completed as the Magic are the only one's who could give him the most money in order to accomplish it. In fact as I write this that won't work either as the Kings don't have the cap room to make a sign and trade to sign Darko. I just don't see the Kings being the most attractive mid level destination Darko has. That's really the point. Plus I wouldn't be shocked to see Charlotte make a play for Darko. They will have a ton of cap room to get a deal done even after re-signing Gerald Wallace.

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 3, 2007 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

Acutally, a sign-and-trade is the only way it could work with the salaries of Kings players going to the Magic to make Darko's work. It's the only way the Kings could give Darko (or any non-Kings free agent) more than the exception.

by Reverend John on Jul 3, 2007 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

It all a moot arguement with the Lewis signing but the Kings could have still worked a sign and trade for Darko. As long as they moved pieces with a similar value to Darko's new contract it would fit.

Damn you Robert Horry!!!

by chupacabra on Jul 3, 2007 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

Yeah it is a moot point. I forget why I said anything. By the time I finished typing what I wrote I was more confused than when I started. So as I say ignore it lol.

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 3, 2007 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

uhmmmm.,,,,,pookey?

You did get my sarcasm, right?

For me to REALLY want darko he needs to get it together in his body. I hate unfullfilled talent.

by Rhondda Nunes on Jul 4, 2007 3:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: uhmmmm.,,,,,pookey?

Yes dear I get it. Although I never saw it so I was being somewhat facetious myself. And I'm with you on unfullfilled talent too. And yea, Free Darko!

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 4, 2007 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: uhmmmm.,,,,,pookey?

& after he's free where do you think he'd wanta go?

Not that it matters all that much....perhaps the only real talent in darko is his height;not sure that really qualifies as "talent" anyway....

by Rhondda Nunes on Jul 8, 2007 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

The potential interest in Billups makes about as much sense as the Mo Peterson talk. It would be an upgrade over Bibby but the dollars and advanced age don't seem to be a good fit. The only reason he and his agent would listen to a Kings offer would be to try to use then like Stan Vangundy and force Detroit's hand. As for Darko, I vote no to the human victory cigar. The guy has made it evident to me everytime I see him that he has no feel for the game. He looks lost out on the court and plays with a very low basketball IQ. He is a 7 footer who happens to play basketball rather than a basketball player who happens to be 7 feet.

Damn you Robert Horry!!!

by chupacabra on Jul 3, 2007 1:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

ESPN reports that Billups resigns with the pistons.

by Deleran on Jul 3, 2007 2:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Well there you go.

At least the agent said it was "a vicious rumor". Those are the best kind.

Kings-obsessed. A's obsessed. More ramblings: louisgray.com

by louismg on Jul 3, 2007 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Well there you go.

I love how it's a vicious rumor even though it's going to make Billups a wealthy man for the rest of his life. That's my favorite part.

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 3, 2007 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Well there you go.

Wow, I think ESPN changed that story specifically to make me look stupid.

by Deleran on Jul 3, 2007 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

More Darko to Kings Insight

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/marty_burns/07/03/darko/

by Reverend John on Jul 3, 2007 4:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

billups is an upper tier player, but i think he is perhaps the most overrated player of this decade

Whether your dominating the playground, the last one to leave the gym, or your big time like Mike Bibby...

by CrownUs93 on Jul 3, 2007 4:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Petrie on the Prowl: Billups a Target?

Here is what I want. Someone who wants to be here, and someone who realizes how attached the fans are to this team, and how great the fans are. I just got so frustrated last year, and not just because we lost, it just seemed that Bibby and Brad Miller just did not care, and that frustrated me, the "team leaders" not showing up to play.

by spragueito on Jul 3, 2007 5:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs