For this entry, no one has worn numbers 36-39.
33 - Otis Thorpe This was my toughest decision to this point. Otis was maddening to watch in his first stint here, as he would go for 28 and 20 one game and follow it up with a 5 and 3. But his best two seasons at 19 and 10 out distance Brian Grant's best two seasons at 14 and 7, so I'm taking Thorpe in spite of the autographed Grant shoes that sit in my office.
34 - Corliss Williamson The Big Nasty actually wore #4 during his best season in 97-98, but he wore #34 in 1999-2000 (gave up the #4 to Webber) and since his return in '04. He was the 1st player to actually be happy about coming to Sacramento, he was the 1st player during the Richmond era that was willing to take the big shot when The Rock was being quadruple teamed. He even helped us in trade, netting us Doug Christie. A pro's pro, and the 2nd nicest King I've ever met, the nicest being -
35 - Joe Kleine OK, there is no doubt that in his year and a half Antoine Carr was ten times the player that Kleine was. But I never drank excessively at a game in honor of Carr's accomplishments as I did in honor of "JOOOE!!!." Back in the day I met Joe as he and I both worked out at Carmichael Athletic Club, and he was the most down to earth professional athlete that I have ever met. Just a great freakin' guy. I can't defend this choice so feel free to tear it up, but I love me some Joe Kleine.
40 - Terry Tyler Want to draw a bead on TT? Think young Gerald Wallace. He had the best ups on the team during his stay here from 85-88, but he was a so-so shooter that also averaged less than an assist a game. But he stuck a 15 foot baseline jumper against the Nets one night, pushing us over 110 points and netting all of us in the crowd free Whoppers as part of the Kings "110 and Win!" promotion (Burger King did not exactly lose their shirt on that one). Kevin Gamble was the other choice here, but he never won me a Whopper, so Tyler gets the nod.
41 - LaSalle Thompson He's listed at 6-10 but I remember Tank being more like 6-7 or 6-8, an undersized center that was tough as nails, our very own version of Wes Unseld. He was the best center Sacramento had seen prior to the arrival of Divac. And one thing about LaSalle Thompson - he would lay the wood to anyone that ventured into the lane. He's what we hope Justin Williams will become.
42 - Walt Williams The Wizard beats out Dwayne Schintzius, Mark Hendrickson (though Hendrickson is a much better pitcher than WW), Pervis Ellison, Mike Woodson and (barely) Bonzi Wells. Walt had four pretty good seasons here, even if he did wear those silly knee socks, so he gets my vote over the 52 regular season games of Wells.
43 - Jim Peterson This is crazy, but it's either him or Derek Smith again. Peterson did average 10 and 6 with a block per game the one season that he was here, and it wasn't his fault that we dealt him for Ralph Sampson.
44 - None Retired for Sam Lacey.
Our last installment will kick off with the mad debate at #45. Will it be Randy Breuer, Devin Gray, Eric Leckner or Steve Scheffler? Ooh, I have not been in this much suspense since the "Who Shot Mr. Burns?" episode of The Simpson's.