30 Teams In 30 Days: Sacramento Kings

2007-2008 In Review

Record: 38-44
Western Conference Seed: 11

Summer Of 2008

Key Additions: Jason Thompson (via draft), Donte Greene (via trade), Bobby Jackson (via trade), Bobby Brown (via free agency).

Key Losses: Ron Artest (via trade), Shareef Abdur-Rahim (via retirement), Anthony Johnson (via free agency), Dahntay Jones (via free agency).

Sacramento didn’t make many headlines as the recipient of a big name player, but they did manage to end the Ron Artest era once and for all. The Kings sent Artest along with the draft rights to second rounders Patrick Ewing Jr. and Sean Singletary to Houston in exchange for former King Bobby Jackson, the draft rights to 28th overall pick Donte Greene, and a future first round draft pick.

On paper, it doesn’t look as though Sacramento is getting the better end of the deal as Artest is far and away the best player involved, but it was a move that had to be done. Financially, however, the deal makes as much sense as it would have to simply allow Artest to walk at season’s end (which was the expected outcome had a trade not taken place). In addition to that, they’ve got themselves a future first round pick and a high-upside rookie in Donte Greene. The 6’10’’ forward has terrific shooting range with an effortless release to go along with remarkable athletic ability and length. Greene fell to the late first round in this year’s draft, but make no mistake about the fact that he was labeled a potential lottery pick just prior to the event.

Roughly one month prior to the agreed trade, Sacramento somewhat surprisingly selected Jason Thompson with the 12th overall pick in the draft. Thompson stands at 6’11’’ with an extremely wide wingspan, and above average agility which allows him to get up and down the floor better than most guys his size. Though a mid-range oriented big, he has the ability to do damage inside with his beautiful tip-of-the-fingers touch. If only he could develop some kind of aggression…

Swingman Francisco Garcia and guard Beno Udrih were signed to multi-year contract extensions this summer, as well. Udrih’s deal runs for five years at roughly $32.3 million, while Garcia’s five-year agreement is worth a reported $29.8 million total.

In September, Kings forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim decided to retire from the NBA after a relatively successful 12-year career in which he held averages of 18.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Appearing in 158 games as a King from 2005-2008, Abdur-Rahim scored 10.7 PPG and grabbed 4.8 boards per contest. His best years, however, came with the Vancouver Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks from 1996-2004, as he was a consistent 20+-point, eight-plus rebound guy.

Fortunately, “SAR” will remain a part of the organization, as he tagged on as a big man coach earlier this month.

Depth Chart

C: Brad Miller / Spencer Hawes / Shelden Williams
PF: Mikki Moore / Jason Thompson / Kenny Thomas
SF: John Salmons / Donte Greene
SG: Kevin Martin / Francisco Garcia / Quincy Douby
PG: Beno Udrih / Bobby Jackson / Bobby Brown

Biggest Strength

Perimeter Scoring: From the outside, the Kings are a club that you have to keep an eye on, as they have multiple perimeter scoring options that can hurt you off the bounce as well as from beyond the arc. Kevin Martin clearly highlights this pack, as the fifth-year two-guard is widely considered one of the most complete scorers in the NBA. He can put the ball on the floor, pull up from mid-range, stick a three, and has also grown as one of the best guards in the game at drawing contact off penetration. His jumper is a bit unorthodox, but Martin is very skilled and perhaps one of the most consistent wing scorers in the game.

Behind Martin, Sacramento has three extremely effective perimeter players in Francisco Garcia, John Salmons, and Beno Udrih. Garcia and Udrih can create off the dribble and stroke outside shots with the best of them, while Salmons is more of a slasher with a pretty in-between game.

Rookie Donte Green shows promise, as well, although he may need some seasoning before he can be relied upon as a consistent rotation threat.

Biggest Weakness

Interior Presence: Every member of Sacramento’s frontcourt cast is a perimeter-oriented big. Brad Miller likes to pick and pop, Jason Thompson’s bread and butter is a mid-range jump shot, and Spencer Hawes is virtually a poor man’s Miller in his own right. Mikki Moore brings a great deal of energy, but he’s no intimidator and his repertoire is certainly absent of a back to the basket game.

The Kings are soft inside. The closest thing to a “banger” that this team possesses is Shelden Williams, who has underachieved in the NBA and has yet to find a consistent rotation spot in Sacramento

Without any form of toughness or physicality on the inside, it’s going to be difficult for Sacramento to make a jump in the Western Conference any time soon.

X-Factor

Development: Let’s face it, the Kings are not going to win a whole lot of games this season. It’s a bit of a rebuilding year in which the development of the team’s youngsters will be heavily evaluated as the year progresses.

Will Spencer Hawes show significant progress? Was Jason Thompson worth the 10th overall selection, and is he as ready as Sacramento’s management proclaims? Will John Salmons use this opportunity to finally display his terrific all-around skills? Is Beno Udrih worth the extension he inked this summer? Can Quincy Douby make it in this league? What is this Donte Greene kid all about?

Those are the unanswered questions that are on tap deck this coming season, and despite the winning attitude that Reggie Theus has instilled in these players, the progression of the team’s youth is what this season is essentially all about.

What to Expect In 2008-2009

Look for Sacramento to fall somewhere in the bottom half of the Western Conference in 2008-2009, but keep your eye on John Salmons as a potential Most Improved Player of the Year candidate. Last December, Salmons held averages of approximately 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game through a 14-game span - and that was with Ron Artest alongside him. Artest won’t be there to disrupt the flow of the offense and take opportunities away from Salmons this season. In fact, Salmons may even become the second scoring option on the entire team. He’s got a complete game and extreme versatility; now, he has a legitimate opportunity to prove himself.

Predicted Standings
33-49
5th in Pacific Division
12th in Western Conference

Coming Soon: San Antonio Spurs