Well, it's not like I was sitting around dreaming up scenarios for how we could get AI in a trade before this came up, but now that I think about it, it does seem like just the right atmosphere for something like this to happen. The Kings just lost their fifth game in a row. Three of those loses came with Mike Bibby missing shots at the buzzer. (Not that significant in the long run, but you know, "what have you done for me lately" and all) There is again some buzz about the loyal Sacramento crowd losing interest. Bibby's probably opting out at the end of the year (even looking at it conservatively, it's got to be at least a 50% chance). The media attention this would bring to the Maloofs and Sacrmanento would be huge, and coincide with David Stern's public commitment to negotiating with the city of Sacramento for a new arena.
As for team chemistry, the Kings have looked awful on offense and not much better on defense so far this year. AI for Bibby is an improvement on D, AI is consistently among the league leaders in steals and he's quick enough to stay in front of his man if he wants to. And on offense, there may be no greater creator in the league with the ball in his hands than AI. Since we seem to be playing 1 on 1 right now anyway, might as well get a guy who can break guys down, force the defense to rotate to comensate, and find the open man. Bibby does it a half dozen times a game -- AI can do it every time down the floor. I don't think Artest would complain when he gets easier looks, and Kevin fills in the Kyle Korver role. I doubt Philly takes Kenny Thomas back, but he's an adequate role-player/rebounder at the 4 anyway. Really the only real problem I see is John Salmons finally getting out of Philly only to have AI follow him to Sac and haunt him some more. Could get ugly. Or, Salmons could help lead a second unit with Ronnie Price so he doesn't have to share the floor with AI for long. Probably wishful thinking that. Or maybe Salmons was more bothered by the (notoriously crabby) Philly fans than AI himself? There couldn't be a better contrast than the Sacramento fans and the Philly fans. Almost exact opposites (except for that whole Webber booing thing, but you know, you miss 15 shots in a losing effort and people get a little edgy)