Kings notes: Bibby ponders what if, what is, what could be
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
http://www.sacbee.com/351/story/137598.html
Published 12:00 am PDT Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C5
CLEVELAND -- Mike Bibby admits he has played the what-if game, picturing himself in a Cleveland Cavaliers uniform and wondering how he would fit on one of the Eastern Conference's top teams.
But much like the involved trade talks between the Kings and the Cavs before the Feb. 22 trade deadline, nothing came of the musings.
"You sit and look back, but you can only go so long (thinking about it)," Bibby said. "No one knew what was going to happen, (but there's) no need for me to think about it if it didn't happen."
He might have another chance, as the possibility clearly exists for the Kings and Cavs to revisit their discussion during the offseason. Unless Cavs rookie point guard Daniel Gibson develops at an astronomical rate, Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry will still be on the lookout for a point guard to pair with franchise face LeBron James.
Bibby also confirmed what his agent, David Falk, said in early February, that he was unlikely to opt out of a contract that has an early termination option after this season and a player option for the 2008-09 campaign and will pay him a combined $28 million.
"(I'll) probably take it," he said of the contract. "There's a lot of things come into (play), but I'm going to talk it over with my agent, work it out and see what's going to happen during the summer."
James, who because of back spasms was a late scratch from his team's 124-100 victory Tuesday night over the the Kings, said before the game that he liked Bibby's game.
The Cavs, though, have played well since standing pat at the trade deadline, having won seven of 10 games.
"(Bibby) is a very good point guard, definitely," James said. "I think things happen for a reason. We definitely have been on a high since the trade deadline. Guys are just mentally focused, focused to go out and play basketball, and we've been able to do it."
Martin mania -- There was no official count, but one of Kevin Martin's hometown folks estimated the support group at 2,500-4,000 on hand to watch the local boy done good.
Martin, who grew up in Zanesville, Ohio, did his part to give back, meeting with a third-grade basketball team from his hometown during the day at his hotel and offering signed jerseys for all. The team, which had a connection to
Martin's uncle, had floor seats, hotel accommodations and meals courtesy of a sponsor company.
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
http://www.sacbee.com/351/story/137598.html
Published 12:00 am PDT Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C5
CLEVELAND -- Mike Bibby admits he has played the what-if game, picturing himself in a Cleveland Cavaliers uniform and wondering how he would fit on one of the Eastern Conference's top teams.
But much like the involved trade talks between the Kings and the Cavs before the Feb. 22 trade deadline, nothing came of the musings.
"You sit and look back, but you can only go so long (thinking about it)," Bibby said. "No one knew what was going to happen, (but there's) no need for me to think about it if it didn't happen."
He might have another chance, as the possibility clearly exists for the Kings and Cavs to revisit their discussion during the offseason. Unless Cavs rookie point guard Daniel Gibson develops at an astronomical rate, Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry will still be on the lookout for a point guard to pair with franchise face LeBron James.
Bibby also confirmed what his agent, David Falk, said in early February, that he was unlikely to opt out of a contract that has an early termination option after this season and a player option for the 2008-09 campaign and will pay him a combined $28 million.
"(I'll) probably take it," he said of the contract. "There's a lot of things come into (play), but I'm going to talk it over with my agent, work it out and see what's going to happen during the summer."
James, who because of back spasms was a late scratch from his team's 124-100 victory Tuesday night over the the Kings, said before the game that he liked Bibby's game.
The Cavs, though, have played well since standing pat at the trade deadline, having won seven of 10 games.
"(Bibby) is a very good point guard, definitely," James said. "I think things happen for a reason. We definitely have been on a high since the trade deadline. Guys are just mentally focused, focused to go out and play basketball, and we've been able to do it."
Martin mania -- There was no official count, but one of Kevin Martin's hometown folks estimated the support group at 2,500-4,000 on hand to watch the local boy done good.
Martin, who grew up in Zanesville, Ohio, did his part to give back, meeting with a third-grade basketball team from his hometown during the day at his hotel and offering signed jerseys for all. The team, which had a connection to
Martin's uncle, had floor seats, hotel accommodations and meals courtesy of a sponsor company.