Mustafa Shakur

[kpm308]

http://www.azstarnet.com/sports/189915

Mens Basketball
Shakur will be King for the summer
By Bruce Pascoe
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 06.30.2007

By agreeing to a free agent contract with the Sacramento Kings on Friday, former UA guard Mustafa Shakur found a home for the summer.

Maybe for longer.

Shakur's brother, Mujahid, said the Kings offered Shakur some guaranteed money and a certain invitation to their veteran's camp next fall, though he declined to give financial details.

Shakur will be trying to make the team as a backup point guard to former UA star Mike Bibby, under new coach Reggie Theus. That opportunity, Mujahid Shakur said, is why Shakur turned down offers from teams such as the Sixers, Celtics, Pistons, Heat and Jazz.

"We felt this was the best situation for him," Mujahid Shakur said. "They definitely know they need a point guard behind Bibby. They really like him. They jumped on the phone and called his agent right after the draft was over. If he does what he needs to do, he should be able to make the team."

Mujahid Shakur said his brother will be locked into a Kings deal, making him unable to sign with another team if he should play well this summer.

"Somebody can offer him more money, but it's not about that right now," Mujahid said. "We already know he's an NBA player. We really like this situation."

The UA's other undrafted free agent, Ivan Radenovic, does not have a guarantee to attend the Los Angeles Clippers' veterans camp after he plays for their summer-league team, but he does have another place to go. Radenovic's agent, David Bauman, said Radenovic is already getting offers to play in Europe.

But Radenovic said he is not making any long-term plans yet.

"There's no need to rush into anything until the summer league is over," Radenovic said. "The options are open."

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

interesting, hmm

 

[JJ_Evans]

Dude is a sleeper! almost as good as a 2nd round pick.

 

[OvechKiN]

so what does this mean for Ronnie Price?
Hypothetically speaking, if both Mustafa and Darryl Watkins make it into the big team. We have a lot of players..

Bibby/Mustafa/Price
Martin/Douby
Artest/Garcia/Salmons
SAR/KT/Williams
Miller/Hawes/Watkins

Thats like a 14 man rotation.....of course some will be on the bench, but i'd be more for quality over quantity.

 

[VF21]

We invite players to camp every year. And rarely do they actually make it onto the team.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

Meh...

I'd really have to search deep in my memory to find a time I could care less about a UA guy potentially coming to my team. But good luck to him.

 

[Bricklayer]

That's probably another solid undrafted invitee type -- big 6'5" PG, so nice physical attributes/'versatility". But questions about his outside shot, defense, and brainpower. Has a tendency to throw the ball all over the gym.

Anyway, does not hurt to look, and 6'5" PGs if they work out can be neat.

 

[PurpleHaze]

I think the Kings had around 6 free agents in summer camp last year and none of them made the team unless you count Louis Amundson who latched on for a bit or Justin Williams who came back during mid-season signing to help on the boards.

Regarding the draft, I just remember another quote from Petrie yesterday. He was talking about the last two NBA drafts prior to this one and how out of the total number of players taken (120) only about 8-10 have had any significant impact in the league so far. That's why he said building through the draft is not easy and generally a long-term proposition.

 

[BRad1055]

He will get a shot though and the more U of A guys on the team the better I say. I am a Wildcats fan by the way if u can't tell. Anyway I heard Petrie on 1140 the other day and he said they invited both Justin and Ronnie to summer league and they encourage Justin to come, but he doesn't know if his agent will let him. Petrie also said he does not expect Ronnie to come and play on the summer league team.

 

[hrdboild]

Wow, this is a surprise. I doubt he makes the team in the end, but this kid's got a lot of potential for an undrafted free agent. He was projected as a first rounder a couple of years ago.

 

[VF21]

I like the idea of him showing up. I just fear we won't have room for him unless, of course, we find a way to make a couple of pieces of dead wood disappear.

 

[hrdboild]

I know some people who know some people. Maybe we can make it happen.

 

[Merdiesel]

Coolest. Name. Ever.

One part Lion King, one part 2pac...

 

[Entity]

I wonder who all will be on the summer league team. So far it will be

Price/Shakur
Douby
Garcia
Williams/Watkins
Hawes

I assume Garcia will play Martin already said he wouldn't play this year.
So we should get about 4 or 5 more players on the summer league team.

 

[Dime Dropper]

So far it will be

Price/Shakur
Douby
Garcia
Williams/Watkins
Hawes

I assume Garcia will play Martin already said he wouldn't play this year.
So we should get about 4 or 5 more players on the summer league team.

Didn't someone above say that Ronnie and Justin wouldn't be playing summer league? Or did I get it wrong? Nice move, I like picking up undrafted players.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

maybe we'll buy out KT

 

[BRad1055]

Ya Petrie said he doesnt think Justin or Ronnie will play summer league this year. I am guessing it is because they are both free agents and don't want to risk getting hurt and getting no contract at all. Also ya why don't we just buy out KT. Philly did it with Webb.

 

[Entity]

Ya Petrie said he doesnt think Justin or Ronnie will play summer league this year. I am guessing it is because they are both free agents and don't want to risk getting hurt and getting no contract at all. Also ya why don't we just buy out KT. Philly did it with Webb.

They could still get a contract both have been made offers by the kings. I think NOT playing in the summer league is going to hurt Williams alot.

 

[VF21]

I don't think it's been announced that Williams WON'T play. What was reported was that they might have to twist his agent's arm to let him play.

 

[SDKing]

I don't think it's been announced that Williams WON'T play. What was reported was that they might have to twist his agent's arm to let him play.

I know that he doesn't want to get hurt during summer league, but worst case scenario, he's already got an offer from the Kings and will at least be in our camp in october. But then again, we don't want an injured Williams either.... Selfishly though, I am curious to see how he and hawes will play side by side.

 

[Gary]

I was hearin on Friday per Grant Napear that Williams was most likely going to be invited to camp, but that Price was not going to attend. Anyone else hear the same?

Actually just read above.. Williams not playing either? That sucks.

 

[Bricklayer]

They are free agents, makes sense they would not play. Cannot risk injury until you have a contract singed. Rememebr a couple of yuears ago when Willie Green completely screwed himself doing just that.

 

[VF21]

Since we have made qualifying offers, though, are those offers binding if they don't get any others?

 

[Warhawk]

Since we have made qualifying offers, though, are those offers binding if they don't get any others?

Because they can be recinded, I think.

 

[VF21]

I just checked my favorite site for all things related to the CBA and this is what I found:

http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#36

To summarize, a restricted free agent essentially has four options:

* He can accept his prior team's qualifying offer, play for one season, and become a free agent again the following summer.

* He can accept his prior team's maximum qualifying offer (if applicable, and if one has been submitted) and play under a long-term contract at the maximum salary.

* He can sign an offer sheet with another team, which his prior team is given the opportunity to match.

* He can negotiate a new contract with his prior team that is independent of the qualifying offer or maximum qualifying offer.

So, since the Kings made them restricted free agents by giving them qualifying offers, I think the shoe is now on their respective feet to accept those offers.

 

[VF21]

Oops. I found one additional part later down:

A team can withdraw its qualifying offer to a restricted free agent, in which case the player becomes unrestricted. This happened with Toronto and Keon Clark in 2002. The qualifying offer cannot be withdrawn after July 23 without the player's approval.

Hrm... Looks like you were right, Warhawk.

 

[gman23]

Doesn't seem impressive on paper. I guess we will see what he brings to training camp. But, I'm not getting my hopes up.

 

[nbrans]

I really don't like Shakur's game. Doesn't have good point guard instincts, can't shoot, turns the ball over a lot, thinks he's a lot better than he is... he's also not that great of an athlete. I know you have to field a summer league team, but I don't think he's going to be making the roster.

 

[=LarryLegend=]

he is a more natural point guard than price will every be. I wish ronnie could get 6-8 assist. please i am a fan of a 6'3"-6'5" point.

 

[CruzDude]

Shakur + and -

In the Wildcat Insider web site they list the 3 + for Shakur as:

- ball handling
- defensive presence
- passing

Those are surely a BIG 3 for the Kings and 3 key areas we desparately need. Stat wise he shot 42 & 45% FG his last 2 years and consistant 80% FT and had an assist to turnover ratio of 1.75 while averaging 1.5 steals.

On the "areas for improvement" side they list his perimeter game and 3-pt shooting along with decision making ("he tends to force the issue and over-penetrate") plus a previous comment about passes all over the gym!

He played at Arizona for 4 years.

And from Draft Express the following summary on Shakur:

Strengths
At nearly 6’4, he has as much size as any point guard prospect in this year’s draft. Combine that with his quickness and length and we’re talking about one of the more intriguing physical specimens in this draft. With the ball in his hands, he’s shown to be capable of doing a capable job at times of running a talented team.

His unselfishness and up-tempo style of play could suit some NBA teams well. Shakur shows potential to slash and score quite well at times when needed, mostly from inside the arc. He is at his best in transition, and thrives the most as a point guard on the drive and dish.

His length allows him to play even bigger than his size, and he shows potential to develop into a shut-down defensive type down the road if he can find a way to maintain his focus throughout the game and an entire season, which hasn't really happened yet.

Weaknesses
Shakur has been wildly inconsistent throughout his four years at Arizona. He can be extremely turnover prone at times, and a downright offensive liability in others.

Shakur’s outside shot is his biggest weakness, as both his mechanics and range need plenty of work if he’s to make and stick in the NBA. He often lacks assertiveness and has shown poor decision making skills. There are major questions about his leadership ability as a floor general as well as his overall basketball IQ.

He could still stand to add some weight to his skinny frame, and doesn’t have the type of polish or experience you’d expect from a 3-year starter playing at one of the top programs in the country.

An intriguing possibility for sure. But if GP guaranteed him some $$ then GP sees something worth investing in. Lets see in Vegas. First report Tuesday afternoon.