Ideal Small Forward

[twslam07]

I feel that most of us would agree on drafting Derrick Williams to take over our SF position for us, but as we know, we will most likely not be that lucky. Obviously, we should do much better next year which means we will probably have no chance of getting Harrison Barnes if he decides to declare for the draft. So that leaves us with the question of who to get as our SF either through free agency or trade.

If we are unable to take Williams with our pick, I am really uncertain on who we should take. I think it might be wise to trade the pick away to receive a SF in return. Most of us agree that we need a SF who can spread the defense out with his shooting along with playing good defense.

I tried to find some good SFs that we could possibly trade for or sing. I wanted to get your input on which SF would be an ideal fit for the Kings.

These would be the SF that we could trade for (the end part is there salary and what year their contract is up):


Dorell Wright => 6'9'' - 210lbs - 38mpg - .42FG - .79FT - 2.4 3pg - 16.4ppg - 5.3rpg - 3apg - 1.5spg - .8bpg - 1.6topg - 4.1mil - 2013

Wilson Chandler => 6'8'' - 225lbs - 33mpg - .45FG - .80FT - 1.6 3pg - 15.3ppg - 5.7rpg - 1.7apg - .7spg - 1.3bpg - 1.4topg - 3.1mil - 2012

Danilo Gallinari => 6'10'' - 225lbs - 33mpg - .41FG - .86FT - 1.7 3pg - 15.6ppg - 4.9rpg - 1.7apg - .8spg - .4bpg - 1.3topg - 5.6mil - 2013

Nicolas Batum => 6'8'' - 210lbs - 31mpg - .45FG - .84FT - 1.5 3pg - 12.4ppg - 4.5rpg - 1.5apg - .9spg - .6bpg - 1topg - 3.1mil - 2013

Hedo Turkoglu => 6'10'' - 220lbs - 31mpg - .44FG - .68FT - 1.6 3pg - 10.8ppg - 4.4rpg - 4.2apg - .9spg - .4bpg - 1.6topg - 12.2mil - 2014

Jeff Green => 6'9'' - 235lbs - 32mpg - .45FG - .81FT - .9 3pg - 13.3ppg - 4.8rpg - 1.4apg - .7spg - .5bpg - 1.3topg - 5.9mil - 2012

Trevor Ariza => 6'8'' - 210lbs - 34mpg - .40FG - .70FT - 1.1 3pg - 11ppg - 5.4rpg - 2.2apg - 1.6spg - .4bpg - 1.6topg - 7.7mil - 2014

Corey Brewer => 6'9'' - 188lbs - 21mpg - .39FG - .71FT - .4 3pg - 8ppg - 2.5rpg - 1.3apg - 1.4spg - .2bpg - 1.3topg - 3.2mil - 2013


These would be the SF that we could sign (the end part is how much they got paid this year):


Shane Battier => 6'8'' - 220lbs - 28mpg - .45FG - .69FT - 1.2 3pg - 7.6ppg - 4.5rpg - 2.3apg - .8spg - 1bpg - 1topg - 7.3mil

Grant Hill => 6'8'' - 225lbs - 30mpg - .48FG - .83FT - .6 3pg - 13.2ppg - 4.2rpg - 2.5apg - .8spg - .4bpg - 1.7topg - 3.3mil

Andrei Kirilenko => 6'9'' - 235lbs - 31mpg - .47FG - .77FT - .6 3pg - 11.7ppg - 5.1rpg - 3apg - 1.3spg - 1.2bpg - 1.8topg - 17.8mil

Tayshaun Prince => 6'9'' - 215lbs - 32mpg - .47FG - .70FT - .4 3pg - 14.1ppg - 4.2rpg - 2.8apg - .4spg - .5bpg - 1.1topg - 11.1mil


As you can see it will most likely be less expensive to trade for a SF rather than sign one because the majority of the players I listed are still in their rookie contracts.

So which one would be the best fit for our team? If there is a SF that is not in this post who you think would be a better fit let me know.

 

[Sluggah]

Would you prefer to draft a PG then, rather than a SF?

from the list...I'll take batum, wright or green.

 

[TheWileyVet]

Trade for Batum, sign Nene, and and resign Thorton. Epic offseason!

 

[twslam07]

If the KIngs either get D Williams or Batum this offseason, they will be a force to be reckoned with. I think their sole focus should be on getting one of these players. Batum is very tall and lengthy, a good 3pt shooter, passer, defender, rebounder, athlete, etc. It seems like this kid can do everything and on top of that, he is only 22. Williams is stronger but not as agile as batum. Similar to Batum, Williams is a good 3pt shooter, defender, rebounder, and overall player. We would be a very competive team with one of these two in our lineup next season.

Nene would be intriguing, but I think I would rather have Dalembert because of his supreme talent in rebounding and blocking shots.

 

[funkykingston]

I may be in the minority, but I don't see Derrick Williams as a good fit for the Kings at SF. I'm not even convinced he will be a SF in the NBA. I think he'll be a PF who occasionally plays some minutes at the 3. He has great range/form on his jumper, but he's not really a wing player IMO. One of the things the Kings really need from their 3 position is good perimeter D and Williams will struggle with athletic SFs on the next level. I love his game, but not on this Kings team.

I'd love Batum, but I don't know that Portland will part with him. And if they do, it would be at a HUGE price. But if it was this year's #1 and Casspi or something similar, I'd be ALL over that deal.

 

[King Baller]

I would trade this years 1st round pick, Garcia and Casspi for Danny Granger. Granger is a 28 year old established all star level SF.

But thats just me
KB

 

[bajaden]

I may be in the minority, but I don't see Derrick Williams as a good fit for the Kings at SF. I'm not even convinced he will be a SF in the NBA. I think he'll be a PF who occasionally plays some minutes at the 3. He has great range/form on his jumper, but he's not really a wing player IMO. One of the things the Kings really need from their 3 position is good perimeter D and Williams will struggle with athletic SFs on the next level. I love his game, but not on this Kings team.

I'd love Batum, but I don't know that Portland will part with him. And if they do, it would be at a HUGE price. But if it was this year's #1 and Casspi or something similar, I'd be ALL over that deal.

Considering that Williams is a very good athlete, and had the best 3 pt shooting percentage in college last season, I don't think he'd have a problem playing SF. He, like a lot of players that come out of highschool, and I'll throw Terrence Jones into that catagory, are forced to play PF or in some cases center simply because the team doesn't have good size anywhere else. Gerald Wallace played center in college, which ill prepared him for the SF position in the NBA.

When you consider that Williams had a broken finger on his left hand, and played about a third of the season with a huge bandage on that hand, and still shot the ball as well as he did, I don't think shooting will be a problem. He also played very good defense in college. But even with all that aside, he is in my opinion one of the top two players in the draft. And if you can draft either of them, you do it and figure out the rest later.

 

[Aenadin]

wishful thinking on a young hedo... that guy would work so well with tyreke.

 

[KingsCitizen]

Stephen Jackson(Bobcats) may still have 2 good years left in his tank.
He got range, defense, and vocal leadership. He only got 2 years left in his contract and might worth trading if we can get him for some of the long and big contracts like Cisco and Beno.Bobcats are quite thin in the perimeter.

Xavier Henry(Grizzlies) is also an intriguing young prospect. The way Memphis is playing now, there's a good chance he will continue to get buried in the rotation with Gay coming back next season and a chance that Battier decides to stay.

Harrington/Chandler/Gallinari (Denver) Denver might let go one of these guys for a big man(JT?? or if we pick say Kanter/Motie/Valie) all three can play SF. Harrington's contract is tricky since its guaranteed for another 4 seasons. Chandler and Gallo are steps ahead of any of our young SF at this time, so either will be an upgrade. But I prefer Chandler over Gallo.

 

[Aenadin]

Gallo is an interesting prospect though.....

another guy would be landry fields just another do it all kind of guy.

 

[Dr. Spaceman]

wishful thinking on a young hedo... that guy would work so well with tyreke.

You forget, but young Hedo was a chucker with a hubris that extended far beyond his abilities. A talented but very frustrating player to watch. Much like the player that he is today, now that he is past his prime and sucking it up on the Magic.

If Williams isn't in our future, then I still contend that Granger is probably the best fit for our current personnel, thanks to his all-around game and shooting ability. And his contract is very doable with our cap space.

Not to pin too much hope on Thornton, but with him providing such a scoring punch, we don't need that great of a scorer from the SF position. What we need is a very good glue-guy who can defend, board well, and hit those open threes. Because between Cousins and Reke, there will be quite a few of them to hit.

 

[RookieOfTheDay]

I'm still not ready to give up on Casspi. I think that given ample playing time and a good team around him he could be the Kings starting SF of the future.

 

[Aenadin]

You forget, but young Hedo was a chucker with a hubris that extended far beyond his abilities. A talented but very frustrating player to watch. Much like the player that he is today, now that he is past his prime and sucking it up on the Magic.

If Williams isn't in our future, then I still contend that Granger is probably the best fit for our current personnel, thanks to his all-around game and shooting ability. And his contract is very doable with our cap space.

Not to pin too much hope on Thornton, but with him providing such a scoring punch, we don't need that great of a scorer from the SF position. What we need is a very good glue-guy who can defend, board well, and hit those open threes. Because between Cousins and Reke, there will be quite a few of them to hit.

i know but his passing could offset reke's still developing court vision...

ok going back to the one I put in bold.... kind of player? hmmmm

BRUCE BOWEN!!!!!

he can lock people up, he can hit that corner three money... just don't give him the ball during clutch time and free throw

 

[mac]

Considering that Williams is a very good athlete, and had the best 3 pt shooting percentage in college last season, I don't think he'd have a problem playing SF. He, like a lot of players that come out of highschool, and I'll throw Terrence Jones into that catagory, are forced to play PF or in some cases center simply because the team doesn't have good size anywhere else. Gerald Wallace played center in college, which ill prepared him for the SF position in the NBA.

When you consider that Williams had a broken finger on his left hand, and played about a third of the season with a huge bandage on that hand, and still shot the ball as well as he did, I don't think shooting will be a problem. He also played very good defense in college. But even with all that aside, he is in my opinion one of the top two players in the draft. And if you can draft either of them, you do it and figure out the rest later.

We can only hope that such players won't lose their shooting touch in the NBA (see JJ Redick, Quincy Douby)

 

[rhythmless]

Dorell Wright - iffy on defense. His breakout year will either correctly inflate or overinflate his true value. Is it a breakout yera or an anomoly (much like Ariza shooting his 3s in LA)?

Wilson Chandler - Doable, but we would have to give equal talent to get him.

Danilo Gallinari - Pretty sure Denver is going to hold onto their young pieces, having had a great trade to rebuild so quickly.

Nicolas Batum - Portland loves him for all the reasons mentioned here. I don't think he's going anywhere. Just too young, too long, too much of a good shooter and good character guy to go anywhere, save for an amazing trade package.

Hedo Turkoglu - Meh, fat contract, fat body.

Jeff Green - Not going anywhere. They need him as their stars age.

Trevor Ariza - Bad fg%, and that's playing next to CP3. Good defense, but his decisionmaking is not the greatest. He has been very very sporadic these past 2 seasons.

Corey Brewer - Doable. Very long, still young. Hasn't produced so much that he is a semi-untouchable.

These would be the SF that we could sign (the end part is how much they got paid this year):

Shane Battier
Grant Hill
Andrei Kirilenko
Tayshaun Prince

For hte old guys, I don't know who would come here vs another place. Why would they come to us? I think we would have to pay a premium for a vet to come babysit.

That said, I'd take those guys minus Prince. He never was a strong 3 pt shooter, and given the mutiny in Det I'm not sure if I want him around. Hill would be the consumate guy for the kids, but I see him in PHO or a for sure contender.

 

[bajaden]

I would trade this years 1st round pick, Garcia and Casspi for Danny Granger. Granger is a 28 year old established all star level SF.

But thats just me
KB

Well, I would make that trade as well. I just don't think the Pacers would.

 

[bajaden]

If the KIngs either get D Williams or Batum this offseason, they will be a force to be reckoned with. I think their sole focus should be on getting one of these players. Batum is very tall and lengthy, a good 3pt shooter, passer, defender, rebounder, athlete, etc. It seems like this kid can do everything and on top of that, he is only 22. Williams is stronger but not as agile as batum. Similar to Batum, Williams is a good 3pt shooter, defender, rebounder, and overall player. We would be a very competive team with one of these two in our lineup next season.

Nene would be intriguing, but I think I would rather have Dalembert because of his supreme talent in rebounding and blocking shots.

Getting either of these guys will take some luck. In Williams case, getting lucky in the lottery. And that might be easier than prying Batum away from the Blazers. It would probably take a serious trade to get Batum, and the cost might be too high. They really like him, and apparently aren't in a hurry to part with him. But I'd be happy with either of them.

A guy that I've been watching for while, and have been impressed with is Shawne Williams of the Knicks. He's had a very nice season, and is shooting 40% from beyond the arc. He's also been playing decent defense. His rebounding could be better, but its better than Donte's. He's an unrestricted freeagent at seasons end, and was only making around 850 thousand this season. Anyway, someone to consider. He's young and has 4 years experience in the league.

 

[vikinginferno]

We aren't getting Batum.

 

[kingsboi]

As much as it would be a wet dream to get Danny Granger, let's stop fooling ourselves here guys. Indiana finally made the playoffs for the first time since 2006 and I'm sure that DG is a focal point for their team going forward. He is not going anywhere. Neither is Batum. We either draft one or get one in FA, even though the options aren't the best of.

 

[ParniValjak]

Purely from our current needs perspective, someone like in prime Battier would be perfect. So going into the off-season and if we are willing to sign players, I would be shocked if we are not linked to one or more of Kirlilenko, Prince or Battier.

From intangibles perspective, in prime Battier would be in ideal player. A defensive specialist who is the ultimate professional and a glue guy. A real veteran presence and a leader that this team needs. Unfortunately he is past his prime but I think he still has a couple of really solid years ahead of him.

In the perfect world, we would trade our 1st round pick and possibly Omri for Batum. Now that kid has the potential to be a really good 2 way player in the league. However, the chances of Portland willing to trade Batum are non-existent!

 

[Glenn]

Nash was beyond his prime when Dallas traded him. I'm not sure athleticism at the 3 is more important than a predictable, steadying presence. Certainly Battier at age 32 is not a doddering old man.

 

[Hoovtrain]

Nash was beyond his prime when Dallas traded him. I'm not sure athleticism at the 3 is more important than a predictable, steadying presence. Certainly Battier at age 32 is not a doddering old man.

When you say beyond his prime, what are you referring too? Age, skill, etc? Nash played the best basketball of his career after signing with PHX.

 

[Glenn]

When you say behond his prime, what are you referring too? Age, skill, etc? Nash played the best basketball of his career after signing with PHX.

Too subtle. Dallas thought he was past his prime and his best years were after age 32 to give a direct comparison to Battier.

 

[Hoovtrain]

Too subtle. Dallas thought he was past his prime and his best years were after age 32 to give a direct comparison to Battier.

That's what I thought you were getting at. I remember when he was an FA and thinking he was too old to invest a ton of money into. Well thank god I am not a GM. That signing alone has changed my outlook on signing guys that I normally would have thought were past their prime.

 

[hrdboild]

If we're looking at players on the wrong side of 30, Caron Butler should be a consideration as well.

 

[Glenn]

I just calculated the average age of San Anonio's starters and it is 32.6 with Parker the youngest at 28. Three are past their prime by almost any definition that includes age. Interesting. Four are on the wrong side of 30.

 

[Bricklayer]

There comes a certain point when you actually aren't loking for young players anymore. There comes a point when who you are trying to pick up are guys like Battier and Tony Allen in Memphis, or Perkins in OKC. You start looking for the tough, smart, experienced vet, not to be better than your hyper-taletned kids, but to stedy them. Be the reilable presence,. give everybody confidence, teach them how to win etc. We have a pretty good draft pick again, but this time I wouldn't be surprised to see it moved in search of these veteran glue guys. We've already got as good a collection of young talent as anybody in the league. But now we need somebody to teach them how to win.

Now that said, those 32yr old types are questionalbe signings for us. Not only will they not be around for our peak years, but players at that age, and particularly defenders who have to guard quick players, can fall off at any time and become a bad signing. Christie began to slow at 33, was done by 35. Its pretty common for players of that ilk.

 

[DesertFox]

In the perfect world, we would trade our 1st round pick and possibly Omri for Batum. Now that kid has the potential to be a really good 2 way player in the league. However, the chances of Portland willing to trade Batum are non-existent!

That really would be the perfect move, and is close to fair value. But Portland would probably be more interested in JT than Omri, and I wouldn't consider that unless the team knows Daly is back.

 

[Smills91]

A Healthy Francisco Garcia, anyone???? D's it up, hit's the 3 ball, good to very good ball-handler, veteran leader. I think he's the ideal candidate to fill the bulk of the 3 minutes. But that's just me.

 

[Glenn]

There comes a certain point when you actually aren't loking for young players anymore. There comes a point when who you are trying to pick up are guys like Battier and Tony Allen in Memphis, or Perkins in OKC. You start looking for the tough, smart, experienced vet, not to be better than your hyper-taletned kids, but to stedy them. Be the reilable presence,. give everybody confidence, teach them how to win etc. We have a pretty good draft pick again, but this time I wouldn't be surprised to see it moved in search of these veteran glue guys. We've already got as good a collection of young talent as anybody in the league. But now we need somebody to teach them how to win.

Now that said, those 32yr old types are questionalbe signings for us. Not only will they not be around for our peak years, but players at that age, and particularly defenders who have to guard quick players, can fall off at any time and become a bad signing. Christie began to slow at 33, was done by 35. Its pretty common for players of that ilk.

I just watched San Antonio lose and a thought came to me which I will only express as an opinion.

I agree with Brick except I think an argument can be made for Battier because I think he is the consummate team man. Glue, as people say. He is not your average 32 year old and from reading Wikipedia on him, I feel even better about him.

There IS a point when old is too old athletically. People slow down. Perhaps though a team of young guys can cover for the older guy. San Antonio's problem is that they all have slowed and there is little youth to balance this lack of speed, jumping, and the like. San Antonio has the opposite problem that we have - they need youth.

In any case when you take the entire issue into account which includes the present team make-up, salary situation, price of the individual players, etc. I think Battier would be fine. What happens three years from now simply needs to be dealt with at the time.

AK47 is my preference but should get a longer contract than Battier which I would restrict to 3 years.