http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/113392.html
If ever there were NBA fans so casual they paid attention only to the All-Star Game, they might not know the Kings existed.
For the third consecutive season, it appears no Kings players will be represented in the festivities. And the player who had seemed most likely to be voted in by the coaches or be invited to the assorted skills competitions -- third-year shooting guard Kevin Martin -- said he will decline an invitation to the skills events if one comes.
Martin, who has admitted to fatigue in his first season playing heavy minutes (not to mention heavy media attention and a season with mostly taxing results), said he will relax in his hometown of Zanesville, Ohio, during the Feb. 15-19 break. Nor is he concerned about the remote chance of his first All-Star berth.
"The stats might look like it, but I don't deserve to be there," Martin said. "I think a player should be there based on how good they're doing but also how their team's doing."
In the fourth and final fan voting returns, center Brad Miller was -- ironically -- the lone King voted in the top 10 in his position. Miller, who entered Wednesday averaging 9.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists, is having his worst season since his 2000-01 campaign in Chicago.
J-Will he stay? -- All indications point to Justin Williams sticking with the team.
The rookie big man, whose second 10-day contract expires today, has impressed on and off the floor, from his presence in the paint to a personality that has injected much-needed youth and good humor in the locker room and on the bench. Signing him for the remainder of the season would mean Williams will be paid a pro-rated amount based on the league's minimum salary of $412,000.
Asked if he knew his status, a smiling Williams said, "I'm not supposed to say." The more clear sign of Williams' standing, however, was the Kings' waiving of veteran reserve center Maurice Taylor on Tuesday.
Bibby milestone -- Saturday at Detroit, Mike Bibby became the 61st NBA player to reach 10,000 career points and 4,000 assists. He is one of seven active players in that category, a list topped by Miami point guard Gary Payton (21,660 points, 8,860 assists).
Also in the Bibby department, his 15-point fourth quarter against New Jersey on Monday wasn't the most points in a quarter by a King this season. That honor belongs to Ron Artest, who scored 18 fourth-quarter points against Milwaukee on Wednesday.
The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
If ever there were NBA fans so casual they paid attention only to the All-Star Game, they might not know the Kings existed.
For the third consecutive season, it appears no Kings players will be represented in the festivities. And the player who had seemed most likely to be voted in by the coaches or be invited to the assorted skills competitions -- third-year shooting guard Kevin Martin -- said he will decline an invitation to the skills events if one comes.
Martin, who has admitted to fatigue in his first season playing heavy minutes (not to mention heavy media attention and a season with mostly taxing results), said he will relax in his hometown of Zanesville, Ohio, during the Feb. 15-19 break. Nor is he concerned about the remote chance of his first All-Star berth.
"The stats might look like it, but I don't deserve to be there," Martin said. "I think a player should be there based on how good they're doing but also how their team's doing."
In the fourth and final fan voting returns, center Brad Miller was -- ironically -- the lone King voted in the top 10 in his position. Miller, who entered Wednesday averaging 9.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists, is having his worst season since his 2000-01 campaign in Chicago.
J-Will he stay? -- All indications point to Justin Williams sticking with the team.
The rookie big man, whose second 10-day contract expires today, has impressed on and off the floor, from his presence in the paint to a personality that has injected much-needed youth and good humor in the locker room and on the bench. Signing him for the remainder of the season would mean Williams will be paid a pro-rated amount based on the league's minimum salary of $412,000.
Asked if he knew his status, a smiling Williams said, "I'm not supposed to say." The more clear sign of Williams' standing, however, was the Kings' waiving of veteran reserve center Maurice Taylor on Tuesday.
Bibby milestone -- Saturday at Detroit, Mike Bibby became the 61st NBA player to reach 10,000 career points and 4,000 assists. He is one of seven active players in that category, a list topped by Miami point guard Gary Payton (21,660 points, 8,860 assists).
Also in the Bibby department, his 15-point fourth quarter against New Jersey on Monday wasn't the most points in a quarter by a King this season. That honor belongs to Ron Artest, who scored 18 fourth-quarter points against Milwaukee on Wednesday.
The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
Actually, "seriously" would be too strong a word for how I felt about it ever. However, disgusted is NOT too strong a word for how I feel about it now. And I definitley do not think fans should vote, if they want it to mean anything. When people say "he's an All-Star player," to me its its like "so what."
