Bee: Bibby adds spring to step

[Warhawk]

Bibby adds spring to step

The Kings guard has lost 18 pounds since the playoffs to build speed and stamina.

By Joe Davidson

Published 12:01 am PDT Sunday, August 20, 2006

The Bee's Joe Davidson can be reached at jdavidson@sacbee.com.


http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/14302816p-15175082c.html

Mike Bibby didn't just walk into the place and greet a throng of youth basketball campers at Basketball Town on Friday.

He glided. He -- dare we say -- zipped from spot to spot. Yes, the 6-foot-2 Bibby darting in any form, even in sweats, bears notice. The new-look Kings guard hopes his sleek physique produces lasting results.

Bibby is 18 pounds lighter than he was in the postseason. He is down to 188 pounds, the lightest he has been since his college days at Arizona nine years ago.

Bibby said he changed his diet as he continues to fatten up on his outlook of impact and improvement. He eliminated junk food and added more healthy eats, all while maintaining his zest to keep his body hard and toned with conditioning and weights.

In short, Bibby wants to be quicker, more explosive -- and if there has been a knock on the man, it's that he hasn't been quick enough at first step. Bibby, who has a career average of 36.8 minutes per game, also seeks more stamina. He understands he will not become Tony Parker-quick, but he is making an offseason effort to keep up with the blur guards on the NBA circuit.

"I feel better," Bibby said. "I'm eating different things, better things. It happened fast. Lost 12 pounds in a few weeks. I feel like I'm moving better laterally already. I can really tell. We'll see how it goes."

Bibby also discussed his role with the team -- he reminded that he is the clear veteran and leader of this outfit -- and his contract status, as well as where he might be long term. Bibby has three years left on his existing deal, with some interesting wrinkles woven into the fine print. He will make a team-high $12.5 million this season, with an early-termination out if he chooses to exercise it next summer. If not, he would make $13.5 million for the 2007-08 season, with a player option that would grant him $14.5 million for the final season of 2008-09.

Bibby said he surely would love to be with the Kings long term, having experienced his best seasons, best games and greatest individual moments in Sacramento.

"I'm not saying I don't want to be here," Bibby said. "I'd love to finish my career here. I love it here. The atmosphere is great -- crazy. The fans are the best in the NBA. But I have talked to my agent (David Falk). It has to be (mutual). Both sides have to want a return. I know I want to be here.

"Everything has to work for all of us. They've got to want to keep me. I don't want to feel like I'm not wanted."

As it stands now, the Kings want Bibby. He is only 28, and he still is regarded as one of the game's elite shooters. He clearly is the best marksman on a Kings roster that lacks a lot of shooters.

Bibby's willingness to shed the weight is a strong indicator he's not satisfied with his career just yet, said Kings director of player personnel Jerry Reynolds.

"I think it's great he lost weight," Reynolds said Saturday. "Quickness is a real factor for any player in this game. The thing I've always liked about Mike is he really does want to be good, to get better."

Reynolds said Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash is a prime example of a veteran floor leader who bettered his body and, as a result, greatly improved his game.

"It's not lost on Mike that you can always get better," Reynolds said. "Look at how Steve Nash changed his body. He didn't become an MVP by getting bigger and stronger. He got to be an MVP by getting lighter and quicker.

"I'm not saying Mike's going to be the MVP, but he can get better. John Stockton is a great example, too. He had his absolute best years between the ages of 28 and 32. I think the best is ahead for Mike. He has improved every year -- and he's an All-Star-caliber player now."

Bibby said he already likes what he sees in new coach Eric Musselman. The two discussed roles and expectations.

"I'm ready for it," Bibby said. "People think I'm not a leader because I don't get in the face of a player, because I don't yell at them, 'Oh, he's not acting like a leader.' I pull guys aside. I talk to them.

"I am the leader of this team. I want to win. It comes down to everyone needing to put everything aside and doing what it takes to win."

Second-year swingman Francisco García knows Bibby is the leader.

"He took me under his wing last year and showed me the ropes, and I'm still learning from him," García said. "He played all 82 games last year, even though he was hurt in some games. That's a sign of toughness and a leader."

Bibby admitted he has an out clause on his new diet.

"I have one day, a cheat day," he explained. "I can eat whatever I want. Just the one day, and Friday is that day."

A quicker Bibby suddenly was salivating.

 

[D-Mass]

18 pounds is quite a bit...should be interesting to see how he plays. A couple of years ago, I lost a similar amount of weight and it completely changed how I played. I was much quicker, could jump like crazy, and I was more confident in my game. I think it will help him immensely.

 

[Nico]

great

that's a great thing !
He wasn't fat at all but that's a great thing for him(and the kings) to want to be better every year
he was powerfull but didn't play like a powerfull point guard (chauncey billups for example) wasn't posting up lighter guards...
so that's great, he will jump higher run faster and longer
good for his jumpshot, fastbreak

 

[Ryle]

18 pounds is quite a bit...should be interesting to see how he plays. A couple of years ago, I lost a similar amount of weight and it completely changed how I played. I was much quicker, could jump like crazy, and I was more confident in my game. I think it will help him immensely.

A few weeks ago I was watching the Championship game when Bibby was at Arizona and he looked like a completely different guy at the lower weight....he was a lot quicker(granted he was also only 19-20 years old) but there was a noticeable difference in his size.

 

[chelle]

Good for him! I'm glad that he focused on his "weakness" to get better this summer. All good players continue to improve. Being quicker should help his defense as well. I want to see a picture. He was skinny in college. I hope that he has not lost too much muscle.

By the way, it made me sad to read "I'd love to finish my career here. . . I know I want to be here." That is the kiss of death for Kings' players. They ALWAYS leave after that. We might as well get the "Thanks Bibby" thread ready.

 

[living legend]

Man, he shedded a ton of weight off. This is great b/c obviously last year he put on too much muscle and even he said it took a toll early in the season.

 

[6th]

Fantastic news! Not only has he shed weight, but it is a real indication that he is not satisfied with his play and wants to improve. Not only does he want to improve, but he was willing to take the steps necessary to see that happen.

I also liked that he is openly saying, "I am the leader of this team."

 

[atxrocker]

that was really a good read. i like what i hear coming from mike. hopefully this is the year he doesn't get snubbed and will be an all-star.

 

[D-Mass]

that was really a good read. i like what i hear coming from mike. hopefully this is the year he doesn't get snubbed and will be an all-star.

As long as Kobe, McGrady, Nash, Ray Allen, Jason Terry, etc. are in the West, Bibby will continue to be snubbed at all-star time. Unfortunate, but that's the way it is.

 

[BALLER4LIFE]

it was funny seeing that bibby wants to stay here because do you all remember the last time peja said "i want to be a king for life"? within a couple days he was shipped out. i just thought that was kinda ironic. hopefully the same doesn't happen 2 bibby!

 

[Widowmaker2k]

As long as Kobe, McGrady, Nash, Ray Allen, Jason Terry, etc. are in the West, Bibby will continue to be snubbed at all-star time. Unfortunate, but that's the way it is.

I think Bibby is at least better than Jason Terry, but you're right. Too many good gaurds in this league for Bibby to make it without putting in a very special performance. Even if one of the afformentioned guys didn't make it, you still have others besides Bibby looking to get in. (Like Parker)

 

[D-Mass]

I think Bibby is at least better than Jason Terry, but you're right. Too many good gaurds in this league for Bibby to make it without putting in a very special performance. Even if one of the afformentioned guys didn't make it, you still have others besides Bibby looking to get in. (Like Parker)

Yeah, I only included Terry because if he can repeat his play this year, he MAY break through. But that top four is pretty tough to crack. Guys like Terry, Bibby, and Parker might have to wait for a couple of those guys to get hurt, leave the West, or retire.

 

[JB_kings]

Lets see, it's Bibby who has the option to get of his contract and he thinks that he should be paid more than the 13.5 & 14.5 million in his final 2 years? He already makes more than Steve Nash. Honestly I think his leverage on this one is next to nothing. We've already seen that Petrie doesn't negotiate against himself. Bibby can opt out, but who's going to give him 15-20 million a year?

 

[atxrocker]

As long as Kobe, McGrady, Nash, Ray Allen, Jason Terry, etc. are in the West, Bibby will continue to be snubbed at all-star time. Unfortunate, but that's the way it is.

unfortunate, indeed. i personally am not sure that i would rank allen or terry above bibby, and if tmac isn't healthy then who knows.

 

[Sac.Kings]

18 pounds isn't a little. I am a little happier. Shedding 18 pounds doesn't automatically make you a better defender though.

 

[D-Mass]

unfortunate, indeed. i personally am not sure that i would rank allen or terry above bibby, and if tmac isn't healthy then who knows.

Unfortunately, it doesn't matter who is better. The all-star voting is a popularity contest and people vote in the same people year after year. McGrady will ALWAYS get votes, injured or not, simply because people like to see him play above the rim. Bibby may be better than a couple of those players, but Bibby has little "flash" to his game. I just don't see him getting in anytime soon unless he has a breakout, dominant season against the other guards in the west.

 

[chelle]

Fantastic news! Not only has he shed weight, but it is a real indication that he is not satisfied with his play and wants to improve. Not only does he want to improve, but he was willing to take the steps necessary to see that happen.

I also liked that he is openly saying, "I am the leader of this team."

I liked that, too. I am excited to see his game this year.

Lets see, it's Bibby who has the option to get of his contract and he thinks that he should be paid more than the 13.5 & 14.5 million in his final 2 years? He already makes more than Steve Nash. Honestly I think his leverage on this one is next to nothing. We've already seen that Petrie doesn't negotiate against himself. Bibby can opt out, but who's going to give him 15-20 million a year?

Maybe (hopefully) Bibby's idea of being wanted means more than just money. Niave of me, I know, but it would be nice. I'm sure that he knows he is not likely to make more money elsewhere. Possibly, he just wants an extension. Who knows???

 

[Kings113]

Good for Mike! I think it'll help him in some form at least. As far as most of the leader stuff goes, we'll see.

 

[bajaden]

Bibby is due 13.5 mil in his option year. The most any other team can start him at is 14.9 mil. So the question is, how many teams would be in a position to pay that amount. How many teams would be that far under the cap and how many of those teams would want him. I'm not saying its not possible, I'm just saying that the odds are small. Having said all that, would you take the gamble and opt out if you were him?

The fact that he said he wanted to stay if they want me to stay, leads me to believe that he has an inkling of something in the works. Your right about any player who says that seems to be gone sooner than later.

 

[Entity]

18 pounds isn't a little. I am a little happier. Shedding 18 pounds doesn't automatically make you a better defender though.

You are right. But shedding 18 pounds will make you quicker and have more stamina which is exactly what Bibby said it did. Now as a defender 2 of the main ingredients you need is quickness and stamina. Anybody can play defense for a few seconds but, if you have the stamina to hold it out you then become a better defender and quickness enbles you to get rotate faster and stay in front of your man better. So no shedding 18 pounds doesn't make you a better defender but the products of the loss does.

 

[bibbyweb]

I liked that, too. I am excited to see his game this year.




Maybe (hopefully) Bibby's idea of being wanted means more than just money. Niave of me, I know, but it would be nice. I'm sure that he knows he is not likely to make more money elsewhere. Possibly, he just wants an extension. Who knows???

I think its more of a refernce to Webber situation. But thats again an interpretation.

 

[nebs]

So he's off the roids?

But seriously, I like this decision by Mike. I remember when he really started bulking up and you could tell he was bigger, stronger and SLOWER. It also messed with his shot for a while.

He's definitely got 5+ very good years left in him but I think he needs to get away from even thinking about asking for a raise after next year.

 

[SacKings4Life21]

Bibby will not ask for a raise lol. IF he does, GP will laugh at him and tell him to talk to the Knicks. He makes 12.5........... and tho he is a great player, a low level allstar caliber player..... he knows his market value is around 8-9 mil tops. HE is overjoyed to have cashed in on his massive payday. he wouldnt opt out haha. I am excited he dropped wieght... now he might be able to play D

 

[Kingzrool]

This is really nice to see. It was sorta seeming like he knew he scored on his contract and was content with his place/role in the NBA and on the Kings. Almost as bad as the Peja style contribution. This shows that he seeks to improve his game and value. He could still become a solid All Star player, with effort. There is such a big difference in players that seek to improve their game compared to those that are satisfied.

Bibby could still take the leadership role. However, I would guess that most fans consider Artest the leader as he seems to set the tone for the team. Do I detect some bruised ego on the Bibster's part in those quotes? Is there a drama here to unfold? Please no.

I am very concerned about his "If they want to keep me here" type statement. Man if we lose him, it had BETTER be in a trade for a big player!

It seems that Kingsfans will not let go of the KG dream/fantasy. If Bibby is planning on challenging Ron's leadership, we might as well trade him (+) for KG. I would venture to guess that Ron would rather share the leadership role with KG than Bibby.?? Clearly KG wants to be on a contending team, which we would be with him. GP stating that no trades are in the works can almost be taken as evidence of the opposite, if none were possible, he would probably hint that some were coming just to throw us off.

 

[VF21]

I am very concerned about his "If they want to keep me here" type statement. Man if we lose him, it had BETTER be in a trade for a big player!

Put yourself in Mike Bibby's place for a moment.

It's 2003 and you're on top of the world, with a team poised to finally put it all together and get the big shiny trophy.

Then disaster strikes...in Dallas.

After that, Bibby watches one by one as every single player who rode home from that fateful game in Dallas has been traded away, allowed to walk for green pastures, etc.

Who would have been able to predict back then that we'd no longer have Webber or Vlade or Doug or Peja? Or Bobby Jackson? Or the rest?

Mike has watched as the entire team has changed around him. Now, the coach - the one solid - has also been replaced. I honestly think Mike might be expressing a little bit of doubt about whether the Kings will keep him or trade him away on a newer model of some kind.

 

[ezekielbear]

Mike might as well hire Bonzi's agent if he opts out.

 

[16to93]

This is really nice to see. It was sorta seeming like he knew he scored on his contract and was content with his place/role in the NBA and on the Kings. Almost as bad as the Peja style contribution. This shows that he seeks to improve his game and value. He could still become a solid All Star player, with effort. There is such a big difference in players that seek to improve their game compared to those that are satisfied.

Bibby could still take the leadership role. However, I would guess that most fans consider Artest the leader as he seems to set the tone for the team. Do I detect some bruised ego on the Bibster's part in those quotes? Is there a drama here to unfold? Please no.

I am very concerned about his "If they want to keep me here" type statement. Man if we lose him, it had BETTER be in a trade for a big player!

It seems that Kingsfans will not let go of the KG dream/fantasy. If Bibby is planning on challenging Ron's leadership, we might as well trade him (+) for KG. I would venture to guess that Ron would rather share the leadership role with KG than Bibby.?? Clearly KG wants to be on a contending team, which we would be with him. GP stating that no trades are in the works can almost be taken as evidence of the opposite, if none were possible, he would probably hint that some were coming just to throw us off.

I really wouldn't get to concerned with Artest not wanting to share his leadership with Mike or for their to be any kind of anger there. From what I have heard from the second half of last season (Artest Era) is that Mike and Ron were great friends. I always read about them joking and talking to eachother.

Do not take my word for this but I even think I remember reading in some article that Ron even said something like "Bibby is the leader of this team."

 

[ezekielbear]

Mike flew to Europe to catch Fat Joe and Ron in concert, as far as I know.

 

[Elise10]

Bibby is 18 pounds lighter than he was in the postseason. He is down to 188 pounds, the lightest he has been since his college days at Arizona nine years ago.

Bibby said he changed his diet as he continues to fatten up on his outlook of impact and improvement. He eliminated junk food and added more healthy eats, all while maintaining his zest to keep his body hard and toned with conditioning and weights.

"I feel better," Bibby said. "I'm eating different things, better things. It happened fast. Lost 12 pounds in a few weeks. I feel like I'm moving better laterally already. I can really tell. We'll see how it goes."

I'm happy that he's finally got that stubborness out of him to realize that he needs to change his old habits. Last year it was about the "why should I do this?, I don't have to be quicker against other guards, I need to be stronger" Elston Turner should be proud of him because he's the one who was really pushing Mike for this kind of change a couple of seasons ago. I'm also happy for Mike for his dieting because we all know that he likes to eat a lot. Although does that mean he takes "Team Dime" out to eat on only Fridays? Just don't over eat yourself silly on your cheat day.

Bibby has three years left on his existing deal, with some interesting wrinkles woven into the fine print. He will make a team-high $12.5 million this season, with an early-termination out if he chooses to exercise it next summer. If not, he would make $13.5 million for the 2007-08 season, with a player option that would grant him $14.5 million for the final season of 2008-09.

Finally a true answer to the other thread. He's got 2 options. One's a Early-Opt Out and the other's a Player

"I'm not saying I don't want to be here," Bibby said. "I'd love to finish my career here. I love it here. The atmosphere is great -- crazy. The fans are the best in the NBA. But I have talked to my agent (David Falk). It has to be (mutual). Both sides have to want a return. I know I want to be here.

"Everything has to work for all of us. They've got to want to keep me. I don't want to feel like I'm not wanted."

It's sad given the recent track record of the Kings but it's also honest. Moneywise it may not work after either next year or the following year but I think that if the Maloofs really want him back, and Mike really wants to stay here, he'll take a pay cut to make it work.

"I'm ready for it," Bibby said. "People think I'm not a leader because I don't get in the face of a player, because I don't yell at them, 'Oh, he's not acting like a leader.' I pull guys aside. I talk to them.

"I am the leader of this team. I want to win. It comes down to everyone needing to put everything aside and doing what it takes to win."

Second-year swingman Francisco García knows Bibby is the leader.

"He took me under his wing last year and showed me the ropes, and I'm still learning from him," García said. "He played all 82 games last year, even though he was hurt in some games. That's a sign of toughness and a leader."

I think either someone's telling Mike what this site says about him or he's lurking around here himself. How many times have people said that he's not a leader of this team because he doesn't have the personality to pull it off? And after all of that most will still point out that the leader of this team is Ron Artest

And of course to ask someone (in this case being Francisco) to say yeah, Mike is the leader. I'd feel better having it come from a more seasoned veteran like Ron, Brad or even Corliss, no offense Francisco.

 

[HndsmCelt]

Well a lighter Bibby has to be a good thing... but like all off season player pieces sold to the home town fans it should be taken wiht a grain of salt.