In a hunt for the best deal
Sacramento may not be Bonzi Wells' last stop, his agent says.
By Sam Amick -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Saturday, March 25, 2006
Bonzi Wells and his agent talk every day.
They talk, of course, about the Kings, the latest game and the progress of the groin injury that stole nearly half of the shooting guard's season. But no matter where the conversation goes, William Phillips knows not to bring up one particular topic - free agency.
He told me, 'If I start thinking (about free agency), it's easy to get into a situation where you become selfish,' " Phillips said. "He said, 'If we win, and we get in the playoffs, everything will take care of itself, so let's not even talk about it.' "
Phillips has no such reservations, mainly because his client has no reservation on a 2006-07 roster. Phillips already has analyzed the upcoming free-agent market. The early outlook is promising enough for Phillips to claim, "You can't tell me two guys that are better than him at his position."
ESPN's Chris Sheridan agreed, rating Wells as the second-best shooting guard on the free-agent-to-be list and No. 12 overall. And while Wells has made clear his fondness for Sacramento, Phillips said his client will stay in the city only if a Kings contract offer makes him just as happy. Wells is making $8 million this season.
"As long as the Kings are willing to step forward and give him what I think Bonzi is worth, then we're going to look at Sacramento," Phillips said. "I know Bonzi enjoys Sacramento immensely. He always says it reminds him of (his hometown of) Muncie (Ind.). ... Those will be factors, but money is going to be an important factor as well."
This will be the second consecutive offseason in which the Kings decide their fate at shooting guard, though the emergence of second-year talent Kevin Martin brings a new twist.
On paper, Wells is similar to former King Cuttino Mobley, who landed a $42 million, five-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers after he was rated no higher than the third-best shooting guard in the 2005 free-agent pool. Mobley turned 30 Sept. 1; Wells' 30th birthday is Sept. 20.
But whereas Mobley had to adjust to the Kings after a midseason trade from Orlando, Wells' free-agent stock took a hit when he tore his groin Dec. 19. The groin was reinjured in his first game back Feb. 3, at the same Delta Center the Kings visit tonight. Wells, who has missed 30 games this season, might make his first start since then, as Martin has a badly bruised thigh.
Wells and Kings coach Rick Adelman have said the first return was rushed. Since his second comeback March 3, Wells has averaged 26.6 minutes, 9.8 points and 8.2 rebounds, and shot 40.9 percent (45 of 110) from the field. Caution and patience have been collective methods of choice, as Wells has played from 20 to 30 minutes in nine of those 11 games. Phillips said Wells is content with how he is being used.
"As long as they're winning, we're fine," Phillips said. "(Adelman and Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie) have been doing what they said they're going to do (regarding playing time), and Bonzi has no complaints about it. ... He didn't start last year (in Memphis), and that didn't stop (general managers) from calling him. They look at your production per minute."
Petrie has declined to discuss Wells' future, saying, "You can call me in July about that."
Should Wells re-sign with the Kings, Phillips said he's confident Wells will regain his starting role.
"If Bonzi is going into training camp, and (Wells and Martin) are going into camp together, that's two totally different situations (than coming back midseason)," he said. "I put my money on Bonzi versus Kevin Martin in training camp." And money, make no mistake, is what it will be about.
http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/14234969p-15056369c.html
Still not sure on if he'll be back.
Sacramento may not be Bonzi Wells' last stop, his agent says.
By Sam Amick -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Saturday, March 25, 2006
Bonzi Wells and his agent talk every day.
They talk, of course, about the Kings, the latest game and the progress of the groin injury that stole nearly half of the shooting guard's season. But no matter where the conversation goes, William Phillips knows not to bring up one particular topic - free agency.
He told me, 'If I start thinking (about free agency), it's easy to get into a situation where you become selfish,' " Phillips said. "He said, 'If we win, and we get in the playoffs, everything will take care of itself, so let's not even talk about it.' "
Phillips has no such reservations, mainly because his client has no reservation on a 2006-07 roster. Phillips already has analyzed the upcoming free-agent market. The early outlook is promising enough for Phillips to claim, "You can't tell me two guys that are better than him at his position."
ESPN's Chris Sheridan agreed, rating Wells as the second-best shooting guard on the free-agent-to-be list and No. 12 overall. And while Wells has made clear his fondness for Sacramento, Phillips said his client will stay in the city only if a Kings contract offer makes him just as happy. Wells is making $8 million this season.
"As long as the Kings are willing to step forward and give him what I think Bonzi is worth, then we're going to look at Sacramento," Phillips said. "I know Bonzi enjoys Sacramento immensely. He always says it reminds him of (his hometown of) Muncie (Ind.). ... Those will be factors, but money is going to be an important factor as well."
This will be the second consecutive offseason in which the Kings decide their fate at shooting guard, though the emergence of second-year talent Kevin Martin brings a new twist.
On paper, Wells is similar to former King Cuttino Mobley, who landed a $42 million, five-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers after he was rated no higher than the third-best shooting guard in the 2005 free-agent pool. Mobley turned 30 Sept. 1; Wells' 30th birthday is Sept. 20.
But whereas Mobley had to adjust to the Kings after a midseason trade from Orlando, Wells' free-agent stock took a hit when he tore his groin Dec. 19. The groin was reinjured in his first game back Feb. 3, at the same Delta Center the Kings visit tonight. Wells, who has missed 30 games this season, might make his first start since then, as Martin has a badly bruised thigh.
Wells and Kings coach Rick Adelman have said the first return was rushed. Since his second comeback March 3, Wells has averaged 26.6 minutes, 9.8 points and 8.2 rebounds, and shot 40.9 percent (45 of 110) from the field. Caution and patience have been collective methods of choice, as Wells has played from 20 to 30 minutes in nine of those 11 games. Phillips said Wells is content with how he is being used.
"As long as they're winning, we're fine," Phillips said. "(Adelman and Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie) have been doing what they said they're going to do (regarding playing time), and Bonzi has no complaints about it. ... He didn't start last year (in Memphis), and that didn't stop (general managers) from calling him. They look at your production per minute."
Petrie has declined to discuss Wells' future, saying, "You can call me in July about that."
Should Wells re-sign with the Kings, Phillips said he's confident Wells will regain his starting role.
"If Bonzi is going into training camp, and (Wells and Martin) are going into camp together, that's two totally different situations (than coming back midseason)," he said. "I put my money on Bonzi versus Kevin Martin in training camp." And money, make no mistake, is what it will be about.
http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/14234969p-15056369c.html
Still not sure on if he'll be back.
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