http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/13752408p-14594126c.html
By Joe Davidson
Like cousin, like cousin?
There are some facial similarities, and each had a penchant for rebounding.
Jamal Sampson, a Kings camp hopeful in the frontcourt, wants to make the Kings' roster and carry on the family's NBA name. His cousin, Ralph Sampson, was once one of the NBA's bright young stars, in the mid-1980s with the Houston Rockets. He labored through a stint with the Kings from 1989-90 to 1990-91, though his knees were shot by then. The cousins don't talk that often, but Jamal is a fan of Ralph's.
"Ralph could have been one of the 10 greatest players of all time if his knees didn't go bad," Jamal said. "Watching him on old TV games, he could do it all."
Kings at Portland
Today, 7 p.m.
What to expect from the Kings: Some more floor time for point-guard roster hopefuls Ronnie Price and Luis Flores and better shooting from Mike Bibby. In order, Price and Flores will get a longer look with Jason Hart out because of a hip pointer. Will both make the roster? One? Bibby didn't shoot well against Denver in the last preseason outing and needs to find his groove. Brian Skinner has impressed so far in the preseason on both ends of the floor. You may also see more of Sampson to see if he'll make the roster as well.
What to expect from the Blazers: Perhaps a little more effort. Portland is 1-3 this preseason, which is no big deal since these games don't count, but new coach Nate McMillan hasn't been pleased with the energy level. The Blazers have played like zombies, and the former Sonics coach kicked Zach Randolph out of a recent practice. There's athleticism in Darius Miles and Sebastian Telfair, a solid center in Joel Przybilla, and an impressive rookie in Martell Webster, a good shooter who isn't exactly sure what defense is.
Key dates
Today: Kings at Portland -A reunion with mixed fan reaction for Rick Adelman (loved him), Shareef Abdur-Rahim (appreciated him) and Bonzi Wells (hated him).
Sunday: Vs. Phoenix in Fresno -The Kings' first look at Suns newcomers Kurt Thomas, Brian Grant and Raja Bell and a familiar face in MVP Steve Nash.
Oct. 26: Vs. Phoenix in New Mexico -In a state that lives for prep and college sports, the NBA comes in for a visit, with Kenny Thomas making a return to a region in which he excelled. Oct. 28: Vs. Lakers in Las Vegas -Lakers are still trying to merge newcomers such as Kwame Brown in with the triangle and the return of Zen and Kobe Bryant.
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By Joe Davidson
Like cousin, like cousin?
There are some facial similarities, and each had a penchant for rebounding.
Jamal Sampson, a Kings camp hopeful in the frontcourt, wants to make the Kings' roster and carry on the family's NBA name. His cousin, Ralph Sampson, was once one of the NBA's bright young stars, in the mid-1980s with the Houston Rockets. He labored through a stint with the Kings from 1989-90 to 1990-91, though his knees were shot by then. The cousins don't talk that often, but Jamal is a fan of Ralph's.
"Ralph could have been one of the 10 greatest players of all time if his knees didn't go bad," Jamal said. "Watching him on old TV games, he could do it all."
Kings at Portland
Today, 7 p.m.
What to expect from the Kings: Some more floor time for point-guard roster hopefuls Ronnie Price and Luis Flores and better shooting from Mike Bibby. In order, Price and Flores will get a longer look with Jason Hart out because of a hip pointer. Will both make the roster? One? Bibby didn't shoot well against Denver in the last preseason outing and needs to find his groove. Brian Skinner has impressed so far in the preseason on both ends of the floor. You may also see more of Sampson to see if he'll make the roster as well.
What to expect from the Blazers: Perhaps a little more effort. Portland is 1-3 this preseason, which is no big deal since these games don't count, but new coach Nate McMillan hasn't been pleased with the energy level. The Blazers have played like zombies, and the former Sonics coach kicked Zach Randolph out of a recent practice. There's athleticism in Darius Miles and Sebastian Telfair, a solid center in Joel Przybilla, and an impressive rookie in Martell Webster, a good shooter who isn't exactly sure what defense is.
Key dates
Today: Kings at Portland -A reunion with mixed fan reaction for Rick Adelman (loved him), Shareef Abdur-Rahim (appreciated him) and Bonzi Wells (hated him).
Sunday: Vs. Phoenix in Fresno -The Kings' first look at Suns newcomers Kurt Thomas, Brian Grant and Raja Bell and a familiar face in MVP Steve Nash.
Oct. 26: Vs. Phoenix in New Mexico -In a state that lives for prep and college sports, the NBA comes in for a visit, with Kenny Thomas making a return to a region in which he excelled. Oct. 28: Vs. Lakers in Las Vegas -Lakers are still trying to merge newcomers such as Kwame Brown in with the triangle and the return of Zen and Kobe Bryant.
var ppt=new Date(); var ppp=new Date('Sat Oct 22 02:15:00 PDT 2005'); var ppe=new Date(ppp.getTime()+1*(86400000)); var ppv=0; if (ppt < ppe) { ppv=1; }
