http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/203231.html
Kings face draft uncertainties
By Scott Howard-Cooper - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:08 am PDT Saturday, June 2, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C6
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- An uneventful NBA predraft camp ended Friday with little movement by 62 prospects trying to push into the top half of the first round -- or either of the two rounds in some cases -- and little apparent trade movement by the team that might be among the most active of the offseason.
The Kings could have Ron Artest and Mike Bibby available during the coming months. Beyond that, and perhaps before making any major deal, they might consider becoming a greater factor in the draft by acquiring another first-round pick.
"We would," Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie said. "I can't predict if we will (make a trade). A lot of that stuff really comes up in the three or four or five or six days leading up to the draft. There's sort of this whole incubation period that goes on. It starts with, 'If you want to do anything ... ' "
Every team has a similar stance heading into the draft, either those trying to add a pick or those near the end of the first round preferring a deal to escape the guaranteed contract that automatically goes to each of the top 30 choices.
The difference in the Kings of 2007 is that they so far have just one selection -- No. 10 overall -- in what is being billed as the deepest draft in years, and just nine players under contract as of July 1.
The 76ers have three spots in the first round, at Nos. 12, 21 and 30. The Hawks (3 and 11), Bobcats (8 and 22), Suns (24 and 29) and Pistons (15 and 27) have two each, making each a logical trade possibility, although less likely in the case of Atlanta because of the high cost to acquire a lottery pick.
A deal could be for an existing player, but the more common scenario is a trade during the draft for a future first-round pick. Depending on the targeted spot, the Kings almost certainly would safeguard themselves from the risk of swapping a 2007 selection in the teens or 20s for a 2008 choice potentially in the lottery by including a clause to retain the '08 pick if it was in the top 10 or 14, and maybe even keeping a lesser protection in place in 2009.
On the calendar -- Spencer Hawes said he has a workout scheduled with the Kings in about two weeks, but the Washington 7-footer also said he still is considering a return to school for his sophomore season -- a move that would deal another blow to a draft already weak on centers.
"Sacramento, with the way they use Brad Miller, long term, that's the kind of player I hope to develop into," he said, echoing a comparison others have made.
Hawes said he has no timetable for a decision on whether to remain in the draft, but did say he became more inclined to stay once Roy Hibbert -- previously the No. 2 prospect among centers behind Greg Oden -- decided to continue at Georgetown. The deadline to withdraw is June 18.
Exhibition preview -- The Kings will again play the Lakers in an exhibition game in Las Vegas, this time Oct. 26. The full schedule will be released later.
About the writer: The Bee's Scott Howard-Cooper can be reached at showard-cooper@sacbee.com.
Kings face draft uncertainties
By Scott Howard-Cooper - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:08 am PDT Saturday, June 2, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C6
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- An uneventful NBA predraft camp ended Friday with little movement by 62 prospects trying to push into the top half of the first round -- or either of the two rounds in some cases -- and little apparent trade movement by the team that might be among the most active of the offseason.
The Kings could have Ron Artest and Mike Bibby available during the coming months. Beyond that, and perhaps before making any major deal, they might consider becoming a greater factor in the draft by acquiring another first-round pick.
"We would," Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie said. "I can't predict if we will (make a trade). A lot of that stuff really comes up in the three or four or five or six days leading up to the draft. There's sort of this whole incubation period that goes on. It starts with, 'If you want to do anything ... ' "
Every team has a similar stance heading into the draft, either those trying to add a pick or those near the end of the first round preferring a deal to escape the guaranteed contract that automatically goes to each of the top 30 choices.
The difference in the Kings of 2007 is that they so far have just one selection -- No. 10 overall -- in what is being billed as the deepest draft in years, and just nine players under contract as of July 1.
The 76ers have three spots in the first round, at Nos. 12, 21 and 30. The Hawks (3 and 11), Bobcats (8 and 22), Suns (24 and 29) and Pistons (15 and 27) have two each, making each a logical trade possibility, although less likely in the case of Atlanta because of the high cost to acquire a lottery pick.
A deal could be for an existing player, but the more common scenario is a trade during the draft for a future first-round pick. Depending on the targeted spot, the Kings almost certainly would safeguard themselves from the risk of swapping a 2007 selection in the teens or 20s for a 2008 choice potentially in the lottery by including a clause to retain the '08 pick if it was in the top 10 or 14, and maybe even keeping a lesser protection in place in 2009.
On the calendar -- Spencer Hawes said he has a workout scheduled with the Kings in about two weeks, but the Washington 7-footer also said he still is considering a return to school for his sophomore season -- a move that would deal another blow to a draft already weak on centers.
"Sacramento, with the way they use Brad Miller, long term, that's the kind of player I hope to develop into," he said, echoing a comparison others have made.
Hawes said he has no timetable for a decision on whether to remain in the draft, but did say he became more inclined to stay once Roy Hibbert -- previously the No. 2 prospect among centers behind Greg Oden -- decided to continue at Georgetown. The deadline to withdraw is June 18.
Exhibition preview -- The Kings will again play the Lakers in an exhibition game in Las Vegas, this time Oct. 26. The full schedule will be released later.
About the writer: The Bee's Scott Howard-Cooper can be reached at showard-cooper@sacbee.com.
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