http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/243963.html
Kings look ready to draft big man
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PDT Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C7
There aren't many Kings-related certainties in this year's NBA draft, but there might be just one.
Another shooting guard -- or any player whose game resembles that of former draft picks Kevin Martin, Francisco García and Quincy Douby -- isn't likely headed to Sacramento.
That sound? It's the collective sigh of relief from a fan base eager to mix it up a bit this time.
Still, the possibilities before and during Thursday's event in New York are many. With the No. 10 pick that is their highest selection since 1998, the Kings look prepared to go big if China's Yi Jianlian, Florida's Joakim Noah, North Carolina's Brandan Wright or Washington's Spencer Hawes is still on the board.
That is, of course, if Ohio State point guard Michael Conley doesn't slip down into double-digit territory, thereby forcing a reconsideration based on talent alone and the prospect of securing the point guard spot for years.
Or, perhaps, they opt for Florida State small forward Al Thornton, who likely will be available and whose scoring ability is among the best in this talented lot.
All of this assumes that the Kings will keep the No. 10 pick. With much of their roster available for trades, potential deals might mean giving up the pick.
The Kings are said to have been among the most active in trade talks recently, with Mike Bibby and Ron Artest available should the right deal come along for basketball president Geoff Petrie.
Petrie also appears to be very interested in acquiring another pick in the first or second round, judging by the fact that the Kings have worked out at least a few prospects who have little or no chance of being selected in the top 10. Among them are Eastern Washington guard Rodney Stuckey and 7-foot-1 Ukrainian center Kyrylo Fesenko. What's more, 19-year-old Finnish point guard Petteri Koponen, who is projected as a late first-round pick at best, told the Arizona Republic that he had been worked out twice by the Kings.
Tuesday in Phoenix, Petrie took a second look at Noah in a workout that included Florida shooting guard Corey Brewer and Georgetown forward Jeff Green.
The 6-foot-11 Yi is the mystery man among the lottery-bound picks, but his athleticism and sheer speed would fit well if new coach Reggie Theus, as he has said, plans an up-tempo pace.
The comparisons to Yao Ming apply by their homeland alone, as Yi is more of a slasher than the plodding Yao. Last season with the Guangdong Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association, he averaged 25 points and 12 rebounds, good production for any age. Yet the unknowns that surround Yi also include his age, believed to be between 19 and 22.
Noah would bring the credibility that comes with being a leader on the back-to-back national champion Florida Gators. His defense, rebounding and energy would surely help the front line. Hawes' appeal is in his skill set, including a refined scoring ability beyond his 19 years and the ability to use both hands well. But if the Kings are determined to be more athletic, Hawes is not the right fit.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
Kings look ready to draft big man
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PDT Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C7
There aren't many Kings-related certainties in this year's NBA draft, but there might be just one.
Another shooting guard -- or any player whose game resembles that of former draft picks Kevin Martin, Francisco García and Quincy Douby -- isn't likely headed to Sacramento.
That sound? It's the collective sigh of relief from a fan base eager to mix it up a bit this time.
Still, the possibilities before and during Thursday's event in New York are many. With the No. 10 pick that is their highest selection since 1998, the Kings look prepared to go big if China's Yi Jianlian, Florida's Joakim Noah, North Carolina's Brandan Wright or Washington's Spencer Hawes is still on the board.
That is, of course, if Ohio State point guard Michael Conley doesn't slip down into double-digit territory, thereby forcing a reconsideration based on talent alone and the prospect of securing the point guard spot for years.
Or, perhaps, they opt for Florida State small forward Al Thornton, who likely will be available and whose scoring ability is among the best in this talented lot.
All of this assumes that the Kings will keep the No. 10 pick. With much of their roster available for trades, potential deals might mean giving up the pick.
The Kings are said to have been among the most active in trade talks recently, with Mike Bibby and Ron Artest available should the right deal come along for basketball president Geoff Petrie.
Petrie also appears to be very interested in acquiring another pick in the first or second round, judging by the fact that the Kings have worked out at least a few prospects who have little or no chance of being selected in the top 10. Among them are Eastern Washington guard Rodney Stuckey and 7-foot-1 Ukrainian center Kyrylo Fesenko. What's more, 19-year-old Finnish point guard Petteri Koponen, who is projected as a late first-round pick at best, told the Arizona Republic that he had been worked out twice by the Kings.
Tuesday in Phoenix, Petrie took a second look at Noah in a workout that included Florida shooting guard Corey Brewer and Georgetown forward Jeff Green.
The 6-foot-11 Yi is the mystery man among the lottery-bound picks, but his athleticism and sheer speed would fit well if new coach Reggie Theus, as he has said, plans an up-tempo pace.
The comparisons to Yao Ming apply by their homeland alone, as Yi is more of a slasher than the plodding Yao. Last season with the Guangdong Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association, he averaged 25 points and 12 rebounds, good production for any age. Yet the unknowns that surround Yi also include his age, believed to be between 19 and 22.
Noah would bring the credibility that comes with being a leader on the back-to-back national champion Florida Gators. His defense, rebounding and energy would surely help the front line. Hawes' appeal is in his skill set, including a refined scoring ability beyond his 19 years and the ability to use both hands well. But if the Kings are determined to be more athletic, Hawes is not the right fit.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
indeed if he is as good as hes hyped he will go in the teens
