http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/14168217p-14995804c.html
Kings notes: Abdur-Rahim back on solid-food diet
By Sam Amick -- Bee Staff Writer
There was no welcome-back-mouth meal, no trip to the nearest steakhouse to reintroduce himself to solid foods.
When Shareef Abdur-Rahim finally had the wires removed from his mouth, he had an unceremonious breakfast of eggs. The Kings forward who broke his jaw Dec. 26 and had wires inserted to secure the fracture two days later had the first of the wires removed Tuesday, and the final procedure was a success Wednesday afternoon.
"It feels good," Abdur-Rahim said. "The situation was a little uncomfortable and everything. But in life, you can never fall in love with being comfortable. ... I'm happy it's over, that I can talk and communicate and eat and all of it."
And focus exclusively on playing.
Abdur-Rahim lost as many as 15 pounds during the process. He returned to action Jan. 19, but his production remains far from normal.
"It's not just his strength," coach Rick Adelman said. "If you watch him play, he's not as quick, not as sure of himself as he was before the injury. I don't know how long that's going to take to get back."
Translation: Kenny Thomas is the starter for the foreseeable future.
"That's a question for another day," Adelman said.
Mad Miller - Five smash hits on his broken thumb later, and Brad Miller was convinced there were some bad intentions.
A day after the Kings' center responded to Memphis' pounding on his injury by scoring 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter of the Tuesday win, Miller remained a bit peeved.
"It seemed (intentional) at times," said Miller, who will play tonight against Chicago. "But injuries always feel better with a win."
The contraption on his right (shooting) hand helped, too. Miller had a plastic bag taped to his hand, with the hot wax inside offering a steam treatment that Miller dubbed "technology at its finest."
More Miller - As it turns out, Miller played a minute role in the trade that sent Peja Stojakovic to Indiana and brought Ron Artest to Sacramento. Miller, being the only Kings player who had played with Artest, said management asked his opinion of bringing Artest on board.
"Yeah, they asked me," Miller said. "I thought we needed a change. It'll work out for both parties. I'm sure Peja will like Indiana. I'm partial, because I like it out there."
Head count - Adelman held a short practice with only eight players available. Shooting guard Bonzi Wells (groin) missed practice again and won't play tonight, while Artest (hip pointer) sat out but will play.
Kings notes: Abdur-Rahim back on solid-food diet
By Sam Amick -- Bee Staff Writer
There was no welcome-back-mouth meal, no trip to the nearest steakhouse to reintroduce himself to solid foods.
When Shareef Abdur-Rahim finally had the wires removed from his mouth, he had an unceremonious breakfast of eggs. The Kings forward who broke his jaw Dec. 26 and had wires inserted to secure the fracture two days later had the first of the wires removed Tuesday, and the final procedure was a success Wednesday afternoon.
"It feels good," Abdur-Rahim said. "The situation was a little uncomfortable and everything. But in life, you can never fall in love with being comfortable. ... I'm happy it's over, that I can talk and communicate and eat and all of it."
And focus exclusively on playing.
Abdur-Rahim lost as many as 15 pounds during the process. He returned to action Jan. 19, but his production remains far from normal.
"It's not just his strength," coach Rick Adelman said. "If you watch him play, he's not as quick, not as sure of himself as he was before the injury. I don't know how long that's going to take to get back."
Translation: Kenny Thomas is the starter for the foreseeable future.
"That's a question for another day," Adelman said.
Mad Miller - Five smash hits on his broken thumb later, and Brad Miller was convinced there were some bad intentions.
A day after the Kings' center responded to Memphis' pounding on his injury by scoring 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter of the Tuesday win, Miller remained a bit peeved.
"It seemed (intentional) at times," said Miller, who will play tonight against Chicago. "But injuries always feel better with a win."
The contraption on his right (shooting) hand helped, too. Miller had a plastic bag taped to his hand, with the hot wax inside offering a steam treatment that Miller dubbed "technology at its finest."
More Miller - As it turns out, Miller played a minute role in the trade that sent Peja Stojakovic to Indiana and brought Ron Artest to Sacramento. Miller, being the only Kings player who had played with Artest, said management asked his opinion of bringing Artest on board.
"Yeah, they asked me," Miller said. "I thought we needed a change. It'll work out for both parties. I'm sure Peja will like Indiana. I'm partial, because I like it out there."
Head count - Adelman held a short practice with only eight players available. Shooting guard Bonzi Wells (groin) missed practice again and won't play tonight, while Artest (hip pointer) sat out but will play.
.
