http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/13665492p-14508292c.html
By Joe Davidson
There were two images of Brian Skinner last season, each rating a thumbs up and thumbs down.
First, there was the defensive Skinner, who came aboard as part of the Chris Webber trade to the Philadelphia 76ers.
He filled in admirably for an ailing Brad Miller almost from the start, and he became a fan favorite because he provided the rare ability to do one thing the Kings sorely needed: block shots.
Then there was the lasting image of Skinner, his jammed thumbs tender to the touch, taped heavily and rendering him a complete nonfactor for the playoffs, when the Seattle SuperSonics regularly helped themselves to the rim and claimed the series.
Skinner also was slowed by sore feet and something of a bruised ego, going from impact performer to liability because his body wasn't working at a time the Kings needed healthy bodies with their season on the brink.
On Monday, all was well with the 6-foot-9 center, in mind, body and soul.
No more tape for the thumbs after a summer of healing and rest and not having to lean on 285-pound centers four or five inches taller. And no more sore feet after undergoing shock-wave procedures to alleviate the agony from plantar fasciitis.
"I'm healthy," Skinner declared with a smile. "All those things I had, it was a problem."
The thumbs, especially.
"Oh man," Skinner said. "It was hard to do anything with those thumbs. Down low on defense, you need your hands. You need those digits. ... I don't see any handless players out there."
Peja's summer - Over the years, Peja Stojakovic would often spend his summers running the wings and firing up three-pointers for the Serbia-Montenegro national team. Not this time, not that Stojakovic sat idly on his couch and chugged beer and watched soccer.
"It was good to take time off," Stojakovic said. "I did a lot of workouts, lifted weights, ran, played in some scrimmages. I spent time with family. It was an active summer for me. I have no regrets. ... I was rested." He then added with a laugh, "I'm ready mentally."
More Stojakovic - The veteran forward said he was pained to watch the Serbia-Montenegro national team implode and get bounced early in the European Championships last month, with players bickering and brawling among themselves. Players quit, vowing never to represent their national team again, and coach Zeljko Obradovic resigned.
"I was really disappointed with the coach's statements after the game, when he blamed the players for all the problems, tried to cover his back," Stojakovic said. "The team had the talent to do better."
Anwar's second chance - Anwar Ferguson was back for his second Kings media day, hopeful all the photos will make it into the media guide or onto a TV screen.
He's a 7-foot shot-blocking string bean, all arms, elbows and legs. He was a late cut last fall before taking his act to the Harlem Globetrotters and in Sweden.
"Experience for me was the most important thing," he said. "I'm a little bigger, and I feel like I'm a better player. I know I need to improve on other parts of my game."
For now, he's as tall as they come in camp. The other 7-footer expected to be on hand was Lonnie Jones from Ball State. He couldn't make it because he broke his foot Friday, leaving the Kings with 19 in camp. Kings executive Geoff Petrie said he doesn't anticipate bringing in any new bodies, cracking, "I think we'll make it through the first day."
Bouncing Bonzi - The most excited and eager King of them all was Bonzi Wells. He radiated with his smile, he shook hands like he was running for office, and even if he'd already met someone 15 minutes earlier, he shook their hand again and said, "Nice to meet you."
Wells, much maligned over the years for his short fuse and getting moved out of Portland and Memphis, didn't seem the least bit annoyed by any of the interviews, TV spots where you clap wildly, or bouncing a ball, or reading off radio spots.
"I'm loving all this," he said. Said Petrie: "He's very excited to be here."
By Joe Davidson
There were two images of Brian Skinner last season, each rating a thumbs up and thumbs down.
First, there was the defensive Skinner, who came aboard as part of the Chris Webber trade to the Philadelphia 76ers.
He filled in admirably for an ailing Brad Miller almost from the start, and he became a fan favorite because he provided the rare ability to do one thing the Kings sorely needed: block shots.
Then there was the lasting image of Skinner, his jammed thumbs tender to the touch, taped heavily and rendering him a complete nonfactor for the playoffs, when the Seattle SuperSonics regularly helped themselves to the rim and claimed the series.
Skinner also was slowed by sore feet and something of a bruised ego, going from impact performer to liability because his body wasn't working at a time the Kings needed healthy bodies with their season on the brink.
On Monday, all was well with the 6-foot-9 center, in mind, body and soul.
No more tape for the thumbs after a summer of healing and rest and not having to lean on 285-pound centers four or five inches taller. And no more sore feet after undergoing shock-wave procedures to alleviate the agony from plantar fasciitis.
"I'm healthy," Skinner declared with a smile. "All those things I had, it was a problem."
The thumbs, especially.
"Oh man," Skinner said. "It was hard to do anything with those thumbs. Down low on defense, you need your hands. You need those digits. ... I don't see any handless players out there."
Peja's summer - Over the years, Peja Stojakovic would often spend his summers running the wings and firing up three-pointers for the Serbia-Montenegro national team. Not this time, not that Stojakovic sat idly on his couch and chugged beer and watched soccer.
"It was good to take time off," Stojakovic said. "I did a lot of workouts, lifted weights, ran, played in some scrimmages. I spent time with family. It was an active summer for me. I have no regrets. ... I was rested." He then added with a laugh, "I'm ready mentally."
More Stojakovic - The veteran forward said he was pained to watch the Serbia-Montenegro national team implode and get bounced early in the European Championships last month, with players bickering and brawling among themselves. Players quit, vowing never to represent their national team again, and coach Zeljko Obradovic resigned.
"I was really disappointed with the coach's statements after the game, when he blamed the players for all the problems, tried to cover his back," Stojakovic said. "The team had the talent to do better."
Anwar's second chance - Anwar Ferguson was back for his second Kings media day, hopeful all the photos will make it into the media guide or onto a TV screen.
He's a 7-foot shot-blocking string bean, all arms, elbows and legs. He was a late cut last fall before taking his act to the Harlem Globetrotters and in Sweden.
"Experience for me was the most important thing," he said. "I'm a little bigger, and I feel like I'm a better player. I know I need to improve on other parts of my game."
For now, he's as tall as they come in camp. The other 7-footer expected to be on hand was Lonnie Jones from Ball State. He couldn't make it because he broke his foot Friday, leaving the Kings with 19 in camp. Kings executive Geoff Petrie said he doesn't anticipate bringing in any new bodies, cracking, "I think we'll make it through the first day."
Bouncing Bonzi - The most excited and eager King of them all was Bonzi Wells. He radiated with his smile, he shook hands like he was running for office, and even if he'd already met someone 15 minutes earlier, he shook their hand again and said, "Nice to meet you."
Wells, much maligned over the years for his short fuse and getting moved out of Portland and Memphis, didn't seem the least bit annoyed by any of the interviews, TV spots where you clap wildly, or bouncing a ball, or reading off radio spots.
"I'm loving all this," he said. Said Petrie: "He's very excited to be here."
