http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/272715.html
Kings strike deal with 7-footer Moore
Coming off his best season, he gets a three-year contract.
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PDT Saturday, July 14, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C7
LAS VEGAS -- One day after attempting to finalize a trade for Cleveland forward Drew Gooden, the Kings agreed to terms with 7-foot center Mikki Moore on Friday.
According to Moore's agent, Mark Bartelstein, the deal for the former New Jersey Net is for three seasons at the midlevel exception, with 2 1/2 seasons of the $18 million deal guaranteed. If he is still on the roster as of the June draft in 2009, the third season will be guaranteed.
"He adds a lot of length, athleticism, skill and experience," Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie said. "He played terrific in the playoffs last year and all season long for New Jersey. I think he gives us something that we need to add to our team."
Beyond marking the Kings' first offseason activity other than the drafting of center Spencer Hawes, the signing of the 31-year-old journeyman is the latest sign of the Kings' desire to add a mixture of athleticism, defensive ability and scoring to the front line. And coupled with the recent signing of second-year big man Justin Williams, the forward spot is suddenly clogged far beyond the likes of Kenny Thomas and Shareef Abdur-Rahim.
Asked if he was concerned about the big-man overload or his already-unhappy veterans sharing so much playing time, Petrie said: "We won 33 games last year. I mean, we're trying to improve our team in areas where we have a need. I think hopefully the veteran people we have are going to come back, try and win more games and contribute in any way they can."
Asked if Moore's signing ended the pursuit of Gooden, Petrie said: "This is a period of time where you're dealing with multiple scenarios, things that may or may not happen, different levels of conversations. This is one that we had a very strong interest in. Not knowing how things go in free agency and all that, it's something we had an ongoing interest in, and we're really excited it's worked out."
Moore led the league with a 60.9 field-goal percentage last season and averaged career highs of 9.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 26.4 minutes.
"He's gotten better every year," Bartelstein said. "The guy led the league in field-goal percentage, and half the shots are 18-foot jump shots."
Moore, who has played for seven teams after going undrafted out of Nebraska in 1998, turned down a three-year, $10 million offer from the Nets earlier this month. He made just over $1 million last season.
The Kings have only the biannual salary cap exception ($1.83 million) for any more signings.
Losing and winners -- The Kings fell to New York 96-84 Thursday, but there were standout showings in the absences of swingman Francisco García (excused for summer league, family matters) and guard Quincy Douby (sore back).
Draft pick Spencer Hawes wasn't shy about picking up the offensive load, as the center hit 11 of 25 shots for 22 points. Point guard Pooh Jeter, a second-year player who was cut from the Kings' training camp last season, had his first big outing, scoring 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting. Point guard Mustafa Shakur, an undrafted rookie from Arizona, scored 19 points on 5-of-13 shooting.
The Kings, who did not play or practice Friday, face Rick Adelman's Houston squad at 5:30 p.m. today. The former Kings coach likely will be in the stands while ex-Kings assistant Elston Turner runs the team.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@ sacbee.com.
Kings strike deal with 7-footer Moore
Coming off his best season, he gets a three-year contract.
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PDT Saturday, July 14, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C7
LAS VEGAS -- One day after attempting to finalize a trade for Cleveland forward Drew Gooden, the Kings agreed to terms with 7-foot center Mikki Moore on Friday.
According to Moore's agent, Mark Bartelstein, the deal for the former New Jersey Net is for three seasons at the midlevel exception, with 2 1/2 seasons of the $18 million deal guaranteed. If he is still on the roster as of the June draft in 2009, the third season will be guaranteed.
"He adds a lot of length, athleticism, skill and experience," Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie said. "He played terrific in the playoffs last year and all season long for New Jersey. I think he gives us something that we need to add to our team."
Beyond marking the Kings' first offseason activity other than the drafting of center Spencer Hawes, the signing of the 31-year-old journeyman is the latest sign of the Kings' desire to add a mixture of athleticism, defensive ability and scoring to the front line. And coupled with the recent signing of second-year big man Justin Williams, the forward spot is suddenly clogged far beyond the likes of Kenny Thomas and Shareef Abdur-Rahim.
Asked if he was concerned about the big-man overload or his already-unhappy veterans sharing so much playing time, Petrie said: "We won 33 games last year. I mean, we're trying to improve our team in areas where we have a need. I think hopefully the veteran people we have are going to come back, try and win more games and contribute in any way they can."
Asked if Moore's signing ended the pursuit of Gooden, Petrie said: "This is a period of time where you're dealing with multiple scenarios, things that may or may not happen, different levels of conversations. This is one that we had a very strong interest in. Not knowing how things go in free agency and all that, it's something we had an ongoing interest in, and we're really excited it's worked out."
Moore led the league with a 60.9 field-goal percentage last season and averaged career highs of 9.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 26.4 minutes.
"He's gotten better every year," Bartelstein said. "The guy led the league in field-goal percentage, and half the shots are 18-foot jump shots."
Moore, who has played for seven teams after going undrafted out of Nebraska in 1998, turned down a three-year, $10 million offer from the Nets earlier this month. He made just over $1 million last season.
The Kings have only the biannual salary cap exception ($1.83 million) for any more signings.
Losing and winners -- The Kings fell to New York 96-84 Thursday, but there were standout showings in the absences of swingman Francisco García (excused for summer league, family matters) and guard Quincy Douby (sore back).
Draft pick Spencer Hawes wasn't shy about picking up the offensive load, as the center hit 11 of 25 shots for 22 points. Point guard Pooh Jeter, a second-year player who was cut from the Kings' training camp last season, had his first big outing, scoring 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting. Point guard Mustafa Shakur, an undrafted rookie from Arizona, scored 19 points on 5-of-13 shooting.
The Kings, who did not play or practice Friday, face Rick Adelman's Houston squad at 5:30 p.m. today. The former Kings coach likely will be in the stands while ex-Kings assistant Elston Turner runs the team.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@ sacbee.com.
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