http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/105589.html
Pollard pines for Sacramento
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 5:17 am PST Wednesday, January 10, 2007
He was going crazy, and not in the way his always entertaining appearance would lead one to believe.
Scot Pollard's discontent was underneath the faux hawk, the latest wacky hairstyle that would make way for an old-fashioned Mohawk come December. The former Kings big man signed a one-year, $2.2 million deal with Cleveland during the offseason, leaving his family behind for the first time in his 10-year career.
His wife and two kids have since arrived from their last stop in Indiana, leaving his lack of playing time as the last missing element to happiness. Finally healthy after years of back problems, Pollard plays on a team with one of the league's deepest frontcourts. He has appeared in just five games and, truthfully, wishes he were playing in Sacramento. He was disappointed when his offseason attempt to return wasn't reciprocated.
"My agent talked to (Kings basketball president) Geoff (Petrie), but they decided to go a different direction," Pollard said. "They signed Loren Woods, and then they cut him (before the exhibition season), so apparently they didn't want me too bad. It just came down to a business decision for Geoff, and they didn't want me for the price tag. I think maybe the coaching staff was involved with it."
Love for LeBron -- Ron Artest is a card-carrying member of the LeBron James fan club for reasons beyond triple doubles.
Frequently, the Kings small forward has raved about the 22-year-old's ability to handle the pressure of being a face of the league from the time he entered as an 18-year-old.
"For a young guy, I like the way he represents the NBA," Artest said. "He came into this league and did a good job as far as making a face for the league fresh with a star. He talks great with the media, is a good person. He wants to be a role model, so I really respect him."
James, who scored 25 points in his NBA debut Oct. 29, 2003, against the Kings, said Artest's vantage point gave the compliment a different sort of credence.
"Anytime you can get some respect from a veteran player, a guy who's been to the highs and the lows of the NBA, it just shows the focus that I have and the great respect guys have for me," James said. "I really respect them, and I appreciate it."
Preaching pride -- He made only one appearance, but his message could last much longer.
Before falling to Portland on Saturday, the Kings received a locker room message about pride and desire from new Stanford football coach and 15-year NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh.
"He went for like seven or eight minutes, but it was real good," rookie Justin Williams said. "He had a lot of good things to say."
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@ sacbee.com.
Pollard pines for Sacramento
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 5:17 am PST Wednesday, January 10, 2007
He was going crazy, and not in the way his always entertaining appearance would lead one to believe.
Scot Pollard's discontent was underneath the faux hawk, the latest wacky hairstyle that would make way for an old-fashioned Mohawk come December. The former Kings big man signed a one-year, $2.2 million deal with Cleveland during the offseason, leaving his family behind for the first time in his 10-year career.
His wife and two kids have since arrived from their last stop in Indiana, leaving his lack of playing time as the last missing element to happiness. Finally healthy after years of back problems, Pollard plays on a team with one of the league's deepest frontcourts. He has appeared in just five games and, truthfully, wishes he were playing in Sacramento. He was disappointed when his offseason attempt to return wasn't reciprocated.
"My agent talked to (Kings basketball president) Geoff (Petrie), but they decided to go a different direction," Pollard said. "They signed Loren Woods, and then they cut him (before the exhibition season), so apparently they didn't want me too bad. It just came down to a business decision for Geoff, and they didn't want me for the price tag. I think maybe the coaching staff was involved with it."
Love for LeBron -- Ron Artest is a card-carrying member of the LeBron James fan club for reasons beyond triple doubles.
Frequently, the Kings small forward has raved about the 22-year-old's ability to handle the pressure of being a face of the league from the time he entered as an 18-year-old.
"For a young guy, I like the way he represents the NBA," Artest said. "He came into this league and did a good job as far as making a face for the league fresh with a star. He talks great with the media, is a good person. He wants to be a role model, so I really respect him."
James, who scored 25 points in his NBA debut Oct. 29, 2003, against the Kings, said Artest's vantage point gave the compliment a different sort of credence.
"Anytime you can get some respect from a veteran player, a guy who's been to the highs and the lows of the NBA, it just shows the focus that I have and the great respect guys have for me," James said. "I really respect them, and I appreciate it."
Preaching pride -- He made only one appearance, but his message could last much longer.
Before falling to Portland on Saturday, the Kings received a locker room message about pride and desire from new Stanford football coach and 15-year NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh.
"He went for like seven or eight minutes, but it was real good," rookie Justin Williams said. "He had a lot of good things to say."
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@ sacbee.com.
