El Paljasso
Bench
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Roster Rundown
Last Updated 1:08 am PDT Sunday, October 1, 2006
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C7
Players listed with number, position, years in the league and 2005-06 per-game statistics
Shareef Abdur-Rahim
No. 3 • Pos.: PF • NBA exp.: 10 • Stats: 12.3 pts., 5.0 reb.
• Comment: Abdur-Rahim spent much of his offseason training in Sacramento instead of his native Atlanta, a clear sign to first-year Kings coach Eric Musselman that the power forward is taking the serious approach. Abdur-Rahim will try to win the starting spot from Kenny Thomas in camp.
Louis Amundson
No. 22 • Pos.: F • Rookie
• Comment: In the absence of Bonzi Wells, Amundson arrives with a penchant for scrappy play that the Kings now lack. The UNLV product who went undrafted will sell himself on hustle, rebounding and defense. He was chosen 23rd overall in Tuesday's Continental Basketball Association draft by the Great Falls Explorers, a fallback plan if he has a surprising exit.
Ron Artest
No. 93 • Pos.: F • NBA exp.: 7 • Stats: 17.6 pts., 5.1 reb.
• Comment: When the Kings hired Musselman, issue No. 1 seemed to be his ability to relate to the team's new star. So far, so good. Artest -- who endorsed the return of Rick Adelman before he was let go -- has been nothing but favorable of the new regime. He has been playing all summer to stay in shape, mostly on blacktops in New York City or in the Kings' practice facility.
Mike Bibby
No. 10 • Pos.: PG • NBA exp.: 8 • Stats: 21.1 pts., 5.4 asts.
• Comment: Last training camp, it was a bigger, bulkier Bibby saying he wanted to be capable of taking a season-long beating on his body. This time, though, Bibby has lost 18 pounds in an effort to gain quickness. This plan has gained far more supporters than his bodybuilding act. Once again, Bibby is the most consistent scorer on this squad and as big a factor as there is on the roster.
Quincy Douby
No. 8 • Pos.: G • Rookie
• Comment: There was a deliberate attempt in July's summer league to see if Douby -- the draft pick who played shooting guard at Rutgers -- could contribute as a point guard. He did well enough to keep the project intact, though training camp will be his next test. It might be Douby's quickest way to earning minutes.
Francisco García
No. 32 • Pos.: G/F • NBA exp.: 1 • Stats: 5.6 pts., .7 blks
• Comment: The demon won't fully be exorcised until García returns to Cleveland, but the bad-luck ankle injury that slowed his rookie season and occurred against the Cavaliers is an old memory. García also has recovered from the pre-existing bone spur that hobbled him in the summer league. His work ethic has been lauded, and his versatility remains an asset.
Jason Hart
No. 5 • Pos.: PG • NBA exp.: 5 • Stats: 12.4 min., 3.3 pts.
• Comment: Hart is in a peculiar spot. On one hand, he's the lone conventional point guard available to back up Bibby. On the other, there is the much-discussed unconventional approach to the position, with everyone from García, Artest, John Salmons, Douby, Ronnie Price and even Kevin Martin available to bring up the ball. Camp will be more telling for Hart than most.
Eugene "Pooh" Jeter
No. 13 • Pos.: PG • Rookie
• Comment: The University of Portland talent would need a miraculous camp to earn a spot, but the reviews on his skills have been nothing but positive. Should the purple ax fall, Jeter already has a backup plan. He was selected third overall in Tuesday's CBA draft by the Great Falls Explorers.
Kevin Martin
No. 23 • Pos.: SG • NBA exp.: 2 • Stats: 10.8 pts., 48 FG%.
• Comment: Martin already is being discussed as a candidate for Most Improved Player. In truth, it would be hard to improve as much as he did in his second season. He took advantage of opportunity last season when Wells was injured, creating even more opportunity and a coming season of high expectations.
Brad Miller
No. 52 • Pos.: C • NBA exp.: 8 • Stats: 15 pts., 7.8 reb.
• Comment: He might be the Kings' closest ringer for the Marlboro Man, but Miller is more of the mystery man this season. The 7-footer was ideal for the offensive system under former coach Rick Adelman, but he now will be asked to play a different style. So far, Miller's dedication and attitude seem to be up to the task.
Vitaly Potapenko
No. 20 • Pos.: C • NBA exp.: 10 • Stats: 32 min. played.
• Comment: The veteran's greatest contribution might come in the first half of the season, when he and his expiring contract ($3.6 million) could be a necessary piece in a trade. Otherwise, Potapenko doesn't figure to play much of a factor with the signing of Loren Woods.
Ronnie Price
No. 7 • Pos.: PG • NBA exp.: 1 • Stats: 5.2 min., 36.2 FG%.
• Comment: Price has one year left on his contract, and he'll be hungry to show his worth. It might be a fight for minutes, but Price is trying to display his value by improving his point guard skills. He is a born scorer and a highly respected defender who is looking for a role after learning from the bench last season.
John Salmons
No. 15 • Pos.: G • NBA exp.: 4 • Stats: 7.5 pts., 42.0 FG%.
• Comment: All across NBA land, there were plenty who felt the Kings overpaid for Salmons (five years, $25.5 million). But the Kings see the value in versatility, and Salmons should be able to play point guard, shooting guard and small forward. Out of the shadow of Philadelphia superstar Allen Iverson, Salmons is eager to show what he can do with some freedom.
Kenny Thomas
No. 9 • Pos.: PF • NBA exp.: 7 • Stats: 9.1 pts., 7.5 reb.
• Comment: So far, Thomas likes what he has heard from Musselman, who has made it clear that players will earn their way into and out of spots through camp and the preseason. Thomas has no shortage of confidence in his ability, so that's precisely what he wants. The loss of rebounding from Wells' departure only makes Thomas more vital.
Justin Williams
No. 30 • Pos.: F/C • Rookie
• Comment: Williams might be the best shot blocker in camp upon arrival. The Wyoming product is, like Amundson, an energy player, and the Kings' dreams would be fulfilled if he developed into a Keon Clark-type presence in the paint. Williams also has a backup plan, as he was drafted 17th overall in the CBA by Vancouver.
Corliss Williamson
No. 34 • Pos.: PF • NBA exp.: 11 • Stats: 9.8 min., 3.4 pts.
• Comment: He's only 32 years old and remains a fan favorite, but Williamson was relegated to the role of high-paid fan last season. If Musselman doesn't have a role for him, there might be a better situation for him elsewhere. And though his contract is pricey ($6.5 million), it is also expiring, meaning he might become trade bait.
Loren Woods
No. 33 • Pos.: C • NBA exp.: 5 • Stats: 12.0 min., 4.1 reb.
• Comment: As it stands, Woods might be the oldest player who still is discussed in terms of upside. The 28-year-old, who was signed as a free agent in mid-August, was thrilled to depart Toronto, where he was seldom used by coach Sam Mitchell. The Kings hope his athleticism and length (7-2) equate into a quality backup for Miller.
Roster Rundown
Last Updated 1:08 am PDT Sunday, October 1, 2006
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C7
Players listed with number, position, years in the league and 2005-06 per-game statistics
Shareef Abdur-Rahim
No. 3 • Pos.: PF • NBA exp.: 10 • Stats: 12.3 pts., 5.0 reb.
• Comment: Abdur-Rahim spent much of his offseason training in Sacramento instead of his native Atlanta, a clear sign to first-year Kings coach Eric Musselman that the power forward is taking the serious approach. Abdur-Rahim will try to win the starting spot from Kenny Thomas in camp.
Louis Amundson
No. 22 • Pos.: F • Rookie
• Comment: In the absence of Bonzi Wells, Amundson arrives with a penchant for scrappy play that the Kings now lack. The UNLV product who went undrafted will sell himself on hustle, rebounding and defense. He was chosen 23rd overall in Tuesday's Continental Basketball Association draft by the Great Falls Explorers, a fallback plan if he has a surprising exit.
Ron Artest
No. 93 • Pos.: F • NBA exp.: 7 • Stats: 17.6 pts., 5.1 reb.
• Comment: When the Kings hired Musselman, issue No. 1 seemed to be his ability to relate to the team's new star. So far, so good. Artest -- who endorsed the return of Rick Adelman before he was let go -- has been nothing but favorable of the new regime. He has been playing all summer to stay in shape, mostly on blacktops in New York City or in the Kings' practice facility.
Mike Bibby
No. 10 • Pos.: PG • NBA exp.: 8 • Stats: 21.1 pts., 5.4 asts.
• Comment: Last training camp, it was a bigger, bulkier Bibby saying he wanted to be capable of taking a season-long beating on his body. This time, though, Bibby has lost 18 pounds in an effort to gain quickness. This plan has gained far more supporters than his bodybuilding act. Once again, Bibby is the most consistent scorer on this squad and as big a factor as there is on the roster.
Quincy Douby
No. 8 • Pos.: G • Rookie
• Comment: There was a deliberate attempt in July's summer league to see if Douby -- the draft pick who played shooting guard at Rutgers -- could contribute as a point guard. He did well enough to keep the project intact, though training camp will be his next test. It might be Douby's quickest way to earning minutes.
Francisco García
No. 32 • Pos.: G/F • NBA exp.: 1 • Stats: 5.6 pts., .7 blks
• Comment: The demon won't fully be exorcised until García returns to Cleveland, but the bad-luck ankle injury that slowed his rookie season and occurred against the Cavaliers is an old memory. García also has recovered from the pre-existing bone spur that hobbled him in the summer league. His work ethic has been lauded, and his versatility remains an asset.
Jason Hart
No. 5 • Pos.: PG • NBA exp.: 5 • Stats: 12.4 min., 3.3 pts.
• Comment: Hart is in a peculiar spot. On one hand, he's the lone conventional point guard available to back up Bibby. On the other, there is the much-discussed unconventional approach to the position, with everyone from García, Artest, John Salmons, Douby, Ronnie Price and even Kevin Martin available to bring up the ball. Camp will be more telling for Hart than most.
Eugene "Pooh" Jeter
No. 13 • Pos.: PG • Rookie
• Comment: The University of Portland talent would need a miraculous camp to earn a spot, but the reviews on his skills have been nothing but positive. Should the purple ax fall, Jeter already has a backup plan. He was selected third overall in Tuesday's CBA draft by the Great Falls Explorers.
Kevin Martin
No. 23 • Pos.: SG • NBA exp.: 2 • Stats: 10.8 pts., 48 FG%.
• Comment: Martin already is being discussed as a candidate for Most Improved Player. In truth, it would be hard to improve as much as he did in his second season. He took advantage of opportunity last season when Wells was injured, creating even more opportunity and a coming season of high expectations.
Brad Miller
No. 52 • Pos.: C • NBA exp.: 8 • Stats: 15 pts., 7.8 reb.
• Comment: He might be the Kings' closest ringer for the Marlboro Man, but Miller is more of the mystery man this season. The 7-footer was ideal for the offensive system under former coach Rick Adelman, but he now will be asked to play a different style. So far, Miller's dedication and attitude seem to be up to the task.
Vitaly Potapenko
No. 20 • Pos.: C • NBA exp.: 10 • Stats: 32 min. played.
• Comment: The veteran's greatest contribution might come in the first half of the season, when he and his expiring contract ($3.6 million) could be a necessary piece in a trade. Otherwise, Potapenko doesn't figure to play much of a factor with the signing of Loren Woods.
Ronnie Price
No. 7 • Pos.: PG • NBA exp.: 1 • Stats: 5.2 min., 36.2 FG%.
• Comment: Price has one year left on his contract, and he'll be hungry to show his worth. It might be a fight for minutes, but Price is trying to display his value by improving his point guard skills. He is a born scorer and a highly respected defender who is looking for a role after learning from the bench last season.
John Salmons
No. 15 • Pos.: G • NBA exp.: 4 • Stats: 7.5 pts., 42.0 FG%.
• Comment: All across NBA land, there were plenty who felt the Kings overpaid for Salmons (five years, $25.5 million). But the Kings see the value in versatility, and Salmons should be able to play point guard, shooting guard and small forward. Out of the shadow of Philadelphia superstar Allen Iverson, Salmons is eager to show what he can do with some freedom.
Kenny Thomas
No. 9 • Pos.: PF • NBA exp.: 7 • Stats: 9.1 pts., 7.5 reb.
• Comment: So far, Thomas likes what he has heard from Musselman, who has made it clear that players will earn their way into and out of spots through camp and the preseason. Thomas has no shortage of confidence in his ability, so that's precisely what he wants. The loss of rebounding from Wells' departure only makes Thomas more vital.
Justin Williams
No. 30 • Pos.: F/C • Rookie
• Comment: Williams might be the best shot blocker in camp upon arrival. The Wyoming product is, like Amundson, an energy player, and the Kings' dreams would be fulfilled if he developed into a Keon Clark-type presence in the paint. Williams also has a backup plan, as he was drafted 17th overall in the CBA by Vancouver.
Corliss Williamson
No. 34 • Pos.: PF • NBA exp.: 11 • Stats: 9.8 min., 3.4 pts.
• Comment: He's only 32 years old and remains a fan favorite, but Williamson was relegated to the role of high-paid fan last season. If Musselman doesn't have a role for him, there might be a better situation for him elsewhere. And though his contract is pricey ($6.5 million), it is also expiring, meaning he might become trade bait.
Loren Woods
No. 33 • Pos.: C • NBA exp.: 5 • Stats: 12.0 min., 4.1 reb.
• Comment: As it stands, Woods might be the oldest player who still is discussed in terms of upside. The 28-year-old, who was signed as a free agent in mid-August, was thrilled to depart Toronto, where he was seldom used by coach Sam Mitchell. The Kings hope his athleticism and length (7-2) equate into a quality backup for Miller.
