http://www.sacbee.com/351/story/151743.html
Ex-King Wells draws mixed Arco reaction
His season in Houston has been marked by injuries and plenty of time on the bench.
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 6:15 am PDT Monday, April 9, 2007
Bonzi Wells returned just in time to remind the Kings that they aren't the only ones who have had a trying time.
The Houston guard and former King, who passed up a five-year, $38.5 million offer from Sacramento in the offseason, missed the Jan. 13 meeting at Arco Arena because of the flu, though his absence was far from a rare occurrence in what has been a disappointing season on all fronts.
When he finally took his old home floor again with 1:25 left in the first quarter Sunday night, Wells was met mostly with cheers but more than a few boos. Soon after his entrance, a fan who was a bit off on the financial figures yelled during a moment of virtual silence, "$32 million, Bonzi!" Not that he had to be reminded.
After negotiations between Wells' former agent, William Phillips, and the Kings went awry, Wells joined the Rockets, signing a two-year, $5 million deal with a player option for the second season. Then he arrived at training camp out of shape, leading to groin and back injuries and, ultimately, much lost opportunity.
There also has been some conflict between Wells and coach Jeff Van Gundy, with Van Gundy frustrated when Wells stayed round instead of rounding into shape.
Entering Sunday, Wells had been either injured or unused in 49 of Houston's 76 games with some question as to how he would have fit even if he were healthy and happy.
Forward Shane Battier wound up playing small forward more than anticipated, taking minutes from Wells, while reserve guard Luther Head earned his role with a three-point touch that made him dangerous as the designated sixth man.
Wells, 30, said upon his Houston arrival that he would opt out to pursue free agency again, and it certainly can't go any worse this time.
Feeling supported -- Having passed up offers last offseason from Toronto and Phoenix, Kings swingman John Salmons always has said he has no regrets about coming to Sacramento.
And with the losses piling up as if he were still in Philadelphia, Salmons said he is grateful for the Kings' widely heralded fan support, which has held steady despite a season of struggle.
"I'm still amazed when I come to every game, and we still have fans," said Salmons, who spent his first four seasons in Philadelphia. "Just because I'm coming from a place where -- having a season like this -- (the arena would) be either half-full or the people who were there would probably be booing us. Every game I'm still thinking, Wow, they're still coming. They still care. That's a blessing for me."
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
Ex-King Wells draws mixed Arco reaction
His season in Houston has been marked by injuries and plenty of time on the bench.
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 6:15 am PDT Monday, April 9, 2007
Bonzi Wells returned just in time to remind the Kings that they aren't the only ones who have had a trying time.
The Houston guard and former King, who passed up a five-year, $38.5 million offer from Sacramento in the offseason, missed the Jan. 13 meeting at Arco Arena because of the flu, though his absence was far from a rare occurrence in what has been a disappointing season on all fronts.
When he finally took his old home floor again with 1:25 left in the first quarter Sunday night, Wells was met mostly with cheers but more than a few boos. Soon after his entrance, a fan who was a bit off on the financial figures yelled during a moment of virtual silence, "$32 million, Bonzi!" Not that he had to be reminded.
After negotiations between Wells' former agent, William Phillips, and the Kings went awry, Wells joined the Rockets, signing a two-year, $5 million deal with a player option for the second season. Then he arrived at training camp out of shape, leading to groin and back injuries and, ultimately, much lost opportunity.
There also has been some conflict between Wells and coach Jeff Van Gundy, with Van Gundy frustrated when Wells stayed round instead of rounding into shape.
Entering Sunday, Wells had been either injured or unused in 49 of Houston's 76 games with some question as to how he would have fit even if he were healthy and happy.
Forward Shane Battier wound up playing small forward more than anticipated, taking minutes from Wells, while reserve guard Luther Head earned his role with a three-point touch that made him dangerous as the designated sixth man.
Wells, 30, said upon his Houston arrival that he would opt out to pursue free agency again, and it certainly can't go any worse this time.
Feeling supported -- Having passed up offers last offseason from Toronto and Phoenix, Kings swingman John Salmons always has said he has no regrets about coming to Sacramento.
And with the losses piling up as if he were still in Philadelphia, Salmons said he is grateful for the Kings' widely heralded fan support, which has held steady despite a season of struggle.
"I'm still amazed when I come to every game, and we still have fans," said Salmons, who spent his first four seasons in Philadelphia. "Just because I'm coming from a place where -- having a season like this -- (the arena would) be either half-full or the people who were there would probably be booing us. Every game I'm still thinking, Wow, they're still coming. They still care. That's a blessing for me."
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
