Grading the performance of players...what a novel concept. 
http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/14252725p-15068788c.html
Who makes the grade?
Performance evaluation: Some pass; some are incomplete
By Sam Amick -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Sunday, May 7, 2006
Welcome to the only school where summer break is a bad thing.
The Kings wish they were hitting the NBA books all the way through June, passing that first-round test against San Antonio, then perhaps a second and a third against whichever team came their way. And who knows, maybe even a final exam that ends with the Larry O'Brien Trophy being brought to Sacramento?
But the vision that seemed realistic in - if nowhere else - the mind of Kings small forward Ron Artest was not to be, leaving Sacramento with questions of a different sort to answer.
Chief among them is the future of coach Rick Adelman, which may not be decided for at least a short time. As yet, there are no planned meetings between the coach and ownership. And while the impending free agency of shooting guard Bonzi Wells also looms, there is plenty more to ponder for Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie.
His two highest-paid players didn't earn their keep in the playoffs, with Mike Bibby not shooting like Mike Bibby, and Brad Miller struggling in nearly every area of his game. There is an obvious conflict at power forward, with both Kenny Thomas and Shareef Abdur-Rahim viewing themselves as the true starter, a backup point guard position that was filled by as many as five players at times, and plenty of young blood waiting for a chance for more minutes. All questions to be answered in the summertime.
Now, grades are in.
A- Front office: It's this simple: Rebuilding is supposed to set a team back, and president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie (left) managed to do just that while - technically speaking - improving the Kings. They lost in five games in the first round to Seattle last season after Chris Webber was traded, and all looked lost before Artest came to town, and they eventually lost to the Spurs in six games. The trade for Wells paid off, and Abdur-Rahim was a contributor. And no matter who pulled the trigger on the Artest deal (some reports said it was Phil Maloof pushing the matter), it brought hope back when the franchise was in dire need.
B Mike Bibby - G: 82; PPG: 21.1; RPG: 2.9; APG: 5.4
Bibby may be playing the what-if game for at least a few weeks, wondering what might have been if his eyes hadn't wandered from Brent Barry long enough for the Spurs guard to launch the big bouncer in Game 2. But that was only the beginning of his disappointment, as the famed postseason performer had his second consecutive subpar postseason. He shot just 34.8 percent in the playoffs, averaging 16.7 points per game. Still, there was late redemption in Bibby's season after a rough first half, a return to his scoring ways (career-high 21.1 points per game and near-career low 43.2 percent) and big-game panache through much of the late playoff surge.
A- Bonzi Wells G: 52; PPG: 13.6; RPG: 7.7; APG: 2.8
In what qualified statistically as the best single-series postseason performance ever by a King not named Chris Webber, Wells opened eyes around the league. The running joke, however, was about the dollar signs that surely were rolling slot-machine style in the eyes of Wells and his agent. They are certain to cash in somewhere. And if it's not in Sacramento, Kings fans will add Wells to the ever-growing ones-who-got-away list. He was, according to Petrie, the best player at the beginning and easily the best at the end. The final eye-popping playoff numbers: 23.2 points, 12 rebounds, 60.9 percent shooting, not to mention 5 of 8 from three-point range.
A Ron Artest G: 56; PPG: 17.6; RPG: 5.1; APG: 3.6
Next season likely will be different in many ways, with new challenges for Artest as he and the Kings continue to mold their new brand. But for this half-season, he deserves the royal treatment for being the spark that started it all. The numbers aren't staggering, but the impact was. His attitude on defense and in the locker room was contagious, and his confidence spread to a squad that was down in every way before he arrived. His shooting percentage in the regular season and postseason were identical (38.3 percent). Aside from his Game 2 suspension, Artest struggled in the Game 1 and Game 6 blowout losses, shooting a combined 9 for 32.
B- Kenny Thomas G: 82; PPG: 9.1; RPG: 7.5; APG: 2.0
Thomas isn't easy to figure out. He scored, at times, when opportunity arose, but he isn't one to create his own shot often. But his rebounding was invaluable, as he finished third with 7.5 rebounds per game. And his defense was solid, especially against Spurs forward Tim Duncan in the postseason, making so many forget he's only 6-foot-7. The Kings tried to trade him at least once, in a deal that never went through for then-Milwaukee Bucks forward Desmond Mason in late October. Thomas would be tough to trade if the Kings try again - his contract is a hefty one - with four seasons remaining and pay ranging from $6.7 million to $8.5 million.
C Brad Miller G: 79; PPG: 15.0; RPG: 7.8 APG: 4.7
For all of Miller's contributions in his last three seasons, it was an unfortunate end to this one. After a series full of his own mysterious absence - with a woeful 9.2 points and three rebounds per game against the Spurs - many Kings fans booed when coach Rick Adelman went to reinsert him late in Game 6. Miller wasn't able to maintain the mini-resurgence that occurred when Artest arrived in January, and his inability to stop penetration became a glaring weak spot for opponents to expose. One has to wonder if his lack of aggressiveness - especially in the postseason - may hurt his chances for the Olympic team, with tryouts looming in July.
B Shareef Abdur-Rahim G: 72; PPG: 12.3; RPG: 5.0; APG: 2.1
It was clear early on that this story wouldn't go exactly as planned. Abdur-Rahim came to a franchise notorious for playoff appearances, hoping to finally play a second season of his own, while expecting to start. But both matters were in question throughout the season. After breaking his jaw in December and rushing back, Abdur-Rahim's choice to roll with Adelman's decision to start Thomas was a significant subplot in terms of keeping a cohesive locker room. Abdur-Rahim's post skills clearly still are there, and Year No. 2 of his five-year contract will be a new chance to utilize them.
A- Kevin Martin G: 72; PPG: 10.8; RPG: 3.6; APG: 1.3
The theory of relativity is in full effect here. During his rookie season in 2005, Martin gave only minimal signs that a long and successful NBA career was a reachable goal. But he fixed much of what the Kings felt was wrong - from his shooting form to his work ethic and his frame - and took full advantage of Wells' groin injury that stole nearly half his season and made Martin a starter. With a wholly different style than Wells, Martin played well enough to make it clear he has a future. His lone downfall was an inability to produce off the bench early on. His game-winning layup around Tim Duncan in Game 3 won't soon be forgotten.
B- Francisco García G: 67; PPG: 5.6; RPG: 2.8; APG: 1.4
At least there was a flash, an extended period of time in which the rookie swingman showed his potential was NBA-proof. There were, of course, the horrendous struggles early, with García unable to find his shot or his confidence. But eventually he found both, becoming a quality member of the bench and versatile in ways most players aren't. His ankle injury against Cleveland on March 1 was ill-timed, throwing García off his game. The swagger that is crucial to García's game disappeared, as he admitted rookie lessons were coming hard. Still, he can score, defend, and run the floor. He scored a career-high 21 points in a January win over Phoenix.
C+ Jason Hart G: 66; PPG: 3.3; RPG: 1.1; APG: 1.1
For what he was asked to do, Hart was adequate. He relieved Bibby, played tough defense as advertised and scored on occasion. Petrie knew he was no Bobby Jackson, but he was part of the new shift toward defensive-minded players being acquired. And if Artest was the prototype, Hart was the lesson learned before then. But now, he has a player option for $1.68 million for next season, and the Kings have a capable youngster in Ronnie Price for approximately one-fifth the price. But NBA jobs aren't easy to come by, so unless Hart finds a better offer and if the Kings don't move him, he could be back.
Inc. Corliss Williamson G: 37; PPG: 3.4; RPG: 1.8; APG: 0.4
If Williamson doesn't return next season, he would leave Sacramento with one of his last memories a lasting one. The fans screamed his name in the final minutes of Game 4, with Adelman later explaining he has too much respect for Williamson to throw him in during garbage time. But Williamson pleased the fans, coming in to score a basket and cap off the final win against the Spurs with the cheer. Classy, giving, and still capable of bowling over NBA types, Williamson is entering the final season of his contract. He will be paid $6.5 million.
Inc. Ronnie Price G: 29; PPG: 2.1; RPG: 0.5; APG: 0.4
There was no true test for the rookie, with the minutes coming infrequently. But Price proved at least this about his skills: He can soar like some of the best little leapers in the NBA, is far from afraid to showcase his jump shot, and defense is a definite priority when he hits the floor. Not bad for a youngster who went undrafted out of Utah Valley State. The Kings had no second-round pick, or they would have brought him to town that way. He will benefit greatly from summer league in July, in which you can place your bet Price will be a focal point of the development project in Las Vegas. His best effort of the season was an 11-point effort in a loss to Dallas in December.
Inc.
Jamal Sampson
Great for conversation, but not so sure about rebounds and putback layups. Looked nice in his NBA dress code-approved suit every night.
Vitaly Potapenko
Capable big man didn't fit in Adelman's plans any better than Brian Skinner, who was part of the four-team, nine-player deal in which he arrived in late February.
Sergei Monia
The word is there is significant talent there, but only the media was able to see it in daily battles with Potapenko.
About the writer: the Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at (916) 326-5582 or samick@sacbee.com.
http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/14252725p-15068788c.html
Who makes the grade?
Performance evaluation: Some pass; some are incomplete
By Sam Amick -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Sunday, May 7, 2006
Welcome to the only school where summer break is a bad thing.
The Kings wish they were hitting the NBA books all the way through June, passing that first-round test against San Antonio, then perhaps a second and a third against whichever team came their way. And who knows, maybe even a final exam that ends with the Larry O'Brien Trophy being brought to Sacramento?
But the vision that seemed realistic in - if nowhere else - the mind of Kings small forward Ron Artest was not to be, leaving Sacramento with questions of a different sort to answer.
Chief among them is the future of coach Rick Adelman, which may not be decided for at least a short time. As yet, there are no planned meetings between the coach and ownership. And while the impending free agency of shooting guard Bonzi Wells also looms, there is plenty more to ponder for Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie.
His two highest-paid players didn't earn their keep in the playoffs, with Mike Bibby not shooting like Mike Bibby, and Brad Miller struggling in nearly every area of his game. There is an obvious conflict at power forward, with both Kenny Thomas and Shareef Abdur-Rahim viewing themselves as the true starter, a backup point guard position that was filled by as many as five players at times, and plenty of young blood waiting for a chance for more minutes. All questions to be answered in the summertime.
Now, grades are in.
A- Front office: It's this simple: Rebuilding is supposed to set a team back, and president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie (left) managed to do just that while - technically speaking - improving the Kings. They lost in five games in the first round to Seattle last season after Chris Webber was traded, and all looked lost before Artest came to town, and they eventually lost to the Spurs in six games. The trade for Wells paid off, and Abdur-Rahim was a contributor. And no matter who pulled the trigger on the Artest deal (some reports said it was Phil Maloof pushing the matter), it brought hope back when the franchise was in dire need.
B Mike Bibby - G: 82; PPG: 21.1; RPG: 2.9; APG: 5.4
Bibby may be playing the what-if game for at least a few weeks, wondering what might have been if his eyes hadn't wandered from Brent Barry long enough for the Spurs guard to launch the big bouncer in Game 2. But that was only the beginning of his disappointment, as the famed postseason performer had his second consecutive subpar postseason. He shot just 34.8 percent in the playoffs, averaging 16.7 points per game. Still, there was late redemption in Bibby's season after a rough first half, a return to his scoring ways (career-high 21.1 points per game and near-career low 43.2 percent) and big-game panache through much of the late playoff surge.
A- Bonzi Wells G: 52; PPG: 13.6; RPG: 7.7; APG: 2.8
In what qualified statistically as the best single-series postseason performance ever by a King not named Chris Webber, Wells opened eyes around the league. The running joke, however, was about the dollar signs that surely were rolling slot-machine style in the eyes of Wells and his agent. They are certain to cash in somewhere. And if it's not in Sacramento, Kings fans will add Wells to the ever-growing ones-who-got-away list. He was, according to Petrie, the best player at the beginning and easily the best at the end. The final eye-popping playoff numbers: 23.2 points, 12 rebounds, 60.9 percent shooting, not to mention 5 of 8 from three-point range.
A Ron Artest G: 56; PPG: 17.6; RPG: 5.1; APG: 3.6
Next season likely will be different in many ways, with new challenges for Artest as he and the Kings continue to mold their new brand. But for this half-season, he deserves the royal treatment for being the spark that started it all. The numbers aren't staggering, but the impact was. His attitude on defense and in the locker room was contagious, and his confidence spread to a squad that was down in every way before he arrived. His shooting percentage in the regular season and postseason were identical (38.3 percent). Aside from his Game 2 suspension, Artest struggled in the Game 1 and Game 6 blowout losses, shooting a combined 9 for 32.
B- Kenny Thomas G: 82; PPG: 9.1; RPG: 7.5; APG: 2.0
Thomas isn't easy to figure out. He scored, at times, when opportunity arose, but he isn't one to create his own shot often. But his rebounding was invaluable, as he finished third with 7.5 rebounds per game. And his defense was solid, especially against Spurs forward Tim Duncan in the postseason, making so many forget he's only 6-foot-7. The Kings tried to trade him at least once, in a deal that never went through for then-Milwaukee Bucks forward Desmond Mason in late October. Thomas would be tough to trade if the Kings try again - his contract is a hefty one - with four seasons remaining and pay ranging from $6.7 million to $8.5 million.
C Brad Miller G: 79; PPG: 15.0; RPG: 7.8 APG: 4.7
For all of Miller's contributions in his last three seasons, it was an unfortunate end to this one. After a series full of his own mysterious absence - with a woeful 9.2 points and three rebounds per game against the Spurs - many Kings fans booed when coach Rick Adelman went to reinsert him late in Game 6. Miller wasn't able to maintain the mini-resurgence that occurred when Artest arrived in January, and his inability to stop penetration became a glaring weak spot for opponents to expose. One has to wonder if his lack of aggressiveness - especially in the postseason - may hurt his chances for the Olympic team, with tryouts looming in July.
B Shareef Abdur-Rahim G: 72; PPG: 12.3; RPG: 5.0; APG: 2.1
It was clear early on that this story wouldn't go exactly as planned. Abdur-Rahim came to a franchise notorious for playoff appearances, hoping to finally play a second season of his own, while expecting to start. But both matters were in question throughout the season. After breaking his jaw in December and rushing back, Abdur-Rahim's choice to roll with Adelman's decision to start Thomas was a significant subplot in terms of keeping a cohesive locker room. Abdur-Rahim's post skills clearly still are there, and Year No. 2 of his five-year contract will be a new chance to utilize them.
A- Kevin Martin G: 72; PPG: 10.8; RPG: 3.6; APG: 1.3
The theory of relativity is in full effect here. During his rookie season in 2005, Martin gave only minimal signs that a long and successful NBA career was a reachable goal. But he fixed much of what the Kings felt was wrong - from his shooting form to his work ethic and his frame - and took full advantage of Wells' groin injury that stole nearly half his season and made Martin a starter. With a wholly different style than Wells, Martin played well enough to make it clear he has a future. His lone downfall was an inability to produce off the bench early on. His game-winning layup around Tim Duncan in Game 3 won't soon be forgotten.
B- Francisco García G: 67; PPG: 5.6; RPG: 2.8; APG: 1.4
At least there was a flash, an extended period of time in which the rookie swingman showed his potential was NBA-proof. There were, of course, the horrendous struggles early, with García unable to find his shot or his confidence. But eventually he found both, becoming a quality member of the bench and versatile in ways most players aren't. His ankle injury against Cleveland on March 1 was ill-timed, throwing García off his game. The swagger that is crucial to García's game disappeared, as he admitted rookie lessons were coming hard. Still, he can score, defend, and run the floor. He scored a career-high 21 points in a January win over Phoenix.
C+ Jason Hart G: 66; PPG: 3.3; RPG: 1.1; APG: 1.1
For what he was asked to do, Hart was adequate. He relieved Bibby, played tough defense as advertised and scored on occasion. Petrie knew he was no Bobby Jackson, but he was part of the new shift toward defensive-minded players being acquired. And if Artest was the prototype, Hart was the lesson learned before then. But now, he has a player option for $1.68 million for next season, and the Kings have a capable youngster in Ronnie Price for approximately one-fifth the price. But NBA jobs aren't easy to come by, so unless Hart finds a better offer and if the Kings don't move him, he could be back.
Inc. Corliss Williamson G: 37; PPG: 3.4; RPG: 1.8; APG: 0.4
If Williamson doesn't return next season, he would leave Sacramento with one of his last memories a lasting one. The fans screamed his name in the final minutes of Game 4, with Adelman later explaining he has too much respect for Williamson to throw him in during garbage time. But Williamson pleased the fans, coming in to score a basket and cap off the final win against the Spurs with the cheer. Classy, giving, and still capable of bowling over NBA types, Williamson is entering the final season of his contract. He will be paid $6.5 million.
Inc. Ronnie Price G: 29; PPG: 2.1; RPG: 0.5; APG: 0.4
There was no true test for the rookie, with the minutes coming infrequently. But Price proved at least this about his skills: He can soar like some of the best little leapers in the NBA, is far from afraid to showcase his jump shot, and defense is a definite priority when he hits the floor. Not bad for a youngster who went undrafted out of Utah Valley State. The Kings had no second-round pick, or they would have brought him to town that way. He will benefit greatly from summer league in July, in which you can place your bet Price will be a focal point of the development project in Las Vegas. His best effort of the season was an 11-point effort in a loss to Dallas in December.
Inc.
Jamal Sampson
Great for conversation, but not so sure about rebounds and putback layups. Looked nice in his NBA dress code-approved suit every night.
Vitaly Potapenko
Capable big man didn't fit in Adelman's plans any better than Brian Skinner, who was part of the four-team, nine-player deal in which he arrived in late February.
Sergei Monia
The word is there is significant talent there, but only the media was able to see it in daily battles with Potapenko.
About the writer: the Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at (916) 326-5582 or samick@sacbee.com.
