We've been talking all year about the players we wanted to see traded and who we hoped to get in return. We've dreamt about trades and acquisitions, and had endless interesting discussions about potential and possibilities.
There are, of course, the obvious needs of a team. The perfect combination of player skills and abilities that, when melded together, puts a team on the court that is better than the sum of the individual parts. We've seen a team like that so we'll recognize it if we're ever lucky enough to see it again.
What are the other requirements we look for in our Kings? Here's what I think is also important:
1. Heart. I want to see players who will put it all out there on the court, not for themselves but for their teammates. Players who may have flaws in their games but work around them and find ways to contribute that are so special you don't realize how unique they really were until they're gone. The perfect example of this was Doug Christie.
2. Passion. I want to see players who love the game, who would probably pay to play and who invariably find themselves in hot water on occasion for speaking their minds because of that same passion. I want to see guys who show up early and stay late, who spend hours before or after practice working on their game because it's in their blood. Bobby Jackson sound familiar?
3. Enthusiasm. I want to see at least one player who is so totally supportive of his teammates that whether he plays or not he is always involved and cheering the rest of the team on. He may not get a lot of playing time, but he's always ready. He's the first one to greet the starters when they come off the court and he's always animated, always involved. Yep, that's Mateen Cleaves.
4. Dedication. This is a tough one to explain. I want a player who is appreciative of what basketball has given him and finds ways to give back. He is dedicated not only to the game but to the community that allows him to pursue his dream. He has a swagger but he also has a humility because he truly understands the gifts he was given. Chris Webber fits the bill.
5. Mentor. There has to be at least one player who is a genuinely nice guy off the court, who is an example to those around him and who acts as the glue that holds the rest of the team together. This was Vlade Divac.
6. Exuberance. There has to be at least one player who is exciting to watch because you get drawn along with him. You know he's having the time of his life and he's able to bring you along for the ride. Jason Williams did this and, to some extent, Francisco Garcia does it now.
When I started writing this, I honestly didn't know where it would end up. But with the retirement of Vlade's jersey less than a week away, I've been thinking a lot about that team and those times. And the bittersweet knowledge that once #21 is hanging in the rafters there will be no more looking back. We will have turned the page, closed the book and moved on...
As we look to the future, however, I hope we can be lucky enough to see another Kings team that possesses the qualities I've listed above. It may be about the game, but it's the guys wearing the uniform that steal your heart and take your breath away.
Was going to say the same thing. This kid has the skill set and persona to light a town in fire! Hey, we can all hope for a bit of much needed luck come Day O' Ping Pong Balls.
