Bonzi Article from CBS Sportsline

[Amanjoy]

http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/9593201


Nothing that we don't already know about Bonzi's situation...but it's about Bonzi nonetheless.


Free-agent bargains: Bonzi could be the steal

Aug. 9, 2006
By Tony Mejia
CBS SportsLine.com Staff Writer
Tell Tony your opinion!


"On the opposite end of that spectrum, here are this free-agency period's 10 most fiscally responsible smart buys.
1. Bonzi Wells, TBD: In the past, he has been a headache. I'll give you that.
Isn't the world supposed to be about short memories? Shouldn't "what-have-you-done-for-me-lately" work both ways?
Playoff averages of over 23 points and 12 rebounds are Wells' "lately." He carried the Kings in their 2006 first-round series against San Antonio. He played over 40 minutes in all but one of the six games, provided more toughness than even Ron Artest and left it all out there. It was a truly inspired performance.
What if it becomes the norm? Not to get carried away, but the Spurs aren't slouches, and Wells dominated them. If he can tune into that during the height of a do-or-die playoff series against the Western Conference's No. 1 seed, who is to say he can't do it for the course of a season, especially if it winds up being another contract year.
That's right. I'm proposing Wells sign a one-year deal and set out to prove he deserves major money. It's almost like a dare, but if Wells can focus and thrive on the league's biggest stage, is it beyond the realm of possibility that he can put his best foot forward and maximize his potential?
The door of returning to Sacramento looks closed. He blew it when he didn't accept their initial offer to stay, said to be more than the mid-level, but it's understandable he believed he was due for a much higher salary. It ended up being a misguided opinion, but the door appears open for him to take his career up a level. He could make a run at a title and fortify Miami, San Antonio or Dallas. He can step into a situation where he would solve an immediate need by joining Indiana or Denver.
Bottom line, he can start over. The off-court problems and word of his questionable attitude can be squashed and the payday that slipped through his fingers can be had a year late. Whoever ends up leasing Wells has very little to lose and a whole lot to gain. If he takes off, he can set himself up for a lucrative long-term deal. If he fails, he's the one who ends up most harmed. "

 

[NewMonkey]

http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/9593201


Nothing that we don't already know about Bonzi's situation...but it's about Bonzi nonetheless.


Free-agent bargains: Bonzi could be the steal

Aug. 9, 2006
By Tony Mejia
CBS SportsLine.com Staff Writer
Tell Tony your opinion!


"On the opposite end of that spectrum, here are this free-agency period's 10 most fiscally responsible smart buys.
1. Bonzi Wells, TBD: In the past, he has been a headache. I'll give you that.
Isn't the world supposed to be about short memories? Shouldn't "what-have-you-done-for-me-lately" work both ways?
Playoff averages of over 23 points and 12 rebounds are Wells' "lately." He carried the Kings in their 2006 first-round series against San Antonio. He played over 40 minutes in all but one of the six games, provided more toughness than even Ron Artest and left it all out there. It was a truly inspired performance.
What if it becomes the norm? Not to get carried away, but the Spurs aren't slouches, and Wells dominated them. If he can tune into that during the height of a do-or-die playoff series against the Western Conference's No. 1 seed, who is to say he can't do it for the course of a season, especially if it winds up being another contract year.
That's right. I'm proposing Wells sign a one-year deal and set out to prove he deserves major money. It's almost like a dare, but if Wells can focus and thrive on the league's biggest stage, is it beyond the realm of possibility that he can put his best foot forward and maximize his potential?
The door of returning to Sacramento looks closed. He blew it when he didn't accept their initial offer to stay, said to be more than the mid-level, but it's understandable he believed he was due for a much higher salary. It ended up being a misguided opinion, but the door appears open for him to take his career up a level. He could make a run at a title and fortify Miami, San Antonio or Dallas. He can step into a situation where he would solve an immediate need by joining Indiana or Denver.
Bottom line, he can start over. The off-court problems and word of his questionable attitude can be squashed and the payday that slipped through his fingers can be had a year late. Whoever ends up leasing Wells has very little to lose and a whole lot to gain. If he takes off, he can set himself up for a lucrative long-term deal. If he fails, he's the one who ends up most harmed. "

Most of this sounds like it was written last season. Bonzi already proved himself, aside from the injuries.

 

[VF21]

I think they're saying that it's going to take more than 1/2 of a season and one good playoff round for Bonzi to prove he can be more of an asset than a liability.

 

[carpaltunel]

I think they're saying that it's going to take more than 1/2 of a season and one good playoff round for Bonzi to prove he can be more of an asset than a liability.

Yeah.. seems like it. Many people, including me think he already proved he's an asset though. We'll see soon enough I guess.

 

[HndsmCelt]

The folks who just wanted to thhrow money at Bonzi really need to look at the guys career. Sorry 1/2 a season and six great paly off games does NOT equate to 10 mill a year for 5 or worse yet 6 years. Bonzi is STILL a risk. What he "prooved" was that in a contract year he can shut up, get injured, and play well then turn it up for the first round of the play offs. Then as soon as the season ends he is willing to let morons negotiate unreasonalbe demands ultimatly taking him away from the team that gave him a chance...

OK he can't turn back the clock BUT if he WANTS a big pay day NEXT season he would do well to take LLE money on a 2 year deal with players option on year 2. AND he should offer the deal up to the Kings first as a way to show any and all interested parties that he is a stand up guy. Firing his lame agent would also do wonders. Otherwise as fat as I am concerend you can file Bonzi away with the other idiots who ruined their own career.

 

[Sac.Kings]

The folks who just wanted to thhrow money at Bonzi really need to look at the guys career. Sorry 1/2 a season and six great paly off games does NOT equate to 10 mill a year for 5 or worse yet 6 years. Bonzi is STILL a risk. What he "prooved" was that in a contract year he can shut up, get injured, and play well then turn it up for the first round of the play offs. Then as soon as the season ends he is willing to let morons negotiate unreasonalbe demands ultimatly taking him away from the team that gave him a chance...

OK he can't turn back the clock BUT if he WANTS a big pay day NEXT season he would do well to take LLE money on a 2 year deal with players option on year 2. AND he should offer the deal up to the Kings first as a way to show any and all interested parties that he is a stand up guy. Firing his lame agent would also do wonders. Otherwise as fat as I am concerend you can file Bonzi away with the other idiots who ruined their own career.

I know that this was a typo, but i couldn't stop myself from laughing.

 

[VF21]

Yeah.. seems like it. Many people, including me think he already proved he's an asset though. We'll see soon enough I guess.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I was one of the 17,317 in Arco that day chanting "Bon-zi!" I think he does have value and he can be a big asset, if he plays as well elsewhere as he did for arguably the best player's coach in the league.

My main problem with Bonzi is William Phillips. Bonzi could have had $36 million and he would have been returning to a fanbase that treated him better than ANYWHERE else he had ever played. If it's all about the money for him, fine. We pretty much offered him decent $$ and a lot more. He's the one who turned the deal down, not us.

And, to the rest of league, he still has something to prove. He was good here, but a lot of players have played their best ball in Sacramento and never quite reached the same pinnacle again.

 

[Amanjoy]

Oh, don't get me wrong. I was one of the 17,317 in Arco that day chanting "Bon-zi!" I think he does have value and he can be a big asset, if he plays as well elsewhere as he did for arguably the best player's coach in the league.

My main problem with Bonzi is William Phillips. Bonzi could have had $36 million and he would have been returning to a fanbase that treated him better than ANYWHERE else he had ever played. If it's all about the money for him, fine. We pretty much offered him decent $$ and a lot more. He's the one who turned the deal down, not us.

And, to the rest of league, he still has something to prove. He was good here, but a lot of players have played their best ball in Sacramento and never quite reached the same pinnacle again.

Funny how that is the case now when it used to be the other way around in many cases:

Examples: Brian Grant & Kenny Smith are prime examples.

 

[Bricklayer]

Bonzi's no one year wonder...except for Kings fans who never watch other basketball teams. Last year wasn't even his best season.

That said, I can see no way for him to return now, and really, despite the contention otherwise, the writing may have been on the wall as soon as we chose a super-intense Fratello understudy as the new coach. Now its about some new chapter for Bonzi somewhere else. Still be nice to get something for him, as our constant yearly talent bleed has gotten very old. But one way or the other he's almost guaranteed to be elsewhere next year.


As an aside, while we may not really be in a position where this should matter much anymore -- making the playoffs is almost enough at this point -- Bonzi Wells is, unlike Peja, one of those players who I think very much MIGHT come back and beat on a former team that scorned him. Certainly would not be interested in running into him in the playoffs at all. And as such, I would much rather he heads East than ends up in Denver for instance -- Denver being the likely weak link amongst the Top 4 in the West for next year's playoffs. But not so weak for us if they trot out a Carmelo/Bonzi duo for the playoffs with us only having one Ron to contend with them.

 

[VF21]

I still have to wonder how he'll deal with the asthma problems in Denver. It's always going to be 5,280 ft. above sea level and he has suffered problems playing at any kind of altitude more often than not.

Signing to play 41 games a season PLUS playoffs under those conditions would take a lot of consideration, IMHO.

 

[grun]

The folks who just wanted to thhrow money at Bonzi really need to look at the guys career. Sorry 1/2 a season and six great paly off games does NOT equate to 10 mill a year for 5 or worse yet 6 years. Bonzi is STILL a risk.

what if you ignore 1/2 a season, include 5 decent playoff games against a team with no interior D, the team throwing you the money is the Knicks and your name is Jerome James?

most NBA gm's really have no clue. there are some absolutely ridiculous anomalies in how much players get paid. they splurge money after 1 or 2 performances: how can Calvin Booth make more last year than Chauncey and Ron Artest? Some of it is just ridiculous. yes, i think bonzi should have taken what we offered, but i cant blame him for expecting a bigger payday after his play vs the spurs. he might be a risk, but at least its not combined with unproven talent. how many ridiculously massive contracts have you seen for risky, unproven guys?

 

[HndsmCelt]

No one ever said Bonzi can't play... for folks focused on his play you are missing the point entirely. It's EVERYTHING ELSE he does thats creates question marks.

 

[Kings113]

Bonzi's no one year wonder...except for Kings fans who never watch other basketball teams. Last year wasn't even his best season.

That said, I can see no way for him to return now, and really, despite the contention otherwise, the writing may have been on the wall as soon as we chose a super-intense Fratello understudy as the new coach. Now its about some new chapter for Bonzi somewhere else. Still be nice to get something for him, as our constant yearly talent bleed has gotten very old. But one way or the other he's almost guaranteed to be elsewhere next year.


As an aside, while we may not really be in a position where this should matter much anymore -- making the playoffs is almost enough at this point -- Bonzi Wells is, unlike Peja, one of those players who I think very much MIGHT come back and beat on a former team that scorned him. Certainly would not be interested in running into him in the playoffs at all. And as such, I would much rather he heads East than ends up in Denver for instance -- Denver being the likely weak link amongst the Top 4 in the West for next year's playoffs. But not so weak for us if they trot out a Carmelo/Bonzi duo for the playoffs with us only having one Ron to contend with them.

1. Agreed.

2. Disagree Musselman had anything to do with Bonzi not coming back. It was never evident or reported he and Musselman had problems as well, Musselman spoke positively and kindly about Bonzi in a couple press conferences. Also, remember reading that the Grizzlies PA announcer said he and Bonzi were fine. Who knows how much that's worth though. We offered him a lot of money and 6 million over the MLE. The camp turned it down.

3. Heh, you've really taken on to the Bonzi in Denver rumors. Carmelo would be taken out of the series by Ron. Or at least be slowed down. Bonzi would do well against us though, sure. He wouldn't be as beastily a rebounder as he was with us, for obvious reasons. Still a good one for a wing likely at high 4-5 boards, yep. Overall, who knows how the situations of the teams would be by the playoffs, if Denver/Sac did indeed meet.

 

[Warhawk]

BTW - Grant just said Bonzi's offer was for 5 years, $38 million from the Kings - sounds a bit higher than the number most of us have been assuming previously.

 

[LA King Fan II]

A gigantic offer to a player who showed a vulnerability to injury last year (I saw him hurt again against San Antonio), and a scowl that was very likely to destroy chemistry before five years were up.

He played his butt off last year when in uniform. He's a good player. He received a fair offer and gave his teammates and the organization the finger. He is what he is. An NBA player in the year 2006.

With the continued absence of a big man, they couldn't win the title with him, anyway. I look forward to seeing if Salmons can play and whether Garcia can build on last year.

 

[Kingsin07]

Who ever said our backcourt isn't the problem was right. November 7th's vote is going to be our problem if we lose that one. Losing Bonzi is like losing a tooth when you are eight at this point