DiVincenzo and his camp unhappy

[iowamcnabb]

Ham also said he has known about this for a couple weeks and he brought the concern directly to the Front office.

 

[kb02]

It appears not starting is the issue not playing with Fox according to Ham on the Dlo Podcast. He insinuated he heard this directly from the DDV camp. They were particularly upset that he did not start against Milwaukee after having a really good stat stuffing game the game before.

If true, that seems to be another Buddy situation. Really think that's healthy for the culture? I prefer players, who care more about playing critical minutes than starting.

That said, I think it's not so much that he wasn't starting, but dude wants a different role, because he thinks he's a better player than the roles that he's played. More power to him. His window is small. Go prove it.

 

[Warhawk]

Ham also said he has known about this for a couple weeks and he brought the concern directly to the Front office.

Ham says a lot of things. Most of them are just repeating what he heard from other reporters, and some of it is just BS. We haven't, to the best of my knowledge, heard anything of this sort from any other source.

This thread is exhibit A of how to get fans all worked up and turned against a player over, literally, nothing.

There's a reason he isn't on the TV for the Kings any more....

 

[iowamcnabb]

Ham says a lot of things. Most of them are just repeating what he heard from other reporters, and some of it is just BS. We haven't, to the best of my knowledge, heard anything of this sort from any other source.

This thread is exhibit A of how to get fans all worked up and turned against a player over, literally, nothing.

There's a reason he isn't on the TV for the Kings any more....

I know he is not popular on this forum for a variety of reasons but I do believe him on this particular issue. Still, he himself said he didn’t think it was detrimental to the relationship and ultimately we could get past it. However, if Donte sees himself as a starter then one of Mitchell/DDV will need to go after next season (assuming we re-sign DDV.). I do find it interesting that starting is so important to a guy willing to come off the bench in college.

 

[ESP47]

It appears not starting is the issue not playing with Fox according to Ham on the Dlo Podcast. He insinuated he heard this directly from the DDV camp. They were particularly upset that he did not start against Milwaukee after having a really good stat stuffing game the game before.

I mean it is kind of funny that the guy starts the previous year for a championship contending team and then comes over to a team that hasn't made the playoffs in over 16 years and has to play behind a guy who is playing like Roman Sessions and Marco Belinelli reincarnated.

Kangz gonna Kangz.

 

[Tetsujin]

I mean it is kind of funny that the guy starts the previous year for a championship contending team and then comes over to a team that hasn't made the playoffs in over 16 years and has to play behind a guy who is playing like Roman Sessions and Marco Belinelli reincarnated.

Kangz gonna Kangz.

Gentry was familiar with Justin Holiday from their time together in Golden State and I'm guessing he wanted to provide a bit of continuity for Domantas fresh off the trade. Certainly didn't help matters that Holiday immediately forgot how to play basketball the second he set foot in Sacramento and I definitely would have moved him out of the starting lineup after the first fifteen or so awful performances but I can at least see what Gentry was trying to do, even if it completely blew up in his face.

I don't think DDV coming off the bench was part of some front office ultimatum to lower Donte's value for his pending free agency.

 

[Telemachus]

If true, that seems to be another Buddy situation. Really think that's healthy for the culture? I prefer players, who care more about playing critical minutes than starting.

That said, I think it's not so much that he wasn't starting, but dude wants a different role, because he thinks he's a better player than the roles that he's played. More power to him. His window is small. Go prove it.

From my understanding, this had to do with his contract situation. If he had started most of the games with the Kings, he would've had enough starts over the past two season to make his qualifying offer be almost double what it is currently. It's the difference of being rated a starter as opposed as a bench player in the eyes of the league.

 

[Spike]

From my understanding, this had to do with his contract situation. If he had started most of the games with the Kings, he would've had enough starts over the past two season to make his qualifying offer be almost double what it is currently. It's the difference of being rated a starter as opposed as a bench player in the eyes of the league.

So Sacramento allegedly did to Donte what they were allegedly doing to Bagley?
(Note: not a defense of Bagley.)

 

[Telemachus]

So Sacramento allegedly did to Donte what they were allegedly doing to Bagley?
(Note: not a defense of Bagley.)

Yes. The idea would be to pay him the amount you were already going to give him, but maintaining more cap flexibility in free agency because his cap hold would be lower.

 

[kb02]

From my understanding, this had to do with his contract situation. If he had started most of the games with the Kings, he would've had enough starts over the past two season to make his qualifying offer be almost double what it is currently. It's the difference of being rated a starter as opposed as a bench player in the eyes of the league.

That makes sense, but kinda a meh issue from DDV's camp when he's going to get more than the QO on the open market.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

Yes. The idea would be to pay him the amount you were already going to give him, but maintaining more cap flexibility in free agency because his cap hold would be lower.

The funny thing is that we were actually starting Bagley, and he was on the way to earning the "starter criterion" before we traded him to Detroit and they didn't start him enough to get there.

So, we were giving Bagley the starts to get there, but then we cheaped out on DiVincenzo? Doesn't quite make sense.

 

[Warhawk]

I know he is not popular on this forum for a variety of reasons but I do believe him on this particular issue.

I don't believe it's an issue, or it is an issue that has been blown WAY out of proportion (as in, someone made a lighthearted comment and Ham turned it into something it's not). When I see a real journalist to report this is an issue, then I'll believe it.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

In his last 84 games played he has 2 starts.

1 of those was with Sacramento, where he played 25 of those 84.

It is not the Kings fault and I don't think he'd have hit the threshold even if he started all 25. Doesn't it have to be half the games? or at least 40?

nvm

 

[Capt. Factorial]

In his last 84 games played he has 2 starts.

1 of those was with Sacramento, where he played 25 of those 84.

It is not the Kings fault and I don't think he'd have hit the threshold even if he started all 25. Doesn't it have to be half the games? or at least 40?

The quoted value is 41 games in season 4, or an average of 41 games in seasons 3 and 4 (total of 82 games). But - and I'm not sure of this - it probably really means "half of the games", and since there were only 72 total games for DiVincenzo's season 3, the average of 41 may have dropped down a bit. My best bet is that a total of 77 games in years 3+4 is the target here, and since Donte started 66 games in year three (none in year 4 in Milwaukee), his target for Sacramento would have been 11 (or 16 even with no adjustment) games. He was here for 25 games, so he definitely could have hit the mark.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

The quoted value is 41 games in season 4, or an average of 41 games in seasons 3 and 4 (total of 82 games). But - and I'm not sure of this - it probably really means "half of the games", and since there were only 72 total games for DiVincenzo's season 3, the average of 41 may have dropped down a bit. My best bet is that a total of 77 games in years 3+4 is the target here, and since Donte started 66 games in year three (none in year 4 in Milwaukee), his target for Sacramento would have been 11 (or 16 even with no adjustment) games. He was here for 25 games, so he definitely could have hit the mark.

oh you're right I misread the years and added this season's totals.

taken at face value he would have needed to start 16 of his 25 games and he really struggled when he got here so there's a case to be made for it not happening though. And again, if we signed him on a one year QO it would be a complete disaster at either price.

 

[SacTownKid]

Except DDV is actually good just heading to the prime of his career?

The Kings have to operate on the 1.5 year timeline before the trade deadline that Sabonis heads to UFA. There can't be any question by that point Sabonis will resign in the summer. DDV is your 4th or 5th best player right now, just entering the prime of his career and has a skill-set that is conducive to playing off stars. Kings can't afford in any sense to let him walk.

Yeah, well been there done that. DDV just got traded in a deal that involved Marvin "Super player just young" Bagley and Serge Ibaka. Check that value. They might need that max value season to make sure Sabonis doesn't leave. Also? If it doesn't work, they are that much closer to rebuild status. Win/win.

 

[SacTownKid]

You only make that type of move if a guy of that caliber wants to sign with you. Vlade made the mistake of making that type of trade without any max FA wanting to sign here. He gambled when he had no business doing so.

I'm figuring by that point the Kings will know if they might have to rebuild or not. That cap space could be even better used should that happen by taking on bad contracts with picks. If the Kings are winning? I'd figure the FA market will look quite a bit different from Vlades era. His problem is he never rebuilt once rebuffed. Even so, hold onto that space in a worst case, at the deadline you might get a sweet Barnes level dump.

 

[SacTownKid]

Oh please. Holmes contract is not an albatross.

We shall see if they go into the year with him on the books. 15 mpg Holmes will easily become that. Maybe not now but go for value and things change. Also, without that contract look at the potential THIS summer.

 

[SacTownKid]

So the kings have wanted DDV for how long? And he's already pissed after a couple months here? Yup, sounds like the kings way.

Did they? I'd be very interested to see who initiated these talks.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

The salary rules are pretty wonky but it seems like the difference in the QO would be about 5.5 vs 7 million on a one year deal.

Most people even those low on him seem like they'd be happy with a multi-year deal at 8m per. I expect him to get at least 12 in the current NBA salary landscape but I'm happy to sign him lower. But do we really think the low QO is what they are trying to do?

 

[SacTownKid]

The salary rules are pretty wonky but it seems like the difference in the QO would be about 5.5 vs 7 million on a one year deal.

Most people even those low on him seem like they'd be happy with a multi-year deal at 8m per. I expect him to get at least 12 in the current NBA salary landscape but I'm happy to sign him lower. But do we really think the low QO is what they are trying to do?

Donte's future has to be specifically tied to the draft. Period. Prior to Monte's retooling this was set to potentially be a TERRIBLE draft need wise. Unless the Kings move up, this is likely a SG draft with where the Kings sit. It was even before the Tyrese trade. Now, SG happens to be a need, and no, Donte isn't a true SG, he's a combo, which makes a difference. For some teams it's waaaay more valuable. For a team with Davion Mitchell? Eh. This team needs length and size as Fox already said in his presser. He understands. Which is limiting for a GM. Come in with 3 combos next season and you're done. First sign of trouble and he's on the outs. Draft Murray, maybe AJ Griffin, trade for a PF and Donte all of a sudden becomes much more valuable. MLE? Yeah, beat it easily.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

I guess I'm not buying that he's a "combo guard" and not a SG. Also the only "SG" we should be drafting is Mathurin who can swing between 2/3.

 

[SacTownKid]

I guess I'm not buying that he's a "combo guard" and not a SG. Also the only "SG" we should be drafting is Mathurin who can swing between 2/3.

Donte IS a combo. If you use him like a SG you're only getting half of what he can do for a team. I think all the notable SG types at around 7 can swing to SF if need be. Davis plays big. He actually plays bigger than Mathurin. Josh Hart is a good comp but Davis is more a true SG than him. Mathurin is a true SG so in the end, he fills a role considering Fox needs to be your PG. No BS anymore. He's the guy.

 

[hrdboild]

I guess I'm not buying that he's a "combo guard" and not a SG. Also the only "SG" we should be drafting is Mathurin who can swing between 2/3.

I can imagine a scenario where Jaden Ivey is the clear BPA if he slides like Haliburton did, but I don't see that as super likely. And Shaedon Sharpe would be riskier than I'm comfortable with, but he also has some of that 2/3 potential if he's the pick. If anything, it's probably Terance Davis who ends up the odd man out if there's a minutes crunch.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

I can imagine a scenario where Jaden Ivey is the clear BPA if he slides like Haliburton did, but I don't see that as super likely. And Shaedon Sharpe would be riskier than I'm comfortable with, but he also has some of that 2/3 potential if he's the pick. If anything, it's probably Terance Davis who ends up the odd man out if there's a minutes crunch.

It seems almost certain one of the teams in front of us would pick both those guys. Especially since Portland is the only one that needs a 1 year turnaround perhaps even more desperately than we do.

 

[SacTownKid]

I can imagine a scenario where Jaden Ivey is the clear BPA if he slides like Haliburton did, but I don't see that as super likely. And Shaedon Sharpe would be riskier than I'm comfortable with, but he also has some of that 2/3 potential if he's the pick. If anything, it's probably Terance Davis who ends up the odd man out if there's a minutes crunch.

If Ivey is there, you draft him. This looks like a top 4 draft and with luck on the Kings side (and smarts from Monte, all credit due), for once this is a draft where none of the top 4 are terrible fits. I mean, since the deadline of course. Prior to that with a Davion, Fox, Haliburton trio someone like Ivey would have been horrible. Not so much now. He can play next to both Davion and Fox.

 

[hrdboild]

It seems almost certain one of the teams in front of us would pick both those guys. Especially since Portland is the only one that needs a 1 year turnaround perhaps even more desperately than we do.

I hope so! The draft can be pretty unpredictable. What I'm worried about is that Keegan Murray and Bennedict Mathurin could both shoot up draft boards if those front offices are looking at the same stats and game tape that I am and also have them ranked higher than the internet hobbyist websites are currently predicting. I'm pretty sure Holmgren and Smith are locks for the top 3 (barring unexpected injury issues) but Banchero and Ivey are both a little polarizing as prospects and could slide if the top teams all lean toward other guys. And then you get into the AJ Griffin / Johnny Davis range which is not where I'd want to be. Shaedon Sharpe, if he does declare, could go anywhere from say 3 to 15 depending on how good he looks in workouts. Sometimes an element of tantalizing mystery is a good thing for a prospect but he really needs to look impressive in his workouts. My fallback is Tari Eason but I seem to be in a very small minority of folks who view him as an elite prospect.

The short version: I would be pleasantly surprised if one of Murray or Mathurin is still on the board at #7 or #8. I think both will steadily rise throughout the pre-draft process and now that we've slid down to 7 in the pre-lottery seeding we might need to jump into a top 4 spot to secure one of them.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

I hope so! The draft can be pretty unpredictable. What I'm worried about is that Keegan Murray and Benedict Mathurin could both shoot up draft boards if those front offices are looking at the same stats and game tape that I am and also have them ranked higher than the internet hobbyist websites are currently predicting. I'm pretty sure Holmgren and Smith are locks for the top 3 (barring unexpected injury issues) but Banchero and Ivey are both a little polarizing as prospects and could slide if the top teams all lean toward other guys. And then you get into the AJ Griffin / Johnny Davis range which is not where I'd want to be. Shaedon Sharpe, if he does declare, could go anywhere from say 3 to 15 depending on how good he looks in workouts. Sometimes an element of tantalizing mystery is a good thing for a prospect but he really needs to look impressive in his workouts. My fallback is Tari Eason but I seem to be in a very small minority of folks who view him as an elite prospect.

The short version: I would be pleasantly surprised if one of Murray or Mathurin is still on the board at #7 or #8. I think both will steadily rise throughout the pre-draft process and now that we've slid down to 7 in the pre-lottery seeding we might need to jump into a top 4 spot to secure one of them.

I keep seeing all the hitters saying Banchero is #1 now. I don't know, but I think he remains top 3.

I thought Benn was going to sneak into the top 5 until AZ crashed and burned against Houston. It didn't really help that Nova beat Houston and Arizona didn't get to write it off as an underseeded sleeper (though Houston was def underseeded). So I think he's at 6 without Sharpe. That's where it gets interesting. I think Sharpe and Murray are gone by 5/6. So then they only question is if someone leapfrogs us and we fall to 8 we could be on the outside by 1 again.

 

[hrdboild]

If Ivey is there, you draft him. This looks like a top 4 draft and with luck on the Kings side (and smarts from Monte, all credit due), for once this is a draft where none of the top 4 are terrible fits. I mean, since the deadline of course. Prior to that with a Davion, Fox, Haliburton trio someone like Ivey would have been horrible. Not so much now. He can play next to both Davion and Fox.

I don't think drafting Ivey would be the worst thing in the world. His ceiling is "best player in this draft" so that part is easy to dream on. The only apprehension I have is how quickly Fox vs. Haliburton became a thing and how certain people in and around the team and local media are already shifting the narrative to Fox vs. Mitchell and Donte needing his touches too. With the right coach a three or four headed guard lineup that just never stops coming at you would be deadly but if doesn't work the seeds are already there for all of those players losing value by under performing and/or demanding subtly (or not so subtly) to be moved to a different team.

 

[hrdboild]

I keep seeing all the hitters saying Banchero is #1 now. I don't know, but I think he remains top 3.

I thought Benn was going to sneak into the top 5 until AZ crashed and burned against Houston. It didn't really help that Nova beat Houston and Arizona didn't get to write it off as an underseeded sleeper (though Houston was def underseeded). So I think he's at 6 without Sharpe. That's where it gets interesting. I think Sharpe and Murray are gone by 5/6. So then they only question is if someone leapfrogs us and we fall to 8 we could be on the outside by 1 again.

I've fallen in love with prospects only to see them play themselves out of our range far too often. I'm trying to keep my expectations in check is all. I don't think the mock drafts have any intel yet on where teams are leaning. The good ones will have a better idea by early June. Murray is building a bit of hype already and should be a top 6 pick just on his production and physical profile. Mathurin is lagging at the moment but I have him 1st overall on my board so it's hard for me to believe he'll still be projected around 8th overall in 2 months. Based on past history, when I've been that hyped about a prospect they will typically work their way into the top 5.