http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/126671.html
Kings notes: Bibby's falling numbers raise more questions
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:31 am PST Wednesday, February 21, 2007
The question lost some validity in the first quarter, when Mike Bibby suddenly was back from his disappearing act.
The Kings' point guard scored all 10 of his points in the opening quarter against Boston on Tuesday night at Arco Arena, where his quick start was something wholly different from his hapless play coming in.
As the league's Thursday trade deadline neared, Bibby averaged 9.7 points and just 28.2 minutes in the four games preceding the All-Star break, leading many to wonder whether his uncertain status was affecting his play.
The notion that the Kings want to deal Bibby is, at this point, common knowledge, with reported interest from Cleveland and Miami and every possibility that it might be a significant distraction. The decrease in playing time for a player who averaged 38.6 minutes last season was only the latest among the frustrating developments. Coach Eric Musselman would not specify why Bibby's minutes have decreased.
"We're just searching for combinations," he said. "We went through a real nice streak where we won five in a row, but when you end up losing three, you try to figure out different combinations. It's not just one guy. It's the group. But we're still searching."
And hoping, as the Kings have all season, that Bibby breaks out.
"When that shot starts falling, I think he can still have a breakout these last 30 games for us," Musselman said.
All-Star aftereffect -- At first glance, it wouldn't appear that 67-year-old official Dick Bavetta and 21-year-old Boston guard Gerald Green would have much in common.
But they were among the highlights of All-Star Weekend, when Bavetta lost to Charles Barkley in a comedic footrace and Green won the dunk contest in sensational fashion. Both were at Arco for their first post-All-Star affair.
Bavetta saw the reality of what might be an increased celebrity in arenas league-wide, as fans heckled him before tipoff for losing to the seemingly sluggish Barkley. Green, meanwhile, hadn't slowed down enough to even watch the tape of his winning night.
"It was an experience I'll never forget about," he said. "I thought it was a dream just going there, so it was a pretty big deal to win it."
Wally woes -- Celtics swingman Wally Szczerbiak is surely tired of this routine. After missing 17 games this season because of numerous injuries to his ankles, he twisted his left ankle while stepping on teammate Paul Pierce's foot late in the first quarter and did not return.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
Kings notes: Bibby's falling numbers raise more questions
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:31 am PST Wednesday, February 21, 2007
The question lost some validity in the first quarter, when Mike Bibby suddenly was back from his disappearing act.
The Kings' point guard scored all 10 of his points in the opening quarter against Boston on Tuesday night at Arco Arena, where his quick start was something wholly different from his hapless play coming in.
As the league's Thursday trade deadline neared, Bibby averaged 9.7 points and just 28.2 minutes in the four games preceding the All-Star break, leading many to wonder whether his uncertain status was affecting his play.
The notion that the Kings want to deal Bibby is, at this point, common knowledge, with reported interest from Cleveland and Miami and every possibility that it might be a significant distraction. The decrease in playing time for a player who averaged 38.6 minutes last season was only the latest among the frustrating developments. Coach Eric Musselman would not specify why Bibby's minutes have decreased.
"We're just searching for combinations," he said. "We went through a real nice streak where we won five in a row, but when you end up losing three, you try to figure out different combinations. It's not just one guy. It's the group. But we're still searching."
And hoping, as the Kings have all season, that Bibby breaks out.
"When that shot starts falling, I think he can still have a breakout these last 30 games for us," Musselman said.
All-Star aftereffect -- At first glance, it wouldn't appear that 67-year-old official Dick Bavetta and 21-year-old Boston guard Gerald Green would have much in common.
But they were among the highlights of All-Star Weekend, when Bavetta lost to Charles Barkley in a comedic footrace and Green won the dunk contest in sensational fashion. Both were at Arco for their first post-All-Star affair.
Bavetta saw the reality of what might be an increased celebrity in arenas league-wide, as fans heckled him before tipoff for losing to the seemingly sluggish Barkley. Green, meanwhile, hadn't slowed down enough to even watch the tape of his winning night.
"It was an experience I'll never forget about," he said. "I thought it was a dream just going there, so it was a pretty big deal to win it."
Wally woes -- Celtics swingman Wally Szczerbiak is surely tired of this routine. After missing 17 games this season because of numerous injuries to his ankles, he twisted his left ankle while stepping on teammate Paul Pierce's foot late in the first quarter and did not return.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
