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Kings Notes: Williamson is limping to finish line
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 1:42 am PDT Thursday, April 12, 2007
SAN ANTONIO -- Before the injury played a part, Corliss Williamson was playing his role against the Clippers on March 30.
The forward came off the bench to provide instant scoring, hitting 5 of 8 shots that came in handy as always but -- as was the case so often this season -- came in a loss. But Williamson's sore right heel has since forced him to miss six of seven games, and the 12-year veteran on the verge of free agency said he might not be back.
The heel, Williamson said, is sensitive and painful enough to cause concern about the long-term recovery.
And with the Kings out of the playoff race with just four games remaining, he has no desire to do more damage that would only have a carryover effect on his offseason training.
"Of course they would rather have me on the court, but it's more important that I take care of my body," Williamson said. "As far as making it to the playoffs, (the games) don't matter, but you definitely want to finish on a high note. All that being said, the smart thing would be to rest rather than force the issue."
If he is done, Williamson will be among the few Kings content with their campaign on an individual level. He has led all Kings reserves with a 9.1 points average, and his field-goal percentage for the season (51) ties his career-high.
"Individually, I was thankful for coach (Eric) Musselman giving me an opportunity to play and putting me in a position to prolong my career for another two or three years," Williamson said.
So long, fair Wells -- When former Kings guard Bonzi Wells made his first return to Arco Arena on Sunday night with Houston, he chatted with former players and smiled ear to ear as if all was well.
But one night later, he went missing for the Rockets' game in Seattle, staying at the hotel and leaving only a message with the team trainer saying he was disrupting team chemistry. According to the Houston Chronicle, the Rockets have decided to keep Wells inactive for the rest of the season and the playoffs.
Kings small forward Ron Artest said he spoke to Wells about his situation Sunday. Wells turned down a five-year, $38.5 million offer from the Kings during the offseason and wound up signing a two-year, $5 million deal with Houston.
"He was just a little stressed out," Artest said. "He wanted to play and everything. He turned down a lot of money (from the Kings) and everything. It's understandable what he's going through right now."
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
Kings Notes: Williamson is limping to finish line
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 1:42 am PDT Thursday, April 12, 2007
SAN ANTONIO -- Before the injury played a part, Corliss Williamson was playing his role against the Clippers on March 30.
The forward came off the bench to provide instant scoring, hitting 5 of 8 shots that came in handy as always but -- as was the case so often this season -- came in a loss. But Williamson's sore right heel has since forced him to miss six of seven games, and the 12-year veteran on the verge of free agency said he might not be back.
The heel, Williamson said, is sensitive and painful enough to cause concern about the long-term recovery.
And with the Kings out of the playoff race with just four games remaining, he has no desire to do more damage that would only have a carryover effect on his offseason training.
"Of course they would rather have me on the court, but it's more important that I take care of my body," Williamson said. "As far as making it to the playoffs, (the games) don't matter, but you definitely want to finish on a high note. All that being said, the smart thing would be to rest rather than force the issue."
If he is done, Williamson will be among the few Kings content with their campaign on an individual level. He has led all Kings reserves with a 9.1 points average, and his field-goal percentage for the season (51) ties his career-high.
"Individually, I was thankful for coach (Eric) Musselman giving me an opportunity to play and putting me in a position to prolong my career for another two or three years," Williamson said.
So long, fair Wells -- When former Kings guard Bonzi Wells made his first return to Arco Arena on Sunday night with Houston, he chatted with former players and smiled ear to ear as if all was well.
But one night later, he went missing for the Rockets' game in Seattle, staying at the hotel and leaving only a message with the team trainer saying he was disrupting team chemistry. According to the Houston Chronicle, the Rockets have decided to keep Wells inactive for the rest of the season and the playoffs.
Kings small forward Ron Artest said he spoke to Wells about his situation Sunday. Wells turned down a five-year, $38.5 million offer from the Kings during the offseason and wound up signing a two-year, $5 million deal with Houston.
"He was just a little stressed out," Artest said. "He wanted to play and everything. He turned down a lot of money (from the Kings) and everything. It's understandable what he's going through right now."
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
