http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/13798591p-14640142c.html
2005 Kings Preview: Oh, magical oracle ...
Published 2:15 am PST Tuesday, November 1, 2005
The new season comes with many new faces for the Kings. But will a revamped roster elevate Sacramento to new-found success, or will the Kings fail to reach the playoffs for the first time since the 1997-98 season? Bee staff writer Sam Amick takes a prophetic look at the Kings' roster.
F / Shareef Abdur-Rahim / 10th / 6-9 / 245
What future might hold: Much success and joy will come to you in this new city, forever changing how the world views your career.
On his game: In a league that puts so much emphasis on scoring, Abdur-Rahim has always fit right in. He has grown more creative on the block as the years go by, with wily moves to go with his jukes of sheer athleticism. His ability to hit mid-range shots fits right into the Kings' scheme, and his career average of 8.1 rebounds per game is sorely needed.
Off his game: Though the early returns have been good, Abdur-Rahim's passing skills have never been tested as they will be in Sacramento. For most of his nine seasons, he had little need to give up the ball.
PG / Mike Bibby / 8th / 6-1 / 190
What future might hold: You will take your new challenge head on, remembering to use those around you to help achieve goals. The stars will align to make you an All-Star.
On his game: Bibby was truly robbed of an All-Star selection last season, when he shone throughout and carried the Kings after Chris Webber was traded. Bibby's shot stayed sharp despite having to shoot a career-high 1,264 attempts, and his 6.8 assists per game were his highest average in four seasons.
G/F / Francisco García / 1st / 6-7 / 195
What future might hold: A roller coaster season lies ahead, full of more high points than low while you never have a desire to get off the ride.
On his game: At his best, García may be one of the most versatile Kings. He is long on defense, active on both ends, and emotional in the sort of way that inspired his teammates at Louisville and could help the Kings. His confidence, especially for a rookie, is impressive, as are his passing and rebounding skills.
Off his game: The shot remains the mystery. García can hit the outside shot, but he fires away at times as if he's Peja Stojakovic. The loose trigger could lead to lost playing time if he goes cold during the regular season. More likely, García will rein it in and produce with rebounds, assists, defense and well-timed offense.
PG / Jason Hart / 5th / 6-3 / 185
What future might hold: You will be a balancing force for your teammates, keeping them focused on the task at hand while drawing rave reviews for your spirited play.
On his game: Hart could be the perfect complement to Bibby, bringing a whole new dynamic with feisty defense and a surprisingly adequate shot. Hart, who started much of last season in Charlotte, will lead the deep contingent off the bench. He's nothing flashy, but plenty steady.
Off his game: The defense is nice, but the Kings are still the Kings, meaning Hart must show an ability to run the offense and hit the open shots. Can he hit a cutting Peja Stojakovic underneath the hoop, or drive and dish as Bibby so often does? He's answered the looming questions so far, with a long ways to go until the final answer.
G / Kevin Martin / 2nd / 6-7 / 185
What future might hold: You will battle through less growing pains than before, but there will still be lessons to be learned. Excitement and energy will be the mark of your season.
C / Brad Miller / 8th / 7-0 / 261
What future might hold: You will see the value in your own strengths as never before, reaching a new level of confidence and effectiveness.
On his game: There isn't a more consistent player on the roster. Miller's elbow jumpshots are money, and his one season with passing phenom Vlade Divac is still paying off. In seasons in which Miller played 50-plus games, his 52.4 percent field-goal percentage last season was a career high.
Off his game: No one expects Miller to morph into Detroit's Ben Wallace, but Miller clearly needs to be more of a defensive presence in the post. Admittedly, Miller struggles to jump over a credit card, but that shouldn't stop him from grounding opponents with proper positioning.
PG / Ronnie Price / 1st / 6-2 / 190
What future might hold: You will soak up knowledge in your quest to become a future asset, attending the Bobby Jackson camp during the summer in search of wisdom.
On his game: The Kings' diamond-in-the-rough talent came from Utah Valley State, a tiny program where Price put up huge scoring numbers. He can shoot from all over the floor and dunk with flair, and is the most athletic point guard the Kings have had in years. Has also shown ability to defend well.
Off his game: Just like Kevin Martin last season, Price needs to learn how to operate when he's not the best player on the floor. He looked out of place at times in the preseason, which was only natural for a young player. Knocking down open shots will help keep his confidence intact.
C / Brian Skinner / 8th / 6-9 / 265
What future might hold: You will realize your potential for the first time, swatting basketballs into the 10th row and snatching all the rebounds that fall your way.
On his game: In a set offense, Skinner is no Brad Miller, but he's no liability, either. Still, Skinner's defense and rebounding are why he's employed,and his extended stretches of excellent play last season showed what he can do. At full health, he can change games with his shot-blocking.
Off his game: He's not out there for his offense, which puts all the more pressure on Skinner to remain consistent on the other end. Skinner isn't known for his passing, either, but he must show an ability to help the offense stay in flow. The bulk of the effort, though, must be put into rebounding and shot-blocking.
F/G / Peja Stojakovic / 8th / 6-10 / 229
What future might hold: You will follow an arc-shaped path to your life of greater riches, returning to the land of legends after a brief and unnecessary time away.
On his game: The lasting images of swishing nets have become so ingrained, they shouldn't need an explanation. Stojakovic retains his reputation as one of the league's finest shooters, with a blink-of-an-eye release and impeccable aim. He finished the playoffs last season on a high note, scoring 38 points against Seattle in the series finale.
Off his game: In seasons in which he played in 50-plus games, Stojakovic shot a career-low 44.4 percent in 2004-05, though being in the final year of his contract should remedy that ailment. Otherwise, it's the same old gripes - a lack of toughness around the basket and not nearly enough rebounding for someone so tall.
F / Kenny Thomas / 7th / 6-7 / 245
What future might hold: Playing time and productivity will be yours, though patience is a must.
On his game: Considering rebounding was such an issue for the Kings last season, Thomas' skills on the boards will only earn him more minutes. He's an effective scorer away from the paint, too, and athletic enough to guard small forwards if needed. His passing skills have fit in nicely with the Kings.
Off his game: Thomas has always been a 'tweener of sorts at his position, not quite small forward material and hardly a Karl Malone or Chris Webber-type power forward. Thomas typically scores facing the basket and would aid his cause with more of a post game.
C/F / Jamal Sampson / 4th / 6-11 / 235
What future might hold: You will savor those moments in which your talents are on display, while spending most of the season providing comic relief from the bench to pass the time.
On his game: The to-do list for Mr. Sampson is a short one: 1) Rebound. 2) Serve as a human stop sign in the paint. While Sampson is too frail to intimidate the league's brutes, he's big enough that his presence could erase the defensive mistakes of Kings guards. If he understands his role, he's capable of filling it.
Off his game: It's time for Sampson to never hit the off switch, playing like the workhorse everyone said he isn't to make up for lost time. Energy shouldn't be hard to muster in limited minutes, so Sampson's effort that's long been questioned should improve.
G / Bonzi Wells / 8th / 6-5 / 210
What future might hold: Peace and prosperity will finally be yours, as you leave troubled times behind and move forward into a new chapter of your personal and professional life.
On his game: The Bonzi appeal is a matter of variety, how he can do all the things like most good guards (shoot, drive, pass) with the bonus of being able to post up so effectively. Wells has always been athletic, too, a capable defender and, at times, an instant playmaker.
Off his game: Wells has been turnover prone in his career, though he's steadily improved in the last three seasons. He led Portland with 215 turnovers in 75 games in 2002-03, then dropped his total to 161 in '03-'04 and 90 last season with Memphis. He is a capable ball handler, but nothing too fancy.
F / Corliss Williamson / 11th / 6-7 / 245
What future might hold: You will realize how your experience can benefit others, recanting old stories and passing along understanding in a valiant attempt to help the whole.
On his game: There's still plenty of nastiness left in The Big Nasty, which the Kings will need in doses big and small this season. Williamson can still bang on the block, still pass effectively, still offer some gritty defense and rebounding.
Off his game: He's never going to be fast like Phoenix's Shawn Marion, or big like Chris Webber, so matchups will always be tricky with Williamson. When Kings coach Rick Adelman wants to run, the veteran will sit, but his worth is still plenty.
2005 Kings Preview: Oh, magical oracle ...
Published 2:15 am PST Tuesday, November 1, 2005
The new season comes with many new faces for the Kings. But will a revamped roster elevate Sacramento to new-found success, or will the Kings fail to reach the playoffs for the first time since the 1997-98 season? Bee staff writer Sam Amick takes a prophetic look at the Kings' roster.
F / Shareef Abdur-Rahim / 10th / 6-9 / 245
What future might hold: Much success and joy will come to you in this new city, forever changing how the world views your career.
On his game: In a league that puts so much emphasis on scoring, Abdur-Rahim has always fit right in. He has grown more creative on the block as the years go by, with wily moves to go with his jukes of sheer athleticism. His ability to hit mid-range shots fits right into the Kings' scheme, and his career average of 8.1 rebounds per game is sorely needed.
Off his game: Though the early returns have been good, Abdur-Rahim's passing skills have never been tested as they will be in Sacramento. For most of his nine seasons, he had little need to give up the ball.
PG / Mike Bibby / 8th / 6-1 / 190
What future might hold: You will take your new challenge head on, remembering to use those around you to help achieve goals. The stars will align to make you an All-Star.
On his game: Bibby was truly robbed of an All-Star selection last season, when he shone throughout and carried the Kings after Chris Webber was traded. Bibby's shot stayed sharp despite having to shoot a career-high 1,264 attempts, and his 6.8 assists per game were his highest average in four seasons.
G/F / Francisco García / 1st / 6-7 / 195
What future might hold: A roller coaster season lies ahead, full of more high points than low while you never have a desire to get off the ride.
On his game: At his best, García may be one of the most versatile Kings. He is long on defense, active on both ends, and emotional in the sort of way that inspired his teammates at Louisville and could help the Kings. His confidence, especially for a rookie, is impressive, as are his passing and rebounding skills.
Off his game: The shot remains the mystery. García can hit the outside shot, but he fires away at times as if he's Peja Stojakovic. The loose trigger could lead to lost playing time if he goes cold during the regular season. More likely, García will rein it in and produce with rebounds, assists, defense and well-timed offense.
PG / Jason Hart / 5th / 6-3 / 185
What future might hold: You will be a balancing force for your teammates, keeping them focused on the task at hand while drawing rave reviews for your spirited play.
On his game: Hart could be the perfect complement to Bibby, bringing a whole new dynamic with feisty defense and a surprisingly adequate shot. Hart, who started much of last season in Charlotte, will lead the deep contingent off the bench. He's nothing flashy, but plenty steady.
Off his game: The defense is nice, but the Kings are still the Kings, meaning Hart must show an ability to run the offense and hit the open shots. Can he hit a cutting Peja Stojakovic underneath the hoop, or drive and dish as Bibby so often does? He's answered the looming questions so far, with a long ways to go until the final answer.
G / Kevin Martin / 2nd / 6-7 / 185
What future might hold: You will battle through less growing pains than before, but there will still be lessons to be learned. Excitement and energy will be the mark of your season.
C / Brad Miller / 8th / 7-0 / 261
What future might hold: You will see the value in your own strengths as never before, reaching a new level of confidence and effectiveness.
On his game: There isn't a more consistent player on the roster. Miller's elbow jumpshots are money, and his one season with passing phenom Vlade Divac is still paying off. In seasons in which Miller played 50-plus games, his 52.4 percent field-goal percentage last season was a career high.
Off his game: No one expects Miller to morph into Detroit's Ben Wallace, but Miller clearly needs to be more of a defensive presence in the post. Admittedly, Miller struggles to jump over a credit card, but that shouldn't stop him from grounding opponents with proper positioning.
PG / Ronnie Price / 1st / 6-2 / 190
What future might hold: You will soak up knowledge in your quest to become a future asset, attending the Bobby Jackson camp during the summer in search of wisdom.
On his game: The Kings' diamond-in-the-rough talent came from Utah Valley State, a tiny program where Price put up huge scoring numbers. He can shoot from all over the floor and dunk with flair, and is the most athletic point guard the Kings have had in years. Has also shown ability to defend well.
Off his game: Just like Kevin Martin last season, Price needs to learn how to operate when he's not the best player on the floor. He looked out of place at times in the preseason, which was only natural for a young player. Knocking down open shots will help keep his confidence intact.
C / Brian Skinner / 8th / 6-9 / 265
What future might hold: You will realize your potential for the first time, swatting basketballs into the 10th row and snatching all the rebounds that fall your way.
On his game: In a set offense, Skinner is no Brad Miller, but he's no liability, either. Still, Skinner's defense and rebounding are why he's employed,and his extended stretches of excellent play last season showed what he can do. At full health, he can change games with his shot-blocking.
Off his game: He's not out there for his offense, which puts all the more pressure on Skinner to remain consistent on the other end. Skinner isn't known for his passing, either, but he must show an ability to help the offense stay in flow. The bulk of the effort, though, must be put into rebounding and shot-blocking.
F/G / Peja Stojakovic / 8th / 6-10 / 229
What future might hold: You will follow an arc-shaped path to your life of greater riches, returning to the land of legends after a brief and unnecessary time away.
On his game: The lasting images of swishing nets have become so ingrained, they shouldn't need an explanation. Stojakovic retains his reputation as one of the league's finest shooters, with a blink-of-an-eye release and impeccable aim. He finished the playoffs last season on a high note, scoring 38 points against Seattle in the series finale.
Off his game: In seasons in which he played in 50-plus games, Stojakovic shot a career-low 44.4 percent in 2004-05, though being in the final year of his contract should remedy that ailment. Otherwise, it's the same old gripes - a lack of toughness around the basket and not nearly enough rebounding for someone so tall.
F / Kenny Thomas / 7th / 6-7 / 245
What future might hold: Playing time and productivity will be yours, though patience is a must.
On his game: Considering rebounding was such an issue for the Kings last season, Thomas' skills on the boards will only earn him more minutes. He's an effective scorer away from the paint, too, and athletic enough to guard small forwards if needed. His passing skills have fit in nicely with the Kings.
Off his game: Thomas has always been a 'tweener of sorts at his position, not quite small forward material and hardly a Karl Malone or Chris Webber-type power forward. Thomas typically scores facing the basket and would aid his cause with more of a post game.
C/F / Jamal Sampson / 4th / 6-11 / 235
What future might hold: You will savor those moments in which your talents are on display, while spending most of the season providing comic relief from the bench to pass the time.
On his game: The to-do list for Mr. Sampson is a short one: 1) Rebound. 2) Serve as a human stop sign in the paint. While Sampson is too frail to intimidate the league's brutes, he's big enough that his presence could erase the defensive mistakes of Kings guards. If he understands his role, he's capable of filling it.
Off his game: It's time for Sampson to never hit the off switch, playing like the workhorse everyone said he isn't to make up for lost time. Energy shouldn't be hard to muster in limited minutes, so Sampson's effort that's long been questioned should improve.
G / Bonzi Wells / 8th / 6-5 / 210
What future might hold: Peace and prosperity will finally be yours, as you leave troubled times behind and move forward into a new chapter of your personal and professional life.
On his game: The Bonzi appeal is a matter of variety, how he can do all the things like most good guards (shoot, drive, pass) with the bonus of being able to post up so effectively. Wells has always been athletic, too, a capable defender and, at times, an instant playmaker.
Off his game: Wells has been turnover prone in his career, though he's steadily improved in the last three seasons. He led Portland with 215 turnovers in 75 games in 2002-03, then dropped his total to 161 in '03-'04 and 90 last season with Memphis. He is a capable ball handler, but nothing too fancy.
F / Corliss Williamson / 11th / 6-7 / 245
What future might hold: You will realize how your experience can benefit others, recanting old stories and passing along understanding in a valiant attempt to help the whole.
On his game: There's still plenty of nastiness left in The Big Nasty, which the Kings will need in doses big and small this season. Williamson can still bang on the block, still pass effectively, still offer some gritty defense and rebounding.
Off his game: He's never going to be fast like Phoenix's Shawn Marion, or big like Chris Webber, so matchups will always be tricky with Williamson. When Kings coach Rick Adelman wants to run, the veteran will sit, but his worth is still plenty.
