"Kings trying to lure AK from Russia" Jones Tweet
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ParniValjak
All-Star
Well, in Cousins, Thompson, Hickson and Dalembert (has we kept him) we would have had size, the good size. Our frontcourt schooled the Lakers' frontcourt after we traded Landry and started playing the traditional 3 man rotation in Dalembert - Cousins - Thompson.
Had we kept Dally, at the very least improved the 3rd man in that rotation (Hickson > JT).
Our big guys were good and we started troubling teams with out size in the interior after the all star break last season, hence why we started playing the sort of basketball that would get you into the playoffs in the west.
I am yet to be convinced that we actually got better. In fact, I think we might have gotten worse.
Circa_1985_Fan
All-Star
I think we should be a little better witb additions of Jimmer, Hayes and even Salmons...but losing Sammy D and losing out on AK...left us to play small ball now. I think a 30 win season is realistic.
ParniValjak
All-Star
I can see the Salmons thing working. I really do. He is better than anything we had going at that spot for the last 2-3 years. I can also see how it can backfire in a bad way but I can see the thinking behind it. We needed a veteran who could handle the ball, shoot the 3, defend well and pass the ball (he is a good passer when he wants to be) so I thought it was a good upgrade at the position and insurance policy if we come out of the free agency empty handed.
Even Hayes, I can see the thinking behind it (although I think the price is too high). Before the lockout this is what I wanted us to do and I think we would have been in a much better spot:
1. Re-sign Dalembert and Thornton
2. In ideal world sign AK47 but if we bomb out of that one, Salmons is there as an insurance.
3. Sign a veteran big man that would not play major minutes but could step in in case of injury and play good D and good minutes. I mentioned a younger version of Kurt Thomas. Hayes here would be great but might be a bit too much of a luxury.
4. Sign a 3rd veteran PG who won't play much but would provide cover for injury. He would need to be a decent 3PT shooter and a good defender. I mentioned Earl Watson as the type of player I would be targeting.
5. Sign the rookies.
In terms of other team's FA, I wanted AK47 because of his versatility. He would be out SF who would provide some great D on bigger SF of the league. He would be ideal for those quicker PFs that game Dalembert some issues last year. The Carl Landrys and David Wests of this world.
That would provide us with so much versatility and depth for virtually the same money that we would spend to date. We would remain tall and trouble the opposition. Would still have interior shotblocker to anchor our D. We would have a versatile SF that can guard multiple positions, including some PFs. We would virtually go at least 2 deep at every position and would only need some time for everything to gel and watch out.
Now we are shorter, less athletic, have no shot blocker or interior defensive anchor. I think we were better constructed at the end of last season than we are now and that is the scary thing considering we have used a good chunk of our cap room and didn't improve significantly.
I also think that Beno's leadership and influence will be missed more than people realise. He was very valuable to us and was earning the contract for the last 2 years.
Agree with the part bout Beno. I'm certainly disappointed that we haven't managed to get a real defensive stud, either in the form of big shotblockers ala Sammy D or Chandler or wing defenders like Kirilenko. Guess all we can do now is hope and pray that Whiteside develops quickly and that Greene finally gets his act together. Though having a big defensive guy is ideal, I would be excited with a team that boasted three good perimeter defenders (Greene, Salmons, Evans - especially if Greene can also slide over and guard some 4s like Nocioni did), a lock down defender in Chuck Hayes and a less-than-ideal-but-still-acceptable shotblocking big in Hassan.
Kings Fan Gerard
Bench
So what's the latest word on signing AK?
L
Lafayette
Guest
It's okay, he wants to play in Russia or elsewhere, we still have JIMMER!
Showtime
Starter
The previous poster was correct: the 3-man size lineup was giving teams fits late in the season once Landry was dealt. Now, the team is going backwards by trying to get another small frontline player who has the rep of being a gritty, physical, albeit undersized f/c. I just think the team is taking steps backwards.
mr. moustache
Bench
Care to translate? I understand "ak47 turned us down", but not the rest.
iowamcnabb
Hall of Famer
Dave had been posting subtle hints about the 'mystery player' on his twitter, referencing vodka and the Russian boxer in Rocky. His latest tweet was '99501 nevermind' which as SacKingnh pointed out is an area code in Alaska. Alaska in its abbreviated form is AK. A round about way of saying never mind to Kirilenko.
iowamcnabb
Hall of Famer
Not being a local, has all the talk about AK47 died off? Has there been actual conformation the kings offer was rejected or is this all based on Carmichael Dave?
Bricklayer
Don't Make Me Use The Bat
I assume Grant probably only has a radio show on the weekdays?
kennadog
Dog On It!
Correct. Weekdays only.
iowamcnabb
Hall of Famer
Fair assumption. Figured one of the local writers would have posted something somewhere...
rainmaker
Hall of Famer
Ha! That's funny.
Our local writers wouldn't recognize a story if it smacked them in their face.
Telemachus
Starter
Our local writers actually covering the Kings?? You must be joking! Most of them prefer the sensational stories as opposed to covering the actual news.
Telemachus
Starter
Grant said on his Friday show, that he would let everyone know who he was talking about on Monday if the player hadn't already signed.
Circa_1985_Fan
All-Star
Our beat writer would rather follow and tweet about the Chris Paul & his Lakers saga. I miss Marty Mac and Amick. Hell, thank God for Amick, he is gone but still makes sure to follow the Kings and keep us informed.
rainmaker
Hall of Famer
If we don't go after AK, then go after Daly, or better yet, look for a trade, if Daly doesn't want to be here. Without AK, there haven't been any big signings/acquisitions since the lockout ended. We've added a role player in Hayes. Resigned a RFA, which with all due respect, a monkey could do. Still waiting for something big.
Maybe the AK courting is over. Maybe it isn't. He might just be thinking over a few offers. Given it appears we were in serious talks, I'd assume there was interest from he and his agent. Will just have to wait and see.
I don't agree that it's a plus if we don't sign him. Don't look at it as saving money. Not at all. Don't agree with the poster who said AK isn't much of an upgrade over Salmons. Now, I'm happy we have Salmons as a safety net, if this AK thing falls through, but make no mistake, it would be/have been great if he signed, and I think he'd be much better for this club than Salmons.
If saving money was the issue, I;d say offer AK more, and amnesty Salmons or Cisco, if AK signed. You'll get the most bang for your buck with AK out of those three, and I don't think it's close. But missing out on AK doesn't mean we've saved money. It means we go back to the table and look to upgrade some other way. Be aggressive!
Maybe the AK courting is over. Maybe it isn't. He might just be thinking over a few offers. Given it appears we were in serious talks, I'd assume there was interest from he and his agent. Will just have to wait and see.
I don't agree that it's a plus if we don't sign him. Don't look at it as saving money. Not at all. Don't agree with the poster who said AK isn't much of an upgrade over Salmons. Now, I'm happy we have Salmons as a safety net, if this AK thing falls through, but make no mistake, it would be/have been great if he signed, and I think he'd be much better for this club than Salmons.
If saving money was the issue, I;d say offer AK more, and amnesty Salmons or Cisco, if AK signed. You'll get the most bang for your buck with AK out of those three, and I don't think it's close. But missing out on AK doesn't mean we've saved money. It means we go back to the table and look to upgrade some other way. Be aggressive!
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gunks
Hall of Famer
+1..
5, 6 years ago I'd be psyched if we could get AK47 in purple...But the dude is oft injured, and oft pouty. Would rather not overpay a guy in the decline of his career.
..Plus I'm insanely optimistic about Honeycutt.
rainmaker
Hall of Famer
Pouty? You're worried about AK being pouty, after signing a spanking new deal, while we have Salmons and Cousins on the team?
Why do you say AK is on the decline? I'd be curious to hear.
gunks
Hall of Famer
Exactly! We have enough folk with iffy attitudes on the team, and a coach who is TURRIBLE with his players (where for art thou Rick?)...Dont need to add another.
And look at AK47s stats, they speak for themselves (as far as the decline)...
I mean, I wouldnt mind if we signed him, he'd definitely be an upgrade over Salmons and fit a need, but I'd hope the contract is heavily frontloaded.
Bricklayer
Don't Make Me Use The Bat
Look, I'm getting tired of having to spam post these numbers. I'll sticky them if I have to.
AK47's stats over the past 4 years:
07-08 30.8min 11.0pts (.506 .379 .770) 4.7reb 4.0ast 1.2stl 1.5blk 1.9TO
08-09 27.3min 11.6pts (.449 .274 .785) 4.8reb 2.6ast 1.2stl 1.2blk 1.8TO
09-10 29.0min 11.9pts (.506 .292 .744) 4.6reb 2.7ast 1.4stl 1.2blk 1.4TO
10-11 31.2min 11.7pts (.467 .367 .770) 5.1reb 3.0ast 1.3stl 1.2blk 1.8TO
This great "decline" in his performance, aside from being sour grapes straight from the fables, has taken on an urban myth life of its own. You show that he hasn't declined at all, it bounces right off and next thread somebody is off saying the same thing again.
Ak47 had 1 decline in his career, which was the sharp break 5 years ago between his time as primary weapon PF, and becoming a roleplaying 6th man/SF stopper. His performance since the change in career path has been, as you can see above, very very steady. Some of the most consistent stats in the game actually.
gunks
Hall of Famer
Yeah, that 5 year ago thing is what I'm referencing... His numbers took a huge dip just before the years you were so kind enough to post.
Those numbers are still better than Salmons, but not quite what AK did back in the day when he was pullin 8 rebs and swattin 3+ shots a game.
Moot point now though...
Those numbers are still better than Salmons, but not quite what AK did back in the day when he was pullin 8 rebs and swattin 3+ shots a game.
Moot point now though...
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