Just like the last few days of your senior year in high school, the last week of the season for the Sacramento Kings isn't about getting ready for the future. It's about finishing what has been an interesting time. It's about having fun and hopefully entertaining the fans that come out to support you.
And what about the players currently wearing the uniform of the Sacramento Kings?
Spencer Hawes definitely seems to have the potential to be a good center.
Francisco Garcia actually improved his game by slowing things down just a bit.
Kevin Martin continued to expand his game and further shed the "one dimensional" tag, at least in the minds of many.
Shelden Williams, a late addition to the Kings, is interesting, to say the least.
Beno Udrih has the makings of another Petrie gem in the Kings jewelry box. It certainly wouldn't be the first time Geoff took someone out of their living rooms and into the NBA to good advantage.
Ron Artest is the ultimate puzzle. No one - arugably not even Ron - knows for sure what he'll do when it comes time to finally decide whether he wants to stay or opt out. Either way, he'll continue to be the center of a LOT of discussion and heated (but civil) debate. It's just his nature - and that of Kings fans.
Brad Miller certainly redeemed himself in the eyes of most fans. To see someone rededicate themselves to their sport is a rarity. It was good to see that someone be in the uniform of the Sacramento Kings.
Mikki Moore and John Salmons have shown usefulness but are definitely somewhat flawed. There can be a future for them on the Kings but their roles will depend entirely upon what else Petrie decides to do. The same holds true for Quincy Douby, who shows sparks but so far no real flame of potential.
Anthony Johnson and Lorenzen Wright were visitors; they most likely won't be on the squad next year.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim has, from all reports, recovered from his surgery but will he be able to get back into anything resembling game shape for next season?
Kenny Thomas is the forgotten King. Relegated to the far, far end of the bench, it has to be assumed his only future with the Kings is as part of a trade package somewhere down the line.
Reggie Theus has, IMO, done a good enough job to earn a second year. He wasn't perfect, of course, but he did restore pride back in the team AND he coimmunicated with his players. Rumors of conflicts were nearly always followed by either public discussion or confirmed rumors of coach-player communication unheard of last season.
All in all, this wasn't a great season. It wasn't even a good season, if what's important to you is just wins and losses. BUT it was a building season, a season that washed off the stench of last year and started us back in the right direction.
Next up? Games against Portland, followed by the Hornets, the Spurs and the Lakers. And then, at least here at Kingsfans.com, a time for reflection and discussion about what we think the future should be until draft day 2008.
Now, let's get ready for some Kings baskeball.
GO KINGS!!!
