Of course there's a reason that a young, athletic rebounder/shotblocker comes at the minimum. Sampson has ZERO offensive ability. He is mechanical and awkward with the ball and despite adding bulk he still has trouble establishing position. He's a foul machine, averaging almost 8 per 48 minutes.
He also struggles in one on one defense and like most shotblockers, he leaves his feet too early, getting him out of position.
But as I've said before, this is an almost no-risk gamble on a kid with the potential to provide many of the things the Kings so desperately need. If he does, fantastic. If he doesn't, who cares?
On the topic of Abdur-Rahim, I am more than slightly biased as a Cal alum, but the fact remains that he is the best available PF at this point. I'd still prefer that Peja be dealt (for Chandler, for one of Nene, Camby or Martin in a three way deal or maybe even in that oldie but goodie trade for Artest) but I have a hard time getting myself all frothy with anger over this move.
The Kings aren't going to win a title this year. There are maybe 7 or 8 big men that could actually elevate this roster to championship contention and guys like Shaq, KG, Duncan, Amare and J O'Neal just aren't being dealt here. Maybe I'm just less annoyed because as a cynic I can't forsee the Sacramento Kings EVER winning a title, but I see this move as an improvement, if not one that improves them in the ways that they really need to be successful.
