Sacbee: Kings trade for Wells is official

[PFFFT!!]

[font=verdana,geneva,arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Kings trade for Wells is official



Published 12:25 pm PDT Tuesday, August 2, 2005

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The Sacramento Kings acquired guard Bonzi Wells from the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday in a long-anticipated trade for guard Bobby Jackson and center Greg Ostertag.

The Grizzlies then traded Ostertag to the Utah Jazz for guard Raul Lopez, forward Kirk Snyder and center Curtis Borchardt.
http://ads.sacbee.com/RealMedia/ads/adstream_lx.ads/www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/1645178722/Button20/Sacbee/cafamfit_300_ros_aug_5/cafamfit_300_ros_jul_5.html/61353466306462663432316264336330?_RM_EMPTY_ Wells averaged 11.3 points and 3.3 rebounds for Memphis last season, but the controversial guard was removed from the Grizzlies' playoff roster during the club's first-round playoff loss to Phoenix after clashing with coach Mike Fratello.

Wells, a seventh-year pro, also found trouble during his first five NBA seasons in Portland, but will get a fresh start in Sacramento. A proven scorer who averaged 17 points per game for the Trail Blazers in 2001-02, Wells is expected to be the Kings' starting shooting guard, replacing departing free agent Cuttino Mobley.

"We're excited about the opportunity to get Bonzi and rebuild our backcourt with some size, length and versatility," said Geoff Petrie, the Kings' president of basketball operations. "We really look forward to him coming in and having a terrific year and adding a dimension to our team that's different from what we've had before."

Earlier in the offseason, Memphis exercised an $8 million option on Wells for next season. Jackson, the NBA's top sixth man in 2003, was the Kings' most popular and versatile player when healthy in recent years -- but the point guard has missed big parts of the last three seasons because of injuries.

He averaged 12 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists last season, but sat out 51 games with a torn ligament in his wrist, returning late in the regular season. He missed 21 games with a broken left hand during the 2002-03 season, then missed 28 of the Kings' final 29 regular-season games and the 2004 playoffs with a strained abdominal muscle.

He will make just $3.375 million in the final season of a six-year deal he signed with the Kings in 2000.

"Bobby is not only a talented player and great competitor, but he is an individual of tremendous character," said Jerry West, the Grizzlies' president of basketball operations. "He will be a veteran leader and an explosive scorer."

Ostertag, a 10-year veteran who played sparingly in Sacramento, is back with the Jazz, where he spent his first nine NBA seasons.

With Jackson's departure, Mike Bibby and Peja Stojakovic are the only Kings who were with the club just two seasons ago. Petrie has overhauled the roster in the last year with the departures of Chris Webber, Doug Christie, Mobley and Jackson.

The Jazz gave up on three youngsters to re-acquire Ostertag, who will make $4.4 million next season. Borchardt, Snyder and Lopez all failed to live up to expectations with the Jazz.

-- Associated Press http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/13340273p-14182208c.html

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[LPKingsFan]

Having awaited Petrie's comments, I find them par for the course. The "terrific year" is interesting, I guess he's taking a wait and see approach to whether we'll keep him beyond this season or not.

 

[PFFFT!!]

Having awaited Petrie's comments, I find them par for the course. The "terrific year" is interesting, I guess he's taking a wait and see approach to whether we'll keep him beyond this season or not.

What caught my eye were the words "REBUILD THE BACKCOURT". Started with Cuttino and BJ. Whos next? Bibby?

 

[SlimKid15]

I still dont see what the Jazz are thinking on this one.

 

[LPKingsFan]

What caught my eye were the words "REBUILD THE BACKCOURT". Started with Cuttino and BJ. Whos next? Bibby?

I just took it as rebuild the backcourt [around Bibby, whom he's commented as being part of "the core" before]. But as always with Petrie, who knows?

 

[nbrans]

Having awaited Petrie's comments, I find them par for the course. The "terrific year" is interesting, I guess he's taking a wait and see approach to whether we'll keep him beyond this season or not.

I'm thinking that the braintrust must feel that Kevin Martin is the starting 2 guard of the future. One reason I like the Bonzi deal is that it's one more year and after that they may be handing the keys to Martin.

 

[Kings113]

I hope K-Mart is continuing to add weight to his body (already added 8-9 lbs)...

 

[LPKingsFan]

I'm thinking that the braintrust must feel that Kevin Martin is the starting 2 guard of the future. One reason I like the Bonzi deal is that it's one more year and after that they may be handing the keys to Martin.

Yes, but you have to make sure that the talent you're adding through the draft is more than enough to compensate for what you're losing in free agency. If we can sign and trade Wells somewhere, then, I guess that'd be fine. But what am I saying, the season hasn't even started yet!

 

[Mad D]

It's safe to say that Bobby Jackson isn't a big fan of Bonzi Wells. After the two were traded for each other, Bobby had this to say about Bonzi in the Sacramento Bee: "There's no doubt Bonzi can play. But can he play in the Kings' system? This is a passing, cutting system where teamwork is everything. He's (a one-on-one) player. He's got to be able to fit in if it's going to work. Everyone knows what kind of player Bonzi is. Can he fit in with the system and can he keep his mouth shut?" ...

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/3856204

 

[Andriod_KiNg]

Kings Trade For Bonzi Wells
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Sacramento Kings today acquired the services of Bonzi Wells in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Kings guard Bobby Jackson and center Greg Ostertag, announced by Kings President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie. “We’re excited about the opportunity to get Bonzi and rebuild our backcourt with some size, length and versatility,” said Petrie. “We really look forward to him coming in and having a terrific year and adding an athletic and skill dimension to our team that’s different from what we’ve had

August 2, 2005


KINGS ACQUIRE BONZI WELLS IN A TRADE WITH MEMPHIS
FOR BOBBY JACKSON AND GREG OSTERTAG



SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Sacramento Kings today acquired the services of Bonzi Wells in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Kings guard Bobby Jackson and center Greg Ostertag, announced by Kings President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to get Bonzi and rebuild our backcourt with some size, length and versatility,” said Petrie. “We really look forward to him coming in and having a terrific year and adding an athletic and skill dimension to our team that’s different from what we’ve had before.”

Wells, a 6-5, 210-pound guard-forward, completed his seventh NBA season averaging 10.4 ppg (.441 FG%, .346 3pt%, .750 FT%), 3.3 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.23 spg, and 21.6 mpg in 69 games for Memphis during the 2004-05 regular season. He appeared in two postseason contests, averaging 7.0 ppg and 2.0 rpg.

Originally drafted by the Detroit Pistons in the first round (11th overall) of the 1998 NBA Draft, Wells was traded to Portland for a conditional first-round draft choice (January 21, 1999). He played for the Trail Blazers for five-plus seasons, until being traded to the Grizzlies for guard-forward Wesley Person and a 2004 first-round draft choice on December 3, 2003. Wells’ best campaign in Portland, statistically, came in 2001-02 when he averaged 17.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 2.8 apg. He is currently averaging 12.7 ppg (.464 FG%, .344 3pt%, .716 FT%), 4.3 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.32 spg, and 25.8 mpg in 438 career games through seven NBA seasons. Wells scored a career-best 37 points versus Detroit on March 2, 2003.

Jackson, an eight-year NBA veteran, was an integral part of the Kings’ recent success. He was the winner of the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2002-03. Jackson played five seasons with the Kings after signing as a free agent August 1, 2000. He was slowed by injuries over the past two seasons, and saw action in just 25 games during the 2004-05 regular season, averaging 12.0 ppg (.427 FG%, .344 3pt%, .862 FT%), 3.4 rpg, 2.4 apg, and 21.4 mpg. During the 2002-03 campaign, Jackson scored a career-best 15.2 ppg while averaging 3.7 rpg, 3.1 apg, and 1.20 spg in 59 games en route to becoming the first Kings player and only the second point guard in NBA history to win the Sixth Man of the Year Award.

“Bobby has been an exceptional player and person with us,” explained Petrie. “It’s always difficult to see someone of his caliber go.”

Prior to his stay with the Kings, Jackson, who was selected in the first round (23rd overall) of the 1997 NBA Draft by the Seattle Sonics, played for the Denver Nuggets during his rookie campaign (1997-98) before being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves where he played for two years (1998-00). The Nuggets acquired his draft rights from Seattle.

Signed by the Kings as a free agent on July 21, 2004, Ostertag averaged 1.6 ppg (.400 FG%), 3.0 rpg, and 9.9 mpg in 56 games during the 2004-05 regular season. Prior to joining the Kings, Ostertag spent the previous nine seasons with the Utah Jazz. Ostertag is sixth all-time in the Jazz record books for total rebounds (3,753), third in offensive boards (1,338), sixth in defensive rebounds (2,415), and third in blocked shots (1,048).

 

[LA King Fan II]

I loved Bobby Jacks and his heart. Still, I wouldn't say he played within the Kings system. He was at his best when he was draining ill advised threes or free-wheeling making his own shots outside the Princeton restraints. Bobby was different than the rest in a good way.

Bonzi's head matters aside, as a player should have no trouble meshing with a team offense like the Kings utilize. It's good basketball - who hasn't fit so far in the last 6 years aside from perhaps Mobley?

 

[Padrino]

who hasn't fit so far in the last 6 years aside from perhaps Mobley?

greg ostertag

 

[Bricklayer]

Having awaited Petrie's comments, I find them par for the course. The "terrific year" is interesting, I guess he's taking a wait and see approach to whether we'll keep him beyond this season or not.

Could be sacrificed on the altar of Peja's max contract next year.

 

[SacTownKid]

Can you spell: U-P-G-R-A-D-E!!!

Bonzi is exactly the kind of player we needed. His skillset is that of a player the Kings have never had before. Unlike Cat he isn't a "shooting guard", he is a "scoring gaurd", that can muscle up and take it too the rack. Gonna miss Cats lights out 3 point shooting but I am sooo happy about this deal!!!

 

[Bricklayer]

Can you spell: U-P-G-R-A-D-E!!!

Bonzi is exactly the kind of player we needed. His skillset is that of a player the Kings have never had before. Unlike Cat he isn't a "shooting guard", he is a "scoring gaurd", that can muscle up and take it too the rack. Gonna miss Cats lights out 3 point shooting but I am sooo happy about this deal!!!

If he stays sane for us, I do think he is an upgrade for what we need. Not so much a major step up in overall talent, but the right talents. Still, with Cat gone, and losing Bobby and Tag in the deal, who had some of the "right" talents as well, this move alone is potentially a nice step forward, but not a gain in overall talent by itself.

 

[PFFFT!!]

Cat is not yet signed. I wonder if they are still trying to do a sign and trade with the Clips. I hope so.

 

[Kings113]

Cat is not yet signed. I wonder if they are still trying to do a sign and trade with the Clips. I hope so.

That'd be interesting.

 

[SacTownKid]

If he stays sane for us, I do think he is an upgrade for what we need. Not so much a major step up in overall talent, but the right talents. Still, with Cat gone, and losing Bobby and Tag in the deal, who had some of the "right" talents as well, this move alone is potentially a nice step forward, but not a gain in overall talent by itself.

I don't know I have always gotten the feeling, since Portland, that Bonzi is something special. The way he plays, he plays like he can do anything on the court, not that he can or can't, but he just has that quality to him. I don't think its a sanity issue as much as it was an attitude issue, and I feel he is more talented (overall) than Cat by a long shot. He is far more versatile than Cat and has a lot more athletic ability. He does a lot of different things well, he is far from one-dimensional too say the least.

And, if it blows up in our face, which it shouldn't, than we have some nice escape routes.

 

[SacTownKid]

Cat is not yet signed. I wonder if they are still trying to do a sign and trade with the Clips. I hope so.

Doesn't seem likely, Clipps have plenty of cap room and they don't appear to be set on signing any other FA's.

 

[Rowdyone]

If he stays sane for us, I do think he is an upgrade for what we need. Not so much a major step up in overall talent, but the right talents. Still, with Cat gone, and losing Bobby and Tag in the deal, who had some of the "right" talents as well, this move alone is potentially a nice step forward, but not a gain in overall talent by itself.

Although I'm all for this deal one negative I haven't heard is the fact that we sacrificed two of our bench players, one an integral part of our bench scoring, to upgrade the first string. Again, I agree with the trade but it came at a cost that I hope we can replace.

 

[Bricklayer]

I don't know I have always gotten the feeling, since Portland, that Bonzi is something special. The way he plays, he plays like he can do anything on the court, not that he can or can't, but he just has that quality to him. I don't think its a sanity issue as much as it was an attitude issue, and I feel he is more talented (overall) than Cat by a long shot. He is far more versatile than Cat and has a lot more athletic ability. He does a lot of different things well, he is far from one-dimensional too say the least.

And, if it blows up in our face, which it shouldn't, than we have some nice escape routes.

I've had that feeling about Bonzi as well, but I'm not sure how legit it is. I think Bonzi goes on streaks when he absolutely blows you away -- he'll get inspired and just be THE dominant player on the court, beat the hell out of your guards in the post and inside and it doesn't seem like there's anything you can do to stop him. But he's 29 now. Quite talented, but never been able to sustain those great stretches long enough to be more than a mid to high teen scorer. Never really developed a consistent enough jumper. Might be getting a bit late to ask the guy to wake and realize he could be an All-Star.

 

[piksi]

greg ostertag

FTM

Keon Clark

 

[PFFFT!!]

This is the intensity we need from him....on a nighly basis of course

 

[PFFFT!!]

KINGS.COM has Cuttino on the roster with no FA on it. The didn't remove it, but they added Bonzi and Hart to the roster. Strange....

 

[VF21]

No, unfortunately, it's par for the course for Kings.com They carried Courtney Alexander for months...

-------------------------------------------------------------

As far as Bonzi goes, I still think he looks a lot like a Kewpie Doll:



If someone with Photoshop skills changed the dress to a Kings uniform, made the headband white or purple, lost the curl and darkened the skin tone a little, I think the resemblance would be frightening.

 

[whozit]

VF21,

Yes, except the smile.

 

[mbkings10]

Anybody know if the Kings are going to hold a press conference and introduce Bonzi?

 

[VF21]

I'm sure they will. They always do...

 

[captain bill]

I don't know I have always gotten the feeling, since Portland, that Bonzi is something special. The way he plays, he plays like he can do anything on the court, not that he can or can't, but he just has that quality to him. I don't think its a sanity issue as much as it was an attitude issue, and I feel he is more talented (overall) than Cat by a long shot. He is far more versatile than Cat and has a lot more athletic ability. He does a lot of different things well, he is far from one-dimensional too say the least.

And, if it blows up in our face, which it shouldn't, than we have some nice escape routes.

I've always been a part-time Blazers fan, and that team was absolutely awesome. Pippen, Sebonis, Wallace, Bonzi, O'Neal, Stoudamire, that was an absolutely amazing team, and yet another robbed by the Evil Empire of their well-deserved rings. If we could recreate an environment like that for Bonzi, we would dominate. But that would be a longshot to say the least.


sigh...years of heartbreak and crushing game 7s vs the Lakers can get old.