Some hopeful words from ESPN

[funkykingston]

Sorry if this has already been posted, but I just finished this article from ESPN.com.

Late-season run hints at promising future for Kings
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2436076

Overall it is a very positive article, but here is the tidbit that really caught my eye:

"It definitely feels like home, and I think it will be home for a long, long time," said Artest, who's under contract for at least two more years. "The season was great. [The playoff series] could have gone either way. ... In Game 5 [with the series tied 2-2], we had the game tied 93-93, and we made a couple of defensive mistakes. I can't see that happening next year."

and this quote from Bonzi which was mentioned in part in the Bee's article:

"It's very realistic," Wells said of a return to Sacramento. "I told them when I got here that I don't want to move any more, so if I'm not here next year, it's totally up to them. I want to be here. I want to do everything it takes to be a King for the rest of my career. ... I love the city, and I love the fans. They can sign me if they want to."

Good stuff. I'm proud of our guys and while there are definitely problems with the roster (interior defense, defensive rebounding, backup PG) I feel much better about this team than I did three months ago.

Go Kings.

 

[Wert]

Yes, I'm bummed that the Kings got bounced in the first round.

But with quotes like that and the optimistic view that Bonzi gets signed does make the future seem brighter.

 

[tubiscus]

We were most likely one 2nd half letdown against Phoenix from a WCF meeting with the Spurs or Mavs. If the Maloof's make the right moves, we'll be a top 3 seed next year. After that, it's more about breaks and health. We're due.

 

[Bricklayer]

Maybe not Top 3 -- would have to pass the Suns, after they get healthy. But #4? Possible.

 

[tubiscus]

Maybe not Top 3 -- would have to pass the Suns, after they get healthy. But #4? Possible.

Disagree Brick:

I'd put our current team at a #4 seed. I posted that if the Kings make the right moves this offseason, we'll be a top 3 seed. By "right moves" I mean resigning Rick and Bonzi, then packaging a deal to get an interior defender for the 4 and a shotblocking backup for Miller. I'll never quite figure out Rick's lack of confidence in Skinner, but If I could find a 6'11" Skinner, I'd sign him. As for getting past a healthy Suns team, I'll watch those games anytime.

 

[Bricklayer]

Healthy Suns team might very well be a 60 win group again.

 

[tubiscus]

Healthy Suns team might very well be a 60 win group again.

Pac Division should be very tough season with Suns, Clips, Kings, Kobes, and Warriors. I could see a lot of season splits in this group. Any team will have to play very well outside the division to win 60. jmho

 

[BMiller52]

Pac Division should be very tough season with Suns, Clips, Kings, Kobes, and Warriors. I could see a lot of season splits in this group. Any team will have to play very well outside the division to win 60. jmho

Warriors aren't a good team... I agree about the other 4 though but we own the Clips. We're better than the lakers and we can play with the suns.

 

[tubiscus]

Warriors aren't a good team... I agree about the other 4 though but we own the Clips. We're better than the lakers and we can play with the suns.

I agree. I only included the Warriors as part of the division, but I really think no team will really sweep their division schedule. That was the point I was trying to make. With a few changes, I think we'll be able to play with anyone, even the Spurs and Pistons.