http://www.sacbee.com/351/story/92022.html
Ailene Voisin: Actions talk differently than Bibby
By Ailene Voisin - Bee Columnist
Last Updated 12:34 am PST Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C1
The Allen Iverson trade speculation might have wounded his feelings. The prospect of reuniting with close friend Chris Webber might have intrigued him. The fact that he is owed a whopping $28 million over the next two seasons might have given him pause, caused him to dissect the chatter in a detached, perhaps even analytical manner.
But who would know?
Mike Bibby never sheds the shield. He guards his thoughts the way Eric Musselman wants him to guard the ball. French textbooks are easier reading than Bibby's life story. So when he responds to trade talks with a shrug and an impassive stare -- the Kings already having removed themselves from the Iverson conversation, so they're saying -- you have to wonder if this is Bibby being Bibby or Bibby being straight.
"I can't worry about things that are out of my control," the veteran point guard said Tuesday night before the Kings were throttled by a mediocre Golden State Warriors club. "That doesn't bother me. I just go out and play. I'd like to sign an extension at the end of the season, stay in Sac. But that's up to Geoff (Petrie) and the Maloofs. Maybe they just want to go in another direction."
At this point -- stuck in the cellar in early December -- the Kings need someone to point the arrow. Or to sign the paperwork. The shooters can't find the rim, the big guys can't find the rebounds. The offense is slumbering, the defense is asleep. Other than that, the Kings are just one dysfunctional family preparing for a road trip and a grueling stretch that, if the current pace continues, figures to put a fast and furious end to their already sluggish playoff aspirations.
That was Matt Barnes kicking the Kings' rear Tuesday night.
Those were the Warriors running the Kings back to Sac.
Next up: Utah, Phoenix, Dallas.
Petrie better start offering the free antacids.
In the meantime, someone (Petrie? Eric Musselman?) must provide some clarity on personnel issues and resolve that increasingly visible strain, the one with all the characteristics of an internal power struggle, that exists between Bibby and Ron Artest.
And then reintroduce Bibby to his local following. Remember? Remember Mike Bibby? The Jazz, the Mavs, the Lakers? The player known for his near-flawless jump shot and impeccable timing hasn't hit a big shot all year. Bothered by thumb and wrist injuries during the opening weeks, the ninth-year veteran entered Tuesday shooting 37 percent, 27 percent from three-point range, with a modest 5.7 assists in 36 minutes, and without any of his old zip.
Something's up. Something's wrong.
Even his on-ball defense -- the flaw in his game that most frustrates his bosses -- has become a larger negative than usual, aggravating Artest, negating the goodwill engendered by his early-season aggressiveness and what appeared to be a response to Musselman's defensive demands. Bibby, who slimmed down during the offseason to improve his quickness, suddenly seems slower, less capable of staying in front of his man or rotating onto shooters. Also absent are the deceptive, stutter-step forays into the lane.
Asked about possible physical ailments, Bibby demurred.
"I'm fine," he said. "I'm fine."
Yet against the Warriors, he looked anything but fine, looked more out of sorts than anything. He missed badly on an inordinate number of jumpers, missed 2 of 6 free throws, converted only 4 of 14 field-goal attempts. And although the Kings' ongoing troubles (stagnant offense, erratic ball movement, lack of a consistent low-post presence, etc.) undoubtedly contributed to this latest outcome, for all his denials, the trade rumors seemed to be a major distraction.
Not that anyone mentioned even remotely in a potential deal involving Iverson should be offended. The 76ers guard remains one of the league's marquee players, and one of its most popular international figures. But the Kings passed on an Iverson deal for several reasons, among them the potentially toxic pairing with Artest and the always present salary cap management. The modern NBA is dominated by cap concerns -- expiring contracts, etc. -- as much as it is by talent. And as much as anything, this is why Bibby's future with the Kings is uncertain; if he opts out at the end of the season, the Kings are free of $28 million over the ensuing two seasons.
The question regarding Bibby inevitably is this: Is there a market out there for a shooting point guard on the cusp of 30?
Maybe this is on his mind.
Something -- or someone -- is.
About the writer: Reach Ailene Voisin at (916) 321-1208 or avoisin@sacbee.com
Ailene Voisin: Actions talk differently than Bibby
By Ailene Voisin - Bee Columnist
Last Updated 12:34 am PST Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C1
The Allen Iverson trade speculation might have wounded his feelings. The prospect of reuniting with close friend Chris Webber might have intrigued him. The fact that he is owed a whopping $28 million over the next two seasons might have given him pause, caused him to dissect the chatter in a detached, perhaps even analytical manner.
But who would know?
Mike Bibby never sheds the shield. He guards his thoughts the way Eric Musselman wants him to guard the ball. French textbooks are easier reading than Bibby's life story. So when he responds to trade talks with a shrug and an impassive stare -- the Kings already having removed themselves from the Iverson conversation, so they're saying -- you have to wonder if this is Bibby being Bibby or Bibby being straight.
"I can't worry about things that are out of my control," the veteran point guard said Tuesday night before the Kings were throttled by a mediocre Golden State Warriors club. "That doesn't bother me. I just go out and play. I'd like to sign an extension at the end of the season, stay in Sac. But that's up to Geoff (Petrie) and the Maloofs. Maybe they just want to go in another direction."
At this point -- stuck in the cellar in early December -- the Kings need someone to point the arrow. Or to sign the paperwork. The shooters can't find the rim, the big guys can't find the rebounds. The offense is slumbering, the defense is asleep. Other than that, the Kings are just one dysfunctional family preparing for a road trip and a grueling stretch that, if the current pace continues, figures to put a fast and furious end to their already sluggish playoff aspirations.
That was Matt Barnes kicking the Kings' rear Tuesday night.
Those were the Warriors running the Kings back to Sac.
Next up: Utah, Phoenix, Dallas.
Petrie better start offering the free antacids.
In the meantime, someone (Petrie? Eric Musselman?) must provide some clarity on personnel issues and resolve that increasingly visible strain, the one with all the characteristics of an internal power struggle, that exists between Bibby and Ron Artest.
And then reintroduce Bibby to his local following. Remember? Remember Mike Bibby? The Jazz, the Mavs, the Lakers? The player known for his near-flawless jump shot and impeccable timing hasn't hit a big shot all year. Bothered by thumb and wrist injuries during the opening weeks, the ninth-year veteran entered Tuesday shooting 37 percent, 27 percent from three-point range, with a modest 5.7 assists in 36 minutes, and without any of his old zip.
Something's up. Something's wrong.
Even his on-ball defense -- the flaw in his game that most frustrates his bosses -- has become a larger negative than usual, aggravating Artest, negating the goodwill engendered by his early-season aggressiveness and what appeared to be a response to Musselman's defensive demands. Bibby, who slimmed down during the offseason to improve his quickness, suddenly seems slower, less capable of staying in front of his man or rotating onto shooters. Also absent are the deceptive, stutter-step forays into the lane.
Asked about possible physical ailments, Bibby demurred.
"I'm fine," he said. "I'm fine."
Yet against the Warriors, he looked anything but fine, looked more out of sorts than anything. He missed badly on an inordinate number of jumpers, missed 2 of 6 free throws, converted only 4 of 14 field-goal attempts. And although the Kings' ongoing troubles (stagnant offense, erratic ball movement, lack of a consistent low-post presence, etc.) undoubtedly contributed to this latest outcome, for all his denials, the trade rumors seemed to be a major distraction.
Not that anyone mentioned even remotely in a potential deal involving Iverson should be offended. The 76ers guard remains one of the league's marquee players, and one of its most popular international figures. But the Kings passed on an Iverson deal for several reasons, among them the potentially toxic pairing with Artest and the always present salary cap management. The modern NBA is dominated by cap concerns -- expiring contracts, etc. -- as much as it is by talent. And as much as anything, this is why Bibby's future with the Kings is uncertain; if he opts out at the end of the season, the Kings are free of $28 million over the ensuing two seasons.
The question regarding Bibby inevitably is this: Is there a market out there for a shooting point guard on the cusp of 30?
Maybe this is on his mind.
Something -- or someone -- is.
About the writer: Reach Ailene Voisin at (916) 321-1208 or avoisin@sacbee.com
I was just trying to imagine why Bibby would be talking an extension with the Kings rather than straight opting out.
