jdoggtwenty2
Prospect
Ailene Voisin: Wells has one shot to redeem his reputation
By Ailene Voisin -- Bee Columnist
Published 2:15 am PDT Friday, August 5,
His deeds have been well-chronicled, his portfolio certainly not cluttered with the stuff of saints. He has spit on an opponent, cursed his coaches, flipped off the fans, tossed headbands when yanked from games, and, most recently, earned a postseason suspension for reasons that remain unclear.
So, no, Bonzi Wells is not Bobby Jackson.
But the Kings' newest shooting guard is younger, bigger, healthier, and when assessed in terms of the two most important variables - contract length (one year) and opportunity (to start for a playoff-caliber team) - his acquisition is worth the risk. This swap might even prove to be another Geoff Petrie coup.
http://ads.nandomedia.com/RealMedia...0_siy04.html/34333333373962313432653532313830
Were Wells to go bonkers and self-destruct at midseason, his impact would be absorbed and overcome. The Kings would survive and continue to evolve, albeit, a little more gradually.
As Petrie himself acknowledges, these Kings are a few more moves - and one imposing seven-footer - removed from being contenders. The warm memories provided by Vlade Divac, Chris Webber, Doug Christie and Jackson, etc., have been placed in the deep freeze by bum knees and birth certificates.
The more immediate challenge is to remain relevant while engaging in risqué behavior. Let's be honest here. Even the most impassioned love affair needs an occasional romantic interlude. A little daring and drama would be welcome.
As Petrie continues tinkering with a team anchored by Mike Bibby, Peja Stojakovic and Brad Miller, the major concern is not Wells' behavior - if he acts up, show him the door - but the fact that Petrie has limited his options.
Now he has to become increasingly selective. He can only go to the well (Wells?) once. He has executed what could be described as another interpretation of the league's new one-time amnesty clause; one roll of the dice is enough.
To avoid duplicating the mess that became the Trail Blazers and, it could be argued, the Memphis Grizzlies during the closing weeks of last postseason, the Kings' future cast of characters has to remain dominated by the types of professionals who win both hearts and championships.
Or if they don't capture the title, at least leave their fans crying in their soft drinks, clamoring for more (see Kings 2002-03), and still doling out those dollars for season tickets.
The San Antonio Spurs come to mind. The Detroit Pistons are right there. The Miami Heat? Can't you just wait until Pat Riley supplants Stan Van Gundy and attempts to mold Jason Williams into a winner? The Jason Williams who some believe was given a pass in Memphis, perhaps at the expense of Wells?
Yet interestingly, not every observer thinks Wells is trouble. Former Blazers assistant Jimmy Lynam ranks Wells among his favorite players. Former Blazers and current Kings assistant Elston Turner is another who endorsed the move.
"We did our due diligence," Petrie insisted after Thursday's introductory press conference at the Kings' practice facility. And according to Grizzlies beat writer Ron Tillery of the Memphis Commercial-Appeal, Wells was unfairly targeted in the club's ongoing makeover.
"His experience with the Grizzlies was nothing like it was in Portland," the reporter said. "Was he an angel? No. Did he deserve to be kicked off the team? Absolutely not. What he did was far less volatile than anything Jason Williams did.
"He really worked on his image. He was very sensitive about that. He had some public displays of temper, tossing his headbands and wristbands at the coaches ... but it was more of a clash with Mike Fratello than anything else."
For sure, there is a pattern here. Wells feuding with Maurice Cheeks. Wells feuding with Hubie Brown. Wells feuding with Mike Fratello. Wells cursing, tossing those headbands, storming to the bench, earning suspensions, bad publicity, an enduring negative reputation.
He knows he has something to prove.
He acknowledged mistakes.
He spoke eagerly of a third chance.
"I don't want to get off-track anymore," said Wells, a native of Muncie, Ind. "I have seen the wild side of the NBA. ... I just want to grow with the city and show people the real me."
His on-court presence figures to provide a substantial boost, both offensively and defensively. At 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, Wells, though an erratic outside shooter, is an excellent post-up guard who can break down defenders. Additionally, he is a superior rebounder and capable defender, particularly in the passing lanes. This trade indeed could prove to be a steal.
But this is Sacramento.
Wells doesn't have to be a saint, but he has to be professional. He is replacing the beloved Bobby - easily the most popular King - and the community will be watching closely.
Just like Petrie, he gets one shot at this.
http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/13357379p-14199087c.html
By Ailene Voisin -- Bee Columnist
Published 2:15 am PDT Friday, August 5,
His deeds have been well-chronicled, his portfolio certainly not cluttered with the stuff of saints. He has spit on an opponent, cursed his coaches, flipped off the fans, tossed headbands when yanked from games, and, most recently, earned a postseason suspension for reasons that remain unclear.
So, no, Bonzi Wells is not Bobby Jackson.
But the Kings' newest shooting guard is younger, bigger, healthier, and when assessed in terms of the two most important variables - contract length (one year) and opportunity (to start for a playoff-caliber team) - his acquisition is worth the risk. This swap might even prove to be another Geoff Petrie coup.
http://ads.nandomedia.com/RealMedia...0_siy04.html/34333333373962313432653532313830
Were Wells to go bonkers and self-destruct at midseason, his impact would be absorbed and overcome. The Kings would survive and continue to evolve, albeit, a little more gradually.
As Petrie himself acknowledges, these Kings are a few more moves - and one imposing seven-footer - removed from being contenders. The warm memories provided by Vlade Divac, Chris Webber, Doug Christie and Jackson, etc., have been placed in the deep freeze by bum knees and birth certificates.
The more immediate challenge is to remain relevant while engaging in risqué behavior. Let's be honest here. Even the most impassioned love affair needs an occasional romantic interlude. A little daring and drama would be welcome.
As Petrie continues tinkering with a team anchored by Mike Bibby, Peja Stojakovic and Brad Miller, the major concern is not Wells' behavior - if he acts up, show him the door - but the fact that Petrie has limited his options.
Now he has to become increasingly selective. He can only go to the well (Wells?) once. He has executed what could be described as another interpretation of the league's new one-time amnesty clause; one roll of the dice is enough.
To avoid duplicating the mess that became the Trail Blazers and, it could be argued, the Memphis Grizzlies during the closing weeks of last postseason, the Kings' future cast of characters has to remain dominated by the types of professionals who win both hearts and championships.
Or if they don't capture the title, at least leave their fans crying in their soft drinks, clamoring for more (see Kings 2002-03), and still doling out those dollars for season tickets.
The San Antonio Spurs come to mind. The Detroit Pistons are right there. The Miami Heat? Can't you just wait until Pat Riley supplants Stan Van Gundy and attempts to mold Jason Williams into a winner? The Jason Williams who some believe was given a pass in Memphis, perhaps at the expense of Wells?
Yet interestingly, not every observer thinks Wells is trouble. Former Blazers assistant Jimmy Lynam ranks Wells among his favorite players. Former Blazers and current Kings assistant Elston Turner is another who endorsed the move.
"We did our due diligence," Petrie insisted after Thursday's introductory press conference at the Kings' practice facility. And according to Grizzlies beat writer Ron Tillery of the Memphis Commercial-Appeal, Wells was unfairly targeted in the club's ongoing makeover.
"His experience with the Grizzlies was nothing like it was in Portland," the reporter said. "Was he an angel? No. Did he deserve to be kicked off the team? Absolutely not. What he did was far less volatile than anything Jason Williams did.
"He really worked on his image. He was very sensitive about that. He had some public displays of temper, tossing his headbands and wristbands at the coaches ... but it was more of a clash with Mike Fratello than anything else."
For sure, there is a pattern here. Wells feuding with Maurice Cheeks. Wells feuding with Hubie Brown. Wells feuding with Mike Fratello. Wells cursing, tossing those headbands, storming to the bench, earning suspensions, bad publicity, an enduring negative reputation.
He knows he has something to prove.
He acknowledged mistakes.
He spoke eagerly of a third chance.
"I don't want to get off-track anymore," said Wells, a native of Muncie, Ind. "I have seen the wild side of the NBA. ... I just want to grow with the city and show people the real me."
His on-court presence figures to provide a substantial boost, both offensively and defensively. At 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, Wells, though an erratic outside shooter, is an excellent post-up guard who can break down defenders. Additionally, he is a superior rebounder and capable defender, particularly in the passing lanes. This trade indeed could prove to be a steal.
But this is Sacramento.
Wells doesn't have to be a saint, but he has to be professional. He is replacing the beloved Bobby - easily the most popular King - and the community will be watching closely.
Just like Petrie, he gets one shot at this.
http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/13357379p-14199087c.html
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