What's the next move for Kings?

[BobbyJ_for3!]

Well he traded Bobby for a bigger player with many of those same traits, so it wasn't an either or.

i know, that was the mad part of me talking. i really didnt want to lose bobby.

stupid petrie....

there that part of me goes again. im relaly sorry about him

no im not.

ok now its just scary, il stop, after we talk about the seriuos issue of schizophrenia

 

[funkykingston]

I think the Kings really do want to keep Evans, they just can't throw too much at him considering other more urgent needs.

Bingo.

That's my thought as well. Evans would be a nice extravagance, but he certainly doesn't fill a need at this point and the team can't afford to use part of the MLE to keep him when there are more pressing needs up front.

As much as I like Evans the fact is that Bonzi provides many of the things he does, but with a much more developed offensive game. The nice thing about having Kevin Martin rather than Evans is that I think he brings a different dimension to the position off the bench.

Another thing to keep in mind is that while Evans has shown himself to be a very solid defender, Kevin Martin has shown the potential to be a very good defender in his own right. Watching him check T-Mac in early action last preseason opened my eyes about his ability. Sure, he'll struggle mightily against guys like Jim Jackson or Quentin Richardson as he can't handle bigger players in the post, but Wells can.

I'd like to see Evans return, and I think the Kings would like to see Evans return, but at this point he's become a luxury when the Kings have basic needs to address.

 

[Venom]

Why would the Kings use the full MLE, or even part of it, to sign Evans? You have two first round picks invested at the same position, as well as a recent big name trade acquisition. The Spurs can sign him, and he'll look great in limited minutes, and there will be much wailing and nashing of teeth here. But there is no reason for the Kings to sign him. Let Martin back up the 2, Garcia backs up the 3, sign Matt for depth, and add DC (I hope) to spell Bibby. There's your backcourt bench. Spend that money on Reggie Evans. If we really want to keep this "core" we need some bullies inside, not more OG benchfodder.

 

[BibityBobtyBoom]

it would be cool to get reggie evans, but i say get BRAND!!! even though we can't. Go after tyson chandler or eddie curry. youth is the key to the future

 

[Kings113]

Bingo.

That's my thought as well. Evans would be a nice extravagance, but he certainly doesn't fill a need at this point and the team can't afford to use part of the MLE to keep him when there are more pressing needs up front.

As much as I like Evans the fact is that Bonzi provides many of the things he does, but with a much more developed offensive game. The nice thing about having Kevin Martin rather than Evans is that I think he brings a different dimension to the position off the bench.

Another thing to keep in mind is that while Evans has shown himself to be a very solid defender, Kevin Martin has shown the potential to be a very good defender in his own right. Watching him check T-Mac in early action last preseason opened my eyes about his ability. Sure, he'll struggle mightily against guys like Jim Jackson or Quentin Richardson as he can't handle bigger players in the post, but Wells can.

I'd like to see Evans return, and I think the Kings would like to see Evans return, but at this point he's become a luxury when the Kings have basic needs to address.

I agree with that. I think Juan Dixon, actually is meeting or met with the Kings..

Mo is likely going to walk in the next week to one of those teams that wants him. He'll be doing the same play for that team, as he would for us, and did do.

As I've established, I'm a Reggie Evans guy, and Eddie Griffin guy. I think we could get either through the MLE or a S/T.

 

[BibityBobtyBoom]

i don't know if seattle wants to help our rebounding problem by trading in any way at all

 

[Kings113]

i don't know if seattle wants to help our rebounding problem by trading in any way at all

They have much interest in Songaila though. I'd easily do S/T, or sign R. Evans for most of the MLE (he's a RFA).

 

[BibityBobtyBoom]

i would do it, but I think they would realize they would be getting a worse deal. How old is evans?

 

[Kings113]

Reggie is 25..

Some more thoughts on a SF back-up, aside from Matt, who we could get, what about these guys as possibilities too: Linton Johnson, Adrian Griffin, Shandon Anderson., and likely to be kept by Pacers, James Jones...

 

[SacTownKid]

They have much interest in Songaila though. I'd easily do S/T, or sign R. Evans for most of the MLE (he's a RFA).

Realistically, do you think that Reggie Evans, as much as I like him myself, would start over Kenny Thomas?

I sure don't.

 

[D-Mass]

Realistically, do you think that Reggie Evans, as much as I like him myself, would start over Kenny Thomas?

I sure don't.

Adelman would probably treat it like Pop treats Mohammed/Horry...Evans might start, but KT would see most of the play time. Evans would be in early foul trouble anyway...

 

[captain bill]

I can see how an Evans/Thomas tandem might work. Problem is, we don't have the Duncan/Ginobli/Parker set to make up for their deficiencies. This team, as is, is built around having a very good scoring, rebounding, passing PF/C in the middle. Brad needs help to get the job done, and Evans/Thomas won't cut it. Adding Evans instead of Songaila is only a minor upgrade. And while I think Wells is better than Mobley, this team with Evans and Wells is only slightly better than last year, and we still have to fight to get out of the first round.

 

[Kings113]

In the possible situation of Evans/Thomas...

Evans is bigger overall and a better rebounder. He plays dirty too, I like that. Thomas won't be here next season, because he won't be our starting PF, and won't be coming off the bench: 1, he's undersized (and Petrie saw the playoff series), 2, his contract isn't worth for him to come off the bench, 3, he has established he doesn't want to come off the bench. He was fine as a short-term replacement, but will ultimately be a trade piece. I'd be fine if he came off the bench, but #2 and #3 will likely make that not happen from the guys in power and control.

 

[D-Mass]

I can see how an Evans/Thomas tandem might work. Problem is, we don't have the Duncan/Ginobli/Parker set to make up for their deficiencies. This team, as is, is built around having a very good scoring, rebounding, passing PF/C in the middle. Brad needs help to get the job done, and Evans/Thomas won't cut it. Adding Evans instead of Songaila is only a minor upgrade. And while I think Wells is better than Mobley, this team with Evans and Wells is only slightly better than last year, and we still have to fight to get out of the first round.

Agreed...I'm not a big fan of Evans (or KT for that matter)...I don't think they effectively represent what we need. Honestly, I'm awaiting a big trade for a big star.

 

[BobbyJ_for3!]

Evans has a bright future, wherever it is.

I wish him the best wherever that is.

I just hope it's here.

 

[Kings113]

Me too BJF3

 

[D-Mass]

Evans has a bright future, wherever it is.

I wish him the best wherever that is.

I just hope it's here.

We're talking about Reggie...you talking about Mo? If not, I apologize...you just seem to show a lot of compassion for a player who punked us in the first round of the playoffs!

 

[Kings113]

I'm sure he was talking about Mo.

As far as Reggie punking us, whatever, all in the heat of competition. I don't care a lot about that stuff for long anyways.

 

[D-Mass]

I'm sure he was talking about Mo.

As far as Reggie punking us, whatever, all in the heat of competition. I don't care a lot about that stuff for long anyways.

Yeah, I know...I guess I just need a bit more time...

 

[BobbyJ_for3!]

i LOVE Reggie Evans, esp after the playoffs...

jk



oh wow, I'm sorry.....I didnt say Mo, didnt think I needed to because I was lazy and didn't read what you guys were saying

sorry, wont happen again

 

[SacTownKid]

I can see how an Evans/Thomas tandem might work. Problem is, we don't have the Duncan/Ginobli/Parker set to make up for their deficiencies. This team, as is, is built around having a very good scoring, rebounding, passing PF/C in the middle. Brad needs help to get the job done, and Evans/Thomas won't cut it. Adding Evans instead of Songaila is only a minor upgrade. And while I think Wells is better than Mobley, this team with Evans and Wells is only slightly better than last year, and we still have to fight to get out of the first round.

With a full training camp and the addition of Bonzi Wells, and his skillset, I would think we are already looking on the up for next season. Bonzi is a game changer.

 

[Kings113]

Me too..

 

[ParniValjak]

As much as I like Mo Evans, I just think he is a surplus to our needs especially when you consider re-signing him would eat into our MLE.

Quite frankly there are more important areas that need addressing such as starting PF rather than a back up swingman.

We got Wells who provides us with all the attributes Mo would provide us with but with more polish. We got Martin and Garcia on the roster and brining in Mo would just crowd our backcourt. If Mo was capable of playing PG then I wouldn't think twice about it but he can't. He is a 2 and an undersized 3 and with the likes of Bonzi, Martin and Garcia as well as back up PG, there just is not enough room for Mo.

Our needs are somewhere else at this stage.

 

[captain bill]

Completely agree, but I'll keep saying this. The MLE won't get us our PF. We need to get one in a trade. Petrie has been good not to use the MLE yet, and if we can trade for a PF I want to use the MLE (all or part) on Mo to give us a big bench. Seeing the direction this team is going, a big bench is going to be critical to our success. Our core plus Bonzi and a PF will be good, but depth is the only way that team can be great.

 

[SacTownKid]

Completely agree, but I'll keep saying this. The MLE won't get us our PF. We need to get one in a trade. Petrie has been good not to use the MLE yet, and if we can trade for a PF I want to use the MLE (all or part) on Mo to give us a big bench. Seeing the direction this team is going, a big bench is going to be critical to our success. Our core plus Bonzi and a PF will be good, but depth is the only way that team can be great.

I think we'll have to use the MLE to get some big bodies like we did with Tag last year.. Probably more than one. I think a backup for Brad has to be a concern right now. Currently our PF/C rotation consists of 3 players.

 

[Kings113]

Reggie is 25..

Some more thoughts on a SF back-up, aside from Matt, who we could get, what about these guys as possibilities too: Linton Johnson, Adrian Griffin, Shandon Anderson., and likely to be kept by Pacers, James Jones...

Anyone have any thoughts on this? Just curious.

 

[nbrans]

Still not sure why everyone is so high on Reggie Evans, unless it's sheer desperation. And what did you see in the playoffs that made you like him so much? I saw someone who couldn't even stay on the floor for more than 19 minutes a game. He destroyed the Kings in game 1, but hey, so did everyone else on the Sonics.

Yes, it's well-established that he can rebound. But that's not actually a place where the Kings are all that deficient. Traditionally, yes, crappy rebounding team. But Kenny Thomas, Brad Miller and Brian Skinner are more than capable rebounders. Give them some actual time on the floor together when healthy and that's a pretty good rebounding team. What the Kings need is someone who can bring defensive toughness and some shotblocking. Reggie Evans offers neither of those.

Let someone else overpay a one-dimensional rebounder and spend the MLE on someone who can address areas the Kings are deficient (i.e. defense, shotblocking). I guess you can officially put me in the Steven Hunter camp, as sad as it is that he's our best remaining option via free agency.

 

[Bricklayer]

Still not sure why everyone is so high on Reggie Evans, unless it's sheer desperation. And what did you see in the playoffs that made you like him so much? I saw someone who couldn't even stay on the floor for more than 19 minutes a game. He destroyed the Kings in game 1, but hey, so did everyone else on the Sonics.

Yes, it's well-established that he can rebound. But that's not actually a place where the Kings are all that deficient. Traditionally, yes, crappy rebounding team. But Kenny Thomas, Brad Miller and Brian Skinner are more than capable rebounders. Give them some actual time on the floor together when healthy and that's a pretty good rebounding team. What the Kings need is someone who can bring defensive toughness and some shotblocking. Reggie Evans offers neither of those.

Let someone else overpay a one-dimensional rebounder and spend the MLE on someone who can address areas the Kings are deficient (i.e. defense, shotblocking). I guess you can officially put me in the Steven Hunter camp, as sad as it is that he's our best remaining option via free agency.

Given that we had the 4th worst rebounding % in the league last year and got pummeled out of the first round amidst a blizzard of second shot opporuntities -- 2nd worst playoff team on the boards at a pathetic .456 -- I think the problem is a TAD more seriosu than you make it sound. And of course Evans was one of the pummelers. And all year long Evans was also a MAJOR contributor to the Soncis success. Without he and pigtails, they are just a softy jumpshooting squad much like ourselves. Throw those two on the court to bang and cause havoc, and the whole personality of the team changes. Hurt you inside and out. Beat you with skill, or muscle. Sometimes there's far more beauty in an elbow to the chops and bodies flying than there is to the prettiest jump shot. Seattle, BTW, finished 2nd in the NBA in rebounding %.

Would not want to depend on him as THE answer, but Reggie Evans can play on my team and be a beast on the boards for 25min a night any day.

 

[LPKingsFan]

Indeed. In fact, our frontcourt could be somewhat modeled after last years Sonics rotation. Start Evans for 25 min, providing rebounding and athleticism when paired with Miller's scoring and passing. Then bring Thomas off the bench for the Radmonovi c-esque 6th man SF/PF punch. Skinner, while not the thug Fortson is, could provide some defense off the bench at PF/C when 100%.

 

[nbrans]

Given that we had the 4th worst rebounding % in the league last year and got pummeled out of the first round amidst a blizzard of second shot opporuntities -- 2nd worst playoff team on the boards at a pathetic .456 -- I think the problem is a TAD more seriosu than you make it sound. And of course Evans was one of the pummelers. And all year long Evans was also a MAJOR contributor to the Soncis success. Without he and pigtails, they are just a softy jumpshooting squad much like ourselves. Throw those two on the court to bang and cause havoc, and the whole personality of the team changes. Hurt you inside and out. Beat you with skill, or muscle. Sometimes there's far more beauty in an elbow to the chops and bodies flying than there is to the prettiest jump shot. Seattle, BTW, finished 2nd in the NBA in rebounding %.

Would not want to depend on him as THE answer, but Reggie Evans can play on my team and be a beast on the boards for 25min a night any day.

I really don't think that you can really judge the current roster's rebounding abilities based on the stats for last season since they never really played together during the regular season. I agree, the rebounding in the playoffs was abysmal, but you didn't really have Brad Miller, and lord knows what was going on with Brian Skinner but he didn't look healthy to me.

But based on the numbers from last season, with Brian Skinner averaging 8.8 rpg for the Kings in 27.8 minutes (not far off Reggie Evans), Kenny Thomas averaging 8.7 in 31.7 minutes and Brad Miller showing he can be a double-digit rebounder, I'd say that if you put these three together for long stretches that's a pretty capable rebounding team.

Sure, the Kings can always use help on the boards, but I think you're confusing the traditional Kings with the current roster. This roster is built more for rebounding. I'd say there are more glaring deficiencies to address -- deficiencies that a one dimensional 6'8" rebounder will not address.