What's the next move for Kings?

[LPKingsFan]

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.

You raise some good points, and remind me of some points raised during last season. The most important being that for a while we got good enough rebounding from our big men, but it was the others (Peja, Mobley) who weren't doing enough. Wells should help, as I think he's a good enough rebounder as an OG. Peja really needs to step it up on the boards. But really, I'd much rather have a Miller/Evans/Thomas/Skinner rotation than a Miller/Thomas/Skinner/Corliss rotation.

 

[nbrans]

You raise some good points, and remind me of some points raised during last season. The most important being that for a while we got good enough rebounding from our big men, but it was the others (Peja, Mobley) who weren't doing enough. Wells should help, as I think he's a good enough rebounder as an OG. Peja really needs to step it up on the boards. But really, I'd much rather have a Miller/Evans/Thomas/Skinner rotation than a Miller/Thomas/Skinner/Corliss rotation.

Yeah, I agree with you, Peja definitely needs to step it up. I also agree that a Miller/Evans/Thomas/Skinner rotation is better than a Miller/Thomas/Skinner Corliss rotation.

Remember how great it was to have Keon Clark, someone who was 6'11" and athletic, even if he drove us all crazy by not fulfilling his potential? I'm thiking Steven Hunter might be a similar player. It never hurts to have 7'0" athletes who can shotblock on your roster. I just think he compliments the current roster better than Evans.

Evans is undersized like Thomas and rebounds like Thomas and Skinner. We don't have a shotblocker on this team or a legit backup center. Better to use the MLE on Hunter.

P.S. Hunter's per-48 block number is a sick 4.7. Bricklayer, I can't believe you're not drooling all over that.

 

[funkykingston]

I'd take either Evans or Hunter as a frontcourt upgrade, but if it came down to it I'd rather have Hunter.

Evans toughness and rebounding would be nice, but Hunter would provide the athleticism the team lacks and more size and versatility. Of course, an added benefit to signing Evans would be that it would additionally weaken Seattle's frontcourt. A nice and potentially helpful side effect.

 

[Bricklayer]

Yeah, I agree with you, Peja definitely needs to step it up. I also agree that a Miller/Evans/Thomas/Skinner rotation is better than a Miller/Thomas/Skinner Corliss rotation.

Remember how great it was to have Keon Clark, someone who was 6'11" and athletic, even if he drove us all crazy by not fulfilling his potential? I'm thiking Steven Hunter might be a similar player. It never hurts to have 7'0" athletes who can shotblock on your roster. I just think he compliments the current roster better than Evans.

Evans is undersized like Thomas and rebounds like Thomas and Skinner. We don't have a shotblocker on this team or a legit backup center. Better to use the MLE on Hunter.

P.S. Hunter's per-48 block number is a sick 4.7. Bricklayer, I can't believe you're not drooling all over that.

I've got nothing against Hunter or his shotblocking coming to this team, but note that Reggie Evan's per 48 rebounding number is an equally sick 18.8. As in ridiculous. And no, neither Kenny or Brian is in his league, not even for their 25 game stints for us (which will not continue unless they've been replaced by pod people). Meanwhile Steven Hunter comes up with an anemic 10.4. Either way you;re dealing with give and take type players.

 

[G_M]

Could we get Evans for the MLE??? Just thorwing that out there. I haven't seen any offers for him floating around.

 

[Kings113]

Yeah, there's been very little talk about Reggie this off-season...

 

[captain bill]

I think probably, but the issue is whether the Kings want to use the MLE on him.

 

[Kings113]

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%.

I'd really like that, Thomas is so uncertain though...

 

[Kings113]

Brian Skinner had that sprained foot, he suffered in the last reg. season game vs. Phoenix, and the thumbs were still sore.

 

[mr. moustache]

What's uncertain about Thomas? In starter minutes at PF he's an 18/10 player. The problem is he's too small to provide any defense at PF.

As a 25min sub he's 12/6 that's too small to guard PF's.

He's about as certain of a player as we have. I'd like him as a 6th man, though I'm thinking he wouldn't be too thrilled with it. If he could play the 3 I'd be happy to get rid of Peja for a real PF. Miller, Thomas, and a real PF would be a great rebounding front line.

I'd really like that, Thomas is so uncertain though...

 

[Rowdyone]

Call me crazy but I don't see the immediate need for an additional SF unless Peja is traded.But even then Mo isn't starting material or a natural SF, he's a tweener. At this point in time he'd be a luxury to us and since he's a RFA Petrie's waiting to see what kind of value he has on the market before he makes that decision...let's see what kind of contract Mo can bring us to match then decide. The reason, in my mind, he'd be a luxury is because I see RA using Bonzi to spell Peja (or the incumbant starting SF) while giving KM and FG time at SG...Bonzi will play 38 minutes a night ane take the bulk of our shots followed by Bibby and Peja (if still here). We need to concentrate on the Big guys now. Landing Reggie Evans and/or Steven Hunter both in S&T/MLE using KT and Corliss is my preference. I'd rather keep Skinner...good attitude and plays fairly cheap.

 

[SacTownKid]

Yeah, there's been very little talk about Reggie this off-season...

B/c he really isn't the type of player that teams needing to seriously make the jump out of mediocrity would consider. As good of a rebounder that he is, thats is ALL he is. He isn't the greatest defender, has ZERO offensive game other than putbacks and dunks, is still slightly undersized (but at least he is a hulk). There are more negatives to his game than positives, but I think in a situation like the Kings he could be very useful.

 

[captain bill]

B/c he really isn't the type of player that teams needing to seriously make the jump out of mediocrity would consider. As good of a rebounder that he is, thats is ALL he is. He isn't the greatest defender, has ZERO offensive game other than putbacks and dunks, is still slightly undersized (but at least he is a hulk). There are more negatives to his game than positives, but I think in a situation like the Kings he could be very useful.

Those are exactly the traits that this team is missing. We've got plenty of offense outside of the PF position, and if we kept Kenny Thomas we could have plenty of offense of the bench, too. Decent defense, good rebounding and any inside presence sounds good to me.

 

[Alacron]

I think one of our moves will definitely be matching any offers to Songaila up to the MLE. Why?

Darius has been with us two years, which gives us "Early Bird" rights on him. That means we can offer an amount up to the MLE without it counting as our MLE, even though we are over the cap.

Given our dearth of big men, I don't think we can afford to let a skilled guy like Darius walk for nothing. So although a lot of us have been counting Darius out of next season's plans, he's still very much involved, whether as part of the team or as part of a trade.
~~

 

[AleksandarN]

Since I posted this in the Griffen thread I thought it would fit here aswell

You know what is really really scary is that we have not heard anything about Walker and his plans in a while that is worrisome to say the least. Since Petrie most of times does not release any info untill the deal is done I am afriad we offered Walker a contract

 

[Kings113]

Thomas is uncertain because he is likely to be used in a trade, because he won't be our starting PF next season, and he has made it known he doesn't want to come off the bench, and also with that contract, I doubt the guys in control would.

Not that I wouldn't mind, just don't think it happens because of trades for a PF.

 

[ParniValjak]

I think one of our moves will definitely be matching any offers to Songaila up to the MLE. Why?

Darius has been with us two years, which gives us "Early Bird" rights on him. That means we can offer an amount up to the MLE without it counting as our MLE, even though we are over the cap.

Given our dearth of big men, I don't think we can afford to let a skilled guy like Darius walk for nothing. So although a lot of us have been counting Darius out of next season's plans, he's still very much involved, whether as part of the team or as part of a trade.
~~

I agree with you.

I think we will re-sign Darius as he is a good player for relatively small money. Re-signing him doesn't affect our MLE either.

 

[VF21]

You know what is really really scary is that we have not heard anything about Walker and his plans in a while that is worrisome to say the least. Since Petrie most of times does not release any info untill the deal is done I am afriad we offered Walker a contract

We haven't heard anything about Lawrence Funderburke, either...

 

[mojo_mike]

could we get eddy curry?or keon clark?
i hope we could also have jasikevicius but he's already signed with the pacers.... :-(

 

[LA King Fan II]

I find it interesting that we are going out of our way to keep Darius. I like him fine, as long as we get to team him with some new "bang mates".

This minor hint signals to me that something major in our "core" frontline will definitely change. I feel certain that Peja or Miller will be part of a trade soon.

 

[CaminoChaos]

keep in consideration that we are allowed 1 more spot on the roster. also darius does not go against the salary cap if he is signed. but i woudn't be suprised if the skinner, williamson or thomas is traded. I just can't see us getting a equal value PF/C for one of our core members because PF/C of that magnitude is worth alot more than a shooting SF or a Offensive/Mid range shooting C. I cant see us trading our Big 3.

 

[LA King Fan II]

To go with the identical front line as last year would be surrender. Nope, it's not gonna be Peja Miller and Thomas this year.

 

[CaminoChaos]

To go with the identical front line as last year would be surrender. Nope, it's not gonna be Peja Miller and Thomas this year.

I agree. I just believe that Miller and Peja are staying. Name 1 PF/C that we could realistacally get for 1 of our core 3.

 

[LA King Fan II]

I really don't know. It'll have to be someone willing to be as dumb as the Christie/Mobley folks. It's gonna be real interesting. Something's got to give.

Nothing will ever feel as flat as the resounding blah I heard from Skinner/Williamson/Thomas for Webber.

I was looking at your lineup there and thought that was your prediction (?).

 

[Kings113]

Thomas will be gone, or not starting.

One way or the other.

Petrie saw the playoffs.

To go with the identical front line as last year would be surrender. Nope, it's not gonna be Peja Miller and Thomas this year.

Which is why Thomas won't be here.

 

[thedofd]

Much has been said about the possibility of trading Brian Skinner as part of a package for a power forward (although it begs the question, can the Kings get something of value for some combination of the Philly trio).

I know Skinner is not a great player -- although he had his moments -- but he's the only legitimate backup center on the roster. If he were part of a trade for, say, Antoine Walker, the Kings would have to get a backup (with all due respect to Corliss ).

Are any of these guys possibilities?

Dikembe Mutombo (4 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.26 bpg)
Mikki Moore (5.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, .4 bpg)
Elden Campbell (4.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1 bpg)
Dale Davis (3.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.1 bpg)
Zelko Rebraca (5.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, .6 bpg)
Chris Andersen (77. ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.5 bpg)
Vitaly Potapenko (3.5 ppg, 2 rpg)

 

[Bricklayer]

Much has been said about the possibility of trading Brian Skinner as part of a package for a power forward (although it begs the question, can the Kings get something of value for some combination of the Philly trio).

I know Skinner is not a great player -- although he had his moments -- but he's the only legitimate backup center on the roster. If he were part of a trade for, say, Antoine Walker, the Kings would have to get a backup (with all due respect to Corliss ).

Are any of these guys possibilities?

Dikembe Mutombo (4 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.26 bpg)
Mikki Moore (5.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, .4 bpg)
Elden Campbell (4.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1 bpg)
Dale Davis (3.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.1 bpg)
Zelko Rebraca (5.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, .6 bpg)
Chris Andersen (77. ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.5 bpg)
Vitaly Potapenko (3.5 ppg, 2 rpg)

I didn't know much had been said about that, but if it has, my own contributioon has been "only as a last resort". Of the peices we got back from Philly, Skinner is the only one which helps us do the things we don't normally do. Has a good attitude, physical, plays defense and rebounds. Much ratehr see the other two go and keep Skinner as a bench player who brings what we need (and yes, I believe Thomas to be a better player, but no the right type of player).

P.S. Deke should be staying in Houston. Of the rest, only Rebraca and Anderson are of much interest, and younger than my dad. And I don;t think either is more than a limited minute buit player for us. If we had Skinner, Anderson/Rebraca AND a new starting PF, then we'd be in decent shape.

 

[Kings113]

Andersen/Potapenko could be.

I wouldn't mind seeing Mutombo on the Kings, I bet he stays with Rockets though, he was big for them.

I'd like for us to keep Skinner too, but if he has to be used to get a solid/good PF, okay.

 

[nbrans]

I didn't know much had been said about that, but if it has, my own contributioon has been "only as a last resort". Of the peices we got back from Philly, Skinner is the only one which helps us do the things we don't normally do. Has a good attitude, physical, plays defense and rebounds. Much ratehr see the other two go and keep Skinner as a bench player who brings what we need (and yes, I believe Thomas to be a better player, but no the right type of player).

P.S. Deke should be staying in Houston. Of the rest, only Rebraca and Anderson are of much interest, and younger than my dad. And I don;t think either is more than a limited minute buit player for us. If we had Skinner, Anderson/Rebraca AND a new starting PF, then we'd be in decent shape.

Chris Anderson has already agreed to terms with New Orleans, and I don't think Rebraca is the answer at the backup C. Back to the drawing board...

 

[nbrans]

If the Kings are going to get an upgrade at the PF position in any way other than signing Antoine Walker (i.e. getting someone who could conceivably start over Kenny Thomas), it's going to have to come via trade. Here's an approximate ranking of the PFs in the league by category of availability:

Untouchable - not coming to the Kings, no way, no how, don't care who the Kings are offering (in no particular order):

Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Bosh, Tim Duncan, Chris Webber, Dwight Howard, Emeka Okafor, Jermaine O'Neal, Amare Stoudamire

Basically untouchable - not coming to the Kings without trading Bibby, Peja or Miller (in no particular order):

Elton Brand, Antawn Jamison, Rasheed Wallace, Kenyon Martin, Tyson Chandler, Pau Gasol, Zach Randolph, Al Jefferson, Shareef Abdur-Rahim

Not untouchable, but the Kings don't have the pieces to get them - players that aren't crucial to another team, but for whatever reason they're not coming the Kings' way (in no particular order):

Udonis Haslem, Antonio McDyess, Donyell Marshall, Michael Sweetney, Robert Horry, Stromile Swift, Nene

Possibly available - players the Kings could conceivably, possibly, maybe get with the pieces at hand (in no particular order)

Antoine Walker, Drew Gooden, Kurt Thomas, Troy Murphy, Raef LaFrentz, Joe Smith, Matt Bonner, Carols Boozer, Reggie Evans, Antonio Davis, Nick Collison, Melvin Ely, Chris Anderson, Malik Rose, Zaza Pachulia, Keith Van Horn, Juwan Howard, Othella Harrington, Robert Traylor, Alan Henderson, Brian Cook, Eduardo Najera, Michael Ruffin, Maurice Taylor, Dale Davis, Scott Padgett, Danny Fortson, Kris Humphries, Anderson Vaerjao, Etan Thomas, Christian Laettner, Tom Gugliotta, Calvin Booth, Malik Allen, Slava Medvedenko, David West, Clarence Weatherspoon, Aaron Williams, Macej Lampe, Darko, Brandon Hunter, Bo Outlaw, Pape Sow, Sean Marks, Vin Baker, Michael Bradley, Michael Stewart, Torraye Braggs

I'm not really liking the Kings' options. Right now it's looking like Antoine Walker is the most likely and most realistic upgrade. I also like the idea of somehow plucking Kurt Thomas from the Suns, say for Kenny Thomas and a re-signed Maurice Evans.

But if there's a trade not involving the core, that's some slim pickins.