Success stories don't usually apply to teams that aren't in the playoffs, but the Kings may indeed qualify.
Despite missing out on the postseason for the second straight year, they wrapped up their regular season with a record of 38-44 that was at or above the predictions of most pundits back in October. More notably, they finished by winning 11 of their last 20 games and reversing the tragic finish of 2006-07 when they were 5-17 at the end. Yet what those soothsayers didn't see coming was the never-ending string of distractions and hurdles the Kings would have to overcome to still manage a level of respectability.
Days before the regular season began, they lost point guard Mike Bibby to a thumb injury that kept him out for half the season. Kevin Martin and Ron Artest missed long stretches with injuries, and Bibby was eventually traded to Atlanta on Feb. 16 as first-year Kings coach Reggie Theus was forced to adjust on the fly once again.
Looking ahead, the Kings have a handful of questions that must be answered before they can continue the rebuilding process. First and foremost is Artest's future, as the small forward can opt out of his contract but has indicated he likely won't. The Kings will also look to re-sign point guard Beno Udrih, who impressed with his play after he was signed as an emergency fill-in for Bibby.
They will be stuck in quite a predicament in regards to the draft, as the uncertainty around the futures of Udrih and Artest means they must weight the potential need to fill those spots with the temptation to simply go for the best talent available with their lottery pick. Yet without question, this was a season of progress.
Rookie center Spencer Hawes developed nicely at the season's end, as did most of the team's other young talents. There was success, if only incremental, all around.
SEASON HIGHLIGHT The lack of any real playoff hopes for most of the season made this a season of mini-highlights, and none was better than the play of Kings center Brad Miller.
The 10-year veteran returned from the worst season of his career by losing 25 pounds and playing like his old self again, thrilling the Kings' fans with an aggressive offensive game and avoiding a repeat of what was a humbling 2006-07 campaign. His points went from nine per game to 13.4, while his rebounding averages jumped from 6.4 to 9.4 and Miller was among the league's most improved players.
TURNING POINT When the Kings arrived in Memphis on Feb. 12, they were just three games under .500 and had won 11 of their last 17 games.
But the momentum all came to a screeching halt with an inexcusable 107-94 loss to the Grizzlies. As the season wore on, it would become a fatal trend for the Kings, who showed an ability to beat some of the league's best teams but also fell far too many times to some of the worst. That loss was the second game in a stretch in which they lost 10 of 14 games and lost any realistic chance of keeping up in the incredible Western Conference race.
Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
The Kings could have a potential trade partner for the services of Ron Artest if recent comments by new Dallas coach Rick Carlisle are any indication. The Sacramento Bee reports that not only would Carli
Hello fellow Kings fans, just wanted to know if anyone knows who will be available this year. This might give us a reason to come over to this board. So who's out there and who do you want to get?
The Kings news is getting kinda boring, let's talk about other stuff. How about a player's productivity, or where Fransisco Garcia will be in three years. Just bring up a topic and lets discuss it!
Arenas has the option to become a free agent this summer, if he does opts out, I think we should sign him because he is instant offense and with him, Martin, and Artest if he stays, we can become an instant playoff team and might even a contender in the West, what you guys think?
Since the season is almost over, hopefully we end up with 1st round pick from 6 to maybe 13. Lets look whose out there and who possibly would leave, let's look at each position and who the Kings could draft.
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i said no... i hate how things turned for use.... we where to use to winning and going to the playoffs eight straight years...beat LA!!!!!! next year maybe
hey Kings fans... looks like kobe`s Lakers are getting a another championship this year...all the laker fans coming out the wood works.... and we havent won a national championship since 1950-1951 season when we where in cincinnati .... sacra
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This team has no future, Kevin Martin will never be good (or better than J.J. Redick for that matter) and Spencer Hawes is a crappy version of Michael Bradley. Reggie Theus will always be
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In the NBA boards, there is a 16 team basketball tourney, and we need voters. Come and vote. The directions will be there to help. Look for ________ vs. ________ posted by The Big B.
Link: www.sportsline.com/mcc/messages/board/4
Here's an interesting tidbit for those wondering it would be good for the Kings if Ron Artest stays with the team. As all Kings fans know it seemed as though just when Artest got back in the lineup (from injury or suspension), then
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1. Kevin Martin needs to become better defensively: I see this guy play so often, and there is so much length, speed, and athleticism, and I wonder why this guy isn't a better defender! Work on that, and Martin will be a highly-polished weapon.
Im a Kings Fan and I dont even bother watching a Kings game any more. We're not going to make the playoffs and I dont see the Kings making the playoffs next year or the next. The Maloofs better get busy this off season and sign Big Named players or the Kings are going to be History!
