Season Recap

Three questions sum up the Kings' 2000-2001 season.

1. Will Chris Webber leave after the season?
2. Where would he go if he leaves?
3. Can he lead this team to a championship?

Unfortunately for Sacramento, the third question was an afterthought, taking a backseat to the first two questions. Every basket Webber scored was viewed more as an added bargaining chip for his impending free agency, rather than as a contribution to his team's playoff push. When the Kings were winning early, Webber's future decision to leave or stay in Sacramento was replaced by media praise of the team's early season success. The Kings started to slide, however, losing the NBA's best record to the 76ers in an OT loss on Dec. 30th. Sacramento held on to the West's best record until about a month after the All-Star break, when they lost at Miami 104-114 on March 14th. The Kings never regained the top spot in the conference. First place in the division was ripped from the Kings' hands on the last day of the season by the streaking LA Lakers. The same Lakers swept the Kings out of the playoffs three weeks later.

Following Sacramento's second round playoff exit, the Webber question again surfaced. Webber's future became the cornerstone for a massive roster overhaul. If Webber does leave, which is the consensus of almost every basketball analyst, fan and player, the Kings' roster is expected to be vastly different next year.

Doug Christie has already stated that he will test the free agent water. The Kings traded for the Raptors' swingman with the hope that he would provide the versatility, stable passing, outside shooting and defense. Christie lived up to the Kings' expectations, earning a second team all-defense selection, and contributed to the team's overall success. He was one of the main reasons the team improved by ten wins from the 1999-2000 season. In spite of Christie's past-year achievements, the Kings need to resign him to make the acquisition worthwhile. Christie will leave Sacramento in dire need of athleticism at the backcourt and small forward positions if he departs.

The other Kings' guard, the highly publicized Jason "J-Will" Williams, also has a foggy future in the Golden State's capital. "White Chocolate" became a fan favorite as a rookie. His flashy passes and three point bombs made almost every highlight reel on a nightly basis. Over the past two seasons Williams has become a problem. The West Virginia native is no stranger to discipline troubles. Williams entered the league after being kicked off the University of Florida's basketball team for drug use. This season, Williams was fined and suspended multiple times for comments he made to fans in arenas that the Kings visited on road trips. On the court, the non-prototypical point guard saw his minutes decrease substantially. Head coach Rick Adelman was forced to sit his erratic playmaker because of ill-advised passes, poor shot selection and continual defensive lapses. The decreased minutes, team and league punishments mixed with much media criticism led to Williams's outburst following the end of the Kings' 2001 playoff run. Williams trashed the organization's management and coaching staff. While he did not come right out and demand a trade, he hinted that he would welcome a change of scenery.

The Kings can most likely replace Christie and Williams, but without Webber the off season strategy shifts from building on to building over. Webber realized his potential in Sacramento, developing into a MVP candidate and lifting the team to a championship contender level. Unfortunately for the Kings, his nasty game and perennial all-star status have outgrown the Northern California City's small market, leaving C-Webb thirsty for more notice in the national media. He has repeatedly pronounced his intrigue of playing in cities like New York, Detroit and Orlando, but his past track record with the bigger markets of Golden State and Washington isn't exactly spotless. We will see if he has matured enough to handle the pressure that comes with the increased attention.

The Kings, on the other hand, will hope to follow a similar winning path as one of their Northern Pacific Coast counterparts, the Seattle Mariners, by piecing foreign grown talent together with scraps left from the departure of superstars. Ballers from abroad Predrag Stojakovic, Vlade Divac and Hidayet Turkoglu along with potential additions from a potential Webber sign-and-trade put the Kings well on their way to achieving Mariner-esque prosperity.

Roster and Key Stats

TEAM LEADERS

Team Stats

1. Offence - 97.6 ppg (3rd in league), 40.3% FG (12th in league), 35.1% 3Pt (7th in league), and 81.7% FT% (3rd in league)
2. Defense - 97.5 Points Allowed Per Game (12th in league), 42.5% Field Goal % Against (8th in league), and 27.0% 3Pt Field Goal % Against (2nd in league)
3. Rebounding - 47.6 total rebounds per game (2nd in league), 46.1 total rebounds allowed per game (12th in league), 15.1 offensive rebounds per game (1st in league), 14 offensive rebounds allowed per game (11th in league)

Salaries and Contracts

Free Agents - Chris Webber, Darrick Martin, Art Long, Doug Christie (P), Nick Anderson (TB), Jabari Smith (T)/(R)

P= Player option, TB= Potential Team Buyout, T= Team option, R= Restricted free agent

Roster Analysis

Center

Vlade Divac: Vlade will embark on his 13th NBA season next year. At the age of 33 the Serbian big man is still a valuable contributor. More importantly, with the expected roster turnover, Vlade gives the Kings a reliable threat in the middle. Divac has averaged double figures every year since he was a rookie. He may be called upon to score even more next year if Webber leaves. Vlade is also a very capable rebounder and passer, especially for a man his size.

Scot Pollard: Pollard is known more for his hair, which shifts through random styles throughout the season, than for his game. Pollard's mop top wasn't the only thing to grow this year, his numbers and playing time all got bigger as well. The Kansas alumn posted career highs in scoring, rebounding, blocks, minutes per game, and games played. He filled in nicely when Vlade needed rest and gave the Kings another big man to match up against the Western Conference towers. Pollard also helped keep Sacramento afloat when C-Webb missed 10 games in late February due to injury. The Kings posted a 6-4 record during Webber's absence, and Pollard averaged a double-double in that span.

Positional Analysis: Divac isn't as highly regarded as big men like Shaq, Duncun, Robinson, Zo, Mutombo or even Sabonis, so he doesn't usually get the credit he deserves. With Pollard coming off the bench, the Kings are better off than most in the middle. Draft elsewhere

Power Forward

Chris Webber: C-Webb might never make it in the music industry (remember that... wonderful... rap album?), but he risen to the elite ranks of the NBA. This season, Webber made the All-NBA first team for the first time in his career. He led the team in scoring, rebound and blocks, and he finished second on the team in assists. Webber has erased all questions about his game. He has quickly become known as one of the league's top double-double threats. Webber can score double figures without trying and he gets more boards than a high school shop class. The only question about Webber is his attitude. He stayed out of trouble in Sacramento, but how much trouble can one actually find in Sacramento? Even Jason Williams has more problems on the road. Webber didn't do much to combat inquiries about his heart when he disappeared in the playoff series with the Lakers. Furthermore, C-Webb blamed his teammates for being soft before vanishing into free agency.

Art Long: Long in name, but short on game. Long scored more 10 day contracts than baskets. Once upon a time, Long was considered a future star. He failed to realize his talent at the University of Cincinnati and he remains a big body with unfulfilled potential. He could still become a star someday, but it will be overseas or in the CBA. At least he got an education during his time as a Bearcat... oh wait that probably didn't happen either. Long could be one of the stopgaps to fill in when Webber leaves. More likely, however, Long will be looking for employment elsewhere.

Lawrence Funderburke: Several years ago, Funderburke was on his way to becoming the Kings starting power forward of the future. As a second round draftee, he averaged 9.5 points per game and caught the league by surprise. When the Kings traded for Webber following Funderburke's rookie season, however, Funderbruke was kept on the bench. His minutes and points have decreased every year that he has been in the league. The Kings hope that Funderburke can return to playing at his old, pre-Webber trade level. If Funderburke can boost his production, the Kings will have a fall back option for a C-Webb replacement or at least a front court reserve.

Positional Analysis: The Kings have had one of the strongest front courts ever since Webber was brought to town. If C-Webb leaves, however, Sacramento will suddenly have a gaping hole next to Vlade Divac. Funderburke and Pollard will fill some of the vacated minutes, but both are more capable coming off the bench. C-Webb's moving out of town garage sale is the only place that Art Long could fill Webber's shoes. The Kings are going to need a power forward who can rebound, do a little scoring, and give some added bulk on defense. Draft here without C-Webb

Small Forward

Predrag Stojakovic: Peja was one of the most improved players in the NBA this season. His scoring average jumped from 11.9 to 20.4 points per game, as he became one of the leading perimeter threats in the Western Conference. At 6-9, the Serbian standout can do everything. Besides becoming a big time scorer, Stojakovic also improved on the boards. The do-it-all forward just turned 24, so his best days are still ahead. He could become an all-star when Webber departs. Peja proved he can produce as the defense's main focus. He poured in 25.4 ppg., including a career-high 39 against the Raptors, during the 10 straight games Webber missed with injury. Peja will have to continue improving as a rebounder and fill the offensive facilitator role if he wants Sacramento to forget about the Webber loss.

Hidayet Turkoglu: Turkoglu preserved the Kings' luck with foreign players. After the free agent addition of Divac, and the drafting of Stojakovic, the Turkish small forward had big expectations to meet. In the limited playing time Turkoglu got this year, he showed the Kings that he has a lot of room to grow. The Sacramento front office was so impressed by the rookie's offensive awareness that the organization will attempt to move him to the point next season. If the transition is a success, Turkoglu will create match-up problems for almost any opponent and add another weapon to the already dangerous Kings' perimeter arsenal. The position change could also spell the end for Jason Williams in Sacramento. Regardless of whether Turkoglu is the primary ball handler next year, he will be a key part of the Kings' post-Webber identity.

Positional Analysis: The versatility of the two foreigners allows the Kings a great of match-up flexibility. Sacramento can always count on reliable ball handling and precise outside shooting when the pair is on the floor at the same time. The Kings can remain a faced paced team if they keep both players at forward, or the team can feature one of the league's taller lineups if they make a floor general out of Turkoglu. Peja is only 24 and Hidayet is merely 22. They could become one of the NBA's better twosomes for the next 10 years. Draft elsewhere

Shooting Guard

Doug Christie: Christie was everything that the Kings expected him to be. He gave the team a defensive boost, as well as consistent all-around play on offense and the boards. Unfortunately for the Kings, Christie's steady play is a double-edged sword. A lot of teams, including many with deep pockets (i.e. the Portland Trailblazers), are in need of an athletic, veteran defensive stopper, which will make Christie one of the most sought after free agents not named Chris Webber. The Kings will do everything in their power to hold on to the shutdown specialist. If the Kings can keep him in uniform, then they should be back in the playoffs with or without Webber. If Christie goes elsewhere, the Kings roster starts to resemble Swiss cheese.

Nick Anderson: Anderson has seen better days. Until the '00-'01 season, he had averaged double figures every year of his career. This past season, however, Anderson managed a meager 1.8 ppg, a 9-point drop off from the previous year. In fact, the once strong scorer didn't score more than 5 points in any of the 21 games he played. His rebounding also fell by 3.5 a game. The Doug Christie acquisition was the biggest reason for Anderson's decline. The Kings wanted more quickness, ball handling and defense from the shooting guard position. Anderson couldn't equal Christie in any of those aspects, and he wasn't going to beat out Stojakovic for time at small forward. Figure in Anderson's injury problems and you can see why Anderson logged just eight minutes per game. The Kings will probably buy out Anderson's contract and end his stay with the team. If Christie leaves and Sacramento trades Jason Williams, then the Kings might try to hang on to Anderson for one more year.

Bobby Jackson: The Kings brought Jackson aboard to give the team backcourt insurance at both guard positions. He rewarded the team with his most productive season since he was a rookie. Jackson gave the Kings a reliable ball handler and defender at the end of games, when coach Adelman preferred to rest the erratic Jason Williams. Jackson asserted himself as the first guard reserve. Never the less, he is probably not the answer if the Kings need to find a starting shooting or point guard in the off-season. Sacramento was just 4-4 in games that Jackson played over 30 minutes.

John Barry: Barry's shooting percentage fell considerably from the career year he had in '99-'00. As a result of the shooting drop off, Barry's wasn't the scorer he was a year ago. Barry might not have been as good as he was two years ago, but he was still provided the Kings with hustle and leadership off the bench. Barry was there for the Kings when the team needed him. However, with Stojakovic's development and the Christie, Jackson and Turkoglu additions, Sacramento didn't rely on Barry quite as much. John isn't nearly as dominant as father Rick, but if he got one thing from his dad then it is John's ability to shoot free throws. He is shooting nearly 88.6% from the line since joining the Kings.

Positional Analysis: Without Christie, the Kings will need to find another athletic off guard. However, Christie isn't necessarily on the way out of town because he will opt out of his current contract. He could just be looking for more money to stay with the Kings. Jackson and Barry are consistent backups, but neither is capable of starting over 80 games like Christie did this season. Anderson, on the other hand, is a question mark at best. The Kings will have to gamble that he was unproductive due to injury this year, if they decide to resign the aging swingman. Secondary draft need

Point Guard

Jason Williams: As if the Kings needed any more roster unrest with the pending free agency of Webber and Christie, J-Will has hinted that he wants to be traded because of the way he has been handled by the team. Williams was particularly bothered by Rick Adelman's decision to bench the eccentric point guard late in playoff games. Williams off the court attitude problems are nothing new. Williams was probably that kid who stole other babies bottles back in nursery school. His flashy moves excite fans, but until he learns to control his ability his game might be more suited for Nike commercials than for a NBA playoff contender. Until he proves he can run a team and play strong defense in crunch time, this "White Chocolate" will continue to leave a bitter aftertaste in Sacramento.

Darrick Martin: Martin was originally brought up from LA to equip the Kings with a viable backup for young Jason Williams. Martin wasn't the answer, and Bobby Jackson and Doug Christie absorbed his minutes. With J-Will failing to make great improvements, Martin hasn't been the calming presence the team needs for a backup to the unpredictable starter. Martin is a free agent this season and he will probably join his all-luggage teammates Chris Webber and Doug Christie into the free agent market.

Positional Analysis: The Kings have a tough decision to make with Jason Williams. A trade ultimately depends on other teams' interest in Williams, and the Kings' ability to convert Turkoglu to the point. If the tall Turk can handle the position switch then Sacramento might look to unload Williams in a package with Webber's sign-and-trade deal. Maybe C-Webb and J-Will to the Knicks for Allen Houston and either LJ, Kurt Thomas or Marcus Camby? The Kings would do well to make a trade like that! Draft here

Kings' Draft History

The Kings have drafted well over the last several years. The only problem has been Sacramento draftees leaving town (i.e. Brian Grant) or getting hurt (i.e. Bobby Hurley). One concern for the Kings is the past success rate of players drafted 25th overall. Nobody in the past 10 years has been picked 25th and gone on to become a consistent NBA player.

LAST 3 YEARS

• 2000: Hidayet Turkoglu (16th overall), Jabari Smith (45th overall)
• 1999: Ryan Robertson (45th overall)
• 1998: Jason Williams (7th overall), Jerome James (36th overall)

PASSED ON

• 2000: Morris Peterson (21st overall), Eddie House (37th overall)
• 1999: Todd MacCulloch (47th overall)
• 1998: Larry Hughes (8th overall), Dirk Nowitzki (9th overall), Paul Pierce (10th overall)

OTHER PAST FIRST ROUND SELECTIONS FROM LAST 10 YEARS

• 1997: Olivier Saint-Jean
• 1996: Predrag Stojakovic
• 1995: Corliss Williamson
• 1994: Brian Grant
• 1993: Bobby Hurley
• 1992: Walt Williams
• 1991: Billy Owens, Pete Chilcutt

PAST #25 SELECTIONS FROM LAST 10 YEARS

• 2000: Iakovos Tsakalidis (Phoenix Suns)
• 1999: Tim James (Miami Heat)
• 1998: Al Harrington (Indiana Pacers)
• 1997: John Thomas (New York Knicks)
• 1996: Martin Muursepp (Utah Jazz)
• 1995: David Vaughn (Utah Jazz)
• 1994: Greg Minor (LA Clippers)
• 1993: Corie Blount (Chicago Bulls)
• 1992: Elmore Spencer (LA Clippers)
• 1991: Shaun Vandiver (Golden State Warriors)

Team Needs

1. Big man that can rebound and play D: The Kings will still have some decent front court talent when Webber walks away, but none of them are particularly big and athletic. Divac, Stojakovic and Pollard won't be able to keep up with the new brand of forward in the Western Conference. They need a player who can guard guys like Duncan, KG, Nowitzki, Marion and Wallace.
2. Back court defender: Doug Christie is the team's best defender and he will continue to be if he doesn't head elsewhere. Bobby Jackson is a pretty good defender himself, but he isn't big enough to play 30-40 minutes every night. Jason Williams has earned the reputation of playing matador defense, which leaves the team needing a stopper on the perimeter.
3. Reliable ball handling: Williams can ball. He has proven that much during his three years in the league. On the other hand, he hasn't proven that he can be the dependent baller that the team needs to go to the next level. Turkoglu is a good ball handler for a big guy, but how fluidly can he switch to the point?

MY PICK

ALVIN JONES, F/C, GEORGIA TECH

Alvin Jones: Jones improved greatly during his senior season at Georgia Tech. He became more aggressive and a constant presence in the middle. He won't give the Kings much help on offense. He would give them plenty of shot blocking and rebounding, which was enough to make him the 25th overall pick in the draft. Jones has the big body to step in and get tick from the get go.

Why: I passed on a guard for two reasons. First, the top point guards, Omar Cook and Jamaal Tinsley, and talented shooting guard Gilbert Arenas were all off the board by the Kings' pick. Second, the Kings are more likely to resign Christie than Webber.

The Kings will still have enough pieces to make a playoff run next year, and Jones gives Sacramento a player that can help fill in for Webber's absence from day one. Jones also makes sense because he has room to improve, which fits nicely for a team that could be a major force for the next decade. He provides the Kings with another defender to put on the top Western Conference forwards.

Other Players Considered

Big Guys

1. Jason Collins: The biggest question surrounding Collins is his health. Collins suffered many injuries while at Stanford, which forced him to spend a lot of time on the sidelines in street clothes. When healthy, Collins is a force inside. He mixes strength in the low post with a nice jumpshot. The years of practicing against his brother has turned Jason into a decent defender. He isn't particularly quick, but his size and hustle allow to him match-up against opponent's big men. The rule changes and Collins's familiarity with playing alongside other 7-footers makes the twin an excellent candidate to be the King's draft pick. Collins would also give Sacramento the added rebounding the team will need without Webber. He is also one of the most NBA ready players in a draft loaded with developmental talent. (Picked #23)
2. Kirk Haston: Haston entertained the thought of returning to Indiana, but a good showing at the pre-draft camp in Chicago should lift him into the first round and keep him in the draft. Haston has a sweet shooting touch for a big man, making him similar to other Sacramento front court players. Haston could be a defensive liability though, which could help the Kings to pass on the ex-Hoosier. He rebounded nicely in college, but whether or not he can do it in the NBA is yet to be seen. Haston has a nice game, however, he isn't particularly strong in areas that the Kings need the most help. Like Collins, Haston is ready to contribute right away.
3. Steven Hunter: Hunter isn't as bulky as Jones, or as NBA ready, but he might have a bigger upside. He needs to make a few trips to Old Country Buffet before he is ready to man the paint against the Western Conference big men. Before the pre-draft camps in Chicago, Hunter was thought to be a second round pick. He played well enough in Chicago to slide into round one. Hunter isn't thick enough to cure the Kings rebounding needs. His long limbs would allow him to contribute with block shots and by outrunning other big men. At this point, Hunter is very similar to Seton Hall product Samuel Dalembert, who could also be the Kings' selection at this spot. Neither Hunter, Dalembert nor Jones is as complete as Collins or Haston, but all might have enough upside to catch Sacramento's eye.
4. Brian Scalabrine: Scalabrine is another guy who helped himself immensely at the pre-draft camps. He isn't the physical specimen like some of the other guys. On the other hand, he possesses a wide range of skills. Scalabrine is an excellent passer and ball handler for a big guy, which allows him to play either forward position. He is also an adequate scorer. Scalabrine would give the Kings another versatile forward and present match-up problems for teams that need to contain both he and Stojakovic. Scalabrine needs to get in better shape and build his strength before he can give the Kings a defensive and rebounding lift.

Little Guys

1. Gilbert Arenas: Arenas is crazy athletic. He can run and jump with anyone in the draft. Arenas would give the Kings an instant offensive boost with his silky outside jump shot and ability to get to the basket off the dribble. More importantly to Sacramento, Arenas is an excellent defender. The biggest criticism of the Arizona shooting guard is his size. At 6-3 and 191 lbs., Arenas might have difficulty defending against some of the NBA's bigger guards. Sacramento could still use him to shutdown opposing point guards, especially if the team has another big guard like Christie or Turkoglu in the backcourt with Arenas. (Picked #22)
2. Jeff Trepagnier: The USC Trojan might be the best athlete in the draft (no, I didn't forget Jason Richardson and Richard Jefferson). His legs have more spring than a grandfather clock. He is a little short for an off guard, but his athletic ability should allow him to stay with most NBA two guards. Trepagnier isn't the greatest shooter in the world. He would rather drive to the hoop than put up a shot from deep. Luckily, Trepagnier's leaping allows him to score amongst the trees. He is still raw on offense. His defensive upside might be attractive enough to tempt the Kings into drafting the small guard and waiting for his offense to come around.

Other moves team should make

1. Teams Free Agents: Sacramento will do everything it can to keep Webber and Christie. Even if those two leave the team will still be loaded with young talent like Stojakovic, Turkoglu, J-Will and Pollard. The Kings should let the aging Anderson walk free because he no longer fits with the organization's future. Martin will also take his services elsewhere, but nobody in Sacramento will notice.
2. Possible free agent signings: Sacramento should have some cap room from the losses of its own free agents. The Kings could use a guy like Alvin Williams or Antonio Davis, both of whom are free agents. Williams would fill several needs for the Kings. The combo guard can handle the ball in crunch time, as well as guard the opponent's top backcourt threat. Davis would present the Kings with a anchor on defense and the boards. If either of those guys leave Toronto, however, it will likely be for a bigger city than Sac-town. Aaron McKie, fresh off a trip to the NBA finals, would be another good addition for the Kings. Nazr Mohhammad and other big men will also be potential targets for the Kings, as the team attempts to fill the hole left by Webber.
3. Trades: The Kings should be able to work a sign-and-trade for Webber. Sacramento will be well off if the team can add a guy like The Knicks' Allen Houston or Marcus Camby, or the Magic's Mike Miller.