Season Outlook
Before you had a chance to call the Kings' run as one of the best teams in
the West over, they had the kind of off-season that can put them right back
on top. With the additions of Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Bonzi Wells to the
starting lineup, the Kings should have no problems scoring points. Add
Abdur-Rahim and Wells to Mike Bibby, Peja Stojakovic and Brad Miller, and you
have probably the most offensively potent starting lineup in the league.
Abdur-Rahim, who has always put up great numbers but never had much talent
around him, should get his first taste of the playoffs with the Kings. His
career mark of eight rebounds per game will certainly help the team that was
outrebounded by 1.9 boards per game (sixth worst in the league) last season.
Wells will likely be happier with more playing time then he saw in Memphis.
The only question may be how the two new starters fit in with the Kings’
motion offense. Neither is know for their passing and both are more
comfortable in isolation situations.
Bibby is the anchor of the team, not the most flashy or high-profile point
guard in the game, but a very good shooter and a steady presence on a roster
that has seen a lot of turnover. At 28 years old, Stojakovic is a former MVP
candidate in his contract year. His scoring dropped from 24.2 to 20.1 points
per game and his shooting percentage fell from .480 to .444 last season. The
pressure will be on him to return to his old form and prove that he can lead
this new group deep into the playoffs.
Kenny Thomas, Corliss Williamson and Brian Skinner, all acquired in last
season's Chris Webber deal, give the Kings solid depth on the frontline. The
addition of Jason Hart gives them a true point guard off the bench, something
they really haven't had, which should help Bibby. Second year guard Kevin
Martin and Francisco Garcia, selected No. 23 in the 2005 Draft, give the
Kings a nice combination of perimeter offense and defense in their second
unit.
It was a "down year" in Sacramento last season, but the Kings still won 50
games. With the new additions, they could certainly improve on that and move
back up to the top of the Western Conference.
Scouting Report
"I've always liked Shareef, but every place he's gone, they've had problems,
and I'm not sure why. It will be interesting to see if they can turn him into
that high post player that Webber was. Miller is solid, but the biggest
difference for them has been the absence of Webber and Vlade, and their
ability to handle the ball and pass in the high post... They play in a crazy
building. That building is probably worth 25 wins a season alone... They have
an interesting mix. They're one of those teams that has to outscore you.
They're in that 7-10 range in the West along with the Lakers."
-- Eastern Conference scout
http://www.nba.com/preview2005/sac.html#player
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