Find three pieces of
scrap paper. Write "Sacramento Kings" on one, "Los Angeles Clippers" on another
and "Los Angeles Lakers" on the third.
Place them in a hat. Pick them out one a time.
There's your order for second, third and fourth place in the Pacific Division
this year.
The three teams finished within three games of each other last season and appear
equally close in 2006-07. But it might be wise to take the odds that the
inclusion of Ron Artest from the start will push the Kings over the edge.
The immensely talented small forward will take some of the
offensive load off point guard Mike Bibby, who averaged 21 points a game a year
ago, but will now be freed up to display his ability to break down defenses and
dish off for easy baskets. Brad Miller didn't have his best season in 2005-06,
but he's still one of the top five all-around centers in the NBA and is among
its premier passing big men.
Few teams can boast a talent such as Shareef Abdur-Rahim off the bench, but the
Kings must show they have enough depth to compete with the best in the Western
Conference.
Eric Musselman takes over for highly successful longtime coach Rick Adelman. The
former brings an intensity the latter simply didn't have in his personality. But
it remains to be seen if that translates into more victories.
Key additions: G John Salmons, C Loren Woods
Key subtractions: G Bonzi Wells
Sportsbook odds: WagerWeb.com ranks Sacramento a tad lower than both Los
Angeles teams. The Kings are a +3000 (30-1) to win it all.
Player to watch: A leaky defense has prevented the Kings from evolving into a
championship team throughout their long, strong run. A healthy Artest, both
physically and emotionally, should change that. Sacramento surrendered six fewer
points a game after his addition in late January and was again one of the best
teams in the Western Conference down the stretch. Artest might have problems
with the "no whine" rule in the NBA this season, but he brings an intensity and
defensive toughness to a team that had been lacking in both. And when he's on,
he can be deadly close to the basket. If he stays healthy and controls his
temper, don't bet against a 50-win season for the Kings.
Outlook: The Kings will be dependent on core players such as Bibby, Artest,
Miller and Abdur-Rahim to thrive. Starting power forward Kenny Thomas is
adequate, but Kevin Martin isn't one of the more prolific shooting guards in the
NBA. The loss of Wells certainly hurts offensively and will not be filled by the
acquisition of John Salmons. The Kings don't boast enough depth to compete for a
title, but they have enough talent to take second in the Pacific. Artest will
help offensively and could transform the Kings into a far superior defensive
team. Musselman is the type of coach to make certain that happens.
Season Opener:
Nov. 1 @ MIN (8 p.m. ET)
Get
Kings Tickets Home Opener:
Nov. 6 vs. MIN (10 p.m. ET)
