It's all about change from here on out for the Kings, even if there are four more games that must be played for the sake of schedule keeping.
With the obvious focus on changing their own dire situation, it's certain that there will be player changes (they have only eight players on contract for next season) and almost certain that there will be a coaching change. And if it was up to Chris Webber, there would be a front office change as well.
The former Kings forward told me recently that he would like to team with Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie in the Kings' rebuilding effort, rejoining the team in an ambassador-type role in which he could help attract free agents, weigh in on the remaking of the roster and help the organization on all matters of public relations. In an interview that took place before the retiring of Vlade Divac's jersey at Arco Arena on March 31, Webber said he was already talking to three teams about a return to the game as soon as next season (though he would not disclose which ones). And while the Kings aren't one of them, he wishes they were.
"Yeah, I'm definitely going to be in basketball," said Webber, whose official title at present is that of TNT analyst. "I'm deciding now if I want to do TV next year. I have some opportunities (in the NBA). And of course I would like (to be in) Sacramento first. But it is what it is."
The question, of course, is whether the Kings would share his vision. The organization is scaling back across the board, with talks of possible pay cuts and perhaps even layoffs in house. Even if it is Webber, the notion of adding bodies goes against the grain at the moment. One thing is clear, though: Webber wants back in, and badly.
Asked if the team's current sad status would deter him from such a move, he answered definitively that it would not.
"It doesn't matter," he said. "I love Sacramento. It's kind of hard, because (the teams he has been talking to) even said, we want you but if Sac says something, then what?
"They're already asking me that. I live here, have a restaurant here. Of course (he would prefer to be in basketball here), but I'm going to be in basketball and make sure I advance and am in basketball."
As Webber was quick to point out, he had to be convinced to come here from Washington after the Kings traded for him in May of 1998. The reality that Sacramento is not a premier hoops destination remains, he said, but he believes he could help with that obstacle. In truth, I really don't see this happening but it is an interesting idea in what is a very uninteresting time.
I think this would be a BRILLIANT move as it could help engage the fan base and potential add some pizazz to Sacramento as a FA destination.
(7/4/15)
