Retooling the Sacramento Kings: The Maloof-less edition

[perezident]

How sweet would it be if CP3 came to Sacramento!

Kings hire Jeff VanGundy
Kings get the #1 Draft pick selects Nerlens Noel

Signs CP3, Tony Allen and Fransico Garcia.
Trades Evans Jimmer and JT to Indy for Danny Granger

Roster
CP3/IT/Toney Douglas
Tony/Thornton/Cisco
Granger/Salmons/Outlaw
Noel/Patterson/JJ
Cousins/Hayes/Cole

Lol a guy can hope right?

[VeeJay24]

Heard on Cowbell Kingdom that the new ownership group would like to start out with coaching/management of the current players; in other words they don't want to make drastic moves to start if they aren't warranted.

I agree with this if it is true; this team is not that far away, they need direction. I don't know who they should hire but I think that will be the most important thing right now. I do believe the former NBA player head coach would be a good hire though. I think it would be good for Cousins and Reke and I've heard all the names: Avery Johnson, Nate McMillan & Byron Scott. These are all fine coaches but they all have had issues with players in their last stop and players talk, so maybe Vivek and crew need to think out of the box with this one, sorta like the Warriors did with Mark Jackson. 2 names comes to mind: Sam Cassell & Mario Ellie; it's a risk but I think it would be a good risk. Wish McHale was available.

Don't really have a thought on GMs but I do like what the Rockets have done, so maybe the Asst GM over there could work and of course someone from the Thunder or Spurs wouldn't hurt.

The way I see it Cousins, Reke, JT, & IT should stay regardless. Cousins is a player who could be the best at his position; you don't just give that up. Reke, if he continues to add to his game will be among the best at his position whether that is 1 or 2. JT, is a hard worker and produces when on the floor; it may not be sexy but it is effective but more importantly he is good for the community which is very important here right now.

Personnel moves I think will be contingent on where the Kings pick and who they pick for instance; if they were lucky and received either the 1 or 2 pick which undoubtedly would be either Noel or McLemore. If they picked a little lower; just guessing but I would have to think it would be Porter or Bennett.

And you look at FA and the Kings have options but If you draft Noel; I don't think you go after Josh Smith also or if you draft Porter or Bennett, you wouldn't go after Iggy or trade for Granger. You'd probably do a more subtle move and sign a Matt Barnes, Cisco or trade for Jared Dudley.

if the Kings were lucky enough to draft Noel. My next moves would be sign Reke, amnesty Salmons, let Johnson & Douglas walk, resign Aldrich, if the price is right

On to FAs, I would sign Collison, Cisco or CJ Miles & Shannon Brown or Wayne Ellington

I would trade with the Pacers; after the doctors clear Granger, Thornton, Fredette & lottery protected 1st for Granger

The Kings would then look like this

PG- Collison, IT
SG- Reke, Ellington
SF- Granger, Miles
PF- Noel, Patterson, JT
C- Cousins, JT, Hayes, Aldrich

I'll let you guys mull this plan over and then I'll post alternate plans later.

[tru6playa]

Heard on Cowbell Kingdom that the new ownership group would like to start out with coaching/management of the current players; in other words they don't want to make drastic moves to start if they aren't warranted.

I agree with this if it is true; this team is not that far away, they need direction. I don't know who they should hire but I think that will be the most important thing right now. I do believe the former NBA player head coach would be a good hire though. I think it would be good for Cousins and Reke and I've heard all the names: Avery Johnson, Nate McMillan & Byron Scott. These are all fine coaches but they all have had issues with players in their last stop and players talk, so maybe Vivek and crew need to think out of the box with this one, sorta like the Warriors did with Mark Jackson. 2 names comes to mind: Sam Cassell & Mario Ellie; it's a risk but I think it would be a good risk. Wish McHale was available.

Don't really have a thought on GMs but I do like what the Rockets have done, so maybe the Asst GM over there could work and of course someone from the Thunder or Spurs wouldn't hurt.

The way I see it Cousins, Reke, JT, & IT should stay regardless. Cousins is a player who could be the best at his position; you don't just give that up. Reke, if he continues to add to his game will be among the best at his position whether that is 1 or 2. JT, is a hard worker and produces when on the floor; it may not be sexy but it is effective but more importantly he is good for the community which is very important here right now.

Personnel moves I think will be contingent on where the Kings pick and who they pick for instance; if they were lucky and received either the 1 or 2 pick which undoubtedly would be either Noel or McLemore. If they picked a little lower; just guessing but I would have to think it would be Porter or Bennett.

And you look at FA and the Kings have options but If you draft Noel; I don't think you go after Josh Smith also or if you draft Porter or Bennett, you wouldn't go after Iggy or trade for Granger. You'd probably do a more subtle move and sign a Matt Barnes, Cisco or trade for Jared Dudley.

if the Kings were lucky enough to draft Noel. My next moves would be sign Reke, amnesty Salmons, let Johnson & Douglas walk, resign Aldrich, if the price is right

On to FAs, I would sign Collison, Cisco or CJ Miles & Shannon Brown or Wayne Ellington

I would trade with the Pacers; after the doctors clear Granger, Thornton, Fredette & lottery protected 1st for Granger

The Kings would then look like this

PG- Collison, IT
SG- Reke, Ellington
SF- Granger, Miles
PF- Noel, Patterson, JT
C- Cousins, JT, Hayes, Aldrich

I'll let you guys mull this plan over and then I'll post alternate plans later.

If we draft Noel - we have to do something with either Patterson/JT/Hayes, because that's too much money and not enough minutes for that trio. Not likely we draft Noel anyways, but the point still stands.

We won't be able to trade a protected 1st for Granger, as we still owe a 1st RD pick to Cleveland for JJ Hickson. I don't think it would cost that much for Granger considering his age, injury, and contract size. I'd love to have Granger, but there'd be a lot of risk in taking on his contract.

The guys I'd like to consider for our team would be Pau Gasol (trade)/Tony Allen/Eric Bledsoe (trade)/Jarret Jack/David West/Josh Smith/Iggy/Anderson Varejao (9mill + 2nd year is team option).

[SacKingZZZ]

You can't compare guys towards the back end of their career willing to take less money to win with a player yet to even really hit his prime. Same with a nutjob like JR Smith. There is a reason he never got a huge deal, at least as of yet, and it has mostly to do with what's between his ears. Regardless, Thornton is a player that has proven he can be a legit 20 ppg player in this league, take a gander and see what those types are making. He has takeover ability when needed, that's usually the thing that's missing on the crop of decent or middle of the pack SG's who can score. He's somewhere in between the top and the middle and at his pay rate, that's a steal if his post all star numbers are no fluke, which IMO they aren't.

Yeah, you are right (again! ). Thornton is really a premier reserve player factoring in his age, production/minutes and take-over ability.

I went to basketball-reference.com and looked at the scorers less than 30 min/game and at least attempting 4 3PT/game, the only players that come close with Thornton's production (and minutes range..big key here) were CJ Miles and Martell Webster (CJ Miles is the closest one).

CJ Miles had a very, very similar year as Thornton last season and is the same age as him. per 36, CJ Miles stacks up well with him too. That said, this was one of the few seasons (out of 8 seasons), Miles has had a solid year, while Thornton hasn't hit his ceiling and possibly we have not seen the best of him yet.

Thornton's contract is just fine (most likely a steal like you said).

Hahaha, bound to happen eventually.

[SacKingZZZ]

Heard on Cowbell Kingdom that the new ownership group would like to start out with coaching/management of the current players; in other words they don't want to make drastic moves to start if they aren't warranted.

I agree with this if it is true; this team is not that far away, they need direction. I don't know who they should hire but I think that will be the most important thing right now. I do believe the former NBA player head coach would be a good hire though. I think it would be good for Cousins and Reke and I've heard all the names: Avery Johnson, Nate McMillan & Byron Scott. These are all fine coaches but they all have had issues with players in their last stop and players talk, so maybe Vivek and crew need to think out of the box with this one, sorta like the Warriors did with Mark Jackson. 2 names comes to mind: Sam Cassell & Mario Ellie; it's a risk but I think it would be a good risk. Wish McHale was available.

Don't really have a thought on GMs but I do like what the Rockets have done, so maybe the Asst GM over there could work and of course someone from the Thunder or Spurs wouldn't hurt.

The way I see it Cousins, Reke, JT, & IT should stay regardless. Cousins is a player who could be the best at his position; you don't just give that up. Reke, if he continues to add to his game will be among the best at his position whether that is 1 or 2. JT, is a hard worker and produces when on the floor; it may not be sexy but it is effective but more importantly he is good for the community which is very important here right now.

Personnel moves I think will be contingent on where the Kings pick and who they pick for instance; if they were lucky and received either the 1 or 2 pick which undoubtedly would be either Noel or McLemore. If they picked a little lower; just guessing but I would have to think it would be Porter or Bennett.

And you look at FA and the Kings have options but If you draft Noel; I don't think you go after Josh Smith also or if you draft Porter or Bennett, you wouldn't go after Iggy or trade for Granger. You'd probably do a more subtle move and sign a Matt Barnes, Cisco or trade for Jared Dudley.

if the Kings were lucky enough to draft Noel. My next moves would be sign Reke, amnesty Salmons, let Johnson & Douglas walk, resign Aldrich, if the price is right

On to FAs, I would sign Collison, Cisco or CJ Miles & Shannon Brown or Wayne Ellington

I would trade with the Pacers; after the doctors clear Granger, Thornton, Fredette & lottery protected 1st for Granger

The Kings would then look like this

PG- Collison, IT
SG- Reke, Ellington
SF- Granger, Miles
PF- Noel, Patterson, JT
C- Cousins, JT, Hayes, Aldrich

I'll let you guys mull this plan over and then I'll post alternate plans later.

The changes don't have to be of the complete overhaul variety but they better do something. This team is full of shoot first ask questions later players. Just a shame if Petrie is shown the door really, the last trade he made was the one to balance the roster a little more which shows promise that the process was going to continue....maybe.

I like that roster, good balance but the frontcourt is still way to stacked and there can't be any realistic way the Kings can do all of those with the cap in play. Depends on how much Reke gets I guess. Cousins is due up next year and Granger would be a FA at the same time.

[VeeJay24]

Heard on Cowbell Kingdom that the new ownership group would like to start out with coaching/management of the current players; in other words they don't want to make drastic moves to start if they aren't warranted.

I agree with this if it is true; this team is not that far away, they need direction. I don't know who they should hire but I think that will be the most important thing right now. I do believe the former NBA player head coach would be a good hire though. I think it would be good for Cousins and Reke and I've heard all the names: Avery Johnson, Nate McMillan & Byron Scott. These are all fine coaches but they all have had issues with players in their last stop and players talk, so maybe Vivek and crew need to think out of the box with this one, sorta like the Warriors did with Mark Jackson. 2 names comes to mind: Sam Cassell & Mario Ellie; it's a risk but I think it would be a good risk. Wish McHale was available.

Don't really have a thought on GMs but I do like what the Rockets have done, so maybe the Asst GM over there could work and of course someone from the Thunder or Spurs wouldn't hurt.

The way I see it Cousins, Reke, JT, & IT should stay regardless. Cousins is a player who could be the best at his position; you don't just give that up. Reke, if he continues to add to his game will be among the best at his position whether that is 1 or 2. JT, is a hard worker and produces when on the floor; it may not be sexy but it is effective but more importantly he is good for the community which is very important here right now.

Personnel moves I think will be contingent on where the Kings pick and who they pick for instance; if they were lucky and received either the 1 or 2 pick which undoubtedly would be either Noel or McLemore. If they picked a little lower; just guessing but I would have to think it would be Porter or Bennett.

And you look at FA and the Kings have options but If you draft Noel; I don't think you go after Josh Smith also or if you draft Porter or Bennett, you wouldn't go after Iggy or trade for Granger. You'd probably do a more subtle move and sign a Matt Barnes, Cisco or trade for Jared Dudley.

if the Kings were lucky enough to draft Noel. My next moves would be sign Reke, amnesty Salmons, let Johnson & Douglas walk, resign Aldrich, if the price is right

On to FAs, I would sign Collison, Cisco or CJ Miles & Shannon Brown or Wayne Ellington

I would trade with the Pacers; after the doctors clear Granger, Thornton, Fredette & lottery protected 1st for Granger

The Kings would then look like this

PG- Collison, IT
SG- Reke, Ellington
SF- Granger, Miles
PF- Noel, Patterson, JT
C- Cousins, JT, Hayes, Aldrich

I'll let you guys mull this plan over and then I'll post alternate plans later.

The changes don't have to be of the complete overhaul variety but they better do something. This team is full of shoot first ask questions later players. Just a shame if Petrie is shown the door really, the last trade he made was the one to balance the roster a little more which shows promise that the process was going to continue....maybe.

I like that roster, good balance but the frontcourt is still way to stacked and there can't be any realistic way the Kings can do all of those with the cap in play. Depends on how much Reke gets I guess. Cousins is due up next year and Granger would be a FA at the same time.

It can be done especially if they get good deals on Collison & Miles. I figure Reke will come in around 11 mil. Amnestying Salmons, renouncing Douglas & Johnson and not picking up the option on Aldrich saves about 14 mil and remember if you trade for Granger you are sending out salary also and just for good measure I would add Outlaw to that deal which should about match Granger's salary dollar for dollar. Noel would only make what the rookie scale calls for which is around 5.1 mil. The fact that Granger expires is the extra incentive for trading for Granger; they could go in a different direction if they wanted but the roster I have assembled would no doubt challenge for a playoff spot.

Take a listen to this podcast from cowbellkingdom.com. I think they make some good points especially in regards to Cousins and Reke plus they explain the Kings flexibility with the cap.

http://www.cowbellkingdom.com/2013/05/0 ... gs-roster/

[SacKingZZZ]

Heard on Cowbell Kingdom that the new ownership group would like to start out with coaching/management of the current players; in other words they don't want to make drastic moves to start if they aren't warranted.

I agree with this if it is true; this team is not that far away, they need direction. I don't know who they should hire but I think that will be the most important thing right now. I do believe the former NBA player head coach would be a good hire though. I think it would be good for Cousins and Reke and I've heard all the names: Avery Johnson, Nate McMillan & Byron Scott. These are all fine coaches but they all have had issues with players in their last stop and players talk, so maybe Vivek and crew need to think out of the box with this one, sorta like the Warriors did with Mark Jackson. 2 names comes to mind: Sam Cassell & Mario Ellie; it's a risk but I think it would be a good risk. Wish McHale was available.

Don't really have a thought on GMs but I do like what the Rockets have done, so maybe the Asst GM over there could work and of course someone from the Thunder or Spurs wouldn't hurt.

The way I see it Cousins, Reke, JT, & IT should stay regardless. Cousins is a player who could be the best at his position; you don't just give that up. Reke, if he continues to add to his game will be among the best at his position whether that is 1 or 2. JT, is a hard worker and produces when on the floor; it may not be sexy but it is effective but more importantly he is good for the community which is very important here right now.

Personnel moves I think will be contingent on where the Kings pick and who they pick for instance; if they were lucky and received either the 1 or 2 pick which undoubtedly would be either Noel or McLemore. If they picked a little lower; just guessing but I would have to think it would be Porter or Bennett.

And you look at FA and the Kings have options but If you draft Noel; I don't think you go after Josh Smith also or if you draft Porter or Bennett, you wouldn't go after Iggy or trade for Granger. You'd probably do a more subtle move and sign a Matt Barnes, Cisco or trade for Jared Dudley.

if the Kings were lucky enough to draft Noel. My next moves would be sign Reke, amnesty Salmons, let Johnson & Douglas walk, resign Aldrich, if the price is right

On to FAs, I would sign Collison, Cisco or CJ Miles & Shannon Brown or Wayne Ellington

I would trade with the Pacers; after the doctors clear Granger, Thornton, Fredette & lottery protected 1st for Granger

The Kings would then look like this

PG- Collison, IT
SG- Reke, Ellington
SF- Granger, Miles
PF- Noel, Patterson, JT
C- Cousins, JT, Hayes, Aldrich

I'll let you guys mull this plan over and then I'll post alternate plans later.

The changes don't have to be of the complete overhaul variety but they better do something. This team is full of shoot first ask questions later players. Just a shame if Petrie is shown the door really, the last trade he made was the one to balance the roster a little more which shows promise that the process was going to continue....maybe.

I like that roster, good balance but the frontcourt is still way to stacked and there can't be any realistic way the Kings can do all of those with the cap in play. Depends on how much Reke gets I guess. Cousins is due up next year and Granger would be a FA at the same time.

It can be done especially if they get good deals on Collison & Miles. I figure Reke will come in around 11 mil. Amnestying Salmons, renouncing Douglas & Johnson and not picking up the option on Aldrich saves about 14 mil and remember if you trade for Granger you are sending out salary also and just for good measure I would add Outlaw to that deal which should about match Granger's salary dollar for dollar. Noel would only make what the rookie scale calls for which is around 5.1 mil. The fact that Granger expires is the extra incentive for trading for Granger; they could go in a different direction if they wanted but the roster I have assembled would no doubt challenge for a playoff spot.

Take a listen to this podcast from cowbellkingdom.com. I think they make some good points especially in regards to Cousins and Reke plus they explain the Kings flexibility with the cap.

http://www.cowbellkingdom.com/2013/05/0 ... gs-roster/

Granger expiring as a means of making it work financially is the scary part. As constructed he's your #2 guy, you can't look at him as a stop gap. I think it might take a little more than that to get him and I can't see the Pacers taking on Outlaw. Wonder if Jason Thompson or Chuck Hayes would interest them as a part of that package if West bails? That could solve a lot of the problems right there in terms of long term salary.

[VeeJay24]

The changes don't have to be of the complete overhaul variety but they better do something. This team is full of shoot first ask questions later players. Just a shame if Petrie is shown the door really, the last trade he made was the one to balance the roster a little more which shows promise that the process was going to continue....maybe.

I like that roster, good balance but the frontcourt is still way to stacked and there can't be any realistic way the Kings can do all of those with the cap in play. Depends on how much Reke gets I guess. Cousins is due up next year and Granger would be a FA at the same time.

It can be done especially if they get good deals on Collison & Miles. I figure Reke will come in around 11 mil. Amnestying Salmons, renouncing Douglas & Johnson and not picking up the option on Aldrich saves about 14 mil and remember if you trade for Granger you are sending out salary also and just for good measure I would add Outlaw to that deal which should about match Granger's salary dollar for dollar. Noel would only make what the rookie scale calls for which is around 5.1 mil. The fact that Granger expires is the extra incentive for trading for Granger; they could go in a different direction if they wanted but the roster I have assembled would no doubt challenge for a playoff spot.

Take a listen to this podcast from cowbellkingdom.com. I think they make some good points especially in regards to Cousins and Reke plus they explain the Kings flexibility with the cap.

http://www.cowbellkingdom.com/2013/05/0 ... gs-roster/

Granger expiring as a means of making it work financially is the scary part. As constructed he's your #2 guy, you can't look at him as a stop gap. I think it might take a little more than that to get him and I can't see the Pacers taking on Outlaw. Wonder if Jason Thompson or Chuck Hayes would interest them as a part of that package if West bails? That could solve a lot of the problems right there in terms of long term salary.

Not saying that as a means to make it work financially; just saying if they feel they can do better or want to go in a different direction. I think we are on the same page, basically. I just think they should start out the season with both JT & Hayes if possible; they can still move either later in the season. That said, I'm not saying that they have to keep both, just that I would like too; if they had to move them, then fine. I just think they both have valuable things to offer the team. What I like most about my roster is getting Collison & Miles which strengthens the starting line up and the bench.

[boogie-reke]

I wouldn't say no changes at all - but minor changes is indeed better to see what we actually got.

It's not surprise that quite a few of the players who move out of our teams end up contributing elsewhere - we have the talent, we just need to start helping it make sense with minor adjustments and a proper coaching staff and management that can implement a healthy working environment that can put our guys on the right track, and boost the player development of the guys we currently have.

[SacKingZZZ]

It can be done especially if they get good deals on Collison & Miles. I figure Reke will come in around 11 mil. Amnestying Salmons, renouncing Douglas & Johnson and not picking up the option on Aldrich saves about 14 mil and remember if you trade for Granger you are sending out salary also and just for good measure I would add Outlaw to that deal which should about match Granger's salary dollar for dollar. Noel would only make what the rookie scale calls for which is around 5.1 mil. The fact that Granger expires is the extra incentive for trading for Granger; they could go in a different direction if they wanted but the roster I have assembled would no doubt challenge for a playoff spot.

Take a listen to this podcast from cowbellkingdom.com. I think they make some good points especially in regards to Cousins and Reke plus they explain the Kings flexibility with the cap.

http://www.cowbellkingdom.com/2013/05/0 ... gs-roster/

Granger expiring as a means of making it work financially is the scary part. As constructed he's your #2 guy, you can't look at him as a stop gap. I think it might take a little more than that to get him and I can't see the Pacers taking on Outlaw. Wonder if Jason Thompson or Chuck Hayes would interest them as a part of that package if West bails? That could solve a lot of the problems right there in terms of long term salary.

Not saying that as a means to make it work financially; just saying if they feel they can do better or want to go in a different direction. I think we are on the same page, basically. I just think they should start out the season with both JT & Hayes if possible; they can still move either later in the season. That said, I'm not saying that they have to keep both, just that I would like too; if they had to move them, then fine. I just think they both have valuable things to offer the team. What I like most about my roster is getting Collison & Miles which strengthens the starting line up and the bench.

Maybe Hayes if Adelman or the Rox are still interested. JT, no way. Not if he's buried. He gets buried in the rotation, or even gets shaky minutes, and he's the Kings brand spanking new Kenny "K9" Thomas. The same thing that happened to Hickson and Robinson would happen to him, only worse because he's on a long term deal. Specialists like Hayes are one thing, middle of the pack production players that get buried are toast.

[bibby1023]

Starting to hope we retool this roster so much that we allow our rookie (whoever we have) to have a chance at winning rookie of the year. The award isn't what matters, if our rookie performs that well, that means we didn't have a great season and we have a very good chance at landing Wiggins or Parker in the 2014 draft. I know it's far away, but how awesome would it be to have new owners, new coach, new arena, as well as a center piece like Wiggins to allow our new gm (or Petrie) to build around...Sorry just day dreaming here.

[VeeJay24]

Starting to hope we retool this roster so much that we allow our rookie (whoever we have) to have a chance at winning rookie of the year. The award isn't what matters, if our rookie performs that well, that means we didn't have a great season and we have a very good chance at landing Wiggins or Parker in the 2014 draft. I know it's far away, but how awesome would it be to have new owners, new coach, new arena, as well as a center piece like Wiggins to allow our new gm (or Petrie) to build around...Sorry just day dreaming here.

That's fool's gold; no guarantee that you win the lottery, they have the prospects of a very good roster, it just has to be molded and coached properly.

[VeeJay24]

and another thing..........


No thanks to Stan Van Gundy; don't see him as good fit with Cousins, his sky is always falling, panic creating style doesn't lend to Cousins demeanor I think.

[ICMTM]

I would like to see DMC and Reke on the same page. If that can happen we will be successful almost overnight.

[Cruel_Ruin]

We should be building around Reke and Cousins like we should have done from the beginning.

Hire a coach with a pulse
Trade Thornton for Marvin Williams
Draft Otto Porter with #6
Resign Reke, Douglas and Aldrich

IT/Douglas
Reke/Salmons
Williams/Porter
Patterson/Thompson
Cousins/Aldrich

See how it goes, and re-evaluate who fits and who doesn't next year.

[boogie-reke]

I think the most important part here, is the coach we hire - and the most important part about the coach we hire, is his ability to build a proper defensive scheme that could lift us to the be an above average defensive team starting next year, and slowly move into the top 10 as time goes by.

The other thing are gravy, but that's the main dish.

[Wolfay]

So Jerry Sloan is no longer interested in the Bucks job. Maybe he sees a better opportunity in Sacramento? I feel like we have more talent than they do, and our ownership situation is about to skyrocket. He also seems to be attracted to small markets with a tight community that's loyal to their team, and that's certainly Sacramento. He has a few downsides like his notorious stubbornness, but he's also a Hall of Famer and only had like 3 losing seasons in a 20+ year coaching career. He's more than worth a look.