August News and Rumors

Well, the wait for the season opener is slowly making its way to an end...thank goodness! August has been a pretty quiet month as far as moves goes.

Let me start off with the bad news...Tyreke Evans received a one game suspension from the league for his off court issues back in May. We all know what that was and know that I am not discussing it again. The silver lining to this is, our first game is against the Timberwolves who have landed themselves at or near the top of the "worst teams" lists published by numerous sources.

Better news: I have read numerous articles from different sources. Some of these articles are publishing their lists of the worst teams for next season. The Kings are nowhere to be found on these lists! YAY! The Top 150 Fantasy Value Player List held 5 current Kings players including rookie DeMarcus Cousins who has yet to play an official NBA game. Then there is the top 50 players article recently read, only one player landed on this list reigning Rookie of the Year, Tyreke Evans. The Kings are anticipated by many to be in playoff contention as early as this season!

Rumors: Now we all know that rumors are just that...but one that seems to have a little bit of weight is that of the potential trade with Denver Nuggets to acquire Carmelo Anthony. By weight I mean that it's technically possible and not a rumor like I am suiting up for the Kings next year. The Kings have been reported as one of the top three teams that the Nuggets (Not necessarily Anthony) are willing to deal with when it comes to trading Anthony. Now, the Kings would have to secure an extension prior to any possible trade being done for Anthony as his contract would expire after this season and we will be out a super star and a handful of young assets that are no doubt fan favorites. To make this deal even hypothetically happen, Anthony has to agree to an extension, how long no one knows, but one would have to believe it would only be worth it for a multi-year extension of 3-5 years. The Kings would have to give up the young pieces that we are so fond of. The key to the future of the Kings is this young up and coming lineup that is being created. It is also possible that the Kings could bundle expiring contracts of Dalembert and Landry along with some young players, future draft picks, and/or cash options for Anthony.

While picking up an All Star like Anthony is what Kings fans have been itching for, for years now, seems like a great idea, it makes me nervous. I am what I would refer to as a "nervous sports fan". I have a vested interest that goes beyond just knowing the sport and who is on the roster. I live for basketball season. I become attached to players and when they get packaged off for new ones, no matter who the new guys are, it still stings a little bit. Every year come off seasons, and trade deadlines I find myself holding my breath waiting for deadlines to pass, keeping my fingers crossed that I won't lose my favorite player in the swaps. I am worried about what players could possibly be lost if this trade were to go down! Either way, "In Petrie We Trust" right?

Trades, Drafts, Free Agency OH MY!

There is no denying that these past few weeks talks of Lebron and the rest of the all star free agency have subsided, if only for a little while. With all the coaching changes happening in the east and with the amazing play of the highly underestimated Celtics (yes they've knocked out #1 and #2 seeds in the east and are looking to knock out #1 in the west making that 3 top teams in the NBA) it's easy to overlook the smaller teams and what is happening within. So here is a bit on what I "know" on the Kings and what's going down in Sac Town!

Noc Out as King:

Multiple sources are reporting that Kings' forward Andres Nocioni wants out! He's not shy about it either. This isn't the first time this season we've heard this statement either. It was reported that he wanted out before the trade deadline in February because he felt he wasn't part of the core going forward. The Kings are reportedly in discussion to shop Nocioni for another player. I say great! Give me a player that wants to be in Sacramento. I don't want anyone here who doesn't want to be here!

Return of One Time Fan Favorite Hedo Turkoglu?

It's been said that Hedo wants to return to the team he first called home in the NBA. After departing from Sacramento after the 2002-03 season, Hedo has played for three teams: San Antonio, Orlando, and Toronto. He continued to flourish while in Orlando and he became the player that the Kings began shaping in 2000. Here's my concern, he wanted to go to Toronto, but shortly after arriving it went down hill. He got hit with the party tag and there is just bad blood swirling around the whole situation in Toronto. Maybe the cold weather didn't suit him? I don't know, but if he wants to come back to Sacramento, and if we take him back, don't screw it up Hedo! Be here and be the player you were while you were here and in Orlando. Don't screw us over and let our fans down like you did Toronto's.

Kings Look to Build a "Royal Family":

With multiple teams looking to trade up in the draft, the Kings have come into conversations in the sports blogosphere to be a likely candidate to give up their 5th pick for a proven player. Rumor is that Tayshaun Prince would be a possible from the Pistons should the Kings want to give up the #5 pick. Price would be a great addition to the young squad. He brings experience, leadership, and proven talent to the Kings.

Draft Possibles:

My favorite, and has been since day one, YES even if we had gotten the #1 pick, Demarcus Cousins! Cousins had a work out in Sacramento on Saturday, and from all reports he had a great work out. With all comments being positive, accept that of Sacramento Bee writer Aileen Voision about his body fat percentage and his belly, he's still my #1 man...or would it be #5? I don't know! Favors also worked out with the Kings on Saturday. The two are the top big men in the draft and could both be unavailable come time to select at #5, but the general consensus on mock drafts is that Cousins will go to the Kings.

Only time will tell what is going to happen next Thursday, but there's one thing I know for sure; I as well as hundreds of other Kings fans will be on hand at ARCO Arena for the Draft Party! We rocked downtown for the Greatest Draft Lottery party last month, and this is bound to be just as if not more exciting than that! This is a MUST ATTEND and MUST RSVP event! Without an RSVP you can't get a ticket to get in!! So get your RSVP on! Visit http://www.nba.com/kings/news/kings_draft_party2010.html to get your tickets today! Event doors open at 3:30 pm and the event will start at 4:00 pm. Special guests are scheduled to appear! The best part is....Attendees will receive a voucher for a free ticket to one regular season game in the 2010-2011 season!