Cousins-Westphal combo needs Divorce Court

Jan. 2, 2012

If Kings coach Paul Westphal and his young center DeMarcus Cousins were married, it would be time for a divorce.

Since they aren't married, maybe it's time for Cousins to be traded or Westphal to go - or both.

Better players than Cousins have been traded and better coaches than Westphal have been fired.

Clearly the grounds exist for a quick separation on the grounds of irreconcilable differences.

Even Rodney King would agree, "We all can't get along."

It's one thing to be in love with each other, but that doesn't mean you can live comfortably with each other.

They've each basically accused each other of lying. Westphal said, in an unusual press release, that Cousins twice demanded to be traded. Cousins denies that.

I found it interesting that the coach used the word, 'demanded', as opposed to 'requested' or 'asked.'

Westphal knew that particular word usage would put Cousins, 21, in a terrible light. Now, if Westphal was being direct and accurate in his assessment of what Cousins said, so be it.

Westphal says Cousins first said he wanted to be traded on Dec. 24. That day there should have been a meeting between management, Westphal, Cousins and his agent, John Greig.

That's before the season's first game.

I've been covering the NBA since 1978, 12 years before Cousins was born and six years after Westphal's rookie season with the Boston Celtics.

I've seen two players (together) on a championship-contending team walk, not knowing a reporter was there, into a coach's office after a game and tell him they wanted to be traded to his team.

Granted, the times of today have changed over the years. The NBA is comprised of much younger and lesser-prepared players.

Cousins is legally an adult, but two years ago, homeboy was in high school. In terms of being capable of merging his physical and mental components, I dont' see it, yet. Nor should he be, considering his basketball inexperience.

He's got to learn his craft during on-the-job training. And there is no way I believe Westphal knew what he really was in for when the Kings decided to draft Cousins.

Cousins' inability to get along with some authority figures in high school, one year of college and one year of NBA action have been well-documented.

Yet, Westphal has his own history with stubborn, forceful and talented performers as Gary Payton and former Kings guard Vernon Maxwell.

During the past few days, it has been suggested the coach may be incapable of mentally reaching these young players of today.

If that's true, it wouldn't be the first time. And not just for Westphal.

Sometimes I feel incapable of truly reaching my son, two months younger and 14 inches shorter than Cousins.

Kings President Geoff Petrie said Tuesday he wouldn't truly divulge every one of his thoughts when it was suggested the best move for all would be divorce court.

"If I was to believe that or say that...," he said, "what we're trying to do is put this thing together and make it work."

Greig, of course, is supportive of his client and said Tuesday Cousins has been unfairly singled out.

The situation that led to Cousins missing Sunday evening's victory over New Orleans began after Saturday night's loss to the New York Knicks. The agent said Westphal called Cousins 'selfish' and said he was the team's problem.

Clearly, Cousins is a problem, not 'the' problem.

Cousins later went into the coach's office, Greig said, and asked Westphal why he singled him out.

Greig said Westphal told Cousins, "I don't have time to talk to you about this."

If all this is true, it speaks to why these two need to be separated permanently.

And a Happy New Year to you.

Kings always have one up their sleeves

The 2010 version of the Sacramento Kings is setting up to be quite interesting.

And it is just 15 games into the 82-game regular season. Already, the Kings have had major defensive, offensive and on-court chemistry issues.

Word is they’ve got a bunch of young talents, who are not showing an inclination to listen to the coaching staff or showing a collective dedication to hard work.

Until there is an acquisition of those two required traits, it will be difficult for the Kings (4-11) to maximize their strengths.

They’ve got 10 losses in their past 11 games entering tonight’s home game against the Indiana Pacers as an example of what not to do.

Other teams are experiencing problems of a similar nature to those of Sacramento. Consider the Miami Heat, a team many believed capable of contending for an NBA title this season after the free-agent signings of LeBron James and Chris Bosh and the re-signing of Dwayne Wade.

The Heat’s problems aren’t exactly like Sacramento’s, yet attempting to mesh its considerable talent into a consistent force is very much akin to what is going on here.

Tyreke Evans, last season’s Rookie of the Year, is struggling. Of all the problems one would have imagined, Evans having difficulty scoring was not one.

Yet, that’s been a major problem early into his second pro season.

First-round draft choice, DeMarcus Cousins, was tossed from practice Monday afternoon, reportedly for running his mouth to the coaching staff. Like Evans, Cousins has had problems scoring and is shooting just 38 percent from the field.

It’s likely these players are experiencing these difficulties for the first times in their lives.

The Kings are coming off a weekend home loss to the Chicago Bulls that displayed their season in a microcosm. Sacramento was superb during the first half while establishing a 57-44 lead.

The Kings held a 71-57 advantage with 3:23 left in the third before their game disintegrated into basketball mush.

Then their fourth-quarter performance was so putrid it had to be seen to be believed.

Sacramento made just three of 21 field-goal attempts, committed eight turnovers and was outscored, 27 to nine.

That nine-point mention is not a typographic error. The Kings scored nine points during 12 minutes despite having 29 possessions.

Coach Paul Westphal still is attempting to find the right combination of players to invest in basics. Moving the ball to the open man, covering for teammates defensively and following the team’s principles would be an excellent beginning.

No one is expecting the Kings to consistently perform at a playoff level. Yet, the Kings clearly can play better than they have.

Antoine Wright was waived Monday and Hasaan Whiteside was sent to the NBDL to play with Reno.

Kings president Geoff Petrie said the team doesn’t plan to add any more players in the short term.

“We’ve got to find a way of playing better together,” Petrie said Monday. “We’ve got to generate a more consistent offense.”

There is another one of those basics the Kings must adopt.

Kings roster makeup is fluid - D-Block may have a shot

The best laid plans of mice and Sacramento Kings coach Paul Westphal have gone astray.

Certainly, the coach and front-office had an image entering training camp of what they wanted their team to look like when it opens its regular season Oct. 27 in Minneapolis.

Center Samuel Dalembert’s left adductor strain has come as a huge surprise as did the diagnosis this week that he’ll likely miss four to six weeks. The guy had played every game in each of the past four seasons.

However, he’d been a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, not the Kings. And as former Sacramento Bee colleague R.E. Graswich mused, there is that concept of Arco Arena being built on ‘Indian burial grounds.’

Dalembert didn’t make it to the preseason before sustaining his injury. The seven-footer was expected to contribute a badly-needed defensive and rebounding presence in the lane.

However, currently it appears first-round draft choice DeMarcus Cousins appears to be the man in the middle with Jason Thompson and perhaps Darnell Jackson seeing time in reserve.

Kings President Geoff Petrie said Friday morning his team likely will not keep the maximum of 15 players.

“It’ll be difficult for us to keep more than 14 given the design driven by necessity,” Petrie said in his inimitable way.

Translation: The Kings aren’t paying for a 15th roster man who likely wouldn’t see a lot, if any, playing time. And there is no guarantee the Kings will keep 14.

Jackson could be the benefactor of injuries that have sidelined Dalembert and second-round pick Hassan Whiteside.

All concerned indicate Jackson has been impressive.

“He’s been very consistent day-to-day,” Petrie said of Jackson, who has played with Cleveland and Milwaukee since attending the University of Kansas. “He’s obviously been well coached. He’s another guy who hasn’t had much of an opportunity. So other than your draft preparation, it’s been hard to get a read on him. But he’s a man in there.”

Jackson’s new teammates enjoy playing with him.

Francisco Garcia says Jackson is more fun to play with than against.

“He goes hard all day, everyday,” Garcia said of Jackson. “He’s just a beast. That’s why we call him ‘D-Block’ because he plays defense on that block. He’s a good teammate, too. He’s always looking out for you. He’ll have your back on and the court.”

At that point, Cousins walked by on his way out of the locker room and Garcia was asked if that’s who banged against Jackson.

“He doesn’t want to bang with D-Block,” Garcia said of the rookie. “Nobody wants to bang with D-Block. (Cousins) doesn’t want any of that.”

The Kings acquired Jackson and a second-round draft choice from Milwaukee July 21 for Jon Brockman.

Jackson was claimed on waivers March 25 by Milwaukee from Cleveland. Bucks General Manager John Hammond spoke highly of Jackson’s work ethic. That’s somewhat unusual for an executive to be so effervescent in the praise of a player just traded.

Jackson, who is listed at 253 pounds, said he weighed 290 pounds when he joined Milwaukee. He credits the Bucks’ staff from head coach Scott Skiles on down for helping him regain focus.

“I know what my role is,” Jackson said this week. “I’m not going to go out and jack up 10 shots in the first quarter. My job is to play defense and if I’m open, knock down that jumper, because I can make that shot. I need to try to get my teammates extra possessions.

“When I first got (to Milwaukee), I was like, 290 (pounds). Coach Skiles, coach (Adrian Griffin), coach (Bill Peterson) and coach (Joe) Wolf had me in their facility every day.

“The biggest thing I have taken from there from coach Griffin and coach BP is I have to stand in a defensive stance every time. I have to move my feet and coach BP used to always tell me I have to master the little things.

“So when I’m out there on the court, I’m not worrying about getting a shot off. I’m thinking about stances, and sliding my feet, blocking out, showing on the screen and running the floor hard every time. They helped me develop my game there.

“I like to win, so I’m going to do the things that help the team win. I’m just trying master the small things. I don’t need highlights. My job is just to play hard every time.”

Jackson sounds like a keeper as does Luther Head, a young veteran guard. Like Jackson, Head is trying to make the team. Neither has a guaranteed contract.

The Kings have a need for perimeter shooting and Head’s lowest three-point shooting percentage in five NBA seasons is 35.1 with a high of 44.1 percent in 2006-07 with Houston.

Head has been solid with the Kings and Westphal has delivered strong reviews.

“Luther has played well,” the coach said. “He’s been a pro.”

Said Petrie of Head, “He’s been productive off the ball and he has a history of making shots.”

Head said he’s establishing a comfort level.

“I’m starting to get comfortable with everything,” said Head, who’ll turn 28 Nov. 26. “I’m getting comfortable with the team, the offense and with myself. I’m just playing. A couple of years ago, it might have been different. But now, I just play. I’m not thinking about not being on the team. I’m on the team. I’m in the game. So just play.”

That’s what the Kings are attempting to do – just play – and they’d like to do it with as much good health as they can acquire.

Donte Greene and Kings have much to prove

Say what you will regarding Tyreke Evans, last season's NBA Rookie of the Year, and 2010 first-round draft choice DeMarcus Cousins.

The Kings are third-year small forward Donte Greene.

Greene is a physical specimen at 6-foot-11, 251 pounds. He's 22 years old, can jump out of the gym and possesses the agility and foot speed to at least deter the offensive prowess of Los Angeles Lakers' star Kobe Bryant.

Greene has the potential to one day grow into one of the NBA's best players just as the Kings this season have the capability to grow into one of the league's most improved squads.

However, for both Greene and the Kings, wanting to do it and doing it are completely different animals.

Folks, we're talking Yorkshire Terriers and Gorillas.

Greene is entering his third NBA season and is contending with Omri Casspi for the team's starting small forward position. Establishing consistency in shooting, rebounding, decision-making and playing solid defense will be the keys to winning the battle with Omri Casspi.

Greene certainly would like to establish himself as the team's starter, yet he says filling the team's needs for role players is what he's about.

"A lot of guys can’t accept their role," he said. "With me being traded here (from Houston in August 2008) and really not knowing what to expect and last year being my first year playing, I came out and wanted to be a defensive guy.

"I knew we needed a defensive guy – especially after John Salmons got traded in my rookie year – I tried to fill that role. Scoring, I have my nights, but mostly I was just worrying about defending."

Greene started 50 games last season and played small forward, power forward and shooting guard.

Since the Kings have re-arranged their frontline with the additions of Samuel Dalembert, Cousins and fellow rookie Hassan Whiteside, Greene likely will see more playing opportunities at small forward and shooting guard.

There are match ups that could play out where his quickness and agility could prove valuable at power forward.

Greene's 251 pounds mark quite a change from the 215 to 220 pounds at which he began his NBA career. He said he put on 15 pounds during the off-season by eating and lifting weight.

" I loved (playing four)," Greene said. "I was looking forward to it (again this season). KG (Kevin Garnett) talked trash to me last year. Amare (Stoudamire) talked trash to me. I was going to have something for them, but what ever it takes to get on the floor. (I'll play) 1-2-3-4-5 ... it doesn’t matter."

The spirit is appreciated, but seeing Greene at point guard is not something to which I look forward.

As a starter last season, Greene shot 43.5 percent overall from the field and 36.5 percent from three-point range. Both those marks should improve with a higher comfort level that comes from experience.

Greene is too good a shooter to repeat 64 percent from the free-throw line and he should accept nothing lower than 75 percent. His improvement will come through increased concentration and focus. Those factors often are the most difficult for young players to grasp.

Not much is expected nationally of the Kings or Greene. Like Denver's Carmelo Anthony, who has been the subject of many recent trade rumors, Greene hails from Baltimore after being born in Munich, Germany and spending some of his childhood in Japan.

Greene was asked what he knew about those 'Melo rumors and what it would be like for his friend to become a teammate.

Greene smiled and joked (I think), "If 'Melo comes here, send me to Denver. With him and Tyreke, it would be a wrap here."

Yes, the opportunities to score surely would be diminished, but since Greene freely believes he can become a role player, that scenario might not be all bad.

Petrie without a plan?

Kings President Geoff Petrie said he hadn't read a recent ESPN assessment that noted he nor the Kings had a plan for development.

Personally, it's difficult for me to believe Petrie had not read the analysis, but I guess it's possible.

However, he unveiled his sharp tongue when responding to the attack.

"We still go into the season with a tremendous amount of salary cap room and all our future picks and all that. So there’s always the potential to be involved in things other teams are trying to do."

Said Petrie with an ultimate sarcasm, "I’ve always been a plan-less guy. Sometimes you have to consider the source."

Over the past 18 years, I venture to guess no media member has spoken with Petrie more than I. No wonder he looked me dead in my face while issuing the 'plan-less guy' comment.

Petrie always has plans. They haven't always worked, but he's got a drawer full of them.

Said Petrie regarding the team's unsuccessful quest to nail down a new arena, "I'm not really the guy to ask about that. It’s clear that Arco (Arena) is getting near the end of its useful life and at some point, the community and the city and the team need a new facility."

Kings getting ready to line up

The Sacramento Kings, like all NBA teams, are attempting to finalize their training camp roster.

According to Kings President Geoff Petrie, the Kings have 18 commitments for the start of camp Sept. 28, preceded one day earlier by media day.

"We have 18 committed and we may add one or two more before camp starts," Petrie said Tuesday afternoon. "We're still two weeks away and there's always the possibility that someone could go to Europe or elsewhere."

Elsewhere has become a major option for players over the past 15-20 years. Back in the day, there weren't options of going to play all over the world.

Now, it's nothing for a player to take guaranteed money in Italy or Lithuania or Japan or China or Australia over the non-guaranteed opportunity to make an NBA team.

So far, the Kings expect the usual suspects - Tyreke Evans, Beno Udrih, Francisco Garcia, Samuel Dalembert, DeMarcus Cousins, Omri Casspi, Hasaan Whiteside, Jason Thompson, Carl Landry, Donte Greene, Pooh Jeter and Antoine Wright.

Then there are the hopefuls - Darnell Jackson, Donald Sloan, Luther Head, Joe Crawford, J.R. Giddens and Connor Atchley.

Any of the hopefuls could be swayed by guaranteed loot elsewhere. However, Head, Crawford and Giddens likely will see openings with the Kings for anyone who consistently can make perimeter shots.

Petrie estimates, "close to 30 percent of the league's players are from other countries."

That's an amazing change from 25 years ago when the number of NBA international players was in single-digits.

Bush to surrender his 2005 Heisman Trophy

New Orleans Saints and former USC running back Reggie Bush is taking a hit for a whole lot of people.

Bush announced Tuesday he will return the 2005 Heisman Trophy he won following reports he and his family received hundreds of thousands of improper benefits while playing at USC.

Bush's family reportedly lived rent-free in a home and received substantial cash gifts from two different agent groups positioning themselves to represent him in the NFL.

Bush, 25, was 20 years old in 2005. Since he's opted to return the Trophy, in my eyes, he's admitted wrongdoing of some extent.

However, clearly the adults (i.e., parents, any advisers, agents Mike Ornstein, Michael Michaels and Lloyd Lake) also were at fault in a major way and were at least as responsible for the chicanery.

I'd love to hear from Bush's parents about what they did. I'd love for Ornstein, Michaels and Lake to come clean about their parts in the entire deal.

Plane tickets, free hotel stays and cash would seem highly difficult to bypass, especially for a 20-year-old.

In a related thought, I'd still have the Trophy if I was Reggie. Five years later, they are coming to get it? C'mon now.

Just a thought. Had Reggie Bush been in a car accident and died, would the Heisman folk still have wanted their Trophy returned? As my son and sister say, I'm just saying.

Five years? Come now. What's up with that?

The Barry Bonds trial should be something special at this rate.

'Melo to the Kings? Of course, if possible

Talking trade reports with Sacramento Kings President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie always is a little dicey.

Actually, it's usually an exercise in frustration because Petrie usually gives up less information than love from your pops after a bad report card. He did say he's been on a bit of vacation and merely monitoring life via e-mail.

However, since folks have been writing and talking about the merits of pursuing Denver Nuggets all-star forward Carmelo Anthony, I figured I'd weigh in.

Of course, the Kings should attempt to acquire Anthony.

Even according to Petrie, Anthony is one of the NBA's top 15 players. I'd put him among the top 10 and I'm not a huge 'Melo fan. He's a bit of a gunner and he'll not win any defensive player of the year awards.

Yet, as a scorer (still a fairly important quality in this game), the boy is about as competent and versatile as there is. Anthony has a lethal mid-range game and at 6-foot-8, can score inside and out.

No one on the Kings has established themselves as a consistent producer, so to add a player of Anthony's ilk would be a no-brainer.

Of course, you don't give up respected unless it's possible to ensure you can lock up Anthony and build around him. However, Tyreke Evans, Anthony and DeMarcus Cousins is a trio around which I can work.

Anthony is the oldest at 26 and his acquisition, if pulled off quickly, immediately would make the Kings a playoff contender. They'd be a team few would want to play.

No doubt, a trade of such magnitude would be tough to make happen, much less quickly.

Now, there are all types of factors to be considered, but some would answer themselves.

Anthony, whom I've yet to be heard from, reportedly wants to be traded to New York. ... Or Houston. Whatever. Anthony's unspoken words have come through the failure to sign a three-year/$65 million extension.

That seems to indicate he no longer wants to play in Denver, unless the kid has mental issues of which I've never heard. Bypassing $65 million for three years at age 26 almost makes me want to question his sanity, particularly entering a season after which a lockout, in my opinion, surely is to follow.

Following the lockout, it's conceivable new rules under a new Collective Bargaining Agreement could prevent a similar offer.

But what does Anthony want? Is it a title? Does he want to help hook up his wife, La La's career? Which is the priority?

If he's all in on a title, then the Kings should be all in on acquiring him. If not, then make sure that real cap room is spent on a player dedicated and committed to winning.

Meanwhile, the Kings are expecting most of their players in town around Sept. 15. Petrie said second-round pick Hasaan Whiteside has been working with assistant coach Shareef Abdur-Rahim at the team's practice facility while first-round choice DeMarcus Cousins has been working out in Mobile, Al. and now in Washington, D.C.

"So there is some surveillance going on," Petrie said with a laugh.

• The NFL is back and few things are sweeter

College football is all right, but there's nothing better than the NFL.

Things are on the uptick in the San Francisco Bay Area with the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders.

Imagine that, the Raiders legitimately have a shot at a wild-card berth with luck and good health. As much I've liked Jason Campbell since his days at Auburn, I'm also down with backup Bruce Gradkowski.

As for that offensive line and head coach Tom Cable, there are the places of uncertainty. If the line can protect and the wideouts catch passes, it'll be up to Cable to prove he can lead.

Leadership is no problem for Niners coach Mike Singletary. He's the man and everyone knows it. Singletary's squad has a great chance to win the NFC West and that's should be the goal. The Niners need to protect QB Alex Smith. I say Smith will be just fine.

The Niners finished 8-8 and lost three games by four points or less last season.

However, seeing as I'm and Giants/Jets fan, the major concerns are lines with the Giants and QB Mark Sanchez with the Jets. His inexperience is glaring. If the Jets can run the ball, they'll be fine. However, there's no track record of Sanchez being able to pass and lead the Jets to victory under duress.

As for holdout cornerback Darelle Revis, the Jets need to give up the cash. They made their bed by consistently calling him the best cornerback in the league. So pay the man.

For all the ridiculousness that has been the Minnesota Vikings and Brett Favre, they did get their man into camp. That's the bottom line.

Kings sign Cousins' high-school coach

The Sacramento Kings announced Thursday evening they added an assistant coach, Otis Hughley.

Hughley was DeMarcus Cousins' head coach at LeFlore High School in Mobile, Al.

No way that is mere coincidence. The Kings billed it as a replacement for Bryan Gates, but it's difficult to imagine Hughley would be on board if Cousins were not.

Kings President Geoff Petrie acknowledged Hughley's previously established comfort level with Cousins played a role in the hiring.

"We brought him to Las Vegas for the summer league," Petrie said, "and he had a chance to sit and talk with Paul (Westphal). He's had a lot of success at the levels on which he's worked and obviously he's had a relationship with DeMarcus.

"We'd talked to DeMarcus' mother and she said he'd been a positive influence on DeMarcus. (Hughley) worked well at summer league with the rest of the coaching staff, so we thought it would be a good idea to bring him in. It was a good opportunity for us and him, too. He'd spoken to others in the league about moving to this level."

Hughley's hiring is a sign the Kings are trying to do whatever they can to ease Cousins' transition to the pro game.

Shoot, John Calipari didn't even make this move at Kentucky.

Hughley clearly was hired to help Westphal deal with Cousins and that's not a bad thing, although it does make one think.

Wow, the kid got his own coach after six summer-league games. What's the plan for mid-January?

We joke because we're half-serious. The initial reaction was the Kings think Hughley can help with Cousins. If that's the case, that's all good.

Anything the organization can do to help this kid flourish should be done.

However, there are the secondary thoughts the Kings were scared by Cousins' actions during summer league. Perhaps Westphal immediately recognized he was incapable of dealing with the talented rookie.

It's not as if Hughley comes with no credentials. He worked more than 10 years at Pete Newell's Big Man Camp and if Cousins' advanced footwork is any indication of Hughley's teaching skills, he needs no further resume updates.

Hughley also coached at Wright State (Ohio), Liberty (Va.) and Southern (La.) before spending the past seven years at LeFlore.

This is an unconventional move for Petrie's Kings, but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing.

Just like everything Kings these days, we must wait and see.

Kings add Wright and Jeter

It was late Thursday night when Kings President Geoff Petrie's words continued bouncing around my head.

'Pretty close to adding a couple of guards,' was how Petrie described the Kings situation.

That's Petrie-ese for having a deal done, but he's not discussing it until it is done.

The Kings signed swingman Antoine Wright and point guard Pooh Jeter Friday morning to hopefully bolster their backcourt.

Will it work? That will be an unanswered question until the fall. Jeter is an extremely quick, 5-foot-11 lead-guard capable of pushing the ball and increasing game tempo.

Moreover, since Jeter played with the Kings in the 2007 Summer League, he appears to have acquired a consistent perimeter shot. Combined with his speed and quickness, that could make him a major contributor coming off the bench.

Remember, there is little defense for athleticism and skill. Jeter is hungry to prove his worth and establish a place in the NBA. While playing with Cleveland during the recently completed summer league, Jeter consistently got into the lane and made plays for teammates.

Yes, if he can play at that level consistently - another unanswered supposition - Jeter is what the doctor ordered.

Wright is a player whom I've not seen enough to truly assess. He's played sparingly at New Jersey, Dallas and Toronto and yes, there is a reason for that.

His situation sounds eerily similar to that of Doug Christie.

Wright is a good defender at both shooting guard and small forward and the Kings hope he can add depth at both positions.

Said Petrie of the signings, "Pooh is a third point guard, while Wright is a 2-3 with a decent handle. He gives us depth and versatility at both positions.

Sacramento clearly is not down with spending its cap room on anything other than bringing in a major star. That's the way it should be.

The last time the team made a major score in free-agency was in 1999 following a lockout.

That's when Vlade Divac came walking through the door.

There is going to be a lockout following the 2010-11 season, so we'll see if history repeats itself.

Overtime

Petrie was asked about unrestricted free-agent guard Shannon Brown.

He said, "We've talked to everybody who is available. That's not something that's doable right now."

Translation: Brown wants more money right now than the Kings are willing to spend.

Things have a way of changing over the course of a summer as reality sets.

Petrie says Kings will add guards soon

Kings President Geoff Petrie and head coach Paul Westphal went to Las Vegas Thursday morning to see second-year star guard Tyreke Evans.

Evans is hoping to land a spot on the USA Basketball squad that participates in the 2010 World Championships. Evans, however, sprained his left ankle earlier this week and it's difficult to impress when your best move is to the ice bag.

Petrie said the team is edging closer to adding to its backcourt after a Vegas Summer League during which it went 4-2.

"We'd like to add a couple of backcourt players," Petrie said, "and we're pretty probably getting closer to doing that. After that, we'll see what falls the rest of the summer and maybe even fall camp."

Petrie said the additions will come from free-agent signings.

Free-agency always is a game of chess where players and agents attempt to get as much money, then available playing time, usually in that order. Teams are attempting to find the best fit for their team chemistry while as Petrie described it, "keeping our future salary cap clean."

The Kings should look to free-agent combination guard Shannon Brown. He just won two championship rings with the Los Angeles Lakers, but the 24-year-old may have seen his spot taken with the signings of Matt Barnes and Steve Blake and the re-signing of veteran Derek Fisher.

Brown can play both guard positions and has the potential to become a contributor in the mold of a young Bobby Jackson. That may not be the case, Brown's abilities to handle and shoot from the perimeter are improving. That's kind of player the Kings, who are thinking about 'that clean cap', would be lucky to add.

Petrie said the trade of popular power forward Jon Brockman to the Milwaukee Bucks for power forward Darnell Jackson also was a by-product of that financial goal.

Clearly, Brockman would have had a difficult time earning playing time with the additions of Samuel Dalembert, Cousins and Hasaan Whiteside.

Since Jackson plays the same position as Brockman, it would figure he will have the same playing time challenges.

"He's a tough-minded guy," Petrie said of Jackson, 25, "who hasn't had too much of a chance to play. He had a pretty good career at (the University of) Kansas."

Petrie could have used the same description for Brockman, so there is more to find out regarding the trade. Had the Kings acquired a guard, the reasons behind the trade would be more clear.

Petrie pointed to the additional acquisition of a second-round pick. Perhaps that along with a Brockman replacement is enough reason to make a deal. Perhaps the Kings see a higher ceiling with Jackson than they did with Brockman.

I still see more to the deal than meets the eyes and ears right now.

Center DeMarcus Cousins showed glimpses of stardom in three summer league games. Cousins also displayed perhaps the league's leading sad puppy dog face when things went against him.

That was enough for some observers to predict his emotional makeup will prevent him from fulfilling his potential.

What I saw is perhaps the NBA's most talented 19-year-old (20 on, Aug. 13). All day long, give me the talent and let me work with the puppy-dog face, too.

"He was mediocre in one other game and he struggled in two of them," Petrie said of Cousins, 19. "It was one step along the way and there's no reason why we should think he's going to be anything else but a very good player."

No A,I. or J-Will likely for Kings

The operative word was 'wait' Tuesday during brief discussions with an agent and Kings President Geoff Petrie describing the team's current posture regarding free-agency.

"We're still in a wait and hold situation," Petrie said. "It's still in effect. We're getting ready for (the Vegas) summer league. We'll definitely have (first-round pick) DeMarcus (Cousins) and (Hasaan) Whiteside signed before we start practicing on Friday."

Agent Aaron Mintz from the Priority Sports Management firm said the Kings have been keeping in touch.

"We've been talking to them but I think they are kind of in a wait and see scenario," Mintz said.

Actually, quite a few teams have assumed the patient approach during the first few days of free-agent conversation. After all, teams cannot sign players until Thursday.

Once signings begin and money commitments reveal themselves, it's easier for teams to recognize what competitors for players can extend. And once players and agents see which teams have money available and are willing to make deals, the action and conversations become real.

Petrie will be looking to fortify the Kings backcourt, but said he didn't anticipate pursuing either Allen Iverson or former Kings point guard Jason Williams.

"The straight-forward answer would be he's not somebody we've talked about," Petrie said of Iverson. "And I don't think Jason is leaving Florida. I think they might be guys who see what happens with teams after (LeBron) James, (Chris) Bosh and (Dwayne) Wade make their decisions."

Contrary to the thoughts of some, Petrie said the team is willing to spend money and would be open to involve itself in a three-way trade.

Petrie always has maintained cash dominates the direction of free-agency.

"I told somebody the other day that free agency was a giant battle of opportunity where the ammunition is cash," he said.

Once the major players of free-agency have committed their real money, the Kings will have as much 'ammunition' as virtually any team on the board.

"I'd be interested in a (three-way) as long as it meets our parameters," Petrie said. "If we're going to take on a lot of future money, it'll have to come down to us acquiring a high-quality player and satisfy a high-quality need."

Three players - Tyreese Rice, Ryan Thompson and Connor Atchley - on the team's summer-league squad are playing in the Orlando summer league before they join the Kings this weekend.

Petrie said earlier this summer assistant coaches Pete Carril and Shareef Abdur-Rahim will return next season. Abdur-Rahim may have been the league's highest-paid assistant last season since he was still under contract as a player.

By the way

Much ado was made by Wade's statement over the past weekend that his decision would be affected by his desire to do what was best for his two sons. Wade has gone through an emotional, contentious and public divorce from his ex-wife.

So, did anyone really think his decision on where to sign would not factor in his two children? And after questioning his wife's mental stability, am I the only one who believes he might want his kids to be as far away as possible from his ex-wife?

James' decision to announce his decision Thursday night on television on his own designed special definitely qualifies as special.

As is his decision to control the advertising for the special and direct all proceeds to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Anyone who concentrates any ego attached to this production rather than the money going to the kids is misguided.

Kings waiting to watch; watching while they wait

Kings President Geoff Petrie said Thursday night the team is just like the rest of the NBA world.

It is waiting to see what happens with LeBron James and the rest of the upper echelon free agents.

Petrie said he and Vice President Wayne Cooper combined to make approximately 10 phone calls Wednesday night after 9 p.m. (PST).

"Some of the agents represent more than one player," Petrie said. "We were mostly calling to check on any number of players. The calls were to see what kind of interest there is and we'll follow up and continue to monitor the landscape."

Petrie knows free agents, even during a normal off-season, have their respective agendas and goals adjusted by reality. On a local basis, we can remember the ups and downs of negotiations with Corliss Williamson and Bonzi Wells.

So the Kings wanted to see what type of interest there was in their team as well as let players know of their interest in them.

Petrie said the next three or four days likely will reveal what the top of the free-agent class will do. However, it likely will be longer before the Kings make any moves, if any.

"We made calls of interest," he said, "not calls of proposals. I'd classify our calls as fact-finding oriented. And given our appetite for risk and commitment, it will probably be more than a week or two before we do anything."

So, Kings fans likely must be patient to see how things shake out before they know of any acquisitions.

Petrie expects a quiet holiday weekend in terms of free-agent negotiations.

"It'll probably be pretty low-key," he said, "but the office is wherever your phone is."

It's always something

Reports that Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback Michael Vick somehow had found himself in trouble connected to a shooting at a party he gave himself did not come as a total surprise, did it? Anyone, anyone?

It says here the young man is not the sharpest knife in the drawer. The guy gave away countless millions and two years of his life and career dealing with dog fights and then lying about his involvement.

We only can hope - for his sake - he hasn't done it again. Vick barely was worth a mention last season and now he may become a mention entering this season for all the wrong reasons.

As a journalist, the way the media has been handling free-agency makes me sick. All of these experts are asked what the free agents will do and moreover, what they are thinking and how different factors affect that thinking.

How could anyone know unless they actually talk to these free agents. But people surely seem willing to speak for these guys without any legitimate information.

It'll one day be good to hear a couple of commentators say, "I don't know." That would be enough for me just for the sake of credibility.

There are a number of soccer haters and I'll admit I have my days. Surely, soccer purists would protest, but I'd like to see a World Cup without offsides penalities.

Purists would say, 'OK, let's see the NBA get rid of goaltending.' Perhaps not the same thing, but

a somewhat similarly bizarre request.

Yet, maybe an American soccer league can eliminate offsides for a season. Just a thought.

Sorry to hear of the passing of former football coach Don Coryell.

Coryell, 85, is known primarily as the architect of 'Air Coryell," the dynamic San Diego Chargers offense featuring Dan Fouts, Kellen Winslow, Charlie Joiner, Wes Chandler and running backs, Chuck Muncie and James Brooks.

However, Coryell also coached a St. Louis Cardinals squad (yes, they existed during the '70s) that was similarly effective with an offense featuring quarterback Jim Hart, running backs Terry Metcalf and Jim Otis, wide receiver Mel Gray and tight end Jackie Smith.

And yes, that's the same Jackie Smith, who was wide open and dropped a sure touchdown pass in the end zone in the 1979 Super Bowl.

Coryell's teams in St. Louis and San Diego won five division titles. And perhaps his best team in San Diego lost in the 1981 AFC title game in Cincinnati when it was about minus-20 degrees.

Sacramento Queens are no more

The Sacramento media was introduced to rookies DeMarcus Cousins and Hasaan Whiteside Saturday afternoon and there is more than one first impression.

1) Coach Paul Westphal, who along with President Geoff Petrie represented the organization at the press conference, has just become a better defensive coach.

2) These two youngsters are as baby-faced as they are long.

3) Whiteside's mother, Debbie can pass as his sister - easily.

4) If Whiteside can defend as fiercely as naturally as he can make a group laugh, there'll be many an opposing player wondering where his shot went.

Said Whiteside, who briefly worked out with Hall of Famer, Hakeem Olajuwon, "He was scoring a lot on me, but I was trying my best."

5) If Cousins is overweight, then what am I? I know he was dressed in a sweet grey suit and all, but this kid is hardly Oliver Miller. He looked svelte and well-proportioned.

And Cousins said all the right things, "I want to work on my conditioning."

From what I hear and have seen, if Cousins becomes well-conditioned, he's going wreak havoc.

6) It was good to relocate my right hand after it disappeared inside the bear claw Cousins used to shake hands. The boy has meat hooks.

7) For the Kings sake, the organization only can hope these two kids remember the darts thrown in their respective directions by untold written and verbal assassins during the entire draft process.

8) There are many different ways lives can change and Whiteside's mother spoke of a terrible incident that she believed played a major role in Hasaan's development.

"Do you remember a couple of years ago when some kids were murdered in a park in Newark (N.J.)?" she said referring to the August 2007 case that became nationally known after three college students were killed and one more was severely injured.

The students were lined up against a wall and shot execution-style. Natasha Aeriel, then 19, survived and was able to identify the assailants. Aeriel, three years later, this May graduated from Delaware State University and also testified in the trial in one of the six linked to the killings.

Mama Whiteside continued, "That was when Hassan was living in Newark and that park where the kids were killed was the one he used to play in when he was living with his father. I used to always tell him to be careful. And he would say, 'Mama, all I do is go back and forth from home to play ball and then back.'

"But I think that situation was an eye-opener for him because after that he wanted to come back to Gastonia (N.C.)."

Hasaan spent one year averaging 18 points, 10 rebounds and 5.5 blocked shots during the 2006-2007 season at East Side High School in Newark.

Then he returned to Gastonia and attended Hope Christian (Charlotte) and the Patterson School in Lenoir, N.C., where he was recruited by UConn, Louisville and West Virginia among others.

That's not the same East Side High School in nearby Paterson that became famous after the movie, 'Lean On Me,' and principal Joe Clark highlighted some of the madness that occurs in inner-city school.

Hasaan Whiteside's NBA bio explains his father, Hasaan Arbubakrr, played with the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Arbubakrr was a defensive end, who went to Texas Tech.

In a different situation, Hasaan Whiteside, who just turned 21 June 19, might have been a high jumper. His moves and stride scream 'smooth athleticism.'

The type of athleticism that hasn't been seen around these parts in a seven-footer - ever. Whiteside clearly is highly coordinated. He led the nation in blocked shots last season at Marshall with 5.35 per game and fouled out just once in 34 games.

At Marshall, Whiteside was schooled by assistant coach, Darren Tillis, the Boston Celtics' first-round draft choice in 1982.

Man, I'm old. I covered the 6-foot-11 Tillis in 1983-84 when he played with the Golden State Warriors.

The Kings believe Whiteside is a forward, not a center. They also believe Whiteside has quite a bit of work to do before he can play an integral role.

However, a future pairing of Cousins and Whiteside, say in two, three years when they are, 21 and 23, respectively, looms as a combination potentially lethal around the basket.

A baby-faced wall that could erase all mention of the Queens.

Kings should look to Cousins if they want to win

The Sacramento Kings only can wish to get lucky enough to select DeMarcus Cousins with the fifth pick of Thursday's NBA draft.

If that opportunity arises, it's in part because of the ignorance of small-minded people.

People who are scared to deal with what they've heard or what they think they know. Cousins, 19, is acknowledged to be one of the top two or three most talented players available in the draft.

Yet, some observers believe at times he has anger issues and questions authority and even once (gasp!!!) as a 16-year had the audacity to defend himself when an adult challenged him and approached in a menacing manner.

At least, that's the way Cousins described the last situation. Personally, I believe him and also feel like it's cool to defend yourself when threatened.

Perhaps getting pissed off and questioning authority are disqualifications for bank clerk gigs or teaching in elementary school. For that matter, those qualifiers probably kill your chances of working for any insecure boss.

However, if the Kings or any other team really is trying to win, they'll look at Cousins' quick feet, huge hands, 7-foot-5 wingspan and willingness to compete and add him to the crew.

Cousins is a talented project. All 19-year-olds are projects. I know one, my son, without Cousins' talent, who has a good heart and basically is a good kid.

There are many 19-year-olds among us who legitimately deserve to be avoided - at all costs.

However, this young man doesn't appear to be one of them. Man, the kid never has been in trouble for what I can gather.

Cousins has special gifts, which means he requires special attention because he probably has special needs. Sorry, folks, but it often works like that. Look at the world in which we live.

Often times, those gifted in one department are lacking in another.

Listen to his agent, John Greig, talk about his client.

"He's never had any trouble with the law. He's never done drugs and he doesn't drink. He's got a great mother. The reason why he chose me was because I told him what he needed to hear, not what he wanted to hear. John Calipari (Cousins' coach at Kentucky, with whom he had beefs on a occasion) is sitting at his table at the draft.

"DeMarcus is a 19-year-old kid from the country who has to decide if he's willing to pay the price to be a franchise player. That's the kind of talent he has. Does he want to work to do that? I don't know. I don't think we know that about any 19-year-old no matter what they say or think. Those are things you find out as they mature."

Kings President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie said Tuesday it is highly unlikely his team will trade back. He's heard a few offers, but said of them, "nothing that will raise your blood pressure."

Of course, the draft is a day and some hours away, so Petrie's pressure still could be affected. Teams lying about their respective intentions is a way of life this time of year.

Most often, Petrie goes the opposite way. Perhaps he confides in his dogs. Since I don't speak "barkese," in 18 years, I've never been able to get him to spill any beans.

Drafting at No. 5, the Kings have to see how the fluidity of the previous selections are played. Petrie says his organization has "six or seven players we would feel reasonably comfortable taking."

Calipari called Cousins one of the most intelligent players he's ever coached. Cousins said Calipari told him if he wanted to make his coach's family rich, then stay in school. But if (Cousins) wanted to make his family rich, then turn pro."

Cousins does not have ridiculous rise and his ability to control his weight always will be a concern. Petrie had the late Kevin Duckworth in Portland, so weight issues are a particularly sensitive topic.

However, those who would like to see Cousins as a member of the Kings, can feel comfort in that Petrie is an independent thinker. He will not follow the crowd.

And as he said when asked about the detailed work-ups teams do on prospective draftees, "at the end of the day, it still comes down to trusting your gut."

Given the opportunity, let's see if the Kings will ride or die with new family - Cousins.

If the Kings ride anywhere with Cousins, they'll have to drive. The young man doesn't have a drivers license.