Sacramento Kings: One Goal (2001-...)

[PRBoricua]

Player pics?

 

Where did you get those player pictures from? Excellent dynasty, I like the format.

[michgcs]

Congrats on the title win!

 

Thanks, buddy! We couldn't have done it without your help

 

Now that they won the championship, you should totally hold up the city of Sacramento for a new arena. Strike while the iron is hot and if they don't give in to you threaten to move the team to Pittsburgh or St. Louis.

 

Why?

 

Well shoot those two cities have MLB, NFL, and NHL teams so it is about time the NBA returns to one of those cities.

 

LOL If only that were an actual feature in the game. That'd be awesome! And so convoluted... but still awesome! Did Pittsburgh used to have an NBA team? I know St. Louis had the Hawks back in the day, just not sure about Pittsburgh

 

Rip Moe Greene!

 

Congrats on the title win michgcs. Good to see the 2002 western conference finals played on court.

 

I actually had to google Moe Greene

 

Thanks, man. There were a LOT of tense milliseconds as I clicked on "SIM GAME" and hoped that the Kings didn't lose

 

Where did you get those player pictures from? Excellent dynasty, I like the format.

 

Thanks for reading, buddy. The format I got from trypio's Minnesota game, but the pictures I had to make, myself. I googled the Kings roster individually and put the pictures in the right folder after cutting them to 56x77.

 

Hope that helps

[michgcs]

2002 OFFSEASON:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2002%20draft%20lotto.jpg

 

 

Okay, so now that the 2001-2002 season is officially over, it's time to look forward to the next year.

 

And with every new season comes the annual NBA Draft!

 

The Sacramento Kings have the 27th and 54th picks, having tied with the New Jersey Nets (whom they beat to win their FIRST-EVER NBA Championship in Sacramento!) with a 55-27 regular season record.

 

But right now, it's all about the Draft Lottery. As you guys can see, losing 5 extra games didn't mean much for the Memphis Grizzlies as they fail to overcome that patented Cleveland Lottery Luck. The Cavs now have the first overall pick-- ironically a year early. Talk about that Cleveland Luck, right?

 

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2002%20nba%20draft%20results.jpg

 

Let's get right to the point: it's draft time!

 

As expected, the Cavaliers take Manu Ginobili 1st overall, with Chinese big man Yao Ming teaming up with PF Antonio McDyess in Denver. Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies settle for Mike Dunleavy as the 3rd pick in the draft.

 

Fast forward to the Kings' selections, and we take... Fred Jones and Ryan Humphrey.

 

Here's what we know about Fred Jones:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/fredjones.jpg

 

He can jump. Like, really high.

 

He's adequate on the offensive end, but needs a lot of work to get better defensively.

 

Meanwhile, with the 54th pick, the Kings take Ryan Humphrey:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/ryanhumphrey.jpg

 

He's a long-term project that hopefully will pan out, but ultimately, there's not much you can do with the third-to-last pick in the draft.

 

NEXT : Free Agency! The Kings make a trade! Who re-signs? Which players join new teams? Stay tuned!

[michgcs]

2002 OFFSEASON part 2:

 

 

I'm just going to preface this by saying that I'm not fit to be a GM. Or maybe I just don't know how the trade logic works.

 

(Or

MAYBE

I'm just a lazy [expletive] and prefer that the CPU be the one to find suitable trades for me, a la NBA 2k16)

 

Either way, I suck at making trades.

 

But I made one, anyway. Don't make fun of me, guys.

 

In what is possibly a cost-cutting move given that three of the Kings' starters were Free Agents this off-season (PG Mike Bibby, SF Peja Stojakovic, C Vlade Divac) and with star forward Chris Webber due to make the big bucks in 2003, the front office decided to part ways with defensive ace Doug Christie, who still had 4 years on his contract.

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/dougchristie_1.jpg

(NOTE: This is Doug's old profile from last season)

 

 

It was a big contract and one which most teams were not willing to absorb, despite Christie's reliability and consistency. In fact, the team had to include a draft pick just to sweeten the pot.

 

Who did they get in return?

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/jimjackson.jpg

 

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/seanmarks.jpg

 

Miami's Jim Jackson and Sean Marks. Not exactly players who will move the needle, but both players have expiring deals, which would definitely lessen the cap hit on the Kings' effort to try and re-sign Chris Webber.

 

So what about the draft pick that the Kings had to give up? It was

2004's 2nd round pick

. There was no way we were giving up any of our 2003 picks, given that it was one of the deepest drafts in history.

 

Here's a look at our current contract situation this year:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2002%20contract.jpg

 

And here's the current status for next year:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20contract.jpg

 

So only 7 players will remain on the books, and with the front office wanting both Webber and Divac to re-sign, that's still only 9 guys (11 if we count the draft picks).

 

Still, the trade opens up some free time for both Fred Jones and Gerald Wallace. We believe that Wallace can blossom into a two-way player that can help the Kings while playing three positions (PF, SF, SG), while JOnes is a prospect that will be moved for the right price.

 

Around the league, these are the players who have re-signed:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2002%20fa%20resign.jpg

 

Majority on that list are upper-tier guys whose teams value them a lot. A ton of number one options and star players felt comfortable enough to stay with their current teams, and Sacramento is fortunate enough to have three of those players on that list.

 

Meanwhile, the following players found new homes this off-season:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2002%20fa%20move.jpg

 

The Blazers and the Pacers were both hit hard by Free Agency, losing three players each. Portland bounced back by stealing Allan Houston from the Knicks, with the Washington Wizards shoring up their up their line-up by adding Steve Nash, Damon Stoudamire, and Al Harrington.

 

The biggest shocker definitely came from David Robinson, who opted to sign with the Boston Celtics to form a deadly trio with Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker. #6 Pick Carlos Boozer can definitely learn a lot backing up The Admiral.

 

 

 

NEXT : The 2002-2003 NBA Season is almost upon us! But first, Pre-Season action! And a look at some of the teams that the experts picked to win their divisions!

[michgcs]

REAL-TIME TRADE TALK:

 

So I've been able to turn what was originally a "Scot Pollard for Howard Eisley," straight-up trade into this:

 

Kings GET:

PG Howard Eisley (roughly $4M/3yr deal)

PF Othella Harrington (roughly $3M/2yr deal)

Knicks' 2003 1st Round Draft Pick (currently projected to go Fifth Overall)

 

Kings GIVE:

PF Hedo Turkoglu (roughly $1M/2yr deal)

SG Fred Jones (roughly $650k/4yr deal)

C Scot Pollard (roughly $5M/1yr deal)

PF Lawrence Funderburke (roughly $1M/1yr deal)

 

All in all, the Kings will be absorbing around $1.3M less in salaries than they'll be giving out, but the real question is, will the 1st round draft pick be worth giving up Hedo and Fred Jones?

 

The emergence of Gerald Wallace has been great and a high pick in a loaded draft is an enticing prospect, but Hedo Turkoglu has the potential to be a pretty great player, himself.

 

I'm definitely on the fence on this one, guys, so let me know what you think! Help me out! Yes or no?

 

 

REAL-TIME TRADE TALK EDIT!:

 

So I've been fiddling around with the trade machine, as we normally do, and somehow came away with this gem:

 

Kings GET:

C Elden Campbell ($6M/2yrs)

Hornets' 2003 1st Round Pick (currently projected to be 1st overall!)

 

Kings GIVE:

PF Hedo Turkoglu (roughly $1M/2yr deal)

SG Fred Jones (roughly $650k/4yr deal)

C Scot Pollard (roughly $5M/1yr deal)

C Sean Marks (roughly $575k/1yr deal)

PG Mateen Cleaves (roughly $550k/1yr deal)

 

The incoming salary will be around $2.8M less than the outgoing, but is the CHANCE to pick LeBron James worth five players?

[KingofOldSchool]

REAL-TIME TRADE TALK:

 

So I've been able to turn what was originally a "Scot Pollard for Howard Eisley," straight-up trade into this:

 

Kings GET:

PG Howard Eisley (roughly $4M/3yr deal)

PF Othella Harrington (roughly $3M/2yr deal)

Knicks' 2003 1st Round Draft Pick (currently projected to go Fifth Overall)

 

Kings GIVE:

PF Hedo Turkoglu (roughly $1M/2yr deal)

SG Fred Jones (roughly $650k/4yr deal)

C Scot Pollard (roughly $5M/1yr deal)

PF Lawrence Funderburke (roughly $1M/1yr deal)

 

All in all, the Kings will be absorbing around $1.3M less in salaries than they'll be giving out, but the real question is, will the 1st round draft pick be worth giving up Hedo and Fred Jones?

 

The emergence of Gerald Wallace has been great and a high pick in a loaded draft is an enticing prospect, but Hedo Turkoglu has the potential to be a pretty great player, himself.

 

I'm definitely on the fence on this one, guys, so let me know what you think! Help me out! Yes or no?

 

 

REAL-TIME TRADE TALK EDIT!:

 

So I've been fiddling around with the trade machine, as we normally do, and somehow came away with this gem:

 

Kings GET:

C Elden Campbell ($6M/2yrs)

Hornets' 2003 1st Round Pick (currently projected to be 1st overall!)

 

Kings GIVE:

PF Hedo Turkoglu (roughly $1M/2yr deal)

SG Fred Jones (roughly $650k/4yr deal)

C Scot Pollard (roughly $5M/1yr deal)

C Sean Marks (roughly $575k/1yr deal)

PG Mateen Cleaves (roughly $550k/1yr deal)

 

The incoming salary will be around $2.8M less than the outgoing, but is the CHANCE to pick LeBron James worth five players?

 

Post their rosters.

 

Personally, I don't know if I would do either trade. You'd be gutting most of your team for a CHANCE to get one of the top picks. Not to mention, them getting all of those players will make their team a bit better, which would cause their projected 1st round pick to be lower.

 

For example, the Bobcats were projected to have a top 5 pick in my current season, but they are on pace to win their division.

 

I'd be more likely to do the Knicks trade as you'd be getting a couple of decent bench players in return.

[michgcs]

Post their rosters.

 

Personally, I don't know if I would do either trade. You'd be gutting most of your team for a CHANCE to get one of the top picks. Not to mention, them getting all of those players will make their team a bit better, which would cause their projected 1st round pick to be lower.

 

For example, the Bobcats were projected to have a top 5 pick in my current season, but they are on pace to win their division.

 

I'd be more likely to do the Knicks trade as you'd be getting a couple of decent bench players in return.

 

Here you go:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/nyk%20roster.jpg

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/noh%20roster.jpg

 

To be honest, after having slept on it and after reading your comments, I'm kinda leaning towards not making the trade.

 

But as you can see, the Knicks don't really have anyone that's going to put them over the top (well, they MIGHT if I give them Hedo...) but the Hornets actually have a pretty decent core with Mashburn, Davis, and Butler. It's probably their lack of any sort of bench depth that's hurting them right now.

[KingofOldSchool]

Here you go:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/nyk%20roster.jpg

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/noh%20roster.jpg

 

To be honest, after having slept on it and after reading your comments, I'm kinda leaning towards not making the trade.

 

But as you can see, the Knicks don't really have anyone that's going to put them over the top (well, they MIGHT if I give them Hedo...) but the Hornets actually have a pretty decent core with Mashburn, Davis, and Butler. It's probably their lack of any sort of bench depth that's hurting them right now.

 

Ohhh okay didn't realize you were already into the regular season.

 

That makes things a bit trickier. If you're content on possibly throwing away your season, do the Hornets trade as a record that bad is pretty hard to climb out from. So, unless the lottery is cruel to you, you're probably going to get at least a top 3 pick.

[Emark]

I'll echo King. Since you're in the season already, the Hornets trade would be the way to go. They may do better but 23 games under is a long way to go considering you only have around 50 left.

[michgcs]

2002-2003 SEASON PREVIEW:

 

The following teams have been tabbed to be among the top of their respective divisions as the 2002-2003 season of the NBA is about set to get underway:

 

ATLANTIC:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/nets.jpg

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/magic.jpg

 

CENTRAL:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/cavs.jpg

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/bucks.jpg

 

MIDWEST:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/spurs.jpg

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/mavs.jpg

 

PACIFIC:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/kings.jpg

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/suns.jpg

 

Apologies for the late post, I didn't think of doing this until a few days ago, and especially so after KingofOldSchool's NBA preview.

 

So yeah, don't mind the records and the injuries, we're technically still in the off-season, after all.

 

NEXT: Pre-season! First two months of the NBA season! Real-time trade talks!

[michgcs]

OCT, NOV, DEC 2002

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2002%20oct.jpg

 

A .500 pre-season wasn't exactly what I had in mind to begin the Kings' title defense. Obviously one of the big storylines heading into this season is the LeBron James sweepstakes, so it's going to be interesting to see which teams try and obtain the first pick.

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2002%20nov.jpg

 

Not an ideal start as the Sacramento Kings stumble out of the gate, going 9-7 for the month of November.

 

Chris Webber and the rest of the squad are adjusting to being the favorites instead of the underdogs, and without defensive stalwart Doug Christie, appear to be continuing their pre-season success (or lack thereof) into .500 ball.

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2002%20dec.jpg

 

December sees a surge in wins, with the team winning seven straight after going 4-3 in its first seven.

 

Standing at 20 wins and 10 losses at the end of the year, the Kings hold the fifth best record overall, trailing four teams that have yet to absorb 10 losses.

 

Surprisingly, both Dallas and the LA Lakers find themselves near the bottom, with the Mavericks losing Dirk Nowitzki for a stretch and the Lakers going without Robert Horry for majority of the first two months.

 

Here are the league standings through December:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2002%20dec%20standings.jpg

 

Let's take a quick look at the team's statistical leaders:

 

Minutes : Mike Bibby (37.3 MPG)

Points : Chris Webber (24.1 PPG) - 9th in the NBA

Rebounds : Chris Webber (10.0 RPG) - 11th in the NBA

Assists : Mike Bibby (6.0 APG) - 8th in the NBA

PER : Chris Webber (22.4)

 

League Leaders:

 

Minutes : CHI Jason Williams (39.5 MPG)

Points : DAL Dirk Nowitzki (33.5 PPG)

Rebounds : DET Ben Wallace (12.4 RPG)

Assists : NJN Jason Kidd (10.8 APG)

PER : DAL Dirk Nowitzki (33.2)

 

And that catches us up in-game. Now, for the part everyone's been waiting for:

<hr>

REAL-TIME TRADE TALK!

 

Ohhh okay didn't realize you were already into the regular season.

 

That makes things a bit trickier. If you're content on possibly throwing away your season, do the Hornets trade as a record that bad is pretty hard to climb out from. So, unless the lottery is cruel to you, you're probably going to get at least a top 3 pick.

 

Okay, so I fiddled with the trade machine a little bit more and found POSSIBLY a pretty good alternative:

 

KINGS GET:

C Pau Gasol (less than $2M/3years)

Memphis' 2003 1st Rounder (currently outside the lottery at #20 but with Gasol gone and only Mike Dunleavy and potentially Hedo Turkoglu and Brad Miller even approaching the blue level... the Grizzlies could go on a tailspin)

 

GRIZZLIES GET:

PF Hedo Turkoglu

SG Fred Jones

C Sean Marks

PG Mateen Cleaves

Sacramento's 2005 2nd Rounder

 

Like the potential Hornets trade, the Kings will be saving around $2M in salary by making this trade.

 

I'll echo King. Since you're in the season already, the Hornets trade would be the way to go. They may do better but 23 games under is a long way to go considering you only have around 50 left.

 

Memphis is currently at 16-14, so I'm a bit torn on this new potential trade and the old potential trade.

 

Do you guys think that the bottom will fall out for the Grizzlies?

 

Do I stick with the Hornets trade?

 

Or do I go with option 3, and stand pat?

 

Cast your votes, (ladies and) gentlemen! Hornets, Grizzlies, or No Move At All?

 

EDIT: For the record, here's the current Grizzlies roster:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/grizzlies_1.jpg

[KingofOldSchool]

Do you value Pau enough to bypass potentially getting LeBron, Wade, Melo, or Bosh while rolling the dice that the Grizzlies do use worse than predicted and you end up with a higher pick? Even if you don't get one of the big 4 of the draft, you could end up with one of the solid guys in the draft like West, Nene, Korver, Howard, Kaman, Hinrich, etc.

[michgcs]

Do you value Pau enough to bypass potentially getting LeBron, Wade, Melo, or Bosh while rolling the dice that the Grizzlies do use worse than predicted and you end up with a higher pick? Even if you don't get one of the big 4 of the draft, you could end up with one of the solid guys in the draft like West, Nene, Korver, Howard, Kaman, Hinrich, etc.

 

See, that's what I think. Is Pau + Howard/Hinrich/Korver (assuming the Grizz bomb, 'cause right now they're projected to take Keith Bogans) better than Campbell + LeBron?

 

I mean, assuming I get the 1st pick and snatch LBJ, I'm going to have to trade Peja for a center, anyway. I might not be able to keep Vlade for very long since he wants a big contract.

 

EDIT: On the other hand, I've never had a violet guy on my team before...

[Emark]

I do think Gasol would give you a really good team for years to come provided you could keep the core together but getting that chance at LeBron is so tempting. I'd still dance with the Hornets. James is a once in a generation type of player that would bring a huge return for the franchise if he is loyal or bring a haul in return if he wants to test the market and "take his skills to"------

[michgcs]

TRADE ALERT!

 

Fireworks weren't the only thing exploding as the clock struck midnight, with the defending champion Sacramento Kings shocking the NBA world as they dismantle what was once a deep roster, all in the hopes of landing one of the top 3 picks in what many are saying will be one of the best drafts of all-time.

 

THE SACRAMENTO KINGS GIVE:

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/hedoturkoglu.jpg

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/scotpollard.jpg

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/fredjones.jpg

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/mateencleaves.jpg

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/seanmarks.jpg

Note: The original members of the roster (ie, Hedo, Pollard, Mateen Cleaves) will have old profiles as I didn't take the time to update them.

 

THE NEW ORLEANS HORNETS GIVE:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/eldencampbell.jpg

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/georgelynch.jpg

+ 2003's 1st Round Draft Pick

 

With the Hornets currently holding a record of 4-27, many are speculating that this pick will fall in the top 5 of the draft. The Sacramento Kings just recently re-signed Mike Bibby and Peja Stojakovic, and with Chris Webber in line for a big payday this next offseason, more changes just might come for the suddenly-undermanned squad.

 

In light of that, GM Geoff Petrie has brought in some help for the backcourt, signing veteran guard Randy Brown and swingman Jeff Trepagnier to one-year deals.

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/randybrown.jpg

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/jefftrepagnier.jpg

 

It remains to be seen whether the Kings can continue to be competitive, but with a veteran squad and an innovative coach, there remains high hopes that the Champions can make a deep run in the playoffs.

 

<hr>

Do you value Pau enough to bypass potentially getting LeBron, Wade, Melo, or Bosh while rolling the dice that the Grizzlies do use worse than predicted and you end up with a higher pick? Even if you don't get one of the big 4 of the draft, you could end up with one of the solid guys in the draft like West, Nene, Korver, Howard, Kaman, Hinrich, etc.

 

I do think Gasol would give you a really good team for years to come provided you could keep the core together but getting that chance at LeBron is so tempting. I'd still dance with the Hornets. James is a once in a generation type of player that would bring a huge return for the franchise if he is loyal or bring a haul in return if he wants to test the market and "take his skills to"------

 

So... I did it. The Hornets trade is done. Pau Gasol was sooo tempting, though, but in the end, the chance to get LeBron was just too much to pass up. Full disclosure? I made a back-up save so I can branch out and do the Gasol deal if things don't work out. It's a moot point if we get LeBron, though, but I'll let you guys know how it plays out if we don't.

 

[michgcs]

JAN 2003:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20jan.jpg

 

 

A lot of uncertainty surrounded the team as 2003 kicked off, but with the seven-game winning streak to close out December, the Kings didn't miss a beat come January, rolling along to the tune of five straight wins following the blockbuster trade that gave them an opportunity to draft a once-in-a-lifetime player.

 

Things evened out following the five wins, the team finally feeling the effects of the trade that left them short-handed, going 3-7 the rest of the month.

 

C-Webb pouring in 44 points in a loss to the Clippers was bittersweet, as was the 58-point win (!) against the Portland Trailblazers.

 

Why was the win against the Blazers bittersweet?

 

They're in direct competition with the New Orleans Hornets, finding out who can sink to the bottom of the league, faster:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20jan%20standings.jpg

 

The Spurs and the Cavs (with prized #1 overall pick Manu Ginobili leading the way) have yet to lose ten games all season, but the Kings front office surely will be keeping an eye on the Hornets' fortunes, hoping for more ping-pong balls come the lottery.

 

Team Leaders after January:

Minutes Per Game : 37.2 Mike Bibby

Points Per Game : 23.9 Chris Webber (12th in the NBA)

Rebounds Per Game : 9.7 Chris Webber (11th in the NBA)

Assists Per Game : 6.4 Mike Bibby (7th in the NBA)

PER : 23.3 Chris Webber (21st in the NBA)

(shout-out to Jeff Trepagnier's 56.3(!) PER coming on just 3 minutes on the court!)

 

League Leaders after January:

Minutes Per Game : 39.7 Jason Williams

Points Per Game : 34.4 Dirk Nowitzki

Rebounds Per Game : 12.7 Ben Wallace

Assists Per Game : 10.9 Jason Kidd

PER : 35.4 Dirk Nowitzki

 

NEXT : All-Star fever is about to hit! Can the league top last year's exciting, edge-of-your-seat Dunk Contest showdown between Steve Nash and Brian Cardinal? How many members of the injury-free Kings make it to the Western All-Stars?

[michgcs]

FEB 2003:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20feb.jpg

 

 

Quickly following up on January's post, February starts off with another five-game win streak, the Kings winning a nail-biter against Houston after the Rockets fail to even attempt a shot at the buzzer. (Did we mention that Steve Francis is out for an extended period of time?)

 

The once-invincible LA Lakers are sinking out of the playoff race, being plagued with a number of injuries, first taking out Robert Horry, then having to sit Kobe Bryant for an extended amount of time.

 

Overall, the Sacramento Kings go 10-4 for the month, failing to gain any ground against the West-leading San Antonio Spurs.

 

The All-Star Weekend was fun, with Gerald Wallace competing in the Rookie-Sophomore Game as well as the Dunk Contest (for the second consecutive year), while Mike Bibby suited up for the Western All-Stars. Rookie Manu Ginobili saves us from what would've been another deflating Dunk Contest as he edges out Elton Brand, while Ray Allen successfully defended his spot as the top marksman in the league.

 

Vlade Divac fractures his hip immediately after the break and will be out a month, and instead of slotting Elden Campbell into the starting line-up, Rick Adelman once again thinks outside the box, shifting Chris Webber to the Center position while moving Peja Stojakovic to PF and Jim Jackson to SF, with Jeff Trepagnier surprisingly getting the call to start at SG.

 

This tactic certainly didn't do wonders for their match against the Lakers, with Shaquille O'Neal making the undersized Kings pay, to the tune of 54 points and 15 rebounds. The Kings still won the game in overtime, though, but not after Chris Webber fouls out.

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20feb%20standings.jpg

 

As expected, the influx of talent has propelled the Hornets to a few more wins than Sacramento would've liked, locking New Orleans in a tight battle against Portland for the worst record in the league. Meanwhile, the Lakers have quietly reached rock-bottom: the former NBA Champions hold the 3rd worst record, but with a draft as talented as this one, GM Mitch Kupchak might secretly know what he's doing.

 

Team Leaders after February:

Minutes Per Game : 37.4 Mike Bibby

Points Per Game : 23.6 Chris Webber (11th in the NBA)

Rebounds Per Game : 9.8 Chris Webber (11th in the NBA)

Assists Per Game : 6.6 Mike Bibby (7th in the NBA)

PER : 23.5 Chris Webber (19th in the NBA)

 

League Leaders after February:

Minutes Per Game : 39.6 Mike Miller

Points Per Game : 35.6 Dirk Nowitzki

Rebounds Per Game : 12.9 Ben Wallace

Assists Per Game : 11.0 Jason Kidd

PER : 37.1 Dirk Nowitzki

 

NEXT : The competition heats up as the race to the playoffs intensifies! Can the Sacramento Kings hold onto the top spot in the Pacific Division? Can the New Orleans Hornets stay in the bottom of the standings?

[KingofOldSchool]

At worst, you could potentially get Bosh to play center or get Wade, move Wallace to SF, Peja to PF, and then trade Webber for a good center or a draft pick. Webber might be worth trading while his value would still be pretty high.

[michgcs]

MAR 2003:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20mar.jpg

 

 

Let's start this month off by mentioning that I forgot to announce that there were not one, but TWO trade deadline deals last February, both of which involved the Golden State Warriors.

 

1. GSW trades PF Antawn Jamison to IND for C Jermaine O'Neal

2. GSW trades C Troy Murphy to DEN for C Chris Andersen

 

The Warriors are currently in the middle of the playoff pack, playing just over .500 ball and were actively shopping Jamison, even offering him to the Kings for Mike Bibby. The moves surely help Golden State's interior defense, but could ultimately hurt them as both Jamison and Murphy could space the floor and give Gilbert Arenas and Jason Richardson room to operate.

 

Back to the Kings-- they went 9-5 this month, with Chris Webber even earning Player of the Week honors early on. There was an ugly win over the Spurs where neither team managed to eclipse the 80-point mark, and overall, defense was still a problem.

 

Jimmy Jackson hurt his knee but it didn't really affect us much given that he was playing less than 20 minutes per game.

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20mar%20standings.jpg

 

Unfortunately for Kings fans who were hoping for more ping pong balls, the New Orleans Hornets went on a string of wins to actually slip past the Portland Trailblazers in the race to 20 wins. With one month to go, the prospect of the #1 Pick appears to be slipping through the Kings' fingers.

 

Team Leaders after March:

Minutes Per Game : 37.7 Mike Bibby

Points Per Game : 23.2 Chris Webber (13th in the NBA)

Rebounds Per Game : 9.7 Chris Webber (11th in the NBA)

Assists Per Game : 6.9 Mike Bibby (5th in the NBA)

PER : 23.5 Chris Webber (21st in the NBA)

 

League Leaders after March:

Minutes Per Game : 39.6 Jason Williams

Points Per Game : 35.3 Dirk Nowitzki

Rebounds Per Game : 12.9 Ben Wallace

Assists Per Game : 10.9 Jason Kidd

PER : 36.0 Dirk Nowitzki

 

NEXT : All eyes are on the race to the bottom as the NBA season winds down. Can the New Orleans Hornets lose enough games to secure the best chance of getting the #1 Pick for the Sacramento Kings? But first, two current members of the team express their unhappiness! Find out who, when April rolls along!

 

 

<hr>

 

At worst, you could potentially get Bosh to play center or get Wade, move Wallace to SF, Peja to PF, and then trade Webber for a good center or a draft pick. Webber might be worth trading while his value would still be pretty high.

 

Unfortunately, the person most likely to move would be Peja. Yes, I know that he's younger and could be better and everything, but Webber's my favorite player

 

TBH The best case scenario would be getting the #1 Pick and LeBron, then trading Peja for Pau Gasol and someone like Brad Miller to back him up.

 

Woudln't say no to Bosh or Wade, though

 

[michgcs]

APR 2003:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20apr.jpg

 

 

The Kings finish this up-and-down season by going 6-3 for the month of April, continuing their struggles on the road and ending up with two less wins than last year.

 

All in all, not a bad development for a squad that traded its first round pick, a budding forward, and its first big off the bench.

 

Jimmy Jackson got injured again, and I like to think of it as him taking one for the team. Except for Vlade's broken hip

(LOL old guys, am I right?

)

, the rest of the Kings have been relatively healthy, especially Chris Webber, who played all 82 games.

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20apr%20standings.jpg

 

Not much changed for April, with the Hornets and the Blazers tying for the worst record in the league and the Kings getting the 2-seed out west. Manu Ginobili's arrival really spurred on the Cavs as they finish atop the Central division.

 

Still, the story was the San Antonio Spurs. Despite losing David Robinson to free agency, the Spurs finish with the best record, going 64-18 behind MVP Tim Duncan.

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20nba%20ppg.jpg

 

Dirk Nowitzki was simply on a tear, his 35.2 points per game simply outclassing the rest of the field.

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20nba%20per.jpg

 

Though he led the league in PER, Dirk played 8 less games than the eventual MVP, and Tim Duncan's astronomical defensive numbers probably tipped the scales in his favor.

 

The two-man Lakers squad was still among the top ten, but with Kobe Bryant missing significant time due to injury, there was no way Shaq could carry the team by himself, let alone in the loaded Western Conference.

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20nba%20awards%201.jpg

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20nba%20awards%202.jpg

 

Gerald Wallace was a revelation, winning MVP in the Rookie-Sophomore game and following it up by winning Sixth Man of the Year. I would've wanted him to win Most Improved, as well, but maybe next year, right?

 

Team Leaders after April:

Minutes Per Game : 37.7 Mike Bibby

Points Per Game : 23.1 Chris Webber

Rebounds Per Game : 9.8 Chris Webber

Assists Per Game : 6.8 Mike Bibby

PER : 23.0 Chris Webber

 

Here's the playoff bracket for 2003:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20nba%20playoffs.jpg

 

NEXT : And we're all caught up in the game! Can the Kings win it all, AND win the lottery?

[michgcs]

2003 NBA DRAFT PREVIEW AT THE END OF THE SEASON:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20draft%20preview%201.jpg

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20draft%20preview%202.jpg

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20draft%20preview%203.jpg

 

 

[KingofOldSchool]

That's....odd how there were only three players on the All NBA 3rd Team.

 

Also, do you use the scouting ratings for the players or do you use their "true" ratings?

 

Fun fact. Chris Bosh has been pretty mediocre in my game.

[michgcs]

2003 NBA PLAYOFFS:

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20playoffs%201.jpg

 

 

The team lets out a collective sigh of relief after sneaking past the Clippers in the first round. After doing a decent job of keeping themselves healthy for majority of the regular season, the injury bug bites the Sacramento Kings, hard.

 

Luckily, the initial diagnoses were quickly downgraded, and the starting frontcourt was able to push past the pain and play.

 

The Kings' biggest problem is still playing on the road, dropping 2 out of the 3 games in LA and almost getting upset in the first round.

 

Homecourt advantage was a big help as the defending Champions finish off the pesky Clippers, moving on to face the Minnesota Timberwolves:

 

 

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20playoffs%202.jpg

 

Another nail-bitingly close series as Kevin Garnett and the rest of the Timberwolves take the fight right to the Kings, again pushing them to seven games and almost eking out the upset.

 

Peja Stojakovic has himself another good series after Webber falls short of KG's trademark intensity and ferocity. The Serbian swingman delivers yet again at the most crucial of moments, bringing his "A" game for game 7 as the Sacramento Kings advance to the Conference Finals.

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20playoffs%203.jpg

 

Many experts believe that the league-leading San Antonio Spurs would win it all, and they nearly do despite losing a future Hall of Famer in David Robinson. Regular Season MVP Tim Duncan was exceptional, but with Tony Parker getting injured in the previous rounds, Duncan's load was simply too heavy and the man they call the Big Fundamental breaks down, suffering a torn ligament after the first game of the series and leaving the injury-plagued Spurs too short-handed to compete.

 

Lo and behold, Stephen Jackson and Antonio Daniels come to the rescue, nearly willing the Spurs past the Kings and almost making it to the NBA Finals. For the third straight round, the Sacramento Kings were simply better when it mattered most, winning by 5 to propel themselves into the Finals and a rematch with Jason Kidd and the hungry New Jersey Nets.

 

 

http://i793.photobucket.com/albums/yy214/michgcs/FBPB3%20game/2003%20playoffs%204.jpg

 

Try as he might, Jason Kidd wasn't able to lead his team to the Larry O'Brien trophy, settling for a runner-up finish to the repeating Kings. Mike Bibby's broken finger made this an exciting Finals, with the Kings rotating Bobby Jackson and little-used Randy Brown and Mateen Cleaves at the Point Guard position and relying heavily on star forward (and soon-to-be free agent) Chris Webber, who bags his second consecutive Finals MVP.

 

With two straight Championships and at least a Top 5 pick in a loaded draft class, fans in Sacramento must be on cloud nine these days.

 

Is it too early to hear whispers from critics, though? Comments about how both Mike Bibby and Peja Stojakovic are overpaid? Editorials on what is perceived to be an aging roster lacking significant depth (although winning the LeBron James sweepstakes will likely change that)? Rumors on the amount of money that two-time Finals MVP Chris Webber will be looking for in Free Agency?

 

NEXT : Following an historical run wherein the Sacramento Kings' series all went to seven games, the members of the team take a much needed vacation. How many players will be back next year? Will they still be led by Chris Webber, or will one of Peja Stojakovic or Mike Bibby have to step in? But first-- the NBA Draft!

 

 

<hr>

 

 

That's....odd how there were only three players on the All NBA 3rd Team.

 

Also, do you use the scouting ratings for the players or do you use their "true" ratings?

 

Fun fact. Chris Bosh has been pretty mediocre in my game.

 

Yes, it certainly was odd.

LOL The two Guards for the 3rd Team were PHX's Stephon Marbury and HOU's Cuttino Mobley.

 

What's scouting ratings and what's true ratings? Sorry for being such a doofus on this game

 

Right now Chris Bosh looks like a high-risk, high-reward type of player. There were actually moments where Luke Ridnour was ranked ahead of him, but that was probably due to a need for PG.

[Granite Armadillo]

Congratulations on the back-to-back! Quite an anxiety-filled playoff run you had there. I'm excited to see what moves you make this offseason, and how you handle Chris Webber's free agency.

[KingofOldSchool]

If have a scout on your staff, the scout's rating determines the ratings you see for the players. However, if you play the game without scouts, the ratings you see for the players will be their actual ratings.