Sacramento Kings Media Release 2003

[NOLa.]

Another season in the books.

First, a quick recap on what our 2002-2003 season was like for the Kings. Going into the season, I was not very sure I had a championship caliber squad. While Battier and Arenas were promising, I was too wing heavy and had no franchise C and no true PG. I decided before trade deadline I needed to address these concerns, and shipped Battier and Arenas for a franchise C in Chandler and Richard Jefferson.

The trade was met with a lot of confusion in the league. What most didn't know was I was making plans to reshape my roster for the long run, and that one trade was only a small piece of the puzzle.

After acquiring Chandler, I felt the need to push for a playoff appearance mainly because I did not have my pick. We were able to hold onto the 8th seed for the entire 2nd half of the season, and we lost to the Lakers, who I felt would have been the champions if they had a healthy squad.

So after that trade, I basically went through the motions until the offseason. It was then that I was ready and able to move forward. I traded Antonio Daniels for the 8th pick in the 2003, Kirk Hinrich. I saw a talented combo guard who can play the PG position if needed and was a balanced type of player. I then traded away Richard Jefferson to the Hornets for multiple picks, traded Samaki Walker to the Bucks for a pick, and took on Eric Piatkowski for a Knicks pick.

I pressed the Reset button, I was ready to build around a young star in Tracy McGrady and a very young Tyson Chandler.

Training camp was very kind to my team again. McGrady and Chandler saw good gains, and Hinrich stepped up and now looks like our franchise PG for the future to team with McGrady and Chandler. I am very happy with the core of players I have now, and hopefully with some luck, I will be able to put together a better fitting cast of talent using the draft picks acquired this offseason.

I don't have a timetable for when I will be ready to compete again, because a lot of unknowns and uncertainties remain such as the value of the picks I possess and training camps that can turn the league on it's head. I do feel comfortable with what I have and look forward to a new season.

I'd like to open the floor for questions.

[Xist2Inspire]

Random Reporter: It's fitting that Jefferson was traded to the Hornets, as just last season they were heavily criticized for trading away a young stud while claiming to rebuild. And like the Hornets, it looks like you've purposely taken a step back when the young talent was already there. Not trying to start a controversy here, but what was it about Battier, Arenas, and now Jefferson that made you decide that they weren't the kind of young talent you wanted?

[NOLa.]

Random Reporter: It's fitting that Jefferson was traded to the Hornets, as just last season they were heavily criticized for trading away a young stud while claiming to rebuild. And like the Hornets, it looks like you've purposely taken a step back when the young talent was already there. Not trying to start a controversy here, but what was it about Battier, Arenas, and now Jefferson that made you decide that they weren't the kind of young talent you wanted?

It's a good question, not controversial in my view at all.

Battier was not on my list of "wanting to trade" until talks centered around Tyson Chandler. I am a firm believer in the idea that if you want something, then try and get it. The price of Chandler was high (Battier and Arenas) so we asked for Richard Jefferson as well.

Looking at the last few champions, each of those teams had a dominant big and a great PG (KG & Kidd, Ben Wallace & Penny, Gugs/Brand & Billups). It's very hard to get a great C, and very rare to grab one at just 20 years old. We took that deal happily.

Richard Jefferson was never part of my long term plans. He had a small boost in 3 point potential, but when acquired he was a younger Shandon Anderson. I sold him as soon as possible and netted 2 picks.

Sent via Morse code

[WigNosy]

Who on the Kings projects as your next Shandon Anderson?

[NickMalone77]

Nick Melon; Charlotte Observer: You have the young pieces in Chandler and Hinrich but one would consider to fully press the resent button, that would have to mean the possibility of a departure of your star, Tracy McGrady. Would you ever consider a scenario in a season or two of dealing away your franchise star for such a package that would net you the kind of assets to reach the destination you want or do you think that the picks you have will do that for you without having to fully reset your franchise?

[NOLa.]

Who on the Kings projects as your next Shandon Anderson?

I honestly don't believe I have a Shandon Anderson on this squad. Granted the team isn't deep, but the 3 core players I have on my team are all talented. I feel Richard Jefferson was close to being that player for me, but he still produces double-digit scoring at a good conversion rate.

Hopefully going forward we wont have a Shandon Anderson as well.

Sent via Morse code

[NOLa.]

Nick Melon; Charlotte Observer: You have the young pieces in Chandler and Hinrich but one would consider to fully press the resent button, that would have to mean the possibility of a departure of your star, Tracy McGrady. Would you ever consider a scenario in a season or two of dealing away your franchise star for such a package that would net you the kind of assets to reach the destination you want or do you think that the picks you have will do that for you without having to fully reset your franchise?

I don't think McGrady will be moved from Sacramento unless something unforseen happens like a bad TC in the future. He is still young and is at the top of his game. I am confident McGrady is a player that can win a championship.

Sent via Morse code

[coltsguy510]

With TMac already such an outstanding player, will this team still try to compete? Or will you move toward rebuilding around Tmac again?

[NOLa.]

With TMac already such an outstanding player, will this team still try to compete? Or will you move toward rebuilding around Tmac again?

As great as TMac is, I don't think we can realistically compete for a division championship, let alone the league championship. The West is still tough and I shipped out my veterans for youth and picks.

This is more of a Reset than a rebuild. I was unhappy with where I was a season ago, and now I am excited for the opportunity to start over with a talent like McGrady.

Sent via Morse code

[42PhD]

Dr. Rocker from the Cleveland Rocker:

You have McGrady, Chandler, and some cap space going forward, but no third banana. Three bananas is enough in the West. How will you get that banana? Is it Peeler?

[NOLa.]

Dr. Rocker from the Cleveland Rocker:

You have McGrady, Chandler, and some cap space going forward, but no third banana. Three bananas is enough in the West. How will you get that banana? Is it Peeler?

We feel Hinrich will be the perfect 3rd banana if he can reach his potential. He can be a capable scorer, and we mainly will look for him to lead and create offense. I feel confident in Hinrich as a PG to be that 3rd banana.

Peeler is not on my team so I don't think he will be an option.

Sent via Morse code

[78#]

Henry Yates - Houston Chronicle

What can you tell Rockets fans about Antonio Daniels and what kind of impact can he bring to Houston?

Also, what are the chances you keep all of the 2005 picks?

One final question. Can Chandler and Hinrich develop fast enough to be the type of players TMAC needs to make another run at the title?

[IamQuailman]

Awarded 5 PTS!

[NOLa.]

Henry Yates - Houston Chronicle

What can you tell Rockets fans about Antonio Daniels and what kind of impact can he bring to Houston?

Also, what are the chances you keep all of the 2005 picks?

One final question. Can Chandler and Hinrich develop fast enough to be the type of players TMAC needs to make another run at the title?

Antonio Daniels is a great scorer who can handle the PG and SG role. We've had him next to #1 scoring options his career but has improved his scoring each year. He is also a great at getting to the FT line and putting teams in foul trouble. He'll bring balance to the Rockets, as they have been needing a backcourt piece such as Daniels since acquiring Webber.

I believe I will keep all the 2005 picks unless someone offers something I have to accept.

Tracy McGrady is only 24 years old. He still has 5 years before even hitting 30 years old, so I feel Hinrich and Chandler will have enough time.