Oklahoma sophomore Blake Griffin is the consensus choice to be this year's No. 1 draft pick. Does that mean he'll be a King?
(Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press)
Basketball Notes
Kings hope lottery will be the ticket
Oklahoma sophomore Blake Griffin is the consensus choice to be this year's No. 1 draft pick. Does that mean he'll be a King?
(Sue Ogrocki/Associated Press)
It's possible that the dust could be blown off the silenced cowbells in Sacramento Tuesday.
The Kings had an NBA-low 17 wins this season. There is uncertainty about their future in Sacramento. A new coach is needed, but the job has its issues. There was the tragic news that ex-Kings star Wayman Tisdale died Friday. And after several years as a Western Conference power, the Kings have returned to their old spot as a league doormat.
But come Tuesday night, the Kings are hoping to have good reason to clang those cowbells again by landing the top pick in the draft lottery. Sacramento has the best odds (25 percent) of landing the No. 1 pick, which would certainly mean the arrival of heralded Oklahoma power forward Blake Griffin. For good luck, the Kings are sending former star Chris Webber to represent them at the lottery in Secaucus, N.J.
"That's my playoffs," said Kings vice president of basketball operations Wayne Cooper. "I'm real excited. I'm waiting on that one. We need something good to happen.
"We hope C-Web can bring us some luck. When we retired his jersey, [co-owner] Gavin [Maloof] announced that he would be going. It's a good move. You just hope that you're lucky."
The draft class is led by the Karl Malone-like Griffin, and everyone else is a distant second. But even if the Kings acquire the top pick, expect them to do their due diligence by working out a select group of prospects that could include Spain guard Ricky Rubio, Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet, Arizona State swingman James Harden, and Arizona forward Jordan Hill.
"You've still got to do your work," Cooper said.
The worst the Kings can finish in the draft lottery is fourth. While this year's draft isn't considered a stellar one, Cooper is confident the Kings will add a solid player, whether they pick first or fourth. Whether a player outside of Griffin can make an immediate impact, however, is very questionable.
Kings president Geoff Petrie has been in Spain recently scouting Rubio. The flashy Spaniard could be an exciting addition, reminiscent of when Sacramento brought in Jason "White Chocolate" Williams.
"A lot of people are saying that it is the worst draft in a while," said Cooper. "There may not be a lot of players available that can make an immediate impact, but there are good players."
The Kings have talked to Eddie Jordan and Paul Westphal about their coaching opening. Jordan, however, would be better-served by coaching Philadelphia, which made the playoffs the past two seasons and has a solid roster. The Kings aren't expected to make any other moves on their coaching search until Petrie returns from his Spain trip.
Cooper declined comment on the coaching situation. But it's safe to say the job could be more attractive as of Tuesday.
The Kings have some talented young players in oft-injured guard Kevin Martin and big men Jason Thompson and Spencer Hawes. But considering how tough the Western Conference is, another rebuilding season seems likely even if Griffin comes.
Since February 2008, the Kings have moved Mike Bibby, Ron Artest, John Salmons, and Brad Miller, waived Mikki Moore and Drew Gooden, and fired second-year coach Reggie Theus. While Sacramento expected some struggles, 17 wins was a big surprise.
"It was a long, long year," Cooper said. "It's the only way I can put it. I know you have to expect [to struggle] after going to a rebuilding stage with young players. But I didn't think it would be that bad, dropping 21 games from the last season."
Which direction for Hawks?
The Hawks have taken big steps the past two years, making it back to the playoffs for the first time since 1999 last year and advancing to the second round for the first time since 1997 this season. But will Atlanta take a big step back next season?The Hawks have key free agents in point guard Mike Bibby, small forward Marvin Williams, and center Zaza Pachulia, as well as Solomon Jones, Mario West, and Thomas Gardner.
As of now, Atlanta has only $40.8 million in committed salary next season, but it remains to be seen whether the fiscally challenged ownership will do what it takes to bring back Bibby, Williams, and Pachulia, or bring in some notable free agents.
There have been rumors of Williams being dangled in a sign-and-trade for cash. Don't be surprised if talented yet unused guard Acie Law, the 11th overall pick in the 2007 draft, is moved, too.
For a franchise that seems to be going in the right direction and has the 19th overall pick this year, it would be a shame if the Hawks digress after taking such big strides of late.
"I love the guys. I love the coaching staff. I love the city," said Bibby, 31, who made $14.9 million this season. "So we'll see what happens."
Etc.
Decisions to make
The Sixers showed they are deep in talent when they gave Orlando a strong challenge in the first round of the playoffs. Keep in mind that they are expected to have two healthy big men back next season in Elton Brand and Jason Smith. But one big question is whether they will be able to re-sign free agent point guard Andre Miller. Not having him run the show could ruin any hopes of joining Boston, Cleveland, Orlando, and Atlanta as an Eastern Conference power next season. But first-year general manager Ed Stefanski isn't worried about Miller's status affecting his coaching search. "I think they will be lining up to coach here," said Stefanski. "Coaching in the NBA, especially coaching the core of players we've got, we have good players that people would like to coach. I don't have any issue that the people that are available will line up." Ex-Wizards and Kings coach Eddie Jordan seems to be the front-runner for the job. Celtics assistant coach Tom Thibodeau is also a potential candidate, and Doug Collins also has been mentioned. It's safe to say that being able to communicate well with players is trait Stefanski values. "There are a few things I really look for in a coach. One thing I look for is a communicator," Stefanski said. "A communicator is huge in any walk of life, especially when you're coaching NBA players. A communicator is one that is high on my list. Also a guy that is a leader and will hold the players accountable, which I think is very important. I also want a coach who can develop players. I know when you bring in young kids and young draft picks, you need people that can develop them. Obviously, the X-and-O part of it is going to be part of it, too." While the Sixers hope that Miller re-signs, one guy they don't want back is ex-Celtics center Theo Ratliff. Stefanski said Ratliff didn't return his phone calls or attend the exit meeting. Asked if Ratliff could be back, Stefanski said, "I don't think so. No. I'm not interested in re-signing Theo."Taking a peek
Boston, Memphis, Minnesota, Miami, Portland, and San Antonio are among the teams crashing a draft workout held by the Rockets in Houston this weekend. Per new NBA rules, any team can attend another team's workout as long as they share in the cost. The workout will include about 40 players, predominantly college seniors. Only six players are allowed on the floor at a time, which means no five-on-five full-court play. This is the first time teams have decided to take advantage of the new rule. "It's marginal guys, second-round guys that may be drafted," said an NBA source about the Houston workout. "It's a way to save money and utilize the rule that allows other teams to come." The Celtics, who have only the 57th overall pick in this year's draft, are expected to begin workouts in Waltham soon.Musical chairs
There were two surprising celebrity sightings near the Celtics bench during Games 4 and 6 in Orlando. Rapper Lil Wayne sat in a baseline seat about 10 feet away from the bench during Game 4, and in Game 6, troubled R&B singer Chris Brown sat in the same seats alongside rappers Bow Wow and Juelz Santana. Also sitting near Brown were a mammoth security guard and two arena security guards. Upon seeing the music stars in Game 6, Nets forward Vince Carter rushed over to say hello from a nearby seat. The bodyguard nervously jumped up before recognizing Carter.He will be missed
Condolences are in order to the family of Wayman Tisdale, who died Friday at 44. He not only was a fantastic post player, but also happened to be a stellar jazz artist, too. "We are deeply saddened with the news on the passing of Wayman Tisdale," said co-owner Herb Simon of the Pacers, one of three teams Tisdale played for in the NBA. "His personality, his smile, his laugh, and his positive outlook on life were such that anyone who ever came in contact with Wayman immediately loved him. He was a very good basketball player, but an even better human being. He was a much-loved and respected member of the Pacers family. The Indiana Pacers send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Regina, their children and the entire Tisdale family."Marc J. Spears can be reached at mspears@globe.com 
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