The Kings have another option on the wing.
John Salmons was active for the first time this season Friday night when the Kings hosted the San Antonio Spurs at Sleep Train Arena. He had one point, one steal and one block in five minutes.
Salmons last suited up for a game in the preseason when the Kings hosted the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 10.
Two days after the game, Salmons returned to Philadelphia to be with his wife for the birth of their third child. The plan was to induce labor, but after some complications, the birth was delayed.
Salmons did not return to the team until Nov. 1.
"They just wanted me to have a mini-training camp and practice for a little bit," Salmons said.
Salmons joins a crowded position on the Kings. Behind starting small forward James Johnson, they have used Travis Outlaw, Francisco Garcia and starting guard Tyreke Evans.
Kings coach Keith Smart used Salmons as a backup point guard last season, but the team has three players at that position (Isaiah Thomas, Aaron Brooks and Jimmer Fredette).
Smart could try Salmons at shooting guard at some point behind Evans and Marcus Thornton.
Smart's concern about Salmons was conditioning after his long absence.
Salmons said before the game that he was ready to contribute.
"I'm good," he said. "Just have to test it out."
Down one Rookie forward Thomas Robinson served the first game of his two-game suspension for a flagrant foul 2 Wednesday night against the Detroit Pistons.
Robinson was ejected for elbowing Detroit forward Jonas Jerebko in the throat with 10 minutes to play in the Kings' win.
Robinson also will miss Sunday's game against the Lakers in Los Angeles.
Feeling down A flu bug hit the Spurs just in time for Friday night's game.
Forward Stephen Jackson did not play because he was sick. Forward Tim Duncan and guard Tony Parker also felt ill but started.
Thanks for the service The Kings honored service members as part of Military Appreciation Night around the NBA.
Players wore patriotic headbands, socks and warmup shirts.
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