ATLANTA - I was able to catch up with Patrick Patterson, one of the three new Kings, via telephone this evening for a story for tomorrow's newspaper.
Below are a few quotes from Patterson.
On his initial reaction to the trade:
"Pretty must just frustration at first, disappointment. I was sad. Those were my initial thoughts and emotions. But as time went on, I cooled off, got level headed. Now I'm good, I'm excited."
On having always defended DeMarcus Cousins' character after they were teammates at Kentucky:
"I talked to DeMarcus. ...It's strong, a solid relationship. He's a good friend of mine. And I stand by what I say. .... People say all these negative things about him but I'm still one of his biggest fans."
On what he brings to the Kings:
"Just someone who's going to work extremely hard, run every time in transition ... Do what he's asked, a person you can rely on and trust....and I'm a good role player...I will do whatever it takes."
Money matters
The Kings will net about $2.3 million from yesterday's deal. It wasn't a deal that was easy for management to make.
The front office was in no hurry to deal Thomas Robinson, who the team was very high on even though he had a standout rookie season.
He was the Kings' second-rated player in the 2012 NBA Draft and they landed him with the fifth pick.
Debut date?
Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie said it was "highly unlikely" Patterson, Toney Douglas or Cole Aldrich would play Friday against the Atlanta Hawks.
Sunday at New Orleans makes more sense as of now.
All players have to report and pass physicals.
Change in plans
The Kings were scheduled to practice tonight after arriving in Atlanta. That practice was cancelled and the team will have a shootaround at 11 a.m. Friday.
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