For the most part, this wasn't a meet and greet for Kings players. The rookies have been working out at the Kings' practice facility throughout the summer, running into the regular gym rats such as Kevin Martin and Francisco García.
So, no introductions were needed at the Kings media day Monday, coach Reggie Theus said, although he admitted he needed to reacquaint himself with John Salmons.
"I told John Salmons that I'm going to get a snapshot of him and put it in my pocket so I can remember what he looks like over the summer," Theus said. "He goes home and I don't see him until he gets back. But he works hard."
Salmons said he spent his summer in Philadelphia, enjoying life as a new father to a four-month-old son.
"It's a new experience, definitely a fun experience," Salmons said.
Done deal – No more handshakes. The García deal is officially done. García signed a multi-year extension Monday after agreeing in principle last week. The team did not disclose the terms of the deal. However, as earlier reported in The Bee, a source said García signed a five-year contract worth $29.8 million.
On Monday, García said he is ready for the season to start.
"It's good to be back," he said. "I'm so excited about this season. Of course, I have to take a bigger role."
Stepping up – A lot of the talk at media day was about leadership and who would step up on the court and in the locker room. While the obvious names of Martin and Bobby Jackson were mentioned, Mikki Moore said he's been asked to contribute.
"I had a lot of meetings with coach this summer, and he told me he wanted me to be a second voice on the court and in the locker room," Moore said. "Me being one of the older guys on the team, one of the more vocal guys on the team, I have to make more of an effort to make sure the guys know what the coaches want from us."
Martin also plans to take a bigger leadership role, but he stopped short of calling the Kings "his team." "It's not my team," Martin said. "I'm never going to say that. First and foremost, this is Reggie Theus' team. They are putting in a system to help us excel. I am definitely going to be a leader and guys can come to me and I'll help them out."
Another topic most players focused on was their intent on surprising teams this year. Moore said he thinks flying under the radar is a good thing, while Martin said the team can be successful as long as it doesn't take anything for granted.
"Because if we take this year for granted, we will be 20-62 before we know it," Martin said. "Hopefully guys come into training camp ready to work hard."
Call The Bee's Melody Gutierrez, (916) 326-5521.
