The Kings played a game of good news, bad news Monday.
The good news? The rookies and roster hopefuls just inherited a chunk of unexpected playing time for tonight's exhibition game in Portland.
The bad news? Those minutes belonged to Kevin Martin, Brad Miller and Quincy Douby, all of whom are questionable for the contest.
Martin is nursing tendinitis in his right quadriceps, an injury he suffered a couple of weeks ago while working out. Miller strained his right quadriceps Friday, and Douby is recovering from a right ankle sprain.
"There is no point in overdoing anything right now," Miller said after Monday's practice, which he, Martin and Douby sat out.
Coach Reggie Theus said the injury situation will make for an "interesting" night. However, it should make his job easier in one respect. He can take a better look at the younger players.
"I need to see these guys play," Theus said. "We have a few guys not playing, so that gives these guys a chance."
And that opportunity isn't lost on Bobby Jones, who Theus said practiced "full blown" Monday.
"You have the opportunity to play and show this team that you belong here," Jones said. "So, am I nervous? Yeah, but it's basketball at the end of the day, and I've been doing it awhile."
Point taken – Martin paints a vivid picture when recalling his first points scored as a professional in an exhibition game.
"I was playing against Jason Richardson, and my first points were on an offensive rebound," Martin said. "I remember it pretty well. I think your first bucket as a rookie is always going to be special."
That's why many of the veterans said they are excited about tonight's game and the chance for Jason Thompson, Donté Greene and Bobby Brown to make similar memories.
"It's very important," Greene said. "I came out strong in summer league, and that feels like a long time ago now. This is a new beginning for me and a different team. I want to come out and get some minutes and play hard."
Video games – Players, coaches and basketball personnel gathered after practice Monday to watch a video on new rules with Bernie Fryer, the NBA's vice president and director of officials.
"Not a lot of change from last year," Theus said afterward.
Side kick – Spencer Hawes punted a basketball across the court during an intense one-on-one game with Thompson after practice. Seeing the ball fly through the air got Hawes thinking about football.
"I've always sworn I could punt at least 50 yards," Hawes said. "I don't know what makes it so difficult. I always thought that would be a good second profession. You could play till you're 45. You go to practice, and you just punt balls, so you don't get hurt. That would be a nice second job if our seasons didn't coincide."
Call The Bee's Melody Gutierrez, (916) 326-5521.
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