Donté Greene has been receptive to the idea since the first murmurs at the beginning of the season. Now, he's packed and ready to head to Reno today.
"I'm happy," Greene said of being sent to the NBA Development League. "I get a chance to go and play and shake the rust off. I haven't played in a couple games."
The rookie small forward out of Syracuse has not played in the Kings' last six games. He is scheduled to play for the Kings' D-League affiliate, the Reno Bighorns, during a three-game homestand that begins tonight.
Greene will become the first player sent by the Kings to their D-League affiliate.
"I think the D-League can help me out," Greene, 20, said. "Those guys aren't slouches, either. A lot of them were in the league or in and out. I'm just trying to go there and work on some things. I have a couple guys I know, like Patrick Ewing Jr."
He also knows Kings assistant Shareef Abdur-Rahim, who will be on hand during Greene's stay in Reno.
Kings interim coach Kenny Natt said he made the decision with team basketball president Geoff Petrie. Natt said he hopes Greene logs 30 to 35 minutes a game for the Bighorns.
"That would be better than him sitting on the bench," Natt said. "And that's what the D-League is all about. He may possibly be back by Tuesday. That depends on how he is playing."
Carril's comeback – No one was more supportive of the Kings' decision to bring back legendary coach Pete Carril than Kevin Martin.
"He's one of the greatest, most knowledgeable guys I've ever been around," Martin said of Carril. "I think it will be very beneficial to this team and especially to the young guys, like he was to me in my first year. He has a lot of history behind him. And it's not just basketball with him."
Carril, 78, who is expected to join the team today, spent 10 seasons with the Kings as an assistant. His official title will be basketball development consultant.
Natt said he looks forward to the added advice of a coaching pioneer.
"I need that type of support," Natt said. " … He will be hands on with what we are doing on both sides of the floor."
Webber contest – The Kings and TNT have teamed up to promote Chris Webber's Feb. 6 jersey retirement. One fan and a guest will win a trip to Atlanta to watch a TNT NBA broadcast March 26. Webber will be in-studio. To enter, go to www.kings.com.
The good seats – Pitchers CC Sabathia of the New York Yankees and Manny Parra of the Milwaukee Brewers sat courtside at Friday night's game. Sabathia is a Vallejo native, and Parra attended Casa Roble High School.
Call The Bee's Melody Gutierrez, (916) 326-5521. To get alerts and game scores sent to your phone, text KINGS to 72737.
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