Kings Blog and Q&A

First, a bit of in-house business. An online mishap earlier tonight meant the final version of the Kings story (which will land on most doorsteps in a few hours) wasn't posted online.

This matters for two reasons: 1) Because I somehow wrote that Abdur-Rahim's lone playoff appearance was in 1996, which is absurd because he wasn't in the league yet and also because I watched him obliterate Tim Duncan in that memorable 2006 series against San Antonio in which Rick Adelman didn't call Shareef's number nearly enough for my taste. Reason No. 2: Because that meant the readers missed on out this quality quote in which Abdur-Rahim reflects on a legacy that went far beyond the floor.

"I just hope that whatever team I was on, whatever city I was in, whatever organization I was with, that my contributions were more than just playing basketball. If all I did in those situations I was in was play basketball, then I'd say I did a poor job. Hopefully the contributions are bigger than basketball."

For the record, they were by a long shot. Anyhow, here's the story for those who haven't read it yet. Mea culpa from me.

BLOG UPDATE: The story has been updated (the mea culpa remains).

Now while I quoted Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie in the paper saying the organization will "probably try and get something like (Abdur-Rahim coaching) done here pretty quickly," Abdur-Rahim was fairly noncommittal in our interview in regards to his future.

"It's a possibility," he said when asked if he would be the team's big man's coach. "I haven't really had a chance to talk to Geoff extensively about it. I haven't had a chance to talk to (Kings coach) Reggie (Theus) at all about it. This year, I'll be doing something in some capacity with the organization. We'll see where that goes. I'm not sure yet."

Nonetheless, Petrie doesn't speak in near-certainties all that often so the smart money remains on Abdur-Rahim filling that role. Petrie said the fit would be ideal.

"He was a really productive lowpost scorer and a great citizen," Petrie said. "Those are the kind of people you want to have around."

THE ROSTER SPOT

The retirement means the Kings are down to 14 players and could add one more to the bunch.

I didn't get a chance to ask Petrie about his plans for the vacancy, but they may as well make the most of it with a relatively cheap young talent to be named later. Justin Williams anyone? Add another athletic rebounder/shotblocker to the group who just happens to come with the added benefit of familiarity.

To review, Williams was only waived (in Feb.) to make room for the players in the Mike Bibby trade. And while I'm not sure who his most ardent supporters are within the organization, he had a good enough name to outlast Darryl Watkins and all his upside last training camp. Williams is an unemployed free agent at the moment.

Just for kicks...

Ah, but I have one more early Easter egg: There may be reason to think I was wrong in this post about Francisco Garcia's future in Sacramento. That's all I can say for now. - Sam Amick