News, observations and reader questions about the Sacramento Kings and the NBA.

---

July 23, 2008

Kings agree in principle with point guard Bobby Brown

The Kings have come to terms with point guard Bobby Brown, a point guard out of Cal State Fullerton who played with New Orleans in the recent Las Vegas summer league.

It's a guaranteed two-year deal at the league minimum ($442,114) with a player option in the second season, as confirmed by a source close to the Kings. Brown's signing should be official by tomorrow and will be a clear sign the Kings will hold an open tryout of sorts for their backup point guard position. Second-round draft pick Sean Singletary (Virginia) also hopes to land the job of relieving Beno Udrih.

A 6-foot-2, 23-year-old who went undrafted last summer and played in Berlin last season, Brown was impressive enough at summer league that there was buzz he could become the backup to Hornets point guard Chris Paul after averaging 15.2 points and 6.3 assists. ESPN's Marc Stein, a Fullerton grad himself, raved about Brown after summer league and swears it had nothing to do with their shared alma mater. Sam Amick

Could Ron-Ron be King of the Palace?

As I alluded to the other day here, I was told the one and only Detroit Pistons are considering a move for Ron Artest.
The one-and-only status, of course, comes because they're the one and only team you'd think would never touch the mercurial small forward in light of the context. But if Charles Barkley can beat another living, breathing human being in a foot race (even if it was just Dick Bavetta), well then impossible can happen.
Sure enough, a second source close to the Pistons has indicated that Pistons are pondering a trade for Ron-Ron. I'm not sure of the opinions of the Pistons powers-that-be - namely team president Joe Dumars and owner Bill Davidson - but it says plenty that the chatter surrounding the mere idea is spreading around them. And Dumars, for the record, may be glad this is getting out since he is reportedly tired of fans thinking he's sitting on his hands.
The piece that gets it done here is Tayshaun Prince, and the Pistons are - according to ESPN's Chris Broussard - have already considered other moves that include their stars. A Kings source tells me they have not called Sacramento, and I wouldn't be shocked if no one else had recently either. I'm told it's quiet enough that Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie is heading out for a vacation, which means we have something in common.
I'm checking out for a few days on this end as well, and will chime in upon return... - Sam Amick

---

July 21, 2008

Final, final thoughts from summer league

A few things that I failed to mention before I go dark for a few days...

Miller regaining health

For all the talk of Brad Miller the person in his recent Q&A, there were a few revelations about Miller the player that weren't hit on.

After we discussed his five-game suspension and the reasons behind it, we talked about his health. Miller, to review, missed the last seven games of last season due to a stress fracture in his lower left leg and a bone chip in his right elbow that eventually required arthroscopic surgery.

Miller said he wasn't able to do a push-up until approximately a month ago and that he is about to gear up his training regimen. He spent the last few days of summer league working out with Kings strength and conditioning coach Daniel Shapiro, and will continue the work in Sacramento. And while his starting center job may be in Hawes' hands for the first five games, Miller didn't talk like a player ready to give it up so soon thereafter.

"I'll just start working out with Shippy (Shapiro), then head out to Sacramento and beat Spencer's (butt) in body fat (count)," Miller said with a laugh. "With the elbow, I wasn't able to lift as much as I wanted to. That's why I wanted to come out (to Vegas)...I want to make sure I get (the elbow) right and get the strength back."

Summer League slideshow

Our esteemed photographer Jose Luis Villegas spent a few days in Vegas and didn't stop at taking shots for the paper itself. He put together quite a slideshow of the session. Enjoy...

VIEW SLIDESHOW HERE

Relive the experience

* For complete stats on the Kings players during the five games, click here.

* To find box scores and even video highlights of all of the games, click here.

- Sam Amick

Final thoughts from Vegas (sort of), and Artest update

ELK GROVE - So I'm not actually on the scene anymore, having flown home from Vegas with most of the Kings' support staff last night.

The Southwest flight included basketball president Geoff Petrie, assistant hoops prez Wayne Cooper, coach Reggie Theus and a group of some 15 other Kings folks from there. There were even super fans on board, three gents who make an annual trip out to summer league and seemed to have a phenomenal time.

All in all, the front office folks seemed very pleased with the overall play of the youngsters. As Petrie had said going in, there were "potentially six roster players" at the session. Aside from the thigh injury to Patrick Ewing Jr. that kept him out of two games and hobbling throughout, every player in that bunch drew mostly-positive reviews. And in the case of Jason Thompson, he showed much more than that.

Near the end of the fifth and final Kings game on Sunday night, my colleague Ailene Voisin asked longtime media man David Aldridge what he thought of the Kings' first round draft pick. Like so many others during the week, Aldridge said he was very impressed.

* For those keeping track, I'm told Thompson was given the full 120 percent of his rookie scale deal by the Kings.

That means he's on the books for $1,893,840 in the first of his two guaranteed seasons. And he's making his money already.

Continue reading "Final thoughts from Vegas (sort of), and Artest update"

---

July 20, 2008

A very Vegas night

LAS VEGAS - Three days.

That's the average Joe's threshold for Sin City, whether you're coming here for a bachelor party or getaway or just so happen to be en route to nowhere. My count? The seventh and final day.

At least the Northern California air I left behind was a convenient primer for the endless smoke-filled casinos.

But while the city comes with its downfalls, nights like tonight are what I enjoy most about this place. In what has been a semi-annual affair during NBA summer league, I managed to break away from the hoops long enough to experience an event that is so very, very Vegas. Three years ago, it was the World Series of Poker and local card stud Aaron Kanter's surprising run. This time, it was James Irvin of Citrus Heights and his chance to shock the mixed martial arts world.

Continue reading "A very Vegas night"

---

July 18, 2008

Jason Williams still a possibility?

LAS VEGAS - So I'm not quite sure yet whether this post belongs in the "breaking news" category or the "get real!" bin, but it's intriguing either way.

Could Jason Williams still be a possibility for the Kings? His agent says yes.

While wandering around UNLV's Cox Pavilion on Thursday, I ran into Dan Tobin. Without much prodding whatsoever, the agent for the former Kings player who is an unrestricted free agent indicated that he continues to talk with the Kings about a White Chocolate return.

Admittedly, I didn't approach Tobin to discuss this topic and was rather surprised at the revelation first put forth here by Scott Howard-Cooper. More on the specifics on how this could work after the Q&A...

Continue reading "Jason Williams still a possibility?"

---

July 17, 2008

Brad Miller Q&A

Photo by the Bee's Jose Luis Villegas
Kings center Brad Miller hands his 18-month-old daughter, Anniston, to her mother and Miller's longtime girlfriend, Abby Robinson, while at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas on Thursday

LAS VEGAS - I just spoke with a candid and remorseful Brad Miller about his recent suspension.
After failing a drug test for a third time due to marijuana use, Miller will miss the first five games of this coming season and lose approximately $693,000 of his $11.3 million salary. Miller - who came into town yesterday to see the Kings summer league team in action - confirmed that the failed test took place near the end of the Kings' regular season.
We caught up by phone this afternoon while he was watching his toddler daughter, Anniston, back in his condo at the Palms.

Q: Brad, you knew this was coming. But what was your reaction when the news came out?

A: I just want to try and take advantage of all of the resources. As soon as I get back to Sac, I have to go and talk to a doctor and stuff, just try and take advantage of that. Obviously, I know I'm an idiot for putting myself in this situation. Sometimes things have to get really bad before I fix things in my life, and that's (how) it's been my whole life.
Telling mom and grandma wasn't a great conversation to have, obviously. It was pretty tough trying to take the high road.
Take the high road in terms of trying to take advantage of people and resources they make you have to do and help me get through it. All the stress gets to you, and this is one way to take my mind off of everything. I'll look for something different. I don't like sleeping pills - that's my biggest problem. Whether it's some sort of vitamin or something that can help as well. I want to talk to them and find some help. That's one of the main things I'm going to do when I get back to Sacramento.

Q: Is the stress and helping you sleep your main reasons for using it?

A: It's tough to sleep, you know. And you know, the people who might think I'm a bad guy for this. I'm not a bad guy. I'm still me. It's just one thing I thought would help. It obviously wasn't the right thing to do, but it was helpful to my mental state. I have normal Brad and the when-I-get-on-that-court Brad. It's a battle all the time to get that balance between the two. People meet me, and they're like, 'Man, you're not laid back.' Well that's because you never met me off the court. We'll see how they can help and make it easier. One goal is to come back in even better shape than last year. That's what I've got to do right now. No. 1 and No. 2 goals are to get the health and come back and have another hell of a year.

Continue reading "Brad Miller Q&A"

Summer league reflections

Jason Thompson has drawn comparisons to Karl Malone and Sean Singletary was deemed by his coach as the most impressive Kings player of them all so far.

As summer league starts go, in other words, it could be worse.

Thompson, the forward out of Rider who was picked twelfth overall, runs the floor so well that an unknown member of the Utah coaching staff told the Kings he hadn't seen a big man go end-to-end like that since the Mailman himself. And Thompson does more than just get to his spots, too. He finishes.

Great hands, good hoops IQ in terms of finding his spot and going to work, obvious offensive skill and more than enough athleticism to put an exciting exclamation point on whatever move he chose from the arsenal. He did just that in the Kings' second game, when his three-point play (a finesse floater from 10 feet or so followed by a clutch free throw) in overtime gave the Kings a win over Portland. I've yet to key on what he's doing on the defensive end, so more on that later. Overall, though, the consensus that he's NBA ready is being confirmed in the minds of the Kings coaching staff.

Continue reading "Summer league reflections"

---

July 16, 2008

Ron-Ron talk heats up (and for once, he's not the one talking)

LAS VEGAS - There was a blog post that is lost forever, 500-plus words of summer league reflections that disappeared due to technical difficulties.
No matter. There's Ron Artest chatter to get back to anyways.
According to a source close to Dallas, the Mavs have offered Brandon Bass and Jerry Stackhouse for the Kings small forward. The chatter was first reported by Hoopsworld here, but I've independently confirmed the pieces in the offer. Stackhouse has a contract that's almost identical to Artest's ($7.4 million, expiring for Artest; $7 million expiring for Stackhouse), and Bass is a young beast of a big man who comes at the bargain price of $826,269 (also expiring). I can't even come close to seeing Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie doing this deal, not unless Josh Howard is involved.
And from what I'm told, that's not going to happen. As the Mavs see it, the perceived risk of taking Artest is acceptable so long as the price of getting him is Bass and Stackhouse. Lose Howard to get Artest, though, and the gamble is too great. As is always the case, though, things could change.
As far as the continuing frontrunners in the Artest sweepstakes, I've been told by a source close to the Lakers that there are no ongoing discussions. The next relevant date remains Friday, when the Lakers' deadline to match Ronny Turiaf's offer sheet passes. It's at that point the Lakers may decide to take on Kenny Thomas to fill Turiaf's old role or quite possibly engage a third team in the deal so as to avoid his contract. As for whether the Lakers have offered Lamar Odom, that hasn't officially happened but I'm told he is absolutely available. - Sam Amick

The Abdur-Rahim quandary

There will be no shoving here, not even any mild nudging.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim will recover or not recover on his terms, because he has a contract but also because he has the Kings' respect. He continues to work toward a comeback this season, with Sunday's participation in a summer league practice a step in the right direction. Just how many steps he can take without stumbling, however, becomes the question from here on out.

I caught up with Abdur-Rahim by phone while he was in the Las Vegas airport on his way out of town. Here are the parts of the interview not included in today's story...

"For the most part, (recovery) has been steady. (On Sunday), I was able to get out there and practice with them and go up and down. It's just to keep working and see how things progress and how the knee responds to the workload that's expected of us.
There's been some, I guess you'd say, bumps in the road here and there. Not hiccups. I've been able to adjust to them and keep going. It's the same process and see how much I progress and how much I can do."

On the possibility of retirement...

"I haven't really thought about it like that. I think at the end of the day with some thing like this, it'll make the decision for you. I would love to be able to do whatever I do on my terms. If not, I guess it's one of those things - anyone's body is only going to let you do what it's going to let you do. That's the thing. I haven't really mentally started adjusting to it and thinking like that. I guess my body, it will let me know."

On the maddening ambiguity of his knee condition...

"(It's) old age Wear and tear. I'm 31, but it's the wear and tear of playing as many years as I've played. You can never predict things like that. Some guys have had trouble like this later in their career than I've had it, and some have had it much earlier.
So you can't predict these things. My thing is to gear in and try to give myself the best possible opportunity to be healthy and get back on the court and do what I love doing and contribute to the team.
"Right now, it'd be working myself toward training camp, to get myself ready for training camp. I think the difference from this summer to last summer was that I was kind of coming off of rehab (last summer) and not knowing what I could do. This year, I'll have a better understanding of exactly what I can do. I know what I want to do. It's just a matter of what my body will allow me to do. Basically, that's what it is."

On handling the frustration...

"I think last year, I was really frustrated. I think over the summer, being away from it, I'm more at ease. But last year I got really, really frustrated at times.
It's not like I ever tore anything, like I tore my knee up or something like that. That's the most frustrating thing. It's like, 'What exactly did I do to get to this point other than run up and down the court the last 20 years of my life? It's been one of those things that sprung on me all of a sudden., all at once. Our body tells us all in different stages. It's kind of like that.

On how he felt on Sunday...

"Yesterday was the most I've done. I've been on the court doing a lot of drills running and stuff three times a week. I try to do something five times a week. It's hit and miss sometimes. I won't lie. I've had a few hiccups here and there, but nothing where I've had to stop all together and not be able to do anything."

On the ultimate goal of the situation...
"I want to be able to get back on the court and contribute. I don't want the uncertainty of 'Can I go, can I not?' I think that's where I was last year. It's frustrating for me...
I want to know regardless of whatever it is, that I can go on that day. - Sam Amick

---

July 13, 2008

Artest saga goes on (and on and on...)

From no comments to no shortage of comments, Ron Artest vented to the NBA nation once again over the weekend.
The Kings small forward who was in Las Vegas to watch summer league continued to lament his decision to not opt out in an e-mail exchange with ESPN's Marc Stein. While many of Artest's sentiments qualify as elaboration on previous statements, he indicated that he will be representing himself as an agent. That was news to his actual agent, Mark Stevens, who said on Sunday night that he still represents Artest.
"I haven't heard anything about that," Stevens said by phone. "I don't know anything about it."
Asked about his reaction if it proved to be true, he said, "I don't respond to 'ifs.'"
Artest also made it clear to Stein that he is all for a trade to the Lakers, and all indications on my end continue to show that it's a real possibility. Lamar Odom is, according to my sources, indeed available should the Kings want him and the Ronny Turiaf situation still plays a part here. Stein, who surely must have cloned himself with how he covers the league, weighs in on that element here. Yahoo!'s Johnny Ludden, who was on hand courtside at summer league for Artest's 'no comment' session on Saturday, has a beat on the situation as always in this piece .
Off to Vegas in the early morning... - Sam Amick

---

July 12, 2008

Artest watch continues

I have no update as yet on the one-sided Lakers-Kings talks reported on Thursday, but keep an eye on Ronny Turiaf's situation while the waiting game continues.

The Lakers forward has accepted a four-year, $17 million offer sheet from Golden State and the Lakers have seven days to match it. It seems inconceivable that they will and it's to the Kings' advantage if they don't.

If they are to convince the Lakers to take back forward Kenny Thomas in a deal in which Artest would be LA-bound and Lamar Odom would come to Sacramento, they need Turiaf to head for the Bay Area. The Lakers are already near the luxury tax and not looking to go any further, and they may buy into the logic that Thomas - who turns 31 on July 25 - could provide quality defensive-minded minutes off the bench just like Turiaf did.

With the chance to get out of Sacramento and his invisible existence, Thomas may even do a few dances courtside like the jovial Turiaf has been known for. Thomas is owed approximately $18 over the next two seasons, so the lump sum is about equal with Turiaf's offer sheet (albeit in two less seasons). It's the price of doing business if they want to acquire the underpaid Artest ($7.4 million).

Meanwhile, the many who can't envision a Lakers-Kings blockbuster trade of any kind have a valid point. It would go against the NBA grain, but it should be said that any and all theories that the Maloofs simply wouldn't let it happen couldn't be further from the truth. They will pull the trigger if they get what they want.

If not, they'll hope to make something happen with someone else. Among the teams I've been told to keep a serious eye on in the Artest sweepstakes: Dallas, Miami, Phoenix, San Antonio and maybe even Charlotte. I often wonder about Toronto as well, but have yet to hear anything substantial on that front.

* As a quick sidenote, Artest continues to routinely go on the air with KHTK's Carmichael Dave.
The latest from the Ron-Ron show: he's decided to change his name. OK, so technically he wants to go by his middle name of William. The thinking? Since Ron Artest is back to getting so much negative media coverage, maybe going by Bill - as he requested to be called - could give him a fresh start. Never a dull moment... - Sam Amick

Thompson ready for debut

He was a broadcasting major at Rider University. So, yeah, Jason Thompson knows a bit about the art of the sound byte.

Sure enough, the Kings' rookie forward out of Rider University was ready with one on Friday when asked about the summer league experience that awaits him in Las Vegas.

"They have the saying that what goes on in Vegas stays in Vegas," he began with a smile, "but hopefully when I play well it's not going to stay in Vegas."

He's right about that. Word will spread whether he dominates or flops, neither of which would mean all that much in the grand scheme. Still, the projecting won't stop once it starts.

For now, Thompson said his first three days in a Kings uniform went better than he'd expected. He engaged in a spirited back-and-forth with Spencer Hawes at the Kings' practice facility on Friday when the duo went at each other on both ends and seemed to break even.

"I actually think I'm doing better than I thought I was going to do," Thompson said. "You're not going to come in here and say, 'Oh I'm going to dominate.' It's my first NBA experience. I've played against better guys in the country, other NBA players, but it's different when you're on a team and settled and have a contract."

Hawes said he's eager to learn Thompson's game, knowing full well they are the Kings' hoped-for frontline of the future.

"I'll just try and get a read off of what he likes to do, where he's comfortable catching the ball, where he likes to play out of and just try to play off that," Hawes said. "The only way you can do that is through repetition and experience with somebody."

For those looking to watch Thompson in action against Toronto today at 1 p.m., you can go to NBATV or a webcast that can be found here. - Sam Amick

---

July 11, 2008

Off to Vegas...

It's been a while since Rob Pimental packed up for a road trip, but there he was in all his organizational glory on Friday afternoon at the Kings practice facility.
The Kings' equipment manager was loading a bus that would eventually take the team's 15 summer league players to a plane bound for summer league in Las Vegas, where only four are assured they'll play on from there and the rest are ready to show they belong. Spencer Hawes, Quincy Douby, Shelden Williams, and Jason Thompson being the certainties and the rest beyond Sean Singletary and Patrick Ewing Jr. qualifying as the longest of longshots, the group begins live action tomorrow at 1 p.m. against Toronto at UNLV. The schedule from there...

Tuesday - Kings vs. Blazers, 7 p.m.
Wednesday - Kings vs. Mavericks, 3 p.m.
July 18 - Kings vs. Warriors, 7 p.m.
July 20 - Kings vs. Rockets, 5:30 p.m.

Scott Howard-Cooper will be on site to see the Jason Thompson debut and relay his first impressions, and I'll take over on Monday and stay through the end of the session. Ailene Voisin is tentatively scheduled to be at the latter part of summer league and into the Olympic training portion in Vegas soon thereafter (which, of course, includes Kevin Martin playing on the Olympic select team).
The Kings narrowed the summer league roster from 18 to 14 today, cutting Zabian Dowdell, David Johnson, Lawrence Roberts, and Darnell Jones. It was an extremely uneventful day when compared to the two that came before it.
There was very little talk of Brad Miller's suspension, except for a member of the media relaying a comical story I'd missed yesterday (while I had a day off). After Kings coach Reggie Theus had already addressed Miller's five-game suspension for violating the league's anti-drug policy, said media member casually mentioned, "So, what do you think of all this smoke?" Not sure if it was a reference to the hazy weather or the Cheech and Chong type of puffs, the always-smooth Theus was left speechless for a moment. The summer league bunch may already be sneaking out from underneath the smoke, but it will take a bit longer for Miller. - Sam Amick

---

July 9, 2008

An active Kings day (and night)

As offseason days go, the Kings have had a busy one thus far.
This morning, point guard Beno Udrih officially inked his five-year, $32.7 million deal with the Kings and the team held a press conference at C-Webb's Center Court this afternoon. They also signed second-round picks Sean Singletary and Patrick Ewing Jr. to contracts, although I don't know the terms as yet.
Lastly, summer league officially began at the team's practice facility in Sacramento and I'm currently watching the squad in action. They will hold practices here through Friday before heading for Las Vegas and Saturday's first game. No first impressions just yet from Jason Thompson (I'm writing while I watch), but he's doing a fine job of listening to summer league coach Chuck Person. As for Udrih, he made it known that he's taking his new contract very seriously.
He decided not to play for his Slovenian national team because he's more interested earning his money with the Kings. Udrih is heading to Vegas on Friday to get in shape while working with Kings strength coach Daniel Shapiro for five days.
"I want to get in the best shape for training camp so that when it comes we can start getting ready for the team," Udrih said. "(The contract) comes with a lot of responsibility. I feel that (responsibility), and I'm going to go try to get better and get in the best shape I can."
For fans looking to welcome their point guard back to Sacramento, he's doing two appearances this evening at the Best Buy stores in Sacramento and Roseville. For more info on that, click here. - Sam Amick

Salary cap numbers set

It was all estimates before this, but the league announced the offical salary cap figures late last night.

The new salary cap for the 2008-09 season is $58.680 million, and the luxury tax level is $71.150 million. The midlevel exception is $5.585 million.

Translation: Let the dealing begin.

The lifting of the eight-day, league-issued moratorium means free agent signings can begin and trades can resume. With the Kings expected to officially sign Beno Udrih today, the terms agreed to by the fifth-year point guard can be calculated to the very last penny. According to numerous team sources and sources close to Udrih, he will receive a five-year deal for the full midlevel exception. The finaly tally considering the eight percent raises every season: $32,764,966. Broken down year by year, it is as follows...

2008-09: $5,585,000
2009-10: $6,031,800
2010-11: $6,514,344
2011-12: $7,035,491.5
2012-13: $7,598,330.8

Assuming Udrih signs the dotted line as expected, the Kings' payroll will be approximately $70 million. As for future roster movement beyond second-round pick signings or summer league surprises, there is little to watch for from here on out other than a potential Ron Artest trade.

I've been told by numerous reliable people that it could happen quickly and that the Kings have already received calls from some of the expected pursuers of the small forward. The Lakers rang with no call back as yet from the Kings, and it appears the pieces in that possible deal have not changed. The Lakers are willing to offer forward Lamar Odom, but the question is whether they're willing to take on the contract of forward Kenny Thomas (two seasons, approximately $18 million left).

Of course, it has seemed before as if certain trades were inevitable and they either didn't happen or took months longer than expected, so who knows how this will play out. Odom works for the Kings in a number of ways, though, from his versatility that fits more with Geoff Petrie's offensive vision to the fact that his contract (for $14.5 million) is expiring. If the combo works, you try to lock Odom up next summer. If not, you have cap room earlier than expected and go from there. - Sam Amick

---

July 7, 2008

Kevin Martin basketball camp (amended)

A while back, I put out some info about Kevin Martin's basketball camp that was just a little off.
So to recap for all you young hoopsters, it's for boys and girls ages 7 to 17 years old at Capital Christian High School in Sacramento from July 14-17. For more information, call 916-286-3454. On a side note, Martin has his own site that will be launched soon (www.kmart23.com). Get those bookmarks ready... - Sam Amick

Artest issues statement

One week after expressing regret over his decision to not opt out of his contract, Kings small forward Ron Artest explained his frustration further in an e-mail sent to The Bee and ESPN this morning.
In its entirety...

"I made the comment about making a mistake on my opt out clause because I really did make a mistake. I had wrong info about extension options and it could have cost me a new deal. I was informed that the kings had me in their long term plans so that's why I decided to stay in contract. I just wanted to show loyalty. However when I spoke to the kings that was not an option and I grew frustrated with my decision immediately. I do apologize for being mistakenly frustrated with the kings. It was a mistake that I made and I will move on from. I dont know my future but I'm still a King Haters:)"

- Sam Amick

---

July 1, 2008

Artest explains why not opting out was a 'mistake'

The Ron Artest Show, as it had unofficially become on KHTK, took on a more serious tone on Tuesday night.
Just as he has for much of the summer, the Kings small forward went on the air to chat with superfit late-night radio man Carmichael Dave. Yet after having dubbed his decision not to opt out before the June 30 deadline a mistake in an e-mail to ESPN.com, Artest elaborated on the rationale behind his stance.
"I thought I made the best decision by not opting out, but it didn't really work in my favor," he said in the phone interview. "I'm just looking at all of the (players) who...at 12 o'clock midnight (on Monday night) where their teams and their organizations pretty much took care of them. I always put myself in that same class as the Chris Pauls, Kobes (Bryant), and whoever else is out there as the top players. Obviously my career has been a little bit different from everybody else's."
For the backstory on the Tuesday morning meeting that led to Artest's change of heart, read here and in tomorrow's paper. He said much of his frustration had everything to do with watching so many veterans opt out of their contracts and receive long-term deals on the free agent market. Paul is reportedly close to signing an extension with New Orleans.
"I made a mistake because right now, this day today, I could've been somewhere and had a long-term commitment from somebody," he said. "That was the only thing I was bummed out about. And the market was kind of low, kind of suspect.
"But when you see (the Clippers') Elton (Brand) and these guys opting out at 12 o'clock midnight and (Golden State's) Baron Davis (who is reportedly signing with the Clippers), I'm like 'I'm a total jerk' because I could've opted out and the market was actually better today than it was (yesterday)." - Sam Amick

Artest regrets not opting out