So what about the Kings, who plan to take advantage of what could be about $20 million in cap space or more in 2010?

Kings Basketball president Geoff Petrie said it's no surprise that his squad will have a lot of competition when it comes to free agents, led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Amare Stoudemire and Chris Bosh.

"Just like every year, there always are four, five, six teams that have some level of cap room," Petrie said Tuesday afternoon. "Without naming names, there likely will be some very, very good players available. It's always good to have some significant real room. But (that period) still is 18 months away. That's not a very long way away, but it can be."

Petrie talked about never knowing which players will be available until the time comes.

"When you look at what could happen by then, some guys could sign extensions and some could get hurt," he said.

Petrie said it's important to remember that salary cap room can be used to acquire players through trades.

"You can use that (salary) flexibility to make trades with teams who may have other motivation," he said, possibly remembering how the Kings traded Mitch Richmond and Otis Thorpe for Chris Webber.

"Then you'll have players who will be interested about what (situations) they are going to, which players they'll be playing with."

Petrie said he believes the Kings are building a sound talent base in Kevin Martin, Beno Udrih, Francisco Garcia, John Salmons, Spencer Hawes, Jason Thompson, Donte Greene and Bobby Brown, players who likely will remain on the roster.

"We're certainly trying to build value on the roster," he said. "For the most part, I think we're on the right track."

Brunson to hold camp Monarchs forward Rebekkah Brunson will host a clinic Dec. 5-6 at the Salvation Army Recreation Center, 2550 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento.

Attendees will receive a T-shirt and a picture with Brunson, who is rehabbing from knee surgery done nearly two months ago.

The clinic costs $100. Boys and girls ages 6 to 18 are welcome.

For more information, go to rb32camp@blogspot.com

Prep hoops refs get nod It seems high school referees are better than those in college or the NBA at enforcing traveling violations.

Incredible is the word that comes to mind when watching pro or college games and witnessing the three, four and five steps players take upon catching the ball and positioning themselves to make a move.

The guesstimate here is one traveling violation called for every two committed.

Moreover, footwork permitted on post moves often varies depending upon the officiating crew and, I believe, the player with the rock.

Call The Bee's Martin McNeal, (916) 326-5504.