The Kings' talk of rebuilding was somewhat hollow in years passed, what with the likes of Mike Bibby, Peja Stojakovic and Brad Miller still on the payroll and Ron Artest never considered part of the long-term plan. But with training camp less than two weeks away, only Miller remains on a roster that has a healthy stable of promising young talent. Assuming that team basketball president Geoff Petrie hasn't lost his touch for talent evaluation, the Kings are confident they have their starting five of the future. They resigned 26-year-old point guard Beno Udrih to a five-year deal, have an established talent in Kevin Martin at shooting guard (signed for the next five seasons), rookie Donte Greene at the small forward spot, draft pick Jason Thompson at forward and second-year center Spencer Hawes in the middle.
In the interim, however, John Salmons will start at the small forward spot and veterans Mikki Moore and Brad Miller will secure their spots in the paint. The charge for second-year coach Reggie Theus will to develop the young talent as quickly as possible so they can assume those respective positions.
It's not an easy position for Theus, who -- according to the Sacramento Bee -- requested this summer that the team option on his third season be picked up but was rebuffed. It was a clear indicator to Theus that he would be forced to earn his third season. The tricky part, however, is resisting the urge to rely too heavily on the veterans so as not to pile up too many losses. If Theus can't maintain the juggling act to the satisfaction of the front office, the Kings' recent penchant for change could continue courtside.
