Post by donatello2424 on Nov 3, 2008 23:24:22 GMT -5
Jevon Thomas had been playing with one of the best young big men in the league. Now he isn’t. “I thought me and Devante could have formed a great duo. Stuff happens though,” said Thomas. That statement was in light of Thomas learning he had been traded from the Rockets where he teamed with Rivera to the Kings. “Don’t get me wrong, I am ecstatic to be playing for the Kings,” Thomas said. “This reminds me of the team 2 years ago” said Rasheed Sulaimon, “the one with Kaleb, Matias, and myself.” One could draw similarities to that team and this new one. Nocedal, now with the Spurs, had a career year that year. He finished with a career high 21.3 ppg and solid stats of 9 apg and 3 topg. He was also selected to the All-League 2nd team. Thomas also brings something else that the Kings have been lacking for the past two seasons, a third scorer. John Wall, the former point guard for the Bulls and then the Kings, was given that roll last year, but failed. This year, veteran center Vitor Tatsch was given the roll. Thomas allows the Kings to return to the run and gun style that helped Nocedal gain that selection to the 2nd All-League team. Thomas, who was taken #2 overall in the 2018 draft, will look to live up to his expectations and become a solid player for the Kings.
Will Thomas remind fans of this former King?
As the news spread through the Kings’ locker room, a cell phone in Houston rang. DeJuan Blair checked it and saw a name on it he had not seen in a while. Intrigued, he picked it up.
“Welcome back man,” said the voice on the other end.
“What are you talking about?” answered Blair.
“On you coming back to Sacramento,” replied the voice.
“I’m still in Houston playing for the Rockets, don’t know what you are talking about,” Blair said.
“Oh, no, I guess you haven’t heard yet. Ummmm, never mind for now,” replied the voice.
*BEEP, BEEP, BEEP*
“I got another call, let me call you back,” answered Blair.
That other call was from Blair’s agent, saying that he alongside Jevon Thomas and Devontay Grace had been traded to the Kings. Blair immediately hung up and called back the mysterious caller.
“Must be weird that you will be my backup this time around,” said the voice.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” replied Blair.
“Call me when you get in town, since I am making the big bucks now, I will take you out to eat,” said the caller.
“Alright man I will. Talk to you later Jordan,” said Blair as he hung up the phone.
Jordan Bradley, the Kings starting power forward was ecstatic to talk to his mentor. Blair had started for the Kings for 8 years before he was traded to the Nuggets as part of the deal to get Vitor Tatsch. Blair latched on with the Rockets where he played for several seasons. Now as he returns to the Kings, he will looked to for several rolls. He won’t get the starting nod now at the ripe old age of 37, but will be reduced to a backup roll. He will likely back up both big man positions and provide a solid amount of depth for the Kings. Blair will also provide great veteran leadership. “He doesn’t take any crap,” said Bradley, “All of us (the starters) have played with him when he was here before, so we know what he brings.” “It is great to be back in California. I’ve wanted to come back here ever since I was traded. I love the city and it is great to be able to be back on this team. I’m not sure how much I have left in the tank at 37, but I will give my all and hopefully it is enough for the team,” said Blair.
From backup to starter, Bradley will be ahead of Blair on the depth chart, but will listen to his mentor
Blair is glad to be back in Sacramento
Will this trade bring the Kings back into the western conference elite? Only time will tell. The Kings were successful when they had Nocedal. If Thomas can fill in that void, the Kings will be a dangerous team with their 3 main scorers. In a very tough western conference, it may be too late for a push this season though.
