As expected, it's become difficult to figure out what exactly Jeff Petrie is planning to do with his two stars Mike Bibby and Ron Artest. Artest was originally at the top of the list to be let go, but now talks between the Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers have resurfaced in regards to Bibby.
The deal would involve forward Drew Gooden and San Antonio center Jackie Butler. Leading up to the trade deadline last season Bibby was reportedly sought out by the Cavs, but a deal could not be hashed out because Petrie felt the Kings would not be receiving enough talent in return.
Based on the Cavs performance in the playoffs, there is a way the Kings would get enough in return should another player be added to the mix. Point guard Daniel Gibson was a beast in the playoffs making clutch after clutch shot and was even being considered Lebron’s wingman. Some may say this is exactly why the Cavs would not want to part ways with Gibson. On the contrary, with both respective teams currently moving in two different directions it would be perfect.
The Kings are in rebuilding mode looking to gather young talent to build around Kevin Martin and Francisco Garcia. Gibson is entering only his second year and has shown a tremendous amount of heart and knowledge of the game, something Bibby is often complimented for. Gibson, Martin, Garcia, Gooden (25) and Ron Artest would be a lineup full of spunk. Artest, while he is not considered the greatest leader would provide the toughness and determination the team would need and if Brad Miller continues to slump, draft pick Spencer Hawes could get an opportunity to run with a young squad (Hawes has had two solid games so far in summer league scoring 19 and 22 with one bad performance scoring only eight).
The Cavs on the other hand just went to the NBA Finals and are looking for a way to improve so they can not only make another appearance, but come out victorious as well. Aside from Lebron, the Cavs have no solid leadership or reliable scoring outlet. Bibby would automatically bring leadership and scoring to a team that was outmatched in the Finals by the overwhelmingly dominant Spurs. When Gilbert Arenas is healthy, the Wizards will be a threat to the Cavs along with the Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat and of course the Detroit Pistons. They are going to have to improve in the off-season if they want to repeat their success last year because Lebron can’t do it alone.
Another reason why the Cavs would have to throw more into the pot is because Gooden’s contract is about half that of Bibby’s. Though Gibson’s contract would likely not completely fill the void financially, it would make the talent field a little more even. Gooden is a solid forward that will give you 10 points and 10 rebounds a game, which is something Shareef and Kenny Thomas seem to have trouble doing on a consistent basis. With Gibson in the lineup it would allow the team to grow and mature under new coach Reggie Theus and possibly be exciting to watch in the process.
And let’s face it Kings fans, Bibby and Lebron would be a fun duo to watch on the east coast.
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