| The John Salmons Saga is Finally Over: Analyzing the Signing Authored by Johnny Wu - July 30, 2006 - 11:14 pm
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Salmons spent his entire four year career in Philadelphia after being acquired in a draft night trade from San Antonio. In Philadelphia, Salmons was often maligned to the bench playing behind the likes of Allen Iverson or Eric Snow. Those who have played behind or with Allen Iverson know that opportunities to shine are few and far between. Unfortunately, Salmons plays in a league dominated by superstars and players who can dominate the stat pack (see A.I.) Although the Answer has gotten better at sharing the ball over the past two years, playing with Iverson often meant that the most you can become is a complementary player (see Andre Iguodala, Jerry Stackhouse, Larry Hughes and Tim Thomas.)
Salmons never really found a good steady role or position with the Sixers, he was often was the third or fourth option in Philly behind Iverson, Iguodala, and three point specialist Kyle Korver. Salmons rarely had many touches, and when he did it was when Iverson was injured or he was expected to be a pass-first type player. In the time spent with Philly, Salmons was never really given the chance to start or showcase his potential. Last season, Salmons put up 7.5/2.7/2.7 per contest playing in all eighty-two games, which may seem but paltry at first but when you look at how many shots Iverson took away from him, it's not all that bad. In Philly, Salmons was a solid off-the-bench contributor and has untapped potential with a diverse skill set that many have yet to see.
John Salmons was heavily sought after in a weak free agent pool this year; three highly regarded basketball minds were all vying for his services, which proves that his talent and versatility must have been worthwhile enough to go after. Raptors front office guru Bryan Colangelo, Phoenix Suns GM Mike D'Antoni, and Kings boss Geoff Petrie were all high on Salmons and tendered offers to the free agent swingman before his final decision to join the Kings.
In a recent interview with Kings President Geoff Petrie, he was quoted saying, "We feel he's still an emerging player in the NBA and he'll add to the youth and overall skill level of our backcourt."
What Salmons brings to the Sacramento Kings is exactly that. He is athletic, versatile and just entering the prime of his career at 27 years old. He is an Eric Musselman type player and one who will fit well under his hard-work oriented defensive system. Sacramento hopes Salmons will bring a young versatile scoring punch that was lost after the departure of Webber and Stojakovic. It can be noted that the three teams actively pursuing Salmons all employ a run and a gun style, which Salmons' game is much better suited for. With the looming departure of Bonzi Wells, Salmons has a big void to fill and it remains to be seen how he will adjust to a bigger scoring load. John is not a player who will pile up the points or reel off windmill dunks, but he is an under-rated player who is responsible on both ends of the court. I've watched Salmons during his college days, and have been a follower ever since. Salmons' is a consummate team player who will form a good defensive tandem alongside Ron Artest as both are athletic and strong.
Although, Salmons won't drop 30/12 on you like Bonzi Wells, he will perform well at every category and will be a strong contributor in helping the Kings go far in the playoffs. He is one who carries a team-first mentality and will be a welcomed addition to the Kings lineup. It could also be noted Bonzi exploded during the playoffs during a contract year which was rather suspect to say the least; he also carries a bad attitude and was ran out of Memphis and Portland as a result.
In the end Salmons may be casted off into the category of players with potential who fail to fill expectations, but to me the Salmons signing was a signal that the Kings are ready to move forward with youth, athleticism and versatility rather players who carry a me-first shoot-first mentality. They are now on the right track, towards bringing back playoff success and respectability to Sacramento.
Grade: B
Worst Case Scenario:
John Salmons turns into an overpaid athletic swingman like Mike Dunleavy or Marko Jaric, players loaded with potential who are unable to perform at the NBA level.
Best Case Scenario
He becomes a fan favorite like Morris Peterson in Toronto, who will be a constant hard worker and provide a solid defensive presence.
Johnny Wu can be reached for comment at Wu.Johnny10@gmail.com, thanks for reading |
