Category: Sacramento Kings Blog

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Heat trade Moe Harkless and Chris Silva to Kings for Nemanja Bjelica; Kings waive Jabari Parker

The Miami Heat have acquired forward Nemanja Bjelica in a trade with the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Moe Harkless and Chris Silva.

And in a subsequent roster move, the Kings have waived forward Jabari Parker.

Bjelica, a six-year NBA vetreran, has appeared in 26 games (one start) with the Kings this season averaging 7.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 16.9 minutes while shooting 46 percent from the field. He has scored in double-figures eight times this season, including one 25-point performance. Bjelica holds a career 38.8 shooting percentage from three-point range, and has shot over 40 percent from downtown in each of his three previous seasons.

“We are pleased to add Maurice and Chris to the team and welcome them to Sacramento,” said Kings General Manager Monte McNair. “Each player brings depth, defensive presence and athleticism to the wing and frontcourt. We also thank Nemanja for his contributions to the team during his career in Sacramento. His veteran presence has been invaluable, and we wish the very best for him and his family.”

During the 2020-21 season, Harkless has averaged 1.4 points (.385 FG%, .455 3pt%), 1.2 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 11.3 minutes per game in 11 games (3 starts). Through his career, the former St. John’s player has accrued averages of 7.0 points (.478 FG%, .326 3pt%, .610 FT%), 3.7 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 22.8 minutes per game in 548 games (327 starts) across nine NBA seasons with the Orlando Magic (2012-15), Portland Trail Blazers (2015-19), LA Clippers (2019-20), New York Knicks (2019-20) and Heat (2020-21).

This season, Silva has averaged 2.7 points (.692 FG%, .733 FT%), 2.3 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 7.5 minutes per game in 11 games (0 starts). In two seasons with Miami, Silva’s career averages are 3.0 points (.626 FG%, .686 FT%), 2.7 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 7.8 minutes per game in 55 games (0 starts).”

Clippers trade Mfiondu Kabengele to Kings

The LA Clippers have traded forward/center Mfiondu Kabengele, a conditional future second-round draft pick and cash considerations to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for a conditional future second-round draft pick, announced Lawrence Frank, Clippers president of basketball operations.

Kabengele, 23, has appeared in 23 games for the Clippers this season and averaged 1.2 points in 4.1 minutes.

Kabengele, listed at 6-foot-9, made 35 career appearances across two NBA seasons with the Clippers and holds career averages of 2.0 points in 4.5 minutes.

The 27th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Kabengele played two collegiate seasons at Florida State, earning the 2018-19 ACC Sixth Man of the Year award and 2019 All-ACC Tournament First Team honors.

The Kings roster now stands at 17 players.

Kings forward Marvin Bagley III out at least four weeks with hand injury

Sacramento Kings forward Marvin Bagley III (left fourth metacarpal fracture) consulted with a hand specialist and it has been determined that surgery is not required.

The Kings say there should be an update on Bagley’s status in around four weeks.

Bagley in 37 games played (all starts) this season is averaging 13.9 points (.502 FG%, .354 3pt%, .560 FT%), 7.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 25.7 minutes per game.

Kings rookie Tyrese Haliburton will return after the NBA All-Star break

Talented Sacramento Kings rookie Tyrese Haliburton has opened eyes with his impressive play. But the show is currently on hold until after the NBA All-Star break. Via the Sacramento Bee:

Kings coach Luke Walton said rookie Tyrese Haliburton will not return until after the All-Star break and Buddy Hield’s status is uncertain for Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Haliburton is out due to left calf soreness and Hield is questionable with a right ankle sprain as the Kings (13-21) prepare to play the Lakers (24-11) on Wednesday night at Golden 1 Center.

Haliburton has missed the past two games after developing soreness in his calf in a 140-121 loss to the New York Knicks on Thursday at Madison Square Garden.

Kings sign center Norvel Pelle to 10-day contract

The Sacramento Kings have signed center Norvel Pelle to 10-day contract.

Pelle appeared in three games for the Canton Charge in the NBA G League single site in Orlando, FL., and averaged 10.0 points (.700 FG%, .250 FT%), 10.7 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 24.3 minutes per game. In two seasons, the 6-10, 231-pound center has accrued averages of 2.3 points (.509 FG%, .500 FT%), 2.9 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 9.6 minutes per game in 27 games for two teams; Brooklyn (2020-21) and Philadelphia (2019-20).

Sacramento’s roster stands at 17 players.

Kings waive forward Glenn Robinson III

The Sacramento Kings have waived forward Glenn Robinson III, according to General Manager Monte McNair.

Robinson III appeared in 23 games (two starts) with the Kings, averaging 5.3 points (.424 FG%, .364 3pt%, .913 FT%), 2.0 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 16.1 minutes per game. A seven-year veteran from the University of Michigan, Robinson III has accrued career averages of 5.9 points (.457 FG%, .373 3pt%, .779 FT%), 2.6 rebounds and 17.4 minutes per game in 304 games (105 starts) for six teams: Sacramento (2020-21), Philadelphia (2019-20, 2014-15), Golden State (2019-20), Detroit Pistons (2018-19), Indiana Pacers (2015-18), and the Minnesota Timberwolves (2014-15).

Sacramento’s roster now stands at 16 players.

Kings’ Chimezie Metu injured, out at least four weeks

Sacramento Kings forward-center Chimezie Metu underwent X-ray imaging in Sacramento on Monday which confirmed a right wrist fracture sustained during Sunday’s game versus the Memphis Grizzlies. Metu will be re-evaluated in four weeks and further updates will be provided as appropriate.

During the 2020-21 season, Metu is averaging 3.4 points (.500 FG%, .667 FT%), 2.1 rebounds, 0.5 blocks, 0.5 assists, 0.3 steals, and 6.5 minutes per game through 11 games (no starts) for the Kings.

Kings center Hassan Whiteside day-to-day with hip flexor strain

Sacramento Kings center Hassan Whiteside underwent an MRI in Sacramento on Monday afternoon which confirmed a left hip flexor strain.

Whiteside’s status is considered day-to-day.

Whiteside is averaging 6.4 points (.523 FG%, .500 FT%), 4.2 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, 0.6 assists, 0.2 steals, and 12.7 minutes per game through nine games (no starts) for the Kings during the 2020-21 season.

Former NBA player and coach Paul Westphal has passed away

STATEMENT FROM THE SUNS

The Phoenix Suns organization shares its thoughts and prayers with the Westphal family through this difficult time.

“Westy will forever be remembered as a prominent Valley sports legend both on and off the court,” said Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver. “He built an illustrious career as both a player and a coach. His legacy ranks among the most quintessential basketball icons of all time.”

Westphal left an indelible signature on the Phoenix Suns franchise with his All-NBA talent, his brilliant mind and his elite character. From guiding the team on the court in the 1976 NBA Finals to leading them from the sidelines in the 1993 NBA Finals, Westphal’s legacy in Phoenix crossed decades and his overall impact on the organization is virtually unmatched.

“Throughout the past 40 years, Westy has remained a great friend of the organization and as a trusted sounding board and confidant for me,” Sarver continued. “His number 44 will forever hold its place in our Ring of Honor, enshrined as one of the utmost deserving members.”…

Born on November 30, 1950, Westphal was a native of Torrance, CA, and spent 14 seasons with the Suns as a player and a coach.

The eventual Basketball Hall of Famer known as “Westy” was acquired by the Suns in a trade with the Boston Celtics in 1975 and spent six seasons as a player with Phoenix. He ultimately found his way back in the Valley a few years later on the Suns’ coaching staff from 1988-95. Due to his astounding career and impact across the NBA, Westphal was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on September 6, 2019…

Westphal became a five-time All-Star (four with the Suns) and garnered All-NBA recognition for four consecutive seasons, including three selections to the First Team. He sits as the eighth-leading scorer in Suns history, totaling 9,564 points and averaging 20.6 points per game, and was inducted into the Suns Ring of Honor on April 15, 1989.

STATEMENT FROM THE KINGS

“The Sacramento Kings organization is deeply heartbroken to learn of the passing of Paul Westphal. “Westy” created a storied legacy in the game of basketball as a Hall of Fame player, decorated coach and broadcast analyst. We are extremely grateful that a part of his incredible career was spent in Sacramento with the Kings.

“Along with the numerous accolades and achievements he earned on the court, he was a true gentleman who treated everyone he encountered with remarkable kindness, humility and candor, making an indelible impact on so many across our sport.

“The entire Kings family mourns the loss as we extend our deepest condolences to Paul’s wife Cindy, son Michael and daughter Victoria. The Westphal family remains in our hearts, thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.”