A lot can change in a day. On Wednesday evening, the Kings had defeated the Memphis Grizzlies in a thrilling overtime game in front of a sellout crowd at Arco Arena. Coming on the heels of a tough loss to the New Orleans Hornets, a much-needed victory in the home opener brought a sense of excitement and optimism for the 2009-10 season. Kevin Martin was back in old form, pouring in a season high 48 points, and adding five rebounds, four assists, and four steals in one of the best all-around games of his career.
Less than 48 hours later, Sacramento fell apart in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks, and newly-installed starter Andres "Mussleman" Nocioni was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Opening day starter Desmond Mason was unceremoniously released after averaging less than three points per game on 28% shooting, and was replaced by Ime Udoka, a 32-year-old-year offensively-challeged veteran (much like, oh, I don't know, Desmond Mason). Tyreke Evans sprained his ankle and was outplayed by Beno Udrih for the second straight contest, and even more shockingly, I wanted Udrih, of all players, on the floor in the closing minutes.
Martin, questionable going into the game with bruised wrist, put up 29 points and 11 rebounds, showing few signs of serious injury. An MRI the next morning revealed a hairline stress fracture in his non-shooting wrist, with treatment options ranging from surgery that would sideline him for up to eight weeks to playing through the pain and risking a complete break of the bone. After being without their franchise player for 52 games over the previous two seasons, it's become a familiar story.
Carl Landry will be traded to the Kings as part of the Kevin Martin/Tracy McGrady deal, according to Adrian Wojnarowski.
Landry was really in a nice groove and on track to be the NBA's sixth man of the year with the Rockets. Now it gets better for Landry. We suspect that he'll be the Kings' starting power forward for the rest of the season on a team that will be desperate for points.
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