How Does All of This Affect the Kings?

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Q: What does this mean?

A: The NBA will not shut down, meaning all systems go for free agency, trades, coaching moves, etc. And in an effort not to really stain their product, owners and players don't have to hear that they're "greedy." But because of the time expected to put the new deal in writing, the free-agent signing moratorium is being extended from July 14 to July 22.

Q: How does all of this affect the Kings?

A: Kings management can figure out what to do with free agents Darius Songaila and Maurice Evans, and all hands wait to see what Cuttino Mobley will do (opt out of his last year?). And for young players such as Kevin Martin and the Kings' upcoming first-round pick, the summer league next month in Las Vegas is paramount for development.

Q: With the age limit changed for draft hopefuls starting in 2006, what is the long-term effect?

A: Commissioner David Stern had pushed for a 20-year-old age limit, but the sides settled on a compromise. It makes American players draft-eligible one year after their high school class graduates. International players won't be available unless they are at least 19 by the end of the year in which they choose to enter the draft.

Q: What happened to the length of guaranteed contracts?

A: They were trimmed from seven years to six for players who re-sign with their team. Owners wanted it cut to five, but six is better than seven, the thinking went, particularly if a player gets hurt or grows disgruntled after so many seasons. Players might also prove to be easier to move with shorter deals. In short, the owners will save a lot of money.

Q: And the rookies?

A: Rookie contracts will be trimmed from three guaranteed years to two. This seems to be a victory for the owners, because they are no longer obligated to pay players they don't want for that third year. They will, however, have two club options allowing them to retain players they do want.

Q: Is there finally a more reasonable drug-testing policy in place?

A: Yes. Veterans are now subject to four annual drug tests, for steroids and recreational drugs, up from the one that for years took place at the start of training camp. Veterans over the years said it was too easy to work around the system otherwise.

Q: How does the salary cap increase help teams?

A: Owners won't be so frightened by the checkbook. The salary cap will be raised from 48 percent of revenues to 51 percent, meaning that much more wiggle room to bolster a roster. Players are pleased because there will be more money available for salaries.

Q: Any moves hurt small-market teams such as the Kings?

A: Yes, a potential biggie with the owners pulling their idea off the table for an additional penalty - or a super tax - for the high-spending teams such as Dallas and New York. This means high-spending teams can continue to throw money around and not get penalized for surpassing the "soft cap" while smaller market teams without the benefit of major corporate sponsors or TV deals still, seemingly, must spend wisely.

Q: Coaches have long wanted expanded rosters? Any luck there?

A: Yes, the pact says that teams will have, "on average," rosters of 14 players, with a maximum of 15, up from the current 12. This is particularly helpful for teams hammered by injuries, such as the Kings entering the playoffs last season.</div>

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