Jason Kidd, Dallas: There's no denying that Kidd has lost more than a step 
over the last few years, but even at 36, he's a triple-double waiting to happen and would bring instant credibility and perhaps even a shot at the playoffs. I watched Kidd transform virtually the same Nets team that Stephon Marbury led to 26 wins (more on him later) into a two-time conference champion, and Sacramento certainly has the pieces to run an up-tempo offense. If the Kings end up drafting a point guard, there's no better player to ease him into the league, and not to mention, Kidd would help build a new arena by supplying the bricks. He'll almost certainly opt to sign with a title contender rather than settle for being the veteran presence on a rebuilding team, but with cap space tight around the league, there's a chance he won't find as many suitors as he expects.
Mike Bibby, Atlanta: Maybe a few years down the line, when Bibby's career is coming to an end, long after the fans have forgotten about his dreadful defense or how he inexplicably lost his shooting touch, the Kings can bring him back for a final go-around in Sacramento. Besides, he'll command a hefty price tag this summer, and all indications point to Bibby staying with the Hawks.
Nate Robinson, New York (Restricted): The Kings made a serious play for
Robinson at last season's trade deadline, and Sacramento is expected to heavily court him again this offseason. Despite his stellar play in the second half of the season, the Knicks might have a hard time matching an offer sheet with David Lee also up for an extension. Hardly a prototypical point guard, Robinson is a streaky shooter, a questionable defender, and a bit of headcase, but the 24-year-old would become an instant Arco crowd favorite with his Jason Terry-like instant offense. And if he elects to defend him Slam Dunk Title, he'd become the first King invited to All-Star Weekend in six years. I don't see a downside here — just as long as the Kings won't be obligated to wear any atrocious green St. Patrick's Day jerseys to please 'Krypto-Nate.'
Stephon Marbury, Boston: Another fallen star who'll draw minimal interest as a free agent, Marbury is no longer a legitimate starting point guard and hopefully won't draw serious consideration from the Kings, if only for the sake of the interns. Although I guess the local tattoo parlors wouldn't mind the business in this economy.
Article comments
1 - Matthew T. Sussman
I say go for Iverson and Marbury. It'll be the first time in NBA history a team never passes.