April 03, 2012; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings small forward Donte Greene (20) shoots the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the third quarter at Power Balance Pavilion. The Phoenix Suns defeated the Sacramento Kings 109-100. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE

Despite a wrongful perceived notion, playing in Sacramento is a special time for just about any player – especially one as personable as Donte Greene. Yes, around the league Sacramento has a stigma attached to it but almost any player who’s suited up for the Kings franchise will tell you just how wonderful a place it is to play. From a franchise cornerstone like Chris Webber to a reserve big man in Scot Pollard, players are universally loved and held in the highest regard, no matter their role on the team.

Few players felt that more than former Kings forward Donte Greene, who after four seasons in Sacramento said goodbye this offseason. Still currently a free agent, Greene never fully matured into the talent the Kings front office had hoped for when they acquired the 28th pick in the ’08 Draft (along with Bobby Jackson and Omri Casspi) from Houston in exchange for Ron Artest.

A solid sophomore campaign in which Greene had career high’s (still to this day) across the board gave the purple and black faithful reason to believe the former Orangeman was their small forward of the future. In 21 minutes a game, Donte put up 8.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and nearly a block and an assist a night on 44% shooting – not to mention playing semi-respectable defense at a young age. Given annual growth, it was fair to speculate that Greene had a long-term future in Sacramento but it never materialized.

For the following two seasons, Donte struggled – struggled to see floor time and struggled to make an impact when on the court. His numbers dipped and the second year explosion looked more like an anomaly than growth. As much as he was beloved by the King fandom, the writing was slowly being written on the wall.

April 02, 2012; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings small forward Donte Greene (20) reacts after being called for a foul against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter at Power Balance Pavilion. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-108. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE

In terms of a goodwill ambassador, few could ever rival Greene. His caring and open ways were constantly on display, be it visiting local hospitals to working with children to even putting on charity basketball games from fan requests during last years lockout. It was Greene who, when many felt the Kings had played their final game in Sacramento, stayed in the arena with the distraught King faithful. It was Greene who always made himself available to local media and fans. Greene’s the pro’s pro and his constant happiness was a beacon of light for a franchise that struggled to find their way in the dark.

But in the cutthroat world of wins and losses, the one part Greene couldn’t master was his performance on the court. The Kings had the opportunity to retain Greene this offseason as he was due just under $3 million in a qualifying offer, but Geoff Petrie and company opted to move in a different direction trading for James Johnson to fill Greene’s spot, both on the court and financially.

Donte etched himself into the heart of King fans both old and young and will be missed by many, but it was clear he and the Kings needed a change for each party to get where they want to be.

I know one thing though – there isn’t a King fan not rooting for Donte to find success, wherever that may be. Good luck, Mr. Kane – we’re pulling for you.

Grade: Painful as it might be to say it, it’s an A for both parties – though Donte’s passion and energy will be sorely missed in both the locker room and community.

Credit: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

Last night, former Sacramento King Donte Greene along with a handful of current NBA stars, including DeMarcus Cousin, Tyreke Evans, John Wall and more were to participate in the second annual charity Goon Squad Classic basketball game.

The event, which Donte originated last season during the NBA lockout, per fan wishes, was setting itself up to be a yearly contest given Greene’s adoration by the purple and black faithful but now questions loom if the event will ever return.

Thursday, Greene and the Circle of Success foundation were informed that the event was to be canceled by the NBA with many (including Donte) citing the league’s new collective bargaining agreement. The CBA requires proceeds from non-NBA basketball tournaments to be included in BRI (basketball related income) – but that leaves a looming question. Who was upset over the game? Was it the NBA? Or was it somebody else?

While we don’t know exactly how the finances would’ve played out, we do know most (if not all) the money was going to charity and it’s hard to imagine the NBA frowning upon that – so it had to be something else, right?

According to CBS Sacramento, that’s exactly what it was. While the NBA did indeed cancel the event and send out notices informing the players they could be fined or potentially suspended for taking part, it appears that an unknown team filed a complaint to the NBA on behalf of the new CBA/BRI rules, forcing the league to shut down the game:

But now, a source tells CBS13 the league only stepped in after an unnamed team filed a complaint, presumably over injury concerns.

Amazing.

While I understand a teams concern over potential injury, the said player(s) need to handled by their respective franchise. If they’re uncomfortable with the player taking part in the event, that’s within their contractual rights – so prevent the lone player(s) from participating but shutting down the entire event? Bush league.

Seven current Kings were originally scheduled to play (Isaiah Thomas then backed out) and given the local support it would bring, it’s hard to imagine the Kings putting in the request. Jamal Crawford of the Clippers, who was scheduled to play also informed Greene he wouldn’t be playing so we can cross the Clippers off the list. John Wall, who was originally to appear in the first Goon Squad Classic but then oddly sat out while attending, was also expected to participate in the second GSC. Could it have been the Wizards, worried about their franchise talent hurting himself? Given Wall’s expected participation during the first event which never materialized and the fact he was scheduled to take part again, this time with the Wizards having the CBA behind them – it certainly sounds plausible that they may have pushed the NBA into the move. Either way, even if it wasn’t the Wizards (and it certainly might not have been), somebody ruined the fun for thousands of fans and charity money for even more.

Shameful.