Top 10 Free Agent Signings in Sacramento Kings History
By Scott Harris
#5
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Beno Udrih
Beno Udrih was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves prior to the 2007-08 season who, in turn, waived the guard. The Kings swooped in and signed Beno to a one-year minimum salary deal to fill in for an injured Mike Bibby. Beno was an immediate success and was a solid contributor while Bibby was on the shelf.
The following season, he re-signed at five-years, $32 million. While that may have been a little much to pay Beno, he was projected as the new starting point guard as soon as they could offload Bibby and his contract.
Offensively, Beno was a shoot-first point guard with a consistent jump shot. Defensively, Beno was a turnstile waiting to be penetrated. However, considering he was replacing Mike Bibby, he wasn’t much of a drop-off. Beno had a knack for hitting big shots and was great at hitting mid-range jumpers. He also knew when to pass the ball and wasn’t as big of a black hole as many shoot-first point guards can be. His per 36 stats while on the Kings were solid:
| Season | Tm | Lg | Pos | G | GS | FG% | 3P% | 2P% | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-11 | SAC | NBA | PG | 296 | 228 | .481 | .361 | .512 | .845 | 0.6 | 2.9 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 14.1 |
The Kings traded Beno in a 3-team draft-day trade that sent him and the rights to newly drafted Bismack Biyombo out for John Salmons and the rights to Jimmer Fredette. Yeah…not the best trade, but they’ve done worse.
Next: #4