The Kings have brought 31-year old power forward Melvin Ely to training camp. He played in 31 games (4 starts) for the Hornets last season and he averaged 12.0 minutes, 3.1 points, 2.1 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game. Ely has now played in 343 games (53 starts) in his NBA career and he has averaged 16.4 minutes, 5.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game. Ely could provide depth for the Kings in the frontcourt and this was a good signing for them as he comes cheap.

27-year old Beno Udrih and 23-year old Sergio Rodriguez will try man the point for the Kings this season. 27-year old Beno Udrih is a shoot first point guard. He played in 73 games for the Kings last season and he averaged 31.1 minutes, 11.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The Kings brought in Sergio Rodriguez in a trade with the Blazers on draft day and he could battle Udrih for the starting job at some point this season. He will open the season as Udrih’s backup. He is a pass first type of point guards. Rodriguez played in 80 games for the Blazers last season and he averaged 15.3 minutes, 4.5 points, 1.6 reboudnds and 3.6 assists per game.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE POINT GUARDS IN 2009-2010: C

The Kings have signed 31-year old SG/SF Desmond Mason to a 1-year deal. Mason played in 39 games (19 starts) for the Thunder last season and he averaged 27.3 minutes, 7.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. He has now played in 638 games (381 starts) in his NBA career and he has averaged 30.7 minutes, 12.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. This was a good move for the Kings as the versatile Mason should help them off the bench.

The Kings have not made any earth shattering additions or subtractions this season. The only player that has left so far was Ike Diogu who signed with the Hornets as a free agent. The Kings brought in point guard Sergio Rodriguez in a trade with the Blazers and he’s a talented player with a nice upside. The Kings also took a flier on former first round pick Sean May signing him as a free agent. If he knees hold up the Kings will likely have a steal in him. 1st round pick Tyreke Evans should move right into the starting lineup at either shooting guard or small forward. He could be a All-Star as early as this season. PF John Brockman was a nice 2nd round pick for the Kings as he could give them some good minutes off the bench this season. The other pick for the Kings is a project as Omri Casspi has a way to go before he’s ready for the NBA.

FRONT OFFICE GRADE SO FAR FOR THE OFF-SEASON: B-