Less from Moore?

SACRAMENTO ‘ Reggie Theus supposedly is a big believer in former Jazz big man Mikki Moore, who will pocket nearly $5.8 million this season.
But tonight, when the Jazz visit Sacramento here, the Kings coach plans to bench the veteran journeyman and started youngster Spencer Hawes in his usual place at power forward.
According to Tuesday’s Sacramento Bee, ‘With the stated goal of rebuilding well established and the front office and ownership desiring increased minutes for the younger players, Theus’ loyalty to Moore and eternal endorsements of his impact have hurt his standing in his bosses’ eyes.”
The Bee, citing numerous unnamed team sources, reported that ‘Theus’ decision ‘ came just two days after ‘ Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie met with co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof ‘ to discuss the current state of affairs and the coach’s future.”
Theus is in the final guaranteed season of his current contract.
Only $2 million of Moore’s $6.2 million salary for next season, incidentally, is guaranteed if he’s waived before June 20, the Bee also reported.
Said the defensive-minded Moore to the Sacramento newspaper: ‘I’m not a big stat guy. Most of my stuff comes from playing defense and setting screens, getting guys open, offensive rebounds. That’s about it. But you can’t go out there and just keep losing, losing, losing and (be worried) about your stats.”
Moore revived his NBA with a successful 28-game run for the Jazz after being promoted from the NBA Development League late in the 2003-04 season.

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One side note from Sacramento: The Kings’ coaching staff this season includes not only ex-Jazz player and assistant coach Kenny Natt, but also retired NBA player Shareef Abdur-Rahim.

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