[sacbee] Kings waive veteran forward
Kings waive veteran forward
Injured Lawrence Funderburke says he asked for his release.
http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/
8329029p-9259215c.html
By Martin McNeal -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 a.m. PST Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Lawrence Funderburke didn't have a problem with being waived Monday by
the Kings.
In fact, he said he requested the procedure.
"They knew I didn't want to be there," the forward said in a telephone
conversation Monday night. "I think they try to accommodate people when
they don't want to be with the team. But I have nothing against anybody.
I just thought it was best to separate and go our own ways."
The youth-and community-oriented Funderburke, who began his NBA career
with the Kings in the 1997-98 season, said his time spent in Sacramento
was fulfilling on and off the court.
"I wanted to convey to the fans and people how much I appreciated their
tremendous support on and off the court," he said. "As much as I enjoyed
playing with the team, I think being able to meet and touch a lot of young
people in the area may have been the most rewarding because I love to give
back to the kids."
Funderburke, 33, underwent surgery last September to repair a partially
torn left Achilles' tendon and said he's progressing nicely. He was in the
last year of a five-year contract and will receive his entire $3.625 million
salary this season despite not having played and being waived.
"I'm hoping to be able to go full-go in the next couple of months," he said,
"but I'm nowhere near ready to play right now."
Geoff Petrie, president of basketball operations, said the Kings' frontcourt
future appears to be set.
"(Chris Webber) will be back next week, and Brad (Miller) will be sometime
around that time, either sooner or later," Petrie said. "And I think the
development of Darius (Songaila) and Jabari (Smith) have left us pretty solid
in those positions. Plus, we wanted to give (Funderburke) a chance, now that
he's getting to the point where he's close to playing, more freedom to plot
out his future."
Funderburke averaged 6.4 points and 3.6 rebounds in 14.9 minutes per game
through six NBA seasons. The smooth left-hander played professionally in
France and Greece before joining the Kings.
He spoke about how thankful he was to the Kings for giving him the opportunity
to play.
"They gave me a chance and then a long-term contract," Funderburke said.
"But I think every one of us as athletes should feel blessed to be able to
play a sport and get millions of dollars."
Jackson receives good news - An MRI on guard Bobby Jackson revealed no tear
in his abdominal muscles. He must remain on the injured list through Sunday's
game against Phoenix before he is eligible to return. But the Kings will
likely make sure his muscles are completely healed before letting him return
to practice, much less game action.
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