The Sacramento Kings and Samuel Dalembert looked like they were ready for another season together. The Kings would hang onto Dalembert for his ability to anchor the defense in the middle, and his ability to block shots and grab rebounds. Sacramento was a better team last season because of Dalembert, and it made sense to bring him back.
However, the deal has fallen apart. The Kings withdrew their offer and Dalembert has ended up elsewhere.
@sam_amick
Sam Amick Source says the Kings have pulled the offer for free agent center Samuel Dalembert.
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@ESPNSteinLine
Marc Stein Just going up on http://t.co/Ir9HrM0O: Rockets and Samuel Dalembert reach terms on two-year contract. Link on way momentarily
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Dalembert definitely helps out a Houston Rockets squad that is thin on the inside and will give them some rebounding and defensive presence to complement the rest of their lineup. Offensive hiccups aside, it's a solid pick-up for Houston.
Whether the Kings withdrew their off to Dalembert before or after they learned of the Rockets signing is unclear. The message did seem unusually curt, making you think that the Kings were unpleased and caught off-guard by the news. Sacramento will now have some serious defensive question marks going into the offseason.
For more on Dalembert and the Kings, head to Sactown Royalty. For more on Dalembert and the Rockets, check out The Dream Shake.