LOS ANGELES -- Pooh Jeter seems incapable of being bitter.
There was plenty of speculation before last month's NBA Draft the Kings would draft a point guard. That was before the team dealt point guard Beno Udrih to Milwaukee.
After that draft-day trade, the Kings would select two guards - BYU's Jimmer Fredette and Washington's Isaiah Thomas - the latter selection cementing the fact the Kings would not pick up Jeter's option for next season.
That coupled with the impending NBA lockout meant Jeter would likely end up playing overseas again - and he's fine with that.
Jeter said when the "lil homie Isaiah" was made the 60th pick in the draft by the Kings he prepared himself to look at all is options.
"Hey, I'm going to congratulate him," Jeter said. "I'm going to see Isaiah next week and I'm going to definitely congratulate him when I see him in Seattle and continue to give advice. I'm just happy for the opportunity. Me doing summer league for five years and I got the opportunity and that's great for me."
Jeter, 27, finished his rookie season with the Kings averaging 4.1 points and 2.6 assists.
He'd signed a two-year contract last year, with the Kings holding the option for the second season.
The Kings didn't pick up the option so Jeter is a free agent and considering overseas options.
"With the lockout it has to be Europe," Jeter said. "I'm hearing from a lot of European teams and they're talking good so hopefully I'll decide something by next week maybe and definitely try to get the NBA-out clause and all that. But if I've got to be over there for a year, I've got to be over there a year. And I'll just have to come back continue to do what I do."
Jeter certainly didn't embarrass himself in appearing in 62 games. He said playing the NBA allowed him strengthen friendships and make new friends.
Jeter wished his playing time could have been more consistent, but still doesn't leave Sacramento feeling bitter.
"I told (Kings basketball president) Geoff Petrie thanks for the opportunity," Jeter said. "And I knew if it weren't for the lockout there would be more opportunities in the league for me because teams were interested. I've just got to ride with it. I have no control over it."
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