HOUSTON - Last month Samuel Dalembert believed he would be a Sacramento King this season.
Chuck Hayes' contract had been voided for failing his physical and the Kings were in need of another post player - an area the team might have looked to add depth before losing Hayes.
Dalembert had long been coveted by the Kings and was finally acquired in a trade before the 2010 NBA Draft. After injures slowed Dalembert, he finished the season as a starter and appeared to develop a great chemistry with DeMarcus Cousins.
Dalembert hadn't signed with the Kings before a Fox Sports story quoted him saying he believed he would be signing with the Kings.
A day later, the Kings issued a press release stating the team had withdrawn its contract offer. At the same time, news was breaking that Dalembert had agreed to a deal with the Rockets.
Dalembert had told local media Friday night's game wasn't personal but if watched Dalembert's dominant showing you wouldn't believe that.
Dalembert had 21 points, 16 rebounds and four blocked shots in Houston's 103-89 win.
The way talks broke down isn't something Dalembert like. Nor did he like the Kings issuing a statement about the talks.
"You know that's the business is and sometimes there's bad blood," Dalembert said. "I was expecting a more professional approach but obviously some people handle things differently. To me obviously they were upset and I wasn't wrong. I feel bad, they have a great fan base over there, I loved playing over there but I had the feeling they really didn't want me back. For them to come out and say something like that it shows they really didn't have it in mind to get me back. It's the way it is and it's the way the business is and I've had to deal with it."
Dalembert believed the Kings were on the verge of improvement this season. But the team Dalembert faced Friday is a lot different than the one that finished the season.
Beno Udrih's steady play that helped the Kings finish strong isn't around as he was dealt as part of the deal that brought the Kings Jimmer Fredette.
Marcus Thornton was out with a left thigh contusion and Paul Westphal wasn't coaching after he was fired last week.
"I feel bad that we couldn't finish what we started at the end of the season," Dalembert said. "I think we had a good chemistry with the young guys but I don't think the organization felt the same way but no grudges. My short time over there I did learn to like the city really well and the fans."
Dalembert said he didn't pay a lot of attention to Westphal's firing because he has been busy getting acclimated to the Rockets.
Dalembert is also still heavily involved in his charitable works. He hopes to break ground for on the Samuel Dalembert Academy in Haiti this summer.
Dalembert held book drives while playing for the Kings for children in Haiti.
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