As I noted a couple of days ago, the lack of an announcement about a qualifying offer for Donte' Greene with the announcement of Jason Thompson's qualifying offer meant Greene had more than likely played his last game with the Kings.
Greene confirmed that today on his Twitter account.
Bye-Bye SAC! Been a good 4yrs. Made so many friends and love all da fans!!!! #grindtime #on2danext #COS
— Donte Greene (@dontegreeneCOS) June 27, 2012
Greene finishes his four seasons in Sacramento averaging 6.1 points and 2.4 rebounds in 253 games. Greene shot 40.6 percent from the field, 30.4 percent from the three-point line.
Greene came to Sacramento as part of the trade that sent Ron Artest to Houston. Greene's best season was his second, when he started 50 of 76 games and averaged 8.5 points and 3.1 rebounds. Greene shot 44.1 percent, making 37.7 percent of his three pointers.
Greene played small and power forward, but never became the defender the Kings believed he could. The thought was Greene was too concerned about being an offensive player and taking three pointers rather than using his 6-foot-11, 226-pound frame to defend and rebound.
Extremely athletic for his size, coaches wanted to see Greene go to the rim more and initiate contact.
Of Greene's 266 shots last season, 105 were three pointers. Greene only attempted 55 free throws.
Greene not returning isn't a surprise. Aside from frustration over his inability to adapt his style of play, his work ethic was also questioned by people in the Kings' organization.
That frustration was most evident before his third season when instead of showing up ready to compete for the starting small forward job, Greene arrived at training camp more than 20 pounds overweight.
That was probably Greene's best chance at solidifying his spot with the franchise. Greene didn't hold on to the starting job and the Kings decided to trade for John Salmons after the 2010-11 season.
Greene was one of the more personable Kings, always happy to meet with fans, especially when it appeared the team might move.
Greene also hosted a charity exhibition game at UC Davis during last year's lockout and held various charitable functions in the area.
Greene is good friends with Thompson, so assuming Thompson doesn't receive an offer sheet the Kings do not match, he will be without one of his best friends on the team.
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