March 13, 2009

At Home in Sacramento

For the first time in a long while, Rashad is in a place where he belongs.

Rashad driving against Indiana on March 3 (Getty Images).

Roughly two weeks after being traded from Minnesota, where he had spent his entire career, to Sacramento, No. 7 is finding his place among the Kings.

He was also the focus of a recent feature by the Sacramento Bee. In the piece, Rashad made it clear how lucky he felt to be with a team interested in using him.

"Not a lot of guys in the league get second chances, or even get the opportunity, period, so I'm grateful for the opportunity I have," McCants said. "It's a chance to play, get minutes, show people what I can do. … Without struggle, there's no progress."

Kings coach Kenny Natt spoke about the contributions that No. 7 has already made since arriving.

"His attitude has been great, one of the best," Kings coach Kenny Natt said.

"Even when he didn't get playing time, he's making comments on things that we should be better at. That's (acting) as a teammate, stepping up and being boisterous in the locker room. I love that."

Despite having hardly played in the two games since being traded to the Kings, the fourth-year guard...has gained early affection from his new team for his team-first attitude and unlikely leadership.

The Kings' coaches first took notice during halftime of Wednesday's game, when Sacramento trailed Charlotte 55-41 and the voice of reason came from the most unlikely source in the locker room. McCants, the player who was widely blamed as the problem personality for a Timberwolves team that improved after he was benched by coach Kevin McHale this season, shared his thoughts with his new teammates without any prompting. He did it again a day later, speaking up after Thursday's practice and offering an outsider's perspective on the team he hopes can help with his redemption.

NEXT UP
Rashad and the Kings take on the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight.

RELATED STORIES

New King McCants talks a good game, too (Sacramento Bee, Feb. 27, 2009)
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/story/1657704.html