At the very least, Kings President Geoff Petrie can see what the rest of us see.

His squad needs help defending its basket.

So when the New Orleans Hornets made their desire to discard salary a league-wide reality, it was time for Petrie to make a move for fourth-year forward-center Hilton Armstrong.

Sacramento took a flyer on Armstrong by sacrificing just a 2016 second-round draft choice. They also received cash in the deal.

Armstrong, 25, a 6-foot-11 post player out of the University of Connecticut, does what the Kings don't - defend. He is a shot-blocker and changer. Should he bring those qualities to the Kings, coach Paul Westphal will have another option in the frontcourt. Petrie said it was unlikely Armstrong would be available Tuesday when the Kings host the Orlando Magic at Arco Arena.

"He'll probably be here (Tuesday)," Petrie said of Armstrong. "But because of some things we need to get done with the league office, he probably won't be available."

The Kings begin a season-long, six-game road trip Friday in Philadelphia and that could be Armstrong's first opportunity to suit up for a game.

Starting center Spencer Hawes should hear footsteps and competition for playing time.
Monday afternoon, Petrie wouldn't acknowledge that motivating Hawes played a role in the trade. He didn't deny it, either.

"Whatever it takes," he said with a laugh.

Petrie said the Kings didn't take a major chance in acquiring Armstrong.

"Last year, (Armstrong) played some solid minutes when (New Orleans center Emeka) Okafor was injured," he said. "We didn't have to put a whole lot into getting him. I think Hilton has a lot of upside so we'll see.

"He's athletic and he'll give us more length up front. His stats won't wow you, but perhaps a change of scenery, a new environment and a new opportunity may help him."

Armstrong didn't get much of an opportunity this season with New Orleans. He averaged 13.3 minutes, 2.8 points and 3.4 rebounds in 18 games for the Hornets. Armstrong, the 12th pick overall of the 2006 NBA Draft, only averaged 2.8 field-goal attempts.

One might think a big man playing with point guard par excellence, Chris Paul, would be the recipient of layup and dunk opportunities. However, Armstrong does not have great hands. However, he did make 56 percent of his field-goal attempts during the 2008-09 season in which he played in 70 games and started 29.