Allen Who?

by Tom Ziller on Dec 23, 2006 8:33 AM PST in Recaps

I just want to step in and trumpet the true basketball beauty that is John Salmons getting his first career triple-double in his first game opposite Allen Iverson. That gift tells you John-John has been a good boy this year.

(Note: This post could've also been titled "Ron Who?")

Salmons was called the 5th worst free agent signing of the summer as recently as a couple weeks ago. Really? Here's a guy performing well in the startig lineup and off the bench, breaking his ass to put up 20 pts, or 15 pts and 10 assists, or whatever the team needs. He's been the consumnate team player - coming in in three positions when needed. And he's making less than the mid-level. Must have been an incredible free agency offseason.

Salmons still needs to improve his long-range shooting. But his playmaking is sorely needed, as is his midrange game and his defense. I think Salmons is a great signing, and I think that will continue to bear out over the next few years.

Tweet Comment 13 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Re: Allen Who?

all i want for xmas

A) the memphis grizzlies get all nostalgic and decide to trade Pau Gasol for Bibby and Abdur Rahim.

B) Artest to LAC for Livingston and QRoss, anyone?

C) lucky ping pong balls... King Oden!

happy xmashunnakakwanza ya'll

"I have benefited greatly from criticism, and at no time have I suffered a lack there of." -W. Churchill

by Waterfront Fatts on Dec 23, 2006 9:57 AM PST reply actions

Re: Allen Who?

I sincerely doubt Salmons would be enjoying proposed sainthood if Mr.Camby had not broken his ring finger. He can leaf through his scrapbook on the bench once Artest decides he has taught management a lesson and returns. One point Ron has probably impressed upon them is that he is the starting small forward at least for now if they don't want open warfare in their clubhouse.

by Observer on Dec 23, 2006 10:09 AM PST reply actions

Re: Allen Who?

Maybe he wouldn't have gotten the triple. But injuries, suspensions and player drama are luck factors in the season as much as the schedule. So far, Salmons (he needs a nickname asap) is consistent. He is producing. He is so glad he is out of Philly that he has a great attitude and new lease on life. And, he has proven that the team will survive without Ron. Success last night had to have gotten into Ron's head/ego just a little and hopefully he will have something to prove.

by pyro on Dec 23, 2006 1:05 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Nickname - How 'bout Fish

Sure, it is easy, but it just makes me feel good. And, yes, I should see someone about that...

by towndunce on Dec 23, 2006 10:05 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Nickname - How 'bout Fish

Hehe...we call him Fish in my house. Makes me think of Barney Miller though.

On injuries - Yao (poor guy - I was hoping for him to get MVP) out 6 weeks with a broken leg and without him the Rockets lost tonight. I dunno, seems like things are about to get interesting.

by pyro on Dec 23, 2006 11:17 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Nickname - How 'bout Fish

My first selfish reaction to this was that I'm sad I won't get to see him Jan. 13 in ARCO...I've never seen him play live before.

Can't hurt the Kings, though.

by Tom Ziller on Dec 24, 2006 9:25 AM PST up reply actions

Re: Allen Who?

To say that I was underwhelmed with the Salmons signing would be an understatement. I don't know what I was expecting (Read: Hoping for), but signing John Salmons was not it. But Salmons has been better than I imagined he would be.

He has been the second best King this year. Hmmm, maybe that's what the Kings problem is. ;)

by Krazy4Kings on Dec 23, 2006 11:56 AM PST reply actions

Re: Allen Who?

Im sold on Salmons. The team still needs to make some moves, and Bibby is an obvious candidate to be traded at a position where the Kings have alot of players.

by Deleran on Dec 23, 2006 12:40 PM PST reply actions

Re: Allen Who?

usually when a team makes a deal on circumstance such as a good playoff series or elevated play in garbage time it doesn't work out. in salmons case that he played well when iverson was out of the game the same could have happened, but he has shown he can be an incredible 3rd option and i hope when ron returns from mike tyson land he doesn't get tossed aside

by CrownUs93 on Dec 23, 2006 10:28 PM PST reply actions

Re: Allen Who?

The Salmons signing unnerved me at first, mainly because a 5-year contract for an obscure player has Jerome James written all over it. It also seemed like he was the slightly cheaper alternative for Bonzi, which turned me off a bit. But that guy can just flat-out play. He does a little bit of everything for you...a little scoring, a little rebounding, a little ballhandling, a little defense...is he the next Doug Christie? A Martin/Salmons core all of a sudden looks pretty enticing. Let's find the right pieces to surround those guys...I still think Artest can be one of those pieces. Miller, Bibby, KT? Not so much.

Freakin' Kings.

by DB on Dec 24, 2006 1:05 AM PST reply actions

Re: Allen Who?

Agreed. Although I think Corey Maggette can as well and the Kings/Clippers are talking about an Artest/Maggette deal. As long as they throw in their first round pick this year, I'm game.

by bballblog on Dec 24, 2006 2:39 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Allen Who?

Voisin was pretty blunt in her column today in the Bee. She thinks either Artest or Bibby have to go and maybe both. She says some of the coaching thinks the same thing.

by Observer on Dec 24, 2006 8:48 AM PST reply actions

Re: Allen Who?

Whenever I see Ailene's name atop a an article I grab a grain of salt just incase. She did manage to put "If" into the subtitle meaning "If" changes don't take place one will have to go. I wish she had at least stated who these opposing scouts and coaches are who are so worried about the King's drama issues. Very "I heard it from my cousin's boyfriend's sister who works at Baskin Robins" type reporting. Doesn't she think that maybe the drama is possibly a result of columns like hers?

My issue with the alleged chemistry problem is with the guys, primarily Ron, making snitty jabs about how others play but avoid mentioning names. That action alone invites the media, and the fans, to naturally ask more questions and expect there are rumblings worse than there probably are. Ron, if you think Mike sucks at D and feel compelled to talk to the media - then say it outright and don't do a Carmelo and back away from the punch. If there is a problem - fix it. If there isn't a problem - shush, play as a team and prove it.

by pyro on Dec 24, 2006 10:33 AM PST up reply actions