A few observations....

by Hoops916 on Dec 24, 2007 8:59 AM PST Comment 19 comments

So last night I got to sit a few rows off the floor for the first time all year due to a friends holiday absence and i noticed a few things...

-first things first, Im not really into beating the dead horse, but give me a break on our free-throw shooting. throughout the game it was a reason for concern, and thats exactly what seperates the good teams from the bad ones huh?

-The chemistry between Beno and Theus is horrible. Im not sure if anyone has noticed this but those 2 are seriously not on the same page. I must have seen Theus pull Beno aside at the beginning of a handlful of timeouts and lecture him, with Beno verbally shooting back during each discussion. Its not good when the coach and PG aern't on the same page fellas!

-Way to show the crowd that you have some balls Beno!!!! Leaders hit those buddy! (hell, at least 1 of them). However, he did have a pretty good offensive game aside from those FT's.But those were BIG!.I'll save my comments for the 7ft RAGDOLL until later

-Artest is playing GREAT ball right now. Im not sure if he'll stay here or opt out, but I sure hope we set aside some cash for him! He was a ball-stopper for a few minutes in the 3rd, but other than thet, he played a flawless game.

-Brad Miller sucks! I'll just get that out right now before i explain. One play in particular pissed me off maybe worse than any play thus far this year..(I believ it happened in the 3rd Q) Artest curt through the left side of the lane and while his man and Millers defender crashed on him, Artest jumped in the air and wisely dumped off a bounce passunder the hoop to where a crashing Brad Miller SHOULD have been. Instead the ball bounced to Miller and he subsequently missed a 7 foot jumper. Give me a damn Break!!!! That is basketball fundamentals 101 you 7 foot RAGDOLL!!! When your man doubles down on a driving player through the lane.....you CRASH the hoop!!! Artest was visably upset with Miller and he should have been. He drew an extra defender and dropped off a perfect pass to what should have been a streaking Miller for a dunk!! We must be the only team in the damn league where a play like that doesnt resolve in a flush! Frustrating to say the least!

-Mikki Moore actually played some pretty damn good defence last night. He had 3 good blocks that i remember. Even more impressive is that none of them were "cheap-blocks". He went straight up on all three and got legitimate blocks. Felt good to finally see a center who can block shots and not shoot the ball like a fat 7th grade girl (yes, thats referring to j. willimas offensive abilities)

-Douby gave a few solid minutes to the club. Had a few shots that he should have hit (needs to hit if he expects minutes) but I still think he gave us a few good minutes.

-Another frustration...And this one doesnt include the RAGDOLL...Someone needs to explain to Cisco' the importance of dribbling the ball with your head up. I noticed two or three plays when he had the ball in his hands and we should have easily converted baskets but didnt. when a rookie dribbles carelessly with his head down its considered a bad rookie habit....but a guy who has been in the league for a few years....thats reason for concern fellas!!!

-Carmelo's game is Smooth!! He didnt play exceptionally well but before I knew it I looked up and he already had 24! His drive to through the lane in the 4th was damn impressive! Talk about imposing your will on the game

-We SHOULD have won this game! This would have been a huge game for the Kings and their fans for motivational purposes!! Up next...Celts...Ouch!

(This is a FanPost from a member of the Sactown Royalty community. The views expressed come from the member, and not Sactown Royalty staff.)

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On Reggie vs Beno

I think the reason they seem so harsh is that you can see Reggie talk to him. I doubt there is much to the animation other than Reggie seems animated alot of the time (maybe he isn't).

The other part of the harshness could be due to that Reggie himself played alot of Point in the league and has an idea of the way he wants it run.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Dec 24, 2007 12:47 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Solid Point

Im guessing that your assumption is accurate! Solid point!

by Hoops916 on Dec 24, 2007 2:14 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Nice diary otherwise

I forgot to write that part. I do disagree about keeping Artest (as I'm sure youre aware) but the diary was a good read. You noticed alot more than I would at a game (i never notice crap watching games live).

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Dec 24, 2007 2:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Nice observations

While I won't argue with your opinion of Miller, it does speak volumes about this roster that he is still the best all around player in our frontcourt.

While we're on the frontcourt I'll toss in the same about Moore. He's a great piece to have come in off the bench. The fact that we are starting him again speaks volumes about our frontcourt.

I think another segment to the Theus/Udrih story is the fact that Beno did come in after the season started, so he is still learning Reggie's offensive and defensive theories on the fly. That and the fact that he is the PG is perhaps why the two of them seem to have more of a running dialogue during the games than some of the other players.

I'm still in the "trade Ron" camp, but I would probably be securely on the fence if he continues to (a) play well and (b) stay out of trouble. As of right now I would be very nervous giving him $70+ million, which is what I think he will command on the open market.

I still think it's 50-50 that we catch the Celtics napping. After last night we may need them comatose to secure a win.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Dec 24, 2007 3:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Brad doesn't suck....

In fact, he's had a pretty solid year. He just doesn't bring certain aspects to the game: He's a poor post defender that doesn't block shots, and he does not have a post-up game on the offensive side. He is, however, a good shooter and an excellent passer - I think the best passing big man in the game.

The point you make about him not crashing on the double-team was valid; however, Brad has an extremely high basketball ball IQ, so nit picking on that play isn't fair. You could do the same to every player on the court. If you play 40+ mins a night, you will make mistakes and miss plays.

BTW, I think we are the 3rd best FT shooting team in the league. So, FT shooting doesn't really separate the good ones from the bad ones. Last night, we happen to shoot particularly poorly and it cost us the game. However, our excellent FT shooting has actually won us a couple of games this year.

Anyway, solid post, Hoops916. Interesting and provacative points throughout. BTW, like you, I'm a big Ron Ron fan. He loses it mentally on the offensive side sometimes, but I love how hard he plays and especially how hard he defends.

by Kusian on Dec 24, 2007 5:53 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Just a quick note...

I liked your points....however, I disagree about your opinion of Miller. You stated "He's a poor post defender that doesn't block shots, and he does not have a post-up game on the offensive side"..That is the JOB of a center!!!......Thats like saying you have a PG who doesnt pass or shoot well nor run an offense. Cmon man..I like Miller for what he is, which isnt more than a legit big man off the bench..The Kings desperatly need a low-post presence!

by Hoops916 on Dec 25, 2007 1:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Here's the problem

So we need a good low post defender that blocks shots and has a post up game. OK, list 'em.

Again, this is not in defense of Miller, but the animal that we want is on the endangered list.
This is precisely why the Lakers wouldn't part with Bynum for Jason Kidd, even if it would have made them better last year and even if it's what Kobe wanted.

I completely agree that if we could wave a magic wand we would blow up the hydra (especially at their current contracts) and start over. But I am impressed with the production Theus has gotten out of Miller and Moore given their physical limitations. As my daughter likes to say, "It is what it is." She also likes to say that Miller gets "pwned" a lot, so in that respect she sees it your way.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Dec 25, 2007 10:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Right on...

I suppose the reason why I see Miller's game as such a problem for the Kings is that we don't have a low-post presence at the 4. I have no problem with a center who likes to keep his distance from the hoop on offense..... and play absolutely no defense while getting manhandled by bigger,faster,stronger players on a nightly basis. (ok, that part isnt true).But in order for me to see that as helping our team we must have an effective 4. And unfortunently,like you stated, there isnt a magic wand to blow up the hydra and that surely isnt Millers fault. But from what i see while watching games is that when Miller's shot isnt "on", he is next to useless out there. Maybe my frustration with Miller truely lies in the hydra!!!! Damn that monster!

by Hoops916 on Dec 26, 2007 12:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What you're describing is many teams problems

If it was simple big men wouldn't be such a big deal or have such high value.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Dec 26, 2007 12:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree..

I do not believe many teams have this same problem whatsoever pookey!

I am not claiming that the Kings need a Great big man! I am saying that we at least need a big man who isnt afraid of the paint. I'm not even talking about talent at this point. I just believe that if Miller is going to continue to stay away from the paint, we are going to need a 4 who isnt afraid to post up every now and again.

I honestly think we are the only team in the league right now with both a starting 4 and 5 who have absolutely NO post up skills...That is not a good combo!

by Hoops916 on Dec 26, 2007 1:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Basically you're saying the Kings need

Tim Duncan Hakeem Olajuwon Dwight Howard or a guy like that right? My point is simple: Post defenders who block shots and have low post games are very rare hence their increased value.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Dec 26, 2007 2:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

no......

tats not what i am saying at ALL. Go read what i typed again..."Im not saying the Kings need a GREAT big"...We just need a player who plays BIG.. We need a player who is at least CAPABLE of posting up a few times a game and doesnt get tossed around like a RAGDOLL...Every team in the league has guys like that, except us

Im not even talking about Hakeem, or Dwight or whatever irrelevent name you brought into the conversation

by Hoops916 on Dec 26, 2007 2:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I dont think Dream or Dwight are irrelevent

I'm sure Houstonians and Orlando folk feel the same way.

So tell me what team doesn't have issues? You're telling me that Eddy Curry ( or what about marcus camby? He doesn't get tossed around like a rag doll?--he's skinny, doesn't have a single shred of post up game, and gets hurt more than Brad Miller) doesn't get tossed around like a rag doll? Okay no he doesn't. And he's a worse rebounder, both career and this season, than Miller is.

Eddy Curry is currently grabbing: 2.2 off reb's and 3.1 reb's. I'm sure he doesn't get tossed around but he isn't worth more than Miller is (and Brad is paid about a million more than Curry is.)

Brad's rebounding #'s: 2.2 o boards 6.2 defensive boards

If you want to list each team out there whose center I'd rather have than Miller at this very point in time the list is actually short than it's longer. Sure Brad isn't perfect, but teams are doing their best, and everything they can, to stop him to win the game. From where I stand that's more of a compliment than actual dis-respect.

One more thing. I'm not mis-understanding your point. My point is what you see as each team "having" you haven't justified to this point. If every team has what you claim why is Brad out performing probably 70-80% of the big men in this league?

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Dec 26, 2007 2:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

numbers

We all agree Brad has his limitations; but not pointing out where he is good (and in some instances very good) isn't giving a complete and accurate picture of what he brings. And I certainly disagree that he's a bench player. There are not 20+ centers more effective than he currently playing in the NBA. Look at his numbers. The simple truth is that there is a very limited number of impact type post players - offensive or defensive in the NBA. For now, we have to hope that Reggie can keep squeezing the lemon the best he can, and pray that Hawes continues to develop defensively. (The boy is certainly going to score both inside and outside -especially when he loses that teenage body and becomes a full grown man.)

by Kusian on Dec 25, 2007 7:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't want Noah either

But I'm far more intrigued by Hawes than Noah at this point.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Dec 26, 2007 1:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

potential

The potential for Hawes - at least offensively - is pretty intriguing. He can and will get stronger, but I don't think he's going to get a ton quicker and while his vertical isn't Brad-like awful it still is not great and not likely to get too much better either. I don't believe that he will ever be a defensive monster. Still, Hawes might pack a lot of scoring punch in 2 or 3 seasons. And if he can learn to play good team D and be surrounded by a solid 4, we might really like him 'round here. I am hoping for Vlade-like potential....sans the embarrassing flops ;)

by Kusian on Dec 26, 2007 11:56 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Baby got back

Get that boy some thick creamy shakes. A Rick Mahorn type buttocks would make him impossible to move out of the low post and damn near impossible to get around on the glass. Weight room and protein, stat!

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Dec 26, 2007 12:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Hawes and Miller both need a true power forward.

The skills that Miller/Hawes have are awesome if they have a beast next to them. The Magic could have and should have traded for Miller this off-season. Mixing Miller with Howard would have been almost impossible to stop, one guy torching you from the perimeter and making spectacular entry passes while the other banged the boards, collapsed the defense and blocked shots.

I don't really blame Brad for having a limited game I just wish the Kings had the other piece to the puzzle. Kind of like the Bibby issue, if the Kings had a point three or passing 2 (a la Doug Christie), Bibby would look great on the offensive end. I still think a lot of the issues could be solved by playing Artest at the 4 and staring Salmons at the 3.

We are slipping into the NBA abyss.

by jjham15 on Dec 27, 2007 9:23 AM PST reply actions 0 recs