Bibby Blames Martin's Defense

by Tom Ziller on Feb 22, 2007 10:29 AM PST in Commentary

Why wouldn't we want to trade this guy?

Mike Bibby was mad, but not about anything regarding his own uncertain status. He was none too thrilled because I wrote in a game story in Wednesday's paper that he was culpable for letting Boston's Delonte West score 19 of his 23 points in the first half. As it turns out, I was the guilty party.

"I was guarding Rondo!" he yelled. "That was Kevin (Martin). How you gonna say that was me?"

Saying, "I wa guarding Rondo!" is fine. Then explicitly calling out your young teammate, the one whose been the best player on the team all season? Yeah, not so much.

Mike Bibby is not endearing himself to his fans on his way out.

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Re: Bibby Blames Martin's Defense

F*ck Bibby.

by evanmeagan on Feb 22, 2007 10:58 AM PST reply actions

Re: Bibby Blames Martin's Defense

Please also note the significance of Bibby getting the assignment to cover Rondo on D. Seeing as how Rondo would need a team of sherpas to find the hoop, this isn't exactly a vote of confidence in Bibby's ability to cover opposing point guards. Also, since Bibby never had to get within ten feet of Rondo at any given time (since he was no threat to score), he could have easily helped Martin, who obviously had his hands full with West.

But I can understand the comments. Dude has got to be stressed out with all the trade talk and he probably feels like he's being crapped on to a greater extent than he deserves.

by Jeff Reguilon on Feb 22, 2007 11:15 AM PST reply actions

Re: Bibby Blames Martin's Defense

Agreed with your last statement, Jeff. I love Bibby, he and Artest are my favorite players on the Kings. But this is clearly not working out and I'd like to see the team rebuild. I'd like to be excited about my team again. That might take a year or two, but if that is what it takes, that is what it takes.

It's going to be odd not seeing the Kings in the playoffs, but at the end of the day, even if we get there, we're going to get owned. Period. Dallas. San Antonio. Phoenix. All three of those teams are not teams we can keep up with for 4-5 games. Maybe one game, yeah. But not a slew of games in a row.

I'd rather clean house and start rebuilding now. I'm not going to dump on Bibby or Artest or any of the Kings players. It's just not working out. Let's find them new homes that work out for them and find a situation that works out for us and call it a day for crying out loud.

by bballblog on Feb 22, 2007 11:24 AM PST up reply actions

Re: Bibby Blames Martin's Defense

Very well put!

by idjpg85 on Feb 22, 2007 12:13 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Bibby Blames Martin's Defense

I wanted Bibby to get traded but you have to admit, that was very unfair. He was involved in a lot of trade rumors and to be blamed for something that he did not do was I guess to much. Anyone calling out Kev for his poor defense (other than Bibby)? I guess Kev can do no wrong :/

by kingme on Feb 22, 2007 1:14 PM PST reply actions

Re: Bibby Blames Martin's Defense

I agree, Kev does get a pass on his defense. But he is in his first year as a starter, and is filling it up on the offensive end.

Bibby's defensive liabilities are magnified by his offensive struggles. It's pretty obvious that he can't contribute much to a team if he's not scoring...and that might also explain why he's still a Sacramento King at this point.

by otis29 on Feb 22, 2007 1:26 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Bibby Blames Martin's Defense

The Kings issues on defense is either scheme or mental lapses. I specifically watched Delonte West to see why he kept scorching us and strangely enough no one was guarding him at all. The Kings allowed Battier, Head and Alston to shoot a whopping 11-21 from three because they had wide open looks, just like West.
These guys are marginal set shooters who are standing around waiting for the pass. West isn't going to take you to the hole, he scores on fast break baskets and open looks. Where are the defenders?
I don't blame Bibby for saying something, maybe it will shed some light on a glaring issue. I do blame Bibby for setting a poor example for Kevin Martin on the defensive end.

We are slipping into the NBA abyss.

by jjham15 @ Sactown Royalty on Feb 22, 2007 2:14 PM PST reply actions