HOPE
by Tom Ziller on Nov 4, 2008 6:01 AM PST
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We shouldn't be surprised a roster of questionable depth and talent lost four road games. The lack of fire, focus and will has been a nightmare, though, with half the roster looking dead on their feet. The starting point guard is playing like he belongs in D-League, the starting power forward has a total of four rebounds through four games. The would-be All-Star guard isn't himself. Even the brash, cocky fill-in at center -- a cat who has never lacked a scowl or elbows -- played with no direction in a pretty damn important game.
Every game is important until the first win. Most of these dudes played like they didn't give a flying dove. Kevin Martin tried hard on defense in the second half, staying in his crouch and challenging Andre Iguodala repeatedly. Spencer Hawes showed he cared a little by asking Reggie Theus "Are you &#$%ing kidding me?" upon being yanked 90 seconds into the second half. Mikki Moore is taking responsibility for his troubles. Beno Udrih ... well, I don't know.
Thank God for Jason Thompson.
This blog will be dark today, barring major news. Feel free to comment at will, post FanShots and FanPosts. The front page won't be seeing any more action, as my attention is just a bit diverted. I'll be back on Wednesday morning to light Beno's eyebrows on fire or photoshop Shock's face onto a Zeus tapestry.
Just keep the faith a little longer. Things will be better tomorrow.
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Tomorrow
Just keep the faith a little longer. Things will be better tomorrow
Tomorrow, tomorrow, the Grizzlies come to town, tomorrow. It’s only a daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyy, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh-waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!
Never forget: I am a complete idiot
As I've said before, post Artest
WHO WILL BRING THE FIRE?
(don’t respond to this as a ‘I miss Artest’ post – just answer the damn question)
Cisco? Cisco? CISCO!!!! #*$!%! !
by lietothegirls on Nov 4, 2008 11:42 PM PST up reply actions
Let's do something great today.
See ya tomorrow, Zills.
Rocks are free, and slingshots easily stolen.
There might be something going on today that's kinda important right?
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on
No Kings game, couldn't be that important.
There now I've met the 75 word count. -pookeyguru
Nope
Just another day to me.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on
Please make sure you vote!
As far as the Kings go…let’s pray for an Arco miracle.
Hot dogs, get your hot dogs.
I promise to not promise
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on
Slobber over your own 22 yr old big
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on
I think Theus needs to be worried about his job.
No one is asking Theus to take a talented team over the top to a championship.
No one is asking Theus to win actually.
If he wants respect – not only from the fans, but from players as well – he needs to give respect to players who give honest effort, like J. Thompson, and BENCH players that don’t deserve to be out there, regardless of how much money they make.
Further shenanigans!
Disney on Ice means we have to start a hard season on the road!?!?!?!?! I have to say that is a bone-in, center-cut, BULLSHIT STEAK!
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/1351899.html
Right now, I hate you so much Arco.
At least San Antonio gets a rodeo
we get stupid ass Disney characters.
If you’re kid would rather see Mickey and Minnie ice dancing instead of a Kings game, you’re a crappy parent.
Kevin Martin, line 1 holding for you. Your destiny is calling. - Section214
Better than the Chicago circus trip
Right? Aren’t they like 12-567 all time during that road trip?
Never forget: I am a complete idiot
LOL
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on
To defend the Kings
Watching “Rocky Horror Picture Show” is more appealing for the movie than watching Mickey & Minnie on ice.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on
Just keep the faith a little longer. Things will be better tomorrow.
You’re talking about basketball here, right? ;-)
Shut up and Coach
Screw being PC
GObama!!
Napear: "Going in to the final timeout what did the coach tell you?"
Bibby: "I asked the coach if I should go and he said, I don't really know what he said."
We can take I day without TZ
but we can’t take 4 more years of lottery basketball.
Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott
Shock Thompson
Can someone please explain to me how this kid has been playing? Since I moved out of Sac I can’t watch the games (or highlights or anything) and I’d really like to know his game.
couple off thoughts through 4 games
I don’t like making generalizations after only a few games: the sample size simply is not large enough to make pronouncements about any player with a degree of certainty. I do, however, feel comfortable making some observations:
• Spencer Hawes is going to score a lot of points in this league. What an impressive array of offensive skills for a 20 year old center. And, I don’t want to hear anything about his "lack of athleticism." The guy gets up and down the court pretty damn well. Is he a great leaper? No. Is he a terrible leaper? No. His jumping ability is average. I think his speed is slightly above average. However, Spencer does have one glaring problem/weakness that really shows up on defense: He’s simply not strong enough to guard "full grown" centers. He gets pushed around and out of position constantly. (It also affects his ability to finish at the rim offensively.) Unfortunately, we can’t make Spencer skip years 20 – 25 and make him a man. For now, we are stuck with a skinny boy with pretty good offensive skills and, IMO, a big heart.
• Beno Udrih is learning that, hey, the preseason does actually matter. "Tin roof: rusty." We are screwed already; but, if he doesn’t step up, we are really, really screwed. Neither Bobby is the answer at PG. We need the Beno of last year.
• JT is an amazing athlete that will likely be our starting PF at some point in the near future. Enough has been said about him the last few days. I’m not going to add anything or say it any better. I can only say that he’s even better than I thought he’d be. The young players penchant for fouling aside, he has shown an amazing presence for a rookie. Starting or not, he is getting a lot of minutes this year; and his name will be in the discussion for Rookie of the Year, (which he has not a prayer of winning playing on this lousy, West Coast team.)
• John Salmons thinks that the games actually begin in the second half.
• Has Mikki taken more charges than he has collected rebounds?
• Kevin Martin. Kevin Martin? An All-Star? I think not. I think, however, that he is the perfect second option. I also think that if he is not scoring, it is easy to forget he is on the court. (Yes, he always plays hard; but, he doesn’t utilize his speed nearly enough on defense; and he is so weak that he can’t play defense physically. How can somebody with his speed and quickness not be on the top guys in the league in steals?) Anyway, dude needs to start getting to the rack and stop settling for jump shots. Maybe Brad will settle him down. Dude also needs to take some leadership responsibility. Who wouldn’t love to see Kevin get in the grill of some of his teammates?
• The Bench. What Bench? (JT being the exception.)
by Kusian on Nov 4, 2008 1:29 PM PST reply actions 3 recs
Normally a rec would suffice
I agree with everything you’ve said 100%. (The part about you can’t make someone a man, well, I suffer that everyday with the kids in school. They, are, after all, kids.)
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on
I disagree with the Martin statement.
Although Martin is struggling right now, it is not an indictment on him as much as a reality of the quality of this team. When Miller and Garcia return we will be able to get a better idea of what Martin is going to bring to the table, as of right now we are looking at a group of 9 or 10 individuals who just happen to wearing the same colored jerseys. Martin needs to lead better but that is definitely something a player grows in to and shouldn’t be judged after 4 games. This is not the most talented team in the league and when you take away 2 of its top 7 it’s going to look bad most of the time.
I see Miller and Garcia taking away tons of the extra minutes being given to Moore, Jackson and Salmons. Until they return, Theus has no option but to stick with Salmons even though he looks like shit. Without Miller this team struggles to find consistent offensive continuity, something Hawes is going to need to learn. After this last loss to Philly, I’m thinking that maybe Thompson and not Hawes will be the high post passing option the Kings have been missing while Millers out.
Hot dogs, get your hot dogs.
Fair analysis
Good points. I was probably a bit tough on Kevin – tougher than I would have been in the past due to his elevation to 1st Option and team leader.
You might be a bit tough on Spencer. The Kings really have not utilized Spencer in either the high or low post. He is an excellent passer whose skills need to be exploited.
Regardless, fair and good points.
Spencer...
I like Spencer’s offensive game but in order to showcase the passing skills we know he has, he needs to actually pass the ball sometimes. It seems as though this team thinks it is going to be bad so the players are playing for their statistics and not for each other thus far. I think Hawes needs the ball more so he can both score and pass more because at this point he looks like a very good low post threat. This team is a rudderless ship at this point and I don’t think many of us are going to be so dedicated when the team loses 10 or 15 more games by 25+. Let’s pray that Theus can put this thing together quickly when Miller and Garcia return or this is a guaranteed top 5 pick team.
Hot dogs, get your hot dogs.
Good points. I was probably a bit tough on Kevin – tougher than I would have been in the past due to his elevation to 1st Option and team leader.
No, I think you were right the first time. As much as I like Kevin Martin as a player and a person, he has absolutely failed as a leader and first option. I think he has the ability to adjust, but he’s not cutting it right now. Martin himself said as much about his own performance.
Shut up and Coach
After 4 games?
Come on now Carl, failed, really? It’s a little early to make such rash judgments. 4 game road trip missing your starting center/offensive conductor and 6 man who a) stretches the defense with his range and b) replaces minutes given to ineffective players.
Hot dogs, get your hot dogs.
by jjham15 on Nov 4, 2008 11:41 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I agree with Kusian that Kevin's game is ideally suited to be the 2nd banana option
That does not mean I think Ill of Kevin, or his abilities.
Also, JJ, everything you say is perfect. That’s getting rec’d for the wisdom of a simple statement.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on
Yep. Failed.
Kevin Martin has absolutely FAILED in every area in the first four games. That doesn’t mean he can’t succeed over time, but the games the Kings have played so far have been an absoute, unadulterated failure for Kevin.
Make no mistake about it, I’m a Kevin Martin fan. I’m hopeful that Martin can turn it around and be effective, with or without Brad Miller. But I’m going to criticize him when he deserves it, and the first week of the season, he deserves it.
Shut up and Coach
I disagree only with the Kevin part
at least with him being the second option. He does need to do the other stuff you mentioned. Brad will definitely help. But, I’d like to see JT or Hawes helping out in the point forward/center department and find Kevin. Brad is not a part of the future of this team, so JT and Spence need to really help initiate some offense for Kevin.
Kevin Martin, line 1 holding for you. Your destiny is calling. - Section214
Let me be clear
on this team, Kevin is the first option. I think that Kevin’s game is ideally suited for being a (very good) second option on a team with an all-star type player that can create his own shot.
Kevin is a piece to the championship puzzle
But that top un-replacable piece isn’t on the roster quite yet.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on
Agreed kusian
I think I’ve said it before as well.
KM is a ‘scorer’, likely to be the #1 scorer in every year/team he plays for, unless he becomes more than that though or another player offers a similar threat, probably inside, well . . .
good coaches and teams can often (not every night) nuetralize or minimize a ‘scorer’.
Cisco? Cisco? CISCO!!!! #*$!%! !
by lietothegirls on Nov 5, 2008 9:29 AM PST up reply actions
so ummmm...
who looks good in the top three of the draft next year? (Or is it a little early for this discussion)
Section214 is my hero. Good shakes!
Ricky Rubio, J.C. Mullens, Blaek Griffin
It’s never too early…
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
I believe...
you meant B.J. Mullens, an honest mistake though one I’d assume you’d never make given the other connotations of that name. Besides this whole draft discussion is moot, is there realistically any way Petrie can resist drafting Steph Curry? Curry is like Petrie’s wet dream. Though Rubio could be Petrie’s wetter dream.
:O
Don’t bite on that.
Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott
by Kfan in Korea on Nov 4, 2008 6:47 PM PST up reply actions
You guys are driving me nuts
Napear: "Going in to the final timeout what did the coach tell you?"
Bibby: "I asked the coach if I should go and he said, I don't really know what he said."
Nothing wrong with this conversation
Just a bunch of basket-cases talking about balls. Just enjoy the comedy – Relax, take a load off.
Donte? Donte'! Donté?!?!
'spect da 'xtra E'
You guys are all a bunch of softies.
Let's go home.-Kevin Martin
by LeaguePassAddict on Nov 5, 2008 8:48 AM PST up reply actions
The Dems appear
to be the cream of the crop
Napear: "Going in to the final timeout what did the coach tell you?"
Bibby: "I asked the coach if I should go and he said, I don't really know what he said."
Duuuuude...
Petrie would loooooooooove Rubio. He’d be like Spanish Chocolate. Or Chocolaté Español. The kid can shoot fairly well, makes some amazing passes, and he’s also a damn good defender too. I would love to get Ricky!
Kevin Martin, line 1 holding for you. Your destiny is calling. - Section214
Kevin is looking lost out there
somebody (pook?) said if he’s not scoring you don’t know he’s out there. Last season, even when Ron was out we were a hustling scrappy team, this year, not so much. There is a leadership vacuum that I’m guessing must be starting with Reggie. I thought that Spencer was trying to do too much last night but at least he played like he cared. He was in foul trouble for most of the game and when we finally got to the 4th quarter he was desperatly trying to put the team on his back. Spence’s line is looking ok but a lot of his stats are coming in the 4th quarter when the games have been already lost. The dubs started last season 1 – 6 and ended up winning 48 games so maybe there is some hope that the Kings can gain some traction and start playing like a team again.
"We are in the business of kicking butt and business is very, very good." - Charles Barkley
One thing about Ron leaving is
That the attention vacuum hasn’t been replaced yet BJ. If there is anything to be said for Ron, and I’m not saying it since I said Ron wasn’t the answer upteenth times, then that is that. I just want to say that I think the Kings are going through necessary growing pains on the way to becoming a much better team. 4 games is not the end of the world folks. Tonight should be a welcome reprieve to the ugliness that beset the last 4 games.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on
As I've said before - Post Artest
WHO WILL BRING THE FIRE?
(don’t respond to this as a ‘I miss Artest’ post – just answer the damn question)
Cisco? Cisco? CISCO!!!! #*$!%! !
by lietothegirls on Nov 5, 2008 9:22 AM PST up reply actions
When?
I’m seeing enthusiasm – thats great.
But that WILL to win, to drag a team to victory . . . . ?
Cisco? Cisco? CISCO!!!! #*$!%! !
by lietothegirls on Nov 5, 2008 9:31 AM PST up reply actions
GREAT Article by Voisen Today
One of her best I think.
She outright says that the Bee sports staff lobbies for JT to start ,
and has some other good/funny comments and suggestions.
Cisco? Cisco? CISCO!!!! #*$!%! !
Here's the link
For Voisin’s article.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on
Thanks
still in Hawaii, checking in between swimming with dolphins etc
(sigh) its a tough week.
Cisco? Cisco? CISCO!!!! #*$!%! !
by lietothegirls on Nov 5, 2008 5:47 PM PST up reply actions
No doubt
Check out Cholo’s on the North Shore. Pretty good Mexican spot, and the North Shore is pretty cool too. Take H2 to get there, and keep driving North towards Hailewa (pronounced Haley-eva). Couple good Mexican joints up there I used to eat at all the time.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on
Actually it's spelled Haleiwa
(I always get it wrong and backwards. Kamehameha Hwy is how you get to the North Shore after getting off H2. (It’s really easy though. There’s only one road in & out, like everything on Oahu. If you’re in Maui, or Kauai, forget it then. Nevermind.)
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. It's simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get tangled, you tango on
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