Joe Alexander Has Been Shooting Well in Workouts

by Tom Ziller on Jun 14, 2008 7:25 AM PDT

It looks like Joe Alexander might be the riser coming out of Sacramento's big Friday draft workout. Sam Amick of The Bee talked to Vanilla Sky.

"I feel I'm as good a shooter as anyone (at the workout)," the 6-foot-8 Alexander said when asked about his alleged weaknesses. "I shoot 50 percent from the NBA three (point line) every workout I've been to, so anyone who's watched me extensively knows I've got a full set of skills. I don't have any glaring weaknesses.

"The No. 1 thing people talk about is ballhandling (deficiencies), which is even more incorrect. That's my biggest strength. People have no idea what they're talking about, just throw the stereotype out there that because I'm 6-8 I can't handle the ball because I played forward in college. It's ridiculous."

Russell Westbrook tweaked his ankle and didn't get to scrimmage against Ty Lawson. (What, did Randy Brown run the point?) Darrell Arthur played but complained of some back pain which had already caused a rescheduled workout in Sactown. No word on how Lawson looked, though he (and Nico Batum) seem most irrelevant since they likely depend on the Kings grabbing another first.

The importance of the headline here: Petrie drafts kids who can shoot. Kevin Martin got drafted because he broke Peja's workout record for shooting. Quincy Douby got drafted because he broke Martin's record.

I'm still not opposed to Alexander. I'd prefer a lockdown PG defender who can dunk like Ronnie Price, or an ultra-skinny version of Chris Bosh. But I'm not in the camp who thinks another small forward would mean the death of the team. We need talent, period. If Alexander's more talented than the PGs or PFs left on the board (which might be the case with regards to Augustin and Arthur, though D.J.'s looking top-11 almost for sure), take him. Deal with the logjam this summer or at the deadline, or never. Garcia/Martin/Salmons/Alexander/Artest for the win! No one's stopping that lineup!

And while I'm feeling good, a highlight reel:

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Comments

Wow...

So we have a serious dilemma on our hand. We have waaaaaaaaaaaay too many SFs. However, I’d take this kid in a heartbeat. He’s an great shooting white boy, the type of player that Petrie loves. But, according to reports I’ve read he’s also really fucking athletic (don’t tell Petrie). He can also dunk like no other and has no problem running into traffic. Hell, his Draft Express profile picture is of him going elbow deep ala Vince Carter.

Check out this clip

by vfettke on Jun 14, 2008 8:13 AM PDT reply actions

I'm OK with Alexander

What I’m not OK with is the thought of him as a possible help at the 4. You can even see it in his comments – he can shoot the 3 and he can handle. JA’s trying to show that he can be an NBA 3.

If he’s the best prospect available at #12 and we’re not thrilled with the remaining PG and PF prospects on the board, grab him. Just know that what you’ve drafted is an NBA SF.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Jun 14, 2008 8:45 AM PDT reply actions

Very true

However, maybe its a sign that Petrie’s gonna trade somebody.

by vfettke on Jun 14, 2008 8:54 AM PDT up reply actions

Combo Forward

I think between Artest and Alexander and Mikki and Shelden you could cover the 4.

by coolcatreportdotcom on Jun 14, 2008 9:33 AM PDT reply actions

Or...

We could cover the 4 with one roster spot instead of four.

by smgmatt on Jun 16, 2008 6:55 AM PDT up reply actions

I'm worried...

I’ve been hyping Alexander as a slick pick for the Kings for a few weeks now, but if the kid keeps impressing in his workouts he’s a threat to break into the top 10.

I think it’s fine if we draft a three because I feel confident Artest will be dealt over the summer, or by no later than the trade deadline.

"When the going gets Weird, the Weird turn professional."
(Hunter Thompson)

by Mucho Moss on Jun 14, 2008 9:57 PM PDT reply actions

Weird form on his jump shot

I’m a little skeptical. He’s got really weird form on his jump shot. He jumps really high and tends to throw his whole shooting arm way out. That’s not to say you can’t be a good shooter with weird form on your jump shot, but most good shooters also have good form.

by Carl on Jun 15, 2008 9:50 AM PDT reply actions

I disagree

His arms tend to go way up rather than way out which might make him hard to block.

by vfettke on Jun 15, 2008 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions

The arc

of his shot is beautiful though. He shoots a consistently nice high rainbow, almost impossible to block.

"When the going gets Weird, the Weird turn professional."
(Hunter Thompson)

by Mucho Moss on Jun 16, 2008 7:06 PM PDT up reply actions

from that highlight

he looks almost Dirk-esque. Other than the fact that he dunked on someone his post up moves are very similar and it looks as though his shot would be very hard to block.

i have no idea what we should do with our pick anymore.

by kingsTV on Jun 15, 2008 3:34 PM PDT reply actions