Believing in Martin

by Ziller on Jul 22, 2008 7:17 AM PDT Comment 64 comments

We've heard quiet stars claim they are ready to be leaders before. Peja said he'd lead the team once Vlade and Webber left. Then Mike Bibby said it. Brad Miller said it. None came close to becoming an actual on-court (or lockerroom) leader -- that was left to Ron Artest and Corliss Williamson.

But when Kevin Martin says he wants to take control, as he does in this Ailene Voisin column, I tend to believe him.

"I'm coming to training camp this year ready to do whatever it takes, being vocal in the locker room, asking to defend the toughest player. I know I'm ready to be the leader, to be that guy."

For those who haven't watched Martin's ascension these four years, it's easy to dismiss that as offseason yammering. But tell me -- when has Martin not followed through?

Read the whole column. Apparently, our little Zapper is wowing the coaches at Olympic practice in Las Vegas.

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Boing!

Now I’m excited!

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Jul 22, 2008 7:28 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

boing?

by VenomySnicket on Jul 22, 2008 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

the noise they made on wayne's world

shows sexual excitement.

"everything was beautiful and nothing hurt"

by richmond02 on Jul 22, 2008 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boing?

I thought it was Schwing. Although I haven’t seen Wayne’s World for a while. So I could be wrong

I should have know when I saw the corn rows. We can always spot our own Brad.

by Muff209 on Jul 22, 2008 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think they did both

but maybe its not from waynes world, its been a long since ive seen it too.

"everything was beautiful and nothing hurt"

by richmond02 on Jul 22, 2008 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You are correct sir

Boing is when a slinky like effect happens in the movies. Schwing is the ode to the hottie walking by.

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

by pookeyguru on Jul 22, 2008 6:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, Butt-head

That’s a clasic Beavis quote.

The wise man tells you Where you have fallen And where you yet may fall - Invaluable secrets! The world may hate him. But good men love him.

by Psychrates on Jul 23, 2008 4:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Beavis and Butthead, not Wayne's World

by Carl on Jul 22, 2008 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And here I thought

he misspelled Boeing, and it was some sort of “kick ‘em when they’re down” attack on Seattle.

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 Jul 22, 2008 7:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not that it apply's

But Boeing’s HQ’s are now in Illinois. (Most of the Operation is still in Everett and Seattle though. Or actually Tukwila and Seattle. But that makes no never mind.)

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

by pookeyguru on Jul 22, 2008 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even better

Boeing moved their headquarters and the Sonics leave. Take that Emerald City! At least you still have Starbucks, hahahaha!. That’s cruel Section, really cruel.

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 Jul 22, 2008 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That happened several years ago (Boeing leaving)

Starbucks is shutting down stores. Truth be told, I don’t think most Seattleites care unless it effects them directly.

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

by pookeyguru on Jul 22, 2008 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

On one hand losing the Sonics for every Sonics fan in the Universe

On the other hand not having to see daily quotes from PJ Carleismo during basketball season is a bonus.

“If you watch Kevin even for two minutes, you say, ‘This is one of the better young players in the league,’ ” Carlesimo said. “Some of our young guys just didn’t look like they belonged out there today, but he was very aggressive. He defended well, and while we already know he can shoot, when plays broke down, he put the ball on the floor. (USA Basketball director) Jerry Colangelo has a saying: ‘You get the young guys in here in the pipeline, for future Olympic teams. I definitely think Kevin is one of the guys you’re looking at for 2012 or 2016.”

Gee, you think Kevin Martin, a near 2 time all star in the NBA, is going to be better prepared against NBA all-stars like Kobe Bryant or LeBron James than OJ Mayo or Kevin Love would be? I mean, what’s so shocking about that? And PJ, one tip of advice. A guy is no longer young when he’s 33 years old in the NBA.

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

by pookeyguru on Jul 22, 2008 7:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I noticed that too

when carlisemo said that we all knew he could shoot but we didn’t know he could put the ball on the floor. As I remember PJ, kevin took the ball coast to coast and beat you in Seattle on a buzzer-beater.

I would think coaching against him for four games last year would help PJ realize that Kevin is pretty good.

In other words PJ, you’re a moron.

when will the Kenny Thomas Reign of Terror end?!!??

by diehardkingsfan5 on Jul 22, 2008 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Kevin's tone to be honest

But I think he’s sending a message to the franchise that it’s put up or shutup time too. Either Artest is part of this team, or he’s not, but make a decision and let’s go after these guys come November. Clearly Kevin believes he’s the star of the team, and the Artest fiasco dragging on is irritating him. The last time he really said something of public substance was related too. At some point the Kings need to decide if they want Artest or Martin long term. And if that’s the case, it’s pretty much a no brainer isn’t it?

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

by pookeyguru on Jul 22, 2008 7:38 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs

I'll take

Door No. 3.

by coolcatreportdotcom on Jul 22, 2008 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which is what?

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

by pookeyguru on Jul 23, 2008 3:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ron-Ron, Kevin and the Kings live happily ever after – I guess.

Kevin Pritchard has Chuck Norris tied up in the trunk of his car.

by otis29 on Jul 23, 2008 5:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've had bitter & ridiculous arguments with you before

But even those ended. This is never ending. And it will never end. It’s not that I mind the expression of opinions. I’m not into let’s toe the line of Tom Ziller because he runs StR. No one here tells me to shutup because I express opinion’s that vary from their’s. It’s just that when everything comes back to Artest, or is leading up to that, and is circular opinion all the time, it’s just too damn irritating. How many times can you possibly say the same thing?

(I realize I'm guilty of this which is why I'm trying to cut down on my Artest comments.)

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

by pookeyguru on Jul 23, 2008 6:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Easy big fella

That was me, not Coolcat. You and I stopped trying to tear each other’s throats out months ago. ;)

Kevin Pritchard has Chuck Norris tied up in the trunk of his car.

by otis29 on Jul 23, 2008 7:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

I forgot to edit that. It was meant to say “I realize I’m guilty of this which is why I’m trying to cut down on my own Artest comments.”

Somewhat outta boredom, and amusement, I re-visited NNA’s attempt to make Tz into a Nazi. I still wish that “FanPost” was in the “recommended diaries” so we could just talk about damn near anything. As far as I can tell the best way to deal with crap is act like it isn’t worth 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

by pookeyguru on Jul 23, 2008 7:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually

As far as I can tell the best way to deal with crap is act like it isn’t worth the time.

The best way to deal with with crap is to know that it isn’t worth your time and move on.

So a guy drops a post like this one and my response would be:
“Pudding.”
I like it.

SACTOWN ROYALTY – Try our thick creamy shakes!
by section214 on Mar 15, 2008 8:32 AM PDT

Well, from your thread, the other response could just be Pudding.

For myself? 99% of the time I’ll skip it and move on unless y’all have decided to have a tizzy over it. : )

Your Sacramento Kings: Another day, another drama.

by KK on Jul 24, 2008 12:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have to make a trip to boston today

But this story will make the trip a lot easier, because now I’ll be wearing #23 to remind the celtics fans who’s going to embarass them next year.

by dkons21 on Jul 22, 2008 7:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Now if we could only throw him the ball

then we might have something.

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 Jul 22, 2008 9:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

In the post?

Throw him the ball or throw him the ball in the post? Because they’re not the same. Or they are the same. Maybe baskets are worth more points if they go into the post. Or something. Ask Reggie – he knows.

by Carl on Jul 22, 2008 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Zing!

by thekangarooster on Jul 22, 2008 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My favorite parts

the fifth-year player said he was disappointed by last season, by the injuries and all the off-court nonsense, and intends to respond with a powerful voice and performance.

What off-court nonsense could he be talking about? Must have been 3-Will.< /sarcasm>

“True leadership is having guys who work hard in the offseason and want to be there for one reason, and it’s not all about themselves,”

Mikki is so selfish. < /sarcasm>

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 Jul 22, 2008 9:47 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Like this too

From the Kings Blog:

Martin, by the way, said he has gained 10 pounds of muscle, mostly in his upper arms. He says he weighs 190 pounds. “I lost weight during the season,” he added. “I finished the year at 180, but you can’t believe how much better it feels when you’re out there with this added strength.”

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 Jul 22, 2008 9:52 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

What's not to like about Kevin

working his ass off to get better? What’s not to like about the tone it sets for guys like Jason Thompson and Spencer Hawes? Or Quincy Douby and Sean Singletary. (I really gotta stop writing Mike and Singletary, It’s getting seriously irritating.)

It’s just nice that Martin takes getting better seriously. That’s what you want as a player who is prominent in team affairs. (Like winning on the basketball court.)

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

by pookeyguru on Jul 22, 2008 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We've been talking about this for a few years it seems

If Kevin can make the jump on a vocal level and start to take over this team as a real leader, he’ll be filling a big need. But I will believe it when I see it – I think he just might be too nice a guy to convincingly fill the role.

Kevin Pritchard has Chuck Norris tied up in the trunk of his car.

by otis29 on Jul 22, 2008 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Your reservations are noted

And since they don’t come out of the Earth’s core, they should be well heeded. (And much of the tone I was talking about is how hard he works. Not necessarily how much leadership he exhibits. Just so everyone is clear.)

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

by pookeyguru on Jul 22, 2008 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A nice guy who puts up thirty demands respect.

Let’s see if Theus can really turn him loose and let him become the leader. And I really like Garcia as his “Tonto” or “Tatoo” type side kick.

Hot dogs, get your hot dogs.

by jjham15 on Jul 22, 2008 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

You can tell Martin is a guy who thinks about and analyzes the game to figure out how he can constantly improve. You couldn’t ask for anything more out of a young star.

by Carl on Jul 22, 2008 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think the timing of this interview is an accident.

This is just like Martin’s early summer call-out of Theus on comments he made about Artest being the go-to guy. Martin is sending a message here. That he’s planning on making this his team.

Remember how Petrie responded? He pretty much told Theus to shut up. I believe the exact words (they’re in SB’s sig line) were, “Being locquacious isn’t the same as being right.”

Having Artest on the roster will keep Martin from being the leader he wants to be. Martin’s message to Petrie?

“I’m ready to step up. Trade Artest now.”

Apparently running with the big dogs has been good for the kid.

TickTickTickTickTickTick

by LeaguePassAddict on Jul 22, 2008 10:50 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs

You folks are a riot

I don’t think Kevin is necessarily saying to trade Artest, but it’s not a stretch for those who want Artest gone to make that connection. In any case this is a positive development. Life is to short to wait, and I am glad Martin is talking the talk.

by coolcatreportdotcom on Jul 22, 2008 8:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amazingly

I agree with you. I think Kevin is talking about his approach to the season, I doubt Artest factors into it.

Kevin Pritchard has Chuck Norris tied up in the trunk of his car.

by otis29 on Jul 22, 2008 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So when he mentions

off-court nonsense, what is he talking about? Last time I checked most off-court nonsense usually involves Ron

by eduardo_m7 on Jul 22, 2008 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just my opinion

Having listened to Kevin be interviewed the last few years, I get the sense that he is rarely trying to make some larger point. I never sense he’s trying to talk anyone else down, just raise himself up.

Again, just my opinion.

Kevin Pritchard has Chuck Norris tied up in the trunk of his car.

by otis29 on Jul 23, 2008 5:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Otis

I see your point and I agree. But the timing is curious, and if nothing else, it’s a bit off kilter if I may so. It makes little sense to come out and say he wants Ron gone. There is that bit of NBA player “supremacy” that every player has.

I’m not saying Kevin Martin hates Ron Artest. I’m just saying that he wants the issues with Ron resolved, and what a player thinks is an issue isn’t necessarily what we fans see as issue’s. It could have been a simple message to either pay or trade Ron because we need to know. It’s time to stop playing this either/or shit. Thats what I took out of this.

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

by pookeyguru on Jul 23, 2008 6:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it's a bit of a combo

I agree with Otis that Kevin’s basically saying either trade the guy or sign him, but let’s establish what we have for the upcoming season as soon as we can so we can get down to business.

Part 2 of that, however, is he’s basically saying that if Artest is here, he’s not going to pussyfoot around and walk on eggshells. At 190 I don’t think he’s saying he’s going to kick anyone’s ass, but he’s going to speak up and do more than just let his play do the talking for him. And he’s not going to put up with any disrespect, real or imaginary, from Reggie Theus anymore, either. He’s not going play 24 minutes in a game when the team still has an outside shot at the playoffs.

Kevin wants to win, and he wants to forget the Musselman era on one hand, but build on whatever positives were established last year.

If you really want to read something into it, it’s that Kevin Martin is no tanker and is going to take personal responsibility tfor making sure he and the Kings get some well-deserved respect this year. In other words, he’s not playing for the No. 6 pick next year.

It’s very cool to see him stand up like this without being a brash punk, but just a sincere, hard-working young guy who suddenly knows he can make an impact and wants to do just that.

by coolcatreportdotcom on Jul 23, 2008 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

I think

Kevin is calling Artest out when he says “True leadership … it’s not all about themselves.” and when he talks about “all the off-court nonsense.”

But other than that addition, I completely agree with this post. Rec’d.

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 Jul 24, 2008 4:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

by coolcatreportdotcom on Jul 24, 2008 7:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it could be several things~

Suspensions (Brad, Ron), Media dramatizations (Theus, Ron), locker-room disputes being brought outside the locker room (Salmons, Ron)... I’m sure there are more, those were the first that came to mind. Shit…they all involved ron, but were not necessarily a ron-only thing.

And yeah the injuries… Our back-up/future center was out, and consequently out of form nearly all season. Our starting point guard was out, his back up/future starting point guard was out a couple weeks and missed most of training camp… Starting 3 was out… first 7? games. That’s hardly scratching the surface of all the issues this team faced last season. I’m still in awe at our record given the major obstacles this team over-came with everything.

Go get-em Kevin.

by dkons21 on Jul 23, 2008 6:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Beno

missed all of training camp. He was signed on November 1.

TickTickTickTickTickTick

by LeaguePassAddict on Jul 23, 2008 9:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think that's possible that Kevin is talking about his approach

But as long as Artest is around this is “his” team is it not? So while Kevin might not mind Artest being around, there might be friction just simply based on Kevin trying to make the Kings his team.

Otis, I’m sorry, but Artest factors into everything. Kevin’s statement SHOULDN’T be about Ron, but unfortunately, there is some factor of that that has to be weighed.

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

by pookeyguru on Jul 23, 2008 3:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just like the fact that he's following the Reggie Miller mold

we all knew it, hell even the SportsGuy mentioned it, but if Matin evolves more into Reggie Miller part deux rather than the second cominf Richard Hamilton, he’s going to bring real fire to this team.
Getting something more than 25 points on 14 shots a game from this kid will turn his $10million a year from a good deal into a ridiculous deal.
Though, to tell you the truth, I really wish he’d put some size on those legs. That, and a little lateral quickness will make it that much easier to bang with the big boys.

Mikki Moore in the skills challenge! - LPA

by iashwash on Jul 22, 2008 11:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Better than Richard Hamilton

Offensively, Kevin Martin is already better than Richard Hamilton. He’s also only a point and a half away from 25 points per game on less than 15 shots. He’s got a ways to go in proving that he’s the clutch shooter Reggie was, but very few guys actually are that good. Martin is almost already as good as you want him to be.

by Carl on Jul 22, 2008 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reggie Miller was also a heck of a leader

and brought the intensity with his team, bringing their level up. This is what I was mentioning. Richard Hamilton puts up very nice numbers, but will not be remembered for fire. Miller smoked out stadiums, and that’s the facet of his character I’m hoping Kev can highlight on and reproduce.

Mikki Moore in the skills challenge! - LPA

by iashwash on Jul 22, 2008 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

hahahaha

“Miller smoked out stadiums” sounds like it belongs in another Kings thread.

Mikki Moore in the skills challenge! - LPA

by iashwash on Jul 22, 2008 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs

Absolutely right.

You’re absolutely right.

by Carl on Jul 22, 2008 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

someone you can throw the ball to

can his nickname be HIGH FADE? I hate k-mart.

one more reason to trade artest. he won’t take a back seat to kevin, and I’d rather kevin be “the guy.” there can only be one “guy” unless you want civil war.

by sonomanate on Jul 22, 2008 12:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

see

Lakers (01-04), Celtics (08)...

LOTS of teams have one with more than one “guy”.

by misterbrister on Jul 24, 2008 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

not ready to buy it yet..

I have doubted Kevin just about every step of the way in his career. From when I first saw him, wondering what the heck Petrie saw in a skinny kid from Western Carolina with the funky shooting mechanics, to whether he could replicate his break out year under Musselman this past year so I hope he proves me wrong once again but I don’t think he has the makeup or presence to be the undisputed leader of this team. I can’t see a guy who seems to be more comfortable challenging his coach via cell phone text mesages to Sam Amick and with an “aww shucks” kind of personality make that big of a jump. Most leaders just have that inherent personality to get people to follow and I don’t see it in Kevin. I’m sure he can lead be example by busting his tail like he does already but I don’t see him stepping up to a Ron Artest or Olden Polynice type and challenging them in front of others. Kevin can lead this horse to water with his play and work ethic but some else is going to have to make it drink. If any of the young guys step up to that role once Ron is gone I think it will be Cisco if his play can match his ability to lead. If I’m not mistaken, he was one of the few players over the last couple of years to get in Ron’s face along with Corlis and call his BS…

Damn you Robert Horry!!!

by chupacabara on Jul 22, 2008 1:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Speedracer the leader

While I’m all for Speed taking a leadership role with the team, I think he’s a year or two away from being THE leader. The leadership by committee with Speed and my new favorite player Brad Miller should be fine though. Together they command respect. Right?

Muff rules. http://vegaskings.blogspot.com

by Muff209 on Jul 22, 2008 5:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh and...

I’m glad to finally have my computer back for good. You have no idea how much it killed me to not be able to add my thoughts on Brad’s sleep aid.

Muff rules. http://vegaskings.blogspot.com

by Muff209 on Jul 22, 2008 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We missed your pic of Kayte too Muff

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

by pookeyguru on Jul 22, 2008 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can't remember

if we heard Chris, Bibby, Peja or Brad actually say they wanted to lead or if it was the local sports writers calling on them to lead. I am pretty sure, however, that none of them insisted on being a vocal leader. If Kevin wants to be a vocal leader, he needs to make sure he is the hardest working player on the court at all times, defense included. From what he was quoted as saying, he knows exactly what he needs to do. Since Kevin has given anyone a reason to doubt him I definately think it’s time to get Ron Artest of the roster so K-Mart can really show what he can do.

by blako on Jul 23, 2008 2:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It's a big plus

That Martin is taking on the challenge of improving his defense. I always thought he played at least decent D until last year, when he suddenly seemed to really fall off in that area for some reason.

by coolcatreportdotcom on Jul 23, 2008 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe

I believe in Kevin Martin

And I will always believe that I do not care for Voisin’s writing style.

Never forget: I am a complete idiot

by Exhibit G on Jul 23, 2008 6:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Kinda ironic

Since she’s been doing better lately. I kinda wonder what happened.

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

by pookeyguru on Jul 23, 2008 6:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs