So here's Theus with two years left on a contract and an organization that is setting up itself to...

So here's Theus with two years left on a contract and an organization that is setting up itself to make a big free-agency splash in two years. The last year on Theus' deal is at the team's option.

Knowing Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie as I do, he won't comment about a guy's contract and/or status. However, in this instance, it might be nice, comforting and even beneficial to give his coach a little verbal public love.

Then again, knowing Petrie as I do, it's clear he and Theus are not exactly on the same page.

The Bee's Marty McNeal, cosigning on worries about Coach Theus' status in juxtaposition with the franchise's goal for the season.

10 months ago Ziller Comment 38 comments 0 recs |

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Read More: theus, petrie, Sacramento Kings

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I'm conflicted

I think Reggie has the potential to be a great coach. But I had hoped he’d be cured of his “foot-in-mouth” disease though – it appears to be a chronic issue.

There appears to be a continuing lack of communication between Reggie and ownership/management. Or is Reggie just implying that to be the case occasionally?

I dunno, but that can’t be a good thing for Reggie. This year, of all years, this group needs to be on the same page regarding the rebuilding of this team.

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

by otis29 on Sep 3, 2008 6:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sold on Reggie

I could be, but I’m not yet.

His problems seem to include:

1. An unfortunate tendency to say stupid things to the media.
2. A complete lack of understanding of the kind of player he has in Kevin Martin.
3. An unwillingness to stick with the motion-type offense this team is built to have long enough to see it actually work for more than a quarter at a time.
4. A little bit of pettiness and jealosy, which will not make his rapport with his players very good.
5. The inability (probably due to lack of experience) to out-coach and out-maneuver the other team down the stretch. Though he did get better at this later in the season.

I’d love to see him get past these issues and become a solid, if not very good, NBA coach. But I don’t know if he can, particularly in the time he’s going to have. He seems to be on a very short leash.

Let's go home.-Kevin Martin

by LeaguePassAddict on Sep 3, 2008 6:41 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I know, Kfan

I misspelled jealousy.

Let's go home.-Kevin Martin

by LeaguePassAddict on Sep 3, 2008 6:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Typos happen

and for the record, I wouldn’t have pointed it out. The previous one that I did point out was supposed to be a joke. I’m sorry if it offended you. I thought I was teasing you, like you did me when I wrote “indented in”. Again sorry it it offended you, not my intention.

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 Sep 3, 2008 3:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You'll have to work harder

If you want to offend me.

I was joking, too. I just hate using those stupid emoticons.

How’s the English teaching going?

Let's go home.-Kevin Martin

by LeaguePassAddict on Sep 4, 2008 7:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good

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 Sep 4, 2008 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

With otis and LPA

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Sep 3, 2008 7:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Huh?

I disagree with those ideas…

1. I don’t think he’s said that egregious to the media except for the Kevin Martin fiasco at the end of the season.

2. That’s total bogus. If he didn’t understand, how did Kevin have a career year? I think Reggie has really high expectations of Kevin and that’s good. Complete lack of understanding is way too strong.

3. I don’t know about the motion offense cuz it’s hard to listen to how motion offense is played. But whatever they’re doing, scoring isn’t the problem with the team ,its the defense.

4. He fined a couple of players, so what?

5. I think end of ballgame situations are 50-50. propositions. It’s up to the players to execute and hit shots. One of the memorable plays of the season has to be the Kevin Martin tip in against the Sonics, which was drawn to perfection.

I think Reggie’s done a good job. If he can match the 38 win plateau, I say exercise the team option and keep him for one more year.

BOOK IT!

by kingme18 on Sep 3, 2008 7:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed with your last sentence

But if you think #1 is accurate, I’d say you missed a big chunk of last season. And #4 is not a problem if you are Phil Jackson, but it’s a bit different for a rookie coach.

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

by otis29 on Sep 3, 2008 7:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

To clarify

1. It wasn’t just Kevin Martin. He has called out players in the press, and most recently did a little BJax bashing.

2. Reggie Theus doesn’t understand the caliber of Kevin Martin as a player if he insisted, as he did in the media, that Ron Artest is the “guy to throw the ball to”.

3. We have a lot of great scorers, but the team as crafted by Geoff Petrie is intended to be a big-man-passing-from-the-high-post, cutting, slashing offense, which, if you consider that Theus either told Artest to post and re-post, or at very least, couldn’t get him to stop doing it, seems to be a glaring weakness for Theus, in that he is not consistently using his players the way the system was intended by Petrie.

4. I was referring to the Bobby Jackson quote and the Kevin Martin issue at the end of the season. If Theus really is going to undermine his players in the press, I view that as a serious problem.

5. As I said, he got better at the end of the season, but I wonder what he’s going to do now that he can’t just have Artest post up and slow the game down to a grinding halt.

I’m not saying Reggie’s a bad coach. I’m saying that unless he can address some of his weaknesses, I’m not a huge Theus fan.

Let's go home.-Kevin Martin

by LeaguePassAddict on Sep 3, 2008 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Item 3

I’m not sure there was a better option for Theus last year. Do you:

Tick off Artest to the point where he demands a trade (which we know he would have done) and lowers his trade value?

Get into a you or me with one of your best players as a first year coach and make everyone look bad?

Smile and try to keep harmony while you let the GM move the poison apple?

I honestly don’t believe any first year coach would have any chance of getting Artest to change the way he was playing. And if Reggie had tried and failed, it would have ruined any credability he had with the Maloofs and the rest of the team. The fact that Reggie managed to keep it all togther without a major blowup is a testiment to his talent. I think it’s entirely possible that Reggie was toeing the same company line when he spoke of Artest’s high value. I don’t think we will know anything about what he can do with X’s and O’s until after this season.

"Being loquacious and being right aren't necessarily always the same."
GP, the man, the myth, the legend, puts the smackdown on Reggie

by SavageBeast on Sep 3, 2008 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right

That’s why I said I can be sold. I want to see what Theus does without Artest, if things flow better on the offensive, if he gets it.

Again, I’m not saying he’s a bad coach. I’m saying I saw a few things last season that raised a few concerns.

Let's go home.-Kevin Martin

by LeaguePassAddict on Sep 3, 2008 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Offense Should Suffer

They just lost a 20-game scorer, so I’d expect them to be worse on both ends of the court unless Francisco really has a breakout year.

by coolcatreportdotcom on Sep 3, 2008 11:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They lost a 20-point scorer who was rather inefficient in his shooting. If they can replicate the shot attempts (not a given, but I think likely with Martin, Salmons, and Miller) and shot those at a higher efficiency (not hard), they won’t miss his scoring.

They will miss his ability to create without turnovers, his surprising efficiency late in the shot clock and, of course, his defense.

by Ziller on Sep 4, 2008 6:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Most 20-point scorers

are inefficient. Or at least many are. Obviously Martin is an exception, probably to a fault. We could use a little more inefficiency and scoring out of him, particularly you know when.

With no post-up threat, the Kings may find scoring a little harder than you think this year.

I think Salmons will be a bust by mid-year, particularly when they are out of it and commit fully to the youth movement in the second half while he sulks on the bench.

Miller may also be challenged to meet his production from last year’s overachievement and is also likely to get lost a bit in the youth shuffle.

When those minutes you project going to Salmons and Miller start going increasingly to Greene and Hawes, that higher efficiency shooting theory will hardly be a layup. But that is to be expected with a team pointing to the future.

by coolcatreportdotcom on Sep 4, 2008 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

are inefficient. Or at least many are. Obviously Martin is an exception, probably to a fault. We could use a little more inefficiency and scoring out of him, particularly you know when.

You mean when Ron Artest had the ball and wouldn’t pass? If I’m reading these stats correctly, half of Artest’s shots in clutch time came with less than 8 seconds left on the shot clock.

I think Salmons will be a bust by mid-year, particularly when they are out of it and commit fully to the youth movement in the second half while he sulks on the bench.

Define “a bust,” so we can refer back to it in February. What evidence do you have that he “sulked” aside from not playing particularly well off the bench? The stories I’ve read said it’s as much a mystery to Salmons as it is to everyone else.

Miller may also be challenged to meet his production from last year’s overachievement and is also likely to get lost a bit in the youth shuffle.

I agree that Miller will probably fall off last year’s production. I don’t agree that he’s going to get lost in the youth shuffle. The only youth behind Miller is Hawes, and I’d be absolutely shocked if Spencer took Miller’s job or played the majority of minutes at any point this season, assuming Miller isn’t hurt and (obviously) not counting his suspension.

Shut up and Coach

by Carl on Sep 5, 2008 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

When those minutes you project going to Salmons and Miller start going increasingly to Greene and Hawes, that higher efficiency shooting theory will hardly be a layup. But that is to be expected with a team pointing to the future.

My hope is that Greene is a star and demands minutes based on incredible talent. The reality is that Greene is a late first round rookie playing for a coach that won’t play young players. I’ll be happy if he gets backup minutes and won’t be surprised if all he gets is garbage time until mid-April. Garcia is the primary backup at the two and three.

Shut up and Coach

by Carl on Sep 5, 2008 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not completely bogus

As I recall, Theus sat KMart for long portions of the 3rd and 4th quarters last year. It was so glaring that the announcers and analysts started commenting about it. How could Theus sit his most efficient scorer for long periods like that and expect to win games? I agree that saying Reggie has a complete misunderstanding of Martin is overstated but I do think LPA has a point here that goes beyond Theus’ statements in the media.

by hozr on Sep 3, 2008 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with most everything you've said, although to a lesser degeree

But I think the media is making way too much of this. They are stretching for a story now that the story-mahine is gone. Besides, Marty Mac has always drooled all over Artest’s shoes. So it’s no surprise that now he thinks the sky is falling. I don’t know that we could ask for a better young guys coach than Theus. Look at what he did in New Mexico. Yes, the NBA is a different level. But I think Reggie’s positive’s stiil outweigh his negatives—so far.

"Being loquacious and being right aren't necessarily always the same."
GP, the man, the myth, the legend, puts the smackdown on Reggie

by SavageBeast on Sep 3, 2008 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's one more

6. Reggie apparently has no appreciation for the idea of getting a big man’s coach despite the fact that he has several young bigs that need to be developed. Yeah, Brad is there as a mentor but he has to play and practice as well so he can’t spend a lot of time analyzing the young guns games and helping them develop.

by hozr on Sep 3, 2008 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh and while I'm adding to the list...

7. Theus is too insecure to hire an assistant coach who has a lot of experience in the game (e.g. Carril) to help him out as he learns the NBA coaching game.

by hozr on Sep 3, 2008 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's Coming along

but he needs to watch the ‘respect’ aspect (a little – though I hate it) of this league or players may rebel…

The media thinks very highly of him nationwide so it would be difficult to part ways with him.

eternal skeptical optimist

by lietothegirls on Sep 3, 2008 10:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

He's in a small media market coaching a below .500 team

I don’t know how much leniency the national media would give him if he either coached in a major market or coached a winning ball club and his gaffes were broadcast every night on sports center. Right now no one outside of norCal cares if Theus gets along with Kevin Martin.

by BrooklynFan on Sep 3, 2008 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm recommending a play out of Musselman's book

Remember the cutsie signs he had in the practice facility? They were supposed to be inspirational or whatever. Well, I think we need one for Theus that says “Shut up and coach!” If he were to do that he’d be an amazing coach. With his b-ball knowledge and charisma used in the proper way he can go really far. But he needs to shut up and do his job.

Kevin Martin, line 1 holding for you. Your destiny is calling. - Section214

by vfettke on Sep 3, 2008 12:06 PM PDT reply actions 5 recs

+1

"Shut up and Coach is going to be my new sig.

"Being loquacious and being right aren't necessarily always the same."
GP, the man, the myth, the legend, puts the smackdown on Reggie

by SavageBeast on Sep 3, 2008 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shut up and coach IS my new sig

Shut up and Coach

by Carl on Sep 3, 2008 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This could be a new t-shirt

That gets StR another lawsuit threat. A picture of Theus with a little ‘X’ taped over his mouth and “Shut up and coach” at the bottom. It would be GREAT.

Shut up and Coach

by Carl on Sep 3, 2008 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I demand royalties!

Kevin Martin, line 1 holding for you. Your destiny is calling. - Section214

by vfettke on Sep 3, 2008 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

At least I'm giving you credit

"Shut up and Coach!"
Vfettke

by SavageBeast on Sep 3, 2008 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Come on where are the rest of the recs?

Vfettke’s comment deserves the green aura if anything does.

"Shut up and Coach!"
Vfettke

by SavageBeast on Sep 3, 2008 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Slow Kings news day I guess

Nothing to write about so attempt to stir up a coaching controversy? Sad

Marty Mac’s World: Artest’s departure addes uncertainty

Addes?

by KingsFan on Sep 4, 2008 10:57 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

should it be ADD?

by hozr on Sep 4, 2008 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

adds

by KingsFan on Sep 4, 2008 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Methinks you missed the point

Either that or my sense of humor is just too out there. Or you did get it and I’m the one who’s not following.

by hozr on Sep 4, 2008 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If it was an attention deficit disorder joke

Probably none of them were paying enough notice to get it.

(Ooooh. Shiny object!)

Let's go home.-Kevin Martin

by LeaguePassAddict on Sep 4, 2008 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions 4 recs

Rec'd

to add to LPA’s complex.

(oops did I say that out loud). :)

by ForThree on Sep 5, 2008 5:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And for that reason I Rec'd

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 Sep 8, 2008 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Personally I think this (is there a line that says less than that?)

I think the big thing about this is that Marty Mac had to say something. Has Reggie said much publicly, certainly anything with controversy, since April? “Knowing Petrie the way he does” which means shit without any type of anything let alone fact, speculation, or a hardon to back up that statement.

I think the fact that Reggie hasn’t had the team pick up his option doesn’t mean anything. I think the team, and perhaps Reggie to a degree, are just laying low and letting pundits like McNeal say little while allowing the work behind the scenes to continue. If Reggie learned anything saying something only makes it worse. At least now Marty’s article just sounds stupid and baseless..

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 Sep 4, 2008 2:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs