I guess I’m not understanding the renewal rate of the options. Was Spencer’s option renewed last year as well or was JT’s option picked up a year early?

I’m under the assumption each has a similar contract because of the NBA draft’s slotting structure. Come to think of it Donte is a later 1st round draft pick, so does that explain why his option needed to be renewed in his 2nd year?

I agree whole-heartedly with the extension for JT and to a slightly lesser extent with Spencer. Spencer has yet to knock my socks off like JT. Maybe it’s a function of his age, lack of playing in the summer league, or ?? Donte hasn’t done diddly poo. I would have waited to see what kind of progress he makes (or should I say if).

Hawes is still young. He still has potential to improve both his physique and his game. He is entering his 3rd NBA season. Many NBA Analysts say that the Third year is usually the time that good players have that “Ah Ha” moment or game and the action slows down for them and they find their groove. Hawes is showing signs of getting stronger (he gained 10 lbs of muscle in the off season, something Brad Miller would NEVER have done…) He doesn’t look like he is wearing roller skates so much playing defense like he did last year. He still has a lot of room to improve on the defensive end. He needs the lower body strength necessary to hold his position in the post against stronger, heavier opponents. His offensive skills are still improving. He can score with either hand and has a post up game he needs to work on. I’d really like to see him work on the baby hook or one handed flip I have seen him use in the past around the basket as a go to move in the post.

   Hawes is not the worst center in the Western Conference, and he is getting better. Jason Thompson is also getting better even though this is only his second year. The symmetry between Thompson and Hawes is improving every time they are on the court together. Thompson is slowly becoming a force in the paint. His rebounding has improved and he is showing signs of slowing down near the rim and taking his time. Thompson last year looked rushed when he got near the rim, trying to get a shot off before he got rejected. I think his haste contributed to his problem fouling out last season. He rushed his shots, then went overboard to try and rebound the miss. He also has a problem with refs, arguing every call. He needs to slow down, play ball, and forget about the refs.

   I really like Rodriguez, and I think he was a very good FA pickup. We needed an insurance policy in the event that Beno decided not to compete when he lost his starting spot. Rodriguez has looked very good, and if he does come off the bench to rest Evans, the bench squad will have a good point guard. Casspi looks like a player that has been playing professionally for several years. I think if he can improve his defense and is able to defend the small forward position, he might very well be starting at the 3 before the allstar break. His hustle, rebounding, and shooting are sorely needed on this team. I am hoping Greene will find his game and just get after it defensively. He has a nice stroke from the arc and he is listed at 6’11". We need all the size we can get because we didnt bring in any veteran bigs other than Sean May, and he is generously listed as 6’9". Green needs to play team “D”, rebound, and let the game come to him offensively. He forces up too many 3’s that waste possessions. He needs to let the offense work and then take the open 3 if it is there. With ‘Reke and Martin driving and kicking the ball out, Greene might get a lot of open 3’s in the scheme of the offense. But he has to be on the floor for that, and his defense is limiting his playing time. I am glad to hear that his work ethic is no longer an issue. I am pulling for Greene to take the next step. He needs to play well this year or he might not get another chance. It would be great if Greene could mature into a bench player that can back up the 3 and when other teams go small, maybe get some time at the 4.

   The addition of Rodriguez, May, Brockman, Casspi, Evans, and Mason is a sign that the Kings front office has pretty much revamped this team. All these new players had nothing to do with the abomination season last year. These are all good players. All of them but Mason and May still have a lot of upside. Mason is a solid defender and another rebounder around the rim. May has a championship ring from NC, and really hasn’t played much because of injuries. There is still a lot of tread left on his tires. In fact, May has played so little because of injuries, he very well might have some untapped upside hidden because of the injury time. I am hoping that he can stay healthy and play like the champion he was that led his team to a title!! May could be a very significant addition. In fact, I believe that Casspi and May are going to be pleasant surprises this year. Both are professionals who have had success in the past and are hungry to regain that winning edge.

 With all the roster moves, the Kings have a new young team that should have energy every night. They still have K-Mart, Hawes, Nocioni, and eventually Garcia on the roster. Those guys played hard for the most part last year. All of them have a nasty taste in their mouth from last year. Hopefully the mix of young veterans and young rookies, coupled with a new legit NBA Coach in Paul Westphal, will have the winning chemistry that Geoff Petrie has envisioned for this team. Will the Kings make the playoffs? In the West, which is full of title contenders that all got better in the offseason, probably not. But if they double their win total to 34-35 games, and they are obviously headed in the right direction, I think anyone connected to the Kings organization would take that in a heartbeat. GO KINGS !!