Official Sactown Royalty Kings 2009-10 Preview
by Tom Ziller on Oct 30, 2009 12:00 AM PDT
in Commentary
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PrintTeam Name: Sacramento Kings
Last Year’s Record: No comment.
Key Losses: Rashad McCant's bubbly personality, Ike Diogu's bubbly personality, Calvin Booth's rubber band ball, Francisco Garcia's right forearm.
Key Additions: Tyreke Evans, Omri Casspi, Jon Brockman, Kevin Martin's health, Paul Westphal, Sergio!.
Big Additions: Sean May.
1. What significant moves were made during the off-season? The Kings went cheap and young, building through the draft with Tyreke Evans (No. 4), Omri Casspi (No. 23) and Jon Brockman (No. 38). The Kings also added Sean May on a one-year deal, and Sergio Rodriguez (by trading down from No. 31 to No. 38). The Kings should see a big upgrade on the sidelines, having hired Paul Westphal to replace Reggy Nattheus.
2. What are the team’s biggest strengths? This will be an offensive-minded team, with Kevin Martin and Evans leading the way. Drawing fouls should be a major part of the Sacramento offense, given that the team was 5th in free throw rate last season and that Evans is a much better slasher than Beno Udrih. The team also looks to be solid on the offensive glass, and there's a chance the team is a top-10 shooting squad. No defensive category but perhaps opponent turnover rate is expected to be very good.
3. What are the team’s biggest weaknesses? The team's most reliable post scorer is probably the rookie point guard. Post defense, defensive rebounding, perimeter defense, turnovers, opponent free throw rate and team shooting are all moderate to major concerns. This team needs massive frontcourt improvement, or a new frontcourt starter. We're hoping for the former. Jason Thompson and Spencer Hawes are each pretty good and promising, but betting on two dudes to become stud starters is a risky proposition.
4. What are the goals for this team? Goal No. 1: do not lose 65 games again. Goal No. 2: No one get seriously hurt, OK? Goal No. 3: Don't lose any home games by 48 points. Goal No. 4: Beat L.A. Goal No. 5: Get Evans the R.O.Y. Goal No. 6: Get Martin to the All-Star Game. Goal No. 7: Playoffs!
5. Omri Casspi vs. Donte Greene, who ya got? Omri blistered through preseason, and could very well have started the regular season opener. (I have no idea, as I'm writing this preview from 1867.) Greene, meanwhile, struggled to earn Westphal's trust. Greene is bigger and more athletic, whereas Casspi has an incredible motor and better basketball IQ. There's no telling where these two will end up in five years, but it's going to be exciting to watch the race.
Projected Finish: 25-57.
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And leave it to TZ, in what has taken 10000 words to say for everyone else to say, in about 300
Go figure.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Bleh what a crappy way to write that (So I'm calling do-over)
Only TZ could, where everyone else takes 10000 words, sum up something in 300 words and make it seem important.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
He's alive!
Assuming you’re really back. Welcome back TZ.
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
I think it's just 214 in a Buffalo Bill-style "Ziller-suit"
... Now let me show you why they call me the Velour Fog...
by tomroadrunner on Oct 30, 2009 12:51 AM PDT up reply actions
No, the writing is Ziller
but, it’s late, so 214 may have just stumbled across it while looking for porn on Ziller’s computer.
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 Oct 30, 2009 12:53 AM PDT up reply actions
If anything
It was set to go off on a timer.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Yup
Written and scheduled prior to TZ’s absence. Thus the line of
I have no idea, as I’m writing this preview from 1867.
Never forget: I am a complete idiot
This is kind of like when Tupac releases (yet) another new album
Prolific, even though he’s not around. Plus, it has a nice backbeat and it’s easy to dance to. I give it a 46, Dick (now that’s a dated reference!).
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
Bandstand! ... Bandstand!
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 Oct 30, 2009 7:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Correct!
You have just earned 50 fan bucks, which may be redeemed at the StR Team Store (or a Chrysler Corboba, which you can pick up at Morty’s office).
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
Section goes back to 1867 in search of Ziller
"Shut up and Coach!"
Vfettke
by SavageBeast on Oct 30, 2009 8:18 AM PDT up reply actions 5 recs
Wasn't there A Star Trek: NG where they did that?
Yes, I know that I deserve every bit of derision I receive for a Star Trek reference. Couldn’t help it. Inner geek must impose itself every so often.
Yep, two episodes
Data loses his head. I join you in the shame of geekdom.
"Shut up and Coach!"
Vfettke
That was the episode where he tried to jump Deanna Troi
"Shut up and Coach!"
Vfettke
by SavageBeast on Oct 30, 2009 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Pictured left to right, Exhibit G and Section214 begin their trek
Never forget: I am a complete idiot
by Exhibit G on Oct 30, 2009 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hahaha
At first I thought your comment was a response to SavageBeast…
... Now let me show you why they call me the Velour Fog...
by tomroadrunner on Oct 30, 2009 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions
and I'd have to say Section 214 has never looked better
"We are in the business of kicking butt and business is very, very good." - Charles Barkley
So who is Michael J Fox in this scenario?
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Nice!!!
Well, team goal #2 is already out the window. Hopefully that satisfies the injury gods for the rest of the season, As for item #5…Omri all the way.
Hang on kids, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Nice job TZ
Purveyor of Bull Plop
Goal 8?
Having Tyreke and Omri pitted against JT in the Rookie Sophomore game. We need to get back into the national spotlight. That way perhaps we can get maybe one nationally televised game next year.
They only take 10 players per side
Tyreke yes, JT very outside chance, Omri – not gonna happen.
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 Oct 30, 2009 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions
I don't know
It could happen, simply because of Omri’s international marketability. Remember, it’s not the fans choosing. It’s the league.
The draft lottery has reinforced my belief that there are not enough bad words in the English language.
by LeaguePassAddict on Oct 30, 2009 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions
has to happen
how can you not chose one of the chosen?
by betweentheeyes on Oct 30, 2009 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
We have ONE this year I think
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Oct 30, 2009 8:47 AM PDT up reply actions
According to Amick
Westphal is listening to none of our sage advice and the starting line-up will remain the same.
It makes sense I guess, only one . . . .
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
Good
The day the front office and/or the coaching staff starts looking here for advice is the day they should be fired.
Remember, it was only one game.
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 Oct 30, 2009 8:50 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
One game?? You must be joking - the sky is falling!
Desmond Mason - Untied the balloon in Colorado, forged Obama's birth certificate, and ruined the careers of Omri Casspi and Tyreke Evans.
First possesion Kings get the ball
we substitute Hawes and Casspi in. Westphal points at the cameras and laughs.
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
He laughs because he subs them in for JT and Kevin
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
by Aykis16 on Oct 30, 2009 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Missed Opportunity?
I hate to sound like I’m wishing ill will on anybody but I have to say that I hope that Dejuan Blair has an injury plagued career because if he doesn’t, then the single biggest mistake made this year by the Sacramento Kings could be trading the 31st pick to Portland and losing the chance, as it turned out, to draft Dejuan Blair. Blair might end up being the steal of the draft (14 points, 11 rebounds [5 offensive], 3 assists in 23 minutes in his debut) if he continues to put up the numbers he did in preseason and most importantly, stays healthy for his career. Brockman or Blair? I like Brockman, but Blair would have been the rebounder the Kings need off the bench. Now, I like Brockman and with Blair, I’m not talking about a superstar, but all year when I see Brockman on the court, I’ll be wondering “what if”.
Kings rule! (They are royalty - right?)
I'm torn on this one dalt
By the time we are good again, Blair might be close to retirement. However, most second round picks flame out or are end-of-the-bench fodder within a few seasons. If that’s the case with Brockman, you’d have to say it was a bad move.
Just to remind, it’s not just a question of Blair vs. Brockman…it’s really Blair vs. Brockman, Rodriguez (and I think we got cash back in that deal?).
Desmond Mason - Untied the balloon in Colorado, forged Obama's birth certificate, and ruined the careers of Omri Casspi and Tyreke Evans.
by otis29 on Oct 30, 2009 9:08 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Good stuff
You are totally right. I understand that Sergio is part of the deal and I like him so at this point I’m fine with the move to drop to #38. Blair may be great for a couple years, then blow out his knee and retire so it’s one of those “time will tell” things. I am just looking out waaaay ahead and hoping that Blair doesn’t end up being a Charles Barkley type player that ends up being a stud for many years.
Kings rule! (They are royalty - right?)
His fall in the draft
That was pretty amazing. The guy was being talked about as a potential top 10 pick. Whatever medical information teams in the league received had to be pretty bad.
I’m rooting for him, though. He seems like a great guy and he plays his ass off.
Desmond Mason - Untied the balloon in Colorado, forged Obama's birth certificate, and ruined the careers of Omri Casspi and Tyreke Evans.
2.9 million in cash otis
But, whose counting?
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Since this is a preview article
let me be the first to predict the Kings will play like shit in the opener against OKC
by ElRonToro on Oct 30, 2009 9:04 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Actually, I think
Ziller knew when he wrote this we were going to play like hell in OKC so he chose to gloss over the game and set the preview thread for tonight.
Professional Hyperbole Slayer
So is there a set return date for TZ or is he just awol?
Should we be worried?
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 Oct 30, 2009 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions
I don't think anybody other than TZ knows when he will return
He said a week, and it’s been a bit longer than that.
On a personal note, I’m going to be away from the site for a week or so.
Who knows, maybe he’ll be back in 5 hours?
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
This is a season preview
I’ll posting the preview for tonight’s game later this afternoon.
Never forget: I am a complete idiot
you must be listening to the radio and watching the King's boxscorte on Yahoo
how does the second game turn out?
"We are in the business of kicking butt and business is very, very good." - Charles Barkley
Goal 4: Beating LA
I would be happy to watch Evans stuff Kobe just like he did Deron Williams. That will count a long ways toward beating LA for me.
Watching Brockman flatten a few L@kers as he drives in to the lane will be all the sweeter as he takes his foul shots.
Watching L@ker after L@ker get frustrated by the persistence of an intense Israeli who refuses back down one inch will bring a smile to my face.
Watching JT take the ball away from bigger dudes on the offensive glass and seeing Phil Jackson frown will be truly an improvement over his condescending smirk.
Best of all will be watching the L@kers realize that the Kings are an up and coming team. Watching the post game interviews where they think through the fact that karma is a bitch and they got some pay back coming.
We need to beat LA, but not just in scoring. I look forward to watching every play and enjoying every time that a King stomps the smug smile off of that team.
He did not clarify which LA
At this point, beating the hapless Clips would be progress.
But we always beat the Clips
Didn’t we beat them like 3 times last year?
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
Whenever we lose to the Clippers in the future
I am blaming you, just fyi.
:)
Professional Hyperbole Slayer
Sure but that was a different Kings team
This is a new team minus Artest, Miller, Salmons and a bunch of others. The slate is wiped clean and this new team is starting from scratch at the bottom, getting punked by the OK Thunder.
Beno is our Clipper Killer though
We still have him.
20.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, on 62.2% shooting, in 3 games against the Clips. Kings overall record against the Clips was 3 – 1. Our loss was without Beno.
Father of the "Natt this!" movement and Grandmaster of the "Never let AnotherStupidSN forget what a Sham-Wow is" Order.
"Big Additions: Sean May"
That’s funny. The ghost of Tom Ziller is just as clever as the real Tom Ziller.
"Sometimes the capriciousness of youth anesthetizes common sense." -Let Geoff's words guide our patience this season.
by AnotherStupidSN on Oct 30, 2009 10:35 AM PDT reply actions
Goal #8:
No more Sean May 3’s for the love of god! All of those 3’s were about on par with Zach Randolph PG.
I am skipping classic Godfather and going to the Sopranos for my rendition of TZ and Section
“Just when I thought I was out… they pull me back in”. Welcome back TZ, glad you are still in.
by betweentheeyes on Oct 30, 2009 12:50 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
This would make pookey Big Pussy
He was here, he was gone, he got whacked, he keeps returning in dream sequences…
Exhibit G is Christopher, rbiegler is Hesh, Sims is Paulie Walnuts…
You’re right – this does work.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
Please tell me
that you don’t dream about pookey.
The draft lottery has reinforced my belief that there are not enough bad words in the English language.
by LeaguePassAddict on Oct 31, 2009 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions
Never say such blasphemy
Dreaming about me? EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
Remember the old joke -
I dreamed that I ate a marshmallow last night, and when I woke up my pillow was gone.
Well then -
I dreamed that I ate pookey last night, and when I woke up the litter box was empty.
Nice post over at Evil Cowtown, by the way. Well done.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
Figured someone had to say something (I'm getting tired of this Kevin Martin doesn't mean anything to the offense nonsense)
Thanks.
No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....
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