What a Kings fan (speaking for myself) is thinking about the 09-10 season so far
by Sacramento_Strong on Dec 12, 2009 9:24 AM PST
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PrintBefore I continue, I'd like to say that I realize we are not the team we hope to be yet. We are not going to contend for a championship. If we get our game together in an accelerated timetable, we could be a playoff team. But that is also wishful thinking.
It all starts with expectations. We have seen the expectations people had of this team going into the season. From the outside, how many time are we going to see that clip with whom I believe is Jerry Stackhouse saying that it's going to be another bad season in Sacramento? And even in a more implicit way, have you actually seen a King since Webber make it to a nation NBA commercial? And from the fans since so many were quick to write off some of our personnel. I read those apology letters to Kenny and Beno. All I could think of was how badly we, especially myself, overlooked our talent.
Then it occurred to me, we overlooked our roster because of the gross misuse of talent that is Kenny Natt's tenure. Every time there was an interview, it would seem like the coaching staff was trying to slow the game down or make it easier on the players. The players were stuck on Step 1 and 2 of an instruction manual.
These negatives, for the most part, were addressed during the off season. So now, not only is the coaching upgraded, the talent is upgraded. This is the surprise that no one has seen coming. There is extra effort and we are actually competing in games. Sure, we have loss a number of games to poor execution but we are showing potential. Something we never had last year.
That's where the excitement comes from. It's in the fact that we do have a chance at winning games. We are not consistent yet, but you have that "any given Sunday" feeling. The only team that can beat us is ourselves and the Miami Heat. We competed well against the Suns and Spurs. It was just a lack of execution and focus that did us in.
This growing process is bringing people back to Arco and making the Kings relevant. I'm not going to say it's all one person cause it's not. And if I had to give credit to one person, it's Geoff Petrie. This surprising team now has a national televised game on Wednesday (WHICH I AM GOING TO) against a playoff team. I beg people to please go and make Arco roar like the early 2000s, if only for 1 night. Feel the R04R, perhaps? We even have a StR night against the Nuggets. And the thing is, I know that if the Kings can execute, they can beat them.
So this leads me to my three questions I'd want to know from all you StR folks:
1. Does anyone else see Sean May sitting on the bench and feel bad? Not for him, but a feeling like damn what a waste. Something similar to finding out you left your faucet running.
2. What to do with Francisco Garcia. Do we keep him? Then what about Donte and Omri?
3. How will Kevin Martin fit without disrupting chemistry? Although, I think this may be an easier transition than people think. I'd still like to hear your thoughts.
This is how I see things so far from my living room in Natomas, staring at a building that used to be a true sixth man during our glory day. Just remember to stick with your team. That's why we're here.
And remember if all else fails, at least we don't have Chris Cohan and Larry Riley running the team.
(This is a FanPost from a member of the Sactown Royalty community. The views expressed come from the member, and not Sactown Royalty staff.)
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sean may
just needs to stop taking jumpers from the perimeter, he’s not very good at them. whats the point of having a bulky body if you dont throw it around in the post?
well written thoughts and concerns
though I don’t see Washington as a playoff team at this point in the season.
To address your questions:
1 – The Kings lack frontcourt depth – it is their biggest weakness. Sean May has not yet been needed, but tomorrow is another day. Only Paul Westphal knows how Sean May fits in – does he not find a role in practice? Is he somewhat injured? May is getting the League minimum – what do you expect? can you replace him with another League minimum vet that will produce better? Will May (or his replacement) disrupt team chemistry? – Sean May brings more questions than answers at this point.
2 – Cisco was one of the valuable pieces of the dismal team that was Kings 2008-09. Why throw him away before seeing how he fits the new squad. His guidance for Omri Casspi bespeaks a kind heart and a cool head. His fire and intensity sometimes spark errant on the floor, but with a different coach his talents may flourish further
3 – To many posts address this. In short – Kevin Martin has always been and will always be a team first (not me first) player. A ture porfessional. He would be a benefirt to any team, as this talent poor teams’ most established star he can only be a benefit.
by betweentheeyes on Dec 12, 2009 11:49 AM PST reply actions
so many typos so little time
To = Too, ture – true, porfessional = professional, benefirt = benefit.
Back to typing on word first, posting second. my apologies
by betweentheeyes on Dec 12, 2009 12:27 PM PST up reply actions
Good post. I think
it reflects the growing sentiment around Sacramento. Although I don’t see evidence of fans returning to Arco yet.
On the three points:
1. If May cannot find himself within an organization directed by Petrie and Westphal, given what we’ve seen of their management styles, I cannot imagine he has an NBA future. However, more May be at play than we know.
2. I don’t know how Garcia fits in the long term. I do know I hope he stays around somehow. He has his strengths and weaknesses, and could be valuable in trade, but his influence in invaluable.
3. I cannot fathom the incessant questions about whether Martin will blow up the team chemistry. I guess it could happen. I can’t see it. I would be shocked. In fact, I firmly believe that backcourt will become truly great.
Lower their expectations and rise to met them
I don't think Garcia should be a problem.
I would just as soon see him playing backup SG regardless. Donte creates matchup problems, but he needs to be a SF/PF. Plain and simple. Garcia is big for an SG, so he will still cause the same problems as Donte.
"Thou must give props" - Ice_9ine
by tomroadrunner on Dec 12, 2009 1:59 PM PST up reply actions
I'm not sure we should be worrying about Cisco right now
It sounded like a pretty horrific injury. Nothing career threatening but serious enough where he might not be back fully for a while & even when he comes back it he will probobly be worked in slow. Kevin is a more immediate need for this team so I expect him to get 20-30 minutes off the bench right away until he drops 40 with ease that forces P-dub to put him back in the starting line up
Cisco might not be back before the trade deadline.
He was due back in early Feb. , but unlike Kevin, Cisco is spending much of his recovery time in a cast. Either way Cisco is a BYC until next summer, and as such is very difficult to trade, even as a secondary player who’s in to match salaries.
With Cisco’s ability to play multiple positions and Udoka on a non guaranteed contract, the most likely senario would be that Noc is traded, Udoka is released, and Cisco is retained another year. Depending on how well Omri & Donte progress thru the rest of the season, we might see Cisco as the 3rd player in the SF rotation or the starter. With additional minutes coming as the backup SG.
"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
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