What's Left to See in Sacramento: Jason Thompson
by Tom Ziller on Feb 19, 2009 9:00 PM PST
in Commentary
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PrintHow can Jason Thompson make us smile these last 27 games?
* Stay on the court. Foul trouble has plagued Shock & Hawes all season. But with the veterans mostly exiled, that's the only thing that can keep Thompson and Spencer Hawes off the floor. There's a real learning curve when it comes to big men and fouls: almost uniformly, second-year players who had previously suffered from foul problems see the issue slip into irrelevance. Some bigs never learn; let's pray Thompson is not in that category. (I really don't fear this. Honest.)
* Develop the left hand. A little. Everyone who has said this in recent comment threads is 100% right: if Thompson can pull off a few offensive moves with his left hand consistently, his FG% will skyrocket. He could be a 55%+ shooter. He gets so many clean looks inside thanks to his irrepressible spirit and his fantastic offensive rebounding skills. The left hand would make this that much more valuable.
* Cut down the turnovers. This tends to be another rookie problem that dissipates naturally with court time and experience. But the elite skill level of our protagonist is diminished by costly turnovers -- unforced travels, out-of-control spin moves, sloppy handles. Our guards aren't the most exacting passers, but Shock has incredible hands and shouldn't lose too many entry passes. So it's those other factors that need to be cleaned up.
* Boost the defensive rebounding. This team needs help rebounding. Thompson's incredible on the offensive glass, but could use some improvement on the defensive end. Boxing out more consistently should be a priority.
* Talk talk talk. Shock should be one of the leaders of this team on defense ... with his mouth. He has good court vision, he's a helluva smart kid, he's athletic as heck, and he hustles. That's the recipe for a great defender. Help at your teammates, call out screens and rotations ... make this team respectable at that end.
* Read Sactown Royalty. This should go without saying. (Background: Twitterer robfuscate asked J.T. if he reads StR; J.T. responded "Na usually don't read the media stuff too much out here." We aren't media stuff, man! I demand that you hang on my every pixel!)
...
If I haven't gotten the point across so far this season, let me reiterate that I'm really fricking excited about Shock Thompson.
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The leadership issue
I think with the vets gone its pretty obvious that the youngsters are gonna get plenty of time. I think with Speed, Shock, and Spence we can have a nice trio of leaders. Martin’s not all that vocal but his effort to get better and play hard without complaining will rub off on the guys. Spencer and JT, however, can be the more vocal leaders on this team and we’ll get to see it as the season winds down.
Ziller – any chance of you doing a potential coach run down? My biggest concern with these young guys is not how good they’ll get but if they’ll even be given the chance to become good by having a coach who will help them develop and not get fired.
www.mancancook.net
Head Coach - That is what the summer acquisitions should be centered around IMO
The Kings are getting a high draft pick no matter what. Who and How this all comes together will depend on coaching.
by betweentheeyes on Feb 19, 2009 9:10 PM PST up reply actions
The coach may be more important than who we draft.
If we get the first second or third there may be a clear heirarchy of the first picks, but selecting the right coach to get the most out of the players may matter more.
Fun stuff!
Thanks for the upbeat post on JT – who may be the Fan Favorite (StR Fave Five) on this website currently.
WIth the current abundance of power forwards, how do you see JT’s minutes? Certainly Ike will get SheWill tested and who knows if he is a Coach Natt’s type or not.This has been addressed in other posts but this seems a more appropriate forum (and besides, you know we all like repeating ourselves)
Great stuff on JT
The most disappointing thing about him is his recent poor performances. That being said; he’s on a huge learning curve, and the kid will learn it. It’s only a matter of time. If you don’t enjoy watching JT play; you’re a stupid asshole.
I’m really excited to see how JT & Shawes play together in the future. I’m interested to see after this season how JT’s left hand and footwork improves. Those are 2 humongous needs that he needs to push his game to that next level. He can do it though. I believe he can.
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.....
I am the stone that builder refused..I am the visual...The inspiration..That made lady sing the blues....I'm the spark that makes your idea bright.....The same spark that lights the dark....So that you can know your left from your right...I am the ballot in your box....The bullet in your gun...The inner glow that lets you know...To call your brother son....The story that just begun...The promise of what's to come...And I'm 'a remain a soldier till the war is won....
by pookeyguru on Feb 19, 2009 9:13 PM PST reply actions 3 recs
I hope
jt works out with thorpe and martin.
Hope
by Ultrakingsfan on Feb 19, 2009 9:15 PM PST up reply actions
I'm hoping JT's left becomes reliable to the point
Where whoever is coaching him feels comfortable for him to handle the ball. He’s got ridiculous handles for a guy his size.
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.....
I am the stone that builder refused..I am the visual...The inspiration..That made lady sing the blues....I'm the spark that makes your idea bright.....The same spark that lights the dark....So that you can know your left from your right...I am the ballot in your box....The bullet in your gun...The inner glow that lets you know...To call your brother son....The story that just begun...The promise of what's to come...And I'm 'a remain a soldier till the war is won....
Sadly, Pete Newell has passed. Has his Big Man's Camp continued?
Is someone, one of his disciples, still doing a Hawaii camp? Also, the Kings have SAR, a class act – don’t know how he is as a teacher, presently.
by betweentheeyes on Feb 19, 2009 9:28 PM PST up reply actions
NO he discontinued it a few years ago
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.....
I am the stone that builder refused..I am the visual...The inspiration..That made lady sing the blues....I'm the spark that makes your idea bright.....The same spark that lights the dark....So that you can know your left from your right...I am the ballot in your box....The bullet in your gun...The inner glow that lets you know...To call your brother son....The story that just begun...The promise of what's to come...And I'm 'a remain a soldier till the war is won....
Quite a few years before he passed
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.....
I am the stone that builder refused..I am the visual...The inspiration..That made lady sing the blues....I'm the spark that makes your idea bright.....The same spark that lights the dark....So that you can know your left from your right...I am the ballot in your box....The bullet in your gun...The inner glow that lets you know...To call your brother son....The story that just begun...The promise of what's to come...And I'm 'a remain a soldier till the war is won....
JT
and Hawes both played guard and off-guard in high school.
Hence the good ball handling skills.
Hope
Box out box out box out box out box out box out
So imitate the action of the tiger!
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favoured rage.
- lend the eye a terrible aspect,
Now set the teeth - and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
I'm not really sure this team needs to be hot to trot for inside scoring
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.....
I am the stone that builder refused..I am the visual...The inspiration..That made lady sing the blues....I'm the spark that makes your idea bright.....The same spark that lights the dark....So that you can know your left from your right...I am the ballot in your box....The bullet in your gun...The inner glow that lets you know...To call your brother son....The story that just begun...The promise of what's to come...And I'm 'a remain a soldier till the war is won....
The only downside to the genius that is rubio is that he won't increase ticket sales,
as he’ll be plugging along in Europe for another year at least.
There now I've met the 75 word count. -pookeyguru
If we were to get the rights to Rubio
I don’t mind if he stays in Europe one more year. That’s just means another high pick in the ‘10 draft plus Rubio finally coming over. I know it would be hard to take for many fans but in the long run it’s not that bad of a thing if he stays
"Let's stop arguing and get together and agree on who really is the problem: PEACHES" - HighTops
In the long run it would be great...
I just think that Sacramento is a small fish in an increasingly small pond and it would not blow my mind for a couple of billionaire casino owners to go to a bigger city. As far as the teams overall success (championships) having another fugly year would probably put us as a frisky team in 2010, think blazers this year. Or think of the year we made the playoffs and took the Jazz to 5 games in the first round… its not far off maybe I’ll actually be able to afford season tickets by then.
There now I've met the 75 word count. -pookeyguru
Detroit managed ok
With Ben Wallace, Rasheed and Antonio McDyess. There’s room on a team for 3 big guys.
If Griffin’s the best player on the board when we pick, we have to take him.
I actually saw JT at Tré a month ago and told him he should
check out StR. Unfortunately I was quite inebriated and was slurring my words, my main message was to keep giving it 100%.
He’s definitely a nice guy though actually listened to my drunken rants for a good 5 minutes or so.
There now I've met the 75 word count. -pookeyguru
Tre?
Where the hell is that?
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.....
I am the stone that builder refused..I am the visual...The inspiration..That made lady sing the blues....I'm the spark that makes your idea bright.....The same spark that lights the dark....So that you can know your left from your right...I am the ballot in your box....The bullet in your gun...The inner glow that lets you know...To call your brother son....The story that just begun...The promise of what's to come...And I'm 'a remain a soldier till the war is won....
Its a new club that is where the old el torito on howe and hurley is...
its definitely in an awkward place and it was pretty easy to spot J.T. I just wish I wasn’t as sauced as i was when I actually talked to him.
There now I've met the 75 word count. -pookeyguru
I know exactly where you're talking about
It’s right next to the TGI Fridays.
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.....
I am the stone that builder refused..I am the visual...The inspiration..That made lady sing the blues....I'm the spark that makes your idea bright.....The same spark that lights the dark....So that you can know your left from your right...I am the ballot in your box....The bullet in your gun...The inner glow that lets you know...To call your brother son....The story that just begun...The promise of what's to come...And I'm 'a remain a soldier till the war is won....
Yeah directly across the street.
Its an interesting bar/club as it features a cigar bar, whiskey bar, scotch bar, and a tequila bar for the girls. I can’t afford the drink prices on a regular basis but its not bad every once in awhile. Gets a very diverse crowd, but its never gotten ornery… our little sacramento is growing up…slowly.
There now I've met the 75 word count. -pookeyguru
For the younger generation yes
For people like my parents, they’re not as comfortable with it. My mom grew up off off of Old Auburn Rd when it was still farms. When rolling down Sunrise was still a decent experience. When going out to Greenback was like rolling down farm lane. My how many things change quickly…..
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.....
I am the stone that builder refused..I am the visual...The inspiration..That made lady sing the blues....I'm the spark that makes your idea bright.....The same spark that lights the dark....So that you can know your left from your right...I am the ballot in your box....The bullet in your gun...The inner glow that lets you know...To call your brother son....The story that just begun...The promise of what's to come...And I'm 'a remain a soldier till the war is won....
when it was El Torito, Chevy's and TGIFridays
back in the day, there weren’t any clubs and Thursday and Friday nights it was named the Herpes Triangle
by betweentheeyes on Feb 19, 2009 11:56 PM PST up reply actions
Apparently you missed the farms near Sunrise reference
My parents are nearly 60 years old.
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.....
I am the stone that builder refused..I am the visual...The inspiration..That made lady sing the blues....I'm the spark that makes your idea bright.....The same spark that lights the dark....So that you can know your left from your right...I am the ballot in your box....The bullet in your gun...The inner glow that lets you know...To call your brother son....The story that just begun...The promise of what's to come...And I'm 'a remain a soldier till the war is won....
my gosh pook, your parents are ancient, a whole 3 years older than me
but I do remember the old rural Sac
"We are in the business of kicking butt and business is very, very good." - Charles Barkley
Do you remember the Roseville train wreck?
I remember that. Was just a kid, maybe 5?, living in North Highlands. Also remember when Sunrise Mall opened in the middle of nowhere.
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 Feb 20, 2009 3:55 PM PST up reply actions
God is planning to get pissed at them pretty soon for their age
That’s the rumor anyway.
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.....
I am the stone that builder refused..I am the visual...The inspiration..That made lady sing the blues....I'm the spark that makes your idea bright.....The same spark that lights the dark....So that you can know your left from your right...I am the ballot in your box....The bullet in your gun...The inner glow that lets you know...To call your brother son....The story that just begun...The promise of what's to come...And I'm 'a remain a soldier till the war is won....
NOTE:
The trades are done and we will continue to win very very few games.
Brace yourselves (if not already braced)
So imitate the action of the tiger!
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favoured rage.
- lend the eye a terrible aspect,
Now set the teeth - and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by the by
did ANYONE have the under on the over/under 20 games????
not me
So imitate the action of the tiger!
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favoured rage.
- lend the eye a terrible aspect,
Now set the teeth - and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Feb 19, 2009 10:25 PM PST up reply actions
C'mon
We’re going to win out.
38-44, baby.
Coming to you live from the land of interim coaches.
by LeaguePassAddict on Feb 21, 2009 1:30 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I love your sarcastic optimism LPA
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.....
I am the stone that builder refused..I am the visual...The inspiration..That made lady sing the blues....I'm the spark that makes your idea bright.....The same spark that lights the dark....So that you can know your left from your right...I am the ballot in your box....The bullet in your gun...The inner glow that lets you know...To call your brother son....The story that just begun...The promise of what's to come...And I'm 'a remain a soldier till the war is won....
Good thing
The trades are done and we will continue to win very very few games.
It would really suck to win 15 more games to close out the season and end up drafting around 10 again and then go around .500 next season and draft in the mid teens and bounce around in the 6-10 seed range until Kevin retires.
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 Feb 19, 2009 10:28 PM PST up reply actions
no worries
So imitate the action of the tiger!
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favoured rage.
- lend the eye a terrible aspect,
Now set the teeth - and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Feb 19, 2009 10:29 PM PST up reply actions
I'm guessing 5 to 7 - if we do well!!!!
So imitate the action of the tiger!
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favoured rage.
- lend the eye a terrible aspect,
Now set the teeth - and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Feb 19, 2009 10:30 PM PST up reply actions
We'll get the third pick
Since this draft is two-deep.
The Kings have never had any luck in the Draft Lottery. I think 1991 was the only year and it changed the franchise. 1989 was the ultimate insult.
by ttylerbballcamper on Feb 19, 2009 11:19 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah every team needs to take its lumps.
And as bad as this draft is we really picked a good time to build threw the draft and suck. The economy hitting the shitter right as we hit the shitter is actually a good thing financially speaking.
There now I've met the 75 word count. -pookeyguru
I was 32 low and (god help me) 41-41 as the high
I think
So imitate the action of the tiger!
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favoured rage.
- lend the eye a terrible aspect,
Now set the teeth - and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
crap - missed the reply
So imitate the action of the tiger!
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favoured rage.
- lend the eye a terrible aspect,
Now set the teeth - and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Feb 19, 2009 10:28 PM PST up reply actions
I said 25 to 35 wins
Depending on injuries, and whatever else went on.
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.....
I am the stone that builder refused..I am the visual...The inspiration..That made lady sing the blues....I'm the spark that makes your idea bright.....The same spark that lights the dark....So that you can know your left from your right...I am the ballot in your box....The bullet in your gun...The inner glow that lets you know...To call your brother son....The story that just begun...The promise of what's to come...And I'm 'a remain a soldier till the war is won....
I also predicted that dallas or Phx would miss the playoffs
may still get that one.
had the Warriors falling apart (done)
So imitate the action of the tiger!
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favoured rage.
- lend the eye a terrible aspect,
Now set the teeth - and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Feb 19, 2009 10:33 PM PST up reply actions
I think everyone had the Dubs falling apart
Still can’t believe they signed Maggette to that deal.
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.....
I am the stone that builder refused..I am the visual...The inspiration..That made lady sing the blues....I'm the spark that makes your idea bright.....The same spark that lights the dark....So that you can know your left from your right...I am the ballot in your box....The bullet in your gun...The inner glow that lets you know...To call your brother son....The story that just begun...The promise of what's to come...And I'm 'a remain a soldier till the war is won....
Downing the lights for the evening
You all rock – this was an awesome place to spend part of the day. No matter which side of these deals you sit on, the insight was inspired and at times brilliant. Bravo, StR Kings fans.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
Ahem
Welcome to Sactown Royalty, the best community of Sacramento Kings fans in the universe. That’s not my opinion; it’s scientific fact.
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.....
I am the stone that builder refused..I am the visual...The inspiration..That made lady sing the blues....I'm the spark that makes your idea bright.....The same spark that lights the dark....So that you can know your left from your right...I am the ballot in your box....The bullet in your gun...The inner glow that lets you know...To call your brother son....The story that just begun...The promise of what's to come...And I'm 'a remain a soldier till the war is won....
I am excited Pete Carril
Is going to be around to help JT.
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.....
I am the stone that builder refused..I am the visual...The inspiration..That made lady sing the blues....I'm the spark that makes your idea bright.....The same spark that lights the dark....So that you can know your left from your right...I am the ballot in your box....The bullet in your gun...The inner glow that lets you know...To call your brother son....The story that just begun...The promise of what's to come...And I'm 'a remain a soldier till the war is won....
JT
Can we add the necessity for mental toughness? I know in my heart of hearts that JT will eventually get the calls. May he tolerate the undeserved calls against him, may he get the undeserved calls on his behalf, and may he have the ability to recognize the difference.
I see JT get frustrated. I see calls that will eventually go in his favor. I see calls that currently do not. I hope he can overcome his frustration. But I cannot imagine how hard a task this must be.
Keep your head up JT. And for Pete (Carril)’s sake, read you some StR.
Never forget: I am a complete idiot
One of the great things about JT & Shawes
Is that they’re both very coachable. I’m thinking Donte’s personality is such that he is as well. He’s just such a goofball that it could lead to the assumption he isn’t willing to listen. (When you’re 19 you don’t exactly set the world on fire with your head. Unless you’re a certified scientific genius.)
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.....
I am the stone that builder refused..I am the visual...The inspiration..That made lady sing the blues....I'm the spark that makes your idea bright.....The same spark that lights the dark....So that you can know your left from your right...I am the ballot in your box....The bullet in your gun...The inner glow that lets you know...To call your brother son....The story that just begun...The promise of what's to come...And I'm 'a remain a soldier till the war is won....
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