Kings Vs. Hornets Preview: DONKEY BASKETBALL
by Tom Ziller on Jan 1, 2012 2:00 PM PST
in Commentary
Email
PrintSacramento burns
under the weight of unmet,
low expectations.
New Orleans Hornets at Sacramento Kings
The Gymmer, Sacramento
6 p.m. Pacific on Comcast SportsNet California
We know all about how the Kings are doing. What about the Hornets? After sending Chris Paul to L.A. for a package built more for 2015 than 2011-12, are the Hornets as bad as we all thought they'd be?
Nope. Not really.
The Hornets are 2-1, with wins over the Suns and Celtics and a loss to the Suns. Boston came in without Paul Pierce, but that's still a solid win for N.O. Phoenix is a whole lot worse than we remember them for some strange reason; Steve Nash may finally be falling apart. So it's not the great 2-1 start in the world, but it's solid.
The more impressive note is that the C's win came without Eric Gordon, who also missed the second Suns loss. As you'd expect with a team that features Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor, it's all about defense with the Hornets. New Orleans currently rates No. 7 in the NBA in defense and No. 22 in offense; the team's shooting defense sits at No. 3. Against a team like the Kings struggling to even figure out what they are supposed to be running, that defense has the potential to look brilliant.
It appears Gordon will again sit, which makes Marcus Thornton's job easier. Chuck Hayes will match up with old friend Carl Landry; we have seen first-hand that Landry loves battling with Chuckwagon, and we can't rule out that N.O.'s anemic offense will make the Kings look bad.
Game's at 6. Game threads at 6 and 7:30. Let's go Kings!
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Here is Westphal's opportunity for redemption.
The key to any game is to use your strengths and hide your weaknesses.
-Paul Westphal
The only way that Westphal could provide the redemption you seek
is if he suited up and went 7-10 from the field, and 4-4 from the charity stripe.
I simply cannot see how PW can be blamed for this when he has been handed a largely brand- new set of players with limited time to gel, and a team that has (admittedly) not consistently run the offense that he has tried to implement.
If one claims that he has “lost” the team, that is easily as much on the immaturity of the players than it is on the coach. I’m sorry, but I don’t believe a disciplinarian with a wooden paddle is going to improve their field goal percentage and free throws.
I miss Big Mike and his Arco Thunder monologue.
by RJinFairOaks on Jan 1, 2012 3:41 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Where do I call for a wooden paddle in my statement?
The key to any game is to use your strengths and hide your weaknesses.
-Paul Westphal
“You called?”
"Cousins is the Blaster to Evans’ Master, the Hammer to Evans’ Sickle"- HP
by tomroadrunner on Jan 1, 2012 3:30 PM PST up reply actions
Am I the only one who absolutely loves how many games there are every single day (although not sure if they are still doing the whole Thursday only 2 or 3 game thing like they used to)
Just as a basketball fan, loving it. Granted the shooting has been a bit goofy given the shortened preseason but I think it’s going to be a fun year.
by wallywagon11 on Jan 1, 2012 2:21 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
2011 was just a bad year for the Kings
Let’s make 2012 a winning year. Get a win and be undefeated in 2012.
Yes! I have Trevor Ariza on my fantasy team.
I expect nothing less than a career night from him tonight. I’m thinking 30 points (four 3s), 10 boards, 5 assists, 5 steals, 3 blocks.
That can't be a picture of PW
I see no monkey on his back
35 and 31. I'm calling it now. Reke and Cousins 1-2 in most improved award both All-stars. Jimmer leads rookies in scoring, passing and Ole's. Make 2nd round of playoffs and Salmons is not here by seasons end.
I hope so, then I can say the only reason the Kings didn't win was cousins was out.
I’m tired of not having injury issues be an excuse for how bad they have looked. I look forward to saying, “the Kings didn’t win because ________ was out with an injury.”
"What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger" Some bad ass dude.
The problem is
He’s not playing because he’s demanding a trade
Never Turn Back - Crush 40
Being a Fan: 10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to remember the name!
This is getting out of hand now
Something is going on behind the scenes between the players and the coach, and it’s not anything good.
Never Turn Back - Crush 40
Being a Fan: 10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to remember the name!
Yes, but for all the wrong reasons
Never Turn Back - Crush 40
Being a Fan: 10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to remember the name!
According to the Kings press release
That’s the reason they asked him to stay home.
Never Turn Back - Crush 40
Being a Fan: 10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to remember the name!
Hmmmm, excuse me I run into the kitchen real quick and get a glass of water. Will just be a moment (closes door)
by wallywagon11 on Jan 1, 2012 3:41 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
But now he never did, according to his agent
Something’s definitely wrong now
Never Turn Back - Crush 40
Being a Fan: 10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to remember the name!
Got a question
trying to use AP photos that are appropriate for SB Nation articles (like the Westphal one above) but I got zero clue how to properly crop the darn thing. I can post the image to my fanpost but when I try to crop I just end up resizing it. I was hoping to kind of use the style they use at SS&R for a lot of their photos (wide shots but cropped on top and bottom) and zero clue how to properly do it.
If anyone has a clue, any help would be much appreciated.
What sort of computer are you using?
You could do that with MS Paint I’d think, or Preview.app if you’re on OSX. Note: I may not understand what you asked for.
by lead_pipe on Jan 1, 2012 3:38 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
yeah I was just hoping not to have to go the MS Paint route and load it up on image shack or anything like that given I am lazy
I was hoping there was another way.
Oh, I see-
You were hoping a part of the SBN thing would do it for you. Good luck!
by lead_pipe on Jan 1, 2012 3:46 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I don't think you can add that style to a fanpost
the SBN editor does all the work for you for front page posts.
how you doin'
Twitter: @bluefalcon916
by bluexfalcon on Jan 1, 2012 4:07 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Are you saying only an editor can crop within SB Nation?
Not trying to do a front page post, just a fanpost.
No, just anyone with writer credentials for FP.
You have to actually crop it yourself and add it your fanpost, there are no format options in fanposts.
how you doin'
Twitter: @bluefalcon916
by bluexfalcon on Jan 1, 2012 4:27 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
okay thanks
this was one of those “I would like to know the easy way if I am going to do this a few times throughout the season” kind of things.
Much appreciated.
Cousins demands a trade.
Seriously. Grow the fuck up. It’s 4 games into the season. Maybe I want him gone if this is how he is
MY NAME'S AL HARRINGTON, I GET BUCKETS
by LLcoolRay on Jan 1, 2012 3:41 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Agent says he never did
Don’t know who to believe
Never Turn Back - Crush 40
Being a Fan: 10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to remember the name!
Agreed
I have a feeling this is only going to get worse.
Never Turn Back - Crush 40
Being a Fan: 10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to remember the name!
If that's true
DMC is being very rash and immature.
Never Turn Back - Crush 40
Being a Fan: 10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to remember the name!
That's the sad thing about it
It is a real possibility
Never Turn Back - Crush 40
Being a Fan: 10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to remember the name!
or his agent is smart and knows he and DMC lose all control if it goes public
or DMC never did demand it but blew up and said something that others thought was the equivalent.
I am sure there are other possible explanations as well.
Either way: there’s some fire here under the smoke. How much? Who knows but if there is very here, it’s a big problem that the Kings sent a press release.
Basically, any way you cut it, this blows.
I have a feeling PW told him to stay home because he was complaining a lot
DMC was so upset about this he said “trade me then”. Just a thought
If he didn't tell his agent, DMC is being really immature
If he did and they are trying to cover it up, then he is still being immature and it will most likely end with a trade
If he blew up and said something equivalent, then DMC lost his cool, but the press release will probably make it worse. Or maybe the press release was to light a fire under him.
But I agree, this blows big time.
Never Turn Back - Crush 40
Being a Fan: 10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to remember the name!
you don't send a press release to light a fire
you do it if you are totally fine with burning bridges.
okay not always
but the one I just read, you don’t send out unless you think it’s okay to burn a bridge. Maybe DMC is just that awful behind the scenes, I dunno but just saying.
I'm sure it's the worst way to do it
But I’m scrambling for answers here. DMC had to say something to get this going.
Never Turn Back - Crush 40
Being a Fan: 10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to remember the name!
Well
unless Cousins did something completely unforgiveable (and for all I know, totally could have done that although I have little confidence in the organization and Westphal at the moment) I would suggest Westphal and the Kings to learn how to piss inside the tent.
Yeah
All I’m thinking now is that one of them won’t be here by the end of the season. According to the presser, Westphal had the green light to send Cousins home from the FO, so my confidence for all involved is really shot right now.
Never Turn Back - Crush 40
Being a Fan: 10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to remember the name!
Wins heal all wounds
Best case scenario is that we take down NO without DMC, and he feels just guilty enough about his behavior to come back with an apologetic and positive attitude.
I miss Big Mike and his Arco Thunder monologue.
Or maybe he gets angrier and goes
“See you don’t need me, trade me now!”
Never Turn Back - Crush 40
Being a Fan: 10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to remember the name!
I am wondering if this is Westphal coming back at DMC after comments he made in postgame…People are already slighted turned away from cousins, and for this to be made public would push an even worse aspect towards him..
Founder of team Omté Caspeen
Essentially taking the heat off of Westphal (You already heard comments regarding Smart from Westphal..
Founder of team Omté Caspeen
Basically saying Smart said the team was ready, and Westphal came back and said the team isnt ready, and when you think they are, they arent..I think this is westphal not showing any kind of trust in his asst coaches
Founder of team Omté Caspeen
by Widowwolf on Jan 1, 2012 4:03 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Mostly the same
But if it was Smart it would be a bit worse, since then Westphal would be undermining his obvious successor in an effort to keep his job as opposed to skirting responsibility.
I GOT IT!
TRADE DMC, TYREKE AND SALMONS FOR DWIGHT HOWARD.
Only good thing that could come out of this
MY NAME'S AL HARRINGTON, I GET BUCKETS
I think Cousins just wants to be with John Wall. A package around Vesely or McGee would be a nice consolation.
I think it may be time to pick up my
fire Westphal train ticket.
by ThomasGQ on Jan 1, 2012 3:59 PM PST via iPhone app reply actions
Unfortunately, I have to agree.
Good coaches don’t air their dirty laundry. Respect isn’t something you are given, it is commanded. Obviously, it hasn’t been commanded.
Ugh, this all sucks. It just sucks. This is the opposite of what I expected this season. It’s all just terrible, and it sucks.
"Cousins is the Blaster to Evans’ Master, the Hammer to Evans’ Sickle"- HP
by tomroadrunner on Jan 1, 2012 4:10 PM PST up reply actions
I think Cuz slept trough the part of astronomy class
Where they explain that you are not the center of the universe
by southern oregon on Jan 1, 2012 4:03 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
At this point
PW has had issues with Hawes, Martin, Cousins, had veteran players such as Dalambert and Udoka leave on a bad note, has had issues with substitutions, defining roles, establishing an offensive or defensive system, even had his star players question his style in the media, and all of this without any improvement on the team. We need to move on.
by MichaelMack on Jan 1, 2012 4:08 PM PST reply actions 8 recs
Not totally agreeing with you
but your comments about the players are dead on unfortunately. For a coach, Westphal seems to be very thin skinned.
Frances Amthor: I think you're a very stupid person. You look stupid, you're in a stupid business, and you're on a stupid case.
Philip Marlowe: I get it. I'm stupid Farewell My Lovely (1975)
And in this vein I get what I want how I want it because I am the customer. You might want to remember that you thieving scumbag mongrel bitches.
nate21h@evilcowtowninc.com
That is odd to me
because he genuinely seems so. With his stellar playing career, number of head coaching jobs, I would think being thick skinned would be a strength.
I was pleased when we hired him, mostly because I enjoyed his playing career, but I can see now why he went so long in between NBA Head Coaching jobs.
by MichaelMack on Jan 1, 2012 4:17 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Not directed at you Michael.
"Cousins is the Blaster to Evans’ Master, the Hammer to Evans’ Sickle"- HP
by tomroadrunner on Jan 1, 2012 4:13 PM PST up reply actions
I would like to add
it wouldn’t be change for the sake of making change (and that goes for if they decided to move DMC as well)
Agreed
Never Turn Back - Crush 40
Being a Fan: 10% luck, 20% skill, 15% concentrated power of will, 5% pleasure, 50% pain, and 100% reason to remember the name!
I agree on both points Wally
DMC is a talent, but he still isn’t more of a talent that Derrick Favors or Greg Monroe at this point. He might have a higher ceiling, but I would trade him for either of those two at this point and not feel a twinge of guilt.
He might have a higher ceiling, but I would trade him for either of those two at this point and not feel a twinge of guilt.
Pretty sure the Jazz and Pistons front offices would feel a whole lot of guilt if they even considered it.
Do you really think Wally?
I like DMC’s rebounding, and his effort on D, but his shot selection is just putrid. I like Monroe’s game.
I wonder how much of our excitement over DMC’s potential is homer-ism, and other teams just see a troubled talent who was able to log a lot of minutes his rookie year and achieved some decent stats.
Welcome to the club, Paul.
It looks like we all owe Cowboy Ron a formal apology.
"Cousins is the Blaster to Evans’ Master, the Hammer to Evans’ Sickle"- HP
by tomroadrunner on Jan 1, 2012 4:24 PM PST reply actions 4 recs
This is going to make
My casual conversations with anti arena folks a lot more uncomfortable.
by Crocoduck on Jan 1, 2012 4:31 PM PST via mobile reply actions
I'm not in favor of firing Westphal just because we have Keith Smart down the bench. Smart would not be my first choice to replace Westphal
All I can hope is that ownership and the front office are taking a renewed interest in getting looking for the best coach available and not just the cheapest. I don’t know if the dubs would let the Kings talk to Mike Malone (?) Mark Jackson’s lead assistant but he would be on my list.
The next head coach has to able to relate to and develop young players but also be a bit of a disciplinarian. A strong coach doesn’t have to get mad to impose his will on willful young studs. I’m not for trading Reke or DMC but I think it’s becoming clearer that they might not be all we were hoping for, even as they mature and get past some of the growing pains we are seeing now.
Frances Amthor: I think you're a very stupid person. You look stupid, you're in a stupid business, and you're on a stupid case.
Philip Marlowe: I get it. I'm stupid Farewell My Lovely (1975)
And in this vein I get what I want how I want it because I am the customer. You might want to remember that you thieving scumbag mongrel bitches.
nate21h@evilcowtowninc.com
I think the situation almost has to get worse before it can get better
are wiling to sublimate their egos for the good of the team and to get to the point where they actually become coachable, regardless if it’s Westphal coaching them or someone else.
This press release is incredibly stupid and reactive and I can hear it tumbling out of Westphal’s mouth verbaitim as an aide scribbles it all down. I can see PW in Petrie’s office screaming at Geoff “What the hell do you want to with these young players, they are UNCOACHABLE”. And then Petrie in his very quiet and subtle way asks Westphal “Paul, what would you like me to do about it?”
And the Petrie who almost inevitably has had at least priliminary discusions with his staff about bringing in another coach sees the potential of killing two birds with one stone but who also knows that the team can’t keep letting DMC get away with this wild and insubordinate crap because that will only make him even harder to coach says to Westphal “ok Paul, that sounds good, you get with Marketing and put together the press release and I’ll call the boys and let them know we’re sending DeMarcus home for the game.”
Done. Done and done! Westphal is toast, it’s only a when matter now, if has been taken off the table.
Frances Amthor: I think you're a very stupid person. You look stupid, you're in a stupid business, and you're on a stupid case.
Philip Marlowe: I get it. I'm stupid Farewell My Lovely (1975)
And in this vein I get what I want how I want it because I am the customer. You might want to remember that you thieving scumbag mongrel bitches.
nate21h@evilcowtowninc.com
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