Kings vs. Timberwolves: AT DAWN
by Tom Ziller on Feb 7, 2012 12:39 PM PST
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Sacramento Kings at Minnesota Timberwolves
5 p.m. Pacific on Comcast SportsNet California
The Kings have won three straight games. The Kings have won three straight games.
Sacramento's had one four-game win streak in the past two years: last March, after the team had been eliminated from playoff contention. Back in Tyreke Evans' first month in the NBA, the Kings had two such streaks in getting off to an inordinately hot start. (The Kings haven't had a five-game streak since 2007, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.)
Tonight the Kings visit the Wolves in Minneapolis; our protagonists last suffered a 13-point defeat here in January. The Kings' offense was just abominable in that game, scoring 86 points in 91 possessions. Kevin Love is not reputed as a defender, and he's the major absence from this game (suspension). That doesn't make me feel great!
But Minnesota's offense was quite good in that match-up too, and Love's the star on that end. He had 33 points on 11-21 shooting in that game. The great Jerry Zgoda reports that Derrick Williams, the rookie, will start in his place. Nikola Pekovic (a burly Montenegran) will start at center, Wes Johnson will be at small forward and the backcourt starters will be Luke Ridnour and Ricky Rubio.
Ah, Ricky.
This is Round 2 in the great Ricky Vs. Reke War. In the first match-up, both had odd games. Tyreke went for 9 points on 3-11 shooting, 10 assists and 8 rebounds. Rubio went for 9 points on 3-10 shooting, 8 assists and 8 rebounds. Draw? Draw.
If that's a draw again, the Kings should win this time. But the Kings also shouldn't trail a bad Hornets team missing three starters by 18 points in the second quarter. 'Should' has nothing to do with the Sacramento Kings right now.
Game's at 5. Game threads at 5 and 6:30. Let's go Kings!
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Fun facts
As TZ noted, the last Kings 4 game win streak occurred in March of last year. After getting blown out by 40(!) points in Chicago, the Kings won in Milwaukee, Indy, and Philly before returning home to defeat Phoenix.
The last 5 game win streak for the Kings happened way back in Jan/Feb of 2007: @ Min, Den, NO, Chi, @ OKC.
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I'm really scared of Wes Johnson tonight
I mean if Cousin’s is throwing up 20-20 games like they’re nothing, imagine how good the player picked right before him must be.
Can WJ do 30-30? Triple Double? The possibilities are scary.
by SPTSJUNKIE on Feb 7, 2012 12:54 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
Don't tempt fate ya Bastard!
Wes is a SF, ergo he’ll do well against us.
"Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake."
- Chessmaster Savielly Grigorievitch Tartakower
by lietothegirls on Feb 7, 2012 1:12 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Surely, you underrate Wes Johnson
Triple double? I’m afraid he’ll drop double triples on us. Dear God, DOUBLE TRIPLES!
I never underrate Wes Johnson
And stop calling me Shirley.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
by section214 on Feb 7, 2012 1:40 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Hopefully
Darko won’t go Chris Webber on us tonight.
by PurpleHurts on Feb 7, 2012 12:54 PM PST reply actions 10 recs
This will never get old.
Never.
Never forget, I'm a complete idiot.
Follow me on Twitter
Author of Inside-Out Game
Ever
"Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake."
- Chessmaster Savielly Grigorievitch Tartakower
by lietothegirls on Feb 7, 2012 1:14 PM PST up reply actions
KHAAAAAAAAAAN!!!!!!
GOOD LUCK. haha
by KingVlade528 on Feb 7, 2012 1:07 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Why does everyone talk about Khan so much on here?
I get it for this post but I have been meaning to ask this question for a while. Is it just the PG draft fiasco of 09?
During a summer league game
He compared Darko favorably to Vlade to Chris webber, who scoffed at him.
by Deleran on Feb 7, 2012 1:26 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
AND to C-Webb himself
Chris cut him off at the knees, reasonably politely I thought.
"Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake."
- Chessmaster Savielly Grigorievitch Tartakower
by lietothegirls on Feb 7, 2012 1:29 PM PST up reply actions
Paraphrasing here
Something like, “we are not talking about my career and Darko in the same sentence.”
by #12Pick...who? on Feb 7, 2012 1:30 PM PST up reply actions
more like "We are NOT talking about my career and Darko in the same sentence"
"Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake."
- Chessmaster Savielly Grigorievitch Tartakower
by lietothegirls on Feb 7, 2012 1:31 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Awesome
Ok I’m up to speed. Now I can finally post Khan jokes.
by Blue Dog on Feb 7, 2012 1:35 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
But Kahn kept trying to do it anyway
Webber finished the interview with the now famous
“Good Luck”
"Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake."
- Chessmaster Savielly Grigorievitch Tartakower
by lietothegirls on Feb 7, 2012 1:43 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Any time I read or hear "Good Luck" it reminds me of the movie "Taken"
"First we get jobs, then we get the khakis, then we get the chicks."
Silverado
"Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake."
- Chessmaster Savielly Grigorievitch Tartakower
by lietothegirls on Feb 7, 2012 2:57 PM PST up reply actions
He then also compared Darko to Chris Webber
Which Chris Webber didn’t exactly appreciate.
Never forget, I'm a complete idiot.
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Author of Inside-Out Game
the other quote from that interview
“Vlade? Vlade Divac?”
by betweentheeyes on Feb 7, 2012 10:39 PM PST up reply actions
Can't friggin wait
Not even sure why I’m so excited for this one. Could it be the potential for a 4-game streak? The fact that WallyWagon and I will be watching 3 players featured in our fantasy matchup? The bag of Twizzlers in the cabinet begging to be eaten? (Please don’t judge.)
Or that Javale McGee simply put me in the best basketball mood ever with this move last night?
More please!!
Director of Cracked.com's After Hours and other stuff.
Follow me at... actually, don't... I'm not very insightful.
What was that?
"We're not talking about me and Darko in the same sentence." - Chris Webber vs KAHN!
by caseycheesecake on Feb 7, 2012 1:51 PM PST up reply actions
McGee thinks the Raptors rebounded so he runs back on defense. Wall’s reaction is priceless. I can’t stop watching.
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I've been trying to dump McGee for so long from my fantasy team.
He produces well per minute but i’m sick of him embarrassing himself every week.
"We're not talking about me and Darko in the same sentence." - Chris Webber vs KAHN!
by caseycheesecake on Feb 7, 2012 2:11 PM PST up reply actions
He's breaking new ground
Character vs. output should be a no-brainer in fantasy, and yet… here we are.
Director of Cracked.com's After Hours and other stuff.
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by TheJust on Feb 7, 2012 4:08 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
...
Sanka....you dead? Ya Man
by prowseinthehouse on Feb 7, 2012 3:57 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Priceless
Director of Cracked.com's After Hours and other stuff.
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And after the gif ends, John Wall looks up at the camera for a couple seconds, then rolls his eyes.
"First we get jobs, then we get the khakis, then we get the chicks."
McGee also tries to get an alleyoop and falls down
Sanka....you dead? Ya Man
by prowseinthehouse on Feb 7, 2012 4:16 PM PST up reply actions
Lol...
"We're not talking about me and Darko in the same sentence." - Chris Webber vs KAHN!
by caseycheesecake on Feb 9, 2012 10:15 AM PST up reply actions
Kings have to attack Derrick Williams on the block with JT
This should be a huge advantage for us on that end of the floor.
If Williams and Beasley play most of the minutes at the PF, expect to see quite a bit of zone from our defense to force them to make long jump shots.
"First we get jobs, then we get the khakis, then we get the chicks."
Hoping for a bounce back game from JT
Teach the rook how to play. And DeMarcus on Nikola Pekovic? That’s a meal right there.
Author of NBA Mashups. Follow me on Twitter here.
I think DMC will have another big game
But Pek is no push over. He’s very physical inside. If the officials allow a physical game, he’ll be a pain in the behind for Demarcus.
He just put up 28 and 19 on Emeka Okafor and Chris Kaman.
Author of NBA Mashups. Follow me on Twitter here.
Those guys are nice
But they’re no Pek!
Never forget, I'm a complete idiot.
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by Exhibit G on Feb 7, 2012 1:30 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
And they have Brad Miller!
Who will likely play all the Backup Center minutes since Darko’s questionable.
Author of NBA Mashups. Follow me on Twitter here.
Good point
We are good at stopping good players (Kaman.Okafor), but that Pek/Miller/Darko combo could be deadly. We usually let the scrubs dominate us and they have 3 just in the big man rotation.
Don't forget Anthony Randolph and Anthony Tolliver
This team was made to beat the Kings in embarrassing fashion.
Author of NBA Mashups. Follow me on Twitter here.
I forgot that Randolph played in Minny
A few years back he was a regular at my old job in San Francisco. We’d talk about hoops every time he came in, and he always gave me hell about being a Kings fan (although always politely reminded me that we’d be relevant again in a few years) while living in Warriors territory.
One day I randomly asked him who he felt was the dirtiest player in the NBA he’d faced so far (this was his rookie season). His reply? “Brad Miller”.
JT will be much better
"Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake."
- Chessmaster Savielly Grigorievitch Tartakower
by lietothegirls on Feb 7, 2012 1:20 PM PST up reply actions
Definitely keepin an eye on that matchup
They’ve had beef since Summer League last year. I saw them go head to head and almost throw down a couple times. Mario pulled DMC from the game because of it and as he walked backed to the bench he yelled, “I’m going to f*&# that white boy up!” The entire section went dead quiet except for this nice older lady behind me who said, “Now there are better ways to express yourself young man.”
Paul Wesphaul was sitting right in front of me so I just offered a soft, “good luck.” (Coincidentally it was the same game as the infamous C-Webb “good luck.”)
Anyway, I’m pretty sure Rambis had given Pekovic an order to play rough with DMC and in their match-ups since then I’ve noticed it get a little chippy.
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EVERYONE is playing rough with DMC, trying to set him off
The officials have looked the other way quite a bit.
"Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake."
- Chessmaster Savielly Grigorievitch Tartakower
by lietothegirls on Feb 7, 2012 1:30 PM PST up reply actions
The white guy in Summer league last year wasn't Pekovic
It was Greg Stiemsma, who Cousins later hit the game winner over. Coincidentally Stiemsma is in the NBA this year with the Celtics and is doing a hell of a job racking up the blocks whenever he sees time.
Author of NBA Mashups. Follow me on Twitter here.
D'oh!
Questioned my memory myself and was just looking that up. But your memory hath defeated my records search. Well played.
But yes, I do remember the game winner and that just being a spectacular game experience overall. Couldn’t wait to go back the next year. Ah well.
Director of Cracked.com's After Hours and other stuff.
Follow me at... actually, don't... I'm not very insightful.
Oh hey I didn't know you worked for Cracked!
Good stuff.
Author of NBA Mashups. Follow me on Twitter here.
Thank you, sir! Good to have you as a patron. I need to start burying Kings references in videos somehow.
Director of Cracked.com's After Hours and other stuff.
Follow me at... actually, don't... I'm not very insightful.
10 ways the Maloofs are the worst owners in the NBA
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Thanks man. Good people running that site.
Director of Cracked.com's After Hours and other stuff.
Follow me at... actually, don't... I'm not very insightful.
Very much so. Brings in great writers too.
Actually hired one of your contributors as a copywriter for the company I work for. A lot of talented, funny people gravitate to the site and message boards.
People need to be really careful with their expectations for this one
This is a not a game we should win. The Wolves are a .500 team with the toughest schedule to date in the NBA, and they are at home, and this is the second of a back to back for us. Yeah I know that Love is out. But he is only one piece of what is making this team click.
If we win, that would be great. It will mean we outperformed the stats. But if we lose, don’t think that we blew a gimme. The T-Wolves could very easily be in the playoffs this year and we are not yet a playoff team. All that being said, I would love to see Cuz and the Kings go off on them tonight.
It comes down to reality
And it's fine with me 'cause I've let it slide
by SavageBeast on Feb 7, 2012 1:34 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
I think the stats skew a bit with KL out of the game
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.
KL being out is pretty huge though
That guy can go for a 30 point, 20 rebound, 5 assist performance and you wouldn’t blink an eye. Nobody else on Minnesota is like that. Williams is athletic but raw, and Beasley is a streak shooter. I’m actually most afraid of Beasley and Ridnour tonight than anyone else.
But yeah, Minnesota is much improved.
Author of NBA Mashups. Follow me on Twitter here.
I definitely think we CAN win
But I believe Vegas still has us as the slight underdog and I feel the same way. Coasting will easily get us a loss tonight.
It comes down to reality
And it's fine with me 'cause I've let it slide
And we darn near proved them right
It comes down to reality
And it's fine with me 'cause I've let it slide
TZ tuned me in to BBall Ref's strength of schedule indicator
http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2012.html
Scroll down to “Miscellaneous Statistics” and sort by “SOS”. It has the Kings with the toughest schedule currently, and the Wolves at 11th.
I’m not sure how they actually calculate this number though…I’m assuming it’s a bit more detailed than simply taking the opponent’s record?
Sacramento Kings - helping feed NBA fans across the country since 2011
Hmmm
Very cool. Have to see how it calculates it. By winning % the Wolves are now 3rd hardest and we are 14th. I wonder what else you could include? Maybe home and away?
It comes down to reality
And it's fine with me 'cause I've let it slide
That would be my guess
Did a little further searching but still can’t find an actual formula…
Sacramento Kings - helping feed NBA fans across the country since 2011
Is it
Based on opponents record from last year, or opponents record at time of facing them?
The ESPN one I use is this years record
It comes down to reality
And it's fine with me 'cause I've let it slide
I think home and away. I did my own much more rudimentary calculation I posted in another thread.
And the Kings home and road schedules were tougher than the league average by far (meaning the teams they played on the road has a much higher home win % than average and vice versa for home games).
The Wolves were below the league average for both, although they played Dallas and someone else hard on the road since then so it may have changed some.
All you need is Love
Normally, I’d amaze you with an in-depth analysis of any prior games, or where the two teams stand in various statistical categories, but for this game it carries no significant meaning. Without Kevin Love playing, all those stat mean very little because he plays such a significant part in creating those stats. He contributes 31% of the rebounds, 33% of their Free Throws, 26% of their points, 22% of their FGA’s, and 23% of their 3PT attempts. And, he hasn’t missed any games prior to this one.
What I can tell you is that Coach Adelman had all day yesterday to come up with a game plan and work with the team. He said, "We’re going to have to do it by committee. People are going to have to step up." And, by people he means Derrick Williams, Anthony Tolliver, and center Nikola Pekovic.
Pekovic has already stepped up his game over the last 2 weeks, rebounding on both ends of the floor and averaging 9.6 rebounds per game in his past six contests. Tolliver and Williams will have to step WAY up. Williams is averaging 7pts and 3.8rebs in 18 mpg, while Tolliver has seen action in only 20 games, scoring 4pts and 3 rebs in 19 mpg. Both will take the 3, but the Kings should give it to them since Tolliver is only shooting 30% and Williams 25%.
The Twolves will start Pekovic, Williams and Wes Johnson on the front line, and a backcourt of Rubio and Ridnour. Beasley started the first 7 games of the season, but was sidelined for 11 games due to a right foot sprain. Johnson has remained in the starting role in the 6 games since Beasley’s return. Barea who missed most of January with a sprained ankle has been back for the last 3 games and will see time off the bench. Darko Milicic is listed as questionable after suffering a bruised left quadriceps last Friday which could mean we’d see seldom used Brad Miller. Martell Webster, Wayne Ellington, and Anthony Randolph are also available to come off the bench.
If anyone is going to make up for Love’s scoring it’s going to be Michael Beasley who’s 2nd at 13.5 ppg or Luke Ridnour who averages 12.3 ppg. Ricky Rubio who averages 11,4 ppg, Jose Barea at 9.9 , and Pekovic at 9.3 ppg could help but other than Barea, scoring isn’t their game. What we may see is a 3pt barrage. Minnesota averages over 20 three pointers per game. And, Beasley, Ridnour, Rubio, Ellington, Webster and Barea are all capable of putting up a string of 3’s. It’s doubtful, that any one player will make up for Love’s rebounding; they are going to have to make a full team effort which might play into the Kings favor on the fast breaks.
What may be the most important factor regarding this game is, which team will take the floor for the Kings? The team that gave up 52 pts to the last place Hornets or the team that held them to 14 pts in the 4th quarter. And, which Marcus Thornton will show up? I hope it isn’t the one that has shot below 33% from the field in 7 of his last 10 games. Because his defense and lack of assists make it hard for him to contribute without his scoring.
Tyreke is huge by PG standards and Thornton is a bulldog, but we never seem to take full advantage of their size. In fact, they seem to be as a decided disadvantage when defending quicker Guards on high pick & rolls and coming off of screens. And, that’s the type of guards that they will be facing in Rubio, Ridnour and Barea. And, I’m most disappointed that the Kings don’t use their guards to set back-picks down low so that undersized Guards have to switch and defend our Bigs in the paint.
I’m very concerned about this game, because the defense we’ve shown of late is better suited to defend the paint and teams that get much of their scoring from their bigs down low. With Minnesota’s 3 guard rotation, I’m afraid the Kings might have trouble staying on their man and that’s going to lead to open shots and assisted baskets. But, at least when we play Jimmer or IT we wouldn’t have to worry about size mismatches.
"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy
by HighTops on Feb 7, 2012 1:38 PM PST reply actions 8 recs
Or as the BEP sang, Where is the Love?
by SPTSJUNKIE on Feb 7, 2012 1:39 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
I'm happy to say
That “Love Will Tear Us Apart” will not be spinning circles in my head before the game tonight.
I think you mean Robeta Flack/Donny Hathaway
What can I say? I’m old.
by betweentheeyes on Feb 7, 2012 10:43 PM PST up reply actions
Wow
I had no idea KLove was such a big part of every offensive thing they do.
Just wow.
"Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake."
- Chessmaster Savielly Grigorievitch Tartakower
by lietothegirls on Feb 7, 2012 1:42 PM PST up reply actions
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by TheJust on Feb 7, 2012 4:14 PM PST up reply actions 4 recs
That's hysterical.
"Oh my, oh my, oh my. Is that great basketball or what?" --Hubie Brown, Jan. 20, 2012
by Cynical Jason on Feb 7, 2012 4:34 PM PST up reply actions
Incredible
I’ll admit, though, that I always thought Ice-T was kind of a knob until we recently decided that his moniker would fit our rookie better. His line at the end of New jack City always made me laugh at him instead of with him.
“I wanna shoot you so bad, my d**k hard.” Ugh.
Does anyone want to talk about Hickson's game
falling off the edge of the Earth?
"Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake."
- Chessmaster Savielly Grigorievitch Tartakower
I try not to think about the fact that not having done that trade
means we still would have had Casspi instead of Outlaw, and also having a future 1st round pick to trade. Or keep. Now we have neither and I will be surprised if Hickson is still on the team by the trade deadline because his only use to us now is as a trade asset to some team weak at the PF who wants to give him a tryout and hold his RFA rights.
Author of NBA Mashups. Follow me on Twitter here.
Hickson certainly
isn’t hasn’t been worth Casspi and a #1
"Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake."
- Chessmaster Savielly Grigorievitch Tartakower
by lietothegirls on Feb 7, 2012 4:44 PM PST up reply actions
It really hasn't
In his first 2 season he made less than 50 baskets outside 9 ft. and last season when he had to play so much center he was 106 of 336 or 31.5% outside 9ft
He scores well around the basket but has need help doing it, with between 66% and 75% of all his baskets coming from assists. He just doesn’t create on his own. HIs scoring in the paint but away from the rim, is on track for what he did the last couple of season, but he’s getting 33% less minutes so his total pts are down. and, at the rim his best skill is put backs where now instead of being the main guy, he has to compete with Cuz.
He’s a decent player, but he really isn’t the offensive player JT is.
"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy
With what Cuz and Jt are doing
JJ seems like the perfect trade chip. But no matter what we get back, it;s going to be next to impossible to justify giving up a first rounder for him.
It comes down to reality
And it's fine with me 'cause I've let it slide
JJ is good where he is for now,
a 4th big off the bench. My worry is where the scoring will come from with our bench. Besides IT and Jimmer (who are a huge liability on D with both on the court at the same time), who picks up the scoring slack? Hayes and JJ are not primary scoring options, and Cisco, Outlaw, Donte are only helpful if their shots are falling.
Tyreke and Thornton are going to see a lot of 40 minute nights this season I’m afraid.
"First we get jobs, then we get the khakis, then we get the chicks."
The only way that 1st rounder is justified is if we go from lottery to deep in the playoffs in one season.
As all of our lottery picks develop, a mid 20’s pick really isn’t going to contribute that much right away.
I’m still waiting to see if we’re planning to get Hassan some minutes before the trade deadline. It would be nice to have another big waiting in the background for minutes, in case we could get a role player or a draft pick in return for JJ. He’s going to have to come a long way offensively in the off-season for the Kings to make the Qualifying Offer. And, I just don’t see either happening.
"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy
A #60 pick on the other hand...
a mid 20’s pick really isn’t going to contribute that much right away.
Author of NBA Mashups. Follow me on Twitter here.
The 60th pick on the 2nd worst team in the West is like a lottery pick.
especially when he fills a need no one else on the team can fill.
"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy
1-0 on Haikus
Today they’re up North
Two 20-20s occur
Wait, where is the Love?
by drock1331 on Feb 7, 2012 1:48 PM PST via mobile reply actions 2 recs
Cousins in beast mode
Get the F out of his way
20 boards, Hooray!
The NBA: "Where 27 free throws happens"
by lodisacfan on Feb 7, 2012 1:50 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
DeMarcus Cousins
He is hungry for Wolf flesh
In Minnesota.
Author of NBA Mashups. Follow me on Twitter here.
by Aykis16 on Feb 7, 2012 1:57 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Go kings go!!!
More importantly I think we need to trade Tyreke for Jeremy Lin……
by Makdeeznut on Feb 7, 2012 1:50 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
A moment of Zen
No longer in Love
Tap those Rubio slippers
Jimmer game winner
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by section214 on Feb 7, 2012 2:03 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Go Kings! Oh yeah, baby, this one is going to be a nail biter I'm thinking.
I think the Kings will pull it off though. They’ll need that confidence of a 4 game winning streak as they take on the Thunder on prime time. Get your popcorn ready!
DeMarcus Will be the best center in the league in 2 years
by Letsgokings13 on Feb 7, 2012 2:07 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Top 3 certainly
as long as he keeps wanting it.
"Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake."
- Chessmaster Savielly Grigorievitch Tartakower
by lietothegirls on Feb 7, 2012 3:00 PM PST up reply actions
Quick poll
What centers would you take over DMC right now?
Can't wait for October
by KingsFanInPortland on Feb 7, 2012 3:33 PM PST up reply actions
Only 1
On the condition that Dwight Howard commits long term. Even then it would be hard to trade DMC the way he’s played of late.
Wouldn't be hard at all
But yeah, only Dwight Howard currently. If Bynum’s knees weren’t made of cotton candy, then him as well.
Sacramento Kings - helping feed NBA fans across the country since 2011
I'd rather have DMC than Bynum even if his knees were healthy
DMC has a fire and passion that Bynum has never displayed. I think he’ll be a much better passer in time too.
Hard to tell about Bynum
If he played in a different environment, there might be a different perception.
Sacramento Kings - helping feed NBA fans across the country since 2011
True. Long term I think I may choose DMC
Over Howard. But currently just Howard for me, although I think you could make a case for Bynum
Can't wait for October
by KingsFanInPortland on Feb 7, 2012 4:08 PM PST up reply actions
Thing is
I just have a hard time seeing him develop better focus/passion playing for a bad team. Typically players become more competitive and fiery playing for elite teams.
We’re not talking about desire to take over in the clutch, since it would make sense he would defer to Kobe & Pau.
But he has been in the perfect place to develop fire and intensity and still doesn’t show it.
I don't know if that's the case in LA
Where Kobe’s personality is pretty dominant.
And honestly, I’m not sure what we are talking about with “fire and intensity” as it relates to the court.
Sacramento Kings - helping feed NBA fans across the country since 2011
Howard
I should also include Bynum, but I hate Bynum. I’d take Noah or a healthy Horford right now, but perhaps not a year month from now. And while I would not take Monroe over Cousins, I am very impressed with him, too.
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
So are you saying you would trade Noah for DMC right now?
I don’t think I could pull the trigger on that. I think I’d rather have Love than Noah, but I guess technically he is a PF. I was comparing Bynum’s numbers to Cousins’ and I think Cousins is looking better if the keeps playing the way he is.
It comes down to reality
And it's fine with me 'cause I've let it slide
same
I made the same comparison, Cousins #s are waaay above Bynum in his 2nd year.
"Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake."
- Chessmaster Savielly Grigorievitch Tartakower
by lietothegirls on Feb 7, 2012 4:46 PM PST up reply actions
Monroe playing well
… In a week eastern conference, he would not be doing as well in a dense west.
We have to remember that west plays mainly western teams and east mainly east this season…
I think he understates Monroe's skill level
But I think he’s referring to the severely unbalanced 66 game schedule. The EC largely plays the EC this season and the WC the WC. It’s heavily tilted even compared ot normal years.
I don't think you can make that statement though
It’s too simplistic without actually looking at both guy’s schedules and the players they played against.
Honestly, can you remember too many top flight centers DMC has been matched up against to this point?
Sacramento Kings - helping feed NBA fans across the country since 2011
what about Aldridge?
Lamarcus for Demarcus? I know he primarily plays pf but he can play C too. I probably would keep Demarcus but that’s the only other person aside from Dwight I would Consider.
by Chent on Feb 7, 2012 5:00 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
For the long term?
Howard. That is all.
For this season: Howard & Marc Gasol. That is all.
Would rather have DMC than Bynum. As I posted this, Section posted Horford below, but he’s really a PF to me even tough the Hawks have played him out of position at C. Noah is the one I am most on the fence about. But put Cousins on the Bulls and I think there’s a reasonable chance he makes them a better team today.
I'm in it for the long hall, with Cuz
There is no reason to believe that what we would get from Howard, we won’t get from Cuz in the near future. And, Cuz is already a better shooter away from the basket and at the FT line.
I refuse to fear that DeMarcus will relapse and turn in the fudge ball that many believed he would become over the extended off season. I believe that there isn’t another player that needs to win or wants to win more the Cousins. And, that’s why I want him on my team, and wouldn’t trade him for anyone.
"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy
by HighTops on Feb 7, 2012 3:49 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
In all homerism
I feel same way
Can't wait for October
by KingsFanInPortland on Feb 7, 2012 4:11 PM PST up reply actions
Agree
Part of me feels this too. But another part of me slaps myself and says I’m being a homer and not to sell a 25 year old MVP candidate short.
Yep
I’d ship Cousins for Howard right now, and probably throw in a pick as well (if we had a guarantee he’d sign an extension).
Sacramento Kings - helping feed NBA fans across the country since 2011
In reality I'd have to agree
But it would scare the crap out of me seeing as how I think Cousins has every tool to be great. Not good, but great. But yes, that would probably be the realist non biased move.
Can't wait for October
by KingsFanInPortland on Feb 7, 2012 4:18 PM PST up reply actions
Oh yes.
I recognize its homerism.
Can't wait for October
by KingsFanInPortland on Feb 7, 2012 4:16 PM PST up reply actions
Bravo Sir!
"Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake."
- Chessmaster Savielly Grigorievitch Tartakower
by lietothegirls on Feb 7, 2012 4:47 PM PST up reply actions
The Wolf
Williams Tolliver
Pekovic Cuz Eats Alive
Four wins in a row
by Sactown's Finest on Feb 7, 2012 2:33 PM PST reply actions
Prognosticating
Kings are going to win this one by 12. 98 to 86. Then we can all enjoy this 4 game win streak. Aykis16 I am on your tail at 14-9 for prognosticating.
Bleh
Reke verses Ricky
Wolves with the Coach of the Year
Yes, Rick Adleman
by LightningStrike5 on Feb 7, 2012 2:36 PM PST reply actions
Where is Hassan??
Anyone know what the status of whiteside is?? Thought he got called up a while back. I haven’t sen him on the bench. Is he with the team yet? Be nice to see him play a bit.
by hesabasketballplayer on Feb 7, 2012 2:53 PM PST reply actions
yep, he's back
"Victory goes to the player who makes the next-to-last mistake."
- Chessmaster Savielly Grigorievitch Tartakower
by lietothegirls on Feb 7, 2012 3:00 PM PST up reply actions
Whiteside being back is the only way to explain the win streak
Sure, we are good enough to win the first 2 games without him, but I believe that the last 2 games were 100% due to Whiteside’s presence. If we extend the streak through the Here We Stay night, then Whiteside deserves the max.
Hassan Whiteside is so good we don't even have to us him to win
That’s good!
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
He's just like that rabbit's foot you wear around your neck...
Talismanic Whiteside!
時國王驕奢，不遵典憲。 《後漢書》
by sj60615 on Feb 7, 2012 3:39 PM PST up reply actions 5 recs
He was inactive against the Hornets. Sat behind the bench in a suit. Looked sharp.
"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy
That's all it takes for Whiteside to make a difference for the Kings
Far better than it would if he actually suited up and got some big league burn.
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
He'll be getting quite a bit of practice time between now and the end of the All-Star Break
and some big league burn between then and the trade deadline. so, it won’t be that long before we know if your right.
"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy
Nothing to do with this game
but news just came out Chauncey Billups has a torn left Achilles’ tendon and is out for the season and maybe even his career. hate to hear that kind of news
Wow.
I have a lot of respect for Billips after he took out the Hall of Fame Lakers team. Sad if this is how his career ends.
Per Team or Per Player?
"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom
The greatest impact player in NBA History - Tim Donaghy
by HighTops on Feb 7, 2012 3:53 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Just read on twitter that Darko is out for tonight
Robert Small @rc360
Not playing against the #NBAKings tonight RT @APkrawczynski Darko out w/sprained rt ankle
Founder of Isaiah as Mogwai..
And now per Gary Gerould’s twitter:
Gary Gerould @ggerould
Tough news for Kings. Rookie Isaiah Thomas with chip fracture third knuckle shooting hand. Trying to reduce swelling, will play
Founder of Isaiah as Mogwai..
As I said on Twitter
Isaiah doesn’t need to ice it because he has ice in his veins.
Author of NBA Mashups. Follow me on Twitter here.
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