Yea I am sure you have heard the word, the leading scorer of the team is out for four to six weeks, but I don't think this is the end of what was looking to be a promising start to the season.
Kevin is the only King averaging over 20 points a game and is obviously their go-to guy, but while he sits a guy that played great in the absence of Ron Artest at the start of the season will fill his role. John Salmons was averaging 18 points a game when he was filling in for Ron and there is so reason to believe he can't do that again.
Combine that with the brand of basketball Reggie Theus has the guys playing (hard nosed, defensive minded) and you could still see a pretty competitive team. At 8-10 and a solid home record, the Kings are starting to get some recognition, even from TNT analyst Charles Barkley who has always been a harsh critic of the Kings.
So yes Kevin will be missed, but also remember, when he comes back it will be around the time Mike Bibby will be ready to suit up and barring any other injuries, the Kings will have their lineup at full strength.
Not all is lost Kings fans, except the chances at Kevin making the all-star team this year. Up until now he would have had to been one of the top candidates for those on the cusp of making it. With an injury sidelining him for some time that likely will not happen. But hey, there is always the next four years of that contract!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
Rocky road
Up and down that is what we expected Kings fans. One night we beat the champs the next we fall apart down the stretch against regional rivals.
On Saturday the team returned to glory by beating Rick Adelman's Rockets. This is a common case of a rebuilding team and at least things are exciting. There are going to be games where you shake your head and wonder why Brad Miller went up for that dunk and got stuffed, or why Francisco Garcia shot that three, or why Bendo Udrih committed that foul with way too much time left.
There are going to be to be times when they pull off miracles though like beating the San Antonio Spurs in blowout fashion. And for that, there is reason to tune in to this team. I am really starting to believe in Reggie Theus.
It is not easy to start a a season with a new team, especially with your best players out of the lineup. But that is what Theus did and he has his guys motivated instead of waiting for Mike to come back.
If we can get by Utah we are right back in the drivers' seat and that that loss to the Warriors will be far in the rear view.
And please, please don't start with the "keep losing for a high draft pick" chant. Let's support our team with what we have, that's what Kings fans are about.
On Saturday the team returned to glory by beating Rick Adelman's Rockets. This is a common case of a rebuilding team and at least things are exciting. There are going to be games where you shake your head and wonder why Brad Miller went up for that dunk and got stuffed, or why Francisco Garcia shot that three, or why Bendo Udrih committed that foul with way too much time left.
There are going to be to be times when they pull off miracles though like beating the San Antonio Spurs in blowout fashion. And for that, there is reason to tune in to this team. I am really starting to believe in Reggie Theus.
It is not easy to start a a season with a new team, especially with your best players out of the lineup. But that is what Theus did and he has his guys motivated instead of waiting for Mike to come back.
If we can get by Utah we are right back in the drivers' seat and that that loss to the Warriors will be far in the rear view.
And please, please don't start with the "keep losing for a high draft pick" chant. Let's support our team with what we have, that's what Kings fans are about.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Double overtime win, double the disappointing fans
I attended the game last night against the New York Knicks, and I must say, I was highly entertained. How about you?
Granted these teams aren't exactly the best of both worlds, I didn't expect much, but for $10 why not? The fans are becoming more and more disappointing, but I will get to that later. A double overtime game, it was quite the thriller with the Knicks having two chances to beat the Kings at the buzzer but the defense of Ron Artest against the much heavier Eddy Curry prevailing.
Say what you will about the record of this team, these guys are improving. This was a game they should have won and they did what they had to do to get it done. Coach Reggie Theus made some timely substitutions and adjustments, aside from a timeout at the end of the game when I think he should have let K-Mart drive to the bucket.
Martin scored a career high 43 points, and while he is keeping me competitive in my fantasy league, he is also staying competitive in the All-Star ballots. Any player who is in the top 4 in league scoring is going to be a major candidate for the All-Star team. Enough with the individual accolades though, this is about the team as a whole.
As I expected, the addition of Beno Udrih and the return of Ron has given the team a huge boost. Again, I'm not saying that we should expect the playoffs, but at least Reggie has them competing and protecting their home court.
Now to the fans, or better yet, what fans? What is up you loyal thumpers? Did you guys forget how horrible the Kings were for all of those years before Vlade and Chris came? You weren't sitting on your hands then, let alone leaving after the end of regulation going into overtime!
The minute the buzzer went off at the end of the 4th quarter (on a Friday night mind you) the rows were filled with fans heading for the exits. Now unless they didn't know how basketball works and thought the game just ended in a tie, they decided that leaving would be a better option than watching 10 more minutes of basketball.
I understand that you got used to winning and are stubborn now blah blah, but that's just not how professional sports work folks. You have good times and you have rebuilding years. The best you can hope for during rebuilding is effort and enthusiasm and that is exactly what this group brings to the court.
I think it's time for a chant...ready? When I say "Fair!" you say "Weathers!"
Granted these teams aren't exactly the best of both worlds, I didn't expect much, but for $10 why not? The fans are becoming more and more disappointing, but I will get to that later. A double overtime game, it was quite the thriller with the Knicks having two chances to beat the Kings at the buzzer but the defense of Ron Artest against the much heavier Eddy Curry prevailing.
Say what you will about the record of this team, these guys are improving. This was a game they should have won and they did what they had to do to get it done. Coach Reggie Theus made some timely substitutions and adjustments, aside from a timeout at the end of the game when I think he should have let K-Mart drive to the bucket.
Martin scored a career high 43 points, and while he is keeping me competitive in my fantasy league, he is also staying competitive in the All-Star ballots. Any player who is in the top 4 in league scoring is going to be a major candidate for the All-Star team. Enough with the individual accolades though, this is about the team as a whole.
As I expected, the addition of Beno Udrih and the return of Ron has given the team a huge boost. Again, I'm not saying that we should expect the playoffs, but at least Reggie has them competing and protecting their home court.
Now to the fans, or better yet, what fans? What is up you loyal thumpers? Did you guys forget how horrible the Kings were for all of those years before Vlade and Chris came? You weren't sitting on your hands then, let alone leaving after the end of regulation going into overtime!
The minute the buzzer went off at the end of the 4th quarter (on a Friday night mind you) the rows were filled with fans heading for the exits. Now unless they didn't know how basketball works and thought the game just ended in a tie, they decided that leaving would be a better option than watching 10 more minutes of basketball.
I understand that you got used to winning and are stubborn now blah blah, but that's just not how professional sports work folks. You have good times and you have rebuilding years. The best you can hope for during rebuilding is effort and enthusiasm and that is exactly what this group brings to the court.
I think it's time for a chant...ready? When I say "Fair!" you say "Weathers!"
Monday, November 12, 2007
There will "Be-no" lack of intensity
This last home stand has given proof that the Kings might be headed in the right direction.
There are signs from what you want to see out of a young squad: growth, energy, competitiveness and consistency. Of course this may not be the case on the road, but at least at home these guys are actually putting their hearts on the floor.
With the addition of Beno Udrih and with Ron coming back this week, the Kings actually might win a few games. I still highly doubt the playoffs are a possibility given the amount of talent currently on the roster, and the fact that Mike Bibby might not be back before the All Star Break, but at least it may be an exciting brand of basketball.
It is clear we do have a pure point guard now in Beno, with even the possibility of some growth. The guy did spend most of his young career backing up Tony Parker on the champion Spurs, so playing time was anything but steady for him. With the chance at a few months of starts however, he could turn out to be a solid backup, or even replacement, to Bibby in the future.
Francisco Garcia continues to bring energy, even though I still believe his carelessness will result in some losses, and Spencer Hawes is finding his way on to the court. When you look at basing the future around Martin, Garcia, Douby, Hawes and Beno, that doesn't sound all that bad. Maybe we can be dubbed the "baby Kings" like the Bulls were a few years ago during their run back to the spotlight.
One last thing; I am going to see the Kings play the Spurs this month for the price of a movie. That's right, for $10 I am going to Arco to see them play the champions. If you couldn't afford a game in the past now is your chance folks. Get in while the fair weathers are on their couch!
There are signs from what you want to see out of a young squad: growth, energy, competitiveness and consistency. Of course this may not be the case on the road, but at least at home these guys are actually putting their hearts on the floor.
With the addition of Beno Udrih and with Ron coming back this week, the Kings actually might win a few games. I still highly doubt the playoffs are a possibility given the amount of talent currently on the roster, and the fact that Mike Bibby might not be back before the All Star Break, but at least it may be an exciting brand of basketball.
It is clear we do have a pure point guard now in Beno, with even the possibility of some growth. The guy did spend most of his young career backing up Tony Parker on the champion Spurs, so playing time was anything but steady for him. With the chance at a few months of starts however, he could turn out to be a solid backup, or even replacement, to Bibby in the future.
Francisco Garcia continues to bring energy, even though I still believe his carelessness will result in some losses, and Spencer Hawes is finding his way on to the court. When you look at basing the future around Martin, Garcia, Douby, Hawes and Beno, that doesn't sound all that bad. Maybe we can be dubbed the "baby Kings" like the Bulls were a few years ago during their run back to the spotlight.
One last thing; I am going to see the Kings play the Spurs this month for the price of a movie. That's right, for $10 I am going to Arco to see them play the champions. If you couldn't afford a game in the past now is your chance folks. Get in while the fair weathers are on their couch!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
First win
The home opener, equipped with a shiny new court that is definitely an update to the old one, launched the Kings towards their first victory Tuesday night.
Facing a 20-point deficit in the second quarter, the “boo-birds” came out of the seats of Arco. I was on the same page. The lack of defense and no cohesiveness on offense had me ready to change the station to CNN. Somehow though, the Kings managed to get some offense together and rally towards a victory over the, now 0-4, Seattle Sonics.
The crowd, which broke the sell out streak by not completely filling the stands, was rejuvenated. Finally fans were given something to get excited about.
With Kevin Martin scoring 31 points, I assumed it would have to be the lanky 55 million-dollar man to come up clutch at the end of the game. The Kings down by two with under a minute left. Instead, it was Francisco Garcia who hit a corner three after having previously shot blanks all over the court for the entire game.
Even though Garcia won the game, I think the guy is a hazard with a hot temper and an arrogance that doesn't get backed up with his playing abilities. In an interview after the game, a reporter asked him if he had heard coach Reggie Theus calling for a timeout. He said he did but told himself "hell no I'm going to knock this down." You made the basket Cisco’ but you still haven't convinced me you are a team player.
So we find ourselves 1-3 with Lebron and the Cavs coming to town Friday. James will get his 35 easily against our inside defense. The deciding factor will be if Kevin can put up another big game and if the fans can lift the team the way they did Tuesday night.
I highly doubt the Kings win that game if it was up in Seattle.
Get to the games fans! They are going to need all the support they can get to protect home and have any chance at a respectable record. Let's start a new sell out streak!!
Also of note: Kevin Durant is for real.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Uh oh
The territory is bleak, very bleak. The Kings are now ranked dead last in the league rankings this week on NBA.com.
Without Bibby or Artest, the team is, on average, down by 19 points at halftime so far this season. With no one to distribute the ball to him, Kevin Martin is only doing what he can to get the team any points on the board. Everybody else, other than John Salmons, is no where to be found. Brad Miller, even with the weight he lost, is the same old Brad falling all over the floor under the basket and missing mid-range jumpers.
You can even tell in the voice of TV announcer Grant Napier that the team is just not getting anything done. The highly-excitable Napier displays a clear lack of interest during the telecasts these days. Tuesday night marks the first time the hometown fans get a glimpse at this squad of under achievers and will likely do the same.
Even when Bibby and Artest come back to the lineup (especially Bibby) it might already be too late for Reggie Theus and the left overs of last year's disappointment.
Watching the Kings getting stomped on by the Spurs over the weekend I couldn't help but look at Kenny Thomas and ask myself why. Why Petrie? Why are we still watching this sluggish forward run up and down the floor for our team. This is the same guy we traded Chris Webber for! Remember how long ago that happened? I never thought this guy would last past the end of that season three years ago. I guess that is what you get with these massive contracts though.
The only hope I can offer you fans is that this new point guard they picked up can help balance out the team. He should have some good qualities seeing as he backed up Tony Parker in San Antonio for a couple of years.
You can go check out the home games now anytime you want, so get out there and show your support. WWW.TICKETMASTER.COM.
That's right, the sell out streak is coming to an end.
Without Bibby or Artest, the team is, on average, down by 19 points at halftime so far this season. With no one to distribute the ball to him, Kevin Martin is only doing what he can to get the team any points on the board. Everybody else, other than John Salmons, is no where to be found. Brad Miller, even with the weight he lost, is the same old Brad falling all over the floor under the basket and missing mid-range jumpers.
You can even tell in the voice of TV announcer Grant Napier that the team is just not getting anything done. The highly-excitable Napier displays a clear lack of interest during the telecasts these days. Tuesday night marks the first time the hometown fans get a glimpse at this squad of under achievers and will likely do the same.
Even when Bibby and Artest come back to the lineup (especially Bibby) it might already be too late for Reggie Theus and the left overs of last year's disappointment.
Watching the Kings getting stomped on by the Spurs over the weekend I couldn't help but look at Kenny Thomas and ask myself why. Why Petrie? Why are we still watching this sluggish forward run up and down the floor for our team. This is the same guy we traded Chris Webber for! Remember how long ago that happened? I never thought this guy would last past the end of that season three years ago. I guess that is what you get with these massive contracts though.
The only hope I can offer you fans is that this new point guard they picked up can help balance out the team. He should have some good qualities seeing as he backed up Tony Parker in San Antonio for a couple of years.
You can go check out the home games now anytime you want, so get out there and show your support. WWW.TICKETMASTER.COM.
That's right, the sell out streak is coming to an end.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Uncharted territory
The season starts this week and the Kings are heading into a land of unknown.
New head coach Reggie Theus looks like he has the guys "playing hard," which is what every coach in professional sports "looks like" they are doing. I do think that he can be a solid "players coach" and connect with the guys in a way that Eric Mussleman couldn't. They haven't looked all that sluggish and non-motivated like in recent years so maybe Reggie and his acting skills can do some good, but who knows.
Mike Bibby just underwent surgery on his thumb and is expected to miss over two months of the season. Knowing Bibby he will likely try to get back sooner, which can be a good and bad thing. As it currently stands, the Kings don't have a backup point guard. That is a big no-no in professional basketball. The points guard is the floor guide to a team. The one who sets up the offense and balances them out. Quincy Douby, as it has been throughout the preseason, could man the ship at the point position. Francisco Garcia and John Salmons, two players who are not point guards, will share the duties. Recent rumors have pushed Orien Green as the starter at the point. Maybe the team can use this opportunity to grow a core of young guys around Kevin Martin, but who knows.
Next is the fans. I am starting to notice tickets are a little easier to come by going into the opening night of the season. You can purchase tickets on Ticketmaster right now for the game when in years prior you would be fighting to out bid that pest on the other side of the eBay bidding block. This season will be a huge test for these loyal Kings fan. They do have a reputation to uphold now and it will be under a microscope by the league now that the team isn't spectacular. The fans will be the focal point when ESPN rolls into town (which I think they might be doing only once this season), but who knows.
Lets hope for more than 35 wins Kings fans, and maybe a glimpse into what the future of the franchise might look like.
New head coach Reggie Theus looks like he has the guys "playing hard," which is what every coach in professional sports "looks like" they are doing. I do think that he can be a solid "players coach" and connect with the guys in a way that Eric Mussleman couldn't. They haven't looked all that sluggish and non-motivated like in recent years so maybe Reggie and his acting skills can do some good, but who knows.
Mike Bibby just underwent surgery on his thumb and is expected to miss over two months of the season. Knowing Bibby he will likely try to get back sooner, which can be a good and bad thing. As it currently stands, the Kings don't have a backup point guard. That is a big no-no in professional basketball. The points guard is the floor guide to a team. The one who sets up the offense and balances them out. Quincy Douby, as it has been throughout the preseason, could man the ship at the point position. Francisco Garcia and John Salmons, two players who are not point guards, will share the duties. Recent rumors have pushed Orien Green as the starter at the point. Maybe the team can use this opportunity to grow a core of young guys around Kevin Martin, but who knows.
Next is the fans. I am starting to notice tickets are a little easier to come by going into the opening night of the season. You can purchase tickets on Ticketmaster right now for the game when in years prior you would be fighting to out bid that pest on the other side of the eBay bidding block. This season will be a huge test for these loyal Kings fan. They do have a reputation to uphold now and it will be under a microscope by the league now that the team isn't spectacular. The fans will be the focal point when ESPN rolls into town (which I think they might be doing only once this season), but who knows.
Lets hope for more than 35 wins Kings fans, and maybe a glimpse into what the future of the franchise might look like.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
