Grades v. Jazz 10/20 (PRE)

Status
Not open for further replies.

Bricklayer

Don't Make Me Use The Bat
#1
Salmons ( B- ) -- did not play nearly as well as a starter as he has been off the bench, doing little but turning it over. Looked a little better when coming back in late in the second, and then ok in the second half.
Thomas ( B ) -- in the first half having Reef start alongsisde him didn't inspire much change in KT's preseason performance, but he came back to finally show a little life in the second
Reef ( B+ ) -- could be an A-, but too many As tonight. Didn't do much offensively in the first half, but showed considerably better energy as a starter and helped on the glass. In the second half picked up the offense, and still looked pretty lively. First real performance of the preseason for him. Does this mean he was pouting off the bench himself?
Martin ( A ) -- started off the first half with some turnover problems, but was aggressive and got to the line. Came out in the second half streaking out on the break, and racked up a pile of points from all over the floor. Didn't do much else than score, but thought the explosion was impressive enough to deserve the A even without boards/ast etc.
Bibby ( A ) -- went on a scorching streak in the late 1st quarter where he drained three consecutive threes, and just kept pouring it on therafter.
Miller ( C ) -- came in off the bench and looked sluggish in the first half, finishing the quarter by throwing a terrible inbounds pass that was picked off for the go ahead layup just before the buzzer. Finally got a few shots to go late in the garbagetime of the 4th when he and Ron were the two regulars in the game.
Artest ( A ) -- looked good on offense this time out, and was an aggressive force off the bench, easily (and not surprisingly) outclassing the Jazz's scrubs. Missed shots, but was creating many shots for others as the preferred ballhandler of choice amongst all of our own kids and scrubs. Racked up a bunch of steals, but actually got beat pretty badly off the dribble on several occassions.
Garcia ( B+ ) -- didn't do much in his first half minutes except turn it over. Had a much better 4th, contributing on both ends.
Williamson ( B- ) -- scored one of his professional hoops in the post, but not much else
Douby ( B ) -- got his minutes at OG this time, and looked more comfortable. When switched back to PG, really continued to play more off he ball as Ron handled the ball, but did make a nice dish to Price in the second half. Had some moments in the deep garbaetimie fo the last few minutes, just kind of playing like he did back in college -- throw him the ball and let him try to score.
Price ( A- ) -- in the first half not much statistically, but looked a little more natural in the PG role than he sometimes does. But in the second half shined, and spiced things up with a spectacular followup jam.
Taylor ( INC ) -- came in late in the 2nd quarter, and was largely invisible again
Williams ( INC ) -- was ok in short minutes to end each half
Admundson ( INC ) -- just some garbage minutes at the very end of the game. Looked sloppy again.


Muss ( N/A ) -- started Reef at center, which is just...ugh. But I liked the move to start Salmons for Artest, to recognize Salmon's excellent play without damaging Kevin's confidence unless Salmons keeps it up. First half was sloppy and turnover filled, but maybe Muss read them the riot act at half, because the offense really clicked after half, and we took dramatically better care of the ball.
 
Last edited:
#8
Yea man... the first time he got fouled he just got nailed to the floor... that definitely looked like it hurt, but he got up and was fine. Also drew a few charges and was probably on the ground more than he was stading lol
 

SacTownKid

Hall of Famer
#9
Team looked a little sluggish at first but really picked it up as the game went on. Like last night these rediculous turnovers are killer, hopefully they get that worked out soon.

Price gets an A for that follow up jam alone! That was mind blowing.
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#10
Muss ( N/A ) -- started Reef at center, which is just...ugh. But I liked the move to start Salmons for Artest, to recognize Salmon's excellent play without damaging Kevin's confidence unless Salmons keeps it up. First half was sloppy and turnover filled, but maybe Muss read them the riot act at half, because the offense really clicked after half, and we took dramatically better care of the ball.
Grant and Jerry did the post-game interview with Kevin Martin. Grant brought up the high number of turnovers in the first half and asked Kevin if they talked about it at half-time. Kevin said Yes. Grant asked what Musselman said. Kevin kinda smiled and said, "He said don't turn it over so much!"

I have a feeling Kevin left a few words out.

;)
 
#11
Kings really tightened it up in the 2nd half. I'd have really loved to see this against a top tier team but an impressive first home showing none the less. A definite step in the right direction.
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#12
To see effort and focus like this in the pre-season is very encouraging. I really liked the hustle at the end of the game!
 
#13
Grant and Jerry did the post-game interview with Kevin Martin. Grant brought up the high number of turnovers in the first half and asked Kevin if they talked about it at half-time. Kevin said Yes. Grant asked what Musselman said. Kevin kinda smiled and said, "He said don't turn it over so much!"

I have a feeling Kevin left a few words out.

;)
At least they listened. Something Adleman didn't always get out of them.
 
#14
I'd love to see a better effort out of Brad. He seems to feed directly off his last play. A little consistency out of him and the Kings are an exciting and dangerous team.
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#15
This is Musselman's fourth game as coach of the Kings. Let's see if he's even still around or they're still listening 10 years down the road...
 
#16
This is Musselman's fourth game as coach of the Kings. Let's see if he's even still around or they're still listening 10 years down the road...
I'm readin' what you're typin'. Maybe it means change was inevitable. Either way, if it keeps up this way I'll be a happy camper.
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#17
I respect and admire Rick Adelman and what he did. Having said that, I'm very happy to see what Musselman is getting from the team - at least so far. I was sad to see Adelman go but he had a good run here. If Musselman can take us anywhere near where Adelman did, it's gonna be another E ticket ride for Kings fans.

Infinity and beyond!!!!!

:D
 
#18
My head tells me to expect a year of development and flux and my heart sees opportunity. Hopefully this year moves forward with the team-oriented attitude first fostered under Adleman and flourishes bringing in Muss's demanding, defensive style.


To Infinity And Beyond!
 
#20
I'd love to see a better effort out of Brad. He seems to feed directly off his last play. A little consistency out of him and the Kings are an exciting and dangerous team.

He had 2 steals and 2 blocks. His defense was pretty good he just needs to rebound and score better like he used too.
 

Warhawk

Give blood and save a life!
Staff member
#25
Like the others here, for 3 of the 4 games the team has shows good spurts of putting it all together, with inspired bench play.

I'm hoping that this can all lead to some good times this season. As stated earlier, though, this year may be more a year of learning than accomplishment. I hope not, but it may be.
 
#26
Personally, I liked the lineup last night.

I read somewhere that Bricklayer didn't like Shareef starting at center, but to tell you the truth, I just don't see it as a downgrade from Brad Miller.

After the playoffs last year, I just don't have any love for Bad Miller (yes, the missing 'r' is intentional). He is just too easily shut down and neutralized.

Further, I don't like the lineup without any reliable post scoring. Without question, Shareef is the best low post option we have and should be on the court, even if just to be a decoy.

We lose the playmaking of Brad, but I don't see it as a huge loss. Bibby is more than capable and if we pound it down low some, Shareef might start getting some double attention and that'll lead to open looks for everyone. Brad doesn't bring that.

Plus, outside of Shaq, Yao and Amare there just aren't any real centers. Besides, while Brad is taller and more "centery" does he really pull down more rebounds or play better defense?

Just the way I see it. I know I'll probably get castrated for the idea, but IMO Brad should have been gone over the offseason.
 
#27
Though it was only seven boards. It still led the team!
Don't knock it - if we played him real minutes (around 33) that's about 11 or so rebounds. Nothing to scoff at. Although it was only pre-season.

I was impressed with both Kenny and Shareef. I said it in another post, I'd like to see this a couple more times to see if it truly has potential. I think it does.
 
#28
I must agree with you on this point Roman. ON many occasions I have said Reef should start b/c this team has almost no post offense outside of Reef and/or Artest. And in this league you stand little chance of succeeding without consistent points in the paint. Though coach would never start Reef over Brad, I don't see the problem. If you remember Reef against Tim Duncan and Garnett (both of whom play center), SAR did more than hold his own against them down low both offensively and defensively. Reef plays very good man on man defense against classic post players; however, he struggles in help-side defense and perimeter oriented power forwards (ala Dirk).
 
#29
I must agree with you on this point Roman. ON many occasions I have said Reef should start b/c this team has almost no post offense outside of Reef and/or Artest. And in this league you stand little chance of succeeding without consistent points in the paint. Though coach would never start Reef over Brad, I don't see the problem. If you remember Reef against Tim Duncan and Garnett (both of whom play center), SAR did more than hold his own against them down low both offensively and defensively. Reef plays very good man on man defense against classic post players; however, he struggles in help-side defense and perimeter oriented power forwards (ala Dirk).
I'm not so sure that this coach wouldn't make such a bold move.

Personally, I think that it was a mistake for the Kings to not make a roster move during the offseason. One (or two) of the three current post figures of any worth should have been shipped out. The one that I feel could net the team the most, while not injuring the roster is Brad Miller.

That didn't happen, so I'd like to see Brad Miller come off the bench and act as the "second unit" PG and leader.

Is Shareef a liability on defense against centers? Yes, but no more or less than Miller. But, this league doesn't have centers that dominate any more.

Would this team miss Brad Miller's passing? No, I don't believe they would. That type of passing was great for our old coach, but I don't see that being an asset with our group. Could be wrong though.

I feel that Shareef brings at least the "threat" of an inside game, even if it isn't used. That frees up Ron Artest to be his dirty self, which is what I'd like to see. That frees up Bibby to straight up lead the league in 3PT%. Then Martin can play slasher and break man, while KT cleans up the garbage.

Also, I'm not so sure Ron Artest is our offensive savior playing the way they have him playing. I think he's gifted, but he's always been better playing with that other player in the post. In the past, that was J. O'neal.

The way I see it is that Shareef used to be a 20PPG/9RPG guy. It's silly to have that on the bench when the team needs low post scoring and rebounding (granted, he's looked bad on the glass the past two years). Artest isn't good enough to do it alone down there.

It's not a "perfect situation" by any stretch, but I think it's better than what we've got.
 

Entity

Hall of Famer
#30
Your right Roman you don't lose anything having SAR starting over Miller except 3 inches _________________________________ <------ thats 3 inches wow not much of difference is it.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.