Sacramento Kings... NBA Playoffs?
- Thread starter Jordan Goins
- Start date
IF...... everyone accepts their roles
IF...... IT/Brooks really establish the PG roles
IF...... Tyreke not only develops that J but a stop and pop
IF...... shooting % for the bigs goes up down low
IF...... Coach gets a good rotation and sticks with it
otherwise, maybe 50% they can get 7th or 8th slot depending on help from other teams
IF...... IT/Brooks really establish the PG roles
IF...... Tyreke not only develops that J but a stop and pop
IF...... shooting % for the bigs goes up down low
IF...... Coach gets a good rotation and sticks with it
otherwise, maybe 50% they can get 7th or 8th slot depending on help from other teams
Teams unquestionably better than us
Lakers
Spurs
OKC
Memphis
Clips
Most likely better than us
Denver
Minnesota
Mavs
Portland
Toss ups
Warriors
Suns
Jazz
Shot to beat us out of the cellar
Rockets
Hornets
The only team I would put money on to be worse than us is the rockets as constructed. But Morey is proactive and actually works for a living. I don't see us better than 12/15. If we mesh well and everyone makes some improvement, I say 10th is what we can come away with when it's all said and done. Gimme the over under at 11. I'd take under.
Lakers
Spurs
OKC
Memphis
Clips
Most likely better than us
Denver
Minnesota
Mavs
Portland
Toss ups
Warriors
Suns
Jazz
Shot to beat us out of the cellar
Rockets
Hornets
The only team I would put money on to be worse than us is the rockets as constructed. But Morey is proactive and actually works for a living. I don't see us better than 12/15. If we mesh well and everyone makes some improvement, I say 10th is what we can come away with when it's all said and done. Gimme the over under at 11. I'd take under.
I agree with this for the most part. I would move the Suns down into the cellar, and I think I'd move Denver (very solid last season, core unchanged) and Dallas (never count out Dirk) up into unquestionably better, then merge us in with Minny, Portland, GS and Utah. Portland, in particular, I think could struggle considering they're likely to start rookies at both C and PG. I see plenty of growing pains there.
Still, my list has seven teams unquestionably better than us, which means the 8 spot is there for the taking...if we can beat out that four-team tandem of Minny, Portland, GS and Utah. I'll say no, but I'd guess we fall flat into the middle of that group, so 10th in the West.
Still, my list has seven teams unquestionably better than us, which means the 8 spot is there for the taking...if we can beat out that four-team tandem of Minny, Portland, GS and Utah. I'll say no, but I'd guess we fall flat into the middle of that group, so 10th in the West.
Well, never say never! I suspose if everything falls into place, its possible. But the odds are long and against us. Cuz needs to take the next step, and if he can, he singlehandedly can carry us to some wins. As stated, Tyreke needs to come to camp with a good mid-range shot. James Johnson needs to be able to hit the spot up three along with playing good solid defense at SF. Thornton needs to be a happy camper coming off the bench at SG. Smart seems to be good at getting players to buy in, so maybe he can convince Thornton he's the next Hardin. JT just has to be JT. If he can add a little more offense to his game, fine! But if he can just be as solid as last season, he's good.
I.T. and Brooks have similar games. If both can think pass first, then both will be fine. I see the possibility of a solid starting unit. Note, I said solid, not championship worthy. What I worry about is our bench. If Thornton buys in, then he could be just what the doctor ordered off the bench. But I just don't see Hayes fitting into the style that Smart wants to play, which is up and down the floor. Defensively, maybe, but on offense, if you have Brooks pushing the ball, along with Robinson, Thornton, and Salmons running the floor, I just don't envision Hayes out there. Also, last season Salmons seemed to thrive, and be valuable as the main ballhandler in the second unit. Not sure how he'll do when he goes back to playing SF straight up. And of course, Robinson is still an unknown factor at this point. He may just shock us all and make a case for the future, but on the other hand, he might be a year away, and therefore contribute nothing significant.
Without a solid bench, we have no chance at the playoffs, and I'm not sure what to expect from the bench. Who knows, maybe Honeycutt will emerge as a solid contributer and make Salmons irrelevant.. Now that would be nice...
I.T. and Brooks have similar games. If both can think pass first, then both will be fine. I see the possibility of a solid starting unit. Note, I said solid, not championship worthy. What I worry about is our bench. If Thornton buys in, then he could be just what the doctor ordered off the bench. But I just don't see Hayes fitting into the style that Smart wants to play, which is up and down the floor. Defensively, maybe, but on offense, if you have Brooks pushing the ball, along with Robinson, Thornton, and Salmons running the floor, I just don't envision Hayes out there. Also, last season Salmons seemed to thrive, and be valuable as the main ballhandler in the second unit. Not sure how he'll do when he goes back to playing SF straight up. And of course, Robinson is still an unknown factor at this point. He may just shock us all and make a case for the future, but on the other hand, he might be a year away, and therefore contribute nothing significant.
Without a solid bench, we have no chance at the playoffs, and I'm not sure what to expect from the bench. Who knows, maybe Honeycutt will emerge as a solid contributer and make Salmons irrelevant.. Now that would be nice...
No qualms from me in moving up den and Dallas up. I say Minnesota is also better than us, but I was making a list that would err on being less argumentative. Minne will make playoffs as long as they are relatively healthy IMO. Portland you have a case, but im high on LA. Still looks like the expected would be 10-12.
Are you guys serious.
We're going to be one of the bottom 5 teams in the league.
We'll win a max of 23-25 games.
We're going to enter the lottery and get the worst possible pick for our position.
Not being negative, that's just how it's going to be.
But sure, we can still win a championship.
In the WNBA.
We're going to be one of the bottom 5 teams in the league.
We'll win a max of 23-25 games.
We're going to enter the lottery and get the worst possible pick for our position.
Not being negative, that's just how it's going to be.
But sure, we can still win a championship.
In the WNBA.
So you've been around awhile, huh? 
I think we have a team capable of making the playoffs. Now will a few things fall together? So far we don't have a starting five that is set. Same with the bench.
It depends a lot on Tyreke's improvement as I think a lot of people would like to pinpoint. It depends on JJ. Can he be a defensive presence who can shoot the occasional 3? That could be as important as Tyreke's jump shot. How will TRob progress? This is a huge question if the only issue is about this year and the playoffs. He could be a great surprise and then maybe not. His progression is more important than Tyreke's jump shot. These two players are huge unknowns with great hopes placed on their backs. I am tired of the implications that Tyreke is the only player whose improvement will make or break this team. Certainly no one can really believe that.
Maybe Honeycutt will be a key. I doubt it. Maybe Salmons will have a great year and if so, that would be a huge key. I expect Salmons and Outlaw to contribute more if only because they were close to useless last year. I expect more from Hayes although we should be focusing on the progression of TRob and giving him Hayes' minutes.
I think we can make the playoffs. There are a lot of "depends" involved and I don't mean what I wear.
I think we have a team capable of making the playoffs. Now will a few things fall together? So far we don't have a starting five that is set. Same with the bench.
It depends a lot on Tyreke's improvement as I think a lot of people would like to pinpoint. It depends on JJ. Can he be a defensive presence who can shoot the occasional 3? That could be as important as Tyreke's jump shot. How will TRob progress? This is a huge question if the only issue is about this year and the playoffs. He could be a great surprise and then maybe not. His progression is more important than Tyreke's jump shot. These two players are huge unknowns with great hopes placed on their backs. I am tired of the implications that Tyreke is the only player whose improvement will make or break this team. Certainly no one can really believe that.
Maybe Honeycutt will be a key. I doubt it. Maybe Salmons will have a great year and if so, that would be a huge key. I expect Salmons and Outlaw to contribute more if only because they were close to useless last year. I expect more from Hayes although we should be focusing on the progression of TRob and giving him Hayes' minutes.
I think we can make the playoffs. There are a lot of "depends" involved and I don't mean what I wear.
So you've been around awhile, huh?
I think we have a team capable of making the playoffs. Now will a few things fall together? So far we don't have a starting five that is set. Same with the bench.
It depends a lot on Tyreke's improvement as I think a lot of people would like to pinpoint. It depends on JJ. Can he be a defensive presence who can shoot the occasional 3? That could be as important as Tyreke's jump shot. How will TRob progress? This is a huge question if the only issue is about this year and the playoffs. He could be a great surprise and then maybe not. His progression is more important than Tyreke's jump shot. These two players are huge unknowns with great hopes placed on their backs. I am tired of the implications that Tyreke is the only player whose improvement will make or break this team. Certainly no one can really believe that.
Maybe Honeycutt will be a key. I doubt it. Maybe Salmons will have a great year and if so, that would be a huge key. I expect Salmons and Outlaw to contribute more if only because they were close to useless last year. I expect more from Hayes although we should be focusing on the progression of TRob and giving him Hayes' minutes.
I think we can make the playoffs. There are a lot of "depends" involved and I don't mean what I wear.
I think we have a team capable of making the playoffs. Now will a few things fall together? So far we don't have a starting five that is set. Same with the bench.
It depends a lot on Tyreke's improvement as I think a lot of people would like to pinpoint. It depends on JJ. Can he be a defensive presence who can shoot the occasional 3? That could be as important as Tyreke's jump shot. How will TRob progress? This is a huge question if the only issue is about this year and the playoffs. He could be a great surprise and then maybe not. His progression is more important than Tyreke's jump shot. These two players are huge unknowns with great hopes placed on their backs. I am tired of the implications that Tyreke is the only player whose improvement will make or break this team. Certainly no one can really believe that.
Maybe Honeycutt will be a key. I doubt it. Maybe Salmons will have a great year and if so, that would be a huge key. I expect Salmons and Outlaw to contribute more if only because they were close to useless last year. I expect more from Hayes although we should be focusing on the progression of TRob and giving him Hayes' minutes.
I think we can make the playoffs. There are a lot of "depends" involved and I don't mean what I wear.
every off season, at least twice this thread is made!
I try to be a realist, and if I'm completely honest, with the way the team is currently constructed, I'd say we have about a 5% chance of making the Playoffs. If everything comes together perfectly, it's 50/50, because there are some other talented young teams apart from the big teams. But it's just unlikely.
Doesn't mean I'm negative, and it doesn't mean I'll support the team any less.
Doesn't mean I'm negative, and it doesn't mean I'll support the team any less.
I think you flip Portland, which is rebuilding, and the Warriors, who have done a great job this summer. Now have great balance. But even with that that still leaves by my count maybe 7 teams that should make the playoffs (OKC, LAL, LAC, SAN, MEM, DAL, DEN) and 3 more young teams fighting for the 8th spot (GSW, UTH, MIN). If we want in we probably have to win maybe 44 or so, because you know one or more of those teams will break the 40 barrier.
We would have won 27 last year in a full length season. We're very young, natural growth should have us progress over the 30win mark.
The problem is we need to progress over the 40 win mark to get in the race, and we haven't done much to address our deficiencies in the offseason. Still no shotblocker, only shooter added likes to shoot off his dribble, not as a floor spacer. Maybe we added a better SF, maybe. But its hardly an inspiring pickup. Rookie looks raw. We need Cousins to fully come into his own, and for Reke to shut up the doubters, but its going to be hard with their own teammates in the way.
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We clearly need both Cuz and Reke to take the next step to be in the playoff conversation. Cuz needs to show a little more patience in the post, and a little more discipline in finding his teammates(who also need to do a better job of off the ball movement, especially slashing from the weakside when he's drawing attention and there's a gaping hole in the paint), become more of a defensive presence which I think he will, and show he can consistently play 35+ mins per night. That will also fall on Smart who needs to use a system based off movement even when Cuz does have the ball, whereas too often last year we saw someone get iso'd, be it Cuz, Reke, MT or IT, and everyone would just stand in place. More so with Cuz than anyone else people would just stand and watch, and that's a huge opportunity if this team can learn to take advantage of the attention of the attention Cuz and Reke draw, aside from just spotting up as we don't have many good spot up shooters. For Reke, it's all about the inbetween game. I really don't care about the 3pt shot. What I care about is the ability to knock down an open 18 footer, and when he gets by his man but the lane is closed off, to have something in that 10-12ft range to go to. Whether it's a Westbrook style stop and pop from the elbow or in the lane, or a Rose style flip shot, he needs something to go to when he beats his man, which he can regularly do, but that last step or two is cut off. If he does, I think his confidence will soar, which will really open things up for others as when he beats his man and that help now comes over as they respect his midrange game, he'd ideally have open shooters spotted in the corners and big(s) either open for a dumpoff down low or flashing to the box for a pretty easy shot.
Baja brings up good point about the bench, where we have the talent to have a pretty good bench but the question of course is how to guys accept their roles, and in my mind is Smart enough of a disciplined coach to actually make clear what everyones role is and stick to it.I don't believe he will, but will wait and hope he shows something he hasn't thus far in GS or Sac. His comments about playing 10 guys, and the manner is which he would not sub one or two players, but bring in an entire platoon and bench the starters for sometimes 30+ mins, including timeouts, (which is retarded if you understand the way the human body tightens up), makes me extremely pessimistic about it all the sudden working out this year, but hopefully it does.
Another this is that if Cuz and Reke take that next step and if they become the clear focal points, it again means less shots for MT/IT/Brooks/TRob, and do they accept that? I'm more confident in a couple of those guys accepting it more than others, but again I;m just going on what I know from the guys and what I;ve seen previously, whereas if we start winning some games and it clicks, maybe they buy in.
As far as grouping us with other teams and where we stack up, I'd go something like this.
Lock for playoffs:
OKC
Lakers
Spurs
Clippers
Mavs
Grizzlies
Will be right there, in the conversation until late in year and a couple should get in:
Nuggets
T-Wolves
Jazz
Warriors
Trailblazers(worst in this bracket, but could possibly challenge and be in playoff talk in late March)
Presently, no chance until they prove they're worthy of playoff talk and are in the hunt in late March:
Kings
Suns
Hornets
Rockets
If I had to predict, the first six get in, Den and Minn get the 7th and 8th spots, with GS finishing 9th and losing out in the last week or two.
We're of course in the last bracket, but unlike the other teams we have two guys who if they take the next step, in Reke and Cuz, can carry us to a number of wins between them and move us up to the next bracket, where we're fighting for a spot in early April. The other teams at the bottom don't have two youngsters with star potential just waiting to breakout.
I'll also add when it comes to sheer talent, we have as much or more than some teams who will be in the 7-8 spots or just miss the playoffs. We have the talent of a playoff team, but imo it doesn't fit as well as other rosters and that's the difference, along with the man at the helm. I don't think Minn, GS or Den have more talent across the board than us, but I will be literally shocked if we finish near them. But if Cuz and Reke do take that next step, IT has a good sophmore year(which is usually a down year for guards and many struggle), MT buys into a 6th man role, Brooks plays facilitator, JJ shows he's a little above average defensive SF in starters mins, TRob finds his footing and gives us a solid 3rd big who's very active in the paint rather than the perimeter, AND Smart defines roles and has a regular NBA sub pattern along with stressing defense in training camp, then we likely join the likes of Minn, GS and Den in challenging for a playoff spot.
In summary, we have the potential to make a run at a playoff spot, and the talent base is there. However, a number of things would have to click and a few players will have to show maturity in their games which we haven't yet seen for that to happen(although young players often make an unexpected leap). But if I was a betting man, I would not be offering anything of value.
Baja brings up good point about the bench, where we have the talent to have a pretty good bench but the question of course is how to guys accept their roles, and in my mind is Smart enough of a disciplined coach to actually make clear what everyones role is and stick to it.I don't believe he will, but will wait and hope he shows something he hasn't thus far in GS or Sac. His comments about playing 10 guys, and the manner is which he would not sub one or two players, but bring in an entire platoon and bench the starters for sometimes 30+ mins, including timeouts, (which is retarded if you understand the way the human body tightens up), makes me extremely pessimistic about it all the sudden working out this year, but hopefully it does.
Another this is that if Cuz and Reke take that next step and if they become the clear focal points, it again means less shots for MT/IT/Brooks/TRob, and do they accept that? I'm more confident in a couple of those guys accepting it more than others, but again I;m just going on what I know from the guys and what I;ve seen previously, whereas if we start winning some games and it clicks, maybe they buy in.
As far as grouping us with other teams and where we stack up, I'd go something like this.
Lock for playoffs:
OKC
Lakers
Spurs
Clippers
Mavs
Grizzlies
Will be right there, in the conversation until late in year and a couple should get in:
Nuggets
T-Wolves
Jazz
Warriors
Trailblazers(worst in this bracket, but could possibly challenge and be in playoff talk in late March)
Presently, no chance until they prove they're worthy of playoff talk and are in the hunt in late March:
Kings
Suns
Hornets
Rockets
If I had to predict, the first six get in, Den and Minn get the 7th and 8th spots, with GS finishing 9th and losing out in the last week or two.
We're of course in the last bracket, but unlike the other teams we have two guys who if they take the next step, in Reke and Cuz, can carry us to a number of wins between them and move us up to the next bracket, where we're fighting for a spot in early April. The other teams at the bottom don't have two youngsters with star potential just waiting to breakout.
I'll also add when it comes to sheer talent, we have as much or more than some teams who will be in the 7-8 spots or just miss the playoffs. We have the talent of a playoff team, but imo it doesn't fit as well as other rosters and that's the difference, along with the man at the helm. I don't think Minn, GS or Den have more talent across the board than us, but I will be literally shocked if we finish near them. But if Cuz and Reke do take that next step, IT has a good sophmore year(which is usually a down year for guards and many struggle), MT buys into a 6th man role, Brooks plays facilitator, JJ shows he's a little above average defensive SF in starters mins, TRob finds his footing and gives us a solid 3rd big who's very active in the paint rather than the perimeter, AND Smart defines roles and has a regular NBA sub pattern along with stressing defense in training camp, then we likely join the likes of Minn, GS and Den in challenging for a playoff spot.
In summary, we have the potential to make a run at a playoff spot, and the talent base is there. However, a number of things would have to click and a few players will have to show maturity in their games which we haven't yet seen for that to happen(although young players often make an unexpected leap). But if I was a betting man, I would not be offering anything of value.
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See? SOMEBODY thinks we'll win 40:
http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2012/07/biggest-improvement-nba-going-somewhere/
http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2012/07/biggest-improvement-nba-going-somewhere/
At least someone outside of Sac sees the potential we have, which is clearly there. But again, above everything else I say it falls on the shoulders of Cuz and Reke taking the next step, and how Smart manages all the talent. If Cuz and Reke do show improvement and we aren't winning at a higher clip, I'll look most likely directly at Smart. Of course we're not to that scenario yet.
Is refreshing to see though that not every national journalist has their head up their a**.
Is refreshing to see though that not every national journalist has their head up their a**.
