Regardless of other teams' status, I say, the Kings chances for a playoff berth this season is depending on how the new faces(Shelden, Thompson, SS, Ewing, and Douby) will contribute to the team. Yup, I include Shelden and Douby here. Here's my opinion:
Shelden: Joined the team by trade deadline. After a complete summer with Theus system, will he be able to finally break out and prove his a solid pick? His got a good banger build and I have seen glimpses of a solid defensive presence with a jumpshot as he gets minutes towards the end of the season.
Quincy: Had his best game(32 pts.) with the Kings' last game of the season. I remember Kevin Martin's performance on the playoff against the Spurs before he eventually blossomed the next season into his status now. Did that last game give Reggie a better idea on how to use Douby better this season?
Jason: A promising kid, who I hope would not inherit Mikki's hands but would stand to be a steal. His got glimpses of Chris Webber and a banger Lamar Odom. If he grows well into the system, we have now a young long term fix at PF.
Sean: Will he be a solid back-up PG? I hope so. This position really killed us last year. With Beno sitting, suddenly the bringing the ball upcourt just seems a bit harder for the team.
Ewing:Maybe a long shot, more like an insurance for Artest's departure. So live and die with your defense and dunk!
Most analysts still considers the Kings as a solid team last season. We were able to beat almost every great team last season. And even had good games even with alternating injuries to Ron, Kevin, Mike. Hell yeah! Hawes even had his best game against Gasol on a win in L.A. So I don't think our playoff chances is zero! And we have new guys who could add a lot surprising new things. I'm with the minority on this! But I'm cool with it!
