[Game] 27/82: Kings @ Trail Blazers 18 DEC 2025, 7pm PT/10pm ET

[The_Jamal]

Yeah, it feels like a lot of Max’s defensive issues are strength-based/him just not being ready to defend at NBA speed quite yet like is the case with a lot of young bigs who aren’t generational defensive prospects. It’s not really an effort/mobility based issue with him which bodes really well for the future, especially if Keegan is going to continue to average two blocks a game.

Yeah, that's the other side of it too. 98% of all rookies are absolutely horrible on defense. You get the Herb Jones every once in awhile, but even guys like AD (from what I remember) and Evan Mobley, who are elite elite defenders now, weren't game changers defensively from day 1.

And where the flashes have been with Max is him being that legit 7'1 that tries extremely hard can just have an impact because of his size. I'd also have to imagine that this might be the first time in his life where basketball is his actual sole focus and he can dedicate all his time to. Double major from Stanford in Math and Comp Sci is probably equivalent to a 50+ hour a week job in itself. Kids work ethic has to be elite, give him a year or 2 in an NBA weight room/training program, I have 0 doubts he'll put in the time to work on his body.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

Am I thinking of the wrong player or did Jahlil bust because he couldn't shoot outside the paint and was basically 10 years too young and too late to do anything in the league? Maxime is a skilled offensive player fit for the modern game, just not a good defender at this stage.

 

[Section 101]

Am I thinking of the wrong player or did Jahlil bust because he couldn't shoot outside the paint and was basically 10 years too young and too late to do anything in the league? Maxime is a skilled offensive player fit for the modern game, just not a good defender at this stage.

He was never asked to play hard defense at stanford, they didnt want him fouling out. The kid has the IQ, just needs to learn and get time.

 

[ESP47]

Am I thinking of the wrong player or did Jahlil bust because he couldn't shoot outside the paint and was basically 10 years too young and too late to do anything in the league? Maxime is a skilled offensive player fit for the modern game, just not a good defender at this stage.

Yeah he had no outside shot, had solid post work but was a black hole on offense and couldn't defend at all. In some ways he was kind of the big man version of the vets we have on our roster. I think he had some sort of lingering knee injury but I can't remember for sure. He would have stuck around as a decent backup or even a starter on a bad team in the 90s. I was surprised to see on his stat sheet that he played in one game for Indiana last year after being gone for 4 years.

Maxime plays in the flow of the offense better. He shoots it if he's fed in the paint but the offense doesn't revolve around clearing out his side so he can go to work like they were doing on the Sixers with Okafor.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

He was never asked to play hard defense at stanford, they didnt want him fouling out. The kid has the IQ, just needs to learn and get time.

Ah yes, I forgot about that. He said specifically that coming into the league. He's smart and I have no doubt he can learn.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

I was surprised to see on his stat sheet that he played in one game for Indiana last year after being gone for 4 years.

What now?!?

 

[Caccia]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2001896609773453405

I do not take the company line seriously. Malik deserves to go to a playoff team.

 

[dude12]

Has any answer been given as to why Monk didn’t play?

 

[TheMobb]

Has any answer been given as to why Monk didn’t play?

They probably can’t say. But a DNP-CD doesn’t make a lot of sense. I think it’s likely its trade talks.

 

[Elektrik]

There was a really good interview with guitarist Chris Hayes that I stumbled across recently (worth a watch if you can spare 2 hours -- here) so Huey Lewis and the News has been on my mind lately. I've never owned any of their albums myself but that Greatest Hits album was one of the tapes in regular rotation on car rides when I was a kid. I should definitely pick up Sports and Fore! at some point.

Saw them in late 80’s at the Concord Pavillion. Great Show and sound. Still one of my faves to this day.

 

[hrdboild]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2001936029411111093

This is nuts. The NBA is completely broken right now when guys can just run right at defenders and get free throws. Or jump awkwardly to the side, or come three feet forward on their outside jumper and land on someone's foot and that's a flagrant. It makes me wonder what the NBA is telling their officials. You'd think they would tighten some of these calls up considering all of the gambling investigations swirling around but no, they're getting even more involved in the outcome of games.

 

[The_Jamal]

They probably can’t say. But a DNP-CD doesn’t make a lot of sense. I think it’s likely its trade talks.

Has to be. Monk just isn't a guy you DNP-CD at this point in his career, for any reason

 

[TaxMan]

Saw them in late 80’s at the Concord Pavillion. Great Show and sound. Still one of my faves to this day.

An amazing amount of Huey Lewis and the News Sports album talk in this thread. One of my favs growing up. I wore that thing out on vinyl as a 10 year old.

 

[hrdboild]

Has to be. Monk just isn't a guy you DNP-CD at this point in his career, for any reason

It could also just be that Doug told Malik pre-game he was going to keep him on the bench for this one to get the kids more playing time and Malik was cool with that. From what I know about Malik, it wouldn't surprise me if he even suggested it himself.

 

[iowamcnabb]

An amazing amount of Huey Lewis and the News Sports album talk in this thread. One of my favs growing up. I wore that thing out on vinyl as a 10 year old.

Their early work was a little too new wave for my taste. But when Sports came out in '83, I think they really came into their own, commercially and artistically. The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consummate professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost. He's been compared to Elvis Costello, but I think Huey has a far more bitter, cynical sense of humor.

 

[Section 101]

So the last 2 minute report only shows a missed 3 second violation on the Blazers at 1:35 left in OT.

Q5	01:35.4	Turnover: 3 Second Violation	Donovan Clingan	Kings	INC	Video
Clingan (POR) fails to fully clear the lane and is in the paint for longer than three seconds.

[td]Comment:[/td]

 

[TaxMan]

Their early work was a little too new wave for my taste. But when Sports came out in '83, I think they really came into their own, commercially and artistically. The whole album has a clear, crisp sound, and a new sheen of consummate professionalism that really gives the songs a big boost. He's been compared to Elvis Costello, but I think Huey has a far more bitter, cynical sense of humor.

At the pinnacle of their powers on Back to the Future (both the soundtrack and the in film cameo performance)!

 

[pdxKingsFan]

It could also just be that Doug told Malik pre-game he was going to keep on the bench for this one to get the kids more playing time and Malik was cool with that. From what I know about Malik, it wouldn't surprise me if he even suggested it himself.

Also wouldn't be surprised if they will rotate guys like DDR and Monk around ... who knows though?

Honestly feel like DDR could have punched his ticket out of town last night. We still have a massive Zach sized problem if that happens, but it could pave the way for Monk to stay if we somehow moved Zach and Dennis.

 

[sactowndog]

Max is also a brainiac who is super self aware. He should work with whoever transformed Keegan’s physique after his rookie year. 10 pounds of muscle and improved lateral quickness would be huge.

Some of Max’s problems are footwork and balance which can all be improved.

 

[Krunker]

L2M didn't contradict the call, which is BS, so I guess the league is in on the tank.

Q5	00:01.5	Foul: Shooting	Russell Westbrook	Deni Avdija	CC	Video
Westbrook (SAC) raises his right arm up into Avdija's (POR) arm and initiates contact that affects his shot attempt. After communicating with the Replay Center, it was determined the foul occurred prior to the expiration of the game clock.

[td]Comment:[/td]

 

[Sherds]

Also wouldn't be surprised if they will rotate guys like DDR and Monk around ... who knows though?

Honestly feel like DDR could have punched his ticket out of town last night. We still have a massive Zach sized problem if that happens, but it could pave the way for Monk to stay if we somehow moved Zach and Dennis.

That would be my perfect scenario. With his upbeat personality and how selfless he has acted since he arrived in Sac, I think Malik would be the perfect vet to keep around with a young crew that might lose for a few years... and still provide us with some highlights

 

[SacTownKid]

Has to be. Monk just isn't a guy you DNP-CD at this point in his career, for any reason

And yet again, if they need to showcase anyone? How about the two bench guards making 35 million between them. Disaster. Westbrook still running the tank on a minimum deal lol.

 

[The_Jamal]

And yet again, if they need to showcase anyone? How about the two bench guards making 35 million between them. Disaster. Westbrook still running the tank on a minimum deal lol.

I think you could argue there's no real showcasing that any of those guys need. Maybe just to show current form? But if you buy any of that Russ/DDR/LaVine/Monk/Dennis crowd, you know the deal on what you're signing up for.

There's got to be more than just "Doug going a different direction." Monk has been one of the most important players and voices in a Kings uni over the last 3 years and he's a beloved Kings fan favorite. Especially when we consider that LaVine was out, so we were "short" in the back-court tonight and he still chose to play the rookie Nique and Keon, who this coaching staff has shown absolutely 0 loyalty to all season.

And if it truly is Monk is the vet getting thrown to the wolves as a DNP-CD with no trade buzz, then Doug has truly lost the plot. Of that entire grouping HE'S the one who takes the fall from the vet group? Absolute insanity.

 

[kingsboi]

This is nuts. The NBA is completely broken right now when guys can just run right at defenders and get free throws. Or jump awkwardly to the side, or come three feet forward on their outside jumper and land on someone's foot and that's a flagrant. It makes me wonder what the NBA is telling their officials. You'd think they would tighten some of these calls up considering all of the gambling investigations swirling around but no, they're getting even more involved in the outcome of games.

the era of manufactured all-stars

 

[serbiangoat]

If your sole purpose on a move is to draw a foul no matter what contact you take it should be a automatic offensive foul call that would stop all the Trae Young, SGA , Luka (whole Lakers) Jokic, Deni flops amongst others abusing the rules. If your trying to score first than draw contact it's a no call and the game keeps flowing.

The game is to long with to many fouls