[Game] 50/82: Kings vs. Magic 05 FEB 2025, 7pm PT/10pm ET

[serbiangoat]

If the Magic can even shoot average from 3pt land they can get to the NBA finals no one has there combo of length/size and D they are a nightmare match up assuming they can even hit 34% from 3, if they get it going from 3 like they did tonight it's always a blow out. They have been wrecked by injury this year and are still at 500. somehow

 

[Vinny Basketballerino]

Nobody is giving Monte a pass. And I still feel like it's a coinflip at best that he and Wes will be back after the season.

I'm seriously at a loss as to why Monte's job would be in danger.

 

[The_Jamal]

I'm seriously at a loss as to why Monte's job would be in danger.

Because some around here think he did Fox "dirty" by putting no talent around him.

Everyone has really caught onto this "omg wingzzz", but have no solutions for what they correct move should have been. The big one is see is the Davion pick, of course and that was a huge miss. Outside of that, what?

And believe me, I've been on this wing train for a minute. We do need more size and length. I just always find it curious that nobody had the answer for what should be done to solve it, but bash Monte into oblivion anyway

 

[Vinny Basketballerino]

Because some around here think he did Fox "dirty" by putting no talent around him.

Everyone has really caught onto this "omg wingzzz", but have no solutions for what they correct move should have been. The big one is see is the Davion pick, of course and that was a huge miss. Outside of that, what?

And believe me, I've been on this wing train for a minute. We do need more size and length. I just always find it curious that nobody had the answer for what should be done to solve it, but bash Monte into oblivion anyway

The criticism doesn't seem objective. All GM's miss on draft picks. That's the nature of the draft. And overall Monte has been a pretty good drafter. It just feels like the typical "blame management" but I haven't seen a real, objective discussion of Monte's positives and negatives. To me, he's a great GM, and you don't fire a GM based on one draft pick not working out.

Fox has made it clear he never wanted to stay here anyway, doesn't that now make the point about "surrounding Fox with talent" moot? He he left for personal reasons, that's acknowledged now. He always wanted to go back to Texas.

 

[Jdbraver137]

Did we get another wing, yet?

 

[Jdbraver137]

Because some around here think he did Fox "dirty" by putting no talent around him.

Everyone has really caught onto this "omg wingzzz", but have no solutions for what they correct move should have been. The big one is see is the Davion pick, of course and that was a huge miss. Outside of that, what?

And believe me, I've been on this wing train for a minute. We do need more size and length. I just always find it curious that nobody had the answer for what should be done to solve it, but bash Monte into oblivion anyway

Hmmm idk, trade for a wing would do it.

 

[The_Jamal]

Hmmm idk, trade for a wing would do it.

Yeah, but then you have Ham saying that Cam Johnson isn't enough. OK, so who is?

 

[Jdbraver137]

Yeah, but then you have Ham saying that Cam Johnson isn't enough. OK, so who is?

James Hambsays a lot of nonsense.

 

[joemama]

Dear Kings,

1. Defense is mostly about positioning. Put yourself between the ball and the rim, go ahead give this a try next time.

2. When a player is hot, try to stop them from getting the ball, do other defensive options like send a double team.

3. You NEVER let someone disrespect the coach. The coach can't throw hands or check someone, so YOU need to step up and get it done.

Reapectfully,
Disappointed Kings fan

 

[GWD]

It is sad to say, but Coach Christie has some serious creativity to demonstrate over the next week or so. Integrating a new shooter, a big man, and perhaps someone or two else at today's deadline is going to give him a chance to refresh this roster and how it plays.

The starting unit today is overloaded with shooters who have questionable defensive skills. Falling behind in the first and third quarters demonstrates this. The starters trying to outscore opponents simply has not consistently worked for Brown and now Christie.

The remedy is to start at least one more defensive specialist and perhaps two...Ellis and/or Carter to go along with Keegan. That requires a shooter (or two) to come off of the bench. That will be a monumental task for Christie to undertake given the egos involved. All Stars will not appreciate such a modification. Christie has to sell it not as a demotion but rather a balancing maneuver.

One immediate benefit is that Keegan would be expected to have a greater offensive role. Seeing another 17 point quarter is within his ability. Rather than the fifth option, he would be involved.

Another benefit is that the offensive impact of the bench would be tremendous. Monk, DeRosan, LaVine, or a combination would be devastating for an opponent's bench to face (when defense is not so critical). The bench may outscore the starters on occasion. Roles would depend on match-ups and performance.

This vision has virtually no chance of being seen without a total collapse of the playoff quest. Even then, Christie would have to take a very hard and likely contentious stance which is foreign to his character and management style. He does have a "for the team" and "just win" philosophy that may need to be exercised to the maximum. We shall see.

 

[sactowndog]

Because some around here think he did Fox "dirty" by putting no talent around him.

Everyone has really caught onto this "omg wingzzz", but have no solutions for what they correct move should have been. The big one is see is the Davion pick, of course and that was a huge miss. Outside of that, what?

And believe me, I've been on this wing train for a minute. We do need more size and length. I just always find it curious that nobody had the answer for what should be done to solve it, but bash Monte into oblivion anyway

How many years do you give him to solve a clear problem before you consider him the problem?

would a decade work for you? We are halfway there. How about you @Vinny Basketballerino ?

 

[Padrino]

I'm certainly not going to panic after one loss, while the team is trying to integrate a brand new long-term starter, without the benefit of a single practice together, on the heels of a long and tumultuous road trip for this locker room. That said, I was hoping my concerns about the trade for LaVine might be overblown. Yet I remain concerned. Monk/LaVine/DDR was really awful defensively. Blow-by's aplenty. Couldn't hold their ground. Malik struggled with foul trouble. Domas was overwhelmed trying to cover. It was bad.

LaVine will eventually find an offensive rhythm with this squad. The guy is a walking bucket. But it's going to take time and there's a playoff race to consider. For now, I'm holding onto my prediction that this iteration of the roster will have to average 120+ ppg just to stay above .500 and in the mix for the play-in.

 

[sactowndog]

It is sad to say, but Coach Christie has some serious creativity to demonstrate over the next week or so. Integrating a new shooter, a big man, and perhaps someone or two else at today's deadline is going to give him a chance to refresh this roster and how it plays.

The starting unit today is overloaded with shooters who have questionable defensive skills. Falling behind in the first and third quarters demonstrates this. The starters trying to outscore opponents simply has not consistently worked for Brown and now Christie.

The remedy is to start at least one more defensive specialist and perhaps two...Ellis and/or Carter to go along with Keegan. That requires a shooter (or two) to come off of the bench. That will be a monumental task for Christie to undertake given the egos involved. All Stars will not appreciate such a modification. Christie has to sell it not as a demotion but rather a balancing maneuver.

One immediate benefit is that Keegan would be expected to have a greater offensive role. Seeing another 17 point quarter is within his ability. Rather than the fifth option, he would be involved.

Another benefit is that the offensive impact of the bench would be tremendous. Monk, DeRosan, LaVine, or a combination would be devastating for an opponent's bench to face (when defense is not so critical). The bench may outscore the starters on occasion. Roles would depend on match-ups and performance.

This vision has virtually no chance of being seen without a total collapse of the playoff quest. Even then, Christie would have to take a very hard and likely contentious stance which is foreign to his character and management style. He does have a "for the team" and "just win" philosophy that may need to be exercised to the maximum. We shall see.

Doug has always had a go-along and get-along personality. He had it has a radio guy where he would never say a bad thing about a player. When Grant got fired Doug didn’t say a word even though they were very good friends and Grant helped him get his start. I’m sure Doug tells Vivek exactly what he wants to hear which is whom Vivek hires.

the chances of Doug starting Keon over LaVine seems abysmally low. But on a positive note the chances of keeping our pick is rising. I would rather be 11 or 12 than 9 or 10.

 

[Srzly]

Christie has a lot of work to do.

The Kings got pulverized in the paint - 50 Orlando points allowed in three quarters. After that it was easy peezy for Orlando to hoist the 3s with impunity and kill the Kings. First came the body punches, then the right cross, uppercut and KO followed. It does breed confidence when you know you own the paint.

Lavine is a talent, no doubt, but his insertion at mid-season is bringing not just the challenge of getting used to the offense and defense and his teammates comfortable with him. Unless this game is a short term anomaly, he has changed the pecking order. Murray did not touch the ball once on offense in the first quarter. No exaggeration. His production in this 1st quarter compared to the last game's first quarter were total opposites. When he got to feel the ball a couple of times after the first quarter he was so thirsty he hoisted it no matter what. And then when he was passed the ball by DDR in the 2nd half he was so surprised someone passed him the ball (Who, me?) he wasn't ready for it and it resulted in a turnover. Out of pity Christie devised a play for him at the beginning of the 4th, which Murray promptly hit.

As they were saying on the broadcast, the schedule doesn't allow for practice over the next several games, so I guess Christie is going to have them look at film on the plane or something. These next few games could be a challenge until the All Star break and they get some practice time. Hopefully, Valanciunas can help them out somewhat in interior defense.

It is only one game so I'm still hopeful DC and the team will figure it out, but that was my concern bringing in Lavine.

Our best starting 5 has been Monk, Keon, DDR, Murray, Sabonis. With Keon and Keegan together it helps us set the tone defensively and not let the other team get in a rhythm easily, but we won't go with it because of egos/salaries.

So after swapping Fox for Lavine, we have a starting lineup with 1 good defender with 4 guys almost incapable of playing defense. As a result, you got the other team getting hot early and building confidence from the tipoff and it carries into the rest of the night. We saw the magic switching Keegan off of whoever and then the coaches will have Keegan shadow and try to defend 2 people at once, running all over.

The other thing I like about the Keon starting lineup is that it no longer forces Keegan to be relegated to the 5th scoring option playing with 4 other guys that want to get a lot of touches and shots.

Curious to see what Christie does here. I just feel like we are at our best with Keon starting, if we could somehow convince Lavine or DDR to be the 6th man, because I don't think they are suddenly going to start being reliable defenders.

 

[The_Jamal]

It is sad to say, but Coach Christie has some serious creativity to demonstrate over the next week or so. Integrating a new shooter, a big man, and perhaps someone or two else at today's deadline is going to give him a chance to refresh this roster and how it plays.

The starting unit today is overloaded with shooters who have questionable defensive skills. Falling behind in the first and third quarters demonstrates this. The starters trying to outscore opponents simply has not consistently worked for Brown and now Christie.

The remedy is to start at least one more defensive specialist and perhaps two...Ellis and/or Carter to go along with Keegan. That requires a shooter (or two) to come off of the bench. That will be a monumental task for Christie to undertake given the egos involved. All Stars will not appreciate such a modification. Christie has to sell it not as a demotion but rather a balancing maneuver.

One immediate benefit is that Keegan would be expected to have a greater offensive role. Seeing another 17 point quarter is within his ability. Rather than the fifth option, he would be involved.

Another benefit is that the offensive impact of the bench would be tremendous. Monk, DeRosan, LaVine, or a combination would be devastating for an opponent's bench to face (when defense is not so critical). The bench may outscore the starters on occasion. Roles would depend on match-ups and performance.

This vision has virtually no chance of being seen without a total collapse of the playoff quest. Even then, Christie would have to take a very hard and likely contentious stance which is foreign to his character and management style. He does have a "for the team" and "just win" philosophy that may need to be exercised to the maximum. We shall see.

Yeah, the unfortunate part of all this is we basically have to do all this one the fly. Christie being able to excel so far under our current circumstances has been very impressive, but we now have to readjust AGAIN bringing in LaVine and Jval. Just a lot to ask for the team to stay consistent winning

 

[The_Jamal]

How many years do you give him to solve a clear problem before you consider him the problem?

would a decade work for you? We are halfway there. How about you @Vinny Basketballerino ?

As always, what's the answer? Hes done a bad job how should he have fixed it? Should he trade the 2 new FRPs for Cam Johnson? Should he have traded Keegan for Pascal or OG?

Again, the only clear mistake is the Davion pick. Is what it is, he missed. Every GM does.

 

[Srzly]

I just wouldn’t feel bad if Murray is traded at this point. Get a long athletic 4 who won’t disappear every other game.

I agree. We should trade Murray for a long, athletic 4, that is a good defender (and will be our only defender in the starting 5), is okay with being the 5th scoring option, but will also consistently score 15+ ppg.

 

[Padrino]

It is only one game so I'm still hopeful DC and the team will figure it out, but that was my concern bringing in Lavine.

Our best starting 5 has been Monk, Keon, DDR, Murray, Sabonis. With Keon and Keegan together it helps us set the tone defensively and not let the other team get in a rhythm easily, but we won't go with it because of egos/salaries.

So after swapping Fox for Lavine, we have a starting lineup with 1 good defender with 4 guys almost incapable of playing defense. As a result, you got the other team getting hot early and building confidence from the tipoff and it carries into the rest of the night. We saw the magic switching Keegan off of whoever and then the coaches will have Keegan shadow and try to defend 2 people at once, running all over.

The other thing I like about the Keon starting lineup is that it no longer forces Keegan to be relegated to the 5th scoring option playing with 4 other guys that want to get a lot of touches and shots.

Curious to see what Christie does here. I just feel like we are at our best with Keon starting, if we could somehow convince Lavine or DDR to be the 6th man, because I don't think they are suddenly going to start being reliable defenders.

The front office will ultimately have to decide if they want the online virality of "good vibes" or if they want to play winning basketball. It's great that DDR and LaVine are so close, and I'm sure it will be a comfort to LaVine that Demar's on the squad while he's getting adjusted to West Coast life. But I said it on the day of the trade, moving Fox for LaVine meant that Keon would be exiled to the bench again because the Kings need Monk's playmaking at PG, and it will always be an unlikely proposition that the Kings bring LaVine off the bench. Something will eventually have to give if the Kings ever want to be a competent defensive team, so this probably should mean that DDR is on the way out in the offseason. He's older, on a good value contract, and could help a contender in need of a scoring punch.

 

[Padrino]

I agree. We should trade Murray for a long, athletic 4, that is a good defender (and will be our only defender in the starting 5), is okay with being the 5th scoring option, but will also consistently score 15+ ppg.

Eh. This I don't agree with. Keegan doesn't need to be the sacrificial lamb here at all. Nor should he be. Not while DeRozan is facing down the eventual twilight of his career.

 

[dude12]

I’m going to chalk this up to fatigue from the long road trip and I’m not today’s game will be different. Matchup problem, rusty Lavine, new player integration, in general they just looked slow to react on D.

But I’ll say this much, DC is going to have to be willing to give less minutes to the offensive stalwarts if it means having more defensive oriented players…..and yeah, we need a full sized 3 and D wing for the big winged teams like Orlando.

 

[Srzly]

Eh. This I don't agree with. Keegan doesn't need to be the sacrificial lamb here at all. Nor should he be. Not while DeRozan is facing down the eventual twilight of his career.

I was being facetious.

 

[Padrino]

I was being facetious.

Got it.

 

[sactowndog]

As always, what's the answer? Hes done a bad job how should he have fixed it? Should he trade the 2 new FRPs for Cam Johnson? Should he have traded Keegan for Pascal or OG?

Again, the only clear mistake is the Davion pick. Is what it is, he missed. Every GM does.

one mistake?!

want to include

• Not trading Barnes when he should (would have gotten Nesmith)
• Not getting a 6’ 8” plus wing for Fox (should have been a hard line)
• Not spending the money on one prior to signing the Domas extension
• Not trading up to draft Cam Whitmore when he was falling
• Quite possibly not drafting Ware
• Not tanking the Davion year which would have netted us Wagner

 

[The_Jamal]

one mistake?!

want to include

• Not trading Barnes when he should (would have gotten Nesmith)
• Not getting a 6’ 8” plus wing for Fox (should have been a hard line)
• Not spending the money on one prior to signing the Domas extension
• Not trading up to draft Cam Whitmore when he was falling
• Quite possibly not drafting Ware
• Not tanking the Davion year which would have netted us Wagner

-Who's the wing for Fox when he forced his way out of town and we lost all our leverage?
-on who?
-NeSmith is who would change this team into a title contender? Really?
-you keep bringing up us "tanking" the Davion year, but youre assuming the same set of ping pong balls get picked. Not how that works.
-too early to judge this rookie class, which had been predictably very poor

 

[Rob-The-Great]

The Kings will come out on fire today and all will be forgiven. Relax and stay tuned

 

[bball_nomad]

Ideally DDR, who is 35 years old could be moved to be a 6th man. Or even if he is starting, his minutes have to be adjusted. Basically, it's not about the minutes, but the lineups.
If Kings will go with the current starters forever and ever - they better average 110+ points per game. It sucks though to see young guy Keegan and his potential and skills to be just the 5th option on the starting lineup. Makes no sense to me.

 

[NiNetNiNe]

Orlando is just a bad matchup for most teams. Most of their roster consists of their guys are 6’7” and bigger. They have ten guys 6’7” and bigger, and they all play. At some points last night there was no one smaller than 6’7” on the floor for Orlando.

It was just an overall bad first team to test our new lineup against. They all were clearly unsure of what to do, and we will be adding Jonas to the mix as well. Thankfully, Isaac Jones is looking like he could be something so we will now have possibly three playable guys above 6’10”.

The Kings have a lot of work to do but I think they will figure it out.

 

[coolhandluke]

It is sad to say, but Coach Christie has some serious creativity to demonstrate over the next week or so. Integrating a new shooter, a big man, and perhaps someone or two else at today's deadline is going to give him a chance to refresh this roster and how it plays.

The starting unit today is overloaded with shooters who have questionable defensive skills. Falling behind in the first and third quarters demonstrates this. The starters trying to outscore opponents simply has not consistently worked for Brown and now Christie.

The remedy is to start at least one more defensive specialist and perhaps two...Ellis and/or Carter to go along with Keegan. That requires a shooter (or two) to come off of the bench. That will be a monumental task for Christie to undertake given the egos involved. All Stars will not appreciate such a modification. Christie has to sell it not as a demotion but rather a balancing maneuver.

One immediate benefit is that Keegan would be expected to have a greater offensive role. Seeing another 17 point quarter is within his ability. Rather than the fifth option, he would be involved.

Another benefit is that the offensive impact of the bench would be tremendous. Monk, DeRosan, LaVine, or a combination would be devastating for an opponent's bench to face (when defense is not so critical). The bench may outscore the starters on occasion. Roles would depend on match-ups and performance.

This vision has virtually no chance of being seen without a total collapse of the playoff quest. Even then, Christie would have to take a very hard and likely contentious stance which is foreign to his character and management style. He does have a "for the team" and "just win" philosophy that may need to be exercised to the maximum. We shall see.

Amen.

Our best units had two good defenders on the floor at anytime even when Fox was there. We're giving up over 125ppg in the past few games (ignoring today's game as there were too many changes). They have to be smart and stagger DeRozan and LaVine. We're not going far having a lineup with four weak defenders. As Monte still couldn't get a wing that could pair up with Keegan, we have to be a bit creative when facing long teams. The bench should get some stability on both offense and defense with Big Val coming in.

 

[coolhandluke]

If Kings will go with the current starters forever and ever - they better average 110+ points per game.

The Kings have to average over 125 points to have a chance at winning.

 

[sactowndog]

-Who's the wing for Fox when he forced his way out of town and we lost all our leverage?
-on who?
-NeSmith is who would change this team into a title contender? Really?
-you keep bringing up us "tanking" the Davion year, but youre assuming the same set of ping pong balls get picked. Not how that works.
-too early to judge this rookie class, which had been predictably very poor

it was Nesmith and getting a 1st versus giving up an unprotected pick swap to dump him later which could be ugly.

we were tied with Chicago. We would have had more ping pong balls but yes if nothing else changes we get Wagner. certeris parabus is a pretty standard forecasting model.

At worst I would have traded Fox for Ingram and a couple picks. We had some leverage but Monte caved.

yes I agree on this rookie class why I said probably