[Game] 64/82: Knickerbockers @ Kings, 10 MAR 2025, 7:30p PT/10:30p ET

[Srzly]

I just have a feeling we will see a defensive regression with Monk and Sabonis back that will make us a worse team overall despite them being great offensive players.

I’m not saying Ellis is better than Monk or that JV is better than Sabonis at all, but based on the construction of this team, you can’t have a perimeter that includes Monk, Zach, and DDR if your C is Sabonis.

Something has to give. You have to either have more D on the perimeter to make up for Sabonis’s lack of interior presence or you have to have a 5 like JV that can help make up for the lack of perimeter D with his size and interior presence.

It is just a shame that egos will keep this team from their potential imo. Whatever happened to the “we over me” attitude? We don’t need 4 high usage guys starting.

 

[Caccia]

We don’t need 4 high usage guys starting.

It is called "spreading the floor."

 

[SacTownKid]

I just have a feeling we will see a defensive regression with Monk and Sabonis back that will make us a worse team overall despite them being great offensive players.

I’m not saying Ellis is better than Monk or that JV is better than Sabonis at all, but based on the construction of this team, you can’t have a perimeter that includes Monk, Zach, and DDR if your C is Sabonis.

Something has to give. You have to either have more D on the perimeter to make up for Sabonis’s lack of interior presence or you have to have a 5 like JV that can help make up for the lack of perimeter D with his size and interior presence.

It is just a shame that egos will keep this team from their potential imo. Whatever happened to the “we over me” attitude? We don’t need 4 high usage guys starting.

Yeah, as a pure talent heck no but it's clear to see the need filling capabilities. It's all about balance right now in the NBA. 5 offensive stars in a lineup might have worked better a few years ago not so much now. Not in the playoffs at least. The teams at the top of the heap in both conferences have too much balance on both sides of the ball. When Monte drafted Carter he brought up parallels to players you see in the playoffs, obviously alluding to Derrick White, Holiday, Pritchard types so hopefully that pans out, but they're obviously bringing him along slowly.

 

[Joshyjosh31]

Yeah, as a pure talent heck no but it's clear to see the need filling capabilities. It's all about balance right now in the NBA. 5 offensive stars in a lineup might have worked better a few years ago not so much now. Not in the playoffs at least. The teams at the top of the heap in both conferences have too much balance on both sides of the ball. When Monte drafted Carter he brought up parallels to players you see in the playoffs, obviously alluding to Derrick White, Holiday, Pritchard types so hopefully that pans out, but they're obviously bringing him along slowly.

Playoffs are basically determined on who has the weaker defenders to attack this why Boston and OKC are so elite. Lakers/Denver can get away with not having elite defense by having Luka, lebron, and Jokic. Cleveland has two freak bugs protecting there guards and all the rest of the playoff teams have good defenders starting. What do we do throw three defensive liabilities put there plus a non rim protecting big. ****ing embarrassing man! Can’t even say hey let’s beat teams offensively yes Lavine can get his but he’s not Luka or SGA and nobody is worried about Derozan throwing up 18 footers after dribbling for half the playoff teams have and not looking to pass.

If monk doesn’t wanna come off the bench next year then trade him can’t run a Monk/lavine backcourt with Sabonis protecting there guards and rim. Ellis would be to small to put in that lineup so unless we got a Herb Jones that can go lock the perimeter up with Keegan we’re DOA

 

[KingsFanSince85]

The only positive regarding the outcome of this game is — can’t really cite the officiating for influencing or stealing it away.

The KINGS were just terrible and did it to themselves.

I suppose we could blame the league for a “schedule“ loss, so there is that. lol

 

[Vinny Basketballerino]

Vinny, I agree with your opinions 99.9% of the time. The DeRosan issue just happens to be a point of divergence.

There is no doubt that DeRosan has game. That game could fit on any team and it would not change one iota. As a scorer, he will get his points regardless of the offensive scheme, player construct, or need. And that is where he detracts from the Kings.

The Kings have plenty of players with offensive talent (some of those with defensive skills as well). Being ball-dominate, DeRosan deprives those teammates from contributing their offensive production. When he gets the ball, the players pause and wait for the inevitable shot or move to rebounding position. Only under extreme pressure is he willing to give up the ball. LaVine, Murray, and even Monk could easily handle the offensive load of the starters.

DeRosan would be most useful with other bench players in the game when a strong offensive player can carry the load. Since that is not a likely scenario, it would be best for him to move on and be dealt for a player that fills team needs while he still has trade value.

DeRosan's offense production, while impressive, is offset by a lack of defensive expertise. Some forum member more skilled than me likely has the precise data on this issue. But by appearances, his point production is given back by half on the defensive end.

The only way to test these opinions is for DeRosan to sit out games due to injury or illness and evaluate the results. Of course, that circumstance is not a goal so we are only able to speculate.

I appreciate the reasoned response.

I would be very interesting to see if he could be talked into leading a bench mob in the twilight of his career.

Also, congratulations on being right 99.9% of the time!

 

[Rob-The-Great]

All this defense talk.

Luka, lebron and Reece with a. Trash center is one of the worst defensive lines I've seen. Yet here they are, kicking tail. Lakers even before Luka and without AD where playing good defense. It's all about the Team defense. Just like Christie. Said. And Kings have been playing great Team defense since allstar break