thedofd
Bench
http://proxy.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=1949820&type=story
Sacramento Kings http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=sac:
The media needs to stop using the "window" metaphor with the Kings. Every year the preseason analysis is the same – the window has closed on the Kings. Every year the on the court response is the same – maybe it'll close next year.
The Kings are 15-3 after a pitiful 1-4 start. They are the second-highest scoring team in the league. Once again they average the most assists and the fewest turnovers. Those three stats together invariably add up to a winning combination.
But will they ever get over the playoff hump in the West? It may depend on who they play this year. They are well equipped to play and beat a smaller team like the Suns or Sonics. However, teams like the Spurs and Timberwolves continue to give them fits.
Insider preseason prediction: 3rd in West
Insider revised prediction: 3rd in West
I don't know if I agree with the assessment that the Kings are better prepared to beat the Suns or Sonics than the Spurs or T-Wolves. They've certainly had mixed success with the Suns and Sonics so far. The Kings have difficulty, in general, with teams that have good frontcourt athletes, and they especially have problems with Garnett. Although the results of the first meeting this season don't bear it out, I actually think they match up fairly well with the Spurs.
I think that when the Kings are at the top of their game -- moving the ball patiently, hitting their open shots, not making too many turnovers -- they can beat anyone. But, as has been said many times, many ways on this board, I'd be a lot more comfortable with a bit more NBA-proven depth. On another post, Bricklayer suggested bringing aboard Donyell Marshall. I don't know if there's anyway to get that done without giving up something of value to Toronto, but if there is, I second that motion.
Sacramento Kings http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=sac:
The media needs to stop using the "window" metaphor with the Kings. Every year the preseason analysis is the same – the window has closed on the Kings. Every year the on the court response is the same – maybe it'll close next year.
The Kings are 15-3 after a pitiful 1-4 start. They are the second-highest scoring team in the league. Once again they average the most assists and the fewest turnovers. Those three stats together invariably add up to a winning combination.
But will they ever get over the playoff hump in the West? It may depend on who they play this year. They are well equipped to play and beat a smaller team like the Suns or Sonics. However, teams like the Spurs and Timberwolves continue to give them fits.
Insider preseason prediction: 3rd in West
Insider revised prediction: 3rd in West
I don't know if I agree with the assessment that the Kings are better prepared to beat the Suns or Sonics than the Spurs or T-Wolves. They've certainly had mixed success with the Suns and Sonics so far. The Kings have difficulty, in general, with teams that have good frontcourt athletes, and they especially have problems with Garnett. Although the results of the first meeting this season don't bear it out, I actually think they match up fairly well with the Spurs.
I think that when the Kings are at the top of their game -- moving the ball patiently, hitting their open shots, not making too many turnovers -- they can beat anyone. But, as has been said many times, many ways on this board, I'd be a lot more comfortable with a bit more NBA-proven depth. On another post, Bricklayer suggested bringing aboard Donyell Marshall. I don't know if there's anyway to get that done without giving up something of value to Toronto, but if there is, I second that motion.
