A new blog entry has been added:
[drupal=116]A homer's look at the 2009-2010 Sacramento Kings[/drupal]
Before we even begin, I am a Kings homer. I have loved and supported this team through thick and thin since 1985. I will always look for something positive out of even the worst situation. I will find a reason to continue to have hope even when all others have abandoned theirs. This isn't an invitation to debate the merits of being a homer fan. This is just a statement of fact for those who may not be familiar with me or my take on the Kings. Just to clarify, however, I have also followed NBA basketball for a very long time, starting as a Boston Celtics fan in the 60s. I would probably still be following the team from Boston if the Kings had never come to Sacramento...
I approach every home season opener with the same anticipation and excitement that I had for the first game I attended in 1985. I make sure to go to the game with like fans, others who walk into Arco with the intention of rooting for the team and, hopefully, seeing a good game.
Last night, I was not disappointed. This young team of ours is exciting, they're enthusiastic, they're passionate about the game and they're already forming bonds as teammates that portend good things. And they're talented. In some cases, the talent has yet to grow and mature, but it's there. And seeing those beginnings gives me great hope for the future ...and the sudden knowledge that I'm going to have to find a way to attend more games this year.
I cannot give an in-depth assessment of each player for the simple reason I didn't focus on every player for every moment of the game. I was there to cheer and to have a good time and I did both. Thanks to the other people in Section 213 who also seemed to be determined to help spur the Kings on. We were a good section, cheering and chanting "defense," applauding good efforts and booing the officials for a handful of pretty pathetic calls. And yes, it might have actually been someone in our area chanting the "We want the scabs!" but I'm not going to point any fingers.
I will share my impressions on what I saw last night and what I think the future holds. Take from them what you will.
Tyreke Evans - This kid is good and only going to get much, much better. It was clear his ankle was not 100% but he played with heart and determination. His outside shot needs a lot of work and his attempts from the stripe were disappointing, but he can work on those. His strength lies in ... well, his strength. He has strong moves inside that will torment a lot of guards who are given the assignment to stop him. He's not afraid of contact and he's not easily moved off his mark. In fact, I might almost call him "fearless." On the other hand, he's still learning when it comes to seeing the court and finding the open man. (Not hard to understand when you remember he hasn't played point guard most of his basketball life.) There were several occasions when Omri was wide open, gesturing for the ball and Tyreke, who puts his head down to drive, just didn't see him. There were other times, though, when he was able to kick out to Martin or someone else on the wing with a maturity and confidence that belies his age. It's easy to see why Geoff Petrie wanted him, and I think Tyreke will win the respect of a lot of Kings fans as time goes by.
Omri Casspi - Wow. I had the opportunity to attend the "meet and greet" with Omri before the game and I came away very impressed with his work ethic, his understanding of the NBA and the responsibilities he's carrying on his shoulders, and his outlook in general. I exchanged a couple of words with his father and could feel the pride and love Mr. Casspi has for this son of his who seems willing and able to carry the hopes of a lot of his countrymen into a totally new venue. He's personable and articulate and, in short, he gets it. On the court, he's already showing good judgment, an ability to slide over when needed for help defense, a willingness to body up on his opponent and the determination and focus that lights up his teammates and the fans. And he's got a killer grin.
Jon Brockman - Okay, I cannot call him "Peaches" after actually seeing him play. He's got heart and hustle, and he's seems to be able to bring out the very best in Spencer Hawes. That alone would be enough for me, but there's more... Brockman works hard every single minute he's on the court, battling for rebounds, clogging the lane, and doing whatever else he can to help his team. He's a workhouse and I'm reminded of Corliss Williamson and Scot Pollard. Not so much because of the moves he makes, but because of the heart with which he makes them.
Desmond Mason - Ehhhh. I don't dislike him and I see him having a role until Cisco gets back, but once Garcia is in the mix there isn't going to be room for Mason in the future plans of the Kings. I'd rather see Nocioni out there and I strongly suspect that will be the case down the road.
Andres Nocioni - I like this guy. He's tough, he's determined, he's got a nice outside shot and he'll take on pretty much any assignment. He chatters constantly but I think it's one of the ways he keeps his energy level in check. I think his ability and willingness to play defense is a good example for the younger kids. He's no Ron Artest, but he battles hard.
Beno Udrih - The Beno I saw last night was the one that impressed me when he first came to the Kings. He seems to be thriving under the leadership of Coach Westphal and although not the perfect point guard, he's clearly a good fit for major minutes off the bench.
Jason Thompson - He's still a work in progress but he's getting better every time he steps on the court. I strongly suspect he's going to be a whistle magnet all season, or at least until he learns to quit using his hands so much. He needs to body up more and let the little guys do the touch fouls. If he's gonna be called for the foul anyway, he might as well make it one that will ring a couple of bells or at least leave a mark.
Spencer Hawes - Early in the game, I actually shouted to him to please remember that he's 7 feet tall. And, apparently, he heard me. (Well, that's the interpretation I'm chosing to accept.) I was really impressed by his passing ability - there are flashes of brilliance there. I won't compare him to Vlade, but if he set Vlade as a role model as far as passing go, I wouldn't have a problem with it at all. He needs to keep in mind constantly that he is a legitimate 7-foot center, though, and not let himself be pushed off the mark by guys like Marc Gasol. Spencer will learn. He's got the intensity, he's got the desire to win, and he feeds off the energy in Arco perhaps more than anyone else on the current squad.
Kenny Thomas - He did not suck. Honestly. He looks more comfortable on and off the court than I've seen him look in a very long time. He's still able to play decent defense and he grabs rebounds with regularity. I'm not sure he should ever take another shot on offense, but I'm pretty sure that's not what he's being asked to do anyway.
Kevin Martin - Okay, the other disclaimer. I am and have been since the very beginning a Kevin Martin fan on and off the court. I am incredibly proud of him for what he's been able to accomplish already and what he's still capable of doing. What I saw last night was a veteran player who gets it. He was constantly talking with his younger teammates, encouraging them when necessary and pointing out mistakes when that was necessary. He was defending his man adequately for the most part, and he was taking a lot of punishment with the officials missing at least two pretty nasty hits. When you can hear it from the upper level, you can be pretty sure he's not flopping. If anything, Martin still gives his teammates deferential treatment to try and get them more involved in the game. I saw him pass up several open shots to give another player a shot. I'm well aware there are some who think he's overrated and that's fine for them. But make no mistake. This young man is a legitimate NBA star. He's putting up numbers on a consistent basis in his career that would improve any other team in the NBA. We're lucky to have him and the chemistry between him and the new players is already building quite nicely.
Sergio, Donte and Cisco did not play. However, Cisco was in every huddle that I saw, and I think Donte may have been, too. They didn't just sit back in the seats behind the team. They stayed involved, they stayed energized and they cheered on their teammates.
Coach Paul Westphal - I think I know now why we had to suffer through Eric Musselman, Reggie Theus and Kenny Natt. If we hadn't suffered through them, we wouldn't be in a position to fully appreciate just how important chemistry and leadership and competence is in a head coach. Westphal has the respect of his team. It's obvious from the way they listen to him during timeouts to the way they talk about him in interviews. He's animated and involved every single second of the game. He praises his players for doing good and he corrects them for not doing something right but he doesn't berate them publicly and he never ignores them. He greets them as they come off the court and reinforces the positive lessons he's hoping for them to learn. He knows how to communicate his concerns to the officials without drawing their ire. He, too, gets it.
This is a young team but it is a team with hope and promise. It is a team that will help fill Arco because they really are that exciting to watch. I know I'm already planning my next trip to Arco.
I LOVE THIS TEAM!
[drupal=116]A homer's look at the 2009-2010 Sacramento Kings[/drupal]
Before we even begin, I am a Kings homer. I have loved and supported this team through thick and thin since 1985. I will always look for something positive out of even the worst situation. I will find a reason to continue to have hope even when all others have abandoned theirs. This isn't an invitation to debate the merits of being a homer fan. This is just a statement of fact for those who may not be familiar with me or my take on the Kings. Just to clarify, however, I have also followed NBA basketball for a very long time, starting as a Boston Celtics fan in the 60s. I would probably still be following the team from Boston if the Kings had never come to Sacramento...
I approach every home season opener with the same anticipation and excitement that I had for the first game I attended in 1985. I make sure to go to the game with like fans, others who walk into Arco with the intention of rooting for the team and, hopefully, seeing a good game.
Last night, I was not disappointed. This young team of ours is exciting, they're enthusiastic, they're passionate about the game and they're already forming bonds as teammates that portend good things. And they're talented. In some cases, the talent has yet to grow and mature, but it's there. And seeing those beginnings gives me great hope for the future ...and the sudden knowledge that I'm going to have to find a way to attend more games this year.
I cannot give an in-depth assessment of each player for the simple reason I didn't focus on every player for every moment of the game. I was there to cheer and to have a good time and I did both. Thanks to the other people in Section 213 who also seemed to be determined to help spur the Kings on. We were a good section, cheering and chanting "defense," applauding good efforts and booing the officials for a handful of pretty pathetic calls. And yes, it might have actually been someone in our area chanting the "We want the scabs!" but I'm not going to point any fingers.
I will share my impressions on what I saw last night and what I think the future holds. Take from them what you will.
Tyreke Evans - This kid is good and only going to get much, much better. It was clear his ankle was not 100% but he played with heart and determination. His outside shot needs a lot of work and his attempts from the stripe were disappointing, but he can work on those. His strength lies in ... well, his strength. He has strong moves inside that will torment a lot of guards who are given the assignment to stop him. He's not afraid of contact and he's not easily moved off his mark. In fact, I might almost call him "fearless." On the other hand, he's still learning when it comes to seeing the court and finding the open man. (Not hard to understand when you remember he hasn't played point guard most of his basketball life.) There were several occasions when Omri was wide open, gesturing for the ball and Tyreke, who puts his head down to drive, just didn't see him. There were other times, though, when he was able to kick out to Martin or someone else on the wing with a maturity and confidence that belies his age. It's easy to see why Geoff Petrie wanted him, and I think Tyreke will win the respect of a lot of Kings fans as time goes by.
Omri Casspi - Wow. I had the opportunity to attend the "meet and greet" with Omri before the game and I came away very impressed with his work ethic, his understanding of the NBA and the responsibilities he's carrying on his shoulders, and his outlook in general. I exchanged a couple of words with his father and could feel the pride and love Mr. Casspi has for this son of his who seems willing and able to carry the hopes of a lot of his countrymen into a totally new venue. He's personable and articulate and, in short, he gets it. On the court, he's already showing good judgment, an ability to slide over when needed for help defense, a willingness to body up on his opponent and the determination and focus that lights up his teammates and the fans. And he's got a killer grin.
Jon Brockman - Okay, I cannot call him "Peaches" after actually seeing him play. He's got heart and hustle, and he's seems to be able to bring out the very best in Spencer Hawes. That alone would be enough for me, but there's more... Brockman works hard every single minute he's on the court, battling for rebounds, clogging the lane, and doing whatever else he can to help his team. He's a workhouse and I'm reminded of Corliss Williamson and Scot Pollard. Not so much because of the moves he makes, but because of the heart with which he makes them.
Desmond Mason - Ehhhh. I don't dislike him and I see him having a role until Cisco gets back, but once Garcia is in the mix there isn't going to be room for Mason in the future plans of the Kings. I'd rather see Nocioni out there and I strongly suspect that will be the case down the road.
Andres Nocioni - I like this guy. He's tough, he's determined, he's got a nice outside shot and he'll take on pretty much any assignment. He chatters constantly but I think it's one of the ways he keeps his energy level in check. I think his ability and willingness to play defense is a good example for the younger kids. He's no Ron Artest, but he battles hard.
Beno Udrih - The Beno I saw last night was the one that impressed me when he first came to the Kings. He seems to be thriving under the leadership of Coach Westphal and although not the perfect point guard, he's clearly a good fit for major minutes off the bench.
Jason Thompson - He's still a work in progress but he's getting better every time he steps on the court. I strongly suspect he's going to be a whistle magnet all season, or at least until he learns to quit using his hands so much. He needs to body up more and let the little guys do the touch fouls. If he's gonna be called for the foul anyway, he might as well make it one that will ring a couple of bells or at least leave a mark.
Spencer Hawes - Early in the game, I actually shouted to him to please remember that he's 7 feet tall. And, apparently, he heard me. (Well, that's the interpretation I'm chosing to accept.) I was really impressed by his passing ability - there are flashes of brilliance there. I won't compare him to Vlade, but if he set Vlade as a role model as far as passing go, I wouldn't have a problem with it at all. He needs to keep in mind constantly that he is a legitimate 7-foot center, though, and not let himself be pushed off the mark by guys like Marc Gasol. Spencer will learn. He's got the intensity, he's got the desire to win, and he feeds off the energy in Arco perhaps more than anyone else on the current squad.
Kenny Thomas - He did not suck. Honestly. He looks more comfortable on and off the court than I've seen him look in a very long time. He's still able to play decent defense and he grabs rebounds with regularity. I'm not sure he should ever take another shot on offense, but I'm pretty sure that's not what he's being asked to do anyway.
Kevin Martin - Okay, the other disclaimer. I am and have been since the very beginning a Kevin Martin fan on and off the court. I am incredibly proud of him for what he's been able to accomplish already and what he's still capable of doing. What I saw last night was a veteran player who gets it. He was constantly talking with his younger teammates, encouraging them when necessary and pointing out mistakes when that was necessary. He was defending his man adequately for the most part, and he was taking a lot of punishment with the officials missing at least two pretty nasty hits. When you can hear it from the upper level, you can be pretty sure he's not flopping. If anything, Martin still gives his teammates deferential treatment to try and get them more involved in the game. I saw him pass up several open shots to give another player a shot. I'm well aware there are some who think he's overrated and that's fine for them. But make no mistake. This young man is a legitimate NBA star. He's putting up numbers on a consistent basis in his career that would improve any other team in the NBA. We're lucky to have him and the chemistry between him and the new players is already building quite nicely.
Sergio, Donte and Cisco did not play. However, Cisco was in every huddle that I saw, and I think Donte may have been, too. They didn't just sit back in the seats behind the team. They stayed involved, they stayed energized and they cheered on their teammates.
Coach Paul Westphal - I think I know now why we had to suffer through Eric Musselman, Reggie Theus and Kenny Natt. If we hadn't suffered through them, we wouldn't be in a position to fully appreciate just how important chemistry and leadership and competence is in a head coach. Westphal has the respect of his team. It's obvious from the way they listen to him during timeouts to the way they talk about him in interviews. He's animated and involved every single second of the game. He praises his players for doing good and he corrects them for not doing something right but he doesn't berate them publicly and he never ignores them. He greets them as they come off the court and reinforces the positive lessons he's hoping for them to learn. He knows how to communicate his concerns to the officials without drawing their ire. He, too, gets it.
This is a young team but it is a team with hope and promise. It is a team that will help fill Arco because they really are that exciting to watch. I know I'm already planning my next trip to Arco.
I LOVE THIS TEAM!
I get the feeling that all of our young guys are going to be markedly better by the end of the season, and overall our team should be better. Having a good coach is so important for the development of these young guys, and for once, I think the Kings have the right man for the job.
