Amick: Westphal comments on potential rotation and other things.

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/08/31/tyreke-evans-and-paul-westphal-on-sacramentos-future/

Lot of good tidbits in that article by Sam Amick. I find it interested and dissapointing that Amick is still 'the guy' when it comes to Kings information. Not because I dont like Amick, but because Jason Jones (Kings Bee writer) never has anything to say. I think he's on vacation now, but even during the season he's alway the last guy to know things.

.... back to the article.

Westphal mentions Antione Wright as a potential starter at the 3, something I feared in the thread dedicated to his signing. He also says the plan as of today would be to go with Udrih and Dalembert as starters .. but of course things can change.

Anyways, just thought I'd post this .. worth the read in my opinion.

 

[kennadog]

http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/08/31/tyreke-evans-and-paul-westphal-on-sacramentos-future/

I find it interested and dissapointing that Amick is still 'the guy' when it comes to Kings information. Not because I dont like Amick, but because Jason Jones (Kings Bee writer) never has anything to say. I think he's on vacation now, but even during the season he's alway the last guy to know things.

This article is on NBA Fanhouse, not the Sacramento Bee. Maybe Jones doesn't write for Fanhouse?

 

[jalfa]

This article is on NBA Fanhouse, not the Sacramento Bee. Maybe Jones doesn't write for Fanhouse?

That's pretty much his point, isn't it? That Amick is still the go-to-guy for Kings stuff, even though he doesn't work for the Bee anymore?

 

[fnordius]

Interesting.

I expected Dalembert and Udrih to start, and I expected the SF spot to be open for competition, but I didn't think much about Wright, Landry, Garcia or Thompson spending a lot of time at the 3. For now, I'm assuming that he's saying that so that everyone within reason feels like they have a fair shot at it if they want, but that it's still the Casspi/Greene combination's to lose.

 

[rainmaker]

That's pretty much his point, isn't it? That Amick is still the go-to-guy for Kings stuff, even though he doesn't work for the Bee anymore?

Amick is still the best reporter for the Kings, eventhough he obviously doesn't work for the Bee anymore. Jason Jones has been on vacation for just about the entire summer, except for covering the summer league. For the most part, he's MIA as the Kings beat writer. Disappointing to say the least. Amick has written more articles for Fanhouse on the Kings in the month of Aug than Jason Jones has for the Bee. Nuff said.

 

[Sluggah]

So excited for this season to start...maybe more than any before

 

[Bricklayer]

Westphal mentions Antione Wright as a potential starter at the 3, something I feared in the thread dedicated to his signing. He also says the plan as of today would be to go with Udrih and Dalembert as starters .. but of course things can change.

Anyways, just thought I'd post this .. worth the read in my opinion.

Desmond Mason all over again?

I ahve a much harder time seeing it this time though.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

This article is on NBA Fanhouse, not the Sacramento Bee. Maybe Jones doesn't write for Fanhouse?

Thats kind of my point. I hope Amick continues giving Kings Fans information like this .. this is the stuff fans want to know about during the offseason. What the coaches think, where the players are working out, ect ..

I hope Jones improves this season. His 'Game Day Blogs' and reporting in general lacks depth.

 

[hrdboild]

Well, it's a good thing to keep all your options open. Especially this early on when you have time to make a decision. I would hope the experimentation doesn't continue throughout the season, but with injuries taking guys out of the lineup unpredictably as they always do, there will probably be some of that going on regardless.

The only statement in there that I'm not sure I fully support is the idea that Dalembert is the starting center full-time. This could be taken several different ways. It might mean that Dalembert has earned veteran consideration until Cousins proves he deserves the spot. I would consider that a reasonable way to set the lineup, though I wonder how it might affect Cousins' ability to define his role early in the season if he feels like he's still competing for a starting spot.

It might also mean that Westphal wants Dalembert's defense in the lineup regardless and he's considering Cousins, Thompson, or Landry for the role of starting PF. My concern with that scenario is that all three of those guys should be getting a lot of minutes and moving Cousins to the PF spot for a big chunk of his minutes seems to squeeze Landry and Thompson into playing out of position at SF some of the time. Maybe they'll prove me wrong, but from what I've seen so far I don't expect that scenario (Landry or Thompson at SF) to benefit the team. Especially when we already have so many other players who seem better suited to that position.

But then any way I look at it, it's hard to find a lineup that features Cousins (for maximum ROY consideration and marketing possibilities) without relegating Dalembert to backup duty or marginalizing one of Landry/Thompson. It seems ridiculous to say it, but I feel like we're in a position now of having too many quality big men to pencil in a consistent rotation.

Considering all the positive reactions to the draft I would think they want to get Cousins in the mix as a starter as soon as possible. He is the future starting C for this team in almost everyone's mind right now. And he's got the passing skills and basketball IQ to make an impact right away, even if it's not with his scoring. I don't see any reasons for this franchise to delay that starting date. Maybe I'm just over anxious? As badly as we've needed some inside defense for, well, forever I guess and I really think Dalembert can help this team a lot in that regard, I feel like Cousins should be the priority not the other way around.

 

[SacKings7]

Why start Wright at the 3? If he's gonna start, I'd like to see him start at the 2. Actually I expected him to start at the 2 when he was first signed, but I guess not

 

[The Hammer]

Oh, oh man:

"I'm 228 (pounds) now, and I was 220 when I was playing (last season). I like the size. It's nice for me to bully the guards around. I did it last year, but it's going to be even worse this year. I'll just have fun with it. (Now) I know how to do it. I'm used to it.

"I've been lifting weights, getting stronger. I've never been a weights guy. As you seen in my high school tapes, I was skinny. I've got natural strength, so I just did pushups and situps. I didn't really like the weights too much."

I always thought he WAS a weights guy. I guess his trainer had him doing other stuff. Now we learn this is mostly natural strength, and NOW he's getting into weights?? Are you kidding me??


And by the way, we have a fantastic coach.

 

[mac]

Well, it's a good thing to keep all your options open. Especially this early on when you have time to make a decision. I would hope the experimentation doesn't continue throughout the season, but with injuries taking guys out of the lineup unpredictably as they always do, there will probably be some of that going on regardless.

The only statement in there that I'm not sure I fully support is the idea that Dalembert is the starting center full-time. This could be taken several different ways. It might mean that Dalembert has earned veteran consideration until Cousins proves he deserves the spot. I would consider that a reasonable way to set the lineup, though I wonder how it might affect Cousins' ability to define his role early in the season if he feels like he's still competing for a starting spot.

It might also mean that Westphal wants Dalembert's defense in the lineup regardless and he's considering Cousins, Thompson, or Landry for the role of starting PF. My concern with that scenario is that all three of those guys should be getting a lot of minutes and moving Cousins to the PF spot for a big chunk of his minutes seems to squeeze Landry and Thompson into playing out of position at SF some of the time. Maybe they'll prove me wrong, but from what I've seen so far I don't expect that scenario (Landry or Thompson at SF) to benefit the team. Especially when we already have so many other players who seem better suited to that position.

But then any way I look at it, it's hard to find a lineup that features Cousins (for maximum ROY consideration and marketing possibilities) without relegating Dalembert to backup duty or marginalizing one of Landry/Thompson. It seems ridiculous to say it, but I feel like we're in a position now of having too many quality big men to pencil in a consistent rotation.

Considering all the positive reactions to the draft I would think they want to get Cousins in the mix as a starter as soon as possible. He is the future starting C for this team in almost everyone's mind right now. And he's got the passing skills and basketball IQ to make an impact right away, even if it's not with his scoring. I don't see any reasons for this franchise to delay that starting date. Maybe I'm just over anxious? As badly as we've needed some inside defense for, well, forever I guess and I really think Dalembert can help this team a lot in that regard, I feel like Cousins should be the priority not the other way around.

I have faith that Westphal and the organisation will give sufficient minutes to Cousins, especially since they want him to be ROY. But Cousins, especially with his conditioning issues should have to earn the spot over Dalembert, so I'm fine with Westphal's supposed starters for the beginning of the season. I'm sure the line up won't be the same by the All-star break

 

[jalfa]

Oh, oh man:

"I'm 228 (pounds) now, and I was 220 when I was playing (last season). I like the size. It's nice for me to bully the guards around. I did it last year, but it's going to be even worse this year. I'll just have fun with it. (Now) I know how to do it. I'm used to it.

"I've been lifting weights, getting stronger. I've never been a weights guy. As you seen in my high school tapes, I was skinny. I've got natural strength, so I just did pushups and situps. I didn't really like the weights too much."

I always thought he WAS a weights guy. I guess his trainer had him doing other stuff. Now we learn this is mostly natural strength, and NOW he's getting into weights?? Are you kidding me??


And by the way, we have a fantastic coach.

The bolded part had doing an evil grin as well. If Francisco starts alongside Reke and he's primarily guarded by PGs, this season is going to be so much fun! I'm especially looking forward to the matchups with Milwaukee and Golden State, he'll tear the two skinny boys apart.

 

[asakkings]

IMO i hope he isn't putting on too much more weight, he still has to stay quick to guard the little PGs. Plus having little bit less weight will probably make him more explosive, and its easier on the joints for the future.

 

[The Hammer]

IMO i hope he isn't putting on too much more weight, he still has to stay quick to guard the little PGs. Plus having little bit less weight will probably make him more explosive, and its easier on the joints for the future.

Yeah, but 8 lbs ins't a WHOLE lot. I remember when Bibby put on something like 20 lbs of muscle one offseason. That did slow him down, and he said so. And he later let it come off to go back to being a bit more mobile. Tyreke's probably aware of the trade-off, and hopefully will figure out the best route. Hope he's not doing creatine or anything like that just to get water size. I'd think the Kings trainer would be better than to advise that, though.

 

[pshn80]

That's pretty much his point, isn't it? That Amick is still the go-to-guy for Kings stuff, even though he doesn't work for the Bee anymore?

Amick is fine - nice article - timely, but I haven't heard from him for a long time. I think I prefer my subscription to the Bee and Jones/Voison.

 

[pshn80]

Considering all the positive reactions to the draft I would think they want to get Cousins in the mix as a starter as soon as possible. He is the future starting C for this team in almost everyone's mind right now. And he's got the passing skills and basketball IQ to make an impact right away, even if it's not with his scoring. I don't see any reasons for this franchise to delay that starting date. Maybe I'm just over anxious? As badly as we've needed some inside defense for, well, forever I guess and I really think Dalembert can help this team a lot in that regard, I feel like Cousins should be the priority not the other way around.

As soon as he is allowed to be without a babysitter, can find the bathroom, proves he can get up at 8 am, and understand and follows the coach's directions then OK, he can play and, maybe start later.

 

[Rookie]

While he does need some maturing to do and some experience under his belt, he is a big part of the Kings future. He will start once he earned it ON THE COURT and capable of winning games. All the harshed critism above has no merit other than following the coach's directions. However I prefer guys that's are capable of making their own decisions.

Maybe you should read less of Voison.

 

[The Hammer]

As soon as he is allowed to be without a babysitter, can find the bathroom, proves he can get up at 8 am, and understand and follows the coach's directions then OK, he can play and, maybe start later.

Now I'm not saying Cousins doesn't have some growing up to do, like ALL 19 year olds, but I see you've found your seat on the bandwagon of the national media created image of Cousins, which is none other than almost purely baseless character defamation for the simple means of increasing web traffic and ad profits. Are you really that gullible and lonely?

Your post makes you sound to me like a bitter old man who finds joy in belittling younger people.

 

[Löwenherz]

Maybe mentioning Wright as the potential starting 3 is Westphal's way of subtly pushing for the 'Melo trade, ya think?

Honestly, I'm sure it's all just a motivational factor for the young guys and pushing his "you earn your spot" philosophy.

 

[Kingsguy881]

Amick is fine - nice article - timely, but I haven't heard from him for a long time. I think I prefer my subscription to the Bee and Jones/Voison.

I'm surprised that you would even admit that. That's kinda pathetic actually.

 

[LPKingsFan]

IMO i hope he isn't putting on too much more weight, he still has to stay quick to guard the little PGs. Plus having little bit less weight will probably make him more explosive, and its easier on the joints for the future.

Which is why at some point I think our back-up PG should be a speedy defender, that can keep up with the little PGs when matchups dictate.

 

[kingsboi]

Too bad we haven't had a good back up PG since Mr. Jackson

 

[Dr. Spaceman]

Amick is fine - nice article - timely, but I haven't heard from him for a long time. I think I prefer my subscription to the Bee and Jones/Voison.

Pass the blunt, you're hogging it.


And regarding Westphal's comments on the rotation, I wouldn't take it as much more than psychological posturing to let everyone know that their roles are not secure or locked in at the moment. He hasn't even seen these guys together in training camp yet to get a feel for how everyone works together, much less know who will be up to the task of starting (outside of Tyreke, anyway).

Wright could very well challenge for the starting job initially, but it's more likely he's trying to light a fire under Casspi and Greene (who I'd prefer to start if I had to choose right now). The same goes for Cousins. Make him work for a starting job -- and if he's not in a condition to do so, that's fine. You bring him along slowly and keep him hungry. I applaud this approach. As long as Westphal's not yanking his leash around like he was with Donte last season, I'm fine with this thinking.

Same goes for JT -- Landry fits better with Dalembert anyway, but JT should be kept on the bench until he's proven he can handle the responsibility and maturity that a starting position demands.

 

[fnordius]

As soon as he is allowed to be without a babysitter, can find the bathroom, proves he can get up at 8 am, and understand and follows the coach's directions then OK, he can play and, maybe start later.

But maybe not all that soon, in light of the circumstances surrounding Dalembert's arrival. A mere few days before we drafted DMC, franchise management were probably all asserting to Dalembert that we'd needed a guy exactly like him for years, had been trying to get him for a while, and that he was guaranteed to have the more prominent team role that he'd been wanting.

I know that some would probably think, too bad, Dally needs to do whatever he's told, but I think that'd make for some ugly team chemistry. You don't want your veteran leadership accusing management (with some justification) of being dishonest, or of having no committment to the players as people. You don't want veteran leadership to show all the kids how one goes about demanding a trade.

I can't see us leaving DMC on the bench for ages, though. In the short term, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see us run a "twin towers" lineup against appropriate opponents. I also wouldn't be too shocked if Dally's not on the team next year. But we'll see. The FO has a lot to think about.

 

[Showtime]

http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/08/31/tyreke-evans-and-paul-westphal-on-sacramentos-future/Westphal mentions Antione Wright as a potential starter at the 3, something I feared in the thread dedicated to his signing.

Haven't we seen this dog and pony show before?

If the kings want to progress, then they need to understand that you develop the young guys and that the older useless vets come off the bench, not the other way around.

 

[CruzDude]

Amick is still the best reporter for the Kings, eventhough he obviously doesn't work for the Bee anymore. Jason Jones has been on vacation for just about the entire summer, except for covering the summer league. For the most part, he's MIA as the Kings beat writer. Disappointing to say the least. Amick has written more articles for Fanhouse on the Kings in the month of Aug than Jason Jones has for the Bee. Nuff said.

Jason works for the Bee and has His marching orders from a downsized Bee sports Dept, which appear to limit his Kings Beat time and effort. We never heard from Marty MacNeal during the summers after summer league either so is likely more a Bee thing than anything personal from Jason.

Can't see Antoine starting with Omri having elevated his game. But Beno, Tyreke, JT and Dalembert will be the starters. It will be awhile before Cousins can "earn" his starting slot: conditioning being the biggest part along with banging with the big boys and multi-year pros.

 

[matthew76]

are you voisin in disguise?

 

[bajaden]

are you voisin in disguise?

Whereas I know Cruzdude personally, I can attest that he's a much better writer, and is much better looking as well. He's also taller. Let me count the ways.....

 

[bajaden]

Haven't we seen this dog and pony show before?

If the kings want to progress, then they need to understand that you develop the young guys and that the older useless vets come off the bench, not the other way around.

Who are the useless vets to which you refer? I certainly wouldn't call Dalembert useless. In any event, I don't think anyone has to worry about Cousins getting his minutes. The Kings have too much invested in Cousins, both financially, and as the poster child along with Tyreke. I also have no doubt that he'll earn his minutes. He's too talented to be sitting on the bench. He may not start for a while, but you'll see him on the floor. And if he gets on the floor, he'll claim his spot there.