http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/14235766p-15056960c.html
Marty Mac's World: Artest has shot to lead but needs to shoot less
By Martin McNeal -- Bee Sports Columnist
Published 2:15 am PST Tuesday, March 28, 2006
The trade of Peja Stojakovic for Ron Artest has proved just the boost of energy, fire and defense the Kings needed to get into playoff contention.
But to make the most of what they have now, Artest must control his desire to be everything and focus on what he does best - defend, handle the ball, make plays for his teammates and supply constant intensity.
Shooting is not among his strengths. Artest is averaging 16 shots per game over his past 11 and is shooting 35.8 percent. Among those field-goal attempts, 30.7 percent came from three-point range, from which Artest has shot 30.1 percent.
Artest is a scorer who can put intense pressure on defenses by attacking the basket, where his strength and ability to use both hands makes him a load for just one defender.
In the low post, where he frequently draws double teams, Artest can use his passing ability to get uncontested shots for teammates.
That also puts him close to the basket, where he can use his strength on the boards.
As with all shots, it's not so much how many as it is when they come within the flow of the offense.
This is when the Kings' coaching staff has to speak with Artest frankly and let him know the deal - and where the possibility of conflict arises.
Kings coach Rick Adelman has given Artest carte blanche on offense and, while it has kept him happy, ultimately it is not best for team development. This where the coach has to earn his money.
Adelman has to reach Artest and make him understand that different shots as well as fewer attempts might be best.
Artest wants to lead, just as he wanted to in Indiana. He wants to take advantage of his varied offensive talents. There is no problem with that mentality, and his wish to take big shots still can be fulfilled. One of Artest's strengths is his basketball intelligence. He reads situations as quickly and instinctively as any other King. He may or may not comprehend that he might have to take a step back in order to best lead.
Currently, though, this team is offensively challenged. Center Brad Miller is the team's fourth-highest field-goal-percentage shooter but is struggling to get shots. In the past seven games, Miller is averaging just 10.6 shots. That's not enough, and when Miller is not getting shots, it's usually a result of poor movement of ball and players.
Unquestionably, lack of familiarity is contributing to the Kings' offensive inconsistency. Teams must learn to play with each other, and this one has been put together on the fly.
Yet they must utilize their strengths and stay away from their weaknesses. Let me run the show, and I'm rocking the boat. Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Bonzi Wells would be in the starting lineup, and the goal would be to punish teams inside.
Kenny Thomas, Kevin Martin, Francisco García and Jason Hart come off the bench with energy and athleticism.
Johnson will be missed
It's difficult to imagine a more tragic scenario than the slaying Saturday night in Elk Grove of universally loved cameraman/photographer/father/husband John Johnson.
Johnson, who worked for the Kings for 16 years, was one of those rare humans around whom nothing but positive vibes flowed. He will be missed.
About the writer: The Bee's Martin McNeal can be reached at mmcneal@sacbee.com.
Marty Mac's World: Artest has shot to lead but needs to shoot less
By Martin McNeal -- Bee Sports Columnist
Published 2:15 am PST Tuesday, March 28, 2006
The trade of Peja Stojakovic for Ron Artest has proved just the boost of energy, fire and defense the Kings needed to get into playoff contention.
But to make the most of what they have now, Artest must control his desire to be everything and focus on what he does best - defend, handle the ball, make plays for his teammates and supply constant intensity.
Shooting is not among his strengths. Artest is averaging 16 shots per game over his past 11 and is shooting 35.8 percent. Among those field-goal attempts, 30.7 percent came from three-point range, from which Artest has shot 30.1 percent.
Artest is a scorer who can put intense pressure on defenses by attacking the basket, where his strength and ability to use both hands makes him a load for just one defender.
In the low post, where he frequently draws double teams, Artest can use his passing ability to get uncontested shots for teammates.
That also puts him close to the basket, where he can use his strength on the boards.
As with all shots, it's not so much how many as it is when they come within the flow of the offense.
This is when the Kings' coaching staff has to speak with Artest frankly and let him know the deal - and where the possibility of conflict arises.
Kings coach Rick Adelman has given Artest carte blanche on offense and, while it has kept him happy, ultimately it is not best for team development. This where the coach has to earn his money.
Adelman has to reach Artest and make him understand that different shots as well as fewer attempts might be best.
Artest wants to lead, just as he wanted to in Indiana. He wants to take advantage of his varied offensive talents. There is no problem with that mentality, and his wish to take big shots still can be fulfilled. One of Artest's strengths is his basketball intelligence. He reads situations as quickly and instinctively as any other King. He may or may not comprehend that he might have to take a step back in order to best lead.
Currently, though, this team is offensively challenged. Center Brad Miller is the team's fourth-highest field-goal-percentage shooter but is struggling to get shots. In the past seven games, Miller is averaging just 10.6 shots. That's not enough, and when Miller is not getting shots, it's usually a result of poor movement of ball and players.
Unquestionably, lack of familiarity is contributing to the Kings' offensive inconsistency. Teams must learn to play with each other, and this one has been put together on the fly.
Yet they must utilize their strengths and stay away from their weaknesses. Let me run the show, and I'm rocking the boat. Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Bonzi Wells would be in the starting lineup, and the goal would be to punish teams inside.
Kenny Thomas, Kevin Martin, Francisco García and Jason Hart come off the bench with energy and athleticism.
Johnson will be missed
It's difficult to imagine a more tragic scenario than the slaying Saturday night in Elk Grove of universally loved cameraman/photographer/father/husband John Johnson.
Johnson, who worked for the Kings for 16 years, was one of those rare humans around whom nothing but positive vibes flowed. He will be missed.
About the writer: The Bee's Martin McNeal can be reached at mmcneal@sacbee.com.
