http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/13698611p-14541335c.html
By Sam Amick
Tonight's game
Kings vs. Mavericks at Arco Arena, 7 p.m.
What to watch from the Kings: In a word, youngsters. For coach Rick Adelman and his team's fan base, the young guns finally will be available for game-time viewing. Which guy fighting to be the No. 3 point guard will shine: Ronnie Price or Luis Flores? Which big man comes up big: Jamal Sampson or Luke Schenscher? Survivor, Kings style, begins.
What to watch from the Mavericks: First, of course, is the Doug Christie factor. Will he be emotional in his return? Will wife Jackie be on hand like old times? Beyond the reunion - and because the Mavs had no draft pick in the offseason - the Mavericks' intrigue is all about Dirk Nowitzki, who's at the top of his game entering his eighth season. Small forward Josh Howard and guard Marquis Daniels are entering their third seasons, and both could be ready for breakout campaigns.
Coach's corner
Lately, all the talk surrounding the improvement of second-year guard Kevin Martin has been looking ahead. How good can he be? What will he offer in the coming season? But after Monday's practice, Kings coach Rick Adelman looked back on Martin's rookie campaign.
"I think he was pretty wide-eyed last year," Adelman said. "I'm not sure he knew he belonged, even though he was a first-round pick. I think that's why Maurice (Evans) did better than he did.
"Maurice had been overseas, been in the league a little bit. He was more ready to play, and Kevin was still trying to find himself. I think Kevin's a totally different personality this year than he was last year.
"He's a much better player than what people have seen. But again, will he take that into a game? I have high hopes for him. Give him credit. He really busted his tail last summer."
Move of the day
Peja Stojakovic had his stroke down Monday, as he sank nearly every jumper he attempted in a five-on-five scrimmage near the end of practice. He even knocked one down off the dribble, shaking his defender near the top of the arc and hitting nothing but net.
Key dates
Today: Preseason opener vs. Dallas at Arco Arena.
Sunday: vs. Golden State, 6 p.m. - Good test against the team that beat the Kings four of five times, including preseason, in 2004-05.
Oct. 22: At Portland, 7 p.m. - New King Shareef Abdur-Rahim revisits his old squad.
Oct. 28: at Lakers (Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas), 7 p.m. - The Maloofs' least favorite team in one of their favorite cities. Oct. 31: Rosters set for regular season; official cut day.
By Sam Amick
Tonight's game
Kings vs. Mavericks at Arco Arena, 7 p.m.
What to watch from the Kings: In a word, youngsters. For coach Rick Adelman and his team's fan base, the young guns finally will be available for game-time viewing. Which guy fighting to be the No. 3 point guard will shine: Ronnie Price or Luis Flores? Which big man comes up big: Jamal Sampson or Luke Schenscher? Survivor, Kings style, begins.
What to watch from the Mavericks: First, of course, is the Doug Christie factor. Will he be emotional in his return? Will wife Jackie be on hand like old times? Beyond the reunion - and because the Mavs had no draft pick in the offseason - the Mavericks' intrigue is all about Dirk Nowitzki, who's at the top of his game entering his eighth season. Small forward Josh Howard and guard Marquis Daniels are entering their third seasons, and both could be ready for breakout campaigns.
Coach's corner
Lately, all the talk surrounding the improvement of second-year guard Kevin Martin has been looking ahead. How good can he be? What will he offer in the coming season? But after Monday's practice, Kings coach Rick Adelman looked back on Martin's rookie campaign.
"I think he was pretty wide-eyed last year," Adelman said. "I'm not sure he knew he belonged, even though he was a first-round pick. I think that's why Maurice (Evans) did better than he did.
"Maurice had been overseas, been in the league a little bit. He was more ready to play, and Kevin was still trying to find himself. I think Kevin's a totally different personality this year than he was last year.
"He's a much better player than what people have seen. But again, will he take that into a game? I have high hopes for him. Give him credit. He really busted his tail last summer."
Move of the day
Peja Stojakovic had his stroke down Monday, as he sank nearly every jumper he attempted in a five-on-five scrimmage near the end of practice. He even knocked one down off the dribble, shaking his defender near the top of the arc and hitting nothing but net.
Key dates
Today: Preseason opener vs. Dallas at Arco Arena.
Sunday: vs. Golden State, 6 p.m. - Good test against the team that beat the Kings four of five times, including preseason, in 2004-05.
Oct. 22: At Portland, 7 p.m. - New King Shareef Abdur-Rahim revisits his old squad.
Oct. 28: at Lakers (Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas), 7 p.m. - The Maloofs' least favorite team in one of their favorite cities. Oct. 31: Rosters set for regular season; official cut day.
