http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/13707500p-14550043c.html
By Joe Davidson
There were some rough edges all the way around, but the early returns on the Kings' centers is this: They're healthy.
Finally.
Brad Miller started Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks in the preseason opener, with Brian Skinner coming off the bench in relief, and it has been a good long while since any of that has happened.
Miller, the former All-Star, was pretty much a one-legged post in the playoffs after breaking his leg earlier in the season. Skinner, who made an immediate impact as a shot blocker upon his arrival last winter, was rendered useless because of sprained thumbs in the Kings' first-round playoff loss to the Seattle SuperSonics.
Both reported fit Wednesday, if not completely on their game. Miller and Skinner were effective on offense, with Miller leading the club with 12 points and Skinner contributing six.
But they combined for only two defensive rebounds and not a single blocked shot. And defense, if you haven't heard, is a primary theme this fall.
"I feel a lot better (than the playoffs) and last night I played with no conscience," Miller said. "But I was only so-so. I have to play better. It's still preseason. I've still got to work into it."
Miller said Skinner has been solid in camp, cracking, "He's been grabbin' and holdin' and doin' all that stuff he does in camp." Skinner said about his game, "I felt good health-wise. ... I'm not worried."
Rookie rewards - As debuts go, Francisco García is already eager for another game.
The Kings' first-round pick scored nine points, had a steal, blocked a shot and made an assist in 22 minutes, and he got to play down the stretch.
And what did the Louisville product think of his debut? "I didn't play real good," he said. "I missed open shots. On defense, I slacked off a little. I want to look at the film. I need to learn more."
Short and sweet - Kenny Thomas started at power forward - a role he wants to hold onto after doing so last season - but he doesn't really want to talk about it every day.
He had 10 points and a team-high five rebounds against Dallas. Whether or not he starts Friday at the Clippers is anyone's guess.
Summed up Thomas, "I feel good. I'm cool. I'm straight."
By Joe Davidson
There were some rough edges all the way around, but the early returns on the Kings' centers is this: They're healthy.
Finally.
Brad Miller started Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks in the preseason opener, with Brian Skinner coming off the bench in relief, and it has been a good long while since any of that has happened.
Miller, the former All-Star, was pretty much a one-legged post in the playoffs after breaking his leg earlier in the season. Skinner, who made an immediate impact as a shot blocker upon his arrival last winter, was rendered useless because of sprained thumbs in the Kings' first-round playoff loss to the Seattle SuperSonics.
Both reported fit Wednesday, if not completely on their game. Miller and Skinner were effective on offense, with Miller leading the club with 12 points and Skinner contributing six.
But they combined for only two defensive rebounds and not a single blocked shot. And defense, if you haven't heard, is a primary theme this fall.
"I feel a lot better (than the playoffs) and last night I played with no conscience," Miller said. "But I was only so-so. I have to play better. It's still preseason. I've still got to work into it."
Miller said Skinner has been solid in camp, cracking, "He's been grabbin' and holdin' and doin' all that stuff he does in camp." Skinner said about his game, "I felt good health-wise. ... I'm not worried."
Rookie rewards - As debuts go, Francisco García is already eager for another game.
The Kings' first-round pick scored nine points, had a steal, blocked a shot and made an assist in 22 minutes, and he got to play down the stretch.
And what did the Louisville product think of his debut? "I didn't play real good," he said. "I missed open shots. On defense, I slacked off a little. I want to look at the film. I need to learn more."
Short and sweet - Kenny Thomas started at power forward - a role he wants to hold onto after doing so last season - but he doesn't really want to talk about it every day.
He had 10 points and a team-high five rebounds against Dallas. Whether or not he starts Friday at the Clippers is anyone's guess.
Summed up Thomas, "I feel good. I'm cool. I'm straight."