http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/422012.html
Theus takes his team to the big stage
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 6:09 am PDT Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C5
It was as much for him as it was for them.
On the eve of his official return to the NBA, Reggie Theus moved practice from the team's practice facility to Arco Arena. Sacramento is the place he called home for three of his 13 seasons as a player -- when the Kings played at Arco Arena 1 -- and the place where he's looking to remake a Kings team he can now call his own.
"I've got to be honest," the first-year Kings coach said with a pause. "I had a pretty big smile on my face when I got on the court this morning. It's the first time I've been here in awhile.
"It's kind of cool."
Except for the timing, of course. After four seasons of college coaching and the month-long training camp that comes with it, Theus enters today with just a week of practices behind him and the Seattle SuperSonics at the front. His expectations, for now, are tempered by the reality that his players have had little time to jell and learn his ways.
"I just want to see a renewed sense of team," Theus said. "It could be a complete goat-show when it's all said and done, but I know these guys are going to work hard."
Theus said he wasn't sure of his starting lineup, while adding that the one he chooses "means absolutely nothing at all" as a long-term indication of his plans. He is sure, however, that Sonics rookie and No. 2 pick Kevin Durant is worthy of the hype with which he enters.
Theus would know. His two seasons at New Mexico State ended with a loss to Texas in the first round of last season's NCAA Tournament, a 79-67 Longhorns win in Spokane, Wash., in which Durant scored 27 points.
"He can play," Theus said. "And he's thin, but he's so long that he just reaches over the top of you. He's definitely a kid that has a great future ahead of him and could be a star in this league, for sure."
Hawes leaves -- Kings rookie center Spencer Hawes left for Seattle on Monday night, just as his hometown team was coming into town.
The Seattle native and close friend of Durant's was far more concerned with his future than missing the debut, as he is receiving a second opinion today from Seattle Seahawks team physician Dr. Lawrence Holland regarding his ailing left knee. Hawes missed all of training camp after twisting his knee during conditioning on Sept. 27 and has had two MRIs that revealed, according to Hawes, a "small piece of cartilage" that is causing pain in the knee.
García sidelined -- Kings swingman Francisco García might not play today after turning his right ankle in practice Sunday.
García missed the latter part of Sunday's practice and sat courtside with ice on his ankle, then missed Monday's practice.
Kings small forward Ron Artest also left practice Monday early to receive an MRI on his right knee that he requested but is expected to play. Theus said it was "definitely nothing serious," and that Artest had not complained of pain.
Community Cup announced -- KVIE is the beneficiary of the annual George J. Maloof Sr. Community Cup, an annual donation made to a local charitable cause.
The public television station will receive $100,000, with proceeds coming from a Kings preseason home game.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
Theus takes his team to the big stage
By Sam Amick - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 6:09 am PDT Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C5
It was as much for him as it was for them.
On the eve of his official return to the NBA, Reggie Theus moved practice from the team's practice facility to Arco Arena. Sacramento is the place he called home for three of his 13 seasons as a player -- when the Kings played at Arco Arena 1 -- and the place where he's looking to remake a Kings team he can now call his own.
"I've got to be honest," the first-year Kings coach said with a pause. "I had a pretty big smile on my face when I got on the court this morning. It's the first time I've been here in awhile.
"It's kind of cool."
Except for the timing, of course. After four seasons of college coaching and the month-long training camp that comes with it, Theus enters today with just a week of practices behind him and the Seattle SuperSonics at the front. His expectations, for now, are tempered by the reality that his players have had little time to jell and learn his ways.
"I just want to see a renewed sense of team," Theus said. "It could be a complete goat-show when it's all said and done, but I know these guys are going to work hard."
Theus said he wasn't sure of his starting lineup, while adding that the one he chooses "means absolutely nothing at all" as a long-term indication of his plans. He is sure, however, that Sonics rookie and No. 2 pick Kevin Durant is worthy of the hype with which he enters.
Theus would know. His two seasons at New Mexico State ended with a loss to Texas in the first round of last season's NCAA Tournament, a 79-67 Longhorns win in Spokane, Wash., in which Durant scored 27 points.
"He can play," Theus said. "And he's thin, but he's so long that he just reaches over the top of you. He's definitely a kid that has a great future ahead of him and could be a star in this league, for sure."
Hawes leaves -- Kings rookie center Spencer Hawes left for Seattle on Monday night, just as his hometown team was coming into town.
The Seattle native and close friend of Durant's was far more concerned with his future than missing the debut, as he is receiving a second opinion today from Seattle Seahawks team physician Dr. Lawrence Holland regarding his ailing left knee. Hawes missed all of training camp after twisting his knee during conditioning on Sept. 27 and has had two MRIs that revealed, according to Hawes, a "small piece of cartilage" that is causing pain in the knee.
García sidelined -- Kings swingman Francisco García might not play today after turning his right ankle in practice Sunday.
García missed the latter part of Sunday's practice and sat courtside with ice on his ankle, then missed Monday's practice.
Kings small forward Ron Artest also left practice Monday early to receive an MRI on his right knee that he requested but is expected to play. Theus said it was "definitely nothing serious," and that Artest had not complained of pain.
Community Cup announced -- KVIE is the beneficiary of the annual George J. Maloof Sr. Community Cup, an annual donation made to a local charitable cause.
The public television station will receive $100,000, with proceeds coming from a Kings preseason home game.
About the writer: The Bee's Sam Amick can be reached at samick@sacbee.com.
