Darren Collison - Leadership - Keep the core together

[King Baller]

Darren Collison showing what a leader does.

Check out this link--> http://www.sactownroyalty.com/2015/5/30/8691393/darren-collison-wants-to-keep-Kings-core-together

 

[Iced Espresso]

Good vibes.

DC and the starting unit did do pretty well together. I'm sure he's heard the Lawson garbage etc, but I believe him when he says they could work together well if balanced properly next season.

I like this, he says little unnecessarily, but this was the proper timing. Someone needed to be on record from the "core".

 

[One and Done]

It's good he's saying all the right things, and he really surprised us all this season with his level of play.

However, I'd argue that you are what your record states. And with a 29-win team, no "core" should be safe.

 

[randymoss1881]

It's good he's saying all the right things, and he really surprised us all this season with his level of play.

However, I'd argue that you are what your record states. And with a 29-win team, no "core" should be safe.

Just ignore all the shannanigins and maningities that happened last year and you're right.

 

[gunks]

Yeah, the core isn't the problem.

If we kept Malone (and everyone stayed healthy) we're probably looking at 35-40 wins.

If we started the season with Karl (and everyone stayed healthy) we're probably looking at 40+ wins.


PDA and Mully are gone. Thats good for 10 wins in and of itself.

 

[206Fan]

I'm very anxious to see what Vlade does with this squad. I do believe we can move forward with a core of Cousins-Gay-Collison, but it means we have to replace other positions. I believe Winslow and WCS are on our targets. Defense and shooting is important.

 

[funkykingston]

Yeah, the core isn't the problem.

If we kept Malone (and everyone stayed healthy) we're probably looking at 35-40 wins.

If we started the season with Karl (and everyone stayed healthy) we're probably looking at 40+ wins.


PDA and Mully are gone. Thats good for 10 wins in and of itself.

When Malone was fired the Kings were still on pace for 38 wins. And that's including the final 2-8 stretch when Boogie was out with viral meningitis. With Karl at the helm, a useful draft pick (likely Winslow, Mudiay or Cauley-Stein), growth of young players, budding chemistry (assuming the core is maintained) and some minor improvements to the bench this Kings team should be in the mix for the 7th or 8th playoff spot.

The West is still tough but honestly I expect the Kings to make the playoffs next year. And for Boogie to be first team All-NBA where he belongs.

 

[jcwkings]

Last year was our chance to squeeze in the playoffs if none of the bs would have happened. We could have been the New Orleans. Next season OKC will be back, NO will be primed to take a bigger leap. Utah will be better, Minnesota will be a pesky young team, Lakers will be better. Only question marks are Phoenix, Denver and what will happen with Portland. Everyone else should be just as good or still good enough to be in the playoff mix. It's going to be tough to make the playoffs.

 

[KingMilz]

Lets see it on the court no need to talk about it's like when DMC came out and said he was getting less than 5 tech fouls.......no point saying crap just go out and do your job and don't quit on yourself and the team a quarter of the way into the year cause something goes bad. If great leaders were to emerge it would be from something as bad as what occurred to Malone but we folded badly.

Show me some "leadership"during the season.

 

[Livinthedream]

I'm very anxious to see what Vlade does with this squad. I do believe we can move forward with a core of Cousins-Gay-Collison, but it means we have to replace other positions. I believe Winslow and WCS are on our targets. Defense and shooting is important.

In Collison' quote, he included Ben as part of the core.

The other positions that we need to improve is the bench. There is absolutely no scoring OR defense coming off the bench. Gotta have something there to take pressure off starters to have a perfect game every game.

 

[Bricklayer]

I really wish he had had a chance to play for Karl. Without that, he's vulnerable, and I think he's definitely a plus.

 

[funkykingston]

I really wish he had had a chance to play for Karl. Without that, he's vulnerable, and I think he's definitely a plus.

Agreed.

I'd hate to see Collison jettisoned for a Karl-approved PG (especially if it's Lawson) without first giving him a chance in the new system considering what a good fit Collison was to start the season.

Now if the Kings draft Mudiay and he eventually pushes DC to being a first tier backup point that's one thing, but let's not discount how well Darren meshed with Boogie and Rudy.

 

[Sac.Kings]

I really wish he had had a chance to play for Karl. Without that, he's vulnerable, and I think he's definitely a plus.

I get the sense that Collison knows something we all don't. I feel like when stuff like this comes up, the end is near... (end being part of this particular team). The only question remains is who? I find it odd he included Ben in that statement, as he is by far the weakest link. Collision himself may be in danger, and is perhaps sensing that.

 

[kingsboi]

Love the point where Vlade wants to keep the core together....it's about time there is some continuity and not a hundred different faces every season rocking the Purple and White. You have to build camaraderie and Vlade says all the right things to the media...let's actually see if he stays true to his word and surrounds the core with viable pieces who won't hurt you so much when you sit one of Cousins, Gay or Collison.

 

[HndsmCelt]

Amen! Even though I would like to see Ben replaced in the starting lineup, I love to see guys that have each others backs ESPECIALLY when the chips are down.

 

[Livinthedream]

Just accept he's part of the core. Bunch of Ben haters....

 

[IfAt1st]

I just really cringe when there's talk about bring former George Karl players in (Ty Lawson, Faried, etc)

It just reeks of cronyism, exactly like what was exposed/discussed in the recent CK podcast and how Vivek himself complained about it.
It seems a serious problem in the NBA is cronyism dictating hires instead of ability or fit.

I fear Karl is highly subject to cronyism, especially how he is close to PDA who is defined by it.

I'd much rather a coach decide who is best for this team based on what players they are NOW, not what they were like 2 years ago in a different circumstance (the highest-elevationed building in the league).

 

[King Baller]

There are plenty of game tapes from early in the season for the basketball experts to watch. If they have eyes they will see what we all saw. Malone had the starting crew playing at a high level which led to wins. The problems began when the bench came in. More problems when Rudy, Collison and especially Cousins were out with injuries.

The Kings need a lot. WCS and a potent Sixth Man would start to fill those needs. Good coaching and player improvement could solve many more.

 

[SCKingsfan]

I just really cringe when there's talk about bring former George Karl players in (Ty Lawson, Faried, etc)

It just reeks of cronyism, exactly like what was exposed/discussed in the recent CK podcast and how Vivek himself complained about it.
It seems a serious problem in the NBA is cronyism dictating hires instead of ability or fit.

I fear Karl is highly subject to cronyism, especially how he is close to PDA who is defined by it.

I'd much rather a coach decide who is best for this team based on what players they are NOW, not what they were like 2 years ago in a different circumstance (the highest-elevationed building in the league).

Okay, but his only "crony" move to this point was bringing in Andre Miller cheap, which was an overall positive IMO. Fair to worry, but let's not project here.

 

[randymoss1881]

I just really cringe when there's talk about bring former George Karl players in (Ty Lawson, Faried, etc)

It just reeks of cronyism, exactly like what was exposed/discussed in the recent CK podcast and how Vivek himself complained about it.
It seems a serious problem in the NBA is cronyism dictating hires instead of ability or fit.

I fear Karl is highly subject to cronyism, especially how he is close to PDA who is defined by it.

I'd much rather a coach decide who is best for this team based on what players they are NOW, not what they were like 2 years ago in a different circumstance (the highest-elevationed building in the league).

With harden comming out and saying they need anotherplaymaker in the backcourt+Houston's interest in lawson in February hopefully they outbid us for Lawson. With Smith and Dontas there they can make jones available. If they offer Jones/ Pelicans 1st/ Papanikolaou I don't see us beating that without offering a luadcris deal.

Now on Faried I wouldn't be as mad as a lawson deal. I'd seriously consider Faried for JT/Landry/Ben this gives us 16mill in cap space to go after Green/Matthews/ Lou Williams.

 

[Sac.Kings]

With harden comming out and saying they need anotherplaymaker in the backcourt+Houston's interest in lawson in February hopefully they outbid us for Lawson. With Smith and Dontas there they can make jones available. If they offer Jones/ Pelicans 1st/ Papanikolaou I don't see us beating that without offering a luadcris deal.

Now on Faried I wouldn't be as mad as a lawson deal. I'd seriously consider Faried for JT/Landry/Ben this gives us 16mill in cap space to go after Green/Matthews/ Lou Williams.

You know... previously I did not entertain the thought of Faried one bit due to what I thought would be a poor fit with this team. Although in your particular scenario, I would not be including JT. However, watching the playoffs, every team needs a Faried (energy, get the crowd going, hustle etc). For example:
-Bulls: Noah
-Cavs: Daleadova (slaughtered that)
-Warriors: Green (would prefer Green over all others, but chances are slim to none)
-Mavs: Chandler
-Clippers: DJ, Crawford (elite 6th man)
-Boston: I. Thomas (yes I know, but will become a 6th man)

The list goes on. However, I do not know if Faried would be ideal in the starting line up. If we draft WCS and trade for Faried, Faried should come off the bench with JT (that would be an awesome 1-2 punch). That way Faried, can be a focal point in the offense, whereas if he were a starter, he would be an afterthought.

 

[jdbraver]

You know... previously I did not entertain the thought of Faried one bit due to what I thought would be a poor fit with this team. Although in your particular scenario, I would not be including JT. However, watching the playoffs, every team needs a Faried (energy, get the crowd going, hustle etc). For example:
-Bulls: Noah
-Cavs: Daleadova (slaughtered that)
-Warriors: Green (would prefer Green over all others, but chances are slim to none)
-Mavs: Chandler
-Clippers: DJ, Crawford (elite 6th man)
-Boston: I. Thomas (yes I know, but will become a 6th man)

The list goes on. However, I do not know if Faried would be ideal in the starting line up. If we draft WCS and trade for Faried, Faried should come off the bench with JT (that would be an awesome 1-2 punch). That way Faried, can be a focal point in the offense, whereas if he were a starter, he would be an afterthought.

I cannot see Faried accepting a 6th man role.

 

[KingMilz]

The list goes on. However, I do not know if Faried would be ideal in the starting line up. If we draft WCS and trade for Faried, Faried should come off the bench with JT (that would be an awesome 1-2 punch). That way Faried, can be a focal point in the offense, whereas if he were a starter, he would be an afterthought.

Faried being the focal point on offense......yeah no thanks he's only effective like all other hustle players as a afterthought running the offense through Faried would be awful that makes no sense to me, Faried would only be effective starting and getting scraps around the rim cause of all the attention Cousins/Gay draw. Faried is not a guy like Taj Gibson who you can throw the ball to as a 6th man and let him post/hit the mid range, If Faried is in the 2nd unit than most his points will be coming off bricks or Andre Miller lobs.

If we do get WCS than we don't need Faried for anything he's small and can't defend.

 

[Sac.Kings]

I cannot see Faried accepting a 6th man role.

Then I wouldn't trade for him. He just isn't good enough to start. If he could play defense, sure, but for the most part he is defenseless. It used to be when you were told to come off the bench, you did what you were told. Now, even players who have no business starting can "voice" their displeasure. Bunch of rotten spoiled players.

 

[Sac.Kings]

Faried being the focal point on offense......yeah no thanks he's only effective like all other hustle players as a afterthought running the offense through Faried would be awful that makes no sense to me, Faried would only be effective starting and getting scraps around the rim cause of all the attention Cousins/Gay draw. Faried is not a guy like Taj Gibson who you can throw the ball to as a 6th man and let him post/hit the mid range, If Faried is in the 2nd unit than most his points will be coming off bricks or Andre Miller lobs.

If we do get WCS than we don't need Faried for anything he's small and can't defend.

I said a focal point, not THE focal point. There is a difference. 2nd/3rd option. Clearly he is not a 1st option type player. Why would it be so bad to have Faried off the bench? You could do worse (Landry, Chuck Hayes, pretty much most of our backup PFs in the last 3-5 years). If you get a backup PG whose game is driving and kicking out/dropping off passes, then Faried could certainly provide some scoring for you, and if not, you can count on him being scrappy and filled with energy.

 

[King Baller]

I will admit not watching the Nuggets much at all. My concern with Faried would be on the defensive end against players like Blake Griffin, Zach Randolph and LaMarcus Aldridge. Perhaps those of you that have seen him defend the premier NBA PF's can shed some light on this.

I will stand by thinking the Kings PF needs to be a defensive stud who can guard power forwards or centers. Faried looked pretty good on Team USA but that is not the NBA.

 

[King Baller]

If the Kings can draft Stein and sign Koufos I would like the Bigs lineup.

Then I would like to see them just go all in in an attempt to get Jimmy Butler. Offer a Max Contract, sign and trade for one of the young SG's, whatever it takes.

That creates a pretty darn good team out to 8 or 9 players.

 

[206Fan]

In Collison' quote, he included Ben as part of the core.

The other positions that we need to improve is the bench. There is absolutely no scoring OR defense coming off the bench. Gotta have something there to take pressure off starters to have a perfect game every game.

Yea I saw him include Ben earlier then he later goes onto say "I think we need some defensive players with that mindset. I'm all about the defensive players ... We definitely need shooting with the creativity that me, Rudy and DeMarcus have - I think more shooting will help us."

Either he forgot Ben, or maybe he's thinking that Ben isn't on the tier of the 3 with shooting and creativity. I think Ben can be a core, but he doesn't have to start. I think we should look for vet options at SG. Our SG duo was terrible last year and there's no way in hiding that. This year, we're just hoping that they improve to the point where they aren't liabilities on the floor. I hope for more than that though. I hope both Ben and Nik can make a huge leap to the point where half of KF is arguing on whether who should start because both are so good.

I really like Andre Miller, but I think his time is pretty much up.

 

[206Fan]

If the Kings can draft Stein and sign Koufos I would like the Bigs lineup.

Then I would like to see them just go all in in an attempt to get Jimmy Butler. Offer a Max Contract, sign and trade for one of the young SG's, whatever it takes.

That creates a pretty darn good team out to 8 or 9 players.

Kofus/WCS/Jerebko
Cousins/JT

Would probably be one of the best front court rotations in the NBA without a doubt.

 

[LPKingsFan]

Kofus/WCS/Jerebko
Cousins/JT

Would probably be one of the best front court rotations in the NBA without a doubt.

Was thinking the same thing with those exact players. But honestly, that's probably too many guys to keep everyone happy minutes wise. It's cliche now to say JT needs to go, but I'd look to see if Memphis would want him in a sign and trade for Koufos in this scenario.