http://www.nba.com/kings/news/practice_quotes_100207.html
Kings Training Camp
Practice Quotes
10/02/07
Head Coach Reggie Theus
How was the first practice?
"Today we did a lot of introductions and discussed how we're going to do things, because it's important as our first time together as a team. Today, was probably more talking then normal, but I think that's what first days are all about. You have to set the tone and I thought they worked hard. We accomplished a lot in terms of setting the tone."
It looked like you were running a lot of zone defense.
"Well, the zone you saw was just a shell defense. It teaches man-to-man as well as zone principles. I thought one of the problems from a defensive standpoint (last year,) was their help defense was nonexistent. So this year, the theme being trust – you’ve got to trust that you're doing your job on the ball and that your teammates are doing their job behind the ball."
How good did it feel to get out there and coach your first practice?
"It felt very normal. Other than logistics everything was the same. The defense (that I'm implementing) is the same that I've learned over the years and basically what I taught at New Mexico State. The principles are all the same, nothing really changes. It's just the effort-based things and the understanding that everything boils down to commitment. Commitment to the defense, commitment to the rebounding -- we have to commit to rebounding and defense, or we're not going to win games."
What's up with Spencer Hawes and Shareef Abdur-Rahim?
"(Spencer) banged his knee the other day and we're just taking it slow with him. Shareef had the (knee) surgery over the summer and when you get to a certain age it just takes a little longer to be 100 percent."
When do you think Spencer will be back?
"We're just taking it day by day -- we're looking at three to four days, maybe a week to really make sure he's OK."
You mentioned TRUST the other day and you were having T-Shirts made. Did you have them made and what is the acronym on the shirts?
"The guys should have them today. It's TEAM, RESPECT, URGENCY, SACRAFICE and TOUGHNESS. We need a little of all of those. The bottom line is you have to TRUST each other."
The last two coaches for the Kings had a lot of these same guys and said they want to rebound better and play better defense but you have to have the players that can do it.
"You can't tell me this team is the worst rebounding team in the league, statistically yes, but those things are all effort based. It kind of went along with everything that was going on, on that end of the floor. If you don't have a commitment to defense then you can't have a commitment to rebounding. Rebounding is not necessarily a talent, it’s effort based. And remember, there are a large percentage of rebounds taken underneath the basket. Guys who lead the league in rebounding, usually aren't the best leapers in the league -- it's all effort based."
So you're not buying that they can't?
"I'm not accepting it and I will not accept it. We'll find somebody who can rebound and we'll find somebody who can play defense."
It's only the first day but a lot of people are curious about the four position, any thoughts on how that may unfold?
"No. I know Kenny Thomas traditionally has been our best post defender. I know that Mikki Moore is a very good defender and he's athletic, has a lot of smarts and plays hard. Kenny has some of the same tools. It's open, I won't make that decision, it will be made by them."
How was the team dinner last night?
"It was great! I got after it!”
What did you want to convey to the players?
The bottom line is, I don't know what is going to happen, but I have to be me. I have to be who I am as a coach and who I am as a person. I played this game with a lot of heart and a lot of fire. Good, bad or indifferent, I gave it up. I don't know how to coach any other way and I won't accept anything less from my guys."
Mikki Moore
How was your first day of Training Camp?
"It was tiring, but I saw a lot of promise from the coaching staff and the players. Brad (Miller) looks great out there. He's lost a lot of weight and he's getting up and down the court really well. The veteran players looked like they have been preparing for the season all summer. And these young guys are eager to prove what they can bring to the team."
In a few words, what are the virtues that Coach Theus is instilling in the team?
"I can tell you in two - Team Defense. We're planning on scoring off our defense. Last year they scored 102 points per game, that lets you know we don't have a problem scoring, we just have a problem with the defense. Everyone is looking to put their stamp on the defensive end."
Is there anything specifically different from this camp as compared to others you've attended?
"The only thing that is different is I have a dominant role on this squad, instead of just trying out for the job. Everyone already has welcomed me like I have been a part of the family, so that's the difference and a major motivator."
How does it feel to have that Kings logo across your chest?
"It feels great! It feels like I am part of royalty!"
Mike Bibby
Was this day any different from other first days of Training Camp?
"It was a good. Guys were working hard and running. There wasn't any contact, everything was drills, so you couldn't really tell what guys can do, but after tonight I should be able to tell you."
Knowing that you have to come back in a few hours for night practice, do you hold anything back in morning practice?
"No, if you aren't in shape this is where you get in shape. If you are in shape, this helps you to keep going."
Will you continue to lead by example, or are you aiming to be more of a vocal leader this season?
"I'm going to do both. Like I've said, if (the media) doesn't see me (as a vocal leader), it doesn't mean I'm not. I pull guys aside and talk to them on the court or after practice, so I (am a vocal leader), even though you guys don't see it."
Kings Training Camp
Practice Quotes
10/02/07
Head Coach Reggie Theus
How was the first practice?
"Today we did a lot of introductions and discussed how we're going to do things, because it's important as our first time together as a team. Today, was probably more talking then normal, but I think that's what first days are all about. You have to set the tone and I thought they worked hard. We accomplished a lot in terms of setting the tone."
It looked like you were running a lot of zone defense.
"Well, the zone you saw was just a shell defense. It teaches man-to-man as well as zone principles. I thought one of the problems from a defensive standpoint (last year,) was their help defense was nonexistent. So this year, the theme being trust – you’ve got to trust that you're doing your job on the ball and that your teammates are doing their job behind the ball."
How good did it feel to get out there and coach your first practice?
"It felt very normal. Other than logistics everything was the same. The defense (that I'm implementing) is the same that I've learned over the years and basically what I taught at New Mexico State. The principles are all the same, nothing really changes. It's just the effort-based things and the understanding that everything boils down to commitment. Commitment to the defense, commitment to the rebounding -- we have to commit to rebounding and defense, or we're not going to win games."
What's up with Spencer Hawes and Shareef Abdur-Rahim?
"(Spencer) banged his knee the other day and we're just taking it slow with him. Shareef had the (knee) surgery over the summer and when you get to a certain age it just takes a little longer to be 100 percent."
When do you think Spencer will be back?
"We're just taking it day by day -- we're looking at three to four days, maybe a week to really make sure he's OK."
You mentioned TRUST the other day and you were having T-Shirts made. Did you have them made and what is the acronym on the shirts?
"The guys should have them today. It's TEAM, RESPECT, URGENCY, SACRAFICE and TOUGHNESS. We need a little of all of those. The bottom line is you have to TRUST each other."
The last two coaches for the Kings had a lot of these same guys and said they want to rebound better and play better defense but you have to have the players that can do it.
"You can't tell me this team is the worst rebounding team in the league, statistically yes, but those things are all effort based. It kind of went along with everything that was going on, on that end of the floor. If you don't have a commitment to defense then you can't have a commitment to rebounding. Rebounding is not necessarily a talent, it’s effort based. And remember, there are a large percentage of rebounds taken underneath the basket. Guys who lead the league in rebounding, usually aren't the best leapers in the league -- it's all effort based."
So you're not buying that they can't?
"I'm not accepting it and I will not accept it. We'll find somebody who can rebound and we'll find somebody who can play defense."
It's only the first day but a lot of people are curious about the four position, any thoughts on how that may unfold?
"No. I know Kenny Thomas traditionally has been our best post defender. I know that Mikki Moore is a very good defender and he's athletic, has a lot of smarts and plays hard. Kenny has some of the same tools. It's open, I won't make that decision, it will be made by them."
How was the team dinner last night?
"It was great! I got after it!”
What did you want to convey to the players?
The bottom line is, I don't know what is going to happen, but I have to be me. I have to be who I am as a coach and who I am as a person. I played this game with a lot of heart and a lot of fire. Good, bad or indifferent, I gave it up. I don't know how to coach any other way and I won't accept anything less from my guys."
Mikki Moore
How was your first day of Training Camp?
"It was tiring, but I saw a lot of promise from the coaching staff and the players. Brad (Miller) looks great out there. He's lost a lot of weight and he's getting up and down the court really well. The veteran players looked like they have been preparing for the season all summer. And these young guys are eager to prove what they can bring to the team."
In a few words, what are the virtues that Coach Theus is instilling in the team?
"I can tell you in two - Team Defense. We're planning on scoring off our defense. Last year they scored 102 points per game, that lets you know we don't have a problem scoring, we just have a problem with the defense. Everyone is looking to put their stamp on the defensive end."
Is there anything specifically different from this camp as compared to others you've attended?
"The only thing that is different is I have a dominant role on this squad, instead of just trying out for the job. Everyone already has welcomed me like I have been a part of the family, so that's the difference and a major motivator."
How does it feel to have that Kings logo across your chest?
"It feels great! It feels like I am part of royalty!"
Mike Bibby
Was this day any different from other first days of Training Camp?
"It was a good. Guys were working hard and running. There wasn't any contact, everything was drills, so you couldn't really tell what guys can do, but after tonight I should be able to tell you."
Knowing that you have to come back in a few hours for night practice, do you hold anything back in morning practice?
"No, if you aren't in shape this is where you get in shape. If you are in shape, this helps you to keep going."
Will you continue to lead by example, or are you aiming to be more of a vocal leader this season?
"I'm going to do both. Like I've said, if (the media) doesn't see me (as a vocal leader), it doesn't mean I'm not. I pull guys aside and talk to them on the court or after practice, so I (am a vocal leader), even though you guys don't see it."
