Grades v. Lakers 10/17 (pre)

[Troy]

I am looking for Loren to get his shot soon. There are still plenty of games left.

The two people I am wondering about are Vitaly and Jason. They have hardly played at all this preseason and in Vitaly's case he hasn't even played a second. That either means they are guaranteed a spot or they are not in the plans.

I thought the same thing, he is either in to finish out his contract, or they don't want him and he is going to be traded for a draft pic of bundle him and Hart together for 1 guy and/or picks. I hope this is the case either way. I really want us to move Potato and Hart, with Price, Willliams, Amundson being as quick, hungry, and having infinite energy why pay a big slothy scrub??? I also think Woods is on his way out now that it looks like Taylor can play 4/5 decently and with the youngings looking great.

I'd say now that Hart, Potato, and Woods are on the way out and I think we will sign Amundson, Williams, and make Price the backup PG behind Salmons.

I liked that Amundson had a good game, as well as Williams again, also Price did good, and Salmons was clutch and sealed the game for us at the end of the game. I just wish he was quicker, he is a decent player, but you have to think he'd really be special if he hustled a bit more, maybe this will come with confidence, he should be gaining this after last night's performance. If anything he is a great defender and probably the best we have after Artest, after him I'd say Cisco is a good aggresive defender, he just needs to make better decision and not foul so much in the back court, he's had a few fouls past the 3 pt strip that have hurt us.

 

[Troy]

It couldn't be any worse than the Walton look.



I think Williams is coming out ahead in the Williams vs. Amundson match-ups. I liked what I saw tonight, despite limited minutes, from Justin. He altered or deflected several shots that won't show up on the stat line.

I really like what I'm seeing with Bibby and Martin. Bibby's eyes light up when he sees - or senses - Kevin streaking down the court. His outlet passes to the 2-guard are poetry in motion.

I love this too, Kmart is like eye candy to Mike because he is so athletic. Mike is the good QB that can connect the pass up court to KMart on a fast break and make the other team pay for not defending their hoop. It was a sloppy game, but I do like the fast break points we are getting and the better Defense and the 1/2 court presses we are putting on the other team. LA did do better with fighting through them then Dallas did, but it's still encouraging. I like what I'm seeing so far and hope we sign the younging and lose Hart, Potato, Woods for draft picks or a 3 for 1 deal.

 

[tyrant]

am i seeing this right? brad miller with 2 blocks

 

[gman23]

This game was ugly from a offense side. The Kings did hustle on defense even though they seemed lost alot. Left a lot of uncovered players trying to rotate. No one really stood out in my opinion. Let's hope they improve by Thursday's game.

 

[CruzDude]

Second preseason game was decent practice game and, as expected, a long way from regular season forms. Salmons suprised everyone but Petrie. Price (my man all along) showed really well. Kevin, is, well, Kevin and is fine. Big's are giant question marks so far but they tend to come along slower than the 1-3's anyway.

I thought Brick was quite on. Friday's home opener will be first real indicator of positions 6-11. With Pot a non-entity and Hart as well, that is down to 15. Between Douby, Amundson and Williams, I see one of them in D-league and others inactive for games but playing in practices.

 

[nbrans]

Just a few random thoughts:

- Wow Salmons looked good in the 4th Quarter. The best case scenario with him has always been that he is someone who needs the ball in his hands to be effective, and hasn't yet had that opportunity. Based on one preseason 4th Quarter it's looking like that may be the case. If anything he could really improve the bench and run the team when Bibby's not in the game.

- I really think Douby is going to be good. He's able to get great separation between him and his man off the dribble, which will bode well for his scoring. He's also longer than I realized and doesn't look like such a mismatch at the 2.

- Price looked awesome. Adios Hart.

- I think it's do or die time for Francisco Garcia, and it's not looking good. Granted, it's one game, but if he still can't shoot this year and if he still makes those ridiculous bonehead plays like he did in the second half, Salmons is going to take all of his minutes. And maybe that's for the best.

- Bibby looks GREAT. I'm really impressed. After a year where he looked like he was asleep half the time it's really a drastic change.

 

[vladetomiller]

I am impressed with Amundson, dont know if he is so active because he wants to earn his spot, but definitely a keeper if he can be consistent like that. Lots of energy and I really like that in a player when they hustle for everything.

When he put Bibby and Brad in the game with a few seconds left on the first half, did you notice the look on Bibby's face and also from Brad, they didnt seem to want to play. Hope that was only a matter of thinking, its just a preseason game and not lack of respect for the coach.

Full court press worked well, but not sure if it will work through out the season, they just dont have enough athletes in the regular season to do that consistently. Probably they would pick and choose their spots to do that, the roster is not filled with great atheletes with great speed in the front court to pull it off. Brad/Reef/Kenny/Mo are not young enough or fast enough to pull it off consistently, there were a few mismatches created because of the full court press. There were quite a few close steals as well by Bibby and Kevin thats a good positive sign on the defensive side, but they have to ensure that they dont gamble too much. Getting beat on a wild attempt on the oppositions court will lead to a 5 on 4 game in a second on the other side.

Energy - Big positive
Defense - Other than the pressure, I did not see defensive effort or rotation to help out, double teaming no names like Farmar on the three point line is not the best of decisions. Brad was well, himself but he didnt seem to be in the game at all, I didnt see him taking a shot or getting an assist.
Offense - It seemed all one on one and isolation, there were a few sets that they operated in and they seem to go away from the high post Brad spot. Will need to watch a few more games to understand the offensive sets that Muss is using, it was pre season and both teams played like that to really get a sense of any sets.

 

[CruzDude]

Agree about offensive flow, which was not really there. Partly because of new foul rule about travelling which slowed the game a bunch. Seemed the Lakers got back pretty good most of the time.

Amundson is quick and was in summer league as well. But he needs a bit more of an offensive game and a "go-to" shot when not rebounding the ball.

Agree that Salmons could take big bunch of Cisco's time as he (Cisco) is just not keeping control of himself and is too streaking on shooting.

Brad seemed to be back to his plodding ways and still has no quickness under or near basket. Would like to see Taylor really push for some of Brad's minutes.

KT began his invisibility act, didn't hurt team but didn't help much either. Agree with Grant's assessment that SAR needs to do more postup near basket.

 

[VF21]

When he put Bibby and Brad in the game with a few seconds left on the first half, did you notice the look on Bibby's face and also from Brad, they didnt seem to want to play. Hope that was only a matter of thinking, its just a preseason game and not lack of respect for the coach.

I didn't notice anything negative about their faces or body language, other than when Cisco took the shot instead of using some of the clock and getting the ball back to Mike.

I think Musselman is well aware - as are we all - of the Kings' old tendency to drop off at the end of the half. He put Mike and Brad back out there on a clearly planned play to have the Kings go into the locker room on an unbeat note. It worked.

 

[Troy]

I didn't notice anything negative about their faces or body language, other than when Cisco took the shot instead of using some of the clock and getting the ball back to Mike.

I think Musselman is well aware - as are we all - of the Kings' old tendency to drop off at the end of the half. He put Mike and Brad back out there on a clearly planned play to have the Kings go into the locker room on an unbeat note. It worked.

I was really surprised to see Mike and Brad with only like 20 seconds left in the 1/2. It was awesome that Bibby hit the 3 at the buzzer, then he just ran off the court to the corner he hit the 3...priceless, really classy too.

Wow some of you guys are so busy looking at facial expressions (comments about Mike, Brad, and John). Well I guess we do see a lot of pouting here with Brad and Kenny and their sour lemon looks they give.

 

[kennadog]

Pre-season is for working on specific things. I think Brad and Bibby were put in to try a play designed for such situations. I'm not sure Cisco got the message , but Bibby had time to fix it.

 

[Sac.Kings]

I loved that block Justin Williams had. Defense is in the air (believe it or not)...

 

[tubiscus]

.

And, in my opinion, illustrated that there is a bigger problem with having a team in Vegas than the proximity sports betting. A Vegas team with 41 home games per season = 41 games in which all players from all teams look WAY over partied.

Talk about a "Home Court" advantage!

Visitors arrive to party. Home team is used to the distractions.

 

[Entity]

Mike and Kevin not only are doing great with the fastbreaks but, just the recognition of the fastbreak opportunities is well worth mention. The pressure defense is still causing problems as we are creating turnovers and making them use alot of clock. We got beat with it a few times when they attacked but overall the positives largely outweight the negatives. The pressure changes the way about 15 plays go every game. Without the pressure those 15 plays go the way the opposing team want them to go. Keep it up. Hart and Pot just leave and make it easier on GP.

 

[sactown100]

I am impressed with Amundson, dont know if he is so active because he wants to earn his spot, but definitely a keeper if he can be consistent like that. Lots of energy and I really like that in a player when they hustle for everything.

WOW ... get over the past where we would take any person with a pulse over the bad half awake no try def. we went through... look WE got a stopper in Artest now... and the team as a whole is working harder than ever, as far as the hustle and energy...

so what would we do with a guy that just has energy??? he can only stay with SF's, PF's, and Centers... but cant defend them... he looks big but really isnt compared to the main PF's on playoff teams... and no way could he defend a center... unless it Maurice Taylor (wow theres another problem)

Amundson had lots of blocks and reb's in college but will never be able to push people around again like he did in college... NBA size is much bigger and taller... Bynum backed him down 3ft. on one dribble and scored...that is as soft as can be... Bynum might be 7ft. tall but he isnt that big... plus hes quick but not fast Odom blew by him and went baseline for a basket...

the kings need reb.s and shot blocking two things this guy will never be able to provide on an NBA level... and he also has no offense... even musselman said he wont have the ball in his hands... so really energy ... sweet energy! ! ! Again the kings should be looking at every 6"10 - 7+foot shot blocker thats not signed...even trading for guys that have been kinda busts like what dallas did for DeSagana Diop... how did that pan out... not an ulgy clone of Mark Madsen...

one thing i really like about dallas is that they have stacked up on big BIG men... can you ever have to many of those??? plus at the rate of Big men busts theyre assured to find one or two good ones... but we could stock up on guards and energy guys i guess...


The portion of this post where the poster was talking down to other posters was removed. Have a nice day.

 

[BMiller52]

WOW ... get over the past where we would take any person with a pulse over the bad half awake no try def. we went through... look WE got a stopper in Artest now... and the team as a whole is working harder than ever, as far as the hustle and energy...

so what would we do with a guy that just has energy??? he can only stay with SF's, PF's, and Centers... but cant defend them... he looks big but really isnt compared to the main PF's on playoff teams... and no way could he defend a center... unless it Maurice Taylor (wow theres another problem)

Amundson had lots of blocks and reb's in college but will never be able to push people around again like he did in college... NBA size is much bigger and taller... Bynum backed him down 3ft. on one dribble and scored...that is as soft as can be... Bynum might be 7ft. tall but he isnt that big... plus hes quick but not fast Odom blew by him and went baseline for a basket...

the kings need reb.s and shot blocking two things this guy will never be able to provide on an NBA level... and he also has no offense... even musselman said he wont have the ball in his hands... so really energy ... sweet energy! ! ! Again the kings should be looking at every 6"10 - 7+foot shot blocker thats not signed...even trading for guys that have been kinda busts like what dallas did for DeSagana Diop... how did that pan out... not an ulgy clone of Mark Madsen...

one thing i really like about dallas is that they have stacked up on big BIG men... can you ever have to many of those??? plus at the rate of Big men busts theyre assured to find one or two good ones... but we could stock up on guards and energy guys i guess...

Wow what did Amundson do to you to make you so hateful? Did he pee in your coffee or something?

 

[Entity]

WE have played 2 games so far and have kept both teams shooting below 40%. That is directly attributed to the pressure defense and the other team have to create with 10 sec on the clock instead of 17 as was the norm last season.

 

[Padrino]

WOW ... get over the past where we would take any person with a pulse over the bad half awake no try def. we went through... look WE got a stopper in Artest now... and the team as a whole is working harder than ever, as far as the hustle and energy...

so what would we do with a guy that just has energy??? he can only stay with SF's, PF's, and Centers... but cant defend them... he looks big but really isnt compared to the main PF's on playoff teams... and no way could he defend a center... unless it Maurice Taylor (wow theres another problem)

Amundson had lots of blocks and reb's in college but will never be able to push people around again like he did in college... NBA size is much bigger and taller... Bynum backed him down 3ft. on one dribble and scored...that is as soft as can be... Bynum might be 7ft. tall but he isnt that big... plus hes quick but not fast Odom blew by him and went baseline for a basket...

the kings need reb.s and shot blocking two things this guy will never be able to provide on an NBA level... and he also has no offense... even musselman said he wont have the ball in his hands... so really energy ... sweet energy! ! ! Again the kings should be looking at every 6"10 - 7+foot shot blocker thats not signed...even trading for guys that have been kinda busts like what dallas did for DeSagana Diop... how did that pan out... not an ulgy clone of Mark Madsen...

one thing i really like about dallas is that they have stacked up on big BIG men... can you ever have to many of those??? plus at the rate of Big men busts theyre assured to find one or two good ones... but we could stock up on guards and energy guys i guess...

a training camp invitee is hardly something to get worked up over...

 

[sdballer]

WOW ... get over the past where we would take any person with a pulse over the bad half awake no try def. we went through... look WE got a stopper in Artest now... and the team as a whole is working harder than ever, as far as the hustle and energy...

so what would we do with a guy that just has energy??? he can only stay with SF's, PF's, and Centers... but cant defend them... he looks big but really isnt compared to the main PF's on playoff teams... and no way could he defend a center... unless it Maurice Taylor (wow theres another problem)

Amundson had lots of blocks and reb's in college but will never be able to push people around again like he did in college... NBA size is much bigger and taller... Bynum backed him down 3ft. on one dribble and scored...that is as soft as can be... Bynum might be 7ft. tall but he isnt that big... plus hes quick but not fast Odom blew by him and went baseline for a basket...

the kings need reb.s and shot blocking two things this guy will never be able to provide on an NBA level... and he also has no offense... even musselman said he wont have the ball in his hands... so really energy ... sweet energy! ! ! Again the kings should be looking at every 6"10 - 7+foot shot blocker thats not signed...even trading for guys that have been kinda busts like what dallas did for DeSagana Diop... how did that pan out... not an ulgy clone of Mark Madsen...

one thing i really like about dallas is that they have stacked up on big BIG men... can you ever have to many of those??? plus at the rate of Big men busts theyre assured to find one or two good ones... but we could stock up on guards and energy guys i guess...


The portion of this post where the poster was talking down to other posters was removed. Have a nice day.

Apparently, the Ukranian Train has started posting on this board. Vitaly, its ok to be angry about not passing your fitness tests, but to take it out on Sweet Lou on a message board. Less typing and eating, potato...and more running.