[Grades] Grades v. Lakers 4/26/12

[Bricklayer]

Well..not going to sit here and claim that us winning was the smartest thing we have done. Indeed, the franchise that never gets it didn't get it again. But it happened, and as my longstanding stance has been that we already HAVE the talent to win now and an extra young kid is just gravy, it just is what it is (now do this three years ago and I am livid).

So our A team beat the tar out of their C team, and it was at least fun for the fans who packed the arena. Lot of good performances against what was essentially another Bobcats squad. Be a lot of high grades, although held back a tad for competition.

Even though we won, its the end of the seaosn, so I'll do a special theme to close things out.

Thanks everybody who has hung in there through all this mess. Next year it has to turn, right? Right??

Boxscore

Outlaw ( B- ) -- missed an early drive, but hit a three. Came back in in the third and immediately hit another three. Saved a hoop with a block. Got beat several times on defense in the early 4th, and stole Boogie's 20th board from him, which was ironic given Cuz's monster board night and with OUtalw returning to his non-rebounding ways (2 on the night in 28 min).

A positive: In April Outlaw averaged 20.9min 8.1pts (.419 .400 .688)1.9reb 0.7ast 1.3stl 0.9blk 0.7TO, approaching useful roleplayer status. The downside of course is that we take that too seriously and keep him aournd for next year. Of course that may not be up to us -- not a team in the league who will take that contract off our hands.

Thompson ( B+ ) -- finished the season on another of his mini-runs, and was strong in the first half of this one in particular. Not stopping Hill early, but having no problems scoring inside, and was running the floor getting easy buckets. Just looked perfectly comfortable against the Lakers backups, who really have all been rotation players at one point or another in the league (Jordan Hill, Josh McRoberts, Troy Murphy), and stepped forward whenever Cuz dud not. Slowed down after half but still finished with another efficient 17 and 10 night.

A positive: After we quit screwing around with all the offseason junk we picked up at his position, Jason averaged a very solid 28.7min 10pts (.535 .648) 8.0reb 1.3ast 0.8stl 0.8blk 1.2TO in 47 games as a starting PF this year. Now you just have to hope nobody else notices and throws a big contract at him (he's a restricted FA -- hard to imagine us not wanting him back at the right price).

Cousins ( A- ) -- this was just man against boys. The Lakers don't actually have a thrid string center, and just through out waves of PFs at him, and that isn't going to work. Just overpowering McRoberts in the early going, walking right though him. Not always finsihing, but back to his Moses Malone ways. Just easy domination of play. On the other hand, at times almost too easy as there was a certian casualness/last day of school aspect to his play. Was pretty much just refusing to guard McRoberts on the perimeter. On the other hand experimented pressuring Ebanks and moving his feet on defense creating a turnover -- but its a play he normally never makes for fear of foul trouble. Several more gallops on the break and had 11pts 14rebs by half. We played him ridiculosuly long minutes deep into the 4th, and I can't be sure, but I think its possible Smart was trying to get him his 20th rebound -- was out there for about 5 minutes after his 19th even though we were blowing them out. Threw up a bad looking three in there too as again he was more dominant than incredibly focused.

A positive: A positive? As in a single one? Ok, try this, went over to basketbal-refernce.com and ran this search: show me all players who at age 21 averaged 18+pts 11+rebs in NBA history. The search came up with 4 names. FOUR: Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan, Blake Griffin, and Spencer Haywood. Well now you can add a 5th: DeMarcus Cousins. Anybody who is not excited to see what this kid brings next season needs to find a new sport to follow. I've followed the league for 30 years now, so when I say this kid is one of the 10 most talented big men I have even seen, it means something. If I were begin honest, its fewer than 10.

Evans ( A- ) -- just powering right to the hoop in the early going as he was being guarded by PGs, and there was nobody behind them to stop him. Coinfidence was flowing and splashed in jumpers -- that shot has looked SO much better since that shot doc guy passed through town. Its like the Clifford Ray effect -- how do you seemingly make such a big difference so quickly? Was moving well off the ball just to complete the picture. Extreme efficiency again as since taking over for Thornton at SG to close the season he shot a cool 68% from the field in the final 4 games. Still, there was some looseness. Was not playing a selfish game, but hsi passes just seemed a little off. jsut enough to force guys to have to reach for them, to miss the alley opp opportunities etc. Resulted in turnovers which were the only real negative here. Tried to give the fans a highlight late in the game, dropping a playground series of fakes on Blake in the third that would have been epic if he had finsihed it, but Blake just retreated and stayed in front of him, and Reke missed the off blance jumper.

A positive: Amidst all the trade Reke silliness, since the All Star break Tyreke Evans has shot .494 from the field. That's 6th among all guards behind only Nash, Parker, Harden, Afflalo and Lawson. When he took over for Thornotn at SG at the end of the season he shot 34-50 (68%) for the final four games of the season.

 

[Bricklayer]

B]Thomas ( B )[/B] -- mostly greasing the wheels again in the early going (only took, and made, 2 first half shots) and for the last couple of games with 2 main weapons, IT playing greaseman/occasional 3rd weapon, and 2 roleplaying forwards, we've looked very smooth out there. Shaky start to the third, missing a jumper on what looked like a designed play to start the 3rd, and then beat twice on defense. Began to look for his shot more rather than playing set up guy, and had defensive misadventures getting scored over, but the numbers stayed very efficient. Stole the ball up top to start the 4th quarter, but was the only one of our main guys to have his minutes somewhat artificially limited as they have been in recent weeks as we have obviosuly been trying to play Jimmer and see what we do or do not have there.

BEWARE LANGUAGE IN VID ABOVE (did the best I could, but all IT mixes had offensive songs)

A Positive: well how does being probably the greatest Mr. Irrelevant ever drafted in the NBA sound?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bench

Fredette ( C+ ) -- finsihed the season with a game very much like many he has had this year. Hit a long three off his dribble to close the first quarter and the crowd cheering -- even after all the struggles they still respond to him. But then agian, per normal, Goudlelock responded with a three of his own. Was missing his jumpers in the 2nd, but hit a few more in the garbage minutes late. Ended up with another 40% shooting 10ppg type night, of which there have been many.

A Positive: Jimmer was actually very consistent this year, with his numbers month to month, first half to second half not moving much. That's not necessarily a great thing for a rookie, but at least he settled into a role playing mostly off the ball. Course of his future career thougn will depend on whether he can make big jumps as a ballhandler and defender this offseason.

Garcia ( C+ ) -- started getting his hands on balls on defense in the 2nd, and was doing a better job than normal on the glass. Was getting beat off the dribble however, and missing his shots again.

\
A Positive: Like Jimmer you won't find it in the numbers. Best that can be said is that he was a willing roleplayer all season, serving without complaint. We need more of those actually. We have been confused in the front office. Good teams don't have 8 scorers. they have 4 scorers and 8 roleplayers. Cisco is one.

Hayes ( D ) -- unable to rebound in his 2nd quarter minutes as he and Donte got crushed ont eh boards. Chuck finished with 0 for the game, and never returned. Kinf of an appropriate whimper to end a vastl disappointing season with.

A Positive: Now I'm being tested. But I do think after the All-Star break we began to make good use of him as a high post passer (1.6ast in 18+ min/gm after the break, about 3.2/per36), and he was able to make some contributions in that area even while he struggled elsewhere. If we aren't able to move him, guess we'll see next year how much his down year had to do with the dislocated shoulder.

 

[Bricklayer]

Greene ( C- ) -- hit one three playing PF in the 2nd, otherwise nothing as he and Hayes combined for 0 rebounds in the quarter and we brought back JT and Cuz because Smart was desperate to win this one. Another big alley oop from Honeycutt in the garbagetime was his other score, and may have capped his Kings career full of those kind of highlight plays.

A Positive:Like Jimmer, like Cisco, another player who's numbers stayed consistent across the entire season while played mostly out of position, and stayed consistently modest. He continued to have a positve impact on defense though (-3.5pts/100 possessions acording to 82games.com), and his positive effect on the lockerroom, including leading the goon squad dance before every game, will be missed if this is it.

Williams ( B- ) -- got off to a bit of a slow start, we were having Jimmer bring the ball up so that may have been part of it. But came through with a saving block and big dunk down the lane for one last tasate of the sort sof things he has been providing down the stretch of the season.

A Positive:TWill averaged 20.5min 8.8pts (.461 .296 .618) 4.1reb 3.1ast 0.9stl 0.3blk 1.8TO after showing up in Sactown, which are damn useful roleplayer numbers. Actually, they are good enough numbers to be potentially more than just roleplayer numbers as you stretch those numbers to per 36 min and you come out with a cool 15.5pts 7.2reb 5.4ast statline, and a potential droolworthy pairing with Reke filling all stat corners. Would be tough though to come out of this offseason and just annoint Terrence Williams a starter next year.

Honeycutt ( B+ ) -- go the start for the second half, and played a strong roleplaying half to finish the season's garbagetime. Hit a three in the early third from the corner. Then a drive and dunk. Added a nice allep oop pass to Donte in the 4th.

A Positive: Posted a huge gain in his scoring during the second half of the season! Er...going from 1ppg pre All-Star to 1.5ppg post All-Star. Er...anyway...to call Tyler's statistics this season modest would be an insult to modesty. But inconsistency aside, he really did look for stretches like he could play at this level. He just has to bring it every night -- he's not a lottery pick who can coast on his name and contract.

 

[kingsnation]

Did Smart really just say that he moved Reke to the 3, so he could eventually move him back to the 1? ....Because he wanted Reke to "see the game?" .... ??? what?

 

[VF21]

Did Smart really just say that he moved Reke to the 3, so he could eventually move him back to the 1? ....Because he wanted Reke to "see the game?" .... ??? what?

Oh, drat. I missed it. I turned channels as soon as they were done talking to Cousins. In a way, I'm just as glad. I don't think I could handle transcribing another Smartism and then getting a headache trying to figure out what the heck he was talking about.

Brickie just thanked all of you for sticking around this year. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Bricklayer. Anybody actually try to do what he does on a nightly basis? Try it just once and I think you'll truly appreciate just how much effort Brick puts into the grades and the thread themes. I know I drive you nuts at times, Brickie, but you da man! Thanks!!!

 

[mac]

Did Smart really just say that he moved Reke to the 3, so he could eventually move him back to the 1? ....Because he wanted Reke to "see the game?" .... ??? what?

I really can't wait to hear that. Is it in the postgame press conference? I'll watch it on youtube later

 

[mac]

Oh, drat. I missed it. I turned channels as soon as they were done talking to Cousins. In a way, I'm just as glad. I don't think I could handle transcribing another Smartism and then getting a headache trying to figure out what the heck he was talking about.

Brickie just thanked all of you for sticking around this year. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Bricklayer. Anybody actually try to do what he does on a nightly basis? Try it just once and I think you'll truly appreciate just how much effort Brick puts into the grades and the thread themes. I know I drive you nuts at times, Brickie, but you da man! Thanks!!!

Thanks Brickie!! woooooo clap clap clap

 

[Bricklayer]

Did Smart really just say that he moved Reke to the 3, so he could eventually move him back to the 1? ....Because he wanted Reke to "see the game?" .... ??? what?

Er...what? Got a video link to that?

Quite possibly translated er..I screwed up, Reke's agent just left a meeting with Geoff, I want to sound like I can work with this guy, please don't fire me.

 

[kingsnation]

Er...what? Got a video link to that?

Quite possibly translated er..I screwed up, Reke's agent just left a meeting with Geoff, I want to sound like I can work with this guy, please don't fire me.

No sorry I don't. Just saw it postgame. The Kings might put it up later on the website or something though.

 

[kingsnation]

I really can't wait to hear that. Is it in the postgame press conference? I'll watch it on youtube later

Yes.

 

[flipray]

Whoa..if he actually said that then my Mind just had an orgasm.

 

[pshn80]

I saw it and he said it .... sort of. When I heard it I thought he meant bringing Tyreke back to the guard position. Makes sense. I'd be interested in others take on his remarks.

Brick, thank you again for your great post game comments, analysis, grades, editorials, etc. You work hard and your product is the best. Thanks.

And PS, I think you're right, Brick, we have the talent now. Just a few tweaks, a longer tooth or two, some good, honest luck, and slightly more durability and confidence and VOILA!!!!!!!!!

 

[kingsnation]

I saw it and he said it .... sort of. When I heard it I thought he meant bringing Tyreke back to the guard position. Makes sense. I'd be interested in others take on his remarks.

Brick, thank you again for your great post game comments, analysis, grades, editorials, etc. You work hard and your product is the best. Thanks.

haha I thought the same thing. I'm also very curious to hear others' take on it. Unfortunately, Smart is the type of speaker where he "sort of" says everything.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

Well, regardless of what Smart said in the media, I always felt like Tyreke at SF was a short term move because Thomas was playing so well and Salmons was playing so bad.

So it doesn't surprise me that Smart wants to move Evans back to a guard spot next season. I want to move him there too. Hopefully AK47 is still on our radar.

One more note on Smart .. I really like a lot about him. That's not to say that there aren't things I dislike about him though. His rotations suck, and I mean suck, but now that we know he'll be around next season we can only hope in was a roster balance problem and not a Keith Smart problem. He gave each player a copy of this book after the game tonight, which I thought was a cool gesture.

https://twitter.com/#!/BlakeEllington/status/195744268210552832/photo/1

 

[flipray]

We can only hope it comes true, but anyways, I'm fairly new to this board, but also a lurker in the past. Thank you Brick for everything. I'm sure the basketball gods will bring the Kings back to the promise land

 

[kingsnation]

He gave each player a copy of this book after the game tonight, which I thought was a cool gesture.

https://twitter.com/#!/BlakeEllington/status/195744268210552832/photo/1

Really? That's very cool.

 

[rainmaker]

I'll post the video later when released. And don't worry, I'll be looking for it.

Wow. If Smart said that, he just publicly stated the move of Reke to SF, and not moving him back, was for the ROY campaign. So he learns to see the game? Uh, maybe more like, well, there's a young PG who we're trying to prop up as a ROY candidate, and we're trying squeeze a little extra money out of the fans since I represent the cheapest owners in the league , so after the season ends, yes, we might move Reke back to the point.


Aside from that, I'm happy Cuz got out from under Westy and started finding his footing in the league, and then turning into a beast and abusing most frontlines. Only more great things to come from Cuz.

Happy for IT(know many think I hate him, but am just disgusted with the added pressure and insincere ROY put on his shoulders) who was an absolute steal at #60, and has a good career ahead of him as at the least a rotation player, and I think someday will make an imprint in the playoffs, ala BJax or Barea.

Glad Hassan looked like a basketball player, and someone who might, just might be a rotation player for us next year, which would be huge. We might lose out on a top big in the draft, but Hassan, if you read this, you have the power to change that, and have as big an imprint next year as any big in this draft not named Davis.

Thought JT took a huge step forward. Much, much calmer on the ball, and more patient. Game slowed down for him this year. Finishing much stronger inside as well. Fell off late in the year, but there is no doubt I want him back next year.

TWill was a pleasant surprise, and I wouldn't mind at all giving him a 2 year deal and seeing what he can do for us next year after a full training camp.

I think I'll leave out the negatives for now as we have plenty of time to discuss those going forward.

And Brick, thanks for all you do. The board simply wouldn't be the same without your grade threads or your level of participation in other threads.

 

[swisshh]

They aren't moving Tyreke back to PG. They'll move him to SG if anything. Cousins would choke out Smart if he let Reke run the offense again.

Doesn't really matter what is said now, because it all depends on having a more balanced roster next year so you don't have a gaping hole at SF to fill.

 

[rainmaker]

Well, regardless of what Smart said in the media, I always felt like Tyreke at SF was a short term move because Thomas was playing so well and Salmons was playing so bad.

So it doesn't surprise me that Smart wants to move Evans back to a guard spot next season. I want to move him there too. Hopefully AK47 is still on our radar.

One more note on Smart .. I really like a lot about him. That's not to say that there aren't things I dislike about him though. His rotations suck, and I mean suck, but now that we know he'll be around next season we can only hope in was a roster balance problem and not a Keith Smart problem. He gave each player a copy of this book after the game tonight, which I thought was a cool gesture.

Disagree on that Smart will definitely be back. I think there's a chance, maybe small, but a chance when all the dust settles some in our FO will push the Maloofs to open a coaching search. They've done it a few times before when other coaches were locked up, and owed more than Smart is, for the following year. And bring Smart back as an assistant,where he belongs and would be successful. Keep working with Cuz. Concentrate on helping Reke with his jumper. Keep helping IT develop as a PG. Help Jimmer learn where and when his shots will come from.

Just think there are too many major parts of the game to endorse bringing him back. Poor rotations and poor defense, well, not really even coaching defense, or putting together an offense which plays to the strengths of your best players, or defining roles, aren't things which will go away next year. And those are a huge part of the foundation for a successful team.

 

[swisshh]

If the Kings somehow magically get the #1 and Anthony Davis, I could see a vet coach of some stature suddenly replacing Smart. Otherwise, you'll probably see Smart at the start of the season.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

Disagree on that Smart will definitely be back. I think there's a chance, maybe small, but a chance when all the dust settles some in our FO will push the Maloofs to open a coaching search. They've done it a few times before when other coaches were locked up, and owed more than Smart is, for the following year. And bring Smart back as an assistant,where he belongs and would be successful. Keep working with Cuz. Concentrate on helping Reke with his jumper. Keep helping IT develop as a PG. Help Jimmer learn where and when his shots will come from.

Just think there are too many major parts of the game to endorse bringing him back. Poor rotations and poor defense, well, not really even coaching defense, or putting together an offense which plays to the strengths of your best players, or defining roles, aren't things which will go away next year. And those are a huge part of the foundation for a successful team.

A real coaching search would be refreshing, I just don't see it. There are CERTAINLY guys out there I would rather have. JVG is an obvious one.

I think I have a little bit more confidence in Smart then you do. I'm not even saying this confidence is justified, but I think this CAN work with him, and I feel like I am in the minority in saying that. I have talked about his faults, and I agree with the ones you mentioned, but I think his energy is important. Especially coming after such a dull lifeless Paul Westphal.

Have you seen this video?

Some of the things he says gives me hope. I like how he mentioned that priority 1 was getting Cousins to play like he got him to play, so Kudos on Smart for identifying Cousins as our guy, and really taking him to the next level. I also liked how he said HE will go to the players over the off season, and bring game film with him to show the guys what they need to work on. I don't think we've had that kind of coach in a while. Seriously, remember when Donte Greene was 'told' to bulk up so he could play PF, then he came into camp and was told he was overweight ...even though he was in Sac for much of the offseason working with the Kings strength and conditioning staff? Just stupid stuff. I like that Smart want's to be involved with these guys year round.

And for the negatives .. I think the most important key to any success we have under Keith Smart will be answered this off season. Did the roster force him to play the players like he played them or is this truly his 'style'? The answer to that questions is incredibly important. I can see it both ways, he is a Don Nelson guy, so 'small ball' may be his thing. At the same time though, the roster was just terribly unbalanced.

This isn't just about the rotations either .. our defense was terrible for the same reasons. We just didn't have enough defensive minded players, and the one guy who can play defense (Evans) was forced out of position because Salmons was playing like garbage.

I don't even know if I'm making sense anymore. Its 2:12 AM over here, but to summarize ... I feel better about Keith Smart then I did about Muss, Theus, Natt, or Westphal. I think he has the potential to take us into the playoffs because I think he really, really wants it. I can appreciate that out of a coach. The effort is there.

 

[jcwkings]

Tyreke is not a pg, he is not a sf, his position will be sg, and if its november 2012 and we still don't see an improved jumper, trade him. If 4 years have passed and a guy you want as the cornerstone of your team hasn't improved his one most glaring weakness, i question the players commitment to the game.

 

[swisshh]

I like Smart more than most here, but I still find him a flawed coach that could be improved upon.

The Kings finished with a .333 winning percentage, their best since the initial tank for Blake year. They went 16-17 at home, so nearly .500 ball at home. So, considering how bad the off-season moves were and how big a distraction the ownership became, how did the team improve at all?

I think there's more than just a couple factors. One, Cousins improved and became a legit NBA force. He was a matchup problem for every team and despite his tendency to small-ball, Smart made sure Cousins was utilized and taken advantage of every game. Second, the pace increase and IT did help. IT cut down the team's turnovers and improved their Ast/TO ratio. Even though the team was awful on defense still, they were giving up less easy possessions by having a better offense. Third, I think the Kings were one of the few bad teams who weren't sitting guys out to tank for the end of the year. Simply put, the Kings won some games they may not have because other squads were throwing in the towel. Fourth, the Kings also beat some teams better than them because they do have some legit talent on the squad, but that talent tends to only really show up versus marquee teams. Fifth, I think there was a honeymoon period after Westphal where you saw better play from the team, like you did versus marquee teams, and that got the Kings some wins they weren't getting previously.

 

[VF21]

...One, Cousins improved and became a legit NBA force.

As much as I have criticized the coach, that right there earns Keith Smart a thank you from me. I cannot even bear to think of what might have happened had we not kicked Westphal to the curb and replaced him with Smart. No matter what else he did, he quite probably salvaged the career of a young man who just might become one of the best of this generation at his position.

 

[JB_kings]

A real coaching search would be refreshing, I just don't see it. There are CERTAINLY guys out there I would rather have. JVG is an obvious one.

I think I have a little bit more confidence in Smart then you do. I'm not even saying this confidence is justified, but I think this CAN work with him, and I feel like I am in the minority in saying that. I have talked about his faults, and I agree with the ones you mentioned, but I think his energy is important. Especially coming after such a dull lifeless Paul Westphal.

Have you seen this video?

Some of the things he says gives me hope. I like how he mentioned that priority 1 was getting Cousins to play like he got him to play, so Kudos on Smart for identifying Cousins as our guy, and really taking him to the next level. I also liked how he said HE will go to the players over the off season, and bring game film with him to show the guys what they need to work on. I don't think we've had that kind of coach in a while. Seriously, remember when Donte Greene was 'told' to bulk up so he could play PF, then he came into camp and was told he was overweight ...even though he was in Sac for much of the offseason working with the Kings strength and conditioning staff? Just stupid stuff. I like that Smart want's to be involved with these guys year round.

And for the negatives .. I think the most important key to any success we have under Keith Smart will be answered this off season. Did the roster force him to play the players like he played them or is this truly his 'style'? The answer to that questions is incredibly important. I can see it both ways, he is a Don Nelson guy, so 'small ball' may be his thing. At the same time though, the roster was just terribly unbalanced.

This isn't just about the rotations either .. our defense was terrible for the same reasons. We just didn't have enough defensive minded players, and the one guy who can play defense (Evans) was forced out of position because Salmons was playing like garbage.

I don't even know if I'm making sense anymore. Its 2:12 AM over here, but to summarize ... I feel better about Keith Smart then I did about Muss, Theus, Natt, or Westphal. I think he has the potential to take us into the playoffs because I think he really, really wants it. I can appreciate that out of a coach. The effort is there.

No chance JVG would ever work for the Maloofs. For starters, he would have to be paid like a veteran coach and not like he was a coach you found at the Dollar Store. Secondly JVG has said before that teams stuck in the lottery year after year like the Kings are stuck there because they are run poorly. So probably even money won't get his attention.

Unless the scenery at the top changes and the Maloofs are gone, don't expect much of anything to change.

 

[Tetsujin]

Tyreke is not a pg, he is not a sf, his position will be sg, and if its november 2012 and we still don't see an improved jumper, trade him. If 4 years have passed and a guy you want as the cornerstone of your team hasn't improved his one most glaring weakness, i question the players commitment to the game.

We've seen an improved jumper in the past month. I mean, it's not Peja or anything but its no longer killing-guy-in-third-row bad.

 

[rhythmless]

We've seen an improved jumper in the past month. I mean, it's not Peja or anything but its no longer killing-guy-in-third-row bad.

You mean when he fades into the guy? Harharhar.

But yeah, I see Tyreke a lot more controlled with his shot selection. He's no longer taking as many random pullups. It's opening him up to just attack when he gets it. It's certainly helped his percentages.

 

[Mass]

Let's see what we do in the offseason. I'm not sure our biggest problem is coach Smart. Right now is our unbalanced roster, too many useless guys. We need to fix a lot of things in this roster, and I hope to see a nice offseason this time.

In my perfect world, this means bye bye Donte, Cisco, Salmons and Chuck (Outlaw too, but I think it will be very hard to trade him).

 

[hrdboild]

Did Smart really just say that he moved Reke to the 3, so he could eventually move him back to the 1? ....Because he wanted Reke to "see the game?" .... ??? what?

This would actually be more consistent with what he said when he first started coaching the team (Tyreke is not a SF, he's getting better as a PG, etc.) than what we saw through the course of the season. And if that was the plan all along, I'm still mad at him for stringing us along like this, but I can see the logic behind it:

If you take a guy who's always handled the ball and you make him play out on the wing and you instead give the ball to a rookie PG and tell him to freeze Reke out, maybe he'll get a better sense for what his teammates feel like out there waiting for him to pass the ball. Maybe when you give him the ball again he'll be in his teammates' heads a little more and instinctively know where they're going to have to be on each play and how hard they have to work to get open because he's done it himself.

That's some Zenmaster level coaching right there. I don't know Keith Smart well enough to say whether he's capable of this or not, but it would partially explain why his option for next year was picked up so quickly wouldn't it? Maybe he told Geoff that he'll make Tyreke a better PG but he needs two years and a whole lot of trust to do it. It takes major balls to even attempt to teach a highly regarded player by intentionally alienating him, especially when you have very little track record with the organization. Don't know that I believe it, but it's a good excuse for his dismal coaching record this season anyway.

 

[kennadog]

Popping in to give huge thanks to Brick, again, for the marvelous job he does every year on the grades. Its a never miss thread for me. So Brick...

THANK YOU!