[Grades] Grades v. Mavs 03/09/12

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

Like many others, I've been frustrated with Smart's substitution patterns. But substitution patterns are less important now than playing with discipline and playing unselfishly. For the most part, the Kings are doing that. As he implied in the post game, that's one primary theme of his coaching strategy. And he's just not going to play the guys if they're on the "hunt" to "get theirs". More power to him. It's nice to see a semblance of a team rather than a bunch of individuals.

I have plenty of complaints about Keith Smarts coaching style, but he is getting through to these guys. I don't doubt that. He's also a much more hands on and active coach then we have had in a while, which is something the players are responding too.

Do you think Westphal had ever stepped foot is Cousins house? I doubt it, and Smart has his neighborhood gate key code.

The other thing is that Smart isn't afraid to call out players by name in his press conferences, but he does it in a respectful way that doesn't seem to bother the players. That is a skill.

There are a lot of things I like about Smart. In fact, everything about him off the court is perfect. Its exactly what I want, but some of the things he does during the actual games are very questionable.

 

[roasthawg]

Dont get Cousins's low grade but anyways awesome win for us considering how badly we looked vs the mavs the last time.
Hope smart isnt thinking to use Donte as pf from now on though

I logged in to post the same thing about Cousins. He was great in the second half and was the main reason why the Mavs could never mount a comeback.

 

[Spike]

I have plenty of complaints about Keith Smarts coaching style, but he is getting through to these guys. I don't doubt that. He's also a much more hands on and active coach then we have had in a while, which is something the players are responding too.

Do you think Westphal had ever stepped foot is Cousins house? I doubt it, and Smart has his neighborhood gate key code.

The other thing is that Smart isn't afraid to call out players by name in his press conferences, but he does it in a respectful way that doesn't seem to bother the players. That is a skill.

There are a lot of things I like about Smart. In fact, everything about him off the court is perfect. Its exactly what I want, but some of the things he does during the actual games are very questionable.

I agree with this.

 

[Andre87]

on another note thoe - isnt this the only game we won in 2 years with the great bill walton commentating?

 

[Entity]

on another note thoe - isnt this the only game we won in 2 years with the great bill walton commentating?

You are correct bill ment loss in the past. Btw I hate bill. He comes in talking to us like we haven't watched them all year. Like this is everybody's first time seeing the kings. When he said we would only win if we had big offensive production out of donte I quit listening

 

[pshn80]

I have plenty of complaints about Keith Smarts coaching style, but he is getting through to these guys. I don't doubt that. He's also a much more hands on and active coach then we have had in a while, which is something the players are responding too.

Do you think Westphal had ever stepped foot is Cousins house? I doubt it, and Smart has his neighborhood gate key code.

The other thing is that Smart isn't afraid to call out players by name in his press conferences, but he does it in a respectful way that doesn't seem to bother the players. That is a skill.

There are a lot of things I like about Smart. In fact, everything about him off the court is perfect. Its exactly what I want, but some of the things he does during the actual games are very questionable.

I don't have things to complain about Keith Smart and I haven't. Your post offers some real positives about Smart which I agree with. He is especially effective during games with his rotations. He is not afraid to p*** off us kingsfans folks which he deserves credit for. And he doesn't tremble with fear when usins jump all over him for his "rotations". Good job and getting better.

 

[Prince_XY]

Great win against a lethargic defending champion Mavs. I'll take it especially it came with the Kings showing a desire to win and playing unselfish basketball.

Go Kings!

 

[Spike]

You are correct bill ment loss in the past. Btw I hate bill. He comes in talking to us like we haven't watched them all year. Like this is everybody's first time seeing the kings. When he said we would only win if we had big offensive production out of donte I quit listening

Haha! The problem is that you're listening to Walton to provide insight. I listen for the long, strange trip.

 

[Kingster]

I have plenty of complaints about Keith Smarts coaching style, but he is getting through to these guys. I don't doubt that. He's also a much more hands on and active coach then we have had in a while, which is something the players are responding too.

Do you think Westphal had ever stepped foot is Cousins house? I doubt it, and Smart has his neighborhood gate key code.

The other thing is that Smart isn't afraid to call out players by name in his press conferences, but he does it in a respectful way that doesn't seem to bother the players. That is a skill.

There are a lot of things I like about Smart. In fact, everything about him off the court is perfect. Its exactly what I want, but some of the things he does during the actual games are very questionable.

I think it's very possible that Smart knows that his coaching methods are going to cause some Kings losses in the near term, and he's willing to live with it. He's overplaying the subs and underlplaying some of the vets for long periods to send a message. It appears that the message is being heard. Maybe when he is convinced there will be no regression to selfishness and undisciplined basketball he'll be giving them the reins a little more. It does anoy me that he is constantly talking to IT when he is there, to the point that I've seen IT lose concentration and make a turnover. Hopefully, as time goes by, Smart will start to do less and less coaching when the players are on the floor. If he has to go one way or the other, I guess I'd rather have him overcoach a little now rather than undercoach during the game.

 

[Kingster]

Salmons & IT

The interview with Salmons after the game was so revealing. Guarded about himself and his role as a sub, he lit up when asked about IT and what he means to the team. He actually couldn't contain, I daresay, a smile. Coming from a veteran like Salmons, that speaks volumes about the respect, admiration, and fondness with which IT is viewed by his teamates. We've been looking for a leader. We've had numerous discussions on this board about the need for a leader on this team. Guess what? He was drafted this year as the 60th pick in the draft.

 

[IfAt1st]

Good addition - I would have missed that anecdote otherwise.

 

[Fear the Putin]

Haha! The problem is that you're listening to Walton to provide insight. I listen for the long, strange trip.

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