Grades v. Mavs 10/12 (preseason)

[quick dog]

Consistency

Well, I believe that I have been consistent.

Prior to each of the opening games over the past six NBA seasons I have been depressed and certain that the Sacramento Kings were certain to be the doormats of the League. I saw no way to survive the loss of Adelman and Bonzi. Let's not even talk about trades and releases of yesteryear.

Here we are after the first pre-season game, and it was fun to watch! The Kings played hard and with some skills. Even if they don't go to the Western Conference Finals, I believe that they are good enough to make a show of it. The season is not lost afterall.

Call the German Pope. We have witnessed a modern miracle.

 

[BigSong]

Williams definitely was the best rook out there, if he keeps up this type of play i think Amundson will be on the outside looking in. Amundson has a more NBA type body, but Williams just seems to be more reactive and have better instincts. When i saw Williams running around I actually thought he looked a lot like Darius Miles, which isnt much of compliment for a 4 i guess.

 

[atxrocker]

exstatic that kmart, bibby and miller had good games. didn't get to watch so don't have any input to add, but as always thanks brick for the grades.

 

[BritishColumbia]

Come on. Amundson is not that bad. It was his first game. He is not great offensive player but he is not a hole in offense. I am sure Louis will show his talent next time ...

 

[RaY Z]

so who tall do you think justin williams really is? round 6'8 or 6'9? cuz he's listed at 6'10 on the kings.com home page...

i was surprised that dampier had a quite big advanatge in height... and he's listed at like 6'11...

i think justins length... with a wingspan of around 7'2... helped him tonight... really really really hope he makes the team...

of course i hope he can continue to show us how beneficial (with his rebounding and shotblocking) he can be to the team in the following pre-season games...

 

[SacTownKid]

Well Justin measured at around 6' 8.75" in predraft camp I think. He does have some dang long arms though.

 

[1kingzfan]

Kevin Martin proved Bonzi isn't the only 2 guard that can rebound and he did it without having to miss 4 shots up close to get 4 rebounds.

AMEN.

 

[swisshh]

Jason Hart is Mr Preseason

 

[Kings113]

Amundsons basketball career ended tonight... no skills... his def. is soft hes weak... and has no basketball skills ... just big and tall... and not actually big or that tall...

Being a supporter of Amundson...

Wow, chap, ignorancy all over the place about Amundson. Not only above there, but in your previous posts. Here's some information opposite of those ridiculous, idiotic statements you've made about Amundson:

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=550

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1395

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1396

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1399

He's an athletic, undersized, strong, tough hustle player on both ends.

See, if you knew anything about Amundson, you wouldn't be writing him off like you have, and showing a complete lack of knowledge on him. If you're too lazy to read any of that, that makes your position you have presented on Amundson even more pathetic.

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

Justin Williams has gotta make the team, and would choose him over Amundson, since it's likely going to be only one of them. I did back in the summer, and do now. Still see a future for Amundson in the NBA though, he's gonna be a damn solid energy player. Potapenko should be traded or waived. Be a disappointment and quite iffy if one of Amundson/Williams doesn't make the team.

As I've said, I love the new direction and situation of the team, and it's gonna be a blast. Couldn't see the game, but sounded awesome.

 

[Amanjoy]

I'm glad the Kings won and Bibby looked good. I don't understand the excitement over winning a game in which Nowitski and Terry didn't play. But, I guess when our team is as much a question mark as its ever been, we need to constantly stay optimistic and positive when things go well for us. I'm waiting to see, however, those people who were down on the Kings administration after this off-season that are now praising it for the first pre-season victory. That should be insteresting!

 

[BigWaxer]

Nice first pre-season grades Brick and yes I agree with them all so you can sleep better tonight knowing that

I would say that is the best we have looked game 1 pre-season in a long time. In the TDOS I said this year is nothing but unknowns.

We had no idea how our vets would respond to life after RA and Muss's more hands-on approach (I guess thats a good way to put it). I am a strong believer in the following philosophy with coaches in all sports. When you replace a coach you need to get the exact opposite personality to be most successful. While of course there are exceptions, we see this a lot and it usually is a good formula. It's hard to write out exactly what I mean but dangit you got the picture!

Nice game by the Kings, put some of that excitement back into the game for me.

 

[gunks]

It woulda been nice to see how Bibby defends against a starting PG, especially one like Terry.

Anyways, I read the PBP thread, and looked at the box score...Salmons actually seemed like he was doin a good job on D out there. 2 steals and a block, in 18 minutes. And he got some deflections too.

And how about Garcia? 4 steals and 1 block in 17 minutes...I still remember that run of great defense he had before he got hurt last season, I hope he keeps this up.

 

[Sac.Kings]

that pick he had to free up Hart was crazy, knocked that player down to the ground.

 

[Troy]

I only disagree with one grade: Musselman.

I think he deserves an A. It's apparent he's worked hard with this team; they've bought into his philosophy - at least so far - and they're showing hustle and hunger. My only concern is that he invest in Sucrets because he's going to kill his throat.

No doubt, he is very vocal. I like Muss's intensity and I'm sure Artest is all for it. I was very proud of the Kings against the Mavs, wow what a breathe of fresh air to see some good defense on display!!!

 

[Warhawk]

that pick he had to free up Hart was crazy, knocked that player down to the ground.

He reminded me of Brad out there!

 

[Sac.Kings]

Honestly, the only other time i remember the Kings playing defense like that was against the Spurs right before the end of last season (but before the playoffs). I don't care who the Mavs had on the floor, defense is defense. I am encouraged greatly by what i saw and i REALLY hope i see it throughout the entire season.

 

[Troy]

Well Justin measured at around 6' 8.75" in predraft camp I think. He does have some dang long arms though.

He and Quincy have very long arms which really helps them block shots and disrupt shots. I want the Kings to really think hard about keeping JWill around, even if he doesn't do much this year, they should send him down to the minors and work him very hard in the weight room to put on the size he needs in the NBA. Is there a way we could put Lou's muscles on JWill, then we'd have quite a player in deed ready to go, then again we wouldn't be in the position we are in and he would not be undrafted, but probably a early 1st rounder.

 

[moradi420]

Being a supporter of Amundson...

Wow, chap, ignorancy all over the place about Amundson. Not only above there, but in your previous posts. Here's some information opposite of those ridiculous, idiotic statements you've made about Amundson:

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewprofile.php?p=550

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1395

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1396

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1399

He's an athletic, undersized, strong, tough hustle player on both ends.

See, if you knew anything about Amundson, you wouldn't be writing him off like you have, and showing a complete lack of knowledge on him. If you're too lazy to read any of that, that makes your position you have presented on Amundson even more pathetic.

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

Justin Williams has gotta make the team, and would choose him over Amundson, since it's likely going to be only one of them. I did back in the summer, and do now. Still see a future for Amundson in the NBA though, he's gonna be a damn solid energy player. Potapenko should be traded or waived. Be a disappointment and quite iffy if one of Amundson/Williams doesn't make the team.

As I've said, I love the new direction and situation of the team, and it's gonna be a blast. Couldn't see the game, but sounded awesome.

what do a couple of articles prove, we saw him in action, he was much closer to the terrible side of the scale then to the okay side.

I've heard plenty of analysts say great things about future duds, and say horid things about future studs. articles prove close to nothing, in game action proves close to everything

 

[VF21]

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it was the FIRST bleeping pre-season game of the year.

For all we know, Amundson could have been suffering from severe "stage fright" with his first NBA game. It happens.

People are making way too many rushes to judgment. It's still pre-season. Let it evolve. Then, let the season evolve. Enjoy the journey.

 

[sactown100]

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it was the FIRST bleeping pre-season game of the year.

For all we know, Amundson could have been suffering from severe "stage fright" with his first NBA game. It happens.

Amundson was suffering from severe "no basketball skills"

 

[moradi420]

^ agree

 

[VF21]

You agree with what? That Amundson has no skills?

...yawn...

 

[KingKong]

This is a bit late but I just managed to download thie preseason game. Here are some observations: (possibly rehashed):

1. Bibby looks great. He's leaner, quicker, and more energized than I've ever seen him. He just seems to have a more willingness to get after the ball. The new balls don't seem to be effecting his shot, eventhough he has gripe.

2. John Salmons really impressed me. He seems to have great court awarness, and playmaking abilites. His shot is shaky and defense needs a lot of work but I think he'll be a really nice fit behind Martin and Bibby. I'm surprised at the C+ from the Gradelayer.

3. We all know that Martin can put the ball in the basket, but he seems to getting better defensively as well. I liked the fact that he was getting after rebounds too. Would have liked to see him get to the line more on offense though.

4) Miller looks good. He seemed to be making a conscious effort to defend the paint. Got himself a few blocks and his offense looks as smooth as as ever. On offense I liked the fact that he starts out at the top of the 3pt line and drives to the hoop or dishes to a teammate, which worked a few times in his favor.

5) Justin Williams impressed. He reminds of Keon Clarke in some ways. Very energized and quick. He's good around the basket, but needs to develop some consistency.

6) Artest was great again defensively, but didn't really have anybody to lock down out there. Wasn't very good offensively, but displayed some great guard skills. Would like to see him post up a bit more and really use his size to his advantage to get to the hoop. He also needs to get to the line more often.

7) Garcia displayed some nice hustle plays out there. Would really like to see some more of his playmaking abilites. His shot is still not what it should be. I would even say at this point that his defense is better than his offense.

8) Musselman is just so animated and intense out there. On offense I like the way he's getting the players to move the ball around and be patient. I would like to have seen some more fastbreak opportunities though. Defensively, it shows that his intensity is rubbing off on his players. I like them mixing up the defense as well. The players all looked up for the challege.

9) Corliss looks really good out there. Seems like he's really worked on his game and wants to get some significant PT. Would like to seem him post up defenders a bit more as well, but his shot is looking good.

All in all, a very good preseason debut.