Greene returns to Kings

Nighthawk1

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Anyone read the article in the Bee today? He seemed dissapointed in coming back almost. I think he was enjoying getting some playing time - I think we should have left him there for another week.

http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/1554697.html

Kings notes: D-League was good for Greene
By Melody Gutierrez
mgutierrez@sacbee.com
Published: Monday, Jan. 19, 2009 | Page 4C

Donté Greene was by no means kicking and screaming for his return to the Kings. The rookie was having fun in Reno with the Bighorns of the NBA Development League.

"I'm going to miss it – all the minutes and the guys," Greene, 20, said Sunday after Kings practice. "I got pretty close with the guys over there."

In his five games with the Bighorns, Greene averaged 31.8 minutes, 20.4 points, 1.2 blocked shots and 4.2 rebounds, while playing shooting guard and small forward. In his last game with the Bighorns on Saturday, Greene scored 28 points. Greene said he went into the experience knowing the D-League could do him a favor.

"It really gets you ready for the NBA," he said.

Greene said there are many day-to-day similarities between the NBA and the D-League, including scouting reports and watching film. Traveling, however, provides a stark contrast.

"I definitely miss my charter flights," said Greene, who traveled commercially to Boise, Idaho, to play the Stampede on Thursday. "We went on Southwest."

The luxury of the NBA may make many players cringe at the thought of playing in the D-League. Greene, however, was hesitant to say he's glad to be back with the Kings.

"We'll see as time moves on," said Greene, who has played in 24 games for the Kings, averaging 4.5 points and 14.1 minutes. "If I'm not playing I would love to be back down there. I was enjoying it. This is my personality. I don't look at anything negative. I look at everything as with a reason."

Greene related a story about his freshman year in high school, when many people expected him to make the varsity squad. Greene made junior varsity instead.

"I had high expectations coming to the Kings," Greene said. "I got out there, got some minutes, but it hasn't been going that way (recently). The Development League will help me out just like JV did."

Which is why Greene said he didn't go into the experience thinking the D-League owed him anything.

Greene said he even asked not to be placed in the starting lineup.

"I didn't want to start," Greene said. "A lot of guys, when they get sent down, they expect to just be 'that guy' and forget all the other guys that are there. I said, 'Bring me off the bench and let the other guys who were here do their thing.' "
 
Yeah, I read that. I think he knows he won't be seeing much floor time here so he'd rather be down there playing and stil get paid NBA bucks.
 
I really like Greene's attitude, and I agree with him - unless he plays in the big leagues he's better off in the D league where he can improve his game. If he continues to get DNPs or just plays a few inconsequential minutes in garbage time, he's better off in the D league.
 
I really like Greene's attitude, and I agree with him - unless he plays in the big leagues he's better off in the D league where he can improve his game. If he continues to get DNPs or just plays a few inconsequential minutes in garbage time, he's better off in the D league.


they should have been doing this with all the rooks who weren't getting playing time *cough* douby *cough*. i don't understand the kings when they just let talent rot on the bench-
 
I really like Greene's attitude, and I agree with him - unless he plays in the big leagues he's better off in the D league where he can improve his game. If he continues to get DNPs or just plays a few inconsequential minutes in garbage time, he's better off in the D league.
Indeed. Great attitude... so many guys would gripe and whine. I hope Donte and Pete Carrill become fast friends.
 
Indeed. Great attitude... so many guys would gripe and whine. I hope Donte and Pete Carrill become fast friends.


IF Carrill sticks around..


Read that thing in the paper today where Carrill said he might have made a mistake coming back? :(
 
Considering who wrote the story, I'm not going to buy Coachie a going-away gift quite yet. Amick is, it seems, getting more and more out there in his attempts to find something gritty or cutting edge to write about...

I really don't think Coachie expected a miracle overnight. I think he's discouraged, but after reading the article I think Amick has made a mountain out of a molehill.
 
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