A new blog entry has been added:
[drupal=70]Heart and hustle[/drupal]
[drupal=70]Heart and hustle[/drupal]
As another season winds down, it seems as though we're all struggling to define our team. This includes, apparently, the players and the coaches.
Valid questions are being raised by the fan base about why the veterans are still playing so many minutes. Why is Anthony Johnson filling in for Beno when Quincy Douby could be using the minutes? Why isn't Theus using Shelden Williams more? And why does it seem as though Ron Artest has become a player/coach, announcing his intentions to either play or not play to the team whenever he chooses?
I've talked in earlier blogs about heart and hustle, energy and excitement. I talked about seeing the kids get the majority of minutes and then, I'm somewhat chagrined to admit, I got drawn into the "magic" of the moment and backed down from the criticism. But I was called on it - and rightly so. (One of the many things I love about KF, BTW.)
So I'm back on the right path, I think. I know what I want to see...
HEART AND HUSTLE. I want to see players out there giving it their all and playing like their jobs depended on it (and in some cases, they do). I want to see Coach Theus forget about doing better than last year, if that is his goal, and devise plays for the kids to run. Plays they can execute and learn from.
I want to see focus and dedication to improving our team. Right now that means restoring confidence in at least one case or am I the only one who has noticed that Douby looks a lot like Jason Williams did when he first went to Memphis? Quincy needs to be given enough time on the court to get into his game. Shelden needs to be given enough time to do the same. Hopefully Spencer Hawes' ankle injury is minor and he'll be able to get back on the court to work with Douby and Williams.
Just once I'd like Douby, Martin, Garcia, Williams and Hawes start the game and see how it plays out.
I've been to a fair number of Kings games in my life and it's never been solely about the winning (well, except for the Lakers and the playoffs). The fans have reacted the best when they are one with the players. When the electric feeling of ARCO THUNDER is so strong you can't tell where the court ends and the stands begin. When the players and the fans complete the perfect storm of symbiotic relationships.
HEART AND HUSTLE. Come on, Reggie. Let them run.
The game discussion thread is here.
The PBP thread is here.
Let's get ready for some Kings basketball!!!