Jerry Reynolds

[Kingster]

Has anybody noticed how Reynolds has been commenting about the importance of the draft? Tonight, he said, "For the most part, you don't get difference makers in the draft." Well, Mr. Reynolds, I don't think those difference makers come from virgin births.

I bet Reynolds reads this forum; either that or listens to somebody who does. Why else even comment on the draft? I've noticed this in previous games this season, and he's also said something like, "Come out (to the Kings games) and watch the young guys develop." (Note to Reynolds: I don't see JW or Hawes getting much playing time). Behind his comments you get the feeling that he's heard that there are a significant number of Kings fans who (1) do want to build through the draft, and (2) do want to see the young guys develop. Still, Reynolds continues with his "older is better" theme. It's funny, though. The team that he also mentions with high regard, the team that has actually won championships - the San Antonio Spurs - was primarily developed through the draft.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

Reynolds has also stated on air that he doesn't think shot blocking is very important... I don't think that Reynolds has a very good mind for basketball, and have maintained for sometime that he's been associated with the Kings for so long because he has friends in high places.

 

[Bricklayer]

Jerry Reynolds comments have always scared me, because technically he is part of the front office, and what if he is parroting for them? Or trying to prime the fanbase? Some of the stuff is pure homer garbage -- the whool shotblockig thing for instance. Its just B.S. If we ahd a shotblocker he;d spend all night balthering about how wonderful shotblocking is. Since we don't, he'll spend all night trying to convince you it doesn't matter. But other times it scares me. When he says something about that about the draft, is he trying to convince the fans they should not be disappointed? If so, and the more important question, does he speak for management/the Maloofs when he does so?

I am not sure of the answers there. But for several years now I have listened to the stupid stuff he comes up with with dismay. Not because our color commentator says it, but because a memeber of our front office says it. Shotblocking is not important, smallball is great. Reef is best as a center. Ron is best as a PF. everybody on our roster is a potential All-Star. The draft is not important. Does he actually believe the stuff he shovels? I don't know. Do we as a franchise? That's the scary one.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

Yeah, his whole schpiel on shotblocking baffles me, actually...because how many years did he spend fascinated with trying to get a decent 7 footer that could block shots when he was coach/dir. player personnel? He drafted Duane Causwell, traded for Dwayne Schintzius, traded for Olden Polynice, and brought in Randy freaking Breuer, of all players...all in the name of clogging up the middle and blocking shots. So explain THAT to me Mr. Reynolds.

 

[LPKingsFan]

Yeah, his whole schpiel on shotblocking baffles me, actually...because how many years did he spend fascinated with trying to get a decent 7 footer that could block shots when he was coach/dir. player personnel? He drafted Duane Causwell, traded for Dwayne Schintzius, traded for Olden Polynice, and brought in Randy freaking Breuer, of all players...all in the name of clogging up the middle and blocking shots. So explain THAT to me Mr. Reynolds.

Maybe he learned his lesson?

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

Maybe he learned his lesson?

Yeah, the WRONG lesson, obviously. lol

 

[Glenn]

Still, Reynolds continues with his "older is better" theme. It's funny, though. The team that he also mentions with high regard, the team that has actually won championships - the San Antonio Spurs - was primarily developed through the draft.

Only if you ignore that they had David Robinson. The San Antonio Spurs developed by serendipity. Tim Duncan stayed the full four years in college so was available when the Spurs took advantage of a David Robinson injury and ended up with a tanked season. Tim Duncan's early years were spent with one of the greatest big men of all time playing next to him. At present the Spurs have the oldest team in the NBA. Sure, Duncan was once young but any team with the Admiral can hardly be called young.

In another thread I said small market teams require luck to win a championship as they can't just throw money at basketball players and acquire great teams. (Big cities have other advantages, also)

Now another small market team may hit it big and that's Portland. By sucking badly, they got Oden who by all reports will be a star. He gets hurt so they can suck again. They'll get another high pick and have two wonderful building blocks.

For most teams it takes more than one great draft to build a championship team and two great drafts are darn near impossible (unless you are lucky like Portland). Once you get a stud, you play your way out of total mediocrity. Enter serendipity or a free agent like Vlade who for some reason doesn't care about big cities and the extra advertising money he can make there.

Bottom line: although it is not impossible for a small market team to win an NBA championship, it takes an extraordinary and lucky series of events to come together as "the perfect storm."



__________




Sorry. I guess this thread shifted gears.

 

[fnordius]

When Jerry opens his mouth, what I expect to hear is an illogical defense of the status quo and the apparent party line. If it were a logical and accurate defense, it would be obvious, and he wouldn't need to make it. So I just think of him as a spin guy, and when I get stuck listening to him, I disregard whatever he says. I can't even take him as seriously as I do RonRon.

 

[LPKingsFan]

Now another small market team may hit it big and that's Portland. By sucking badly, they got Oden who by all reports will be a star. He gets hurt so they can suck again. They'll get another high pick and have two wonderful building blocks.

I would argue that Aldridge and Roy are pretty nice building blocks. Next year's will just be the icing on the cake.

 

[Glenn]

I would argue that Aldridge and Roy are pretty nice building blocks. Next year's will just be the icing on the cake.

Yup! I'm not arguing.

 

[Kingster]

Jerry Reynolds comments have always scared me, because technically he is part of the front office, and what if he is parroting for them? Or trying to prime the fanbase? Some of the stuff is pure homer garbage -- the whool shotblockig thing for instance. Its just B.S. If we ahd a shotblocker he;d spend all night balthering about how wonderful shotblocking is. Since we don't, he'll spend all night trying to convince you it doesn't matter. But other times it scares me. When he says something about that about the draft, is he trying to convince the fans they should not be disappointed? If so, and the more important question, does he speak for management/the Maloofs when he does so?

I am not sure of the answers there. But for several years now I have listened to the stupid stuff he comes up with with dismay. Not because our color commentator says it, but because a memeber of our front office says it. Shotblocking is not important, smallball is great. Reef is best as a center. Ron is best as a PF. everybody on our roster is a potential All-Star. The draft is not important. Does he actually believe the stuff he shovels? I don't know. Do we as a franchise? That's the scary one.

That's what scares me too: How closely are he and Geoff joined at the hip? His hype of the players doesn't concern me as much because I doubt Petrie has those rose colored glasses, but his philosophy of basketball and how to develop a championship team definitely concerns me because I've heard the same kind of things from Petrie. Like you, that's what scares me.

 

[Kingster]

Only if you ignore that they had David Robinson. The San Antonio Spurs developed by serendipity. Tim Duncan stayed the full four years in college so was available when the Spurs took advantage of a David Robinson injury and ended up with a tanked season. Tim Duncan's early years were spent with one of the greatest big men of all time playing next to him. At present the Spurs have the oldest team in the NBA. Sure, Duncan was once young but any team with the Admiral can hardly be called young.

I think "young" was a poor choice of words on my part. I can't remember any great team that was really young. My point was that Reynolds really seems to discount the draft. He goes out of the way to highlight the way Boston became good this year with a big trade, not build through the draft. In other words, he sends the message - "KingsFans, forget about building through the draft; it doesn't work, it's for chumps..." Well, maybe for an organization that for years had the crappiest drafts in the world, that's understandable. I guess that colors his views on the matter.

 

[SacTownKid]

I think as Brick pointed out though, he only usually says things to explain why or how what he have at a given time can be a good thing. And I would like to defend the shotblocking issue for a second. He usually says that shotblocking is overrated if you don't pull in the board or swat it into the stands, giving the other team a second shot opportunity, and in a way he is right.

Also on the shotblocking issue, like Brick mentioned, when Justin Williams is in there he doesn't stop raving about shotblocking. So I don't think it means he thinks shotblocking is pointless, that's taking it a bit far.

 

[fnordius]

"KingsFans, forget about building through the draft; it doesn't work, it's for chumps..." Well, maybe for an organization that for years had the crappiest drafts in the world, that's understandable. I guess that colors his views on the matter.

Well, if you look at the years when he may have been personally involved in the choices, then yes, the draft is pointless: Pervis Ellison and Ricky Berry are a couple of the franchise's least pleasant memories, and those were his 2 years. But that's a record of bad picks that's essentially unbeatable. What I'd like to know is why, in light of that, we chose him to be Director of Player Personnel.

 

[TheFifthMookie]

I would argue that Aldridge and Roy are pretty nice building blocks. Next year's will just be the icing on the cake.

I'm soo tempted to go out and buy a Joel Pryzbilla jersey! j/k, though I live in Sacto, Portland is like a second home to me, so I am really enjoying their potential upcoming upswing.

 

[Glenn]

I think "young" was a poor choice of words on my part. I can't remember any great team that was really young. My point was that Reynolds really seems to discount the draft. He goes out of the way to highlight the way Boston became good this year with a big trade, not build through the draft. In other words, he sends the message - "KingsFans, forget about building through the draft; it doesn't work, it's for chumps..." Well, maybe for an organization that for years had the crappiest drafts in the world, that's understandable. I guess that colors his views on the matter.

I must not be paying attention 'cause I haven't heard it. Did he say this today? I didn't watch the game. He also may be reflecting back on the Kings' recent success which came via trade, draft, and free agents. I don't remember how many players from that team came through the draft. It's late and my mind is foggy. All I remember is Vlade, Webber, Christie, Jackson, etc. with Peja as one we drafted. There probably were more.

I personally don't think a team can be built entirely through the draft. Bits and pieces will come in different ways. At a certain point the team gets too good and can't draft good players. This fact also can explain why most teams including the Kings can't stay competitive. The way the draft positions are picked prevents dynasties.

 

[ZZE916]

That's what scares me too: How closely are he and Geoff joined at the hip? His hype of the players doesn't concern me as much because I doubt Petrie has those rose colored glasses, but his philosophy of basketball and how to develop a championship team definitely concerns me because I've heard the same kind of things from Petrie. Like you, that's what scares me.

Well, GPbuilt a title contender earlier this decade and there was much debate about his decisions at the time. I remember a time when there was a desire to pick up Popeye Jones. Valde? He had a lukewarm welcome initially. Richmond for that "head case" C Webb? Partial outrage. Peja ? Loud booing at Arco when that was announced. Many of these moves looked ludicrous at first, but it worked.

The thing is, this is more of an art than a science. I don't know how many of you cook, but I do every night. Sometimes I whip up something that sounds great...and tastes awful. You take your best shot with the ingredients that are available, and try it out. Unlike the NBA, if it tastes bad I don't have to eat it every night for the next 3+ years. There are no sure bets, and you don't have the ability to pick up anything you want at any time.

 

[dude12]

Well, he built a title contender earlier this decade and there was much debate about his decisions at the time. I remember a time when there was a desire to pick up Popeye Jones. Valde? He had a lukewarm welcome initially. Richmond for that "head case" C Webb? Partial outrage. Peja ? Loud booing at Arco when that was announced. Many of these moves looked ludicrous at first, but it worked.

The thing is, this is more of an art than a science. I don't know how many of you cook, but I do every night. Sometimes I whip up something that sounds great...and tastes awful. You take your best shot with the ingredients that are available, and try it out. Unlike the NBA, if it tastes bad I don't have to eat it every night for the next 3+ years. There are no sure bets, and you don't have the ability to pick up anything you want at any time.

Well said...I haven't forgotten that the organization was able to build a contender not to long ago. I also don't understand the capping on Reynolds. To take the things that he says on air, when he and Napear need to fill time, to blow it all out of proportion, I just don't understand the attitude.

Glenn said it earlier that most teams are built with a combination of the draft and trades and FA signings. Was there a mention of the draft and impact? Unless that player your getting is Tim Duncan or M Jordan or Lebron, etc the impact from a rookie is only felt when he's an all-world player or you have the other pieces in place and a guy can come in and contribute and not carry a team.

 

[Smills91]

About shotblocking:

You guys are taking his comments out of context and actually misquoting him altogether. He's never, NEVER said that it's not important. That's just not stating what he's said. WHat he HAS ACTUALLY said is that the shotblocking statistic is OVERRATED. His reasoning is, great you blocked the shot, but often times the offensive player regains control and scores on the 2nd attempt. sure you get to pad that individual stat, but it doesn't show up on any impact of the scoreboard.

I just wanted to clarify the misrepresentations I've seen from MULTIPLE posters so far on this thread.

Now carry on with your bickering.

 

[CruzDude]

Couldn't agree more. Shotblocking is only good as a contributor to TO's. A blocked shot that turns into 2nd chance points for the opponent is a wasted stat item. The other side of shot blockers IS filling the middle and reducing easy layups, not necessarily blocking shots but altering them and keeping the ball out of the paint. I think that is what Jerry was looking for in years way past when there was not much available to do that.

JR is great on air as sidekick to Grant, if you listen for entertainment first and BB knowledge second. He knows the game but so does Grant. You may not like what either of them says but they are objective. How would you like to have Tommie Heinshon as your color guy? The biggest homey in the NBA and the most ignorant who says really dumm things all the time.

 

[dude12]

Couldn't agree more. Shotblocking is only good as a contributor to TO's. A blocked shot that turns into 2nd chance points for the opponent is a wasted stat item. The other side of shot blockers IS filling the middle and reducing easy layups, not necessarily blocking shots but altering them and keeping the ball out of the paint. I think that is what Jerry was looking for in years way past when there was not much available to do that.

JR is great on air as sidekick to Grant, if you listen for entertainment first and BB knowledge second. He knows the game but so does Grant. You may not like what either of them says but they are objective. How would you like to have Tommie Heinshon as your color guy? The biggest homey in the NBA and the most ignorant who says really dumm things all the time.

A good example of the "filling or clogging the lane" was yesterday versus the Celtics. KG and company really played some tough interior defense. We missed a few gimmes because of the awareness of KG in the paint. He doesn't really have to block the shot.

 

[bajaden]

Yeah, his whole schpiel on shotblocking baffles me, actually...because how many years did he spend fascinated with trying to get a decent 7 footer that could block shots when he was coach/dir. player personnel? He drafted Duane Causwell, traded for Dwayne Schintzius, traded for Olden Polynice, and brought in Randy freaking Breuer, of all players...all in the name of clogging up the middle and blocking shots. So explain THAT to me Mr. Reynolds.

This is not in defense of Mr. Reynolds, or his comments. I for one don't pay much attention to them. He is after all, just a color commentator. You should listen to some of the other one's around the league as I'm forced to do because I live in baja and can't get the Kings broadcast all the time. However, I don't ever remember Jerry trading for anyone. He did not draft Duane Causwell or trade for Mr. Schintzius. He's never been the GM. How much influence he may or may not have had is up for debate, but you can't blame him for the stupidity of the general manager. So I don't think he has to explain anything to you in that regard.

I had the chance to talk to Jerry one night when he was the quest on sports talk years ago and it was being held at the sports bar in fair oaks. He confided to myself and the others at the table that he thought the trade for Derek Smith was a terrible one as was the one for Sampson. He said that Causwell had the worst hand eye coordination he had ever seen. So I don't think he was a big fan of Causwells. If you want to comment on what he says, so be it. But get your facts straight.

 

[bajaden]

Couldn't agree more. Shotblocking is only good as a contributor to TO's. A blocked shot that turns into 2nd chance points for the opponent is a wasted stat item. The other side of shot blockers IS filling the middle and reducing easy layups, not necessarily blocking shots but altering them and keeping the ball out of the paint. I think that is what Jerry was looking for in years way past when there was not much available to do that.

JR is great on air as sidekick to Grant, if you listen for entertainment first and BB knowledge second. He knows the game but so does Grant. You may not like what either of them says but they are objective. How would you like to have Tommie Heinshon as your color guy? The biggest homey in the NBA and the most ignorant who says really dumm things all the time.

Tell me about it. I had to listen to them last night. It almost makes you want to vommit. According to Heinshon, every time a celtic drives to the basket he's fouled and every time a celtic muggs someone on the other team, its great defense. Last night when Allen, with Beno guarding him shot a three pointer and made it, Heinshon shouted, take that Beno, in your face. Completely nonpartial of course.

 

[AyeCarly]

Has anybody noticed how Reynolds has been commenting about the importance of the draft? Tonight, he said, "For the most part, you don't get difference makers in the draft."

The team that he also mentions with high regard, the team that has actually won championships - the San Antonio Spurs - was primarily developed through the draft.

2005 - Deron Williams, Chris Paul
2004 - Dwight Howard, Emeka Okafor, Ben Gordon, Andre Iguodala
2003 - Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, TJ Ford
2002 - Yao Ming, Amare Stoudemire, Drew Gooden, Caron Butler
2001 - Pau Gasol, Jason Richardson, Gilbert Arenas, Kwame Brown
2000 - Kenyon Martin, Mike Miller
1999 - Elton Brand, Ron Artest, Baron Davis, Lamar Odom, Shawn Marion

We've had lottery picks such as Pervis Ellison, Joe Kleine, Bobby Hurley and Corliss Williamson. How far did they get us?

UNTIL anyone else listed above wins a championship or at least gets their team to the championship series other than Wade (hell he had Shaq) and Lebron, I will not put so much stock in the draft.

Regarding the Spurs, that was a, planets aligning just right occurrence (getting DRob and then Tim Duncan).

 

[Gary]

Now another small market team may hit it big and that's Portland. By sucking badly, they got Oden who by all reports will be a star. He gets hurt so they can suck again. They'll get another high pick and have two wonderful building blocks.

That scares the hell out of me. Luckily Portland is doing real well this year. So they will probably end up with a #13-#14 pick. If they were to get the #1 pick Portland would be elite for years to come. Think of Oden/Aldridge/Beasley/Roy/(and a FA signed PG, or traded PG).. YIKES!

 

[dude12]

2005 - Deron Williams, Chris Paul
2004 - Dwight Howard, Emeka Okafor, Ben Gordon, Andre Iguodala
2003 - Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, TJ Ford
2002 - Yao Ming, Amare Stoudemire, Drew Gooden, Caron Butler
2001 - Pau Gasol, Jason Richardson, Gilbert Arenas, Kwame Brown
2000 - Kenyon Martin, Mike Miller
1999 - Elton Brand, Ron Artest, Baron Davis, Lamar Odom, Shawn Marion

We've had lottery picks such as Pervis Ellison, Joe Kleine, Bobby Hurley and Corliss Williamson. How far did they get us?

UNTIL anyone else listed above wins a championship or at least gets their team to the championship series other than Wade (hell he had Shaq) and Lebron, I will not put so much stock in the draft.

Regarding the Spurs, that was a, planets aligning just right occurrence (getting DRob and then Tim Duncan).

Out of that list, and besides the ones who have already won a crown, who do you think will be the first win a championship? I'm thinking Deron Williams or Dwight Howard.

 

[Arkitect]

2005 - Deron Williams, Chris Paul
2004 - Dwight Howard, Emeka Okafor, Ben Gordon, Andre Iguodala
2003 - Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, TJ Ford
2002 - Yao Ming, Amare Stoudemire, Drew Gooden, Caron Butler
2001 - Pau Gasol, Jason Richardson, Gilbert Arenas, Kwame Brown
2000 - Kenyon Martin, Mike Miller
1999 - Elton Brand, Ron Artest, Baron Davis, Lamar Odom, Shawn Marion

We've had lottery picks such as Pervis Ellison, Joe Kleine, Bobby Hurley and Corliss Williamson. How far did they get us?

UNTIL anyone else listed above wins a championship or at least gets their team to the championship series other than Wade (hell he had Shaq) and Lebron, I will not put so much stock in the draft.

Regarding the Spurs, that was a, planets aligning just right occurrence (getting DRob and then Tim Duncan).

So what strategy would you put stock in?

 

[AyeCarly]

Out of that list, and besides the ones who have already won a crown, who do you think will be the first win a championship? I'm thinking Deron Williams or Dwight Howard.

That's hard to say. Of the names I listed Amare and Shawn Marion have the best chance now with Phoenix.

All I know is, since 1980 (27 yrs) there have been only 8 teams to win the title. Lakers, Celtics, Pistons, 76ers, Rockets, Bulls, Heat, Spurs.

With the exception of the Spurs, all large markets.

And it looks like the Celtics will win one again this year or the next, and San Antonio is still pretty strong this year.

 

[AyeCarly]

So what strategy would you put stock in?

Whatever stock Mr. Petrie wants.

We were a gnat's hair away from being in the championship.
We almost beat a team with Shaq and Kobe, two of the greatest players to ever play, in their Prime.

Geoffs other championship contending team the Blazers lost to Michael Jordan and the Bulls in 1992 and Isiah Thomas and the Bad Boy Pistons in 1990.

He is one of the best GMs in the biz and has the track record to prove it.

 

[Gary]

I am suprised a Reynolds thread has so much substance. The only thing that should be associated w/ Reynolds is a garden tool.