We've annointed every even modestly promising rookie the Kings have had in the last decade as "a future All-Star". But that's really really rarified air, and if things don't break right for Kevin there is just as big (actually bigger) a chance we don't even pick up his 4th year (basically if we bring in a full time FA OG as a starter, bring back Bobby/Mo etc. he's back to 12th man duty). He's in a very delicate position, and while he's an intriguing player, he didn't exactly make the argument in Year 1 for us to be clearing out room for him in the rotation.
He really needs to take a big step forward this summer, and he needs to have taken that step by the time camp comes around + must really impress at that time (assuming he's with us, although from his perspective wherever he ends up). If he starts slow, gets hurt, or is anything but very impressive in camp, that could almost be it, tell the story for him with us. Be very tough for him to unseat someone midseason after a slow start, and as a late round small school pick, there isn't that built in assumption that he just HAS to be given shot after shot. Guys picked where he is at succeed maybe 1 out of 5, and every year tons of them get dropped from the league and forgotten about. Could easily get buried deep, and then have a hell of a time ever recovering unless somebody in front of him gets hurt. And that could very well lead to us not picking up his 4th year and him just sort of dropping off the map. Basically he hasn't established himself in the league yet, and barring either a rebuilding plan or some massive trades this summer for superstars leaving the OG spot in his hands, the next 6 months or so could be the most critical ones of his entire career (possibly short career if he is unable to step up).
He really needs to take a big step forward this summer, and he needs to have taken that step by the time camp comes around + must really impress at that time (assuming he's with us, although from his perspective wherever he ends up). If he starts slow, gets hurt, or is anything but very impressive in camp, that could almost be it, tell the story for him with us. Be very tough for him to unseat someone midseason after a slow start, and as a late round small school pick, there isn't that built in assumption that he just HAS to be given shot after shot. Guys picked where he is at succeed maybe 1 out of 5, and every year tons of them get dropped from the league and forgotten about. Could easily get buried deep, and then have a hell of a time ever recovering unless somebody in front of him gets hurt. And that could very well lead to us not picking up his 4th year and him just sort of dropping off the map. Basically he hasn't established himself in the league yet, and barring either a rebuilding plan or some massive trades this summer for superstars leaving the OG spot in his hands, the next 6 months or so could be the most critical ones of his entire career (possibly short career if he is unable to step up).
) Maybe we are quibbling over semantics here, when I think of his potential and think he has the capacity to be 'great' I am thinking of great as in Doug Christie style great. Maybe a player who is never mentioned, even in the 'all star' hullabaloo, but who contributes mightily, who gives his all and plays with his heart. A player who is committed to his team mates and his team above self. I do know that he possesses this type of attitude, this type of drive. Mike Bibby is not an all star, yet he has played 'great' for us. Bobby Jackson, same thing.
