Kings 2013 Scouting Reports: The Old Guys

[Bricklayer]

Okay, well I waited and waited...and waited before finally updating these and putting these up (normally do them in early to mid August), just knowing, KNOWING, that this couldn't be the crap....er....I mean, team we intended on throwing out there this year, that there would be more changes.... Well...finally I just caved to inevitability and could wait no longer.

I am going to put them up in two groups to facilitate any discussion. This first group of 8 includes Outlaw, IT, Chuck, Jimmer, Salmons, Thornton, JT and Cousins, the 8 returnees.

The second group will be the 6 new guys (with Patterson lumped in since I did not do one for him after he came over midseason, and Landry counted as new even though he's already got an old profile) Grevis, Landry, Mbah a Moute, Patterson, McLemore and McCallum.

 

[Bricklayer]

Travis Outlaw
Position: SF/PF
Hgt: 6'9"
Wgt: 210
Age: 29
Number: 25
Nickname: N/A
College: Starkville High School
Yrs with Team: 2
Yrs in League: 10
Previous Teams: Portland ('03-'09); Clippers ('10); New Jersey ('10-'11)
How Acquired: amnesty 2011-12
Contract: 2013-14 $3.0mil; 2014-15 $3.0mil;
Strengths: athleticism, length
Weaknesses: shooting has cratered, ballhandling, physicality

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Offense has completely fallen apart over the last few seasons. Shot .418 last year, and it was his best effort in 4 years. Extremely long and athletic and when he actually gets around the rim, can flush it home with ease. Unfortunately that is a rare event, as he mostly plays an inefficient midrange jumpshooting game, and his shooting has completely left him. Seems incapable of the simple act of catching and shooting, insisting almost robotically upon putting the ball on the floor, taking a few aimless dribbles, and often putting up a more contested jumper than he started with. Can shoot over people with his length, and in his Portland days was a solid 36-39% 3pt shooter, but seems to have lost that ability as well, having shot less than 30% from the arc ever since signing that big 5 year contract with New Jersey/Brooklyn three years ago. Not a ballhandler at all, but every once in a while will surprise by unleashing a slick pass for an assist.

Defense & Rebounding
With his length is able to challenge shots up high and occasionally come up with a spectacular block, but especially when played at PF, which has been far too often the last few years, has no strength at all to stand his ground in the post. Long run/jump athlete, but lateral mobility is not great. Does not compete well on the glass, is average at best even as a SF, and completely overwhelmed at PF.

Intangibles
Career has been spiraling and without the endless guaranteed contract he would probably be out of the league by now. Not old enough for it to be age related decline, so you have to wonder about his head, and if Nate McMillan's system was the only place he could thrive. Low basketball IQ player who looks constantly uncomfortable out there anymore. For the second season in a row suddenly strung together his biggest games of the season in the meaningless garbage games of the last few weeks, but not likely to mean much.

Stats 12-13: 11.7min 5.3pts (.418 FG% .280 3pt% .731 FT%) 1.6reb 0.6ast 0.3stl 0.2blk 0.5TO
Stats Career: 21.4min 8.8pts (.425 FG% .335 3pt% .741 FT%) 3.2reb 0.8ast 0.6stl 0.6blk 0.9TO
NBA.com profile[/URL]

 

[Bricklayer]

Isaiah Thomas
Position: PG
Hgt: 5'9"
Wgt: 185
Age: 24
Number: 22
Nickname: IT
College: Washington
Yrs with Team: 2
Yrs in League: 2
Previous Teams: N/A
How Acquired: 2011 NBA Draft (Rnd 2 #60)
Contract: 2013-14 $0.9mil
Strengths: quickness, athleticism, ballhandling
Weaknesses: size, court vision, defense

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Came out of nowhere to become a core rotation player for the Kings, thriving in Keith Smart's uptempo system and for the second year in a row eventually emerging as the team's starter. Quick offensive minded waterbug that has drawn comparisons to Nate Robinson (who went to the same college). Fearless driver despite his size, although sometimes too fearless leading to blocks and turnovers, and has shot better in the pros than expected after he was shaky from distance in college. Ability to pull up in the midrange effectively gives him an extra step, and ability to hit spot up threes was wholly unexpected, as it was supposed to be a weakness. Not the purest of PGs, and prone to stretches of selfish play where he looks exclusively for his own shot. Has a bad habit of breaking plays to look for his own points, and can be undisciplined and pull up for long shots on the break with no teammates underneath to rebound. Not a combo guard though (and how could he be at his size), and when he feels like it displays solid court vision and the ability to set people up with nice passes.

Defense & Rebounding
Very competitive and when aroused can give a real effort on this side of the ball, but of course the defining issue on defense is size. Some of that is good, as with his quickness he is able to stay in front many opponents, and unlike the true mighty mites like Earl Boynkins, has the strength and bulk to hold his own. Excellent athlete able to come up with some spectacular hustle plays, although not as disruptive in the passing lanes as you might expect given his quickness, and has developed a bad habit of getting caught on screens up top and making little effort to get around them. The size problem manifests in that he can be shot over, switches are a constant problem, he is too small to be effective doubling down on bigs, and rarely able to effect perimeter shooters on rotations. Poor rebounder even for the position but will occasionally stick his nose in there amongst the trees.

Intangibles
As the final player taken in the 2011 draft inherited the "Mr. Irrelevant" title, but was anything but, effectively becoming the Kings' lottery pick as Jimmer struggled. Lauded for maturity and leadership and quickly became a favorite of Keith Smart's. Feisty and competitive nature has made him unwilling to accept a backup role, and has fought his way into the starting lineup in both his seasons. That does not seem likely this season with Grevis Vasquez in town, but if he accepts the role, his size and attacking mentality may eventually be a natural fit as a change of pace guard off the bench.

Stats 12-13: 26.9min 13.9pts (.440 FG% .358 3pt% .882 FT%) 2.0reb 4.0ast 0.8stl 0.0blk 1.8TO
Stats Career: 26.2min 12.8pts (.443 FG% .367 3pt% .862 FT%) 2.3reb 4.0ast 0.8stl 0.1blk 1.7TO
NBA.com profile

 

[Bricklayer]

Chuck Hayes
Position: PF/C
Hgt: 6'6"
Wgt: 250
Age: 30
Number: 42
Nickname: Chuckwagon
College: Kentucky
Yrs with Team: 2
Yrs in League: 8
Previous Teams: Houston ('05-11)
How Acquired: free agent 2011-12
Contract: 2013-14 $5.7mil; 2014-15 $6.0mil;
Strengths: man defense, strength, passing
Weaknesses: offense, shotblocking, size, athleticism

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
This is not Chuck's side of the ball. Slow, and one of the smallest bigs in the game. He occasionally, and often seemingly randomly, will surprise with a clumsy drive or post move, but they are neither particularly skilled, nor have much of a chance against superior length. For similar reasons is often prone to blow otherwise makeable layups. Mostly he tries to surprise opponents who completely cheat off of him. Has some offensive rebounding ability, but dribbles or passes it out as much as tries to finish it. A jumper would be a handy weapon for a player like Hayes, but has never developed any consistency. Has gotten somewhat better as a FT shooter however, so maybe there is hope. One thing he does well for a big is pass the ball, and his most effective sets since arriving in Sacramento have been when he's used as a high post passer to hit cutters to the hoop.

Defense & Rebounding
Came to Sacramento as a noted defensive specialist who was brought in to provide the Kings with a defensive captain. Did not work out, and even the man defense he was known for has rarely stood out as he disappeared into deep bench duty. Has good hands and moves his feet well enough to be effective on switches and shows up top. But is not consistent, and has nights where he is completely ineffective, in particular against length which refuses to give him a body to push and shove against. At his height and without leaping ability Chuck obviously has never had any shotblocking ability or abiltiy to shut down the middle to penetration (like Cousins resorting to trying to take charges instead), a problem for a Kings team who gave up penetration more than any other team in the league. Has been a good rebounder during his career, hustling for boards he could not get with length, but as with many other things has never made an impact on the glass during his Kings years, and on some nights gets as worked over as you might expect a 6'6" center to get while watching taller players grab boards right over his back.

Intangibles
Throughout his earlier career Chuck would have been known as the ultimate dirtworker, a scrappy, smart, hardworking defender who even other defenders respected. In Sacramento? Well, he's a nice guy. But has been ineffective setting any sort of tone, not always in the best of shape, and has lost role, minutes and respect. Now is just an overpaid vet working out the remains of a stupid contract. Figures to be buried again this year with the mystery resigning of Carl Landry, but maybe can find a role again under the more defensive minded coaching of Mike Malone.

Stats 12-13: 16.3min 2.7pts (.442 FG% .000 3pt% .625 FT%) 4.0reb 1.5ast 0.4stl 0.2blk 0.6TO
Stats Career: 19.5min 4.0pts (.503 FG% .000 3pt% .610 FT%) 5.4reb 1.3ast 0.8stl 0.4blk 0.8TO
NBA.com profile

 

[Bricklayer]

Marcus Thornton
Position: SG
Hgt: 6'4"
Wgt: 205
Age: 26
Number: 23
Nickname: N/A
College: LSU
Yrs with Team: 3
Yrs in League: 4
Previous Teams: New Orleans ('09-11)
How Acquired: trade for Carl Landry (Feb '11)
Contract: 2013-14 $8.2mil; 2014-15 $8.7mil;
Strengths: long range shooting, explosive scorer, feisty, likes the big shot
Weaknesses: undersized, defense, selfish tendencies, single minded

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Explosive scorer with great range on his shot and a quick release. More than just a long range gunner though, as he shows a complete offensive game. Very aggressive driver given a seam, and a power athlete able to finish through contact. Runs the floor hard on the break. Even has a guard postup game which he can use to effect when the opposing matchup is a PG. Competitor who likes to take the big shots. That's the good. The bad is he does all of the above, all of the time. Passing the ball is rarely a consideration. Tactics are rarely a consideration. If the ball touches his hand, the only way its leaving is toward the hoop. Can settle for too many threes when cold, leading to some terrible shooting nights. Very streaky, can miss everything for entire halves, and then explode for 15 pts in a quarter. Can be a major blackhole on offense determined to get his shots up, but is actually a capable passer when he chooses to do so, especially on the break.

Defense & Rebounding
Competitive nature carries over to the defensive side of the ball, but is far from a stopper. A little undersized at the SG, and can be shot over by taller players on the perimeter. Strong enough to hold his own against post up players, but can be beaten laterally by quickness when switched onto point guards. Biggest problem is a complete lack of discipline. Hustles all over the court gambling for steals while leaving his man open to do whatever he wants. Looks similarly lost on rotations. Will use athleticism to aggressively snatch rebounds amongst the trees, but one of those all offensively minded players where if he's not getting shots, effort at all other facets falls off.

Intangibles
Suffered through an awful 2012-13 campaign, where he showed once again that not only does he need his shots, he needs his starts. In any situation except as featured starting scorer, looks lost and can disappear completely. Has many traits you love to see in a player. Competitive, energetic, loves the big shot. But also has many traits that are problematic. Is selfish on offense and mistake prone on defense. Last time he was paired with Coach Malone in New Orleans, the lack of defense led to his benching, predictable disappearance, and eventual trade to the Kings. But now in Sacramento with Tyreke gone and McLemore not looking ready, looks to be counted on as Cousins' second scorer/wingman, and has shown the ability to approach 20ppg in those sorts of roles.

Stats 12-13: 24.0min 12.7pts (.429 FG% .372 3pt% .881 FT%) 2.5reb 1.3ast 0.8stl 0.1blk 0.9TO
Stats Career: 26.6min 14.3pts (.438 FG% .365 3pt% .832 FT%) 3.1reb 1.6ast 0.9stl 0.1blk 1.2TO
NBA.com profile

 

[Bricklayer]

John Salmons
Position: SF/SG
Hgt: 6'6"
Wgt: 207
Age: 33
Number: 5
Nickname: N/A
College: Miami
Yrs with Team: 3 (first stint); 2 (this stint)
Yrs in League: 11
Previous Teams: Philadelphia ('02-'06); Kings ('06-'09); Chicago ('09-'10); Milwaulkee ('10-'11)
How Acquired: trade for Beno Udrih June '11
Contract: 2013-14: $7.6mil; 2014-15: $7.0mil (team option)
Strengths: versatility, ballhandling
Weaknesses: overdribbles, tunnel vision, rebounding, energy

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Recovered slightly from a horrible year in 2011-12 where he had lost even his ability to shoot from distance, and three point shooting numbers bounced back to around career averages (.364). Aging ball dominant player not comfortable with that roleplayer staple, the catch and shoot. Does not get to the rack as he once did, core of his game now is catching, pulling it down, dribbling to an open spot from 18-20 feet and pulling up for an often missed midrange jumper. Often develops tunnel vision when he has the ball, and will dribble, dribble, dribble, missing open cutters along the way. Inconsistent and has a notorious tendency to lose his aggressiveness and disappear when not playing a featured role where he gets to handle the ball and shoot on his own terms. Has guard skills, and indeed is more SG than SF offensively, and even can run a little PG for short stints. In his second year as a designated roleplayer, was one of the few Kings to willingly move the ball.

Defense & Rebounding
Was brought back to the Kings for his abilities as a man to man defender, but has struggled in that role. Listed at 6'6" 207, can still stay with smaller swingman types, but simply physically overwhelmed by bigger power SFs, and does not have the athleticism to compete with high flyers. Neither a gambler nor a high energy player, concentrates on keeping his man in front of him. Never been much of a help defender, and does not play the passing lanes or rotate crisply on the backline. Is one of the league's worst rebounders if you call him a SF, where lack of size, strength, athleticism and energy leave him totally ineffective. Is barely adequate if you call him a guard.

Intangibles
Has somewhat of a sulky demeanor oncourt that has never helped him shake the impression that he may be a selfish player. Low energy player that makes it hard to tell when effort is 100%. Has appeared to be legitimately trying to fit in, but fitting in in this case has led to several totally ineffective seasons suggesting his career is almost over. Known as a quiet inoffensive sort in the lockerroom, yet has repeatedly worn out his welcome, been unhappy with his role, and seemingly struggled to develop chemistry at his various stops.

Stats 12-13: 30.0min 8.8pts (.399 FG% .371 3pt% .773 FT%) 2.7reb 3.0ast 0.7stl 0.3blk 1.1TO
Stats Career: 27.2min 9.9pts (.436 FG% .364 3pt% .801 FT%) 3.0reb 2.5ast 0.9stl 0.3blk 1.4TO
NBA.com profile

 

[Bricklayer]

Demarcus Cousins
Position: C/PF
Hgt: 6'11"
Wgt: 270
Age: 23
Number: 15
Nickname: Boogie
College: Kentucky
Yrs with Team: 3
Yrs in League: 3
Previous Teams: N/A
How Acquired: 2010 Draft Rnd 1 (#5)
Contract: 2013-14: $4.9mil
Strengths: high offensive skill level, great hands, mobility for a center, rebounding, power game
Weaknesses: maturity, rim protection, decision making, foul problems

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Highly skilled offensive big man that has a complete package of skills. Has range on his jumper out to 20 feet, although he had a down year from the perimeter last year. Might even have 3pt range in time, although that is obviously not where you want him. Might be the best ballhandling center in the league, and at 6'11" 280 is capable of occassionally leading the break. Unfortunately prone to overestimating his abilities there, and turning the ball over as a result. Very aggressive and physical both with faceup drives and in the post. Loves to lower his shoulder and use his bulk, and counters with quick spin moves over his right shoulder. Adds quick feet and soft hands for a formidable package, and can put up huge numbers against some of the league's best defenders. Lacks a goto move in the post at this stage (although is starting to develop a half hook), and actually prefers facing up against tough defenders. Started to overcome some of his shooting percentage woes last season, shooting 50% from the field after Jan. 1 with improved shot selection. With momentum and steps capable of rim rattling dunks, but while battling and scrapping around the glass often plays well below the rim, making him succeptible to blocks and alterations. Will often throw a wild shot off the glass and go chase it, ala Moses Malone, racking up 2 or sometimes 3 misses and offensive rebounds on a single possession, a trait which in his early career helped to both pad his offensive rebounding stats, and hold down his shooting percentages. One of the more talented passing big men in the game and capable of throwing brilliant passes from almost any point on the court, but as with his shot selection, his decisionmaking leads him to try to do too much, and the resulting turnovers have largely offset the assists. Will have to improve upon that, as Coach Malone has said he wants to run the offense through him this season.

Defense & Rebounding
Defense remains a hole on his resume. Has numerous tools, but it is clear now he will never be a shotblocker, which puts pressure on the franchise to find one as a wingman up front. More importantly, maturity and emotional issues have made his effort on the defensive end inconsistent. Can be a disruptive defender when focused. Very strong physically as a post defender and has tremendous hands, and combined with great anticipation led all NBA centers in steals. Particularly adept at stepping out up top and picking off lazy passes from guards to their bigs, and rumbling with it the other way for breakout hoops. Takes a large number of charges in lieu of the shotblocking, but when the tactic fails it only adds to persistent foul woes, which have been improving year by year (he led the league in fouls his first two years) but still hold his minutes down. Biggest issue is that he still needs to learn to compete on every play, and as his disputes with refs have escalated, far too often is slow to get back because he is arguing with a ref or pouting over a non-all. One of the league's best rebounders on both a per game and per minute basis. Stronger on the offensive glass than the defensive glass, but willing to chase the ball out of his area on both ends, and strong hands ensure almost any ball he does touch remains his.

Intangibles
Has settled in now as the NBA's poster child bad boy, but has never embraced the role. Has had numerous run ins with coaches, suspensions, led the league in technicals the last two seasons, but feels misunderstood. The explanation for that dichotomy seems to simply be immaturity. Highly emotional and thin skinned player who thinks the world is out to get him. Has a tendency to overreact to calls going against him and interpret criticisms as personal attacks. Intelligent and engaging personality away from the court, but still needs to control his emotions on it. Wants badly to be trusted, but hasn't yet acted in a trustworthy manner. Big year for him coming up, with a looming max contract and new ownership which has anointed him its franchise player and centerpiece.

Stats 12-13: 30.5min 17.1pts (.465 FG% .182 3pt% .738 FT%) 9.9reb 2.7ast 1.4stl 0.7blk 3.0TO
Stats Career: 29.8min 16.3pts (.448 FG% .167 3pt% .710 FT%) 9.8reb 2.3ast 1.3stl 0.9blk 3.0TO
NBA.com profile

 

[Bricklayer]

Jason Thompson
Position: PF/C
Hgt: 6'11"
Wgt: 250
Age: 27
Number: 34
Nickname: JT
College: Rider
Yrs with Team: 5
Yrs in League: 5
Previous Teams: N/A
How Acquired: 2008 Draft Rnd 1 (#12)
Contract: 2013-14: $5.64mil; 2014-15: $6.04mil; 2015-16: $6.43mil; 2016-17: $6.83mil;
Strengths: mobility, hustle, rebounding
Weaknesses: finishing ability, sometimes plays too fast, not a shotblocker

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Mobile big man that mostly makes a living as a hustle player, although occasionally spots up for a solid midrange jumper or throws in a post move that suggests he could be more. Began his career with a tendency to play the game too fast, rarely getting settled, and frequently looking awkward and off balance on his moves. But as he's settled in as a roleplayer, both patience and efficiency have soared. Still has a problem consistently finishing around the hoop, both with shaky touch and with getting a lot of balls blocked and tipped by opponents, but all out hustle frequently results in him recovering his own miss and putting it back up. Fast and fluid in the open court for a big man, and has enough skills to even occasionally lead the break. Energetic, and despite uncertain skill level inside, can overwhelm weaker or lazier opponents to big nights, although as career has gone along, efficiency has gone up while the big nights have seemingly gone down. Solid and willing passer when given an opportunity

Defense & Rebounding
Tries hard on this end of the court, but results are not always the equal of his effort. Suffered from extreme foul problems in his rookie season, leading the league in fouls, but has consistently made progress and rarely encounters those problems now. Active on defense, but not always effective, bouncing himself out of position as often as he bounces into it and has a tendency to be out of position on rotations and take bad angles. Despite his height, bigger centers often overwhelm him when he plays that position, and he's more effective at PF. Tries hard to be a shotblocker, but seems to lack length and instincts. Effective on switches where he can use his mobility to stay with smaller guards and forwards. Has the mobility to rebound out of his area, but inexplicably suffered a fall off in his normally solid rebounding rate last year.

Intangibles
A good character guy, and longest tenured member of the Kings. Steady production season to season, but can be inconsistent game to game and week to week, going through long slumps and long hot streaks. But effort is never in question, and while role and expectations have repeatedly changed for him in his career, he seems to have willingly settled in as a solid roleplaying big perhaps ideally suited to 3rd big status, but capable of starting as needed, which may in fact again be this year given the ill fitting options behind him.

Stats 12-13: 27.9min 10.9pts (.502 FG% .000 3pt% .694 FT%) 6.7reb 1.0ast 0.6stl 0.7blk 1.2TO
Stats Career: 27.4min 10.5pts (.499 FG% .038 3pt% .669 FT%) 7.1reb 1.2ast 0.5stl 0.7blk 1.5TO
NBA.com profile

 

[Bricklayer]

Jimmer Fredette
Position: PG/SG
Hgt: 6'2"
Wgt: 195
Age: 24
Number: 7
Nickname: Jimmer
College: Brigham Young
Yrs with Team: 2
Yrs in League: 2
Previous Teams: N/A
How Acquired: 2011 NBA Draft (Rnd 1 #10)
Contract: 2013-14 $2.6mil; 2014-15 $3.3mil (team option)
Strengths: great range, scoring instincts
Weaknesses: defense, ballhandling, size and athleticism

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Bigtime college scorer who has struggled to duplicate that success in the NBA. Has some slipperiness to the hoop, and has gotten a little better at finding ways to score over NBA defenders inside, but value is still largely as a three point bomber. Will pull up for those shots from almost anywhere, but often struggles to make that fit within a team concept. More comfortable with the ball in his hands than as a catch and shoot player, but ballhandling has been badly exposed when he is asked to play PG, to the degree that teams actually start doubling and trapping him to force turnovers. When left alone and thinking pass he has shown good touch on his passes and a solid understanding of how to set people up with his dribble.

Defense & Rebounding
Gives an effort on defense, but struggles as expected. Quick PGs blow right past him, and while he has shown the ability to stay in front of larger players, they are able to simply overpower him or play over his head. Often looks helpless on rotations and getting back in break situations. Major concern has to be that many of his problems seem to be physically related. Can understand the defense, play it right, and still get beat. Very poor rebounder who rarely even makes an effort to grab a rebound.

Intangibles
Coming out of college with Jimmermania behind him, expectations far outstripped production. Seems to have figured out his NBA game a little by this point, but whether he can help a team remains in question. Solid hardworking kid who just may not have an NBA position.

Stats 12-13: 14.0min 7.6pts (.421 FG% .417 3pt% .859 FT%) 1.0reb 1.3ast 0.4stl 0.0blk 1.0TO
Stats Career: 16.2min 7.4pts (.402 FG% .384 3pt% .850 FT%) 1.1reb 1.5ast 0.5stl 0.0blk 1.0TO
NBA.com profile

 

[pshn80]

Great read and really hit our guys spot on. Thank you, Brck.

 

[bajaden]

Jimmer Fredette
Position: PG/SG
Hgt: 6'2"
Wgt: 195
Age: 24
Number: 7
Nickname: Jimmer
College: Brigham Young
Yrs with Team: 2
Yrs in League: 2
Previous Teams: N/A
How Acquired: 2011 NBA Draft (Rnd 1 #10)
Contract: 2013-14 $2.6mil; 2014-15 $3.3mil (team option)
Strengths: great range, scoring instincts
Weaknesses: defense, ballhandling, size and athleticism

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Bigtime college scorer who has struggled to duplicate that success in the NBA. Has some slipperiness to the hoop, and has gotten a little better at finding ways to score over NBA defenders inside, but value is still largely as a three point bomber. Will pull up for those shots from almost anywhere, but often struggles to make that fit within a team concept. More comfortable with the ball in his hands than as a catch and shoot player, but ballhandling has been badly exposed when he is asked to play PG, to the degree that teams actually start doubling and trapping him to force turnovers. When left alone and thinking pass he has shown good touch on his passes and a solid understanding of how to set people up with his dribble.

Defense & Rebounding
Gives an effort on defense, but struggles as expected. Quick PGs blow right past him, and while he has shown the ability to stay in front of larger players, they are able to simply overpower him or play over his head. Often looks helpless on rotations and getting back in break situations. Major concern has to be that many of his problems seem to be physically related. Can understand the defense, play it right, and still get beat. Very poor rebounder who rarely even makes an effort to grab a rebound.

Intangibles
Coming out of college with Jimmermania behind him, expectations far outstripped production. Seems to have figured out his NBA game a little by this point, but whether he can help a team remains in question. Solid hardworking kid who just may not have an NBA position.

Stats 12-13: 14.0min 7.6pts (.421 FG% .417 3pt% .859 FT%) 1.0reb 1.3ast 0.4stl 0.0blk 1.0TO
Stats Career: 16.2min 7.4pts (.402 FG% .384 3pt% .850 FT%) 1.1reb 1.5ast 0.5stl 0.0blk 1.0TO
NBA.com profile

Pretty accurate analysis of Jimmer. Only criticism is saying he had difficulty fitting into the team concept. There was no team concept! But other than that, very fair.. I do think that if he was used properly he could be of value. Of course if he were to improve his ballhandling, that would become easier. I seriously doubt he'll be on the team at years end, but it should be interesting to watch everything play out.

 

[bajaden]

Jason Thompson
Position: PF/C
Hgt: 6'11"
Wgt: 250
Age: 27
Number: 34
Nickname: JT
College: Rider
Yrs with Team: 5
Yrs in League: 5
Previous Teams: N/A
How Acquired: 2008 Draft Rnd 1 (#12)
Contract: 2013-14: $5.64mil; 2014-15: $6.04mil; 2015-16: $6.43mil; 2016-17: $6.83mil;
Strengths: mobility, hustle, rebounding
Weaknesses: finishing ability, sometimes plays too fast, not a shotblocker

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Mobile big man that mostly makes a living as a hustle player, although occasionally spots up for a solid midrange jumper or throws in a post move that suggests he could be more. Began his career with a tendency to play the game too fast, rarely getting settled, and frequently looking awkward and off balance on his moves. But as he's settled in as a roleplayer, both patience and efficiency have soared. Still has a problem consistently finishing around the hoop, both with shaky touch and with getting a lot of balls blocked and tipped by opponents, but all out hustle frequently results in him recovering his own miss and putting it back up. Fast and fluid in the open court for a big man, and has enough skills to even occasionally lead the break. Energetic, and despite uncertain skill level inside, can overwhelm weaker or lazier opponents to big nights, although as career has gone along, efficiency has gone up while the big nights have seemingly gone down. Solid and willing passer when given an opportunity

Defense & Rebounding
Tries hard on this end of the court, but results are not always the equal of his effort. Suffered from extreme foul problems in his rookie season, leading the league in fouls, but has consistently made progress and rarely encounters those problems now. Active on defense, but not always effective, bouncing himself out of position as often as he bounces into it and has a tendency to be out of position on rotations and take bad angles. Despite his height, bigger centers often overwhelm him when he plays that position, and he's more effective at PF. Tries hard to be a shotblocker, but seems to lack length and instincts. Effective on switches where he can use his mobility to stay with smaller guards and forwards. Has the mobility to rebound out of his area, but inexplicably suffered a fall off in his normally solid rebounding rate last year.

Intangibles
A good character guy, and longest tenured member of the Kings. Steady production season to season, but can be inconsistent game to game and week to week, going through long slumps and long hot streaks. But effort is never in question, and while role and expectations have repeatedly changed for him in his career, he seems to have willingly settled in as a solid roleplaying big perhaps ideally suited to 3rd big status, but capable of starting as needed, which may in fact again be this year given the ill fitting options behind him.

Stats 12-13: 27.9min 10.9pts (.502 FG% .000 3pt% .694 FT%) 6.7reb 1.0ast 0.6stl 0.7blk 1.2TO
Stats Career: 27.4min 10.5pts (.499 FG% .038 3pt% .669 FT%) 7.1reb 1.2ast 0.5stl 0.7blk 1.5TO
NBA.com profile

I like JT! He has developed into a solid role player, complimentary player if you will. Doubt he'd be a starter on a contending team, but its possible depending on who the starting center was. Offensively, he puts up better stats when he's playing center, but defensively, he puts up better stats playing PF. In other words, he defends better away from the basket than he does near the basket. Strange considering that he has the size, athleticism, and length to be a good post defender. If he can improve that part of his game, and just stay patient on the offensive side of the ball, he can take another step forward, and become a more important part of the team.

 

[bajaden]

John Salmons
Position: SF/SG
Hgt: 6'6"
Wgt: 207
Age: 33
Number: 5
Nickname: N/A
College: Miami
Yrs with Team: 3 (first stint); 2 (this stint)
Yrs in League: 11
Previous Teams: Philadelphia ('02-'06); Kings ('06-'09); Chicago ('09-'10); Milwaulkee ('10-'11)
How Acquired: trade for Beno Udrih June '11
Contract: 2013-14: $7.6mil; 2014-15: $7.0mil (team option)
Strengths: versatility, ballhandling
Weaknesses: overdribbles, tunnel vision, rebounding, energy

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Recovered slightly from a horrible year in 2011-12 where he had lost even his ability to shoot from distance, and three point shooting numbers bounced back to around career averages (.364). Aging ball dominant player not comfortable with that roleplayer staple, the catch and shoot. Does not get to the rack as he once did, core of his game now is catching, pulling it down, dribbling to an open spot from 18-20 feet and pulling up for an often missed midrange jumper. Often develops tunnel vision when he has the ball, and will dribble, dribble, dribble, missing open cutters along the way. Inconsistent and has a notorious tendency to lose his aggressiveness and disappear when not playing a featured role where he gets to handle the ball and shoot on his own terms. Has guard skills, and indeed is more SG than SF offensively, and even can run a little PG for short stints. In his second year as a designated roleplayer, was one of the few Kings to willingly move the ball.

Defense & Rebounding
Was brought back to the Kings for his abilities as a man to man defender, but has struggled in that role. Listed at 6'6" 207, can still stay with smaller swingman types, but simply physically overwhelmed by bigger power SFs, and does not have the athleticism to compete with high flyers. Neither a gambler nor a high energy player, concentrates on keeping his man in front of him. Never been much of a help defender, and does not play the passing lanes or rotate crisply on the backline. Is one of the league's worst rebounders if you call him a SF, where lack of size, strength, athleticism and energy leave him totally ineffective. Is barely adequate if you call him a guard.

Intangibles
Has somewhat of a sulky demeanor oncourt that has never helped him shake the impression that he may be a selfish player. Low energy player that makes it hard to tell when effort is 100%. Has appeared to be legitimately trying to fit in, but fitting in in this case has led to several totally ineffective seasons suggesting his career is almost over. Known as a quiet inoffensive sort in the lockerroom, yet has repeatedly worn out his welcome, been unhappy with his role, and seemingly struggled to develop chemistry at his various stops.

Stats 12-13: 30.0min 8.8pts (.399 FG% .371 3pt% .773 FT%) 2.7reb 3.0ast 0.7stl 0.3blk 1.1TO
Stats Career: 27.2min 9.9pts (.436 FG% .364 3pt% .801 FT%) 3.0reb 2.5ast 0.9stl 0.3blk 1.4TO
NBA.com profile

My only comment on John, who I like as a person, is that his time has passed. I know his reputation is that of a sulking personality, and that he appears to be upset with any role that doesn't include starting, but I've yet to hear one quote from him that endorses that idea. To the contrary, I've always heard that he's liked by his teammates. I just think he has a laid back personality that doesn't allow him to show emotion on the floor. That however has nothing to do with the results, which for the last two years have bordered on fair to downright terrible. When you consider his contract, even fair doesn't cut it. He's a 33 year old player with diminishing skills. I wish him well, but I also would like to say goodbye.

 

[bajaden]

Marcus Thornton
Position: SG
Hgt: 6'4"
Wgt: 205
Age: 26
Number: 23
Nickname: N/A
College: LSU
Yrs with Team: 3
Yrs in League: 4
Previous Teams: New Orleans ('09-11)
How Acquired: trade for Carl Landry (Feb '11)
Contract: 2013-14 $8.2mil; 2014-15 $8.7mil;
Strengths: long range shooting, explosive scorer, feisty, likes the big shot
Weaknesses: undersized, defense, selfish tendencies, single minded

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Explosive scorer with great range on his shot and a quick release. More than just a long range gunner though, as he shows a complete offensive game. Very aggressive driver given a seam, and a power athlete able to finish through contact. Runs the floor hard on the break. Even has a guard postup game which he can use to effect when the opposing matchup is a PG. Competitor who likes to take the big shots. That's the good. The bad is he does all of the above, all of the time. Passing the ball is rarely a consideration. Tactics are rarely a consideration. If the ball touches his hand, the only way its leaving is toward the hoop. Can settle for too many threes when cold, leading to some terrible shooting nights. Very streaky, can miss everything for entire halves, and then explode for 15 pts in a quarter. Can be a major blackhole on offense determined to get his shots up, but is actually a capable passer when he chooses to do so, especially on the break.

Defense & Rebounding
Competitive nature carries over to the defensive side of the ball, but is far from a stopper. A little undersized at the SG, and can be shot over by taller players on the perimeter. Strong enough to hold his own against post up players, but can be beaten laterally by quickness when switched onto point guards. Biggest problem is a complete lack of discipline. Hustles all over the court gambling for steals while leaving his man open to do whatever he wants. Looks similarly lost on rotations. Will use athleticism to aggressively snatch rebounds amongst the trees, but one of those all offensively minded players where if he's not getting shots, effort at all other facets falls off.

Intangibles
Suffered through an awful 2012-13 campaign, where he showed once again that not only does he need his shots, he needs his starts. In any situation except as featured starting scorer, looks lost and can disappear completely. Has many traits you love to see in a player. Competitive, energetic, loves the big shot. But also has many traits that are problematic. Is selfish on offense and mistake prone on defense. Last time he was paired with Coach Malone in New Orleans, the lack of defense led to his benching, predictable disappearance, and eventual trade to the Kings. But now in Sacramento with Tyreke gone and McLemore not looking ready, looks to be counted on as Cousins' second scorer/wingman, and has shown the ability to approach 20ppg in those sorts of roles.

Stats 12-13: 24.0min 12.7pts (.429 FG% .372 3pt% .881 FT%) 2.5reb 1.3ast 0.8stl 0.1blk 0.9TO
Stats Career: 26.6min 14.3pts (.438 FG% .365 3pt% .832 FT%) 3.1reb 1.6ast 0.9stl 0.1blk 1.2TO
NBA.com profile

Spot on analysis of Thornton. For what its worth, which is nothing, I see Thornton as either a valuable piece going forward, or as good trade bait. His biggest weakness is a lack of discipline. He plays to his strengths until they become a weakness. There are times when I think Thornton believes that he was born with a big S on his chest. He seems to have no recognition of when his shot isn't falling, or when critical moments in a game are occurring. More time on the court just means more shots to Thornton. That said, he's a extremely competitive player, and if that competitiveness could become focused and disclipined, he could be a very good basketball player.

The problem of course is named McLemore. The handwriting is on the wall. McLemore comes into the NBA with more upside than Thornton ever had. At some point, he'll claim the starting position, and the question is, how will Thornton respond to that. I think the most likely scenario, is that Thornton is traded at some point. I hope I'm wrong, because I really like a lot of what he brings.

 

[bajaden]

Chuck Hayes
Position: PF/C
Hgt: 6'6"
Wgt: 250
Age: 30
Number: 42
Nickname: Chuckwagon
College: Kentucky
Yrs with Team: 2
Yrs in League: 8
Previous Teams: Houston ('05-11)
How Acquired: free agent 2011-12
Contract: 2013-14 $5.7mil; 2014-15 $6.0mil;
Strengths: man defense, strength, passing
Weaknesses: offense, shotblocking, size, athleticism

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
This is not Chuck's side of the ball. Slow, and one of the smallest bigs in the game. He occasionally, and often seemingly randomly, will surprise with a clumsy drive or post move, but they are neither particularly skilled, nor have much of a chance against superior length. For similar reasons is often prone to blow otherwise makeable layups. Mostly he tries to surprise opponents who completely cheat off of him. Has some offensive rebounding ability, but dribbles or passes it out as much as tries to finish it. A jumper would be a handy weapon for a player like Hayes, but has never developed any consistency. Has gotten somewhat better as a FT shooter however, so maybe there is hope. One thing he does well for a big is pass the ball, and his most effective sets since arriving in Sacramento have been when he's used as a high post passer to hit cutters to the hoop.

Defense & Rebounding
Came to Sacramento as a noted defensive specialist who was brought in to provide the Kings with a defensive captain. Did not work out, and even the man defense he was known for has rarely stood out as he disappeared into deep bench duty. Has good hands and moves his feet well enough to be effective on switches and shows up top. But is not consistent, and has nights where he is completely ineffective, in particular against length which refuses to give him a body to push and shove against. At his height and without leaping ability Chuck obviously has never had any shotblocking ability or abiltiy to shut down the middle to penetration (like Cousins resorting to trying to take charges instead), a problem for a Kings team who gave up penetration more than any other team in the league. Has been a good rebounder during his career, hustling for boards he could not get with length, but as with many other things has never made an impact on the glass during his Kings years, and on some nights gets as worked over as you might expect a 6'6" center to get while watching taller players grab boards right over his back.

Intangibles
Throughout his earlier career Chuck would have been known as the ultimate dirtworker, a scrappy, smart, hardworking defender who even other defenders respected. In Sacramento? Well, he's a nice guy. But has been ineffective setting any sort of tone, not always in the best of shape, and has lost role, minutes and respect. Now is just an overpaid vet working out the remains of a stupid contract. Figures to be buried again this year with the mystery resigning of Carl Landry, but maybe can find a role again under the more defensive minded coaching of Mike Malone.

Stats 12-13: 16.3min 2.7pts (.442 FG% .000 3pt% .625 FT%) 4.0reb 1.5ast 0.4stl 0.2blk 0.6TO
Stats Career: 19.5min 4.0pts (.503 FG% .000 3pt% .610 FT%) 5.4reb 1.3ast 0.8stl 0.4blk 0.8TO
NBA.com profile

Chuck is a perfect example of making a trade just to be doing something. Its like going out to buy a Corvette, and finding out that the last one was already sold. So you think, well, I'm here, I might as well buy something. So you buy a used pickup truck. Doesn't go as fast, or corner as well, but its solid damm it. That's Chuck Hayes! Solid! Able to do all the dirty work, but incapable of winning a race. I like Hayes, but he just doesn't fit on this team, and I'm not certain that he ever did. Unless Malone figures out a way to make him a contributer, he does nothing more than take up capspace, and a roster spot.

 

[bajaden]

Isaiah Thomas
Position: PG
Hgt: 5'9"
Wgt: 185
Age: 24
Number: 22
Nickname: IT
College: Washington
Yrs with Team: 2
Yrs in League: 2
Previous Teams: N/A
How Acquired: 2011 NBA Draft (Rnd 2 #60)
Contract: 2013-14 $0.9mil
Strengths: quickness, athleticism, ballhandling
Weaknesses: size, court vision, defense

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Came out of nowhere to become a core rotation player for the Kings, thriving in Keith Smart's uptempo system and for the second year in a row eventually emerging as the team's starter. Quick offensive minded waterbug that has drawn comparisons to Nate Robinson (who went to the same college). Fearless driver despite his size, although sometimes too fearless leading to blocks and turnovers, and has shot better in the pros than expected after he was shaky from distance in college. Ability to pull up in the midrange effectively gives him an extra step, and ability to hit spot up threes was wholly unexpected, as it was supposed to be a weakness. Not the purest of PGs, and prone to stretches of selfish play where he looks exclusively for his own shot. Has a bad habit of breaking plays to look for his own points, and can be undisciplined and pull up for long shots on the break with no teammates underneath to rebound. Not a combo guard though (and how could he be at his size), and when he feels like it displays solid court vision and the ability to set people up with nice passes.

Defense & Rebounding
Very competitive and when aroused can give a real effort on this side of the ball, but of course the defining issue on defense is size. Some of that is good, as with his quickness he is able to stay in front many opponents, and unlike the true mighty mites like Earl Boynkins, has the strength and bulk to hold his own. Excellent athlete able to come up with some spectacular hustle plays, although not as disruptive in the passing lanes as you might expect given his quickness, and has developed a bad habit of getting caught on screens up top and making little effort to get around them. The size problem manifests in that he can be shot over, switches are a constant problem, he is too small to be effective doubling down on bigs, and rarely able to effect perimeter shooters on rotations. Poor rebounder even for the position but will occasionally stick his nose in there amongst the trees.

Intangibles
As the final player taken in the 2011 draft inherited the "Mr. Irrelevant" title, but was anything but, effectively becoming the Kings' lottery pick as Jimmer struggled. Lauded for maturity and leadership and quickly became a favorite of Keith Smart's. Feisty and competitive nature has made him unwilling to accept a backup role, and has fought his way into the starting lineup in both his seasons. That does not seem likely this season with Grevis Vasquez in town, but if he accepts the role, his size and attacking mentality may eventually be a natural fit as a change of pace guard off the bench.

Stats 12-13: 26.9min 13.9pts (.440 FG% .358 3pt% .882 FT%) 2.0reb 4.0ast 0.8stl 0.0blk 1.8TO
Stats Career: 26.2min 12.8pts (.443 FG% .367 3pt% .862 FT%) 2.3reb 4.0ast 0.8stl 0.1blk 1.7TO
NBA.com profile

IT, the little player that could! Probably biggest bang for the buck player on the team. Of course that will all end at the end of this next season when he becomes a restricted freeagent, and thats only if we make him an offer to make him one. If the Kings max salary Cousins, I doubt they can afford to keep both IT and Vasquez. Whom they would choose will probably be determined during the season. I have always seen IT as a spark plug off the bench, and nothing has changed my mind. Contrary to what some think, he is a liability on defense at times. His presence on the floor makes it almost impossible to play a zone defense, which is a good way of hiding a teams weakness on defense. Play a zone, and you end up with IT going face to face with a Kevin Durant. Tough matchup for anyone, but no point in just giving them a basket. I hope we can find a way to keep him, but I really have no idea how it will play out.

 

[bajaden]

Travis Outlaw
Position: SF/PF
Hgt: 6'9"
Wgt: 210
Age: 29
Number: 25
Nickname: N/A
College: Starkville High School
Yrs with Team: 2
Yrs in League: 10
Previous Teams: Portland ('03-'09); Clippers ('10); New Jersey ('10-'11)
How Acquired: amnesty 2011-12
Contract: 2013-14 $3.0mil; 2014-15 $3.0mil;
Strengths: athleticism, length
Weaknesses: shooting has cratered, ballhandling, physicality

Offense (Scoring & Passing)
Offense has completely fallen apart over the last few seasons. Shot .418 last year, and it was his best effort in 4 years. Extremely long and athletic and when he actually gets around the rim, can flush it home with ease. Unfortunately that is a rare event, as he mostly plays an inefficient midrange jumpshooting game, and his shooting has completely left him. Seems incapable of the simple act of catching and shooting, insisting almost robotically upon putting the ball on the floor, taking a few aimless dribbles, and often putting up a more contested jumper than he started with. Can shoot over people with his length, and in his Portland days was a solid 36-39% 3pt shooter, but seems to have lost that ability as well, having shot less than 30% from the arc ever since signing that big 5 year contract with New Jersey/Brooklyn three years ago. Not a ballhandler at all, but every once in a while will surprise by unleashing a slick pass for an assist.

Defense & Rebounding
With his length is able to challenge shots up high and occasionally come up with a spectacular block, but especially when played at PF, which has been far too often the last few years, has no strength at all to stand his ground in the post. Long run/jump athlete, but lateral mobility is not great. Does not compete well on the glass, is average at best even as a SF, and completely overwhelmed at PF.

Intangibles
Career has been spiraling and without the endless guaranteed contract he would probably be out of the league by now. Not old enough for it to be age related decline, so you have to wonder about his head, and if Nate McMillan's system was the only place he could thrive. Low basketball IQ player who looks constantly uncomfortable out there anymore. For the second season in a row suddenly strung together his biggest games of the season in the meaningless garbage games of the last few weeks, but not likely to mean much.

Stats 12-13: 11.7min 5.3pts (.418 FG% .280 3pt% .731 FT%) 1.6reb 0.6ast 0.3stl 0.2blk 0.5TO
Stats Career: 21.4min 8.8pts (.425 FG% .335 3pt% .741 FT%) 3.2reb 0.8ast 0.6stl 0.6blk 0.9TO
NBA.com profile[/URL]

Not sure what to say about Outlaw. He's not as good an athlete as he appears to be at times. He gets taken off the dribble by players that should be slower than him, which speaks to his lateral quickness, and poor reaction time. He's just a fair rebounder, and his offense is best described with the word, erratic! As you stated, he looks really good at times when it just doesn't matter. Unfortunately, unless we use the stretch clause on him, or trade him, were stuck with him for two more seasons. His contract isn't horrible, but like Hayes, he's just taking up space, unless Malone can find a way to revitalize his career.

 

[King-Biscuit-Time]

Thanks for the analysis. New to the site, and though I know all the players, haven't watched them too closely as I was in the bay the last several years following the Warriors. Interesting to get an insider's perspective. I've always wondered why Thompson never took the next step, as he seems to have the physical attributes and work ethic. Funny, you guys describe Thornton the way Ws' fans thought of Monta. Imagine if Monta really did come to Sac (which never seemed to make sense).