Kings conference call today

[love_them_kings]

Just received this in my email, for those interested....




Just a friendly reminder that today, Monday, June 5, at 12 noon (PDT) will be our first ever Kings Fan Conference call with Kings owner, Joe Maloof, President of Basketball Operations, Geoff Petrie and our new Kings head coach, Eric Musselman.

We hope that you will join us today for this exciting call. For those of you who have submitted your questions via email, we will answer as many questions as possible.
*The audio from today's Fan Conference call will be available at Kings.com later today.
Thank you,

Maloof Sports & Entertainment





I've edited your post. I don't think the phone number and password were meant for wholesale general distribution - VF21

 

[1kingzfan]

I've edited your post. I don't think the phone number and password were meant for wholesale general distribution - VF21

As a season ticket holder, I appreciate that, VF21, especially since we were told that there are only a certain number of call-ins to the conference call that will be allowed.

 

[VF21]

All I ask in return is maybe a report on what was said?

 

[Warhawk]

Ditto. Full report required!

 

[love_them_kings]

Just received this in my email, for those interested....




Just a friendly reminder that today, Monday, June 5, at 12 noon (PDT) will be our first ever Kings Fan Conference call with Kings owner, Joe Maloof, President of Basketball Operations, Geoff Petrie and our new Kings head coach, Eric Musselman.

We hope that you will join us today for this exciting call. For those of you who have submitted your questions via email, we will answer as many questions as possible.
*The audio from today's Fan Conference call will be available at Kings.com later today.
Thank you,

Maloof Sports & Entertainment





I've edited your post. I don't think the phone number and password were meant for wholesale general distribution - VF21

Thanks. Sorry, my bad.

 

[love_them_kings]

tidbits from todays conference call

Here are some tidbits from today's conference call with Geoff Petrie, Joe Maloof, and Eric Mussleman for those who are interested.

I missed several pieces and the opening, so if others could fill in that would be great!

The first part I heard was GP talking about Coach Muss -

Among the young coachs, Eric is among the best and the brightest in the league. He will bring energy and personality to the coaching position along with his knowledge and experience. We have had a whirlwind few days going through issues, and it's been an enjoyable experience.


Coach Muss on new job: I am very fortunate, it's a great position working with the top ownership in the NBA and the top GM in the league. Taking over a playoff tested team in a city with great fans and great enthusiasm about basketball. It's a premier job and it couldn't be any better.


Coach Muss on players/current team: great shooting. Bibby is a premier shooter, Brad has improved his outside shooting which allows more flexibility. Ron Artest brought a new identity to the team with defensive intensity. KMart emerged from nowhere to really contribute to the team.

Coach Muss on his coaching style (defense or offense): combination of both. Need to focus on defense, but need to keep a high octane offense.

GP on having new coach help with roster: It will be great, he doesn't want to do it by himself (laughs). Setting roster has always been team effort with coach and Maloofs, and that will continue.

Joe on interview with Coach Muss: Very impressed with his preparation. He knew the team well, knew the strengths/weaknesses of the players. He listened well, and he has a strong background.

Coach Muss on coaching staff: He and GP will work together to get a good blend. You need the right blend of people to service the players. He will rely heavily on GP since he knows the player's needs better.

GP on bench plan: Would like to get bench that is more consistently productive on both offense and defense. Team showed great growth on defense after Artest trade, would like to continue with that. Hopefully will address bench in draft and through free agency.

Joe on why defense is important: All great teams in all sports have a great defense. We had a great shot in 2002-3, probably had the best team in the league. Played great defense and had a great offense. He has all the respect in the world for RA and what he did for the team, but feels like now we need someone who will train the team to play defense.

Coach Muss on how close the Kings are to how he'd like them to play: He will mostly make small adjustments that he thinks will have big results. Wants an "attacking offense" to inbound quickly and down the court after the other team makes a basket or free throw. Wants more ball pressure.

GP on what the team is doing right that we can build on: continued growth in new players. We have a lot to build on, we are a different team now especially with Ron and Bonzi in the post. Great last 38 games and strong show in playoff series, they are very proud of the team this year.

GP on keeping Bonzi: That's a July 1 issue. There are very specific rules about talking about players. Obviously Bonzi is an important player for us, and made a huge contribution this year.

Joe on a new arena: He is the most optimistic about it he has ever been. There is now an effort with the county, the city and the Maloofs to get it on the ballot. He feels like if they can get it on the ballot and let people understand the situation with a new arena that it will get a good response.

Joe closing: Fans have been great. Thanks for their support and enthusiasm. He is very excited about the team. He has enjoyed the past Kings era and success, and is looking forward to more success as they go in a different direction.

Coach Muss closing: He is extremely excited and proud to be coaching a great team in a great city. He is looking forward to getting the hometown boost of the great fans when they play at Arco.... he said more, but I was trying to get this finished because I am running out the door. Basically he is very excited!

 

[Wuster]

Thanks for posting this, ltk.

One can't help but feel optimistic. Let's see how the summer plays out, what moves Petrie pulls off and whether Bonzi re-signs.

GO KINGS!

 

[Amory]

I've edited your post. I don't think the phone number and password were meant for wholesale general distribution - VF21

I'm not a season ticket holder and I got the e-mail too. I always do buy the max number of tickets on ticketmaster.com though...if that means anything.

 

[1kingzfan]

Some additional press conference notes:

Joe Maloof on impending roster changes: Before the conference started and before the audience was kicked in to "presentation" mode where they could not directly interface, someone asked Joe Maloof what roster changes were going to be made. Joe said that Geoff has told him the team needs a backup PG and another strong big man.

Coach Muss on players/current team: Eric also said that the roster was very talented that will just get better and better. He said the team has great young players.

Coach Muss on coaching staff: The blend of assistants needs to cover a variety of areas and the first hire will dictate who the second hire is, etc.

GP on bench plan: The goal is to have a bench that is consistently productive when 2 or 3 of your top players are not on their games. Our bench, with the development of Kevin Martin and Francisco Garcia (before he was hurt), shows promise for the depth of the team. We were among the top 6 or 8 teams in the league defensively over the final 38 games and so we need to continue to build on that with Eric's style and new personnel. The Kings are looking for more versatility via the draft and in free agency.

Coach Muss on how close the Kings are to how he'd like them to play: Will employ a "quick strike" offense after the opponent makes FTs. Will make in-bounds passing more difficult for opponents.

GP on what the team is doing right that we can build on: Looking for continued growth in younger players. Kevin stepped in when Bonzi went down and not only proved that he belonged but he might also be really good. The team played its best ball when it had to.

Joe Maloof on what the family will do now: Available to talk to GP and EM. We've never interfered with Basketball Operations in the past and we won't in the future.

Geoff on who the Kings are looking at in the draft: We are still working out players for the draft and after Orlando we'll be able to narrow down the list to who we want and who we might be able to get. Saying who we might pick is like Apple Computer telling Microsoft what it is going to do.

Eric on interfaces so far with players and bonding: He's spoken with Ron, Kevin, SAR, and Corliss and have left messages for others. He wants to go to dinner with each of them and get to know them all personally first. Told story about how the phone rang at 2 AM this morning and it was Gilbert Arenas wanting to talk to him about what he had to do to make the Olympic team. Stressed that creating bonds with players was important. Told a story about how Eric Dampier at GS eventually came around.

Joe on new arena status: More optimistic than he has ever been. Got County involved now to help the city. Want to get something on the ballot so the people can decide.

Geoff on overall draft evaluation: No one or two players that stand out as obviously dominant like in recent years. Hard to see a Lebron or Olajuwon that will have an immediate impact. Since it's not as obvious as other drafts, that may help the Kings down where they are drafting. European players again will have some impact on the draft.

Eric on how will he keep control and give players, some strong personalities, the flexibility they desire (my submitted question): The flexibility of what they like is in the style of play. From an offensive standpoint, there will be no problem because we will give them lots of flexibility. I don't want players looking over to the bench all the time. Of course, we'll call plays, but first get the ball up the floor, and try to score without looking at the bench. Strong personalities are excellent because you need that to win, and that's a plus for us.

Eric on how he will motivate players: The best player is self-motivated, but because we play so many games, he will want to mix in some entertainment, perhaps some funny movie clips (but always with a message Eric wants to deliver), and motivational speakers (from outside the team).

Geoff on most immediate need now: Getting Eric's staff in place and out here and working.

I think this covers the main points along with the original post of notes on the conference in this thread.

 

[VF21]

I'm not a season ticket holder and I got the e-mail too. I always do buy the max number of tickets on ticketmaster.com though...if that means anything.

That's probably why you got the email. This information was NOT posted anywhere for public consumption.

 

[Wuster]

VF, did you listen to the con-call and if so what are your impressions?

 

[VF21]

Coach Muss on how close the Kings are to how he'd like them to play: Will employ a "quick strike" offense after the opponent makes FTs. Will make in-bounds passing more difficult for opponents.

I'd like to see the Kings do a full-court press every once in a while, along with not just conceding every inbound pass.

GP on what the team is doing right that we can build on: Looking for continued growth in younger players. Kevin stepped in when Bonzi went down and not only proved that he belonged but he might also be really good. The team played its best ball when it had to.

That's good to hear.

Joe Maloof on what the family will do now: Available to talk to GP and EM. We've never interfered with Basketball Operations in the past and we won't in the future.

Erm? What?!?!?!? Sorry, Joe. Just when I was starting to buy into your hype you say something like that?? Bullbleep...

Geoff on who the Kings are looking at in the draft: We are still working out players for the draft and after Orlando we'll be able to narrow down the list to who we want and who we might be able to get. Saying who we might pick is like Apple Computer telling Microsoft what it is going to do.

Looks like Petrie is back to his old self.

[quoteJoe on new arena status: More optimistic than he has ever been. Got County involved now to help the city. Want to get something on the ballot so the people can decide.[/quote]

I like this...

Geoff on overall draft evaluation: No one or two players that stand out as obviously dominant like in recent years. Hard to see a Lebron or Olajuwon that will have an immediate impact. Since it's not as obvious as other drafts, that may help the Kings down where they are drafting. European players again will have some impact on the draft.

Pretty much what some of you here who really follow college hoops have been saying.

Eric on how will he keep control and give players, some strong personalities, the flexibility they desire (my submitted question): The flexibility of what they like is in the style of play. From an offensive standpoint, there will be no problem because we will give them lots of flexibility. I don't want players looking over to the bench all the time. Of course, we'll call plays, but first get the ball up the floor, and try to score without looking at the bench. Strong personalities are excellent because you need that to win, and that's a plus for us.

Great question, 1kingzfan. And I like his answer. Reminded of the old KISS. Get the ball up the floor and try to score.

Eric on how he will motivate players: The best player is self-motivated, but because we play so many games, he will want to mix in some entertainment, perhaps some funny movie clips (but always with a message Eric wants to deliver), and motivational speakers (from outside the team).

I have a foreboding of doom. I hope it's not like the 49ers. Their funny video clips just weren't received well on the outside...

---------------------------------------

Thanks ltk and 1kingzfan.

I'm excited. In fact, I'm more excited about this than I thought I would be. This isn't just a new chapter in the old story. This is a new story and this is the first chapter in what should prove to be a compelling read.

I LOVE THIS TEAM!!!

 

[VF21]

VF, did you listen to the con-call and if so what are your impressions?

I didn't listen but I've posted my impressions based on what ltk and 1kingzfan had to say.

I'm optimistic. I'm enthusiastic. It's not about replacing Adelman, comparing Musselman to Adelman, etc.

As I said above, it's a new book now. A sequel to the old book, sure, but THIS Kings era started on Friday, June 2, with the appointment of Eric Musselman as the new head coach.

I don't think I've ever been quite this ... well, giddy ... about an upcoming season. We have such a strong core of players, we still have one of the best GMs in the business, the owners are pretty much saying they're gonna open the pursestrings if necessary to get the best possible team, AND hopefully the soap opera atmosphere that's been hanging over this team since Webber went down in Dallas might finally have lifted.

It is, IMHO, a very good time to be a Kings fan.

 

[Wuster]

Thanks VF...

I remember last year how so many of us pegged the Kings for another 50+ win team. We all know what happened. Now, as you point out, this is really the start of a new era. Artest began the re-definition of the team. Mussleman now has the opportunity to complete the process.

My expectations for next year are to see a highly energized, focused and competitive, defense-oriented team, not just competing for a playoff spot but pressing for a top West seed.

And oh yeah - it's always fun to be a Kings fan, but in many ways it's as interesting as ever now.

 

[Warhawk]

I have a foreboding of doom. I hope it's not like the 49ers. Their funny video clips just weren't received well on the outside...

I have the feeling they'd be more in line of clips from actual movies and not the "do-it-yourself" kind. They have to know about the backlash from the last couple times THAT was tried, don't they?

 

[jon e]

It is, IMHO, a very good time to be a Kings fan.

on pins and needles untill bonzi is resigned

 

[VF21]

on pins and needles untill bonzi is resigned

And I'm just the opposite. Bonzi has earned my respect BIG TIME. But, if Petrie finds a way to do a sign-and-trade that benefits us, I have faith that we could find a way to survive.

I don't think there's going to be too much to decide, however. From everything that's been said, I think the Kings will make him a fair offer. If he receives a better offer elsewhere, than it's totally on him to either take it or stay here where he's gained the respect and trust of the organization and the fans.

I think Bonzi will give every consideration to those intangibles. He's bounced around a long time and he's finally found a home, a place where he's comfortable. ARCO stood as one and chanted his name in the playoffs. I know how it felt to be part of the audience that did it. I can only imagine what it felt like to be the player whose name was being chanted by 17,317 ecstatic Kings fans. That's something Bonzi is gonna remember.

 

[jon e]

i agree, im still quite optomistic as well either way and im sure petrie will do what is best. id rather have bonzi rather than not and im sure he will do what he feels is best for him

 

[Amanjoy]

And I'm just the opposite. Bonzi has earned my respect BIG TIME. But, if Petrie finds a way to do a sign-and-trade that benefits us, I have faith that we could find a way to survive.

I don't think there's going to be too much to decide, however. From everything that's been said, I think the Kings will make him a fair offer. If he receives a better offer elsewhere, than it's totally on him to either take it or stay here where he's gained the respect and trust of the organization and the fans.

I think Bonzi will give every consideration to those intangibles. He's bounced around a long time and he's finally found a home, a place where he's comfortable. ARCO stood as one and chanted his name in the playoffs. I know how it felt to be part of the audience that did it. I can only imagine what it felt like to be the player whose name was being chanted by 17,317 ecstatic Kings fans. That's something Bonzi is gonna remember.

All I know is that if I worked as hard as Bonzi did against the Spurs...I'd hope people would recognize it...and SAcramento fans did just that! Because of the way Bonzi ws treated all year by the fans here, I know he has a special place in his heart for this city and this team. All he wants right now is to be given a fair offer that won't be hard to accept...and he'll stay because deep down I know that's what he wants to do.

 

[Rowdyone]

I like the comments about changing our way of doing things a bit. It's something I've advocated for a long time....if you're getting beat back on defense, even after made baskets, you need to hinder the inbounds pass long enough so your guys can get back and set up...conversely watching Bibby walk it up where he just steps over the halfcourt line with the shotclock at 16-18 seconds really hinders our offense that depended much upon reaction to the defense and passing when we were successful. These two changes should improve things dramatically by hindering/promoting quick, cheap baskets.

 

[Amanjoy]

I'm excited to read everything about the conference call today and Musselman's vision for the KIngs. The thing that impresses me the most about him is his heart and desire to be successful!

I think that the quote at the bottom of my signature comes into play now. In the movie, "Glory Road", Coach HAskins says this line with less that 2 minutes to go in the game against Kentucky for the National Championship. However, the statement of the importance of heart applied to that team just as much at the beginning of the season as it did at that crucial moment in their season.

Right now, we all know that, like Texas Western, the Kings have talent. The names on the roster and the potential manes to be added later speak for themselves. Now, it's all about heart! I can tell that Musselman has got it! Now it's up to the talent on the court to show that they've got it as well!

 

[Kings Fan]

Eric on interfaces so far with players and bonding: He's spoken with Ron, Kevin, SAR, and Corliss and have left messages for others. He wants to go to dinner with each of them and get to know them all personally first. Told story about how the phone rang at 2 AM this morning and it was Gilbert Arenas wanting to talk to him about what he had to do to make the Olympic team. Stressed that creating bonds with players was important. Told a story about how Eric Dampier at GS eventually came around.

Hopefully Mike (if he hasn't spoken to Muss yet), returned Muss' call in a prompt manner. As someone who professed to be a leader, Mike has to do that and connect with his coach right away.

 

[Warhawk]

Hopefully Mike (if he hasn't spoken to Muss yet), returned Muss' call in a prompt manner. As someone who professed to be a leader, Mike has to do that and connect with his coach right away.

Well, he probably has 3 "Team Dime" guys to get through first....

 

[Jerryaki]

I don't think there's going to be too much to decide, however. From everything that's been said, I think the Kings will make him a fair offer.

can we do that? i thought we were over the cap and thus only have the MLE to use on free agents?

also, re: the conference call, there was a moment when they compared musselman to the hardest worker in the maloof organization. coach asked if he's still working for them, everyone laughs, joe goes, "no, he passed away." ::nervous laughter:: coach goes, "is that what happens, you worked him to death?!" ::laughter:: joe, "no, he died of cancer." ::REALLY nervous laughter::

awkward moment all around...

 

[VF21]

I believe we have Bonzi's Bird rights.

LARRY BIRD EXCEPTION -- This is the best known one. Players who qualify for this exception are called "Qualifying Veteran Free Agents" in the CBA, and this exception is a component of the Veteran Free Agent exception. This exception allows teams to exceed the salary cap to re-sign their own free agents, up to the player's maximum salary. The player must have played for three seasons without being waived or changing teams as a free agent. This means a player can obtain "Bird rights" by playing under three one-year contracts, a single contract of at least three years, or any combination. It also means that when a player is traded, his Bird rights are traded with him, and his new team can use the Bird exception to re-sign him. These contracts can be up to six years in length. A player can receive raises up to 10.5% of the salary in the first season of the contract. This exception is known as the Larry Bird exception because the Celtics were the first team allowed to exceed the cap to keep their own free agent, and the player happened to be Bird.

http://members.cox.net/lmcoon/salarycap.htm#19

 

[Kev.in]

Coach Muss on how close the Kings are to how he'd like them to play: He will mostly make small adjustments that he thinks will have big results. Wants an "attacking offense" to inbound quickly and down the court after the other team makes a basket or free throw. Wants more ball pressure.

I'm very pleased to read this.

 

[Kev.in]

I like the comments about changing our way of doing things a bit. It's something I've advocated for a long time....if you're getting beat back on defense, even after made baskets, you need to hinder the inbounds pass long enough so your guys can get back and set up...conversely watching Bibby walk it up where he just steps over the halfcourt line with the shotclock at 16-18 seconds really hinders our offense that depended much upon reaction to the defense and passing when we were successful. These two changes should improve things dramatically by hindering/promoting quick, cheap baskets.

Hopefully Bibby is going to be in the gym running laps and spending time on the treadmill, instead of just lifting weights like he did last summer. If his legs aren't there Muss can call for them to run it all he wants but Bibby won't be able to. The good thing is, a point guard is supposed to love to run and Bibby should do well if the Kings are going to attack and put defenses on their heels. If you've been playing basketball all your life, it feels good to get it and go right at it.

 

[GoGoGadget]

Hopefully Bibby is going to be in the gym running laps and spending time on the treadmill, instead of just lifting weights like he did last summer. If his legs aren't there Muss can call for them to run it all he wants but Bibby won't be able to. The good thing is, a point guard is supposed to love to run and Bibby should do well if the Kings are going to attack and put defenses on their heels. If you've been playing basketball all your life, it feels good to get it and go right at it.

Mike commented in several interviews last season that he wanted to run more, and pushing the offense a little bit was a big part of the several games he took over on hero mode. I don't think he'll have a problem with that at all.

 

[kingsfan52miller]

kings.com has the whole conference call

 

[SacTownKid]

NIce conference. I am really ready for next season! Already!