Kings notes: Adelman emphasizes urgency to players

[coolhandluke]

Kings notes: Adelman emphasizes urgency to players

By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Monday, February 27, 2006
Story appeared in Sports section, Page C6

Rick Adelman sounded like a high school coach trying to prepare his inconsistent players for the postseason.

The Kings aren't entering any tournament, but tonight's home contest against the Portland Trail Blazers and the ensuing five-game road trip could be pivotal for their postseason hopes.

The Kings' coach said his team performed pathetically in practice Saturday. Sunday, progress. Tonight, a must-have effort by all.

"We had a terrible practice (Saturday)," Adelman said after Sunday's session. "Today, we had a lot more energy. Yesterday, for whatever reason, we weren't ready. It was disappointing because where we are now (a 25-30 record), you can't come in and go through the motions. It's not going to do us any good."

Adelman said the Trail Blazers present plenty of problems, never mind their 18-37 record. For starters, Portland downed the Kings 105-92 in the Trail Blazers' last visit Dec. 26.

"They're dangerous," Adelman said of the franchise he once played for and coached. "We can't think we're just going to win this game. But we have to get that win before we go on the road."

Wells update - Kings guard Bonzi Wells, who has missed 28 games with a partial groin tear, remains day-to-day. He has practiced, but it's anyone's guess when he'll be game-ready.

"I don't know when he'll try it," Adelman said. "We'll have to wait and see. He tried coming back the last time and got hurt."

Bring it - Well after everyone else left the practice facility Sunday afternoon, Ron Artest worked on his game and took on Kevin Martin, Ronnie Price and newcomer Sergei Monia in a series of spirited one-on-one encounters.

Link

 

[Fillmoe]

Bring it - Well after everyone else left the practice facility Sunday afternoon, Ron Artest worked on his game and took on Kevin Martin, Ronnie Price and newcomer Sergei Monia in a series of spirited one-on-one encounters.

good stuff

 

[Warhawk]

Yep, I was very encouraged to see this. Might not pay too many dividends this year, but this kind of dedication and activity will make them all better players in the long run.

Maybe Ron is trying to get in better shape for the next Kobe sighting?

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

Maybe Ron is trying to get in better shape for the next Kobe sighting?

Kobe.....GRRRRRR!!!!!!!

 

[Kings113]

Again, that is just so cool to read about Artest w/ the young players

 

[CruzDude]

Adelman sees the handwriting on the playoff wall. The Kings have to get normal tonight then if they want to make the playoff they HAVE TO go at least 3-2 on this 5-game road trip. Anything less this late will destine them to the lottery. And that will be ugly.

If he can't get their attention and can't get them playing together at a higher level, then I see Adelman resigning at the end of the year before the Maloofs have time to lick the salt off a margarita.

#1 tonight is to get Artest out of handling the ball so much and to get him moving without the ball.

#2 is to get KM to take open shots. Brad as well.

 

[Padrino]

Adelman sees the handwriting on the playoff wall. The Kings have to get normal tonight then if they want to make the playoff they HAVE TO go at least 3-2 on this 5-game road trip. Anything less this late will destine them to the lottery. And that will be ugly.

If he can't get their attention and can't get them playing together at a higher level, then I see Adelman resigning at the end of the year before the Maloofs have time to lick the salt off a margarita.

#1 tonight is to get Artest out of handling the ball so much and to get him moving without the ball.

#2 is to get KM to take open shots. Brad as well.

lottery = very solid draft pick.

playoffs = 8th seed and first-round-flameout

i'm gonna keep harping on this point until the season (playoffs or not) is over.

 

[VF21]

Adelman sees the handwriting on the playoff wall. The Kings have to get normal tonight then if they want to make the playoff they HAVE TO go at least 3-2 on this 5-game road trip. Anything less this late will destine them to the lottery. And that will be ugly.

If he can't get their attention and can't get them playing together at a higher level, then I see Adelman resigning at the end of the year before the Maloofs have time to lick the salt off a margarita.

#1 tonight is to get Artest out of handling the ball so much and to get him moving without the ball.

#2 is to get KM to take open shots. Brad as well.

Sorry, CruzDude, but I find myself pretty much disagreeing with much of your take...

First, Adelman won't have to resign. His contract will be up at the end of the year.

As far as him getting "their" attention, just which "their" are you referring to? We're still in the process of assimilating Ron into the mix, Bonzi may or may not be back, SAR is still getting back to full strength, etc.

As far as KM taking open shots goes, Kevin doesn't have problems at home, remember? He's been playing top caliber ball inside the hallowed halls of Arco.

As far as Brad goes, if he takes many more open jumpers I'm going to hack up my spleen. What we need from Brad is the OLD Brad, the Brad that would actually go inside once in a while and ... gulp ... drive the paint.