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Kings notes: Adelman sticks to current lineup
By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Thursday, March 16, 2006
Story appeared in Sports section, Page C5
Rick Adelman knows he has a fleet of reserves that wants more action. But it's hard to argue with results.
For now, the Kings' coach has a tight rotation, with Bonzi Wells and Shareef Abdur-Rahim as the first two off the bench followed by Francisco García, when healthy. Ron Artest logged a game-high 47 of a possible 48 minutes against the Lakers on Tuesday, and even when Adelman pulled him, Artest initially waved as if to say, "No, I'm good," before conceding that he was gassed. Other starters Tuesday, such as Kenny Thomas and Kevin Martin, played 27 and 22 minutes, backed by Abdur-Rahim and Wells, respectively.
"I like what we're doing right now, how things are going," Adelman said of his team, which has won 13 straight games at Arco Arena and has gone 8-2 in the last 10 contests. "I didn't like playing Ron (all those minutes), but when I took him out, we slipped pretty good.
"I'm the first to understand these guys all want to play. Guys like Corliss (Williamson) and others. They've been terrific, staying with the team, working out. Believe me, in the next 18 games, we're going to need those guys. But I felt we needed to shorten (the rotation) so the main guys could get comfortable."
Bibby's upswing - Mike Bibby had sparkled at times before Artest arrived - he had a career-high 44 points on Jan. 24 - and he hasn't slowed down a bit since.
"That's what I like about the team offensively right now - it doesn't all fall on his shoulders," Adelman said. "So many times in the last two weeks, we've had 20 to 25 assists, and six or seven guys are getting them. That really helps Mike. He doesn't have to do it all."
Hammers and nails - Kings players, staff members of Maloof Sports and Entertainment and the Kings Women's Organization spruced up the teen center, arts and crafts room and a basketball court at the Stanford Settlement Center as part of "A Day of Volunteerism" in honor of Cesar Chavez. Electronic equipment will be donated.
Injury update - García could return any game now after nursing a turned ankle since going down in Cleveland on March 1.
Brad Miller twisted his ankle Tuesday - he said it was a "1 percent" strain - but kept playing and was able to practice Wednesday.
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By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Thursday, March 16, 2006
Story appeared in Sports section, Page C5
Rick Adelman knows he has a fleet of reserves that wants more action. But it's hard to argue with results.
For now, the Kings' coach has a tight rotation, with Bonzi Wells and Shareef Abdur-Rahim as the first two off the bench followed by Francisco García, when healthy. Ron Artest logged a game-high 47 of a possible 48 minutes against the Lakers on Tuesday, and even when Adelman pulled him, Artest initially waved as if to say, "No, I'm good," before conceding that he was gassed. Other starters Tuesday, such as Kenny Thomas and Kevin Martin, played 27 and 22 minutes, backed by Abdur-Rahim and Wells, respectively.
"I like what we're doing right now, how things are going," Adelman said of his team, which has won 13 straight games at Arco Arena and has gone 8-2 in the last 10 contests. "I didn't like playing Ron (all those minutes), but when I took him out, we slipped pretty good.
"I'm the first to understand these guys all want to play. Guys like Corliss (Williamson) and others. They've been terrific, staying with the team, working out. Believe me, in the next 18 games, we're going to need those guys. But I felt we needed to shorten (the rotation) so the main guys could get comfortable."
Bibby's upswing - Mike Bibby had sparkled at times before Artest arrived - he had a career-high 44 points on Jan. 24 - and he hasn't slowed down a bit since.
"That's what I like about the team offensively right now - it doesn't all fall on his shoulders," Adelman said. "So many times in the last two weeks, we've had 20 to 25 assists, and six or seven guys are getting them. That really helps Mike. He doesn't have to do it all."
Hammers and nails - Kings players, staff members of Maloof Sports and Entertainment and the Kings Women's Organization spruced up the teen center, arts and crafts room and a basketball court at the Stanford Settlement Center as part of "A Day of Volunteerism" in honor of Cesar Chavez. Electronic equipment will be donated.
Injury update - García could return any game now after nursing a turned ankle since going down in Cleveland on March 1.
Brad Miller twisted his ankle Tuesday - he said it was a "1 percent" strain - but kept playing and was able to practice Wednesday.
Link
. I miss 'em.
