[Grades] Kings v. Wizards (#6) 10/26/18

[Sac.Kings]

The starters are a playoff team now, but the bench has to improve. Fox, is dominant already, consistently outclassing the best PGs in statistical game impact

At first this was a developing year, but with how dominant that starting unit is you have to consider yourself in playoff contention til your not. That means Koufos instead of Giles, for one

I wouldn't view it that way. Even I would do KK instead of Giles but not for a playoff reason. Giles is clearly not ready to play significant minutes and rather than destroy his confidence completely, I'd have him play back up to KK and/or situation dependent.

This is a developing year for the team. We will find out if Fox is legit ( early review is outstanding, but can he maintain this frenetic pace all season ). We will see what we have with our rooks and 2nd year players and if WCS is the real deal. The playoffs would be unbelievable, but I don't think we should sacrifice developing our young talent for an 8th seed. However, we do need a 3 man pretty desperately and I would jettison our older players (Z-bo being the main candidate) to get one.

 

[VF21]

That’s tough. Front office has to make a decision if they are going to forego the development of some their prospects to make a push for the playoffs this year. Making the playoffs or at the very least competing for a spot changes everything for this organization perception wise.

I personally don't think it's about the playoffs. It's about continuing to build a cohesive team that can compete effectively in the future. If the playoffs fall into our lap, fine. If not, that wasn't the plan.

If they do decide to make a push, it will be because a lot of things have happened elsewhere in the Western Conference. We simply are not viable contenders at this point in time.

 

[The_Jamal]

I think you revist the koufos thing game 20 or 25 or so. If we are still .500 or close to it around then and Giles is still struggling to this extent, hen yeah i think you make the move for more "win now". But Giles should get every chance to play through in a year where player development is far and away the most important part of the season

 

[sactowndog]

I personally don't think it's about the playoffs. It's about continuing to build a cohesive team that can compete effectively in the future. If the playoffs fall into our lap, fine. If not, that wasn't the plan.

If they do decide to make a push, it will be because a lot of things have happened elsewhere in the Western Conference. We simply are not viable contenders at this point in time.

I think it’s about showing potential free agents this team could be something. We need a real starting 3/large wing in the worst way. A number will be available. We just have to show we are a reasonable destination.

 

[JCTNKINGFAN]

I personally don't think it's about the playoffs. It's about continuing to build a cohesive team that can compete effectively in the future. If the playoffs fall into our lap, fine. If not, that wasn't the plan.

If they do decide to make a push, it will be because a lot of things have happened elsewhere in the Western Conference. We simply are not viable contenders at this point in time.

Exactly! I made a comment at the end of last year that we would start to see significant progress this year if the plan was working and might even win enough games to be on the fringe of playoff contention, but the front office and coaching staff would need to stay the course and avoid any short-sighted decisions that would hinder the team's long term development in order to make the playoffs as the last seed only to get mauled by the Warriors in 4 games. That is my biggest fear for the team. I can guarantee you that some on here will be clamoring for that very thing if they win enough games to be considered in contention for that last playoff spot.

If they stay the course and make the playoffs, then great. I would like to see the team as it is constructed (or with the possible addition of some additional long term pieces) make a run at the playoffs just for the experience of playing for something whether they make it or not. But I do not want to see them sacrificing the long term development of the team for a short term gain in order to make a playoff run.