Kleiza a Top 25 Young Player?

[oldenpolynice]

Ok, so I'm anticipating that Linas Kleiza will be a Sacramento King because the trade talks have heated up with the Nuggets again. Given that assumption, is he one of the 25 best players in the league under age 25?

This list doesn't seem to think so. But his numbers indicate that he is better than a few people towards the bottom of the list...

http://www.davissportsdeli.com/Top 25 Under 25 February 15, 2008.html

 

[kings20993]

he is better than rondo 4sher

 

[piksi]

not really that important. It is important that Ron plays somewhere else and thatwe get picks, expiring contracts and cheap young players. Kleiza is cheap and low risk

 

[Arby's Roast Beef]

Kleiza isn't even much of a risk; there's probably a reason the Nuggets don't want to trade him, and it really, really lies with his potent scoring ability. I've read somewhere that one of the Nugs' teammates said that Kleiza always looks to be on the verge of exploding for points...even when he's not playing well. He's a pretty lethal offensive player--at one time this year, he was the best 2-pt shooter in the NBA (yes, as an SF) and now his three point shot is catching up to it, and don't forget his ability to get up for jaw-dropping dunks and his ability to slash to the basket. There's a lot to like about him if you want an offensive player, because he has really few flaws, takes smart shots and generally has a varied offensive game. Even had a 40 pt game this year. Very tough minded as well. He's probably certified to thrive in virtually any system.

If we do trade Artest for Kleiza and extra change, I'd say that Kleiza may split minutes with Salmons and Garcia at the SF at times, and get some run at PF. There are concerns about his defense, however, so I'm not sure if he addresses those issues for us--and while we may need more offense with Bibby and Artest out--he doesn't address much of our weaknesses, and probably amplifies our strengths. I've said in the other thread I've liked Hilario better for that matter, but if we do get Kleiza, he's very low risk, high efficiency, so I wouldn't mind at all.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

I'd take Kleiza/Najera/Pick for Ron on ANY day, thank you! If this offer is/was on the table, I'd do everything in my power to get it done, if I was Petrie.

 

[oldenpolynice]

Kleiza isn't even much of a risk; there's probably a reason the Nuggets don't want to trade him, and it really, really lies with his potent scoring ability. I've read somewhere that one of the Nugs' teammates said that Kleiza always looks to be on the verge of exploding for points...even when he's not playing well. He's a pretty lethal offensive player--at one time this year, he was the best 2-pt shooter in the NBA (yes, as an SF) and now his three point shot is catching up to it, and don't forget his ability to get up for jaw-dropping dunks and his ability to slash to the basket. There's a lot to like about him if you want an offensive player, because he has really few flaws, takes smart shots and generally has a varied offensive game. Even had a 40 pt game this year. Very tough minded as well. He's probably certified to thrive in virtually any system.

If we do trade Artest for Kleiza and extra change, I'd say that Kleiza may split minutes with Salmons and Garcia at the SF at times, and get some run at PF. There are concerns about his defense, however, so I'm not sure if he addresses those issues for us--and while we may need more offense with Bibby and Artest out--he doesn't address much of our weaknesses, and probably amplifies our strengths. I've said in the other thread I've liked Hilario better for that matter, but if we do get Kleiza, he's very low risk, high efficiency, so I wouldn't mind at all.

Thanks for the post. I've heard much the same thing about Kleiza. He's patient, waits for his shot and hits it with good accuracy when he gets a good look. He'd be a terrific bargain for us if we end up getting him.

 

[oldenpolynice]

I think if Kleiza improves his defensive effort, he has the upside of Glen Rice in his prime. Not a bad player to have alongside a young Reggie Miller (Kevin Martin).

 

[LPKingsFan]

Getting way ahead of myself here, but Douby (BJax), Kleiza (Hedo) and Williams (Pollard) could very well be a decent bench of the future.

 

[piksi]

Getting way ahead of myself here, but Douby (BJax), Kleiza (Hedo) and Williams (Pollard) could very well be a decent bench of the future.

so basically we only miss about 5 starters right ?

 

[LPKingsFan]

so basically we only miss about 5 starters right ?

Hmm, well you could say that Martin=Peja, and Hawes=Miller, and either Salmons or Garcia=Christie, so you're only a Webber and Bibby away!

 

[oldenpolynice]

Hmm, well you could say that Martin=Peja, and Hawes=Miller, and either Salmons or Garcia=Christie, so you're only a Webber and Bibby away!

We'll never find another Webber. He was a one-of-a-kind. But we can definitely pick up a future "Bibby in his prime" in this draft. Rose, Augustin and Collison are all good choices.

 

[JJ_Evans]

lol @ that being last year and kevin martin isnt even on the list

 

[oldenpolynice]

lol @ that being last year and kevin martin isnt even on the list

I'm pretty sure this wasn't last year's list. Kevin Durant wasn't even in the league yet.

 

[piksi]

Hmm, well you could say that Martin=Peja, and Hawes=Miller, and either Salmons or Garcia=Christie, so you're only a Webber and Bibby away!

if we use the famous "every man/woman is attractive enough proportional to the amount of alcohol consumed - theory -sure. Where is Vlade BTW ??

 

[LPKingsFan]

if we use the famous "every man/woman is attractive enough proportional to the amount of alcohol consumed - theory -sure. Where is Vlade BTW ??

Why, hired back on as assistant coach for big men and European scout, of course!

 

[VF21]

Why, hired back on as assistant coach for big men and European scout, of course!

I'd like to see him take over some of the marketing/public relations stuff. He would NEVER have opted for the stupid bleeping gold 6 OR the gold lamé uniforms.

 

[oldenpolynice]

Hmm, well you could say that Martin=Peja, and Hawes=Miller, and either Salmons or Garcia=Christie, so you're only a Webber and Bibby away!

Martin is definitely more athletic than Peja for the record. And Peja's shot is much smoother. So really there's not much comparison there.

 

[kings20993]

Martin is definitely more athletic than Peja for the record. And Peja's shot is much smoother. So really there's not much comparison there.

amen

 

[oldenpolynice]

Martin is definitely more athletic than Peja for the record. And Peja's shot is much smoother. So really there's not much comparison there.

And while we're on the subject, Hawes has much more developed post moves than Miller. However, Miller rebounds a lot better and is a more accomplished passer. Just cuz both dudes are white and have good ball skills doesn't mean they are younger/older versions of each other.

 

[kings20993]

And while we're on the subject, Hawes has much more developed post moves than Miller. However, Miller rebounds a lot better and is a more accomplished passer. Just cuz both dudes are white and have good ball skills doesn't mean they are younger/older versions of each other.

I think hawes is a really underated rebounder

 

[oldenpolynice]

I think hawes is a really underated rebounder

Might be true (he did get, what, 10 boards against Houston). We'll know when Theus gives him more minutes...

 

[ParniValjak]

Why, hired back on as assistant coach for big men and European scout, of course!

And turn his back on a lucrative position as the GM of Real Madrid?! I don't think so! Vlade is not a coach type. He is more of a front office type guy. No one would turn their back on one of the most lucrative positions in european basketball at one of the greatest clubs for an assistant coaching role in the NBA.