We were also built to be more flexible back then. As great as Webber was, our system wasn't nearly as reliant on any one player as our current system is.
- Status
I would like to add a note about Cousins impact:
As long as he is on the floor then the other team has to match up with us. Teams can't go small ball or try to change pace or flow. As soon as they do that, Cousins punishes them inside. Demarcus means that the other team must always play in response to the Kings. That's an advantage you can't throw back on the coach when he doesn't have it. When you have a dominant big man then you get to dictate. It's only a coahcing issue when a coach doesn't use the advantage. Malone uses the advantage.
As long as he is on the floor then the other team has to match up with us. Teams can't go small ball or try to change pace or flow. As soon as they do that, Cousins punishes them inside. Demarcus means that the other team must always play in response to the Kings. That's an advantage you can't throw back on the coach when he doesn't have it. When you have a dominant big man then you get to dictate. It's only a coahcing issue when a coach doesn't use the advantage. Malone uses the advantage.
Chubbs
Starter
Indeed. That was the point.
In that case:
Sarcasm is an art form. I am not prepared to call you an artist.
Sarcasm is an art form. I am not prepared to call you an artist.
Showtime
Starter
I would agree. Here are some of the issues I've noticed even with Cousins:
-Refusal to bench Sessions in favor of younger talent that has shown promise.
-Odd rotations that don't make sense.
-Horrible at making in-game adjustments. An example was a week or two ago was Nic getting torched for a few quarters and then him finally putting in Ben in the 4th, but it was too late. Also, sitting starters for too long when the second unit is giving up leads. Matchups are made that are disadvantages to our team. It just seems like he's clueless as to what is going on.
-Bad play calls. Often during key times late in close games, he lets Rudy ISO rather than move the ball and get something open. I know Rudy is the best player on this team not named Demarcus, but you can't always expect a miracle especially with how notorious refs are in closing possessions (if Landry hadn't been there for Rudy's brick the last game, the team doesn't win).
Also on this note, I've seen several possessions where Evans is the focus of the offense. It seems like it doesn't matter who that player is, JT, Evans, Landry, or DMC, they dump it in the block and let the guy go to work. This totally ignores the fact that Evans is in there for two reasons: rebounding, and rebounding. The offense should go through the guys with the best abilities to create something: DC, DMC, and Rudy. Letting Evans or JT post up just makes me rage when there are guys on the floor that need to touch the ball.
kingsboi
Hall of Famer
I personally like Malone as a head coach, he is still learning also let's not forget. It's way too early to be making any assumptions about whether he's a good coach or not. Considering what he has to work with, no bench, limited amount of shooters and trying to turn a team with no defenders into an adequate defensive team. I also like that he wants to be a inside out team because that's how you win in the playoffs...it's the outside part that needs to be taken care of.
bajaden
Hall of Famer
I think that's certainly part of the problem. Another reason is the emphasis that's been placed on more ball movement. More ball movement means more passing of the ball, and more passing of the ball means more opportunities to turn the ball over. A high percentage of our turnovers are in the unforced catagory. Which means, just plain stupid turnovers. I also think that when we jump out to a big lead early, we tend to get a little cocky, and therefore, a little loose with the basketball. I think it was swisshh that said we tend to blow big leads, and we tend to turn the ball over a lot. I think the second one leads to the first one. We get a big lead, we get sloppy with the ball, and then we blow the big lead.
I think Malone has done a decent job so far. Yeah, we lost four in a row, but look who we lost to. The Kings have played the toughest schedule in the NBA so far, and were still batting over 500. It's not as though Malone has this well of talent he can dip into and pull out a good backup center, which is our biggest weakness in my opinion. Grant and Jerry can rave all they want about what a great job Hollins is doing, but the truth is, he can't even carry Cousins bags. Cousins has developed into a very good defensive center as well. He's terrific at stepping into the lane and stopping the ball, and as of yet, I've seen no one on the team other than him do that. JT tends to be late with his rotation, as is Landry, which usually means a score, and a foul.
If I had to pick out one thing Malone needs to get better at, it would be to find a way to score when the other team takes away our main options. For instance, Gay was having a stellar night last night. But in the fourth quarter, the Pacers decided they weren't going to lose the game because of Gay. They started doubling and a few times, even trippled him. But despite that, we kept going to him. There was a stretch where we were up by eight, and we got 5 stops in a row. It was a chance to put the game away with only a few minutes left on the clock. Three of our 5 attempts were made by Gay, and granted, he was fouled on his last attempt and it wasn't called. But all of his attempts were forced shots. At times like that, Malone needs to be more creative. He needs to find a way to score without always going to an isolation play somewhere. I literally despise the one/four flat play. Unless I have Lebron or Jordan on my team, I'd rather run something else
Chubbs
Starter
Some people seemed to get it. You ok Mr. Slim? 
. I think you have me lumped in with the "No one criticize anything because winning" crowd. That's not my intent.
The title of this thread is just mean and inaccurate. I was trying to bury this thing by showing that the premise was crapty without calling anyone out. It'd be nice if the title was changed to a more basic Malone Watch type title, cause that's what it has turned into, going well beyond the original premise. Basing Malone's coaching ability solely on his ability to win or lose without Boogie seems unfair. It's a legit critique, sure, but it's not the entire story.
Malone is neither inept nor terrible, nor is he the second coming of Red Auerbach, or even Adelman. He's an inexperienced coach with a team still learning how to play together. There will be peaks, and there will be valleys. Do I think he should play Ray a bit? Yes. Do I think the coach should make damn sure this current version of Ben doesn't have two shot halves like last night's first half? That too.
The utter lack of legit 3 point shooting outside of Ben, I just can't blame Malone for that or so our lack of shooting is because of bad coaching.
Overall, I think he's doing a good job with what he has. Not a perfect job, but, over .500 vastly exceeds expectations at this point, considering the schedule and this team's recent history. As Malone adjusts to new players, I do expect things to improve, but at this point, I don't have a big problem with the coach.
. I think you have me lumped in with the "No one criticize anything because winning" crowd. That's not my intent. The title of this thread is just mean and inaccurate. I was trying to bury this thing by showing that the premise was crapty without calling anyone out. It'd be nice if the title was changed to a more basic Malone Watch type title, cause that's what it has turned into, going well beyond the original premise. Basing Malone's coaching ability solely on his ability to win or lose without Boogie seems unfair. It's a legit critique, sure, but it's not the entire story.
Malone is neither inept nor terrible, nor is he the second coming of Red Auerbach, or even Adelman. He's an inexperienced coach with a team still learning how to play together. There will be peaks, and there will be valleys. Do I think he should play Ray a bit? Yes. Do I think the coach should make damn sure this current version of Ben doesn't have two shot halves like last night's first half? That too.
The utter lack of legit 3 point shooting outside of Ben, I just can't blame Malone for that or so our lack of shooting is because of bad coaching.
Overall, I think he's doing a good job with what he has. Not a perfect job, but, over .500 vastly exceeds expectations at this point, considering the schedule and this team's recent history. As Malone adjusts to new players, I do expect things to improve, but at this point, I don't have a big problem with the coach.
Never questioned if it was sarcasm; said it wasn't good sarcasm. Just because you get a joke, doesn't mean it's funny. 
As to 'lumping you in,' I guess I feel like you've made enough "Keep Calm and Carry On"-toned posts which made it perfectly reasonable for me to regard your post as being completely serious; it's not like you haven't made posts like that when you weren't being sarcastic.
As to 'lumping you in,' I guess I feel like you've made enough "Keep Calm and Carry On"-toned posts which made it perfectly reasonable for me to regard your post as being completely serious; it's not like you haven't made posts like that when you weren't being sarcastic.
Just a couple of things...
1. The OP chose the title. I'm pretty sure he knew exactly what he was doing when he did so.
2. I think your thought that you could "bury this thing" by pointing out the mistake in the premise was misguided. I firmly believe the OP knew exactly what he was doing when he made the fly-by post and left. In fact, it might even have been reverse psychology - dump on the coach to the point where everyone not named Showtime comes to his defense.
ShastaKingsFan
All-Star
I'd like to explore the possibility of Corbin being our "offensive coordinator" during games. Where at times, he's talking to the team during timeouts and drawing up plays. There's a precedent for this, other teams do it around the league. I think he's a better offensive coach and has more creativity on that side of the ball than Malone. Vice versa for defense.
As for Ray. If they think that what we've seen from Sessions is better than what Ray is capable of, then we need to send him back to the D-League or trade him. I definitely don't believe this is the case. IMO he should be playing ahead of Sessions right now
I might believe it if the OP had been made by anybody else at all. Check out his posting history: Nikefutbolero hasn't had anything positive to say about anything since Kings Fans met Mayor Johnson at the airport, and he hasn't had anything positive to say about the team in nearly three years. If this is schtick, then this guy is Andy ****ing Kaufman, and he should be making money on stage.Just a couple of things...
1. The OP chose the title. I'm pretty sure he knew exactly what he was doing when he did so.
2. I think your thought that you could "bury this thing" by pointing out the mistake in the premise was misguided. I firmly believe the OP knew exactly what he was doing when he made the fly-by post and left. In fact, it might even have been reverse psychology - dump on the coach to the point where everyone not named Showtime comes to his defense.
Chubbs
Starter
Yes, he was trolling. Plain and simple. That shouldn't be allowed. I don't give the OP nearly that much credit.Just a couple of things...
1. The OP chose the title. I'm pretty sure he knew exactly what he was doing when he did so.
2. I think your thought that you could "bury this thing" by pointing out the mistake in the premise was misguided. I firmly believe the OP knew exactly what he was doing when he made the fly-by post and left. In fact, it might even have been reverse psychology - dump on the coach to the point where everyone not named Showtime comes to his defense.
A troll doesn't deserve a legitimate response, although they got several. And whoosh, OP is nowhere to be found. People can do what they want, I suppose. Doesn't mean I need to take it seriously.
Someday, somehow, I will make you laugh Slim. Until then, I won't be losing sleep over it.
I stand firm in my right to have different thoughts and opinions on different days. I don't deny previous posts nor regret them. After game 1, I unleashed a farily epic sky is falling type tirade after all.
Who knows what'll it be later tonight? It's a wild ride.
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Good point.
Many times, our young and inexperienced coach made mistakes. I've seen prominent and knowledgeable posters here criticize him subtly for fielding weird combination of players (twin duplex, smallball, etc.), horrible timing of substitution, and terrible in-game adjustments. And those criticisms are valid because I observed it too. And those who will deny it are lying to their teeth.
The thing is - Malone, however inexperienced and sucky he may be, is a player-coach and seemingly well respected by our young players which is very important right now for our young team. Just like our young players, our coach is also just developing. So, let's give him a pass for now. I think he will learn soon enough from his mistakes.
Also, which better coach is available out there right now?
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I'm not saying I disagree with this assessment. That's why my last thought in my post said "it might even have been" and included the smiley face.
Tetsujin
The Game Thread Dude
On the plus side, going through his posting history shows he once created this thread which looks really dumb in hindsight.
http://kingsfans.com/threads/lettuce-be-cereal-about-ben-mac.55921/
Chubbs
Starter
John Galt
Starter
I wish I could triple-like or quad-like this post. It doesn't deserve just one like.
You have to look hard, and be really committed to you goal, to find a way to be unhappy with the Kings right now. They are massively over-achieving versus any conceivable pre-season expectation.
You couldn't pay me enough money to be an NBA head coach man... fans are so fickle and really, frankly ... they are crazy. All it takes is to "almost" lose a game and the pitchforks are out. I don't get it.
The team competes their arses off every night, they are in every game - home and road - and this is with a rookie 2 guard and a journeyman PF and PG. The Kings really have two guys on the roster who most people would consider upper tier. And someone wants to roast the coach for finally winning a game without one of those players?????
I will definitely be waving the flag at the Malone parade any day of the week. He's been fantastic. He could use a good offensive coordinator I think, but as the "boss of the team" he is just great and I'd extend him in a heartbeat.
I will admit that sometimes his rotations irk me, but given how his predecessor managed rotations, I'm actually ok with Malone on this front.
In game adjustments need to be improved, but he's admitted as much on a few occasions. I'll chalk that up to learning on the job. Part of the issue is knowing what your personnel can and can't do, and to his defense, he's still learning what he's got as a team. Ben and DMC are way improved from last year, Gay is much better, and he didn't have Collison. JT is loads better defensively, but now stinks offensively. It's a new team all over again. That's tough on a coach.
Do I wish that he would give Ray Mc more PT? Does it annoy me that he sticks with Sessions? Sure, but in win-now mode you have to hope your vets return to form faster than your youth develops. That's probably my biggest gripe, but I can begrudgingly read his reasoning from a coach's standpoint.
Ultimately, Malone is learning just as the team is learning. It makes for bumps on both fronts, but as long as we keep seeing growth, there's no reason to abandon ship.
Please note that assessment won't keep me from shouting obscenities come game time.
In game adjustments need to be improved, but he's admitted as much on a few occasions. I'll chalk that up to learning on the job. Part of the issue is knowing what your personnel can and can't do, and to his defense, he's still learning what he's got as a team. Ben and DMC are way improved from last year, Gay is much better, and he didn't have Collison. JT is loads better defensively, but now stinks offensively. It's a new team all over again. That's tough on a coach.
Do I wish that he would give Ray Mc more PT? Does it annoy me that he sticks with Sessions? Sure, but in win-now mode you have to hope your vets return to form faster than your youth develops. That's probably my biggest gripe, but I can begrudgingly read his reasoning from a coach's standpoint.
Ultimately, Malone is learning just as the team is learning. It makes for bumps on both fronts, but as long as we keep seeing growth, there's no reason to abandon ship.
Please note that assessment won't keep me from shouting obscenities come game time.
Glenn
Hall of Famer
OK!
rainmaker
Hall of Famer
Malone has without a doubt had mistakes hidden by the talent which is Boogie. Of course, any coach with a great player or players has had their mistakes hidden at times. That's what talent does for you, it gives you more of a cushion.
Malone does have weaknesses though, a main concern IMO being his rotations involving our bench the first 6 mins of the 2nd/4th quarters and his appearance of favoritism in regards to playing both Sessions and Nik over Ray. Malone carries himself as a defensive minded coach yet by his own admission our top backcourt defender in Ray isn't getting any time in front of two poor defender in Sessions and Nik. Playing Carl and Reggie at backup center almost the entire season thus far over Hollins is also quite questionable. There were a few games where size, any size at all would have helped.
However, he is hamstrung to an extent by a nowhere near finalized roster and has to be given credit for his use of Omri, DC and Rudy who are playing the best ball of their careers and his development of Ben which I'll presume has surprised just about everyone this year. To a certain extent, being a manager of people and egos is just as important for a coach as x's and o's. Talent wins out in this league much of the time but the ability to get your talent to come together is underrated and to have not only Cuz buy in and back Malone, but for Rudy to also buy in and sign the extension should give some confidence.
But we flat out need more talent coming off the bench, more shooters, more size, more defense. If and when we acquire that talent, then we'll have a better idea on Malone but I think he generally has done a pretty decent job with the talent he has. I'd certainly keep him around and evaluate later.
Malone does have weaknesses though, a main concern IMO being his rotations involving our bench the first 6 mins of the 2nd/4th quarters and his appearance of favoritism in regards to playing both Sessions and Nik over Ray. Malone carries himself as a defensive minded coach yet by his own admission our top backcourt defender in Ray isn't getting any time in front of two poor defender in Sessions and Nik. Playing Carl and Reggie at backup center almost the entire season thus far over Hollins is also quite questionable. There were a few games where size, any size at all would have helped.
However, he is hamstrung to an extent by a nowhere near finalized roster and has to be given credit for his use of Omri, DC and Rudy who are playing the best ball of their careers and his development of Ben which I'll presume has surprised just about everyone this year. To a certain extent, being a manager of people and egos is just as important for a coach as x's and o's. Talent wins out in this league much of the time but the ability to get your talent to come together is underrated and to have not only Cuz buy in and back Malone, but for Rudy to also buy in and sign the extension should give some confidence.
But we flat out need more talent coming off the bench, more shooters, more size, more defense. If and when we acquire that talent, then we'll have a better idea on Malone but I think he generally has done a pretty decent job with the talent he has. I'd certainly keep him around and evaluate later.
Heh. There's still a long way to go to determine whether he is actually a "good" coach, but when your most recent frame of reference is Keith Smart...
IfAt1st
Starter
EXACTLY!
Malone (specifically his offensive playcalls and his substitution patterns) are not going to get the Kings past the 1st round of the playoffs. IMO, it's that simple.
He has proven so far to be unwilling to change his choices which haven't worked (iso Rudy, no passing or cutting, taking Rudy and DMC out for LONG stretches at the same time, waiting too long to sub in and losing leads, sticking with Sessions no matter what, letting Reggie Evans have the ball 10+ feet from the basket, etc).
These are all PROVEN mistakes that are all on Malone.
Now, I don't expect him to be perfect whatsoever - but I do wish he would own up to these mistakes and point them out and show everyone that he realizes they are mistakes - but I fear Malone is deluded about his choices, and therefore he keeps repeating them (what's that phrase about repeating mistakes and expecting a different outcome?).
Hell, he certainly points out enough of everyone else's mistakes; every time he gets a mic in his face.
I would feel much better if I believed that he incorporated Tyrone Corbin's coaching abilities during a game.
I fear that Malone is just operating on his own during a game, and got into that habit last year, and hasn;t opened up his coaching style to allow Tyrone to be more involved on the offensive side of the ball during games. We all saw Corbin's skill when he took over for Malone in a tough game earlier this year - IIRC we all felt more confident in Corbin's abilities than Malone's, let's not skip over that example.
To be clear - I don't think the Kings should be looking for another coach.
I believe Malone should modify his coaching style (to allow Corbin more leeway/input) and he should stop making the same choices that have repeatedly failed.
This is very true and I couldn't agree more the rest of the post.
There were games we should have won because our main guys (Cousins, Gay, Collison) and our role players played their best, unfortunately Malone made some mistakes on his subs and in-game adjustments. But hey, nobody says he is a very good and seasoned coach. He is actually a very inexperienced coach who is now getting lucky he gets to ride on Cousins, Gay, and Collison's (and the rest of the role-players) great transformation. A big credit to him though for he's got his players respect which also contributes to the player's transformation.
I hope the OP is now happy that some posters here somehow agree. This thread after all has some merit and not so dumb a thread like some people want it to appear.
Andriod_KiNg
Starter
Magic on the road without their best player but they are beating the Kings.
Pathetic coaching by Malone. Every team has injuries and adversity but Malone has no clue as to what to do. When we are up or when we are down, just stands on the sidelines throwing random players in hoping it makes him look good.
Pathetic coaching by Malone. Every team has injuries and adversity but Malone has no clue as to what to do. When we are up or when we are down, just stands on the sidelines throwing random players in hoping it makes him look good.
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