http://www.sacbee.com/351/story/134610.html
Marty Mac's World: K-Mart a serious candidate for the ballot
By Martin McNeal - Bee Columnist
Last Updated 12:12 am PST Thursday, March 8, 2007
Things surely can change quickly in today's world, and especially in sports. Witness the Kings, who suddenly have gone from the outhouse to at least to the back porch with a four-game winning streak.
The NBA's power squads certainly reside in the Western Conference, but how many would have guessed at the season's outset that so many teams around and below the .500 mark would be in such stiff competition for the final few playoff spots?
Certainly not I.
Moreover, how many would have foreseen the growth of Kevin Martin into what he's become -- one of the best and most efficient shooting guards, heck, players in the league? As much as I've appreciated Martin's skills and abilities since first seeing him in the L.A. Summer League not long after he was drafted, his performance this season has exceeded any expectations imaginable.
In many ways, it's his amazingly rapid growth as a player that has kept the Kings in the playoff race. Perhaps even most appealing is the thought that my man still is only approaching a performance and productivity level we'll see in the future.
Martin is a worker with a purpose. As a scorer, his game is unique, unpredictable and even quirky. And few defenders ever will say they look forward to going against a player with those facets. Especially one whose confidence continues to grow with each possession, quarter and game.
Yet, Martin's all-around game has room to grow. He'll continue to receive more attention from defenses and certainly will develop more acumen as a passer. His quickness and length -- when united with more experience -- give him the potential to become an excellent defender, if he so chooses.
But think back just two seasons, and there were many observers who believed he was not capable of playing NBA-caliber ball. He was left off the Kings' playoff roster in his rookie season, one in which he admittedly felt some reluctance to reveal everything he had to give.
Luckily, for all parties, those days passed quickly. This is just a guess, but we'll likely be able to find his name on next year's All-Star ballot, if not the team.
García contributes like few can
It's often the fault of know-it-alls like myself to look at statistics and make determinations about who did what. However, to do so with the Kings often can mean the contributions of second-year swingman Francisco García will be missed.
The always hustling, competing García makes more plays that do not show up in a box score than any other member of the squad.
He's the dude running back on defense to foul a guy and prevent an easy layup.
The one who can make the pass that leads to the pass for the score. His deflection may not turn into his steal, but it can disrupt what the offensive team is trying to do.
García is a pest to the opposition, and there may not be a higher compliment. Anybody who ever has played the game knows how annoying it is to go against a guy who never stops running or hustling.
You just want to say, Man, relax for a minute. But you don't -- at least verbally -- because you would be letting him know how much he's getting to you. And he doesn't stop because that's a special gift few possess.
Bryant suspended? Of course
Whether Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has intended to bust two dudes in the mug during the past month or so, he's done exactly that.
And because of these amazingly striking coincidences, the man had to be suspended.
It's not that deep.
About the writer: The Bee's Martin McNeal can be reached at mmcneal@sacbee.com.
Marty Mac's World: K-Mart a serious candidate for the ballot
By Martin McNeal - Bee Columnist
Last Updated 12:12 am PST Thursday, March 8, 2007
Things surely can change quickly in today's world, and especially in sports. Witness the Kings, who suddenly have gone from the outhouse to at least to the back porch with a four-game winning streak.
The NBA's power squads certainly reside in the Western Conference, but how many would have guessed at the season's outset that so many teams around and below the .500 mark would be in such stiff competition for the final few playoff spots?
Certainly not I.
Moreover, how many would have foreseen the growth of Kevin Martin into what he's become -- one of the best and most efficient shooting guards, heck, players in the league? As much as I've appreciated Martin's skills and abilities since first seeing him in the L.A. Summer League not long after he was drafted, his performance this season has exceeded any expectations imaginable.
In many ways, it's his amazingly rapid growth as a player that has kept the Kings in the playoff race. Perhaps even most appealing is the thought that my man still is only approaching a performance and productivity level we'll see in the future.
Martin is a worker with a purpose. As a scorer, his game is unique, unpredictable and even quirky. And few defenders ever will say they look forward to going against a player with those facets. Especially one whose confidence continues to grow with each possession, quarter and game.
Yet, Martin's all-around game has room to grow. He'll continue to receive more attention from defenses and certainly will develop more acumen as a passer. His quickness and length -- when united with more experience -- give him the potential to become an excellent defender, if he so chooses.
But think back just two seasons, and there were many observers who believed he was not capable of playing NBA-caliber ball. He was left off the Kings' playoff roster in his rookie season, one in which he admittedly felt some reluctance to reveal everything he had to give.
Luckily, for all parties, those days passed quickly. This is just a guess, but we'll likely be able to find his name on next year's All-Star ballot, if not the team.
García contributes like few can
It's often the fault of know-it-alls like myself to look at statistics and make determinations about who did what. However, to do so with the Kings often can mean the contributions of second-year swingman Francisco García will be missed.
The always hustling, competing García makes more plays that do not show up in a box score than any other member of the squad.
He's the dude running back on defense to foul a guy and prevent an easy layup.
The one who can make the pass that leads to the pass for the score. His deflection may not turn into his steal, but it can disrupt what the offensive team is trying to do.
García is a pest to the opposition, and there may not be a higher compliment. Anybody who ever has played the game knows how annoying it is to go against a guy who never stops running or hustling.
You just want to say, Man, relax for a minute. But you don't -- at least verbally -- because you would be letting him know how much he's getting to you. And he doesn't stop because that's a special gift few possess.
Bryant suspended? Of course
Whether Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has intended to bust two dudes in the mug during the past month or so, he's done exactly that.
And because of these amazingly striking coincidences, the man had to be suspended.
It's not that deep.
About the writer: The Bee's Martin McNeal can be reached at mmcneal@sacbee.com.