http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/44393.html
Marty Mac's world: Kings would be wise to have some more Hart
By Martin McNeal - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:09 am PDT Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Is Hart suddenly on the team -- again?
Plain and simple, Kings point guard Jason Hart was in the process of getting jerked. Through Sunday night's exhibition victory in Reno against the New Orleans Hornets, Hart had played just 14 minutes.
It will be interesting to see if Hart's playing time increases now that starting point guard Mike Bibby is out. Hart likely wasn't waived because the Kings were looking out for the team's best interests, in case of injury.
That's business, and no one understands that more than a consummate professional such as Hart, who is in the last year of his two-year deal.
Hart, 28, admittedly played poorly last season, his first with the Kings, but entered camp determined to show he was better than that. And with new coach Eric Musselman, there was optimism and hope of a clean slate.
Musselman has spoken about the team's future and how the likes of Ronnie Price, Quincy Douby and John Salmons likely will play important roles. That's all cool, and it might turn out to be true. But as the late, legendary NFL coach George Allen said, the future is now.
Price has made the most of his time but is more of a scoring athlete than a point guard. Douby and Salmons are more scorers than natural point guards. All three can handle the ball, but they shouldn't be the first choices to run an offense and look to make plays for others.
That's what Hart does, although one would be hard-pressed to remember what he does well since he hasn't had an opportunity to show it in training camp and exhibition games. These Kings are working in a different system, and perhaps Hart will get another chance to shine.
About the writer: The Bee's Martin McNeal can be reached at mmcneal@sacbee.com.
Marty Mac's world: Kings would be wise to have some more Hart
By Martin McNeal - Bee Staff Writer
Last Updated 12:09 am PDT Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Is Hart suddenly on the team -- again?
Plain and simple, Kings point guard Jason Hart was in the process of getting jerked. Through Sunday night's exhibition victory in Reno against the New Orleans Hornets, Hart had played just 14 minutes.
It will be interesting to see if Hart's playing time increases now that starting point guard Mike Bibby is out. Hart likely wasn't waived because the Kings were looking out for the team's best interests, in case of injury.
That's business, and no one understands that more than a consummate professional such as Hart, who is in the last year of his two-year deal.
Hart, 28, admittedly played poorly last season, his first with the Kings, but entered camp determined to show he was better than that. And with new coach Eric Musselman, there was optimism and hope of a clean slate.
Musselman has spoken about the team's future and how the likes of Ronnie Price, Quincy Douby and John Salmons likely will play important roles. That's all cool, and it might turn out to be true. But as the late, legendary NFL coach George Allen said, the future is now.
Price has made the most of his time but is more of a scoring athlete than a point guard. Douby and Salmons are more scorers than natural point guards. All three can handle the ball, but they shouldn't be the first choices to run an offense and look to make plays for others.
That's what Hart does, although one would be hard-pressed to remember what he does well since he hasn't had an opportunity to show it in training camp and exhibition games. These Kings are working in a different system, and perhaps Hart will get another chance to shine.
About the writer: The Bee's Martin McNeal can be reached at mmcneal@sacbee.com.
