One week into September...

[BawLa]

And I'm getting excited for the season.

So many people have talked down about this off-season because we didn't acquire this or that.

Think about a team last year that went 26-14 since acquiring Artest.

Think about the team at that time and over that stretch...
Injuries, adjustments, people taking on new (defensive) roles...the team struggled to find cohesion.

We surged ourselves into the playoffs and although our newfound identity was clear, we just didn't have the right bearings.

A couple small off-season moves and one big one leaves us with a new coach and staff, some depth at guard, and three potential bigs.

...

We will have all year to work on our team-defense. Because if you really think about it, last year, we dominated most teams just by sheer talent.

We may not have a large, athletic man anchoring our paint defensively, but hopefully our new bigs will help to slow down other teams' bigs, at least moreso than last year. And I'm sure they will be able to grab some rebounds here and there as they are not going to be playing for their offense.

We should have plenty of offense and defense to compete with any team IMHO. I think it is just a matter of the team coming together around Coach Musselman and buying into his system. He sold the Maloofs who are cutthroat businessmen, so I'm confident that he can reach our guys.

I'm extremely excited about this year and can't wait to see us in action.

Kings '07

 

[TheJoker]

Every team goes through stretches of excellence but at the sametime things can go wrong to. i'm excited to see how Eric's impact will have on our ballcub and our fast he can get the team going. at the very least i should expect that to happen soon. should be a interesting season upon us.

 

[Bricklayer]

To say you are excited about the upcoming season is just to say that you are a Kings fan. If you swapped our team and offseason off to another city, we'd be roughly as exciting to Kings fans as the Sonics. First time in a long time that only the raggedy fringe can squint hard enough to see us to a title, and it doesn't look like a rebuild either. Its just...there.

I'm just hoping it starts well enough not to damage the vote in November. Would have been a great year to do something splashy + aggressive to get the fanbase energized.

 

[Viking]

hrmmm.... "wake me up when september ends" for me i suppose

 

[BawLa]

To say you are excited about the upcoming season is just to say that you are a Kings fan. If you swapped our team and offseason off to another city, we'd be roughly as exciting to Kings fans as the Sonics. First time in a long time that only the raggedy fringe can squint hard enough to see us to a title, and it doesn't look like a rebuild either. Its just...there.

I'm just hoping it starts well enough not to damage the vote in November. Would have been a great year to do something splashy + aggressive to get the fanbase energized.

What I was trying to say is that we didn't need to have a huge off-season. I assume you would be more excited had we picked up a big-name, shotblocking, lane-clogging, rebounding big man that can contribute offensively. But how soon we forget the strides we made last year.

We had barely any cohesion as we limped into the playoffs last year. Merely by our talent and will did we take 2 games from San Antonio. We were poorly organized, and that was the edge that SA needed. And lets not forget how complete of a team SA was last year.

So we lost Bonzi who was a manchild on the boards all year long, and was great in iso situations against SA. But losing his rebounding ability will only open up other opportunities elsewhere. Ron Artest is still a mis-match for any team so I expect to see him help rebound with his long arms and athleticism, while Kevin and Mike run the floor.
Kevin will produce much more than Bonzi offensively, and he is getting better at staying in front of his man defensively.

We have a slightly better starting 5 than the end of last year, and a slightly better bench than the end of last year. So you would expect a slightly better finish than last year. And that doesn't account for the teamwork. Which is why I think this year's success will depend entirely on Coach M. and if he can get this team to fire on all cylinders.

 

[Kings113]

I'm quite excited for the NBA, and Kings basketball again. I'm intrigued about the team, without or with Bonzi.

 

[Sac.Kings]

I can't wait for the season to start. I wish it started tomorrow...

 

[Warhawk]

I'm quite excited for the NBA, and Kings basketball again. I'm intrigued about the team, without or with Bonzi.

Yep.

I also want to see what Muss brings to the table and how the team gels under his reign.

 

[Bricklayer]

But losing his rebounding ability will only open up other opportunities elsewhere.

That...well, let's say that sounds like soemthing 1000 lottery-bound GMs have said over the years.

Ron Artest is still a mis-match for any team so I expect to see him help rebound with his long arms and athleticism,

NOTE: A curious fact about Ron Artest is that he does not rebound. Has never rebounded. A wonderfully tough player, maybe the best defender in the league. But when it comes to the glass? Peja is actually a manlier man than Ron. Peja career rebounding: 34.4min 5.1reb; Ron career rebounding: 33.8min 4.8reb. Which puts you right back in rebounding hell if its Brad/SAR/Ron as the starting frontline. Mike would have to average 10.

We have a slightly better starting 5 than the end of last year, and a slightly better bench than the end of last year.

We may not have either, but at the very least you have to choose one or the other since your only excuse for doing so would be Kevin Martin moving around. Losing a Bonzi Wells, as starter or backup, for a John Salmons ain't going to cut it, and our other pickups, such as they are, combine unproven ability with no real spot in the rotation.

Which is why I think this year's success will depend entirely on Coach M. and if he can get this team to fire on all cylinders.

Not entirely, but it is yet another unknown factor for us. Same crew, Rick Adelman, and they'd almost surely be right in the hunt for a late playoff spot. That's just what Rick has done -- 14 of his 16 years he's been playoff bound. Now you have another x-factor. Even if every thing playerwise would otherwise be all peachy, what will Muss do? How will he handle it? Will his players respond to him over a full season? This proper term for this season may be intrigue rather than excitement. X-factors all over the place. Could be intriguing (that word again) to see how it plays out. But if it plays out wrong and its your team not some random one elsewhere, intrigue is not the same thing as fun necessairly.

 

[TheJoker]

That...well, let's say that sounds like soemthing 1000 lottery-bound GMs have said over the years.

Agreed

 

[SacTownKid]

We may not have either, but at the very least you have to choose one or the other since your only excuse for doing so would be Kevin Martin moving around. Losing a Bonzi Wells, as starter or backup, for a John Salmons ain't going to cut it, and our other pickups, such as they are, combine unproven ability with no real spot in the rotation.


.

I look at losing Bonzi Wells as an opprotunity for Francisco to make an impact. I think he can and I am really excited about it.

 

[BawLa]

Brick-

Interesting point about Ron's rebounding ability. Obviously Ron hasn't "tried" to get boards because his length and athleticism should yield a higher number than 5/game, and Peja for that matter. I'll bet his tenacity on defense is directly proportional to his lack of rebounding. Although I would not want him to sacrifice defensive energy in order to jump all over the place for boards, there is probably some sort of happy medium where he can grab a few more boards and not lose that much energy.

With respect to Bonzi: Salmons is not his replacement. Kevin is Bonzi's replacement. Salmons is Kevin's replacement who happens to be a swingman. That said I think we can agree Kevin should average more points and less rebounds than Bonzi. But where Bonzi would get more rebounds, he also would turn the ball over much more than Kevin. Salmons probably won't score as much as Kevin did off the bench, but he will get minutes elsewhere so his overall impact could be the same.

My overall analysis...

Starters: Scoring +
Rebounds -
Turnovers - (less than last year)
Fast Break +

Bench: Scoring = (arguably + or -)
Rebounds + (3 new big guys, one can probably rebound)


Last year we made the playoffs and scared SA and all of the NBA on the fly. We will have a full season, barring injuries, to work on timing and team defense. I think everyone on this team knows that the ability and drive is there. That said I expect everyone to look to our new coach for leadership to guide their talent.

I agree with you about Muss being our x-factor. Which is why I said that this season's success will depend on him getting our team to fire on all cylinders.

I am excited because I anticipate a positive outcome to the intrigue that we both have. I understand where you are coming from...I guess I have a little more faith, and therefore higher expectations. I think it will be fun to see your excitement later in the season when it will be easier to believe in this team. And if that doesn't happen, then I will happily eat my words.

 

[BawLa]

I look at losing Bonzi Wells as an opprotunity for Francisco to make an impact. I think he can and I am really excited about it.

I am right there with ya. I can't wait until this kid has the confidence to take what he does in practice into the games. With Kevin and Ron mentoring this guy, he could become a valuabe asset for our team off the bench. And I remember how much better Kevin was in his second year. I actually forsee our abundance of OG's and SF's as a good problem.

 

[Entity]

I am expecting alot of Kevin Martin this season and i still think i am underestimating him. He could easily be our scoring leader this year. By the way Salmons can easily avg as many points as Kev did off the bench last year. Salmons is a unique in he gives you youth plus experience while being able to play 3 positions.

 

[Entity]

I am right there with ya. I can't wait until this kid has the confidence to take what he does in practice into the games. With Kevin and Ron mentoring this guy, he could become a valuabe asset for our team off the bench. And I remember how much better Kevin was in his second year. I actually forsee our abundance of OG's and SF's as a good problem.

There it is and Garcia was better his first year than Kevin was in his rookie season. Garcia is a great defensive player great ballhandler he can hit the 3pt shot at a high % once he gets to NBA speed which will come early and we have seen he can rebound and be a weak side shot blocker ala Gerald Wallace.

 

[Kings113]

Agreed with most of that, BawLa.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

I look at losing Bonzi Wells as an opprotunity for Francisco to make an impact...

Then what the hell did we sign Salmons for? They're basically the same player, except that Garcia has a better upside, and may even actually be better right now.

 

[Entity]

Then what the hell did we sign Salmons for? They're basically the same player, except that Garcia has a better upside, and may even actually be better right now.

Well just having one person backing up the 1,2, and 3 seems a bit silly maybe its a good idea to have 2 key players off the bench for those positions. Or else you end up with Jason Hart getting playing time.

 

[Warhawk]

Then what the hell did we sign Salmons for? They're basically the same player, except that Garcia has a better upside, and may even actually be better right now.

Hopefully some fo these smalls might be going in a trade for a big man....

 

[Viking]

Then what the hell did we sign Salmons for? They're basically the same player, except that Garcia has a better upside, and may even actually be better right now.

i've been wondering the same since we signed him.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

Well just having one person backing up the 1,2, and 3 seems a bit silly maybe its a good idea to have 2 key players off the bench for those positions. Or else you end up with Jason Hart getting playing time.

Then what the hell did we draft Douby for?

Douby is (allegedly) a 1/2. Garcia is a 1/2/3. Abdur-Rahim (if he doesn't start) is a 3/4. Thomas (if he doesn't start) is a 3/4. the 1/2/3 positions aren't really the positions where we needed coverage. And, since I can't imagine a scenario where Bibby, Martin and Artest are ALL sitting at the same time in a competitive game, I'll ask again: what the hell did we sign Salmons for?

 

[sc3252]

26-14? Why do people always talk about that number? Its nothing to brag about, and everytime that people talk about that number(for braging) I want to hit my forhead on the table. I wish every kings fan(because no one else cares) would do us a favor and forget that ending, because it isnt that impressive. So please people, stop talking about it!

 

[TheJoker]

26-14? Why do people always talk about that number? Its nothing to brag about, and everytime that people talk about that number(for braging) I want to hit my forhead on the table. I wish every kings fan(because no one else cares) would do us a favor and forget that ending, because it isnt that impressive. So please people, stop talking about it!

This is about the most honest post i have seen this off-season. people keep bringing that # as if it's something amazing.

 

[Bricklayer]

26-14 = a 53 win pace. So even if we continued on at that same pace as if there was no summer, which by the way rarely happens, we'd net...the 5th seed in all liklihood. Good news there is at least the 5th plays the 4th this year -- the true 4th (or truer 4th), and it would most likely be Denver or whoever else wins the Northwest. Bad news is thta 53 isn;t title contending stuff, and the 2nd round would match us against the #1.

 

[BawLa]

Hopefully some fo these smalls might be going in a trade for a big man....

...Thank You.

Contest is over. Warhawk won. Stockpiling swingmen = bargaining power.

 

[BawLa]

Then what the hell did we draft Douby for?

Douby is (allegedly) a 1/2. Garcia is a 1/2/3. Abdur-Rahim (if he doesn't start) is a 3/4. Thomas (if he doesn't start) is a 3/4. the 1/2/3 positions aren't really the positions where we needed coverage. And, since I can't imagine a scenario where Bibby, Martin and Artest are ALL sitting at the same time in a competitive game, I'll ask again: what the hell did we sign Salmons for?

Douby gets a free pass his rookie year just like Cisco and Kevin before him. Douby's time to shine will be in a year or two. I would like to see us mold him into Bibby's replacement. Hopefully that is what GP had in mind.

We signed Salmons to
1. provide backup at 3 positions
2. create mis-matches
3. provide insurance if Cisco doesn't progress at a faster rate
4. have more bargaining power
5. teach our younger ones

When you look at it like that instead of stats, the deal doesn't look as bad. I'm not saying the deal looks good, it just doesn't look as bad.

 

[BawLa]

The only reason I brought up 26-14 is because that was done on the fly. No practice. No training camp. Not as much time to mold into a team. Winning two out of three based on talent is not bad. It's not amazing either but it is not bad.

 

[Kings113]

Not quite sure Douby would be a Bibby replacement, but of course the possibility is there. I ultimately see him being a spark bench guard and capable starting player.

Definitely intrigued to see him develop.

 

[TheJoker]

We signed Salmons to
1. provide backup at 3 positions
2. create mis-matches
3. provide insurance if Cisco doesn't progress at a faster rate
4. have more bargaining power
5. teach our younger ones

How does Salmons exactly replace a insurance considering Cisco is about 10X better even though hes young?

Salmons is not a good player hes not to shabby either hes a bench player and hes not even good at adding depth either. the Kings can't count on him to do things they expect him to but considering they overpaid him they very well will.

 

[BawLa]

How does Salmons exactly replace a insurance considering Cisco is about 10X better even though hes young?

Salmons is not a good player hes not to shabby either hes a bench player and hes not even good at adding depth either. the Kings can't count on him to do things they expect him to but considering they overpaid him they very well will.

Cisco shot 40% from the floor and 28.5% from downtown. There is no doubt in my mind he is better but who knows when he will reach his potential. Not everyone develops like KMart.

Salmons has a better shooting percentage across the board and can rack up some assists. Cisco has more defensive energy as shown with more blocks and rebounds than Salmons. Salmons has 3 more years experience and was a first rounder. I'd like to think he has some more potential and was hindered in Philly.