This is kind of a poor man's (OK, a very poor man's) version of Webber's return a couple of years ago. It's the old dilemma of whether a guy can lose a starting spot because of injury. I'd like to see Rick reverse things a bit. KT has averaged 13.4 ppg, 8.8 rpg and 2.1 apg the last 10 games as a starter. OK, it's not all-star stuff, but at least they're getting something out of him. Perhaps SAR could become the focus of a new-and-improved bench, along KMart and Francisco. At the very least, RA has to keep Peja and SAR on a short leash.
Peja and Sar Back against LA
- Thread starter chelle
- Start date
I have been VERY impressed with Martin and Garcia's play. I feel confident knowing that they are part of our future. I believe that they have EARNED a bigger amount of playing time for this next game. As much as I think that we need a trade to really make an impact this season, we need a productive SAR and Peja until that happens.
I think Peja should start and SAR should come off the bench. If Peja's game is on and he is playing aggressively- rebounding and scoring- he should get as many minutes as RA wants to give him. If he is off, sluggish, not aggressive, he should NOT stay on the court very long AT ALL.
I am more nervous about SAR. What happens if he gets banged in his jaw? I'm worried about that. I think RA should see how physical the game is overall BEFORE he is in. Then, when he is in the same rules should apply to him as Peja. Also, it should be monitored how physical they are being with him. WE CANNOT risk making his injury worse.
All that being said, when the "kids" come in, if they are playing better than Peja and Rahim- they should STAY on the court.
I think Peja should start and SAR should come off the bench. If Peja's game is on and he is playing aggressively- rebounding and scoring- he should get as many minutes as RA wants to give him. If he is off, sluggish, not aggressive, he should NOT stay on the court very long AT ALL.
I am more nervous about SAR. What happens if he gets banged in his jaw? I'm worried about that. I think RA should see how physical the game is overall BEFORE he is in. Then, when he is in the same rules should apply to him as Peja. Also, it should be monitored how physical they are being with him. WE CANNOT risk making his injury worse.
All that being said, when the "kids" come in, if they are playing better than Peja and Rahim- they should STAY on the court.
No, you are correct. He'll see a couple minutes here and there. KT should start and see the bulk of the time at PF.
Peja will probably start if he feels good enough to go, I think - RA won't bring him off the bench. Problem with Peja playing recently is rarely will RA pull him if he's not playing well. I wish, at times, he'd be more selective when some players are struggling. Garcia could use all the minutes you throw at him to develop more if Peja's game is off, and you know he'll give good effort.
Peja will probably start if he feels good enough to go, I think - RA won't bring him off the bench. Problem with Peja playing recently is rarely will RA pull him if he's not playing well. I wish, at times, he'd be more selective when some players are struggling. Garcia could use all the minutes you throw at him to develop more if Peja's game is off, and you know he'll give good effort.
That's what I heard on KHTK today. I'm impressed with that, actually. My son was ten, when my jaws were wired shut. He thought it was hysterical that I could not raise my voice at him when I was mad. So, of course, he deliberately did things so irritate me. 
Man it was frustrating. And eating (sucking my food) was so tiring.
Man it was frustrating. And eating (sucking my food) was so tiring.
Leave it to Kings fans to criticize Peja for sitting out with a sprained pinky, criticize Peja for coming back to soon for a sprained pinky, criticize Peja for trying to play through a bad back, and now criticize SAR for trying to play through a broken jaw.
When players from other teams play through injuries (i.e. Chris Paul) it's an admirable trait that we wished Kings players possessed. When Kings players try and play through injuries Kings fans accuse them of being stupid or rash or mad the team won when they're away.
Good grief. You know, Shareef Abdur-Rahim doesn't have to come back from injury until he's good and healed and 110% healthy, he still gets paid either way and it's not like he's playing for a contract. I don't see the "heart" word in this thread, but it's my own humble opinion that playing through a game when your jaw has just been seriously broken and now coming back only three weeks later when your jaw is WIRED SHUT shows a ton of heart.
When players from other teams play through injuries (i.e. Chris Paul) it's an admirable trait that we wished Kings players possessed. When Kings players try and play through injuries Kings fans accuse them of being stupid or rash or mad the team won when they're away.
Good grief. You know, Shareef Abdur-Rahim doesn't have to come back from injury until he's good and healed and 110% healthy, he still gets paid either way and it's not like he's playing for a contract. I don't see the "heart" word in this thread, but it's my own humble opinion that playing through a game when your jaw has just been seriously broken and now coming back only three weeks later when your jaw is WIRED SHUT shows a ton of heart.
I don't think Peja is a bad player, I think he's a rather good or even great player that no longer fits on the team. When he's on the floor, the offence blows. This is easily seen by his recent injury and our suprising success without him on the floor. The young guys might not be nearly as talented but they hustle, they work hard and they seem to give a damn on the court which is something we have rarely seen out of Peja since Chris Returned in 2003 and capped off by Vlade leaving. I think Peja for coming back quickly, he is a valuable part of the team but he is no longer the guy he used to be and we used to love atleast on the court. As others have criticized Webb for coming back too soon and asking for the #1 spot, Peja needs to be reverted to a much smaller role, the role he deserves as a great shooter and that's to be a lesser fiddle right now. We don't have the personnel to make him what he used to be and that was a player at one point better than Dirk albeit be it a short time (1 year).
I THINK (KNOW) PEJA WILL START AND THAT SCARES ME 'CUZ - IF NO ONE HAS NOTICED,
PEJA PLAYS SCARED!!!!!
and probably justifiably so but, let's think of the team. We need speed and health. Besides, he's been cold more than hot shooting this year.
Guess the young'uns scared him.
Sure hope Sar doesn't get hurt.
GOOD LUCK ALL
PEJA PLAYS SCARED!!!!!
and probably justifiably so but, let's think of the team. We need speed and health. Besides, he's been cold more than hot shooting this year.
Guess the young'uns scared him.
Sure hope Sar doesn't get hurt.
GOOD LUCK ALL
I hope Peja comes back and has a MONSTER game. I have had issues with Peja's performace during the end of games, play offs, and other big game situations. I have questioned his desire and "heart" before and unfortunately will probably do so again. HOWEVER, he is still a member of this team and I NEVER like to see him hurt or struggling. When he is playing in top "Peja Form" he is a wonderful player to watch. I am hoping for that kind of game tonight. Is there a chance I will be disappointed? OF COURSE, but that does not make me upset that he is coming back. I want him to have a great game. I know that most of us as fans want that as well. it just does not seem like it from reading these posts.
As for SAR, I am nervous about his playing because of the threat of reinjury this soon, but I do think that it is admirable for him to try. It is also probably a good idea to let him play in short bursts so that when he is ready to come back at full strength, there will be less of an adjustment period.
HERE'S TO ALL THE KINGS HAVE AN AMAZING GAME AND . . .
BEAT LA!!!!!!!!!!!
As for SAR, I am nervous about his playing because of the threat of reinjury this soon, but I do think that it is admirable for him to try. It is also probably a good idea to let him play in short bursts so that when he is ready to come back at full strength, there will be less of an adjustment period.
HERE'S TO ALL THE KINGS HAVE AN AMAZING GAME AND . . .
BEAT LA!!!!!!!!!!!
Yea I think the Kings are going to set the tone early in this matchup. It will be the Lakers chasing and I see Peja trying to get his touch early. If it falls kings have some weapons. Everyone knows Kobe is going to get his but Kevin will hold him under 30. Another thing I want to see is Bibby getting everyone into the offense like Tuesday night. Miller needs to hit that out side jumper and Thomas needs to pull down those boards. Kings win by 12.
SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) -- Despite being handicapped by injury, the Sacramento Kings look to end the Los Angeles Lakers' three-game winning streak and extend their own streak in the Pacific Division matchup on Thursday.
The Kings will again be without starters Peja Stojakovic (back), Bonzi Wells (groin) and Shareef Abdur-Rahim (jaw), but have found suitable replacements of late. In two straight wins, guard Kevin Martin and forwards Kenny Thomas and rookie Francisco Garcia have played exceptionally well.
The three role players all reached the 20-point mark in a 119-90 victory over Phoenix on Tuesday. Martin scored a career-high 25 points, Thomas added 22 and 15 rebounds and Garcia collected 21 and 10.
Mike Bibby had 19 points and Brad Miller contributed 18, 12 boards and nine assists. When these five players start the game, Sacramento has a 4-1 record.
The Lakers, who have won three straight, are coming off their first victory over Miami since sending Shaquille O'Neal to the Heat.
Superstar Kobe Bryant scored 37 points on 13-of-24 shooting and Lamar Odom finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Devean George added 17 points off the bench for Los Angeles, which held Miami to 41 percent (34-of-83) shooting.
Dating to last season, the Kings have won three of four matchups against the Lakers. Sacramento has also defeated Los Angeles in four of the last five meetings at Arco Arena.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview?gameId=260119023
So are Peja and Shareef playing or not?
The Kings will again be without starters Peja Stojakovic (back), Bonzi Wells (groin) and Shareef Abdur-Rahim (jaw), but have found suitable replacements of late. In two straight wins, guard Kevin Martin and forwards Kenny Thomas and rookie Francisco Garcia have played exceptionally well.
The three role players all reached the 20-point mark in a 119-90 victory over Phoenix on Tuesday. Martin scored a career-high 25 points, Thomas added 22 and 15 rebounds and Garcia collected 21 and 10.
Mike Bibby had 19 points and Brad Miller contributed 18, 12 boards and nine assists. When these five players start the game, Sacramento has a 4-1 record.
The Lakers, who have won three straight, are coming off their first victory over Miami since sending Shaquille O'Neal to the Heat.
Superstar Kobe Bryant scored 37 points on 13-of-24 shooting and Lamar Odom finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Devean George added 17 points off the bench for Los Angeles, which held Miami to 41 percent (34-of-83) shooting.
Dating to last season, the Kings have won three of four matchups against the Lakers. Sacramento has also defeated Los Angeles in four of the last five meetings at Arco Arena.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview?gameId=260119023
So are Peja and Shareef playing or not?
