Personal impressions of pre-draft workout

[VF21]

A new blog entry has been added:

[drupal=110]Pre-draft workout - June 5[/drupal]

When you're invited to come to Arco to view a portion of the pre-draft workouts, things like distance and time take a backseat to the idea that you just might be seeing a future King the first time he dons Kings gear.

First, a warm thanks to the folks at Maloof Sports & Entertainment for including Kingsfans.com in the mix for the media exposure. It's greatly appreciated. And, as always, dealing with the folks at MSE reflects just how much they love their jobs and being part of this whole fun ride. They're always friendly and helpful - from the securuty guard at the gate to the people outside trimming the grass to the guys like Steve, Andrew, Devin and Chris who were ready to answer any questions and generally make it a pretty interesting outing.

The Kings looked at six players today - forwards Earl Clark, James Johnson, Leo Lyons and Marcus Landry and guards Levance Fields and Dionte Christmas.

When they raised the magic curtain, allowing us to see into the practice facility I couldn't help but be reminded of the admonition in The Wizard of Oz. You know, "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain." But in this case, we wanted to pay very close attention to the men behind the curtain because one of them just might be wearing the uniform of the Sacramento Kings very shortly.

Our first glimpse of the six hopefuls was to observe them running some 3-on-3. The only real point guard on the court was Levance Fields and while he played with hustle and energy, I just don't see him as being what we're looking for in a PG. He's stocky and not that quick on his first step, although he gets down the court pretty well. He's definitely not a pass-first point guard, preferring to take pull up jumpers instead of dishing the ball away.

Dionte Christmas has a nice-looking shot from the perimeter, which seems logical considering he describes himself as a shooter. I've seen better, though, and I think he'll be lucky to garner a place on a team come fall.

Leo Lyons and Marcus Landry didn't make lasting impressions, as I kept finding myself drawn to James Johnson (Wake Forest) and Earl Clark (Louisville).

Clark reminded me a lot of Gerald Wallace. He's got a lot of athleticism and he's quick. He was also in the mix on virtually every play, hustling and banging around for rebounds.

It's hard to put too much emphasis on the few minutes we observed but I remain very impressed with Clark. And his interview afterwards was also encouraging. When I asked him what he thought he could bring to the Kings that we didn't already have, his answer was clear and succinct. "I could cause a lot of matchup problems," he said. "I'm athletic...I can block shots, rebound and create my own shot and shots for others."

Clark is a bit taller than Johnson, and both are just a little taller than SAR, who was also there working out the hopefuls.

One of the things I enjoyed seeing the most was Geoff Petrie, working closely with the young men, actually laughing and talking animatedly. It was pretty clear this is the kind of thing Geoff relishes. Fat Lever was there and even Jerry Reynolds was out there, looking more than a little unusual in "regular" clothes and not a suit.

Depending on who we get at #4, I think Earl Clark is definitely worth another look for our later picks should he still be available. He's got game...and I think he'd fit in quite nicely. He's not the complete polished player but there's skills to work with - mad skills - and as I said the athleticism is impressive. I found myself envisioning him on the court with Jason and Spencer and I liked what I saw in my mind's eye.

That's it from the forest. I just got home a little bit ago and it's been a long - but very enjoyable - day.

Thanks again to all involved.

 

[vikinginferno]

Clark almost definitely isn't going to be there at 23 sadly. He has too much talent and too much potential in a draft that is guard heavy. I would love to get him, but I don't see us getting him with the picks we have.

 

[VF21]

Probably true. James Johnson came in a pretty close second, although he didn't have quite the athleticism Clark showed. Interestingly enough, Johnson was much more at ease with the media while Clark really didn't seem very comfortable - at least at first. Johnson is personable, has a great smile and will be an asset to whatever team gets him. I get the feeling he'd be a major asset for community relations projects.

Johnson also talked about creating matchup problems for other teams and he added he can bring the ball up the court, although I don't remember seeing him do it in the brief time we watched the 3-on-3. Marcus Landry, brother of Carl BTW, might have shown a little better if Clark and Johnson weren't out there with him as they were clearly at a higher level...

Fields is a nice kid, and he's got a good attitude towards the game. He's tough and he talks about doing the right things but his size and build just doesn't equate to a starting PG for me.

 

[jthompson1]

i agree. clark is a lottery but just not a top 5 so he won't be there for us unless we trade up (with the 23 or/and 31) or down (with 4th). I had watched him play a lot this year being a West virginia fan which made me pay attention to the big east. He's athletic but he didnt look for his shot very often. Although he looks like he has a decent midrange jumper.

 

[VF21]

My only concern is that we're already getting a logjam at the 3 and I just didn't see him as being able to effectively play at the 4. I would have liked to see some post moves but you're not gonna see much of that in these kinds of drills.

 

[Bballkingsrock]

You got to see draft workouts? Are they gonna have another one where people can go in?

I really have always like to see this. When is the enxt one if they are having anotehr one?

 

[VF21]

They aren't open to the public, bballkingsrock. I was invited as a representative from Kingsfans.com to join the media group.

 

[Smills91]

My only concern is that we're already getting a logjam at the 3 and I just didn't see him as being able to effectively play at the 4. I would have liked to see some post moves but you're not gonna see much of that in these kinds of drills.

I don't see a logjam at all. Garcia is better as a 2....Greene and Noc both play the 3 and back-up 4. If we got a permanent fixture at the 3 and I really don't see a conflict there at all. I see versatility.

 

[Aenadin]

we could be moving one of our 3s this year.. noc or greene.. who knows

 

[VF21]

I don't want to get into yet another discussion of potential player moves or trades. I merely stated my impressions. Both Clark and Johnson are good, but the downside is that they don't really address a pressing need. If we're going to count on Donte Greene at the three at all, there would be very few minutes left for either Clark or Johnson. Neither one of these guys, IMHO, has the skill set or size necessary to slide to the 4 effectively.

 

[kingsnation]

I've always liked Christmas. I would be up for taking him late, if he's there.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

They aren't open to the public, bballkingsrock. I was invited as a representative from Kingsfans.com to join the media group.

Over 61,000 posts and still going! Glad you got the bird's eye view of these guys. I like Clark as well, but think he'll go somewhere around picks 12-14, so no chance of really getting him, barring a trade. I always liked Christmas at Temple, he brought good energy there, and usually was a closer too...hit a handful of clutch shots, wouldn't be upset if we got him at #31. Overall, these guys were a mix of potentials for our 2nd first rounder and our 2nd rounder...with the exception of Clark, he should go pretty high, so no real chance at him.

 

[bajaden]

I don't want to get into yet another discussion of potential player moves or trades. I merely stated my impressions. Both Clark and Johnson are good, but the downside is that they don't really address a pressing need. If we're going to count on Donte Greene at the three at all, there would be very few minutes left for either Clark or Johnson. Neither one of these guys, IMHO, has the skill set or size necessary to slide to the 4 effectively.

If I had to choose between Clark and Greene right now I would choose Clark, simply because he's more skilled. He's a very good passing big man with a decent handle who can shoot the ball from just about everywhere on the court. My problem with him last year was that at times he seemed to just disappear and that he also seemed to fall in love with the three point shot a little too much.

Johnson says he see's himself as a SF in the NBA and I see his game as that of a PF. Not saying he can't change his game, but I love his inside game and his ability to rebound.

I'm also a fan of Christmas. He's a terrific shooter that is also very good at finishing at the basket. 31 might be a bit of a reach for him, but it wouldn't disappoint me if we picked him. He's a decent passer and has a decent handle. The only knock on him has been his athleticism, but I think he's more than athletic enough to play in the NBA. As a spot up shooter if nothing else.

But back to Clark. If for some reason he would fall to 23, I'd grab him in a heart beat. He's one of those guys that has potential star written all over him. I would be shocked if fell that far however. Who knows, maybe we'll aquire another first round pick somewhere.

 

[VF21]

I wasn't really that impressed with Christmas. He just didn't stand out on the court, but he did say something about being a little disappointed his shots weren't falling there towards the end, and that's the only portion of the 3-on-3 we saw.

 

[VF21]

If I had to choose between Clark and Greene right now I would choose Clark, simply because he's more skilled. He's a very good passing big man with a decent handle who can shoot the ball from just about everywhere on the court. My problem with him last year was that at times he seemed to just disappear and that he also seemed to fall in love with the three point shot a little too much.

Johnson says he see's himself as a SF in the NBA and I see his game as that of a PF. Not saying he can't change his game, but I love his inside game and his ability to rebound.

I'm also a fan of Christmas. He's a terrific shooter that is also very good at finishing at the basket. 31 might be a bit of a reach for him, but it wouldn't disappoint me if we picked him. He's a decent passer and has a decent handle. The only knock on him has been his athleticism, but I think he's more than athletic enough to play in the NBA. As a spot up shooter if nothing else.

But back to Clark. If for some reason he would fall to 23, I'd grab him in a heart beat. He's one of those guys that has potential star written all over him. I would be shocked if fell that far however. Who knows, maybe we'll aquire another first round pick somewhere.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I'd take Clark in a heartbeat and if it meant kicking Greene to the curb, so be it. I just know there are a lot of folks around here still enamored with Donte and I'm not sure he's been given a good enough look to warrant getting rid of him. It's just one of the reasons I'm not sitting in Arco doing the job and am, instead, sitting at home in the comfort of my favorite chair ruminating on what I would do if I had the chance.

Johnson is going to find a place in this league and I think he'll do quite well, too. I was torn between which one of them I liked best but the nod went to Clark who had me with "block shots and rebound."



One more note: Clark even blocked a shot during the 3-on-3, which actually got me to cheer out loud. (Okay, it was a whisper and not a patented VF21 cheer, but you get the idea...)

 

[jdbraver]

I think it's a little early to give up on Greene. He showed flashes of a sweet stroke and defense. He just needs to mature as a player.

 

[kingsnation]

I think it's a little early to give up on Greene. He showed flashes of a sweet stroke and defense. He just needs to mature as a player.

He also needs to be utilized correctly, and I can't wait to get a coach in here who knows how to do just that.

 

[D-Rock]

I've always liked Christmas. I would be up for taking him late, if he's there.

Haha, imagine having Christmas and Holiday on the same team. They could do promo shots with those guys standing next to each other with their backs to the camera.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

Haha, imagine having Christmas and Holiday on the same team. They could do promo shots with those guys standing next to each other with their backs to the camera.

Hahaha!!! I don't know why I didn't think this first...good one!! Its Holiday Season at Arco Arena!! Merry Christmas! Would be funny.

 

[bajaden]

Hahaha!!! I don't know why I didn't think this first...good one!! Its Holiday Season at Arco Arena!! Merry Christmas! Would be funny.

I would've gone with, Its a Merry Christmas, and a Happy Holiday,Thanks to their win last night.

 

[bajaden]

Oh, don't get me wrong. I'd take Clark in a heartbeat and if it meant kicking Greene to the curb, so be it. I just know there are a lot of folks around here still enamored with Donte and I'm not sure he's been given a good enough look to warrant getting rid of him. It's just one of the reasons I'm not sitting in Arco doing the job and am, instead, sitting at home in the comfort of my favorite chair ruminating on what I would do if I had the chance.

Johnson is going to find a place in this league and I think he'll do quite well, too. I was torn between which one of them I liked best but the nod went to Clark who had me with "block shots and rebound."



One more note: Clark even blocked a shot during the 3-on-3, which actually got me to cheer out loud. (Okay, it was a whisper and not a patented VF21 cheer, but you get the idea...)

I don't think that having Clark on the team would preclude Greene from having a role. Greene can play some SF and PF. As can Clark. Thompson can play some PF and C. Hawes can play C and perhaps in the right matchup, some PF. It would be up to Greene to prove he deserves to be there. And competition ususally brings out the best.

One thing people tend to overlook, is that the deeper your team gets talent wise, the better your practices get. When Mike Bibby had to face Bobby Jackson in practice everyday, it made him a better player. Basicly, when you face someone thats very good player in practice, that in reality wants your job, I think you start to perform at a higher level. For a team its a win win situation.

 

[Bricklayer]

I don't think that having Clark on the team would preclude Greene from having a role. Greene can play some SF and PF. As can Clark. Thompson can play some PF and C. Hawes can play C and perhaps in the right matchup, some PF. It would be up to Greene to prove he deserves to be there. And competition ususally brings out the best.

One thing people tend to overlook, is that the deeper your team gets talent wise, the better your practices get. When Mike Bibby had to face Bobby Jackson in practice everyday, it made him a better player. Basicly, when you face someone thats very good player in practice, that in reality wants your job, I think you start to perform at a higher level. For a team its a win win situation.

Well..it can be. Unless either a) it creates chemistry issues wiht a lot of guys unhappy being pinned on the bench. Or b), and this one we've seen up close and personal in the Gerald situation, a guy destined to be a bigger star in the future loses out in the present to guys who are further along in their development but who don't have high end ability. This would be the Donte concern, if he indeed actually has star potential. However if all of the player competing for a spot are young, that alleviates that concern somewhat as age/experience shoudln't be masking underlying talent discrepancies nearly so much.

 

[bajaden]

Well..it can be. Unless either a) it creates chemistry issues wiht a lot of guys unhappy being pinned on the bench. Or b), and this one we've seen up close and personal in the Gerald situation, a guy destined to be a bigger star in the future loses out in the present to guys who are further along in their development but who don't have high end ability. This would be the Donte concern, if he indeed actually has star potential. However if all of the player competing for a spot are young, that alleviates that concern somewhat as age/experience shoudln't be masking underlying talent discrepancies nearly so much.

I agree. There can always be problems where ego's are concerned, and having mostly young players can help alleviate some of that. At this point Donte doesn't seem to be pushing for anymore than a chance to play. So far he hasn't cried over his lack of minutes. I do think that no matter what, the Kings have to find out what they have in him.

Right now minutes are an investment in the future, and who gets them has to prove worthy of them, or they're wasted minutes that could go to someone else. Its still very early with Donte. I still have high hopes for him. I would like to see him play a little more in the post this year.

 

[Arby's Roast Beef]

Clark's the sort of guy who would definitely look good in workouts. He's definitely superior to the other guys who worked out with him, so it would be very surprising had he not dominated them. Interesting player with all the the versatility and physical tools that makes scouts salivate, but has coasting tendencies and doesn't always put maximum effort. I don't think we can even get him anyways--he'll be drafted in between our 4th and 23rd picks, and SF isn't a pressing issue.

Johnson's versatility and mismatch potential also looks good at this setting. His standing reach is equivalent to many PFs in the league, and he's fairly athletic as well. Potential pick at #23, and his athletic markers (he was among the better rebounders, stealers and shotblockers among SFs in college). A very good 2-point shooter, but surprisingly doesn't get to the line as much as I'd like. Needs to improve his passing a bit though. Classic role player stuff with him, and he could be a very good one--it all starts with his physical tools and the mismatches that he can generate.

If Christmas is to make it to the league it will have to be as a shooter. He's only 6'5" and not that athletic or quick, and he's got a slight build. But I'm not even sure about the shooting thing--this is his second year shooting around the 35-36% range, and for reference Anthony Morrow (a player he should aspire to be) shot 40%+ from three in his last three years of college. His shooting really went south after his sophomore year, and he really didn't improve from that year onwards--so he is who he is. My honest opinion is that he isn't much of an NBA player at all, and is summer league fodder.

Lyons was a guy whose mobility and offensive polish suggested he should've excelled at the college level since day 1, but his lack of motivation made him fail to live up to these expectations. Remember Lee Nailon? I think that might be Lyons' upside. Lyons' best attribute might be his ability to draw fouls--he's really, really good at that, even though he's not terribly efficient as a scorer for a PF (his 2-pt % surprisingly became average after 2 straight years of excellence, so that number might be a fluke). He's also a decent passer for a PF, and a solid stealer--but the more pertinent athletic markers for a PF, such as his rebounding and shotblocking ability, are really lacking. He's just a solid offensive player who can make things happen, but he won't do the prototypical big man stuff quite well at all, so I think he's a fringe NBA player, at best.

Marcus Landry is the ultimate tweener, but he just doesn't do anything well--he's a terrible rebounder for SF standards, even, and can't pass the ball well enough there either. Offensively just ordinary at best--reasonable 2-pt shooter, but between his lack of three point attempts, free throw attempts, and poor free throw shooting percentage, he's just not that good. Not even summer league material IMO.

Fields is highly unselfish and can pass the ball quite well, and he appears to be tough--for someone who jacks up that many threes he gets to the line reasonably well. The problem is that his scoring rate is poor, and he can't shoot at all. And he's only 5'10" 190 lbs. Similar to Aaron Miles and other pass-first guys who couldn't cut the league, and is more Europe material.