Problems as I see it...

[deviflux]

I said it in the preseason - so I am saying it now:

Our problem is a lack of identity.

Sacramento wants to be something it isn't. It desperately wants to be a fast-break team, or so our "self-proclaimed" leader PG says.

No team will have success barfing up shot after shot from 18-20 feet when they have better position from 6-8. I couldn't count the number of times Reef or Bonzi had DEEP post position, and they refused to get the ball inside and settled for a 20 foot jumper.

Yet, when we did get the ball into the post - good things happened. We either scored in the post, got a good look or swung it to a completely open man. That's efficient basketball.

Peja is a great shooter, but he's not "mythic". I mean, he's a set shooter ... yet for some reason we give him the ball to create his own shot and he jacks up a completely covered garbage shot. This has got to end.

What I see out on the court is 3 guys that REALLY want something good to happen - Miller, Bonzi and Reef. Bibby/Peja seem to be bogging it down and playing their own game. It's awful.

Then, defensively, it's a nightmare of epic proportions. Did we realize that Bibby was broken down repeatedly by a rookie? He made Bibby look like a matador. Which lead to open shots from the rest of the team. I'm not blaming Miller for PJ Brown's 20 points ... that's all on Mike Bibby allowing dribble penetration.

What RA needs to realize is that Bibby is not only NOT a leader - he's not a very good PG. He's a great scorer, but not the best PG. The reason for so much of the King's success dealt with Webber and Vlade passing the ball and setting up the offense. We need to get the ball to Miller and Reef to do the same.

Another thing - I like Miller. I think he's one of the only constants ... but I think, in order for us to have success, he might have to come from the bench. We need a defensive player on the block, since the PG seems intent on letting scrubs blow by him. But, this isn't a major point ..... yet.
Finally, what really bothers me is that not only do we not have an identity ... the starters spent the entire preseason apart. It's stupid.

 

[Packt]

I won't disagree with you on Bibby not keeping his man in front of him. That's why some of us were disappointed with our front court acquisitions. We wanted a defensive shotblocker up front who would play a lot of minutes. It would balance us out better, at least on the defensive end. We unfortunately went down the path of more offense.

A shotblocker can cover up everybody’s mistake. That's something people have not grasp, it seems. It sounds ludicrous, but right now we're relying on Bibby and the perimeter players to be stoppers. Perimeter guys will always get beat (either with a screen or with a quick step). The goal is to then intimidate (make a shot in the paint tougher than it's worth) the offensive guy into settling for outside jumpers. Right now, once they get by that perimeter guy the lane is basically free. Rahim and Miller aren't intimidating anyone.

I'm not saying Bibby doesn't deserve the criticism, but it's not just an issue about Bibby. It's a team issue. It's an issue that has been there the last two seasons, but masked because the team was prolific on offense. It's doesn't matter if its Bibby, Hart or any other PG in the league, when you're weak in the middle, the opponents game plan will always and continuously be to attack the basket. I do think they'll tighten things up somewhat as time progresses.

 

[frankie]

Looks like my worries about an undersized team were justified. We still don't have anyone to cover the middle on defense. Just watch Yao Ming killing us tonight. Bibby is getting beaten of the drible...but that is nothing new. He played the same way in 2002 when I thought we really got our D going. There has to be a way to make up for a slow point guard.

 

[chelle]

I won't disagree with you on Bibby not keeping his man in front of him. That's why some of us were disappointed with our front court acquisitions. We wanted a defensive shotblocker up front who would play a lot of minutes. It would balance us out better, at least on the defensive end. We unfortunately went down the path of more offense.

A shotblocker can cover up everybody’s mistake. That's something people have not grasp, it seems. It sounds ludicrous, but right now we're relying on Bibby and the perimeter players to be stoppers. Perimeter guys will always get beat (either with a screen or with a quick step). The goal is to then intimidate (make a shot in the paint tougher than it's worth) the offensive guy into settling for outside jumpers. Right now, once they get by that perimeter guy the lane is basically free. Rahim and Miller aren't intimidating anyone.

I'm not saying Bibby doesn't deserve the criticism, but it's not just an issue about Bibby. It's a team issue. It's an issue that has been there the last two seasons, but masked because the team was prolific on offense. It's doesn't matter if its Bibby, Hart or any other PG in the league, when you're weak in the middle, the opponents game plan will always and continuously be to attack the basket. I do think they'll tighten things up somewhat as time progresses.

I completely agree.

 

[keflanag]

I said it in the preseason - so I am saying it now:

Our problem is a lack of identity.

Sacramento wants to be something it isn't. It desperately wants to be a fast-break team, or so our "self-proclaimed" leader PG says.

No team will have success barfing up shot after shot from 18-20 feet when they have better position from 6-8. I couldn't count the number of times Reef or Bonzi had DEEP post position, and they refused to get the ball inside and settled for a 20 foot jumper.

Yet, when we did get the ball into the post - good things happened. We either scored in the post, got a good look or swung it to a completely open man. That's efficient basketball.

Peja is a great shooter, but he's not "mythic". I mean, he's a set shooter ... yet for some reason we give him the ball to create his own shot and he jacks up a completely covered garbage shot. This has got to end.

What I see out on the court is 3 guys that REALLY want something good to happen - Miller, Bonzi and Reef. Bibby/Peja seem to be bogging it down and playing their own game. It's awful.

Then, defensively, it's a nightmare of epic proportions. Did we realize that Bibby was broken down repeatedly by a rookie? He made Bibby look like a matador. Which lead to open shots from the rest of the team. I'm not blaming Miller for PJ Brown's 20 points ... that's all on Mike Bibby allowing dribble penetration.

What RA needs to realize is that Bibby is not only NOT a leader - he's not a very good PG. He's a great scorer, but not the best PG. The reason for so much of the King's success dealt with Webber and Vlade passing the ball and setting up the offense. We need to get the ball to Miller and Reef to do the same.

Another thing - I like Miller. I think he's one of the only constants ... but I think, in order for us to have success, he might have to come from the bench. We need a defensive player on the block, since the PG seems intent on letting scrubs blow by him. But, this isn't a major point ..... yet.
Finally, what really bothers me is that not only do we not have an identity ... the starters spent the entire preseason apart. It's stupid.

I thought the entire team played great defense in the 1st quarter (including bibby). They played with great energy and hustle. The shots just weren't falling. I was very encouraged after the 1st quarter because I thought ... if we can play like this the entire game, and we just hit open shots, we'll cruise to a win.Then the bench came in and blew it. Then the starters came back and had no energy and no intensity for the rest of the game. I want to see how tonight goes before I'll judge ANYTHING. I really think the NOK game was a fluke. Let's see how they do against a team with a half-court, slow it down offense. If the team plays the way they did in the 1st quarter last night, but actually hits a few shots, they will be fine.

 

[gman23]

How do you get your shots back on?......be aggressive to the basket and get fouled. Use free throws to get your shot back. Do not just keep hoisting 20 footers hoping your shots will start falling. Also, cause your shots are not fallen does not mean to slack up on the defense side. All the Kings should heed this...

 

[SacTownKid]

I won't disagree with you on Bibby not keeping his man in front of him. That's why some of us were disappointed with our front court acquisitions. We wanted a defensive shotblocker up front who would play a lot of minutes. It would balance us out better, at least on the defensive end. We unfortunately went down the path of more offense.

A shotblocker can cover up everybody’s mistake. That's something people have not grasp, it seems. It sounds ludicrous, but right now we're relying on Bibby and the perimeter players to be stoppers. Perimeter guys will always get beat (either with a screen or with a quick step). The goal is to then intimidate (make a shot in the paint tougher than it's worth) the offensive guy into settling for outside jumpers. Right now, once they get by that perimeter guy the lane is basically free. Rahim and Miller aren't intimidating anyone.

I'm not saying Bibby doesn't deserve the criticism, but it's not just an issue about Bibby. It's a team issue. It's an issue that has been there the last two seasons, but masked because the team was prolific on offense. It's doesn't matter if its Bibby, Hart or any other PG in the league, when you're weak in the middle, the opponents game plan will always and continuously be to attack the basket. I do think they'll tighten things up somewhat as time progresses.

Not exactly true. There isn't a shotblocker in the league that can make up for repeated penetration. It'll help, but that shotblocker is going to be on the bench quite a bit do to foul trouble.

 

[flipnsac]

I said it in the preseason - so I am saying it now:

Our problem is a lack of identity.

Basically you're saying, "Adelman SUCKS".

I agree.......

 

[Bricklayer]

Basically you're saying, "Adelman SUCKS".

I agree.......

yes, truly. 11th winningest coach of all time or whattever. But must have absolutely NO idea ho to help a team form an identity. And of course its not like ANY kings team has ever had an identity right?

 

[Gary]

I think it's our bench. Adleman is not playing them correctly.

The bench should be Williamson (why the hell hasn't he played Williamson? former 6th man), Thomas, Hart, Skinner. THAT'S IT! Maybe 3-5 minutes to Martin. And USE THEM! Before they have a chance to get a rythem Adleman pulls them out. Adleman is the reason why the bench is playing so poorly.

 

[chelle]

My opinion: We still have yet to play as a team. Bonzi and Miller had incredible individual games tonight, but our team effort is lacking. I really believe it is going to come together soon. Good teams will overcome adversity TOGETHER.






oh . . . It will also help when Bibby and Peja manage to find their shot again.

 

[Smart_guy3]

yes, truly. 11th winningest coach of all time or whattever. But must have absolutely NO idea ho to help a team form an identity. And of course its not like ANY kings team has ever had an identity right?

Problem is Brick, this team is not good when the ball is not moving around they need to move around but there just standing around and that's not how the Kings play they play with good passing thats how there effective.

 

[slugking50]

Call me crazy but I think the problem is talent. We have slow players and midgets. Hard to win when you know your PG , SF and Center are going to get spanked defensively and on the boards on a nightly basis.

 

[Rockin' in the Free World]

Unfortunately, I'd give that 15-20 more games before any on-court norms are established. We saw glimpses of some good stuff tonight, encouraging. But we certainly aren't going to beat the Rockets without competant individual performances from Peja and Mike. I'll worry more about team play when they get their acts together and we still suck.

We do have an identity problem...but that comes as no surprise and will take time to establish. Patience my fellow KingsFans.

Of course, no guarantees we like the identity that is established, it could be a 45 win team identity that makes the 6-8 seed. We might need more than just one year to get a true identity.

 

[D-Mass]

Call me crazy but I think the problem is talent. We have slow players and midgets. Hard to win when you know your PG , SF and Center are going to get spanked defensively and on the boards on a nightly basis.

EXACTLY...we actually have talent, but it's the same kind of talent: unathletic shooters (who, incidentally, haven't been able to shoot). Combine that with our low-scoring bench, and we may be looking at a team who is incapable of scoring 100 per game. In the Western Conference, that spells real trouble.

 

[chelle]

Unfortunately, I'd give that 15-20 more games before any on-court norms are established. We saw glimpses of some good stuff tonight, encouraging. But we certainly aren't going to beat the Rockets without competant individual performances from Peja and Mike. I'll worry more about team play when they get their acts together and we still suck.

We do have an identity problem...but that comes as no surprise and will take time to establish. Patience my fellow KingsFans.

Of course, no guarantees we like the identity that is established, it could be a 45 win team identity that makes the 6-8 seed. We might need more than just one year to get a true identity.

good post

 

[VF21]

Good lord. Why don't we just all throw in the towel and forget about the team entirely?



I cannot believe the assessments some people have come up with. It's pretty obvious who has been around for a long time and who hasn't seen the Kings crawling around in the muck and mire for seasons at a time...

This is not a Kings team like you've ever seen before if you came aboard during the first year of excitement. Back in 1999, we were a team with a mission. And we got good players to come and buy into that mission. And, IMHO, we are in the process of doing that again.

It isn't fair to compare this year's model of Sacramento Kings to anything in the past. Yes, the headlights are still in the front and the taillights are still in the back, but everything in between has pretty much changed.

I think it's our bench. Adleman is not playing them correctly.

This comment is ludicrous on it's face. Rick ADELMAN has tried virtually every combination under the sun. To say he isn't utilizing the bench correctly is just faulty logic. What's correct? And how would you know after watching two season games?

Adelman has watched these players since training camp. He AND they are still trying to learn about each other and how they fit into TEAM KING.

Yes, last night's game was abysmal. Tonight, however, there was definite improvement and at least a glimmer of hope.

The real problem is going to be keeping the fan base from deserting before THIS group of young men has a chance to prove what they're capable of. I was impressed with Bonzi and, for the first time, really understood why Petrie went out on that limb to bring him here.

It's Nov. 2. Yes, there are problems but - as a couple of people have said - the main one is one of identity. The guys in the uniforms have to figure that out for themselves. And with the help of Adelman and a pretty damned good coaching staff I think they'll do just that.

GO KINGS!!!!!

 

[chelle]

Amen Vf!!!!!

 

[Bricklayer]

Problem is Brick, this team is not good when the ball is not moving around they need to move around but there just standing around and that's not how the Kings play they play with good passing thats how there effective.

And I'd absolutely agree with that. However playing the blame game 2 games into a season with a totally reconstructed team that may or may not have mismatched personnel is just stupid.

 

[Insomniacal Fan]

I think our problem is that we can't score for what seems like quarters at a time, but that's just what I'm seeing from the first two games.

 

[flipnsac]

yes, truly. 11th winningest coach of all time or whattever. But must have absolutely NO idea ho to help a team form an identity. And of course its not like ANY kings team has ever had an identity right?

Look Brick, ever hear of the Peter Principle? That's Adelman. He has reached his level of incompetence. He has been in the NBA long enough to show that he will never achieve any higer status than what his record shows. That's probably why the Maloofs have not offered him an extension. He is not innovative and he doesn't seem to know how to make adjustments at halftime to counter opposing teams schemes.

But look at what Phoenix has done with a very simple concept. Run & shoot. Sign guys who are good perimeter shooters and athletic rebounders and then run down the court and whoever has the first open shot, take it. If not, let their PG create shots for them. Everyone knows their role. Even the opposition, and they are successful. It's an easy concept for the players to grasp too.

Show me what Adelman's ideas have gotten for the Kings. He's had a long enough tenure here to establish an identity but it hasn't produced a championship. He's reached his level of incomptence and doesn't know where to go from here.

 

[GoGoGadget]

But look at what Phoenix has done with a very simple concept. Run & shoot. Sign guys who are good perimeter shooters and athletic rebounders and then run down the court and whoever has the first open shot, take it. If not, let their PG create shots for them. Everyone knows their role. Even the opposition, and they are successful. It's an easy concept for the players to grasp too.

When did "look what Phoenix has done" become a valid argument?

If I recall correctly, they won a whole bunch of regular season games and no championship.

So, I'm looking, but I can't find what, exactly, Phoenix has "done" that Sacramento hasn't.

 

[uolj]

He has been in the NBA long enough to show that he will never achieve any higer status than what his record shows.

This doesn't make a lot of sense considering Larry Brown just won his first championship the season before last.

But look at what Phoenix has done with a very simple concept. Run & shoot. Sign guys who are good perimeter shooters and athletic rebounders and then run down the court and whoever has the first open shot, take it. If not, let their PG create shots for them. Everyone knows their role. Even the opposition, and they are successful. It's an easy concept for the players to grasp too.

Again, what point are you trying to make? Phoenix has a good offense where everyone knows their role? Isn't that what Adelman has done so well for the Kings? Haven't Adelman's Kings gotten closer to the championship than the Suns?

Show me what Adelman's ideas have gotten for the Kings. He's had a long enough tenure here to establish an identity but it hasn't produced a championship. He's reached his level of incomptence and doesn't know where to go from here.

Adelman's ideas made the Kings legitimate contenders and even favorites for the championship until the Webber injury. The team had the well known identity of playing unselfish basketball like no recent team has. Over a 2-3 year period when the Kings had the right personnel, there were 3 legitimate contenders for the championship in the league- the Kings, Lakers, and Spurs. The teams that avoided injuries were the ones that won. There are few if any other identities I'd rather have with the right mix of players than the one Adelman has brought to this team.

 

[chelle]

In the past 10 years what coaches have won a ring? Phil Jackson, Larry Brown, and Pop. Am I missing anyone?

I do not think any of them are available. What other "championship" coach would you hire, exactly?

 

[flipnsac]

In the past 10 years what coaches have won a ring? Phil Jackson, Larry Brown, and Pop. Am I missing anyone?

I do not think any of them are available. What other "championship" coach would you hire, exactly?

Im saying it's time for a change. Look how long Adelman's been here and he's gotten "this close", but no cigar. Same thing when he was in Portland. While in Sac, we've had annual changes in personnel, but no change in Head Coach. That's the one constant. But look at how many other teams have won championships while Adelman's been here........or at the very least whipped the Kings in the playoffs, or bypassed them and gone further.

Those of you who were asleep during the pre-season seem to have forgotten how Phoenix kicked our A$$ TWICE WITHOUT STOUDAMIRE. That's what they've accomplished over your beloved Adelman......

Don't get me wrong. I love the Kings and they have a tremendous amount of talent right now. But Adelman has failed to get the best out of them. KT is in a funk because he doesn't know his role. Bibby seems lost without CWebb, as Peja is without Vlade. Corliss is probably wondering why he's even on this rostrer. Cisco & KMart are still trying to learn what ever it is Adelman is preaching. A good coach would put everyone on the same page, but that's not what's happening here.

 

[chelle]

1. Preseason counts for nothing. No more to say about that.
2. I have no problem with change. In fact, it is often the catalyst needed. However, we CANNOT blame Adleman for not having won a championship. When were were actual contenders, the players had control of the the outcome.
3. Spurs, Lakers, Pistons. One team per year. 2 coaches with multiple wins. Those coaches are all gainfully employed. Your new coach for the Kings would be ? ? ?

If you find Adleman to be the problem, what is your choice to fill his shoes? WHY?

I do not blindly support him, but unless there is a better VIABLE option, he has my backing.

 

[VF21]

Im saying it's time for a change. Look how long Adelman's been here and he's gotten "this close", but no cigar. Same thing when he was in Portland. While in Sac, we've had annual changes in personnel, but no change in Head Coach. That's the one constant. But look at how many other teams have won championships while Adelman's been here........or at the very least whipped the Kings in the playoffs, or bypassed them and gone further.

Those of you who were asleep during the pre-season seem to have forgotten how Phoenix kicked our A$$ TWICE WITHOUT STOUDAMIRE. That's what they've accomplished over your beloved Adelman......

Don't get me wrong. I love the Kings and they have a tremendous amount of talent right now. But Adelman has failed to get the best out of them. KT is in a funk because he doesn't know his role. Bibby seems lost without CWebb, as Peja is without Vlade. Corliss is probably wondering why he's even on this rostrer. Cisco & KMart are still trying to learn what ever it is Adelman is preaching. A good coach would put everyone on the same page, but that's not what's happening here.

The pre-season is just that...the PRE-season. With all the new blood on the team, if you were expecting the Kings to come out and trounce the Suns, it's most likely you who hasn't been paying attention.

We have played TWO bleeping games with the current roster. TWO, as in ... one more than ONE.

Luckily, the Maloofs and Petrie won't be trying to throw Adelman out in the cold quite as quickly as some fans... Yes, Adelman has been here a long time. Why? Because he's GOOD and the Maloofs recognize that. But all good things must end. Rick Adelman's time is coming to an end here, but not because he hasn't done a good job.

Why not get back to us in ... oh, say ... December, and we'll revisit your complaints and see if they're even still valid.

A good coach would put everybody on the same page? Don't you think that's what they're working on? It doesn't happen overnight.

And, as several people have asked before, JUST whom do you suggest the Kings bring in? I'd really like to hear your answer - and possibly a rationale on how he could do a better job with what he has than Adelman has done...

 

[flipnsac]

The pre-season is just that...the PRE-season. With all the new blood on the team, if you were expecting the Kings to come out and trounce the Suns, it's most likely you who hasn't been paying attention.

We have played TWO bleeping games with the current roster. TWO, as in ... one more than ONE.

Luckily, the Maloofs and Petrie won't be trying to throw Adelman out in the cold quite as quickly as some fans... Yes, Adelman has been here a long time. Why? Because he's GOOD and the Maloofs recognize that. But all good things must end. Rick Adelman's time is coming to an end here, but not because he hasn't done a good job.

Why not get back to us in ... oh, say ... December, and we'll revisit your complaints and see if they're even still valid.

A good coach would put everybody on the same page? Don't you think that's what they're working on? It doesn't happen overnight.

And, as several people have asked before, JUST whom do you suggest the Kings bring in? I'd really like to hear your answer - and possibly a rationale on how he could do a better job with what he has than Adelman has done...

OK. Put your same analysis on Phoenix. They have a major player injured and have also added new players to their roster. But have they missed a beat from last season to this season? No. The Kings have a nucleus of 3 major players, have added new players and do not have a major player injured. Have they gotten it together yet? No. Please stop making excuses for paid professionals. You don't have to in Phoenix. Why in Sac? Because the coach can't seem to get everyone on the same page.

 

[flipnsac]

1. Your new coach for the Kings would be ? ? ?

.

Doug Collins, Pat Riley, Rudy Tomjanovich, Flip Saunders

 

[bozzwell]

Doug Collins, Pat Riley, Rudy Tomjanovich, Flip Saunders

Doug and Rudy have long passed "use by" date. Flip and Pat have really good jobs elsewhere.