Reasons to be positive

[funkykingston]

A thread like this is actually out of character for me. While I always have hope for the Kings I am more often cynical, pessimistic and critical of a lot of moves. No,I am not thrilled with yesterday's events, but the fact remains that there is a lot more to be positive about regarding this team than there are negative things to dwell upon.

1. The team is still in Sacramento, with an opportunity to stay long term.

This far and away dwarfs any other reason on this list. Yes, I can argue about who Petrie could have or should have drafted or question the trade, but the fact that I still have a team to root for at all is a minor miracle that can't be overstated.

2. This team finished 8-7 down the stretch

Thorton's arrival brought a new energy and the team was fighting in clawing in every game.

3. It's reasonable to expect growth from Evans and Cousins

Tyreke took a step backwards last year which can in part be blamed on the plantar fasciitis. Hopefully he returns at full strength and has a natural progression to his game. Cousins showed incredible talent last year and will no doubt improve, hopefully in part by coming into camp in better shape. Two very young guys with high ceilings that should only get better.

4. Tons of caproom

Thorton is a RFA and certainly should be back. I think the odds are in our favor to retain Dalembert as well. And while there aren't big names available this offseason, there are difference makers that could be available either by signing them outright or using our capspace to facilitate a trade.

5. Salmons IS an upgrade at SF.

This team finished 4th in the league in rebounding, but needed to improve defensively, needed another ballhandler, more shooting and another player who can create his own shot when the offense bogs down. Salmons brings those things. Salmons is not a great rebounder. His stats in that category are on par with Garcia and Greene and lagging behind Casspi. So not really an upgrade there, but again rebounding was a strength of this team and we aren't losing much.

Rebounding:
Salmons: 3.6 RPG in 35 mpg
Garcia: 2.3 RPG in 24 mpg
Casspi: 4.3 RPG in 24 mpg
Green: 2.1 RPG in 16 minutes

Salmons is a relatively consistent outside shooter. More importantly, he can create his own shot when he needs to, something none of the other three guys can.

Three point shooting
Salmons: 38%
Garcia: 36%
Casspi: 37%
Greene: 29%

And while Garcia has some ballhandling, Salmons is significantly better and lightyears ahead of Omri and Donte.

Assists
Salmons: 3.5 APG in 35 mpg
Garcia: 1.2 APG in 24 mpg
Casspi: 1.0 APG in 24 mpg
Greene: 0.7 APG in 16 mpg

Most importantly, he's a far better defender than any of the other three.

6. Jimmer provides a consistent outside threat off the bench.

This is something this team has needed. Whether just to stretch the D or bust a zone having a bench player with that kind of range is something every team needs. I don't know that he has any chance to be a star player, but he has a skill that absolutely translates to the NBA and will help this team.

7. Decent complimentary pieces

Thompson is a great option as a 3rd big and Donte can have some value as a SF/PF off the bench. And I think it's obvious Casspi will be on the trade block and he seems to have a fair number of teams interested in acquiring him which could bring back additional bench depth.

I'm done being upset about a draft night that I wasn't happy with. There's a lot of reasons to still be excited about next season. You know, if there actually is one. Sorry, had to slip in a bit of cynicism.

 

[RookieOfTheDay]

I lean toward the cynical/pessimistic/critical side myself but I didn't have a problem with anything that happened yesterday. They got the guy they wanted at 10 instead of 7, they filled the starting SF spot, and did it without significantly effecting their cap space. Those are all good things in my book. The only way I can explain all the negative reactions is that a lot of people must just dislike Salmons very strongly. I suspect a lot of that has to do with the fact he was a King before during a time that wasn't exactly glorious. Because of that people are associating him with bad memories. Then there's the "retread" aspect. I'd be willing to bet that if Salmons was never a King and was signed in FA for 8 million people wouldn't have nearly the objections to it that they do now.

 

[macadocious]

I lean toward the cynical/pessimistic/critical side myself but I didn't have a problem with anything that happened yesterday. They got the guy they wanted at 10 instead of 7, they filled the starting SF spot, and did it without significantly effecting their cap space. Those are all good things in my book. The only way I can explain all the negative reactions is that a lot of people must just dislike Salmons very strongly. I suspect a lot of that has to do with the fact he was a King before during a time that wasn't exactly glorious. Because of that people are associating him with bad memories. Then there's the "retread" aspect. I'd be willing to bet that if Salmons was never a King and was signed in FA for 8 million people wouldn't have nearly the objections to it that they do now.

100% this. It is growing on me a bit. I just think most of us were hoping for splash in Free Agency. I also don't really like seeing Beno go. He was a solid player, especially as a 3rd/4th guard. Salmons guard abilities give us some flexibility, but right now we do not have a true PG. Not that Beno was one, but he was the closest we had. We have all combo guards now.

I was really hoping we would sign Battier in FA. I think he is the embodiment of what we needed on this team. Vet, Defense, Good Shooter, Good character guy. Now that we have Salmons, I don't think we will get that.

Right now we have to resign Sammy. We will most likely over pay for him. I don't know what FA we can possibly go after. The only thing I can think of is they are waiting until next year when there are some better FA's on the market.

 

[Kingster]

The #1 reason to be positive is that this trade can always be followed up with another trade. The sooner the better. I'm hoping that Salmons never touches down in Sacto again. Unfortunately, I think we'll be waiting and wishing about a Salmons trade at next season's trade deadline. That's when it might be made better - when some playoff team wants Salmons as their wing stopper and is willing to pay. And maybe the next reason to be positive is that if there is a lockout for any length of time, that means fewer and fewer games for Salmons in a Sacto uniform until the trade deadline.

Although I like Knight and Kemba better than Jimmer, I'm not as dissapointed about that missed opportunity as I am in getting Salmons. Still, I wonder how this team is going to respond to pressure in the backcourt? Jimmer isn't exactly a press breaker. That's still a major weakness in my view - the lack of quickness. How long is it going to take to set up the offense? Fifteen seconds? That leaves one pass, a lot of dribbling, and a shot. Maybe Isaiah Thomas is the guy Westphal calls on when other teams puts on the defensive screws?

I'm more enamored with both second round picks. Honeycutt has talent. Thomas has the quicks. Should be interesting to see how they both do.

 

[Glenn]

A thread like this is actually out of character for me. While I always have hope for the Kings I am more often cynical, pessimistic and critical of a lot of moves. No,I am not thrilled with yesterday's events, but the fact remains that there is a lot more to be positive about regarding this team than there are negative things to dwell upon.

1. The team is still in Sacramento, with an opportunity to stay long term.

This far and away dwarfs any other reason on this list. Yes, I can argue about who Petrie could have or should have drafted or question the trade, but the fact that I still have a team to root for at all is a minor miracle that can't be overstated.

2. This team finished 8-7 down the stretch

Thorton's arrival brought a new energy and the team was fighting in clawing in every game.

3. It's reasonable to expect growth from Evans and Cousins

Tyreke took a step backwards last year which can in part be blamed on the plantar fasciitis. Hopefully he returns at full strength and has a natural progression to his game. Cousins showed incredible talent last year and will no doubt improve, hopefully in part by coming into camp in better shape. Two very young guys with high ceilings that should only get better.

4. Tons of caproom

Thorton is a RFA and certainly should be back. I think the odds are in our favor to retain Dalembert as well. And while there aren't big names available this offseason, there are difference makers that could be available either by signing them outright or using our capspace to facilitate a trade.

5. Salmons IS an upgrade at SF.

This team finished 4th in the league in rebounding, but needed to improve defensively, needed another ballhandler, more shooting and another player who can create his own shot when the offense bogs down. Salmons brings those things. Salmons is not a great rebounder. His stats in that category are on par with Garcia and Greene and lagging behind Casspi. So not really an upgrade there, but again rebounding was a strength of this team and we aren't losing much.

Rebounding:
Salmons: 3.6 RPG in 35 mpg
Garcia: 2.3 RPG in 24 mpg
Casspi: 4.3 RPG in 24 mpg
Green: 2.1 RPG in 16 minutes

Salmons is a relatively consistent outside shooter. More importantly, he can create his own shot when he needs to, something none of the other three guys can.

Three point shooting
Salmons: 38%
Garcia: 36%
Casspi: 37%
Greene: 29%

And while Garcia has some ballhandling, Salmons is significantly better and lightyears ahead of Omri and Donte.

Assists
Salmons: 3.5 APG in 35 mpg
Garcia: 1.2 APG in 24 mpg
Casspi: 1.0 APG in 24 mpg
Greene: 0.7 APG in 16 mpg

Most importantly, he's a far better defender than any of the other three.

6. Jimmer provides a consistent outside threat off the bench.

This is something this team has needed. Whether just to stretch the D or bust a zone having a bench player with that kind of range is something every team needs. I don't know that he has any chance to be a star player, but he has a skill that absolutely translates to the NBA and will help this team.

7. Decent complimentary pieces

Thompson is a great option as a 3rd big and Donte can have some value as a SF/PF off the bench. And I think it's obvious Casspi will be on the trade block and he seems to have a fair number of teams interested in acquiring him which could bring back additional bench depth.

I'm done being upset about a draft night that I wasn't happy with. There's a lot of reasons to still be excited about next season. You know, if there actually is one. Sorry, had to slip in a bit of cynicism.

Rationality, thy name is funk!

There were many people who either said it or kinda knew it internally that this draft was gravy. All we would get is an upgrade coming off the bench. Anyway, that's the way I saw it. Another poster used a twist of logic that wasn't far off in saying we had already gotten a draft level player when we picked up Thornton. Heck, he may have cost us a few places in the draft. We also have a healing Whiteside and through some convoluted but probably accurate reasoning, I think we got a steal because he WAS injured goods. His injury will be fixed and may never recur unlike Tyreke's problem. (A tear is a more severe injury than inflammation but a tear can be repaired and inflammation can only be controlled)

So, going into this draft we already had a great guard that was still trying to fit in and perhaps a Biyombo type player rehabbing. I don't know how good Hassan will get but I don't think the comparison to Biyombo is outrageous. Biyombo is stronger and Hassan can shoot better. They both block shots.

So on to the "gravy"' draft. We end up with the little weiner I wanted. Jimmer brings what I call the "JWill factor" to the Kings. He will be exciting. He also is bright and personable. He sounds very intelligent and it's almost as if he could become an assistant coach next year. He's sharp. He is a great three point shooter.

This may balance out the personality of the player we got in trade. People seem unwilling to acknowledge that Salmons is close to exactly what we wanted at the SF. He plays defense, is good as a three point shooter, and can create his own shot. The risk is that he will demand shots and get in the way of Marcus, DeMarcus, and Tyreke on the offensive end. Maybe, but others have pointed out that Salmons tends to take as many shots as his team requires. This team requires very few. Can he handle that limited role and focus on defense? Salmons can also play SG and provides some injury protection as right now we have a bare minimum at the guard position.

We do not like Salmons. Maybe that's a factor and maybe not. Is he likeable? Does it make a difference? I suspect in the real world of NBA basketball, we don't know him. Using back a**ed logic, if Petrie wanted him back, he can't be the poisonous serpent that others (including me) seem to think he is.

Soooo, what do we need? We need to trade a SF for a guard or PF simply to balance the team. It's not a long list of "gotta do's" for this summer. Then we have some cap space left. Maybe now we don't need to spend it. We can take back salary in a trade. We have flexibility but I would not be bothered AT ALL if we went into next season with the team as it is.

After yesterday's moves, we are a significantly better team. We didn't even end up with an important cog who is a wet behind the ears teenager. Our two major acquisitions are not babies and will contribute from day one. Close to that. Now our youngsters need experience and I think we have just moved into the playoffs. That's the next bit of experience they need.

Edit: leaving capspace in the bank may be wise. We don't know what the new CBA will be. We will need money to resign Cuz and Tyreke when they break free from the shackles of the rookie series of contracts. I would not spend another dime until the CBA is settled. Can't, I guess.

 

[Section 101]

The #1 reason to be positive is that this trade can always be followed up with another trade.

You mean like trading C-Webb for more moveable parts?

 

[RookieOfTheDay]

100% this. It is growing on me a bit. I just think most of us were hoping for splash in Free Agency. I also don't really like seeing Beno go. He was a solid player, especially as a 3rd/4th guard. Salmons guard abilities give us some flexibility, but right now we do not have a true PG. Not that Beno was one, but he was the closest we had. We have all combo guards now.

I was really hoping we would sign Battier in FA. I think he is the embodiment of what we needed on this team. Vet, Defense, Good Shooter, Good character guy. Now that we have Salmons, I don't think we will get that.

Right now we have to resign Sammy. We will most likely over pay for him. I don't know what FA we can possibly go after. The only thing I can think of is they are waiting until next year when there are some better FA's on the market.

After extending Randolph, Memphis doesn't have a ton of cap space left, probably under 10 million if the projected 62 million is the cap next year. That means they're probably going to have to let either Gasol or Battier go. Either one would be good FA pickups. I would make a run for Gasol.

 

[pshn80]

Thanks for your good effort, Funkykingston, but I didn't need it to be positive. I am positive. We've got new and interesting pieces and I'm looking forward to seeing it happen.

 

[dbfish]

A thread like this is actually out of character for me. While I always have hope for the Kings I am more often cynical, pessimistic and critical of a lot of moves. No,I am not thrilled with yesterday's events, but the fact remains that there is a lot more to be positive about regarding this team than there are negative things to dwell upon.

1. The team is still in Sacramento, with an opportunity to stay long term.

This far and away dwarfs any other reason on this list. Yes, I can argue about who Petrie could have or should have drafted or question the trade, but the fact that I still have a team to root for at all is a minor miracle that can't be overstated.

2. This team finished 8-7 down the stretch

Thorton's arrival brought a new energy and the team was fighting in clawing in every game.

3. It's reasonable to expect growth from Evans and Cousins

Tyreke took a step backwards last year which can in part be blamed on the plantar fasciitis. Hopefully he returns at full strength and has a natural progression to his game. Cousins showed incredible talent last year and will no doubt improve, hopefully in part by coming into camp in better shape. Two very young guys with high ceilings that should only get better.

4. Tons of caproom

Thorton is a RFA and certainly should be back. I think the odds are in our favor to retain Dalembert as well. And while there aren't big names available this offseason, there are difference makers that could be available either by signing them outright or using our capspace to facilitate a trade.

5. Salmons IS an upgrade at SF.

This team finished 4th in the league in rebounding, but needed to improve defensively, needed another ballhandler, more shooting and another player who can create his own shot when the offense bogs down. Salmons brings those things. Salmons is not a great rebounder. His stats in that category are on par with Garcia and Greene and lagging behind Casspi. So not really an upgrade there, but again rebounding was a strength of this team and we aren't losing much.

Rebounding:
Salmons: 3.6 RPG in 35 mpg
Garcia: 2.3 RPG in 24 mpg
Casspi: 4.3 RPG in 24 mpg
Green: 2.1 RPG in 16 minutes

Salmons is a relatively consistent outside shooter. More importantly, he can create his own shot when he needs to, something none of the other three guys can.

Three point shooting
Salmons: 38%
Garcia: 36%
Casspi: 37%
Greene: 29%

And while Garcia has some ballhandling, Salmons is significantly better and lightyears ahead of Omri and Donte.

Assists
Salmons: 3.5 APG in 35 mpg
Garcia: 1.2 APG in 24 mpg
Casspi: 1.0 APG in 24 mpg
Greene: 0.7 APG in 16 mpg

Most importantly, he's a far better defender than any of the other three.

6. Jimmer provides a consistent outside threat off the bench.

This is something this team has needed. Whether just to stretch the D or bust a zone having a bench player with that kind of range is something every team needs. I don't know that he has any chance to be a star player, but he has a skill that absolutely translates to the NBA and will help this team.

7. Decent complimentary pieces

Thompson is a great option as a 3rd big and Donte can have some value as a SF/PF off the bench. And I think it's obvious Casspi will be on the trade block and he seems to have a fair number of teams interested in acquiring him which could bring back additional bench depth.

I'm done being upset about a draft night that I wasn't happy with. There's a lot of reasons to still be excited about next season. You know, if there actually is one. Sorry, had to slip in a bit of cynicism.

Well said. Hope you are right about resigning Dalembert.

 

[jpsls]

I lean toward the cynical/pessimistic/critical side myself but I didn't have a problem with anything that happened yesterday. They got the guy they wanted at 10 instead of 7, they filled the starting SF spot, and did it without significantly effecting their cap space. Those are all good things in my book. The only way I can explain all the negative reactions is that a lot of people must just dislike Salmons very strongly. I suspect a lot of that has to do with the fact he was a King before during a time that wasn't exactly glorious. Because of that people are associating him with bad memories. Then there's the "retread" aspect. I'd be willing to bet that if Salmons was never a King and was signed in FA for 8 million people wouldn't have nearly the objections to it that they do now.

Well, when you've seen a player play for 2 + years, you kinda get a feel about his weaknesses that statistics don't reveal i.e. he's ball dominate. Maybe he's changed his ways since his time in Chicago and Milwaukee, but I'm willing to give the trade time considering he is better than what we have.

 

[Tetsujin]

Finally some calm and rationality.

Everyone's reactions seem to be bizarrely similar to the reactions two years ago and we all know how that wound up. Y'know, irrational anger, calls to tar and feather Petrie, outlandish statements about how the team has been set back for the next 75 years, etc. etc.

2009

I hope you learn to play point and maybe you can be better then Rubio, but I doubt it.

****ing Bull****. Ridiculous. I can't even speak. Such a dissapointment for me.

Fire Petrie........

Hell no!!!!!!! I don't live in CA and want to drive out there now with my pitchfork and camp outside Arco!

barf, that's why we're the worst. GP is so much smarter than everyone else.
Evans must have been mighty impressive against that chair.

Same.. This has to be the worst pick I have ever seen, and I saw last years second rounders..

Petrie needs to go now.. TRADE EVANS! I think I will start that thread in the Personnel Moves forum

Rubio = Nash - might even be better one day

And perhaps my favorite, out of sheer hindsight:

This is worse than losing the lottery. The Kings got a gift when Rubio fell to 4, but GP stuck to his script. Look I know nothing about any of these players so I look at the obvious and try not to get caught in the hype. The consensus was that this was a weak draft, and that there was a huge drop-off after the first three picks, assuming that the three picks were a combination of Griffin, Thabeet and Rubio. So if we have a chance of getting one of those guys and don't -- you gotta say why? Evans might be a very good player but right now it just seems like reaching. Petrie is infuriating.

2011

Trade away our steadying vet presence at pg, take on a huge amount of salary(for a horrible player who doesn't fit whatsoever), and trade the 7 for 10? Fire Petrie before the draft. We have 2 hrs to save this franchise.

I think this is the worst trade I have seen in a long, long time. Unfortunately, my favorite team is the doormat.

This trade is bad, so bad...it makes us significantly worse and equally, saddled with a bad, unmoveable contract.


I'll be the first to say it: sabotage?

Wow. My initial overreaction? I'm this close to just quitting this team right now. I expected something I didn't like to go down, but this is worse than I expected. Couldn't we at least wait to see if Knight falls to 7 before trading the pick? Have you seen Salmons' contract? So we spent the last 5 years in lottery hell patiently waiting to unload contracts -- and re-upping John Salmons after he bailed out on two other franchises is step one of the master plan? Why don't we just trade Tyreke and Cousins while we're at it? Uggh.

And it goes on and on.

So everyone take a couple of deep breaths. Out ream is still in Sacramento and that's what really counts. Plus before denouncing things as the worst ever, we should probably wait a few days lest we want to eat crow.

NBA Draft, turning smart people into blubbering idiots since the dawn of time

 

[kennadog]

Sports, turning smart people into blubbering idiots since the dawn of time

Fixed

 

[ParniValjak]

Quite simply, provided we re-sign Thornton and Dalembert, we now have a better starting 5 than we did before the draft. We improved defensively and we improved the 3pt shooting without it affecting our salary cap room. That's a pretty good end result.

We still have just as much money to play with and go out and spend but less holes to cover. There is nothing stopping us signing Battier to make that SF position a defensive monster, signing a veteran PG to play behind Jimmer and be insurance in case Jimmer takes time (Earl Watson type) and still have enough money to sign someone like Nene and make that front court absolutely monstrous going forward. I am not saying all of these or any of them will happen BUT we have the ability to do it if we choose to head down that path.