Sacbee: Adding Thompson or Burks might make sense

[Sac.1989]

By Jason Jones

If the Kings add another guard, the popular belief is the Kings will do so by drafting a point guard in next Thursday's NBA Draft.
But after the Kings hosted two of the top-2 shooting guards available for a pre-draft workout - Alec Burks and Klay Thompson - whether adding a shooting guard has to be considered.

This, of course, goes against what a lot of fans want and observers believe should happen - the eventual shift of Tyreke Evans to shooting guard.

But adding a shooting guard isn't necessarily a crazy thought if you consider the following:

1. Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton will probably be the starting guards. With Beno Udrih coming off the bench, the backup shooting guard is who?
2. No matter how much you do/don't like it, Evans will handle the ball in the Kings offense. He's not going to play off the ball fulltime, nor is he a small forward.
3. Francisco Garcia played his best at small forward last season. There were concerns about his ability to defend guards but Garcia held up much better at small forward.
4. Trades and free agency will likely change things, but as of now the Kings are seriously lacking in bench scoring.

Does this mean the Kings will draft Burks or Thompson? Of course not. But if Brandon Knight or Kawhi Leonard don't fall to seven and the Kings believe that's too high for Jimmer Fredette or Kemba Walker adding Thompson or Burks makes sense, Thompson more than Burks in my opinion.

Thompson has the three-point shooting the Kings covet. He's not the slashing scorer that Burks is, therefore isn't as similar to Evans.

Thompson's size (6-6) would allow the Kings to use the big backcourt that never became a reality a couple of years ago when Kevin Martin was injured and eventually traded.
Thompson would be a nice complement playing with Evans or Udrih because he could space the floor.

There are merits to adding Burks (6-6) too. A boost in athleticism would do the roster good.

And if Burks were the pick, the Kings would add a player off the bench that could create his own shot. When's the last time the Kings had that? Bobby Jackson?
I'm not advocating the Kings take either player. But Thompson definitely has his fans in the organization and Burks isn't completely frowned upon. Not that I expect the Kings to pick a shooting guard in the first round, but if they did, I could see the reasoning behind the decision.

*On to some other notes from today's workout:
*Burks admitted to taking plays off on defense in college and relying on athleticism to make up for those lapses. Said he's out show he can and will be committed to playing defense. And the reason for the candor is simple. Burks knows anyone that watches film will see those plays.

*Thompson was arrested for marijuana possession in March. It's something he addressed at the Draft Combine in Chicago by saying he'd be honest and upfront about the situation.
Thompson was asked about speculation that he currently smokes marijuana by SI.com's Sam Amick amid

"I think that's kind of ludicrous to think I'm going to risk the draft or my draft status for something like that," Thompson said who mentioned he knows he'll be tested for drugs as a pro. "I put that stuff behind me. That's something I've moved on from me. ...I won't risk doing that again because I want to fulfill my potential."

http://blogs.sacbee.com/sports/kings/archives/2011/06/adding-thompson.html#ixzz1PgkWuCiA

 

[Vlade4GM]

I think we should take Burks not really because I think he fits our roster as is, but rather that I think he'll end up being the best player on the board at our pick.

 

[hrdboild]

You might be right about Burks. He's an intriguing prospect. I didn't get to see him much in college, but I did like what I saw. The shot needs work but he's got some point guard skills and he's got good size for a SG. Not a lot of SG prospects in this draft so he'll get attention early in the draft I think.

 

[bajaden]

I watched Burks play quite a bit. He's a very athletic player, and he handles the ball extremely well. There's something in my gut that just doesn't like everything I see about him. His outside shooting aside, which is not very good, there's a, "look at me" aspect to his game thats always bothered me. For a guy that handles the ball well, and that can pass the ball well, he never did much to make those around him better. For guy that showed, he could at times, play terrific defense, he sometimes became invisible on defense. There's a part of him that reminded me, too much of our own Donte Greene.

Bear in mind, I'm not talking about talent or potential. I'm talking about attitude. What I'm trying to say, is that Fredette and Walker were the stars on their respective teams, but I never once got the idea that their goal was to be a star. The stardom just came as a result of their play. I always had the feeling that Burks was trying to be a star. Hey, its just a gut feeling, and might be way off base. I just don't think he takes the game as seriously as he should, and that bothers me.

As for Thompson, I think he'll be a very good player in the NBA. The dude can shoot the ball, and in my opinion he was the second best player in the PAC 10 last year. How good a defender he'll be, is just as much a mystery as it is with almost any of the players coming out of college.

When comparing Thompson and Burks, remember that Thompson either improved or matched his previous years of college competiion. He shot around 40% from the three his freshman year and shot just slightly under 40% last season at 39% plus. His assist totals were better than Burks as were his steals per game. Burks on the other hand, shot the ball more frequently his sophmore year, increasing his total shots by more than a third and almost doubling his 3 pt shots, but at the same time dropping his shooting percentages dramaticly. He's know for his ability to get to the basket, but time and time again, I saw him pullup and force an off balanced shot instead of continuing on to the basket.

If I had to choose between the two right now, I'd take Thompson. He's more of a sure thing. And I say that with the knowledge that Burks definitely has the higher ceiling.

 

[Vlade4GM]

How do you think that attitude might hurt him in the NBA?

 

[bajaden]

How do you think that attitude might hurt him in the NBA?

Only if he's not totally dedicated to being the best he can be, to coin a phrase, and if he's not a total team player. And I can't say that either of those two things will be a problem. I'm sure that teams have gotten a fairly good read on him in the interviews. There were just little things that bothered me. I would see him laughing and joking with a teammate on the bench while his team was losing. Now flash to Kenneth Faried when he's taken out the game for a blow. Many times he wouldn't even sit down, but instead pace back and forth in front of the bench until he was allowed to go back in.

I certainly don't want to comdemm him over it. He's young, and players mature. But if he is immature, I'm not sure the Kings need another immature player on the team. I'll leave it up to Petrie to decide that.

 

[Vlade4GM]

That's a decent point.

 

[kingsboi]

It might make sense but we aren't adding neither one so the point is moot.

 

[Spike]

Only if he's not totally dedicated to being the best he can be, to coin a phrase, and if he's not a total team player. And I can't say that either of those two things will be a problem. I'm sure that teams have gotten a fairly good read on him in the interviews. There were just little things that bothered me. I would see him laughing and joking with a teammate on the bench while his team was losing. Now flash to Kenneth Faried when he's taken out the game for a blow. Many times he wouldn't even sit down, but instead pace back and forth in front of the bench until he was allowed to go back in.

I certainly don't want to comdemm him over it. He's young, and players mature. But if he is immature, I'm not sure the Kings need another immature player on the team. I'll leave it up to Petrie to decide that.

That, and I'm not a fan of players who like to smoke it up. If he's truly clean, he's truly clean. I guess the excuse of living in Boulder is something, but that just sends up red flags for me.

 

[Vlade4GM]

I'd rather have a player who smokes pot than drinks alcohol.

 

[TheWileyVet]

Not at 7 please

 

[bajaden]

I'd rather have a player who smokes pot than drinks alcohol.

I'll certainly drink to that!

 

[rainmaker]

I'd rather have a player who smokes pot than drinks alcohol.

Completely agree. So does the great Alex Ferguson of Manchester United. He has said multiple times he'd much prefer his players be smokers than drinkers.

 

[D13]

I'd rather have a player who smokes pot than drinks alcohol.

... yeah, and then add a couple million dollars a year to that and see where it goes... How bout we pick a player that works hard, stays out of trouble, takes their career seriously and does neither? Just sayin.

 

[Vlade4GM]

... yeah, and then add a couple million dollars a year to that and see where it goes... How bout we pick a player that works hard, stays out of trouble, takes their career seriously and does neither? Just sayin.

LOL. Yeah, those pot fiends would just go spiraling down the drain if they had all that money at their disposal. They'd probably be rolling joints with hundred dollar bills.

I'm curious of your explanation as to how pot or alcohol use is mutually exclusive with those things, beyond the fact that pot is against the rules and that can get someone in trouble.

 

[D13]

LOL. Yeah, those pot fiends would just go spiraling down the drain if they had all that money at their disposal. They'd probably be rolling joints with hundred dollar bills.

I'm curious of your explanation as to how pot or alcohol use is mutually exclusive with those things, beyond the fact that pot is against the rules and that can get someone in trouble.

For reals? We arguing whether or not it's cool for our 7th pick in the NBA draft... the possible future of a multi million dollar franchise and the reflection of a city, to be ok with having the potential for drug distractions? Sounds like you have a dog in this fight. if I'm a business owner (NBA or whatever) and making a big investment into any employee, I'll take my chances with someone who is not so inclined. Hence, why most major employers drug test... outside of that, party on Garth!

 

[Vlade4GM]

Pot can be recreational just like alcohol, and I'd argue that it has far less potential harm than alcohol does, and I'm sure the majority of NBA players are recreational alcohol users. Personally, it really wouldn't make a difference to me if a player smoked pot, just like it wouldn't make a difference to me if a player drank alcohol. Sure, no one wants a player to have a substance abuse problem, but if nobody is going to say bunk about alcohol use, then they sure as hell better not say anything about pot use, except for the practical issue of it being against the rules.

As far as your implication that I have a dog in this fight, I don't want us to draft Thompson, nor have I ever partaken in pot or alcohol. I guess my dog in this fight is reason.

BTW, you still failed to explain how pot or alcohol was mutually exclusive with hard work, taking their career seriously, and staying out of trouble.

 

[steelevt]

Pot can be recreational just like alcohol, and I'd argue that it has far less potential harm than alcohol does, and I'm sure the majority of NBA players are recreational alcohol users. Personally, it really wouldn't make a difference to me if a player smoked pot, just like it wouldn't make a difference to me if a player drank alcohol. Sure, no one wants a player to have a substance abuse problem, but if nobody is going to say bunk about alcohol use, then they sure as hell better not say anything about pot use, except for the practical issue of it being against the rules.

As far as your implication that I have a dog in this fight, I don't want us to draft Thompson, nor have I ever partaken in pot or alcohol. I guess my dog in this fight is reason.

BTW, you still failed to explain how pot or alcohol was mutually exclusive with hard work, taking their career seriously, and staying out of trouble.

he did mention that it could be a potential problem of being a reflection of our city. just think about how bad it looked when musselman, noc and wright i believe got pulled over for DUIs. no one suspects them of being raging alcoholics but stupid enough to drive after a night of "recreational drinking." everyone was on their cases and rightfully so. i think his point is why pick a guy that would even put himself in that situation?

 

[Vlade4GM]

That's not what I asked, he was the one that implied that users of pot or alcohol could not have those qualities.

 

[Hallama]

And Chadder Ford twitters Burks is in the mix @7 with the Kings:

chadfordinsider Chad Ford
Interesting tidbit. I have had Kings looking at Kemba, Kawhi & Jimmer. But sounds like Alec Burks seriously in the mix too at 7.

So in other words, if the Kings use the #7 pick, they could draft one of 45 guys left on the board.

 

[Vlade4GM]

I like that we're at least hearing Burks is in the mix.

 

[Spike]

So in other words, if the Kings use the #7 pick, they could draft one of 45 guys left on the board.

Sir, your analysis is quite astute. Moreso than Mr. Ford (Who, like Amick, seems to be grasping at straws at this moment. Although I think Chad Ford has about 20 more guesses to go.) I have a feeling, just like you do, that nobody knows where the Kings are leaning. Should make for an interesting draft day. My prediction?

Pain.