SacBee: Ailene Voisin: Offseason pondering begins for Kings

[Revrag]

So, it's official. The drought is on. For the first time since the 1997-98 season, neither of Northern California's teams qualified for the NBA playoffs.

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[VF21]

Voisin makes some very good points in her article, including:

• There is no question teams need players to draw double teams and break down defenses, but the best way to chase away fans and alienate teammates is to allow Ron Artest and John Salmons to dominate the ball, slow the pace and refuse to pass...

• Reggie Theus not only won more games than Eric Musselman, he survived a mini-revolt that threatened his job before Christmas. His curious benchings, public scoldings and questionable timeouts left many within the organization speculating about the identity of an interim coach. But Reggie surprises. He adapted and admitted mistakes, realized he was no longer coaching college and earned a passing grade partly because his competitive spirit and agreeable personality were acknowledged and appreciated. Next year? Less play calling and tighter defense, please...

• When Kevin Martin avoids becoming frustrated when Artest or Salmons ignores him in the offense or when he's wide open on the break, he is among the league's most efficient scorers and an engaged, improving all-around player. He should be the No.1 offensive option next season...

• Francisco García remains mistake-prone, but ... His energy, defense, versatility and professionalism make him a franchise favorite.

• Tell me again that Spencer Hawes is only 19 years old. The ambidexterity. The jump hooks. The bank shots. The deep shots. The interior passing. The length of those limbs. When he is physically capable of holding position in the post and utilizes his size to rebound and influence shots, he will force his way into the starting lineup...

• Shelden Williams is an undersized forward without much explosiveness, but his width and strength suggest he could create a niche similar to that of Kurt Thomas or Danny Fortson, presumably before Fortson attempted to thrive as a thug...

I know we'll read a lot of season summaries over the next couple of weeks but I think our Kings are headed back in the right direction. I can only speak for myself, but I have a feeling of hope this year while last year at this time I had only ONE hope - that Eric Musselman would be relieved of his duties.

 

[sacgirl88]

yea i know what you mean. I also fell that we are heading in the right direction. we are seeing hawes play the starting center.last season i was disappointed in this team because they could have done better then waht they did. But this season I believe was pretty good and exciting. I like what i saw from the younger guys