There have been some hints in the posts for this game that Coach Brown may have some responsibility for these type of losses.
Yes, he was COY last year but seems to be stuck in "last year". Maybe some of his techniques and decisions are based on what was rather than what is. He puts the same lineup on the court every game and sticks to it through thick and thin.
With the "thin" he persists with the same group of players. Adapting to the reality and needs of the game doesn't seem to influence his decisions. As evidence, look at the kudos he gave Fernandez and Christie for their logical suggestions a few games ago.
His perception and needs of the game may just be becoming a bit stale. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. When a shift is needed, he needs to act. The players can see that. Adaptation often refreshes enthusiasm and attention. Trying to fit a square peg in a round hole just causes frustration and negativity.
Now, Coach Brown doesn't shoot 3's or play defense. That is on the players. But there needs to be a bit more flexibility and creativity when needed to generate a chance to win.
DeRozan.yea there hasn't been much offensive versatility this year. Its too easy for other teams to game-plan around a 1 dimensional team. What happened to those deep mid range shots Fox used to drain all last year? They need someone that can score inside and get to the line consistently when the shot ain't dropping. Fox & Sabonis are good at that but they don't hit their free throws at a high enough clip. They need consistency at the line and in the mid-range/paint. Barnes definitely isn't fulfilling that role. I think once they add a piece that can score inside it will unlock the offense and we wont see as many games like this.
Yes, and another young center who might be able to bang with the teams that are giving the Kings fits. I was just watching The just Basketball podcast and one of them mentioned the Wizards Daniel Gafford as a target. I didn’t know much about him but he’s 25 with good size and actually putting up decent numbers. Maybe a bit expensive for a backup center, but something along those lines. Lin when back might fill that hole too.DeRozan.
What can be learned from this loss?
Offense
Mostly that if our outside shot isn't falling, we don't have another gameplan. I mean we literally missed what 11, 12 straight 3s and just keep jacking them (up).
Fox and Monk have been great getting in the paint, but they are just given the ball and asked to create. There are no plays, no screens, no help.
Defense
Matchups. Why was Keegan on Hardan so much? When Kawhi was going scorched earth we bring in weapon X . . . Davion to defend Hardan (?) Last night was an example of when Edwards or at least Duarte was needed, not Davion.
Rebounding is the most inconsistent aspect of our team. Way too often is Sabonis battling for boards in a crowd.
Overall
Backup C is unresolved. Javale is a momentum killer.
Kawhi is what an MVP candidate looks like. They are going to be a problem is he stays healthy.
If the 3's are open they - Huerter, Keegan, HB, Monk, Trey, etc. - have to take 'em. Allowing defenses to pack the paint completely undercuts Domas' and Fox's effectiveness. It already too often looks like Domas is battling one-on-three in there. The one main exception: HB. He's good at drawing fouls in the lane and hits foul shots at a good clip. But his free throw attempts are way down so far this year because he's not being given the ball on the block and isn't driving as much as previous years.
Speaking of HB - I totally agree on the rebounding. There's no bigger HB fan than me, but I'm super disappointed in his work on the boards so far this year. He's never been a great rebounder for his position - though I do think he does a good job boxing out so others, including Sabonis, can secure the board. Fox and Huerter are actually rebounding solidly from the guard position. Keegan's okay. HB just HAS to get more active.
Kawhi's offensive skill set is unbelievable. He reminds me of T-Mac from back in the day. Lowest-key superstar in the league.
They won’t miss the playoffs. But they’re first-round fodder as built. Running it back wasn’t ever the right choice.
Well that wasn’t an enjoyable game to watch although Keegan is looking more the star.
Time to bring back that acknowledgement of how bad Huerter has been thread.
And the Draymond situation, out of control thug yeah but once again Kerr says he didn’t see the play. Well wtf is he doing on the side lines. No respect for Kerr.
I don't know how much of this is serious and how much is tongue in cheek, but is it fair to criticize the team for lacking pride and rolling over when things get difficult if you're then going write off all future back to backs as losses and skip them and/or turn the game off in the second quarter if the team is playing poorly?
Only one of the Kings' three wins against the Clippers last season was when Leonard was available, and the Kings only won that game by a point.maybe it's time to add the Clips to the same list as the Pelicans and Rockets? I know the Kings beat the Clips last season with PG and Kawhi but that's last season
I guess the question is what would an external upgrade have looked like?
rumor had it we were interested in Draymond. He’s on pace to miss 1/4 of the season with suspensions and injury. Kuzma was also allegedly a target, but was not receptive to a 3rd or 4th option type of role. If we had added either of those, are we now a deep playoff team?
the reality is our championship hopes rest on the shoulders of Fox, Domas, Monk and Keegan. Monte’s best bet was to get one more year of data on that core before making a change or a big swing unless the absolute perfect opportunity presents itself. Once he has full confidence in those 4 he can make ancillary moves to fill out our team with defensive talent.
except you had money to sign someone last year. Now we don’t have any cap room. We had an opportunity and missed it.
Only one of the Kings' three wins against the Clippers last season was when Leonard was available, and the Kings only won that game by a point.
If the 3's are open they - Huerter, Keegan, HB, Monk, Trey, etc. - have to take 'em. Allowing defenses to pack the paint completely undercuts Domas' and Fox's effectiveness. It already too often looks like Domas is battling one-on-three in there. The one main exception: HB. He's good at drawing fouls in the lane and hits foul shots at a good clip. But his free throw attempts are way down so far this year because he's not being given the ball on the block and isn't driving as much as previous years.
Speaking of HB - I totally agree on the rebounding. There's no bigger HB fan than me, but I'm super disappointed in his work on the boards so far this year. He's never been a great rebounder for his position - though I do think he does a good job boxing out so others, including Sabonis, can secure the board. Fox and Huerter are actually rebounding solidly from the guard position. Keegan's okay. HB just HAS to get more active.
Kawhi's offensive skill set is unbelievable. He reminds me of T-Mac from back in the day. Lowest-key superstar in the league.
I been put them on the list. That's the whole reason why people keep putting them on their lists of championship contenders: Paul George and a healthy Kawhi are a problem for anybody.so then it's fair to simply add the Clippers on the list of bully teams?
I been put them on the list. That's the whole reason why people keep putting them on their lists of championship contenders: Paul George and a healthy Kawhi are a problem for anybody.
Since the Harden trade AND since moving Westbrook to the bench, they’ve gone 10-3. That’s a 63-19 pace. With Leonard, George, and Harden healthy, they can compete with anyone.I been put them on the list. That's the whole reason why people keep putting them on their lists of championship contenders: Paul George and a healthy Kawhi are a problem for anybody.