season grades

mcsluggo

Starter
Matt Barnes - solid A - he exceded expectations during his stay here, no question

Mike Bibby - solid C - Other than his one stretch of superman play (right after the webber trade), I thought this was a disapointing season for Bibby (since I expected more from him), especially down the stretch. Not bad, clearly the cream of the team, but he didn't dazzle.

Doug Christie - C minus - Doug was clearly in decline when we traded him. He was my favorite player, but it was time to say goodbye.

Erik Daniels - inc - Who the hell knows?

Mo Evans - B plus/A minus - he turned into a solid (if sometimes erratic) contributor to this team, his athleticism was JUST what was needed, and he exceded expectations.

Eddie House - B - I was expecting nothing from this guy, I hated his game before he came to the kings, and during his early nenure here, and then suddenly he bacame solid. who'd've thunk it?

Bobby Jackson - inc/ D - you want to give injured players the benefit of the doubt, but persistant being injured becomes a huge problem. He got an inc last season, and it turns into a failure when it happens again.

Kevin Martin - inc/C minus - I expected more from him. Some of it is adleman's avertion to rooks, but he also rarely showed me much when he was in the game (a few exceptions)

Brad Miller - C minus/D plus - see Bobby Jackson's grade. I hate to be harsh, and I love the guy, but when you limp into the postseason EVERY year, you begin to approach worthlessness. Has he EVER been healthy at the end of a season? For any team? (serious question.. I don't know)

Cutino Mobley - C minus - In the end he was exactly what I was afraid he was when the king's traded for him-- fools gold. He has talent, and can be clutch -- so he tantalizes you. But in the end he is too damn erratic and unmoldable. <sigh>

Greg Ostertag - inc - no way to grade him other than incomplete. He came in to camp out of shape, got into coach's doghouse, and never left. When he WAS in the game he was just what I expected: inconsistant, but sometimes a difference maker (same as he was with the Jazz). THe kings NEEDED to play him more.

Brian Skinner - C plus - another fools gold. He appeared and played out of this world (and out of his league) for a month, shooting expectations through the roof. But then, when it mattered, he was the exact non-factor we thought he was going to be when he was a throw-in from the Webber trade. <sigh>

Darius Songaila - B pls/A minus - Darius gives you more than you have a right to expect from him. A solid solid back up/roleplayer, unassuming and just does the tasks he is assigned. Every team NEEDS a few players like him to be good.

Peja Stojakovic - C - Can we say fools gold again? <sigh> Actually, let me start over here: Its time we all think of Peja what he really is, the penultimate role player. He is a GREAT role player, the best in the league. He is a solid defender, and when he is well fed, can put up huge numbers on offense. Fit him in with the right players and he is DEADLY. THe perfect support. (can you imagine him on the Suns this year? DEADLY!) Just don't count on him to be "the man". That is just not him. So he is either a (D plus) as "the man" or a (solid A) "super role player". Take your pick. I think he is super role player.

Kenny Thomas


Chris Webber - C minus - injuries have clearly robbed him of his previously unmatched combination of athleticism/agility/size. at the same time, his head had become more securely screwed on than it ever had been before in his career. Then he was traded and the philly boo-birds drove his head straight up his a**. King's management gave up on a future tied to Webber, and bailed on this season to avoid that fate. (You know, this year Duncan limps into the playoffs, the field looks the weakest it has been in 20 years, but the kings folded before the bidding actually began. Who knows.)


Corlis Williamson
 
mcsluggo said:
Peja Stojakovic - C - Can we say fools gold again? <sigh> Actually, let me start over here: Its time we all think of Peja what he really is, the penultimate role player. He is a GREAT role player, the best in the league. He is a solid defender, and when he is well fed, can put up huge numbers on offense. Fit him in with the right players and he is DEADLY. THe perfect support. (can you imagine him on the Suns this year? DEADLY!) Just don't count on him to be "the man". That is just not him. So he is either a (D plus) as "the man" or a (solid A) "super role player". Take your pick. I think he is super role player.

if is he role player, how we can expect to get artest or maggettie type of player via trade?.....definitely, they are not role players....according to yours grade the best we can get for peja is stephe jackson or mike dunleavy

 
Bibby deserves at least a B. There's no way, especially considering that all the weight was thrown onto his shoulders to carry the team that Bibby should have the same grade as Peja. One guy accepted the challenge and refused to back down with the game on the line while the other refuses to do basketball at home.
 
Team Dime said:
Bibby deserves at least a B. There's no way, especially considering that all the weight was thrown onto his shoulders to carry the team that Bibby should have the same grade as Peja. One guy accepted the challenge and refused to back down with the game on the line while the other refuses to do basketball at home.

Little biased? :)

Based on this season, I would give Bibb at least half a grade (ifnot a whole grade) better than Peja. Bibby with a B and Peja with a B- or a C+.

All the comments taking stabs at one player or another ar getting little old. CWebb last year, Peja this year, next year it will be somebody else. Peja gives alot to the sport of basketball and if he doesn't bring his work home with him, he definately takes it with him all year round (even when other players are chillaxing at their luxurious houses somewhere near the beach side).
 
Really, the playoffs look weak? Maybe b/c theres no Kobe-Shaq Lakers, but there are alot of strong teams this year including, Detroit, SA, the Rockets, Dallas, Sonics, Miami and the Suns. Last year honestly maybe only Detroit, Indy, Kings, SA, Lakers and Minne could win it. There isn't a juggarnaut like years past, but the playoff teams remaining this year are pretty solid.
 
My Grades would be:

Bibby-B+
Peja-B-/C+
Brad-B
Ostertag-C-
Evans-B
Bobby-INC
Kenny-B-
Skinner-B when he was healthy, D in the Playoffs when he was hurt
Corliss-C+
Martin-C+
Barnes-B
Webber-B
Mobley-B-/C+
 
Those are way too harsh. First of all ... this is the best season of Bibby's career. Giving him a C is ridiculous and shows a little bias based on a few playoff performances. Secondly, you are showing C average among our players. An "average" team doesn't win 50 games.
 
keflanag said:
Those are way too harsh. First of all ... this is the best season of Bibby's career. Giving him a C is ridiculous and shows a little bias based on a few playoff performances. Secondly, you are showing C average among our players. An "average" team doesn't win 50 games.

Maybe we have a really good coach?:eek:
 
A's for everybody!!!

But seriously, I think they ('cept Peja, but he picked it up at the end) left everything on the floor during the season and postseason. As far as Adelman is concerned, an A- for doing as well as he did with all of the unrest and talent issues he faced. The lowest grade I can give to anybody would be a C+ to Peja, and for the most part that is because he was not motivating himself until the last few games of the postseason. My other outstanding grade is a solid A for Kenny Thomas. He may make some boneheaded decisions, but nobody can say that he doesn't give every last ounce of blood and sweat to help his team win. It's really an A for effort, but I think that with the lackadaisical moments our Kings have been prone to, it was awesome to see a guy that, like BoJax of old, refuses to give less than his best.
 
mcsluggo said:
Matt Barnes - solid A - he exceded expectations during his stay here, no question

Mike Bibby - solid C - Other than his one stretch of superman play (right after the webber trade), I thought this was a disapointing season for Bibby (since I expected more from him), especially down the stretch. Not bad, clearly the cream of the team, but he didn't dazzle.

Doug Christie - C minus - Doug was clearly in decline when we traded him. He was my favorite player, but it was time to say goodbye.

Erik Daniels - inc - Who the hell knows?

Mo Evans - B plus/A minus - he turned into a solid (if sometimes erratic) contributor to this team, his athleticism was JUST what was needed, and he exceded expectations.

Eddie House - B - I was expecting nothing from this guy, I hated his game before he came to the kings, and during his early nenure here, and then suddenly he bacame solid. who'd've thunk it?

Bobby Jackson - inc/ D - you want to give injured players the benefit of the doubt, but persistant being injured becomes a huge problem. He got an inc last season, and it turns into a failure when it happens again.

Kevin Martin - inc/C minus - I expected more from him. Some of it is adleman's avertion to rooks, but he also rarely showed me much when he was in the game (a few exceptions)

Brad Miller - C minus/D plus - see Bobby Jackson's grade. I hate to be harsh, and I love the guy, but when you limp into the postseason EVERY year, you begin to approach worthlessness. Has he EVER been healthy at the end of a season? For any team? (serious question.. I don't know)

Cutino Mobley - C minus - In the end he was exactly what I was afraid he was when the king's traded for him-- fools gold. He has talent, and can be clutch -- so he tantalizes you. But in the end he is too damn erratic and unmoldable. <sigh>

Greg Ostertag - inc - no way to grade him other than incomplete. He came in to camp out of shape, got into coach's doghouse, and never left. When he WAS in the game he was just what I expected: inconsistant, but sometimes a difference maker (same as he was with the Jazz). THe kings NEEDED to play him more.

Brian Skinner - C plus - another fools gold. He appeared and played out of this world (and out of his league) for a month, shooting expectations through the roof. But then, when it mattered, he was the exact non-factor we thought he was going to be when he was a throw-in from the Webber trade. <sigh>

Darius Songaila - B pls/A minus - Darius gives you more than you have a right to expect from him. A solid solid back up/roleplayer, unassuming and just does the tasks he is assigned. Every team NEEDS a few players like him to be good.

Peja Stojakovic - C - Can we say fools gold again? <sigh> Actually, let me start over here: Its time we all think of Peja what he really is, the penultimate role player. He is a GREAT role player, the best in the league. He is a solid defender, and when he is well fed, can put up huge numbers on offense. Fit him in with the right players and he is DEADLY. THe perfect support. (can you imagine him on the Suns this year? DEADLY!) Just don't count on him to be "the man". That is just not him. So he is either a (D plus) as "the man" or a (solid A) "super role player". Take your pick. I think he is super role player.

Kenny Thomas


Chris Webber - C minus - injuries have clearly robbed him of his previously unmatched combination of athleticism/agility/size. at the same time, his head had become more securely screwed on than it ever had been before in his career. Then he was traded and the philly boo-birds drove his head straight up his a**. King's management gave up on a future tied to Webber, and bailed on this season to avoid that fate. (You know, this year Duncan limps into the playoffs, the field looks the weakest it has been in 20 years, but the kings folded before the bidding actually began. Who knows.)

What was wrong with Brad Miller last year?
 
mcsluggo said:
Matt Barnes - solid A - he exceded expectations during his stay here, no question

Mike Bibby - solid C - Other than his one stretch of superman play (right after the webber trade), I thought this was a disapointing season for Bibby (since I expected more from him), especially down the stretch. Not bad, clearly the cream of the team, but he didn't dazzle.

Doug Christie - C minus - Doug was clearly in decline when we traded him. He was my favorite player, but it was time to say goodbye.

Erik Daniels - inc - Who the hell knows?

Mo Evans - B plus/A minus - he turned into a solid (if sometimes erratic) contributor to this team, his athleticism was JUST what was needed, and he exceded expectations.

Eddie House - B - I was expecting nothing from this guy, I hated his game before he came to the kings, and during his early nenure here, and then suddenly he bacame solid. who'd've thunk it?

Bobby Jackson - inc/ D - you want to give injured players the benefit of the doubt, but persistant being injured becomes a huge problem. He got an inc last season, and it turns into a failure when it happens again.

Kevin Martin - inc/C minus - I expected more from him. Some of it is adleman's avertion to rooks, but he also rarely showed me much when he was in the game (a few exceptions)

Brad Miller - C minus/D plus - see Bobby Jackson's grade. I hate to be harsh, and I love the guy, but when you limp into the postseason EVERY year, you begin to approach worthlessness. Has he EVER been healthy at the end of a season? For any team? (serious question.. I don't know)

Cutino Mobley - C minus - In the end he was exactly what I was afraid he was when the king's traded for him-- fools gold. He has talent, and can be clutch -- so he tantalizes you. But in the end he is too damn erratic and unmoldable. <sigh>

Greg Ostertag - inc - no way to grade him other than incomplete. He came in to camp out of shape, got into coach's doghouse, and never left. When he WAS in the game he was just what I expected: inconsistant, but sometimes a difference maker (same as he was with the Jazz). THe kings NEEDED to play him more.

Brian Skinner - C plus - another fools gold. He appeared and played out of this world (and out of his league) for a month, shooting expectations through the roof. But then, when it mattered, he was the exact non-factor we thought he was going to be when he was a throw-in from the Webber trade. <sigh>

Darius Songaila - B pls/A minus - Darius gives you more than you have a right to expect from him. A solid solid back up/roleplayer, unassuming and just does the tasks he is assigned. Every team NEEDS a few players like him to be good.

Peja Stojakovic - C - Can we say fools gold again? <sigh> Actually, let me start over here: Its time we all think of Peja what he really is, the penultimate role player. He is a GREAT role player, the best in the league. He is a solid defender, and when he is well fed, can put up huge numbers on offense. Fit him in with the right players and he is DEADLY. THe perfect support. (can you imagine him on the Suns this year? DEADLY!) Just don't count on him to be "the man". That is just not him. So he is either a (D plus) as "the man" or a (solid A) "super role player". Take your pick. I think he is super role player.

Kenny Thomas


Chris Webber - C minus - injuries have clearly robbed him of his previously unmatched combination of athleticism/agility/size. at the same time, his head had become more securely screwed on than it ever had been before in his career. Then he was traded and the philly boo-birds drove his head straight up his a**. King's management gave up on a future tied to Webber, and bailed on this season to avoid that fate. (You know, this year Duncan limps into the playoffs, the field looks the weakest it has been in 20 years, but the kings folded before the bidding actually began. Who knows.)


Corlis Williamson

I thought you were a little harsh on some of the grades. This is I saw it as far as season grades.

Barnes- B- As well as he played at times there were also big lapses as well.

Mike Bibby-solid B+ Played great all year long. he got a little tired and was hurt by the new players not knowing the offense and Brad out for so long. I was amazed he wasn't selected to the all star team during the voting time.

Mo Evans- B Played well, played smart and within himself. He made few bonehead plays and has a big potential for improvement. Hope we keep him.

Eddie House- B- Started very slow but picked up steam as the season went along. Plyed surprisingly good ball and did not make a lot of stupid plays. I wouold be happy to see him here next year.

Bobby Jackson- Inc Played well in the start of the season at a B to B+ rating but then got hurt. When he returned showed no sign of his old self. If he can be what he once was- keep him. If not, then hasta la vista.

Kevin Martin-C- Didn't play alot. Didn't too much to stand out. you cant really judge him by this year. He had a few moments where he made his presence felt. Has some potential but didn't really see much of it.

Brad Miller-B+ Played well and at times outstanding. Very consistent. late January he and Mike were on a tear and between him and Mike and Matty pretty much carried the team on their shoulders. Never has lived up to his reputation as being a tough guy and good defender though. Still has some work to do. The Brad that showed up in the playoffs was not the same guy so I will let him slide. A valiant effort returning from the injury but no where near where he was before the injury. Oh yeah, one more thing. Brad, shoot the damn ball for crying out loud!!!!!

Cuttino Mobely- B- Streaky shooter. Not afraid to take and make big shots. Good shooter in the clutch, but makes bad decisions with the ball, that shoots first and asks questions later both with the ball and with his mouth. A good player but not right for this team and the style that is played.

Greg Ostertag-F Absolutely no excuse for a player to not be in shape when called upon. Basically ripped off the team, the Malloofs, and the fans by failing to be a professional. Don't let the door hit you on the but on the way out.

Brian Skinner-C+ Played great when he first came over but got less effective as the season wore on. supposed injury to his thumbs. I wonder how long that hurts for? they weren't broken. Anyway, he disappeared towards the end of the season and in the playoffs entirely. Not sure what he will bring us long term. to me he is a mystery.

Darius Songaila-C+ He's supposed to be banger but unfortunatly has the Scot Pollard syndrome. If he gets anywhere near a player from the other team they call him for a foul. Has a great mid range jumper but with that wide body of his he should be a better rebounder.

Peja- B- A great shooter and can be a very good 1 on 1 defender. He is a VERY good player when he is agrresive. Problem is that he tends to be too passive more and more. So much so that it is a major bone of contention for me and others. At times he seems timid and unwilling to make a sacrifice if needed such as going after loose balls. It was nice to see him have a great game 5. that is what I expect of a player of his caliber.

Kenny Thomas-B Nice mid range jumper. Is aggresive in going to the hoop. Nice job rebounding...for his size. that is the problem. He's too damn small for that position. maybe better suited to the sf. If he was only 2 inches taller I would love this guy. But he's not. And that's the way it goes.

Corliss Williamson- B We've been there and done that with Corliss before. At least this time coach utilized him the way he should have been used the first go-round. A banger who won't back down. Finally, a role player that knows what he needs to do. I would have no problem having Corliss backing up Peja next year (if they are both still here)
 
Ah McSluggo, so you took on the impossible task! :)

Don't even know what standards to use for half of the guys, or what expectations were fair. Think you could poll 1000 KF members and get 1000 different variations.

Guys who were here all year:

Peja ( C ) -- not even clear he was giving it his all early in the season, and rebounding was terrible for the entire year. Late in the season showed signs of life and importantly sporadic development of the ability to create for himself. Playoffs was mixed bag, disappearnces again, but finished on a high note. Overall season raised major questions about how dependant he was upon our great passers for success. Numbers, 20.1pts 4.3rebs 2.1ast very reminiscient of a down year for Glen Rice + may be the best comparison.
Miller ( B- ) -- was having a disappointing year even before the injury (which this grade takes into account). Rebounding had fallen off, and defensive deficiencies had become a real problem. Still needed to run the offense, and its become obvious Bibby needs a big man to play the 2 man game with and to share the passing load. Had a few huge games when we were suffering from injuries mid-year, but never seems to stick with him. Just does nto have the mentality of an aggressive offensive player.
Bibby ( B+ ) -- rebounded well all season, but defensive issues no longer could be covered for this year. Hit big big clutch shots once more. Went on a huge streak in the last month of Webber's tenure where he played at a near-superstar level -- 25pts 7ast 5reb type stuff. But after the trade and the Brad injury, limitations in his game became very evident, needs a big man to help. Playoffs were wildly up and down.
Jackson ( C- ) -- and a bunch of this grade is because he just can't stay healthy. But was already struggling a bit even while on the court early in the year as well. Inspiring return for last game of the season, but the playoffs were another disaster for him.
Songaila ( B- ) -- did not improve that much from his first season. Jumper, hustle and did show flashes of passing ability that could be nice if he stays. But continuing rebounding problems and shortness/interior defense issues a bad fit. Made a bid to be the new starter in first post-Webb game, but just seemed to give the spot away quietly over next few weeks. Became a foul machine late in the year.
Evans ( B+ ) -- he and Barnes emerged as nice training camp surprises. Great athleticism which we desperately need. And when he's on, can provide a huge hustle/rebounding burst. Mature guy too. Downside is inability to create for himself and rampant inconsistency. Fully capable of going ofr 13pts and 8rebs one night, and 3pts 2reb the next. With consistency, strong roleplayer.
Ostertag ( D ) -- part of this low grade actually probably lands at Adelman's feet. When he actually played showed bursts of play where he really helped us as our only shotblocker/intimidator in there. Also better passer than I thought. But also had very ineffective runs as well -- career long inconsistency problem. And obvioualy story of his season was being in poor shape and Rick's lack of confidence/refusal to play him.
Martin ( C ) -- showed flashes here and there over the year of being a potentially potent offensive player, and defensive hustle was pleasant surprise. But remains raw, unsure of when to shoot and when to drive, limitations on range, and with an ugly set shot begging to be blocked. Had some very encouraging nights, but too often disappeared. Inconsistent + hard to read.
Daniels ( INC ) -- just impossible to grade. Really made the roster just because others failed, will not be back. Good luck to him, but not sure of his future in the league.

Old guys:

Webber ( B+ ) -- still horribly hobbled by what is now obviously a career ruining knee injury, but made adjustments, and in one of the more remarkable developments of the year metamorphed into an enthusiastic clutch leader for the Kings. I was proud of him. Just too bad it had to happen so late in his career. Would have loved to have seen his spirit this year in the Webber of '01.
Barnes ( B ) -- liked Matt and wouldn't mind seeing him come back next year, so long as it for a spot fairly deep on the bench. Good all around skills, and liked his ability to rebound, hustle, and pass. But also very inconsistent and of course sloppy. Hard to depend on him, and capable of the big mistake. Still better than you can hope for in a training camp acquisition.
Christie ( C- ) -- just all too clearly had little left to give. Had slowed down, and his bad nights now were totally invisible 2pt in 25min sort of efforts. Defense was still above average, but nowhere near what it once was. Just got old.
Bradley ( INC ) -- Michael we barely knew ya. Hardly touched the floor for us. Showed some solid post ability, but too few minutes to get any real read.

New guys:

Thomas ( B ) -- in many ways gets the most out of what he has. Just probably doesn't have enough. Jumper better than I remembered -- money if his feet are set. And coupled it with drives to take advantage of his quickness. Hustling offensive boarder. But lack of size on the defensive glass, and unable to protect the interior on defense. Also prone to making dumb mistakes at times and can be selfish.
Skinner ( B- ) -- got off to such a strong start for us, looked like he might actually be the gem of the trade. But then had one game where he managed to sprain both thumbs, and play fell way way off for the remainder of the year. By the end was repeatedly getting worked by larger players, and even when he put up decent numbers seemed to have little impact. Unsure what to think now.
Williamson ( C+ ) -- got put into a lot of bad situations as an undersized PF or atrociously small C. Over career, best used as a postup power SF against smaller/weaker men. Poor boarder and defender -- just physically not equipped for it. Tough minded and won't back down, but frequently outmatched by bigger players.
Mobley ( C+ ) -- so erratic. And almost lacksadaisically erratic. At times looks like he does not care. Then suddenly gets a burst of something and runs off 10 points. Turning it on and off it seems. Can be very clutch. Can also be very dumb. Everything, good and bad, seemed to come at a whim. Really bailed our butts out at times, but it was on his own schedule. Never could be counted on. Never in the system. Never did what you expected him too. Small size and indifferent defense not a great fit this season.
House ( B ) -- really impressed down the stretch this season. Started off very sloppy and forcing far too much and looked like a bad pickup. But finished season on a real roll, and had settled in and was contributing solid play and acurate shooting on a nightly basis. As much as you could have hoped for for a midseason waiver wire pickup.
 
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if you take all grades during the season and playoff, peja's average probably will be higher than C.....C+ for mobley is too high
 
I like Bricklayer's grades, they were based on how they filled their roles. Mcsluggo based them on what was expected of each player. Although, I think Skinner should have a high grade for how he took care of things in Brad's absense. Yes, the late injuries slowed him down a bit and he was outmatched by more dominant centers. But given the situation he was thrown in to, he handle himself beyond what's was expected.
 
Ok I do not get this. Why is Bibby grade higher then Pedja?

YEAR G GS MIN FG FG% 3P 3P% FT FT% STL
04-05 66 66 38.4 6.8-15.4 .444 2.6-6.6 .402 3.8-4.2. 920 1.20

BLK TO PF OFF DEF TOT AST PTS
0.2 1.5 2.4 0.9 3.4 4.3 2.1 20.1


YEAR G GS MIN FG FG% 3P 3P% FT FT% STL
04-05 80 80 38.6 7.0-15.8 .443 1.6-4.6 .360 4.0-5.2 .775 1.55

BLK TO PF OFF DEF TOT AST PTS
0.4 2.5 2.4 1.0 3.2 4.2 6.8 19.6

That is pretty much the same. You can argue that Bibby totally out rebounding Pedja but Pedja defense was better. I think both get the same grade. in my books. Which is a B-
 
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AleksandarN said:
Ok I do not get this. Why is Bibby grade higher then Pedja?

YEAR G GS MIN FG FG% 3P 3P% FT FT% STL
04-05 66 66 38.4 6.8-15.4 .444 2.6-6.6 .402 3.8-4.2. 920 1.20

BLK TO PF OFF DEF TOT AST PTS
0.2 1.5 2.4 0.9 3.4 4.3 2.1 20.1


YEAR G GS MIN FG FG% 3P 3P% FT FT% STL
04-05 80 80 38.6 7.0-15.8 .443 1.6-4.6 .360 4.0-5.2 .775 1.55

BLK TO PF OFF DEF TOT AST PTS
0.4 2.5 2.4 1.0 3.2 4.2 6.8 19.6

That is pretty much the same. You can argue that Bibby totally out rebounding Pedja but Pedja defense was better. I think both get the same grade. in my books. Which is a B-


Very simple really -- Peja Stojakovic had his worst season since becoming a starter, and his most disappointing season as a pro. Meanwhile Mike Bibby had his finest season as a pro and had to take on the mantle of leadership for the whole team.
 
keflanag said:
Those are way too harsh. First of all ... this is the best season of Bibby's career. Giving him a C is ridiculous and shows a little bias based on a few playoff performances. Secondly, you are showing C average among our players. An "average" team doesn't win 50 games.

But an "average" Kings team over the past few seasons only wins 50 games. This season started with talk of the window being closed, and with all the trades, the talk certainly wasn't premature.
 
Bricklayer said:
Very simple really -- Peja Stojakovic had his worst season since becoming a starter, and his most disappointing season as a pro. Meanwhile Mike Bibby had his finest season as a pro and had to take on the mantle of leadership for the whole team.

Agreed. Bibby proved that if there is a solid second star on this team, it was him. Peja fell off from the solid second star to third star too quickly. Big thing for the Kings is to figure out how to land that first star in this offseason, or, imho, the 50-win mark will again be what the Kings are "shooting" for next season as well.
 
Bricklayer said:
Ah McSluggo, so you took on the impossible task! :)

Don't even know what standards to use for half of the guys, or what expectations were fair. Think you could poll 1000 KF members and get 1000 different variations.

Guys who were here all year:

Peja ( C ) -- not even clear he was giving it his all early in the season, and rebounding was terrible for the entire year. Late in the season showed signs of life and importantly sporadic development of the ability to create for himself. Playoffs was mixed bag, disappearnces again, but finished on a high note. Overall season raised major questions about how dependant he was upon our great passers for success. Numbers, 20.1pts 4.3rebs 2.1ast very reminiscient of a down year for Glen Rice + may be the best comparison.
Miller ( B- ) -- was having a disappointing year even before the injury (which this grade takes into account). Rebounding had fallen off, and defensive deficiencies had become a real problem. Still needed to run the offense, and its become obvious Bibby needs a big man to play the 2 man game with and to share the passing load. Had a few huge games when we were suffering from injuries mid-year, but never seems to stick with him. Just does nto have the mentality of an aggressive offensive player.
Bibby ( B+ ) -- rebounded well all season, but defensive issues no longer could be covered for this year. Hit big big clutch shots once more. Went on a huge streak in the last month of Webber's tenure where he played at a near-superstar level -- 25pts 7ast 5reb type stuff. But after the trade and the Brad injury, limitations in his game became very evident, needs a big man to help. Playoffs were wildly up and down.
Jackson ( C- ) -- and a bunch of this grade is because he just can't stay healthy. But was already struggling a bit even while on the court early in the year as well. Inspiring return for last game of the season, but the playoffs were another disaster for him.
Songaila ( B- ) -- did not improve that much from his first season. Jumper, hustle and did show flashes of passing ability that could be nice if he stays. But continuing rebounding problems and shortness/interior defense issues a bad fit. Made a bid to be the new starter in first post-Webb game, but just seemed to give the spot away quietly over next few weeks. Became a foul machine late in the year.
Evans ( B+ ) -- he and Barnes emerged as nice training camp surprises. Great athleticism which we desperately need. And when he's on, can provide a huge hustle/rebounding burst. Mature guy too. Downside is inability to create for himself and rampant inconsistency. Fully capable of going ofr 13pts and 8rebs one night, and 3pts 2reb the next. With consistency, strong roleplayer.
Ostertag ( D ) -- part of this low grade actually probably lands at Adelman's feet. When he actually played showed bursts of play where he really helped us as our only shotblocker/intimidator in there. Also better passer than I thought. But also had very ineffective runs as well -- career long inconsistency problem. And obvioualy story of his season was being in poor shape and Rick's lack of confidence/refusal to play him.
Martin ( C ) -- showed flashes here and there over the year of being a potentially potent offensive player, and defensive hustle was pleasant surprise. But remains raw, unsure of when to shoot and when to drive, limitations on range, and with an ugly set shot begging to be blocked. Had some very encouraging nights, but too often disappeared. Inconsistent + hard to read.
Daniels ( INC ) -- just impossible to grade. Really made the roster just because others failed, will not be back. Good luck to him, but not sure of his future in the league.

Old guys:

Webber ( B+ ) -- still horribly hobbled by what is now obviously a career ruining knee injury, but made adjustments, and in one of the more remarkable developments of the year metamorphed into an enthusiastic clutch leader for the Kings. I was proud of him. Just too bad it had to happen so late in his career. Would have loved to have seen his spirit this year in the Webber of '01.
Barnes ( B ) -- liked Matt and wouldn't mind seeing him come back next year, so long as it for a spot fairly deep on the bench. Good all around skills, and liked his ability to rebound, hustle, and pass. But also very inconsistent and of course sloppy. Hard to depend on him, and capable of the big mistake. Still better than you can hope for in a training camp acquisition.
Christie ( C- ) -- just all too clearly had little left to give. Had slowed down, and his bad nights now were totally invisible 2pt in 25min sort of efforts. Defense was still above average, but nowhere near what it once was. Just got old.
Bradley ( INC ) -- Michael we barely knew ya. Hardly touched the floor for us. Showed some solid post ability, but too few minutes to get any real read.

New guys:

Thomas ( B ) -- in many ways gets the most out of what he has. Just probably doesn't have enough. Jumper better than I remembered -- money if his feet are set. And coupled it with drives to take advantage of his quickness. Hustling offensive boarder. But lack of size on the defensive glass, and unable to protect the interior on defense. Also prone to making dumb mistakes at times and can be selfish.
Skinner ( B- ) -- got off to such a strong start for us, looked like he might actually be the gem of the trade. But then had one game where he managed to sprain both thumbs, and play fell way way off for the remainder of the year. By the end was repeatedly getting worked by larger players, and even when he put up decent numbers seemed to have little impact. Unsure what to think now.
Williamson ( C+ ) -- got put into a lot of bad situations as an undersized PF or atrociously small C. Over career, best used as a postup power SF against smaller/weaker men. Poor boarder and defender -- just physically not equipped for it. Tough minded and won't back down, but frequently outmatched by bigger players.
Mobley ( C+ ) -- so erratic. And almost lacksadaisically erratic. At times looks like he does not care. Then suddenly gets a burst of something and runs off 10 points. Turning it on and off it seems. Can be very clutch. Can also be very dumb. Everything, good and bad, seemed to come at a whim. Really bailed our butts out at times, but it was on his own schedule. Never could be counted on. Never in the system. Never did what you expected him too. Small size and indifferent defense not a great fit this season.
House ( B ) -- really impressed down the stretch this season. Started off very sloppy and forcing far too much and looked like a bad pickup. But finished season on a real roll, and had settled in and was contributing solid play and acurate shooting on a nightly basis. As much as you could have hoped for for a midseason waiver wire pickup.

I didn't think I'd agree, but after thinking about this for quite a while, I think those grades are pretty close...and they're probably why we're all sitting here waiting for next season.

I would be tempted to give Corliss a slightly higher grade, if only for his performance to expectations ratio.
 
sloter said:
Perhaps ... I guess it also means that Pedja at C is better than Webber at B+... go figure.

Are you ever going to be done trying to get in one last dig against Webber? It's actually a tad pathetic now.

For the record Peja at C is nowhere near Webber ... at B+, B- or even C+. Regardless of anything else, Webber gave his all - every single night. Even if there were times when that "all" wasn't very much.

And before anyone says anything, I am NOT bashing Peja. I am attempting to point out the ludicrous nature of that kind of comment.

To me, the idea that some still have to try and make it about Peja v. Webber is just a little sad.
 
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dats some bull ...

20 points per game ... C ??? HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA HAHAHAH HAAAAAAAAAAAA yah boy

bibby and peja were the best this year
 
Oh good. More blind homerism...

Is it so hard for people to face reality? To admit their countryman/hero had a less than stellar year?

Peja himself has admitted his failings. Why can't you?
 
i can ... but not to the grade C or whatever like that

he sucked sometimes ... he was awsome sometimes ...

his numbers are more than C ...

his defence is more than C ...

his rebounding simply sucks ...

overall ... a b- would be good dont you think ?
 
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