I honestly don't think they are showcasing either player. Every team needs a shooter, Jimmer will come around.
And Hassan has attributes this team severely lacks, so I dont think they would move him either.
Im pretty sure we will see The Kings try and develop both these players further, unless a spectaculer deal comes through for them.
The players I DO think we are showcasing are, Garcia, Greene, Salmons, Outlaw, Thompson.
I think that in Hassan's case, the opportunity just presented itself. No Hickson, and with Hayes being undersized, it helps to have anyone on the floor over 6'9" with him. Whiteside needs some serious tutoring on how to block out under the basket. Fundamentally, he's just terrible in that area. There were at least 6 or 7 boards he should have had last night. But at least he's getting experience, and there's no substitute for that. With Jimmer, I just think it was a combination of matchups, and that he was playing well. He was one of the few players last night that was actually trying to create for his teammates instead of trying to be a hero. There was a stretch in the second half last night when I believe there were seven possessions in a row where we went one on one and came away with nothing. Pure crap basketball that I would expect to see in a parking lot.
He actually seemed to improve in that aspect as his stint in the NO game went on, as Kaman went relatively quiet after initially burning him. Anyways, he's young. He'll learn (I hope)Hassan seems to play like he doesn't realize he put on 30lbs of muscle. I've seen zero physicality from him in the paint. But, it could be just being tentative as I doubt he was expecting to get off the bench at all. No doubt he has talent. if that talent blossoms he'd be a pretty good fit next to Cuz. I do worry about Hassan's motor though. Think going to the big man camp this summer would help.
But at his size, with the increased muscle, there's no reason to get pushed around in the paint the way he does. Hope it's just an early mental jitters thing which he shakes. My guess is he's never had to be physical before as he's so long he could just reach over everyone to block shots or gets boards.
Why give up on talented young players on rookie contracts? The only reason would be enticement in a trade for a solid starting level veteran in his prime.
I think both Jimmer and Hassan will stick with the Kings and be part of the rotation. Both of them just need minutes and lots of coaching.
KB