Summer League: California Summer Classic (July 2-5)

Jkbiker

Jkbiker

Starter
#32
#32
https://twitter.com/statuses/1010227239601008640
Gabriel just posted a tweet that suggests he has some kind of deal with the Sacramento Kings:
View image on Twitter

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​
Coming to SAC!
@SacramentoKings​
Twitter Ads info and privacy


It’s likely an invite to the Kings’ summer league team, but it may include a training camp invite if he plays well. If he signs with the Kings, he’ll join former Wildcats Skal Labissiere, De’Aaron Fox and Willie Cauley-Stein.
Gabriel, who entered the draft after two years in Lexington, round a role on the court last year as a high-energy player with a strong motor who could rebound, fight for loose balls, and hit jumpers from the perimeter at a near 40 percent clip.
 
2

206Fan

All-Star
#33
#33
VF21 said:
I don't think dominating the SL is a sign of things to come.

https://www.nba.com/kings/summer-league-award-ceremony
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I believe it is. Our entire future is on the shoulders of Fox, Bagley, and Giles (Buddy/Bogdan maybe too). However, if those 3 can't dominate simple SL competition against NBA DLeaguers, then we'll have a very big problem. If they can't perform well in SL, then what are we expecting vs. NBA talent?

Last year we all had high expectations for our squad. We assumed SL champs: Fox-Buddy-Jackson-Skal-Papagiannis-Richardson-Mason. From what I remember, all of those guys disappointed in the SL outside of 1 or 2 games. Skal heavily regressed from just 3 months prior. Papagiannis somehow looked even slower. Richardson was invisible. Fox looked decent in the games he was healthy in. I don't remember much about Buddy's performance. It gave us some serious red flags coming into the season that maybe our young players aren't that good.. and they were right. Richardson and Papagiannis are gone from the team 6 months later. Skal heavily regressed. Jackson struggles in his rookie year. Fox has an up and down rookie year. Buddy looks good though. None of the youngins emerged as our franchise player last year. This upcoming season has to be different.

So a lot is riding on SL performances. If the young guys suck, then it'll give us an idea about where next season is going. SL is NOT the regular season, but again, I'm going to be very very worried if they can't dominate SL teams. Our future is the hands of these kids. My patience as a Kings fan can only only go for so long. I'm tired of always having to defend this team and always buying into their narrative of "don't worry, we'll be better next year". This better be that year.
 
VF21

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#34
#34
206Fan said:
I believe it is. Our entire future is on the shoulders of Fox, Bagley, and Giles (Buddy/Bogdan maybe too). However, if those 3 can't dominate simple SL competition against NBA DLeaguers, then we'll have a very big problem. If they can't perform well in SL, then what are we expecting vs. NBA talent?

Last year we all had high expectations for our squad. We assumed SL champs: Fox-Buddy-Jackson-Skal-Papagiannis-Richardson-Mason. From what I remember, all of those guys disappointed in the SL outside of 1 or 2 games. Skal heavily regressed from just 3 months prior. Papagiannis somehow looked even slower. Richardson was invisible. Fox looked decent in the games he was healthy in. I don't remember much about Buddy's performance. It gave us some serious red flags coming into the season that maybe our young players aren't that good.. and they were right. Richardson and Papagiannis are gone from the team 6 months later. Skal heavily regressed. Jackson struggles in his rookie year. Fox has an up and down rookie year. Buddy looks good though. None of the youngins emerged as our franchise player last year. This upcoming season has to be different.

So a lot is riding on SL performances. If the young guys suck, then it'll give us an idea about where next season is going. SL is NOT the regular season, but again, I'm going to be very very worried if they can't dominate SL teams. Our future is the hands of these kids. My patience as a Kings fan can only only go for so long. I'm tired of always having to defend this team and always buying into their narrative of "don't worry, we'll be better next year". This better be that year.
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Fair enough. I immediately thought of the "championship" at the expense of really thinking about your post before I replied. You are, of course, totally right. Their performances in SL will tell us a lot. I'm not setting the bar quite as high as you apparently are, but I'm hoping to see good fundamentals, communication, etc. Things that will translate well into training camp, pre-season and 2018-2019.
 
ockingsfan

ockingsfan

Starter
#35
#35
Jkbiker said:
https://twitter.com/statuses/1010227239601008640
Gabriel just posted a tweet that suggests he has some kind of deal with the Sacramento Kings:
View image on Twitter

​
​
Coming to SAC!
@SacramentoKings​
Twitter Ads info and privacy


It’s likely an invite to the Kings’ summer league team, but it may include a training camp invite if he plays well. If he signs with the Kings, he’ll join former Wildcats Skal Labissiere, De’Aaron Fox and Willie Cauley-Stein.
Gabriel, who entered the draft after two years in Lexington, round a role on the court last year as a high-energy player with a strong motor who could rebound, fight for loose balls, and hit jumpers from the perimeter at a near 40 percent clip.
Click to expand...
I like this kid. I hope he sticks!

Plus his UK point guard from two years ago is on the Kings too! D'Arron Fox!
 
bajaden

bajaden

Hall of Famer
#36
#36
206Fan said:
I believe it is. Our entire future is on the shoulders of Fox, Bagley, and Giles (Buddy/Bogdan maybe too). However, if those 3 can't dominate simple SL competition against NBA DLeaguers, then we'll have a very big problem. If they can't perform well in SL, then what are we expecting vs. NBA talent?

Last year we all had high expectations for our squad. We assumed SL champs: Fox-Buddy-Jackson-Skal-Papagiannis-Richardson-Mason. From what I remember, all of those guys disappointed in the SL outside of 1 or 2 games. Skal heavily regressed from just 3 months prior. Papagiannis somehow looked even slower. Richardson was invisible. Fox looked decent in the games he was healthy in. I don't remember much about Buddy's performance. It gave us some serious red flags coming into the season that maybe our young players aren't that good.. and they were right. Richardson and Papagiannis are gone from the team 6 months later. Skal heavily regressed. Jackson struggles in his rookie year. Fox has an up and down rookie year. Buddy looks good though. None of the youngins emerged as our franchise player last year. This upcoming season has to be different.

So a lot is riding on SL performances. If the young guys suck, then it'll give us an idea about where next season is going. SL is NOT the regular season, but again, I'm going to be very very worried if they can't dominate SL teams. Our future is the hands of these kids. My patience as a Kings fan can only only go for so long. I'm tired of always having to defend this team and always buying into their narrative of "don't worry, we'll be better next year". This better be that year.
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Look, every one wants the young guys to look good, and hopefully look like one of the best teams at summer league, but lets not forget, the all the other teams are made up of young guys with great potential as well. I'm sure that the Suns expect their team to be one of the best there, and rightfully so with Ayton and Bridges. That's hardly chopped liver, or a bunch of D-Leaguers. So lets try and keep things in perspective. Also, lest people forget, and I haven't because I was there!

DeMarcus Cousins in his first summer league game looked terrific. He looked like a potential all star. In his next three games, he stunk the place out, almost fouling out of every game, missing shots and turning the ball over, while having trouble getting up and down the floor. Using your analogy, we should have cut him from the team right then and there. But guess what, he turned out to be pretty darn good. Always remember that for the most part you have a bunch of talented young players that have never played together before. Sometimes that works, and sometimes it doesn't. But I wouldn't put a lot of future stock in it one way or the other.

Be nice if they looked good though!;)
 
bajaden

bajaden

Hall of Famer
#37
#37
ockingsfan said:
I like this kid. I hope he sticks!

Plus his UK point guard from two years ago is on the Kings too! D'Arron Fox!
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I really like Gabriel. I liked him his freshman year. Unfortunately, because of Kentucky having so many big men, he got jerked around a lot both of his years at Kentucky. They had him playing both the SF and PF positions, and there were a few times he moved over to center. I like him at SF, with the ability to slide over and play some stetch four.

Gabriel is a very good defender and good rebounder. He averaged one blocked shot a game in limited minutes. He shot just a tick under 40% from the three. He's a very good athlete. He's the kind of player that should be considered for a two way contract instead of Cooley, who will never be a legit NBA player. I get that they rewarded him last year for his hustle, but that should end this season. Of course, if Gabriel is on our summer league team, and plays well, and Temple opts out, they might consider giving him a regular contract since they have three open roster spots.

Gabriel would fit well with Bagley, because like Bagley, he's another hustle guy with a great motor. Obviously I think there's some potential there!
 
Ozymandias

Ozymandias

All-Star
#39
#39
WENYEN GABRIEL!!!!!!!!! great kid! he's smart and articulate with a big smile and he plays the game with a great motor, major ball-hawk and he's improving rapidly.
De'Aaron Fox is gonna be pleased. This is a good move for the Kings. I hope he sticks, really is worth it for the Kings to sign him asap with the hole at SF.
 
T

The_Jamal

Hall of Famer
#40
#40
206Fan said:
I believe it is. Our entire future is on the shoulders of Fox, Bagley, and Giles (Buddy/Bogdan maybe too). However, if those 3 can't dominate simple SL competition against NBA DLeaguers, then we'll have a very big problem. If they can't perform well in SL, then what are we expecting vs. NBA talent?

Last year we all had high expectations for our squad. We assumed SL champs: Fox-Buddy-Jackson-Skal-Papagiannis-Richardson-Mason. From what I remember, all of those guys disappointed in the SL outside of 1 or 2 games. Skal heavily regressed from just 3 months prior. Papagiannis somehow looked even slower. Richardson was invisible. Fox looked decent in the games he was healthy in. I don't remember much about Buddy's performance. It gave us some serious red flags coming into the season that maybe our young players aren't that good.. and they were right. Richardson and Papagiannis are gone from the team 6 months later. Skal heavily regressed. Jackson struggles in his rookie year. Fox has an up and down rookie year. Buddy looks good though. None of the youngins emerged as our franchise player last year. This upcoming season has to be different.

So a lot is riding on SL performances. If the young guys suck, then it'll give us an idea about where next season is going. SL is NOT the regular season, but again, I'm going to be very very worried if they can't dominate SL teams. Our future is the hands of these kids. My patience as a Kings fan can only only go for so long. I'm tired of always having to defend this team and always buying into their narrative of "don't worry, we'll be better next year". This better be that year.
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No it isn't lol, don't be so dramatic. It's more or less just to give NBA junkies their fix during the long off-season and have fun getting to see our young guys play. No training camp, no vets, no time to practice with coach. It isn't much more than a rec league squad being thrown together for a week.

Giles is the only guy who I we can actually gleam something meaningful from. First real basketball we've seen him play, how he moves on the court, how long his stints are, how many minutes he can play. All these should give us a good idea how his recovery is going/has gone.
 
Warhawk

Warhawk

Give blood and save a life!
Staff member
#42
#42
Ozymandias said:
I feel much better about trading away the 37th pick now that Gabriel's got a chance :D

I like Marcus Foster too.
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A little off topic, but your post sparked a thought I wanted to mention. Not directed at you.

It seems like everyone has to grade everything and opine on everything and have a "hot take" immediately. The bashing of the FO seems to be immediate and intense whatever they do.

Can't we sit back and breathe on stuff a little bit first? We have no idea what the Summer League roster will actually look like - will Fox play or not? Who else gets added?

Similarly, with an anticipated SF signing and possible trades, we really don't know what much of the Kings roster may be on opening night. Everyone just chill a bit and give the FO some time to work.
 
Ozymandias

Ozymandias

All-Star
#44
#44
Warhawk said:
A little off topic, but your post sparked a thought I wanted to mention. Not directed at you.

It seems like everyone has to grade everything and opine on everything and have a "hot take" immediately. The bashing of the FO seems to be immediate and intense whatever they do.

Can't we sit back and breathe on stuff a little bit first? We have no idea what the Summer League roster will actually look like - will Fox play or not? Who else gets added?

Similarly, with an anticipated SF signing and possible trades, we really don't know what much of the Kings roster may be on opening night. Everyone just chill a bit and give the FO some time to work.
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today's society is wrought with instant gratification seeking behavior , this is reflected in the draft process quite thoroughly. It affects front offices too. sometimes their feet are to the fire, or their in a situation where mistakes will be magnified, this is how Andrew Bynum fell to the Lakers at 10... This is why John Callipari's Nets took Kerry Kittles over Kobe..

Still though the selling of 2nd rd picks is tricky business, especially ones in the prime 2nd rd which is where this one fell. ther were 2nd rd picks sold before Nikola Jokic was selected in 2014...
 
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AleksandarN

AleksandarN

Starter
#46
#46
Capt. Factorial said:
Giles was basically the clear #1 kid in his high school class before his injuries (and even AFTER recovering from the first); the injuries were both contact injuries, which doesn't imply Giles is inherently "fragile"; Giles is reportedly fully healthy after his year off and is again reportedly wowing us in practice.

Giles is expected to be the full package - if he maintains his athleticism he's basically Bagley with a better handle and much better passing. Bagley/Giles has the makings of a scary good frontcourt. It will be tough for it to deal defensively with the Embiids and perhaps Aytons of this world, but there aren't many that can deal with them. Offensively it could be the best tandem we've seen in a while.
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Better than Pedja and Webber?
 
Suicide King

Suicide King

Starter
#47
#47
Warhawk said:
A little off topic, but your post sparked a thought I wanted to mention. Not directed at you.

It seems like everyone has to grade everything and opine on everything and have a "hot take" immediately. The bashing of the FO seems to be immediate and intense whatever they do.

Can't we sit back and breathe on stuff a little bit first? We have no idea what the Summer League roster will actually look like - will Fox play or not? Who else gets added?

Similarly, with an anticipated SF signing and possible trades, we really don't know what much of the Kings roster may be on opening night. Everyone just chill a bit and give the FO some time to work.
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http://imgur.com/3db8wHn
 
jcwkings

jcwkings

All-Star
#50
#50
Suicide King said:
Before I google it, as I am trying to take in all the new posts after a long night at work, will this be televised on ESPN? NBATV?

I will be working no matter what time they start and my options are limited at work, but I would love to be able to at least glance up at these games.

Have to admit, I dig having a flatscreen on the line ( Kitchen) ; it's the little things in life...
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Looked at my guide and California Classic games will air live on NBATV and streamable on WATCHESPN.
 
VF21

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#56
#56
jcassio said:
I think it was a "how to talk to the media" booklet that the Kings gave to all their players. But they tested it with Mitch.
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I've got somebody who is asking around to see if any copies of the booklet still exist. :) He said that Mitch did, in fact, use the phrase "most definitely" a lot - perhaps even as much as Bobby so I apologize for doubting you.
 
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