Summer League: Things to remember... Dont panic!

[sactownfan]

Ok were through 3 games now with only 2 left and so much for our "Dream Team" summer league squad. 0 W 3 L

Im pretty sure I wasn't alone in thinking that our summer league roster looked to be the best in vegas. But this team hasn't preformed quite as I had expected.

OK heres my cliff note run down on whats been going down real fast.

>JT- Terrible... jump shot is about the only plus...eh?

>Green- missing a lot of jump shots but has looked like an impact player on defense and especially when he puts the ball on the floor and drives to the basket.

>Casspi- eh??? hes briefly flashed all around skills but not at all consistent with it. He's gonna need to get bigger for sure...

>Evans- Has been AWESOME. He is doing exactly what i expected him to do as a combo PG. I'd call him a lock to be a future all-star if he could fix his shot and get his 3pt% to around 40%. I think Evans has more than shown that with better shooters on the floor he will be a good passer. Drive and Kick! i was most impressed with a few passes he made in the paint... good signs. TO's will definitely go down in a NBA regular season game setting, and with more time spent with the team.

>Brockman- WILL make this team. he really hustles and has shown he can at the very least be a situational rebounder. It never hurts to have a tough guy that hustles, can board and give you some fouls...

NOW....

Things to remember.... DONT PANIC!!!!!

this is the summer league. its good to see our players playing ball again, but this is not the NBA!!! NOT EVEN CLOSE!

As for our team... were using a whole new system, new coach, a NEW starting PG!, and other than JT and Greene these guys haven't played together.

Summer league is a streetball or sorta higher level pick up league. The ref's are not NBA level ref's. With all the fouls players have to give it gets messy.
like we witnessed last night with Jennings steals- he would have been called for a foul on a few of those and he would have laid off after that in the reg season.

Basically there are some players that can handle the hectic/messy summer league style and excel... only to do nothing in the NBA or reg season. Some players struggle in the SL but excel in the smoother NBA style game, and then theres players like Evans, Griffen, and Randolph that have the ability to just do their thing in any setting.

honestly wait till at least 10gm's into next season till we start to ride JT or anyone else...

but as far as EVANS! his game is legit and will translate. if he can fix that fade and slow release on his shot plus hit 3's with some consistency LOOK OUT! ALL-STAR!

 

[TTown Kings]

I thought we beat GS

 

[eflat]

I thought we beat GS

Nope 95-98 in ot
http://www.nba.com/summerleague2009/games/boxscore.jsp?gameId=1520900007

 

[RaY Z]

Ok were through 3 games now with only 2 left and so much for our "Dream Team" summer league squad. 0 W 3 L

Im pretty sure I wasn't alone in thinking that our summer league roster looked to be the best in vegas. But this team hasn't preformed quite as I had expected.

OK heres my cliff note run down on whats been going down real fast.

>JT- Terrible... jump shot is about the only plus...eh?

>Green- missing a lot of jump shots but has looked like an impact player on defense and especially when he puts the ball on the floor and drives to the basket.

>Casspi- eh??? hes briefly flashed all around skills but not at all consistent with it. He's gonna need to get bigger for sure...

>Evans- Has been AWESOME. He is doing exactly what i expected him to do as a combo PG. I'd call him a lock to be a future all-star if he could fix his shot and get his 3pt% to around 40%. I think Evans has more than shown that with better shooters on the floor he will be a good passer. Drive and Kick! i was most impressed with a few passes he made in the paint... good signs. TO's will definitely go down in a NBA regular season game setting, and with more time spent with the team.

>Brockman- WILL make this team. he really hustles and has shown he can at the very least be a situational rebounder. It never hurts to have a tough guy that hustles, can board and give you some fouls...

NOW....

Things to remember.... DONT PANIC!!!!!

this is the summer league. its good to see our players playing ball again, but this is not the NBA!!! NOT EVEN CLOSE!

As for our team... were using a whole new system, new coach, a NEW starting PG!, and other than JT and Greene these guys haven't played together.

Summer league is a streetball or sorta higher level pick up league. The ref's are not NBA level ref's. With all the fouls players have to give it gets messy.
like we witnessed last night with Jennings steals- he would have been called for a foul on a few of those and he would have laid off after that in the reg season.

Basically there are some players that can handle the hectic/messy summer league style and excel... only to do nothing in the NBA or reg season. Some players struggle in the SL but excel in the smoother NBA style game, and then theres players like Evans, Griffen, and Randolph that have the ability to just do their thing in any setting.

honestly wait till at least 10gm's into next season till we start to ride JT or anyone else...

but as far as EVANS! his game is legit and will translate. if he can fix that fade and slow release on his shot plus hit 3's with some consistency LOOK OUT! ALL-STAR!

Try telling this to section 101....

 

[Section 101]

Try telling this to section 101....

I haven't said anything about JT. Not worried about him.

I do expect Evans to start, he was the first "pg" taken in the draft.

My problem is he wasn't a PG in high school. He didn't do well at Memphis until they "moved him to pg" so he could handle the ball.

He had a 1 to 1 assist to TO ratio. He is a project at the PG. Not what the team needed at this phase.

If they had a plan to bring in another vet PG to mentor him (ie Andre Miller) and have him be a 1/2 off the bench that would have been totally different. But the front office set the tone calling him a PG off the bat. Gavin made him the savior of the franchise.

It's going to be interesting to see how the rest of the team feels about a rookie PG starting and dominating the ball. I'm starting to think this is the reason Hawes backed out of summer league. He saw he wasn't going to get many touches.

 

[RaY Z]

I haven't said anything about JT. Not worried about him.

I do expect Evans to start, he was the first "pg" taken in the draft.

My problem is he wasn't a PG in high school. He didn't do well at Memphis until they "moved him to pg" so he could handle the ball.

He had a 1 to 1 assist to TO ratio. He is a project at the PG. Not what the team needed at this phase.

If they had a plan to bring in another vet PG to mentor him (ie Andre Miller) and have him be a 1/2 off the bench that would have been totally different. But the front office set the tone calling him a PG off the bat. Gavin made him the savior of the franchise.

It's going to be interesting to see how the rest of the team feels about a rookie PG starting and dominating the ball. I'm starting to think this is the reason Hawes backed out of summer league. He saw he wasn't going to get many touches.

I'm just talking about the panicking issue

 

[Section 101]

I'm just talking about the panicking issue

Actually, I'm far from panicking. Just the opposite. My expectations and opinions of the team are just real low after years of them being higher.

 

[OnYouLikeGlue]

I haven't said anything about JT. Not worried about him.

I do expect Evans to start, he was the first "pg" taken in the draft.

My problem is he wasn't a PG in high school. He didn't do well at Memphis until they "moved him to pg" so he could handle the ball.

He had a 1 to 1 assist to TO ratio. He is a project at the PG. Not what the team needed at this phase.

If they had a plan to bring in another vet PG to mentor him (ie Andre Miller) and have him be a 1/2 off the bench that would have been totally different. But the front office set the tone calling him a PG off the bat. Gavin made him the savior of the franchise.

It's going to be interesting to see how the rest of the team feels about a rookie PG starting and dominating the ball. I'm starting to think this is the reason Hawes backed out of summer league. He saw he wasn't going to get many touches.

A team this bad needed the best player available. Regardless of weight, height, skin color, religion, political affiliation, or what you think his true position is. And from what Tyreke has shown in summer league I'm quite confident the team made the correct pick.

 

[ReturnOfTheKings]

A team this bad needed the best player available. Regardless of weight, height, skin color, religion, political affiliation, or what you think his true position is. And from what Tyreke has shown in summer league I'm quite confident the team made the correct pick.

I agree. I have to admit I was kind of bummed we didnt get Rubio and if not Rubio I actually wanted Flynn, but man Reke gives us what we need. The ability to penetrate and open up the defense. If we had a smaller pure PG, sure maybe we'd get more passing or better passing but we still would not have a crunch time guy or someone who can take it to the paint at will against the bigger better defenses in the league.

My only concern is that we cant depend on one guy even if he is an outstanding talent. We need the whole team to play at a higher level. I'm still concerned about JT.

 

[VF21]

I haven't said anything about JT. Not worried about him.

I do expect Evans to start, he was the first "pg" taken in the draft.

My problem is he wasn't a PG in high school. He didn't do well at Memphis until they "moved him to pg" so he could handle the ball.

He had a 1 to 1 assist to TO ratio. He is a project at the PG. Not what the team needed at this phase.

If they had a plan to bring in another vet PG to mentor him (ie Andre Miller) and have him be a 1/2 off the bench that would have been totally different. But the front office set the tone calling him a PG off the bat. Gavin made him the savior of the franchise.

It's going to be interesting to see how the rest of the team feels about a rookie PG starting and dominating the ball. I'm starting to think this is the reason Hawes backed out of summer league. He saw he wasn't going to get many touches.

Okay, let's see if I understand what you're saying...

You don't have any faith in Evans because he didn't play PG in high school and didn't do well at Memphis UNTIL they moved him to the point guard position where he then led his team to a championship... AT THE POINT GUARD POSITION.

Sorry but I just cannot follow your logic or lack thereof.

How does the rest of the team feel about a rookie PG starting? From what I've heard, the rest of the team is pretty jazzed about having Tyreke Evans on the Kings.

Your baseless insinuation about Hawes backing out of summer league because of Evans is totally without substance and is arguably close to rumor-mongering.

You're certainly entitled to your opinions but it would be nice to see you back them up with more than faulty logic and Voisin-like rhetoric.

 

[Section 101]

Okay, let's see if I understand what you're saying...

You don't have any faith in Evans because he didn't play PG in high school and didn't do well at Memphis UNTIL they moved him to the point guard position where he then led his team to a championship... AT THE POINT GUARD POSITION.

Sorry but I just cannot follow your logic or lack thereof.

How does the rest of the team feel about a rookie PG starting? From what I've heard, the rest of the team is pretty jazzed about having Tyreke Evans on the Kings.

Your baseless insinuation about Hawes backing out of summer league because of Evans is totally without substance and is arguably close to rumor-mongering.

You're certainly entitled to your opinions but it would be nice to see you back them up with more than faulty logic and Voisin-like rhetoric.

Evans must be pretty good to re write history so he can win the NCAA title.

Once again, he had a 1 to 1 assist to turnover ratio in a fast break offense. They didn't run many half court sets in memphis.

Point guards are born they aren't made.

While Petrie and the front office has done well drafting their history with point guards isn't that great compared to other positions. Yes JW was a good pick and so was the Bibby trade. Bjax was a good signing too. But after that what have they done? We had Orien Greene starting the season 2 years ago. Yes Bibby was hurt but we had no viable backup. They have done a very poor job finding point guards. Damon Jones, Jason Hart, Ronnie Price, Mateen Cleaves,bobby brown, eddie house, the infamous quincy douby as a PG compounded by passing on Rondo, now add in Beno's bad deal.

So ya when it comes to Evans being a PG ya there are lots of causes for concern.

 

[VF21]

Evans didn't rewrite history. I was referring to a league championship, which I thought - and may well have been wrong - Memphis won. I think you're overly fixated on his assist to turnover ratio ...

You're not impressed; I am. I guess only time will tell. I prefer to be hopeful and am a glass half-full kind of person. I can respect your opinon; I just don't happen to agree with it.

As far as the platitude about point guards goes, there are a gazillion of them ... and an exception for every one you could use.

 

[dmj]

Evans must be pretty good to re write history so he can win the NCAA title.

Once again, he had a 1 to 1 assist to turnover ratio in a fast break offense. They didn't run many half court sets in memphis.

Point guards are born they aren't made.

While Petrie and the front office has done well drafting their history with point guards isn't that great compared to other positions. Yes JW was a good pick and so was the Bibby trade. Bjax was a good signing too. But after that what have they done? We had Orien Greene starting the season 2 years ago. Yes Bibby was hurt but we had no viable backup. They have done a very poor job finding point guards. Damon Jones, Jason Hart, Ronnie Price, Mateen Cleaves,bobby brown, eddie house, the infamous quincy douby as a PG compounded by passing on Rondo, now add in Beno's bad deal.

So ya when it comes to Evans being a PG ya there are lots of causes for concern.

The only cause for concern you list is his poor turnover rate, which I think we'd all agree is a problem. But TO's tend to improve as players mature and I can't see any reason to think that Evans' wont.

And it isn't like Evans is the only player to ever have a bad A/T ratio his first year of college. Billups, Devin Harris, and Steve Nash all had A/T ratios that were very close to Evans', and all are all-star caliber point guards.

They took a few seasons to develop into good PGs, sure. But you're dead wrong if you think PGs, even great ones, can't be developed.

 

[Kings Faithful]

The only cause for concern you list is his poor turnover rate, which I think we'd all agree is a problem. But TO's tend to improve as players mature and I can't see any reason to think that Evans' wont.

And it isn't like Evans is the only player to ever have a bad A/T ratio his first year of college. Billups, Devin Harris, and Steve Nash all had A/T ratios that were very close to Evans', and all are all-star caliber point guards.

They took a few seasons to develop into good PGs, sure. But you're dead wrong if you think PGs, even great ones, can't be developed.

Exactly...everyone thinks Russell Westbrook is going to be a good point guard in this league... well last year he averaged 5 ast 3 to's a game which isn't so good. Who thinks that won't improve over the next few years? I expect Evans numbers to be similar in his first year. I'm hoping for much better though!

 

[kennadog]

Is there some reason to think Evans' TO ratio might not be helped by 1) learning whatever system Westphal intends to implement; 2) actually getting to play with all the other starters; 3) developing team chemistry, including getting know what your teammates strength and weaknesses are, where to expect them to be on the court and knowing what they will do next?

 

[RaY Z]

Actually, I'm far from panicking. Just the opposite. My expectations and opinions of the team are just real low after years of them being higher.

If you're expectations for them are low than, why all the pessimism? From your posts, it seems like your putting way to much exaggerated criticisms and expectations on our young players, particularly Evans. You shouldn't be expecting so much from our young inexperienced players, if you say you're expectations are low.

I am guessing you were not a fan during the "losing" Sacramento Kings period, during the mid 80's towards the late 90's. Newsflash buddy, we are in a rebuilding stage, and you're gonna have to get used to it, whether it would be a year or even ten years.

 

[Kingsguy881]

If you're expectations for them are low than, why all the pessimism? From your posts, it seems like your putting way to much exaggerated criticisms and expectations on our young players, particularly Evans. You shouldn't be expecting so much from our young inexperienced players, if you say you're expectations are low.

I am guessing you were not a fan during the "losing" Sacramento Kings period, during the mid 80's towards the late 90's. Newsflash buddy, we are in a rebuilding stage, and you're gonna have to get used to it, whether it would be a year or even ten years.

Thank you. There seem to be 3 posters on here, no names but they know who they are, that are total downers. Not that everything is going peachy for the Kings, but they have hit rock bottom and there is only one way to go. Most of us are excited to see, there will be bumps on the road, but this Kings team has the potential to come together and really compete. It won't be until the 2012-2013 season when the current powerhouses start to fade out, but it will be a lot of fun to watch them grow up and get better. And they have the talent and the personnel now. A couple more pieces and this rebuild will be complete. But I for one am excited that the Kings finally got their franchise player. I have no doubt about it.

 

[MizzouKing]

Is there some reason to think Evans' TO ratio might not be helped by 1) learning whatever system Westphal intends to implement; 2) actually getting to play with all the other starters; 3) developing team chemistry, including getting know what your teammates strength and weaknesses are, where to expect them to be on the court and knowing what they will do next?

Great question...I can't think of any (that could be backed up by logic and at least a minimal connection with reality).

 

[Section 101]

If you're expectations for them are low than, why all the pessimism? From your posts, it seems like your putting way to much exaggerated criticisms and expectations on our young players, particularly Evans. You shouldn't be expecting so much from our young inexperienced players, if you say you're expectations are low.

I am guessing you were not a fan during the "losing" Sacramento Kings period, during the mid 80's towards the late 90's. Newsflash buddy, we are in a rebuilding stage, and you're gonna have to get used to it, whether it would be a year or even ten years.

I've been a season ticket holder since 1990. Anyone on here been one longer?