Hello all,
I've been a regular reader for years and finally decided to join the dialogue. I wanted to share my thoughts on the current roster and the upcomming draft.
This Kings' team consists of some long-term complimentary pieces and a future superstar in Tyreke Evans. IMHO management has mostly made good decisions in designing a team of young, talented players w/ upside that have good attitudes and complimentary games. I'm thinking of Thompson, Landry, Greene, Brockman, Casspi, and Udrih. The Kings seem to be missing their second-fiddle and this issue may be resolved this draft.
Other players, such as Hawes and Garcia, are "less core" IMHO, but for different reasons. Although I have some lingering concerns re: Hawes, I suspect his work ethic will improve, at least temporarily, as he is due for a possibile contract extension. Time will tell when it comes to Spencer: I just hope he eventually "gets it." He is clearly very talented, but the clock is ticking.
Garcia has had a tough year w/ his wrist injury and I'm hoping he will bounce back next season. I'm a little concerned that he will continue to have "hardware issues", however. That said, there's no questioning Garcia's grit and the fact that Garcia brings an important commodity to this Kings team: outside shooting. Garcia will likely continue to be a high-quality rotation player when healthy and he's probably not going anywhere with that contract.
Long story short, this is how I see the Kings' 10/11 depth chart (before free agency and the draft and assuming they re-sign Brockman):
Evans/
Udrih/Garcia
Greene/Casspi
Landry/Thompson/Brockman
Hawes/
Definetly a work in progress, but clearly certain key pieces are in place. The draft will help address one of the two glaring holes seen above.
It seems that the consensus is that the Kings need a legit big manwho can protect the paint. I agree. However, if the Kings luck out and get the 1st or 2nd pick, should they select Wall or Turner, then trade for a mid-first round pick in this big-heavy draft? A backcourt of Wall/Evans or Evans/Turner would be difficult to resist, but the Kings would still need to address their frontcourt. There are some bigs available that may be available in the late lottery/mid-1st: Udoh, Whiteside, Monroe, Alabi, or Sanders.
I'm curious about Cole Aldrich. I've read much on this board about how he would provide excellent post defense, but I'm somewhat concerned about the dip in his numbers this year. If the Kings get the 5th or 6th pick, does Aldrich's "fit" justify the fact that the Kings are in all likelihood selecting a sub-All Star level talent. Similarly, would it make more sense to pick up Wesley Johnson w/ the 5th or 6th pick, play him at SG w/ Evans, then find a way to nab a mid-1st big?
My last question re: the draft is the continued debate re: Cousins vs. Favors. I understand why many prefer Cousins: efficiency, length, rebounding, offensive IQ, etc., but his attitude, weight, transition game, and lack of explosiveness scare me. In an effort to learn more about Cousins, I checked out some youtube clips of his interactions w/ other players and fans, and this concerned me even more. He seems incredibly immature and, if there's one thing I've learned about good NBA players, it's that most put in tons of hard work. I'm not sure that's in Cousins' makeup.
I actually prefer Favors as I've heard that he has a good head on his shoulders. Favors is just as long, more explosive, can run the floor, and finish around the rim. I think these attributes would actually fit better w/ Evans game. Favors is less NBA ready, but should prove to immediately compliment the Kings' frontcourt. I could see Favors and Thompson starting down the road w/ Landry and Hawes comming off the bench (see below).
-----
Then there are the free agency questions. I agree with those who would rather the Kings sit this one out as the new CBA looms. Save your money for next year as the Kings will get increased media attention and show continued signs of improvement.
--
Finally (I realize this is a very long first post but figured to "go for it"), I wanted to share my ideal depth chart. It's missing a starting shooting guard (2011 free agency?) but I've long believed that Udrih, Garcia, Landry, and Hawes are reserves for a contending team, which is the ultimate goal. Note: I expect that Casspi may emerge as a starter in a few years but, for now, Greene's improved defense and decision-making earns him the nod.
Evans/Udrih
?????/Garcia
Greene/Casspi
Favors/Landry
Thompson/Hawes
Anyway, just wanted to share my perspective. I really look forward to being a contributing member of this forum. It goes without saying that there are some very informed, well-written members here!
KOTJ
I've been a regular reader for years and finally decided to join the dialogue. I wanted to share my thoughts on the current roster and the upcomming draft.
This Kings' team consists of some long-term complimentary pieces and a future superstar in Tyreke Evans. IMHO management has mostly made good decisions in designing a team of young, talented players w/ upside that have good attitudes and complimentary games. I'm thinking of Thompson, Landry, Greene, Brockman, Casspi, and Udrih. The Kings seem to be missing their second-fiddle and this issue may be resolved this draft.
Other players, such as Hawes and Garcia, are "less core" IMHO, but for different reasons. Although I have some lingering concerns re: Hawes, I suspect his work ethic will improve, at least temporarily, as he is due for a possibile contract extension. Time will tell when it comes to Spencer: I just hope he eventually "gets it." He is clearly very talented, but the clock is ticking.
Garcia has had a tough year w/ his wrist injury and I'm hoping he will bounce back next season. I'm a little concerned that he will continue to have "hardware issues", however. That said, there's no questioning Garcia's grit and the fact that Garcia brings an important commodity to this Kings team: outside shooting. Garcia will likely continue to be a high-quality rotation player when healthy and he's probably not going anywhere with that contract.
Long story short, this is how I see the Kings' 10/11 depth chart (before free agency and the draft and assuming they re-sign Brockman):
Evans/
Udrih/Garcia
Greene/Casspi
Landry/Thompson/Brockman
Hawes/
Definetly a work in progress, but clearly certain key pieces are in place. The draft will help address one of the two glaring holes seen above.
It seems that the consensus is that the Kings need a legit big manwho can protect the paint. I agree. However, if the Kings luck out and get the 1st or 2nd pick, should they select Wall or Turner, then trade for a mid-first round pick in this big-heavy draft? A backcourt of Wall/Evans or Evans/Turner would be difficult to resist, but the Kings would still need to address their frontcourt. There are some bigs available that may be available in the late lottery/mid-1st: Udoh, Whiteside, Monroe, Alabi, or Sanders.
I'm curious about Cole Aldrich. I've read much on this board about how he would provide excellent post defense, but I'm somewhat concerned about the dip in his numbers this year. If the Kings get the 5th or 6th pick, does Aldrich's "fit" justify the fact that the Kings are in all likelihood selecting a sub-All Star level talent. Similarly, would it make more sense to pick up Wesley Johnson w/ the 5th or 6th pick, play him at SG w/ Evans, then find a way to nab a mid-1st big?
My last question re: the draft is the continued debate re: Cousins vs. Favors. I understand why many prefer Cousins: efficiency, length, rebounding, offensive IQ, etc., but his attitude, weight, transition game, and lack of explosiveness scare me. In an effort to learn more about Cousins, I checked out some youtube clips of his interactions w/ other players and fans, and this concerned me even more. He seems incredibly immature and, if there's one thing I've learned about good NBA players, it's that most put in tons of hard work. I'm not sure that's in Cousins' makeup.
I actually prefer Favors as I've heard that he has a good head on his shoulders. Favors is just as long, more explosive, can run the floor, and finish around the rim. I think these attributes would actually fit better w/ Evans game. Favors is less NBA ready, but should prove to immediately compliment the Kings' frontcourt. I could see Favors and Thompson starting down the road w/ Landry and Hawes comming off the bench (see below).
-----
Then there are the free agency questions. I agree with those who would rather the Kings sit this one out as the new CBA looms. Save your money for next year as the Kings will get increased media attention and show continued signs of improvement.
--
Finally (I realize this is a very long first post but figured to "go for it"), I wanted to share my ideal depth chart. It's missing a starting shooting guard (2011 free agency?) but I've long believed that Udrih, Garcia, Landry, and Hawes are reserves for a contending team, which is the ultimate goal. Note: I expect that Casspi may emerge as a starter in a few years but, for now, Greene's improved defense and decision-making earns him the nod.
Evans/Udrih
?????/Garcia
Greene/Casspi
Favors/Landry
Thompson/Hawes
Anyway, just wanted to share my perspective. I really look forward to being a contributing member of this forum. It goes without saying that there are some very informed, well-written members here!
KOTJ