Catalyst
G-League
First off, let me say I'm a big fan of Bobby Jackson. That guy has played as hard as anyone ever in a Kings uniform. He could have complained a lot about the situation he was in (being a back up, not getting paid enough) but aside from a few general statements, you didn't hear stuff from him.
That said, Jackson will be 32 years old in March and having his 3rd injury in the last 3 years. Bobby has gotten to be a great NBA player from a lot of the natural ability his body has. He's very quick, strong and athletic. The only thing Bobby never had was height. (Although he's listed at 6'2, he's closer to 5'11 or even 5'10). The last couple of years, Bobby has slipped as a defender as his body has started to slow down a bit as well. This will only continue as with age, these things happen.
The problem with Bobby's game is that he relies so much on his athletic ability (as the majority of NBA guards do) that as he ages, his game could drop off rather quickly. Also, Sacramento has a few younger guards that happen to be showing some nice signs, but more on that later.
So that leaves us with an interesting situation with Bobby. His contract has a team option after this season. Sacramento will probably pick this up, but you can also bet that Bobby is going to be very vocal about receiving some kind of contract extension, and that's where the problem lies.
Sacramento is going to have to make a hard decision about Bobby's future with the team. These young guys are all going to want better money when their contracts expire, and not planning well enough for the future can cost you players, like it cost us Jim Jackson.
Sac also has to be careful that they handle BJax's situation fairly. A LOT of free agents looking to sign some where look at these scenarios. They want to know that a franchise is going to take care of them and not give them the shaft.
Anyway, with that said, I like our young guys on this team. Barnes, Evans and Martin I think all have their ways they can help this team. Our rebounding is a major problem still, and young athletes tend to have the hustle and athleticism needed to gobble up the boards. Plus, by getting your young guys on the floor, you give them the experience they'll need for the future.
So.. how would I handle this? I personally would pick up BJax's option next year and let him play it out. If he has a good year, I'd give him an extension, if not, I'd probably part with him.
As far as this year goes, I'd give of our young guys solid minutes. I don't know what's out there as far as a back up PG that the Kings would want to sign, but, as it is right now I'd rather see those minutes go to Evans/Barnes/Martin and let Christie handle the back up PG stuff.
I want to see what we have in the guys we have now and try to build something for the future. Christie isn't getting any younger, and his contract is also coming up soon enough. Peja's situation with the team is also unclear and his contract is up at the same time Christie's is.
The reality of this situation is we could be without Peja, Bobby AND Christie all in the same year. I'd like to know what we have now since Barnes, Martin and Evans can play those positions.
And getting these guys minutes is a great way to do just that. We do have to sign a back up PG, but I'd really like to see him get no minutes and let the other guys play.
That said, Jackson will be 32 years old in March and having his 3rd injury in the last 3 years. Bobby has gotten to be a great NBA player from a lot of the natural ability his body has. He's very quick, strong and athletic. The only thing Bobby never had was height. (Although he's listed at 6'2, he's closer to 5'11 or even 5'10). The last couple of years, Bobby has slipped as a defender as his body has started to slow down a bit as well. This will only continue as with age, these things happen.
The problem with Bobby's game is that he relies so much on his athletic ability (as the majority of NBA guards do) that as he ages, his game could drop off rather quickly. Also, Sacramento has a few younger guards that happen to be showing some nice signs, but more on that later.
So that leaves us with an interesting situation with Bobby. His contract has a team option after this season. Sacramento will probably pick this up, but you can also bet that Bobby is going to be very vocal about receiving some kind of contract extension, and that's where the problem lies.
Sacramento is going to have to make a hard decision about Bobby's future with the team. These young guys are all going to want better money when their contracts expire, and not planning well enough for the future can cost you players, like it cost us Jim Jackson.
Sac also has to be careful that they handle BJax's situation fairly. A LOT of free agents looking to sign some where look at these scenarios. They want to know that a franchise is going to take care of them and not give them the shaft.
Anyway, with that said, I like our young guys on this team. Barnes, Evans and Martin I think all have their ways they can help this team. Our rebounding is a major problem still, and young athletes tend to have the hustle and athleticism needed to gobble up the boards. Plus, by getting your young guys on the floor, you give them the experience they'll need for the future.
So.. how would I handle this? I personally would pick up BJax's option next year and let him play it out. If he has a good year, I'd give him an extension, if not, I'd probably part with him.
As far as this year goes, I'd give of our young guys solid minutes. I don't know what's out there as far as a back up PG that the Kings would want to sign, but, as it is right now I'd rather see those minutes go to Evans/Barnes/Martin and let Christie handle the back up PG stuff.
I want to see what we have in the guys we have now and try to build something for the future. Christie isn't getting any younger, and his contract is also coming up soon enough. Peja's situation with the team is also unclear and his contract is up at the same time Christie's is.
The reality of this situation is we could be without Peja, Bobby AND Christie all in the same year. I'd like to know what we have now since Barnes, Martin and Evans can play those positions.
And getting these guys minutes is a great way to do just that. We do have to sign a back up PG, but I'd really like to see him get no minutes and let the other guys play.
