http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/basketball/kings/story/14246262p-15064173c.html
Ailene Voisin: Ten things to chew on during playoffs
By Ailene Voisin -- Bee Columnist
Published 2:15 am PDT Saturday, April 22, 2006
There is nothing quite like a Kings postseason to create a little drama around here.
One year Chris Webber blows out his knee. Another year Vlade Divac is wounded by his (undeserved) diminished role and surrenders to the other side (Lakers). And we will make only brief mention of airballs, missed free throws, bad substitutions and Game 7 submissiveness because Ron Artest says this is a brand new show, and given the regular-season U-turn, one must take him at his word.
So here are another 10 upcoming serials to munch on for your playoff dining pleasure:
1. Mike Bibby's comeback attempt as Mr. Clutch. Historically, his post-season value is determined more by timing than total points, and like most of his teammates, his 2005 efforts fell below his own lofty standards. Fortunately for the Kings, the veteran point guard is playing his best basketball of the season and arguably the most inspired defense of his career. Besides, Bibby thrives on a challenge.
2. Can't we all just get along? Or what exactly is going on between the dueling power forwards? That heated tiff between Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Kenny Thomas in the season finale does little to promote the notion that the Kings have morphed into one harmonious, extended family. So, OK, both guys want to start. Save it for the offseason. Abdur-Rahim whines about every call. Thomas whines about every call and everything else.
Then again, maybe this is that much-needed edge Artest talks about. Between glares the two veterans dominated the fourth quarter Tuesday - Thomas with his rebounding, steals and dunks, and Abdur-Rahim with his lethal half-hooks and stickbacks. Now if only they can remember they both wear purple ...
3. Too much of anything can be debilitating. Just look at poor Bill Paxton in the new HBO series, "Big Love." The Kings' sudden surplus of low post players lures a crowd to the basket, at times stagnating the offense and ensuring even the most nocturnal of Kings fans of an early night's sleep. Give credit to Rick Adelman for going with Kevin Martin and Thomas in an attempt to space the floor and give the Kings a different dimension. For obvious reasons - that San Antonio Spurs' stifling defense - becoming a predictable, one-dimensional, half-court team makes for a short series.
4. Brad Miller healthy for the playoffs. Now that's a first. The only 7-footer in the rotation, Miller was hampered by a shoulder injury in 2004 and healing fractured leg in 2005. The good news is that his current medical chart lists only the normal assortment of bruises. The bad news is, he might have benefitted from the injury-imposed rest periods, as evidenced by the dip in his rebounding (from 10.3 boards per night two years ago to 7.8 this season). And we all know what wins titles. Rebounding. Defense. The usual culprits.
5. Ron Artest on offense. He can't really believe he's Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan or even Scottie Pippen as an offensive force, but he is an instinctive, gifted player who can pass, convert open threes, and overpower in the low post. With Ron it's all about balance...and ball movement.
6. Ron Artest on defense. Now we're talking Jordan, Pippen, Michael Cooper, Ron Artest. The man is a modern-day master. His massive hands and terrific anticipation lead to steals, which lead to fastbreaks. His width and strength dislodge foes underneath. His desire is off the charts, but so far, he's remained under control.
7. Ron Artest, the performer, the personna. As Corliss Williamson aptly stated the other day, Artest has imposed his will on his new teammates. Scratch that. Imposed his will on a franchise. Sustaining the energy and intensity - the fans, the coaches, the owners, the players - is essential to even contemplating a first-round upset.
8. Making the case for the defense. The numbers are undeniably impressive post-Artest, but stats make no mention of the clock. The playoffs are all about getting stops and collecting rebounds at deciding moments, not exactly a Kings characteristic even in the best of times. (See John Stockton, Robert Horry, Nick Van Exel, etc.). Remember, though, this is a new era (see Artest above).
9. Adelman and his future. Despite the thinly veiled barbs occasionally exchanged between the coach and the Bosses Maloof, Adelman's cause for an extension surely has been enhanced by the Kings' eighth consecutive playoff appearance. But as always, only the postseason matters. This is when players and coaches distinguish themselves, either establishing or furthering reputations, and for all the victories, the Kings have advanced into the conference finals once (2002).
Nonetheless, given the midseason upheaval and Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie's sense of loyalty, an invigorated and extended playoff performance suggests a powerful closing argument here or a tempting offer elsewhere. Remember, there are 30 jobs, but one Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich.
10. The Maloofs, the politicians, the businessmen, and momentum for an arena. Though the same old problem exists - that same old arena still standing - the local dynamics have shifted dramatically with the hiring of a new city manager and election of a new vice mayor. Thus, another round-table discussion about potential funding mechanisms for a modern facility should be on the calendar.
Hey, if the Maloofs can build the Palms in the desert, spinning gold in the silver state next door, they can start digging into the meat of the meetings. Things are changing on the tube and in real life, too. The playoffs should be a boost, however long they last.
About the writer: Reach Ailene Voisin at (916) 321-1208 or avoisin@sacbee.com.
Ailene Voisin: Ten things to chew on during playoffs
By Ailene Voisin -- Bee Columnist
Published 2:15 am PDT Saturday, April 22, 2006
There is nothing quite like a Kings postseason to create a little drama around here.
One year Chris Webber blows out his knee. Another year Vlade Divac is wounded by his (undeserved) diminished role and surrenders to the other side (Lakers). And we will make only brief mention of airballs, missed free throws, bad substitutions and Game 7 submissiveness because Ron Artest says this is a brand new show, and given the regular-season U-turn, one must take him at his word.
So here are another 10 upcoming serials to munch on for your playoff dining pleasure:
1. Mike Bibby's comeback attempt as Mr. Clutch. Historically, his post-season value is determined more by timing than total points, and like most of his teammates, his 2005 efforts fell below his own lofty standards. Fortunately for the Kings, the veteran point guard is playing his best basketball of the season and arguably the most inspired defense of his career. Besides, Bibby thrives on a challenge.
2. Can't we all just get along? Or what exactly is going on between the dueling power forwards? That heated tiff between Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Kenny Thomas in the season finale does little to promote the notion that the Kings have morphed into one harmonious, extended family. So, OK, both guys want to start. Save it for the offseason. Abdur-Rahim whines about every call. Thomas whines about every call and everything else.
Then again, maybe this is that much-needed edge Artest talks about. Between glares the two veterans dominated the fourth quarter Tuesday - Thomas with his rebounding, steals and dunks, and Abdur-Rahim with his lethal half-hooks and stickbacks. Now if only they can remember they both wear purple ...
3. Too much of anything can be debilitating. Just look at poor Bill Paxton in the new HBO series, "Big Love." The Kings' sudden surplus of low post players lures a crowd to the basket, at times stagnating the offense and ensuring even the most nocturnal of Kings fans of an early night's sleep. Give credit to Rick Adelman for going with Kevin Martin and Thomas in an attempt to space the floor and give the Kings a different dimension. For obvious reasons - that San Antonio Spurs' stifling defense - becoming a predictable, one-dimensional, half-court team makes for a short series.
4. Brad Miller healthy for the playoffs. Now that's a first. The only 7-footer in the rotation, Miller was hampered by a shoulder injury in 2004 and healing fractured leg in 2005. The good news is that his current medical chart lists only the normal assortment of bruises. The bad news is, he might have benefitted from the injury-imposed rest periods, as evidenced by the dip in his rebounding (from 10.3 boards per night two years ago to 7.8 this season). And we all know what wins titles. Rebounding. Defense. The usual culprits.
5. Ron Artest on offense. He can't really believe he's Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan or even Scottie Pippen as an offensive force, but he is an instinctive, gifted player who can pass, convert open threes, and overpower in the low post. With Ron it's all about balance...and ball movement.
6. Ron Artest on defense. Now we're talking Jordan, Pippen, Michael Cooper, Ron Artest. The man is a modern-day master. His massive hands and terrific anticipation lead to steals, which lead to fastbreaks. His width and strength dislodge foes underneath. His desire is off the charts, but so far, he's remained under control.
7. Ron Artest, the performer, the personna. As Corliss Williamson aptly stated the other day, Artest has imposed his will on his new teammates. Scratch that. Imposed his will on a franchise. Sustaining the energy and intensity - the fans, the coaches, the owners, the players - is essential to even contemplating a first-round upset.
8. Making the case for the defense. The numbers are undeniably impressive post-Artest, but stats make no mention of the clock. The playoffs are all about getting stops and collecting rebounds at deciding moments, not exactly a Kings characteristic even in the best of times. (See John Stockton, Robert Horry, Nick Van Exel, etc.). Remember, though, this is a new era (see Artest above).
9. Adelman and his future. Despite the thinly veiled barbs occasionally exchanged between the coach and the Bosses Maloof, Adelman's cause for an extension surely has been enhanced by the Kings' eighth consecutive playoff appearance. But as always, only the postseason matters. This is when players and coaches distinguish themselves, either establishing or furthering reputations, and for all the victories, the Kings have advanced into the conference finals once (2002).
Nonetheless, given the midseason upheaval and Kings president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie's sense of loyalty, an invigorated and extended playoff performance suggests a powerful closing argument here or a tempting offer elsewhere. Remember, there are 30 jobs, but one Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich.
10. The Maloofs, the politicians, the businessmen, and momentum for an arena. Though the same old problem exists - that same old arena still standing - the local dynamics have shifted dramatically with the hiring of a new city manager and election of a new vice mayor. Thus, another round-table discussion about potential funding mechanisms for a modern facility should be on the calendar.
Hey, if the Maloofs can build the Palms in the desert, spinning gold in the silver state next door, they can start digging into the meat of the meetings. Things are changing on the tube and in real life, too. The playoffs should be a boost, however long they last.
About the writer: Reach Ailene Voisin at (916) 321-1208 or avoisin@sacbee.com.
