Voisin: Energy back at Arco

[VF21]

http://www.sacbee.com/351/story/118369.html

Ailene Voisin: The energy is back at Arco
By Ailine Voisin - Bee Columnist
Last Updated 12:26 am PST Sunday, February 4, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C1

Assistant coaches are like the supporting actors who lurk in the background, awaiting any opportunity to audition for the leading role. Many of them never get the call. Others get the league's leftovers, one of those lousy, lottery-bound teams that nobody really wants, yet can't refuse because it might be their only chance to blow their own whistle.

So, of course, Scotty Brooks wants a head-coaching gig.

So, of course, people are going to talk.

A love triangle has dominated Bay Area chat rooms (and news cycles) for the past 72 hours, and right here at Arco Arena, the political situation is becoming more intriguing by the game. In lieu of a mayoral scandal and late-night misadventures, the Kings can offer a head coach (Eric Musselman) who is serving a two-game league suspension for being tagged with a DUI, a one-time journeyman and longtime assistant (Brooks) who has moved down a seat for a few nights, and a pro basketball team that, just when you think it's headed straight to the East Coast for the postseason lottery party, responds with a surprisingly spirited victory over the visiting Denver Nuggets.

Connect the dots. Check the polls. Consider the possibilities.

Was that a statement the Kings were quietly screaming Saturday night? Might there be some hidden meaning in their body language, for one of few occasions lately, more alive than walking corpse? Anything to be gained from the way the reserves cheered and the crowd applauded and the players performed, consistently enthused and engaged, and even eager to run the floor and pass the ball?

"I think tonight we played together as a team," said Kevin Martin. "We were just out there playing and having fun."

Remember fun? Have to think about that for a minute, think all the way back to the opening weeks of the season. The Kings, who began the weekend five games back in the race for the eighth and final playoff berth, seemingly hampered by an assortment of mysterious ailments, basically have looked better on paper than on the floor. The defense has been erratic, the offense stagnant, the ball movement nonexistent, or perhaps, having retired to New Jersey with former assistant Pete Carril. But it all came rushing back -- fun, excitement, entertainment -- for a variety of reasons, possibly none of which is remotely related to the changing circumstances on the sideline, or the fact that Brooks subbed his way to this first coaching victory.

Let's just assume that the Kings have grown weary of losing close games, of giving up large leads, of the increasing chatter about their regular coach's job security, or worse, of getting ignored on the highlight shows.

Whatever the cause, the Kings again looked dashing in purple. Martin sprinted for fast-break opportunities, curled into the lane for jumpers, swiped passes, deflected other passes.

Ron Artest produced arguably his best all-around game of the season, with a team-high 11 rebounds and five assists to accompany his usual stingy defense against Carmelo Anthony. Mike Bibby shot poorly but made a concerted effort to push the pace and find teammates in their preferred spots. Brad Miller tussled effectively against the Nuggets' quicker frontcourt, the reserves contributed, and collectively, the Kings' friskiness resulted in a season-high 14 steals.

"Tonight was a good all-around game for us with Scott Brooks on the sidelines," Bibby offered. "... As long as we keep moving ahead, we may have our spot for the playoffs."

Brooks will be on the sideline again Monday against the New Orleans Hornets, hoping to pad his coaching résumé. Before Saturday's victory over the Nuggets, he was 0-4 in his previous head-coaching appearances with his old club. But he apparently experienced more highs than lows in Denver, because the visiting locker room was filled with praise, the angst of losing notwithstanding. "I think he's a talented kid who has the experience of having played under (and for) a lot of coaches," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "So much of professional basketball is getting the opportunity."

About the writer: Reach Ailene Voisin at (916) 321-1208 or avoisin@ sacbee.com.

 

[VF21]

Was that a statement the Kings were quietly screaming Saturday night? Might there be some hidden meaning in their body language, for one of few occasions lately, more alive than walking corpse? Anything to be gained from the way the reserves cheered and the crowd applauded and the players performed, consistently enthused and engaged, and even eager to run the floor and pass the ball?

"I think tonight we played together as a team," said Kevin Martin. "We were just out there playing and having fun."

I know it was fun to watch and do the PBP.

"Tonight was a good all-around game for us with Scott Brooks on the sidelines," Bibby offered. "... As long as we keep moving ahead, we may have our spot for the playoffs."

And that, my fellow Kings fans, speaks VOLUMES. At least IMHO.

 

[ezekielbear]

I know it was fun to watch and do the PBP.



And that, my fellow Kings fans, speaks VOLUMES. At least IMHO.

Maybe Scott has a pill that will stop Bibby from taking those silly shots.

Be Mike Bibby.

Not Mike Iverson.

I miss the Bibby we all love.

 

[VF21]

Once again, I believe you're patently unfair to Mike. No, his shots didn't fall with any kind of consistency BUT (and I think this is of major importance) he was aggressive on defense, he was truly a floor general last night, and he was totally and completely involved in the game even when he was on the bench. THAT is the Mike Bibby I love, whether his shots are falling or not. THAT is the Mike Bibby who can truly lead the team.

 

[PieceOfStrange]

THAT is the Mike Bibby who can truly lead the team.

The same Mike Bibby who is shooting 38%?

 

[VF21]

Read my post again. I specifically said it was about much more than just his shooting.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

The same Mike Bibby who is shooting 38%?

Was thinking the same thing. The same Mike Bibby who's jacking up 4-16 every night now.

 

[ezekielbear]

To each their own. I'm beyond dissapointed with his play..not only on the offensive side of the ball, but, just overall. He had a better game no doubt in terms of the other parts, yes...but...he's a talented player. Those things should be expected.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

I know it's fun to watch our team, but I still think in the end, we're a 39-43 or 38-44 team, with Muss as our coach. He's just a younger version of Garry St. Jean, a guy who's great to talk to, and talk about numbers of the game with, but doesnt know how to best utilize his players and team. Ron Artest is the leader of this team, in the end, and thats the way it should be. I'm looking forward to seeing what we have going into next season. Hopefully GP can pull a few rabbits out of his hat. I think a good role player to start with would be a guy like Anderson Varajao...give him our mid-level exception. But...there HAS to be a starting point to the offseason, I think. Don't know if it means the trading of Mike Bibby...the trading of whoever, but I think we'll be seeing a whole new team next year.

 

[VF21]

To each their own. I'm beyond dissapointed with his play..not only on the offensive side of the ball, but, just overall. He had a better game no doubt in terms of the other parts, yes...but...he's a talented player. Those things should be expected.

And so when they start to reappear we shouldn't be happy about it?

LEADING a team doesn't mean having the best shooting percentage. And I watched last night's game closely. Most of the shots he missed were open shots he should be taking. They didn't fall. It wasn't that he refused to give up the ball when he was totally covered, etc.

 

[ezekielbear]

And so when they start to reappear we shouldn't be happy about it?

LEADING a team doesn't mean having the best shooting percentage. And I watched last night's game closely. Most of the shots he missed were open shots he should be taking. They didn't fall. It wasn't that he refused to give up the ball when he was totally covered, etc.

You can be happy about it, sure.

But, those things should really never go away, IMO. Sometimes your shot wont fall, those things happen. But, a leader doesn't go in and out for weeks and months at a time. Mike should play hard defense every night. He should be the floor leader. Those things don't have off nights. That's just playing smart.

As for Mike's shot, well, I don't agree that him taking those shots is being a leader. Taking 28-30 foot jumpers with nobody under the bucket, and 17 on the shot clock just isn't smart. I don't mind him taking the three's, just, doing it in a smart way.

Ron is like that at times as well. Bad shot selection can kill a team. Just like Melo last night...he shot the Nuggets out of the game. That's not being a leader to me. I've complained about Melo not being a leader for that reason multiple times before.

He did play better...I never said he didn't. I complained about his shots and shot selection, and I stand by that.

But, I expect a lot more from him then I've seen. If there is something wrong with that, then, I don't know what to say.

 

[Entity]

I don't get the assumption that Scott Brooks is the guy that made the difference last night. He made the same subs as Musselman (the ones Muss gets slammed for) He ran the same plays as Muss. The players just played team ball as they did in MINN. I think it has finally sunk into theirs heads that they can't win going 1 on 1. They still have their 1 on 1 moments and if you notice that is when the comeback usually begins. We play well as a team and could very well be a 5th or 6th seed if we had played like this all year. How long will it last?? Do we rebuild? who knows? questions still loom all over the place.

If anything was proved to me about Muss its that it isn't his fault its all on the players to play together more than just 2 quarters.

 

[Entity]

And so when they start to reappear we shouldn't be happy about it?

LEADING a team doesn't mean having the best shooting percentage. And I watched last night's game closely. Most of the shots he missed were open shots he should be taking. They didn't fall. It wasn't that he refused to give up the ball when he was totally covered, etc.

I agree VF Bibby's shots were wide open and he hit those last year. If he was shooting the same way he was last year i beleive our fate would be different.

 

[VF21]

I don't get the assumption that Scott Brooks is the guy that made the difference last night. He made the same subs as Musselman (the ones Muss gets slammed for) He ran the same plays as Muss. The players just played team ball as they did in MINN. I think it has finally sunk into theirs heads that they can't win going 1 on 1. They still have their 1 on 1 moments and if you notice that is when the comeback usually begins. We play well as a team and could very well be a 5th or 6th seed if we had played like this all year. How long will it last?? Do we rebuild? who knows? questions still loom all over the place.

If anything was proved to me about Muss its that it isn't his fault its all on the players to play together more than just 2 quarters.

I'm not saying with any certainty that Brooks was the difference, but I certainly noticed some things that have been missing lately. Primarily, the team looked like they were a team and were very supportive of one another. Brooks wasn't screaming his head off 24/7 and he was talking with the players and not just at them.

There is a basic conceptual difference between Brooks and Musselman that I honestly think might not have been given enough credence. Brooks is a fomer NBA player. I think he understands the players better and I think it showed last night in how he treated them.

Just my three cents.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

I agree VF Bibby's shots were wide open and he hit those last year. If he was shooting the same way he was last year i beleive our fate would be different.

Oh, without a doubt...but for some reason, the normally reliable, clutch-shooting before this season Bibby, is having the worst year of his career. And this is the hand that we are dealt this year. Bibby's shooting not only has a direct effect on the outcome of the games, it also effects our other player's outcome, as well...and that doesnt really translate into alot of wins, in the end.

 

[ezekielbear]

Brooks wasn't screaming his head off 24/7 and he was talking with the players and not just at them.

Agree, that was kinda nice.

 

[ezekielbear]

Oh, without a doubt...but for some reason, this is the hand that we are dealt this year. Bibby's shooting not only has a direct effect on the outcome of the games, it also effects our other player's outcome, as well...and that doesnt really translate into alot of wins, in the end.

He just needs to play a bit smarter at times and not get so caught up, IMO.

His shots are going to be there.

Stop the faders. Stop the contested 3's. Stop the shots with nobody around. And stop the early shots in the shot clock.

That's all.

It seems as if he's pressing almost. Just relax and let the game come to you, don't try to find it.

 

[VF21]

He just needs to play a bit smarter at times and not get so caught up, IMO.

His shots are going to be there.

Stop the faders. Stop the contested 3's. Stop the shots with nobody around. And stop the early shots in the shot clock.

That's all.

It seems as if he's pressing almost. Just relax and let the game come to you, don't try to find it.

Last night, for the first time in forever, I saw the old Mike Bibby. He was involved, he was enthusiastic, he was communicating with his teammates. That is very important, IMHO. If you don't agree and want to continue just to focus on his shooting, then we're really at opposite ends about this.

Baby steps, Ezekiel. One step at a time. If Bibby is going to return to the Bibby of old, he needs the whole package and it won't all return at the same moment.

Peace.

 

[fnordius]

I think that Bibby's problem goes back a lot earlier than this year.

Remember when he'd get tons of assists, and routinely provide us with highlights, when Webber was healthy?

Then Webber went out, but Peja managed to be sort of a substitute.

After that, he went right downhill.

I think that Bibby needs a goto guy. I also think that he's only at his best when he sees an opportunity to go all the way, which isn't going to happen with big holes in the roster and a coach he has misgivings about.

Give him an imposing big and a coach he respects, and I think you'd see a lot more of the old Bibby.

 

[VF21]

I think that Bibby's problem goes back a lot earlier than this year.

Remember when he'd get tons of assists, and routinely provide us with highlights, when Webber was healthy?

Then Webber went out, but Peja managed to be sort of a substitute.

After that, he went right downhill.

I think that Bibby needs a goto guy. I also think that he's only at his best when he sees an opportunity to go all the way, which isn't going to happen with big holes in the roster and a coach he has misgivings about.

Give him an imposing big and a coach he respects, and I think you'd see a lot more of the old Bibby.

And I think, of those two, the latter may just be more important than the former. But this is all just conjecture. We may or may not get more data for our theories on Monday...

 

[AriesMar27]

I think that Bibby's problem goes back a lot earlier than this year.

Remember when he'd get tons of assists, and routinely provide us with highlights, when Webber was healthy?

Then Webber went out, but Peja managed to be sort of a substitute.

After that, he went right downhill.

I think that Bibby needs a goto guy. I also think that he's only at his best when he sees an opportunity to go all the way, which isn't going to happen with big holes in the roster and a coach he has misgivings about.

Give him an imposing big and a coach he respects, and I think you'd see a lot more of the old Bibby.

umm.... most pg's need a go to guy.... where else will their assists come from?

nash goes to amare and amare dunks it with authority... so does marion... i hardly ever see nash get an assist from diaw or barbosa... sometimes bell from the corner....

who does mike have that will score automatically? and miller gets most of the assists from martin.... it really depends on what you are looking for from mike....

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

And I think, of those two, the latter may just be more important than the former. But this is all just conjecture. We may or may not get more data for our theories on Monday...

And I DO think that New Orleans will be a tougher, younger, more athletic opponent for us than Denver...now that they have BJax, Paul and West back. IF we get some sort of convincing win against them, then I think that the fodder for the 'Fire Muss' cannon will only grow.

 

[fnordius]

And I think, of those two, the (coach) may just be more important than the (goto big). But this is all just conjecture. We may or may not get more data for our theories on Monday...

Possibly so. If it weren't for last year's abysmal start, until RonRon came along and gave us hope that he could be that offensive goto guy, I could attribute the whole slump to coaching.

But until we get a new coach, we won't even know what we have. With good management, our existing roster could play much better ball than they have been, and we won't know quite where things stand until after that's been addressed.

New coach, April 19. New big, June 28.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

April 19th, eh?? Um...we'll see...I just doubt very seriously that they'd fire the guy that they just hired, in the middle of his first season...I'd say they'd at least wait until the offseason.

 

[fnordius]

April 19th, eh?? Um...we'll see...I just doubt very seriously that they'd fire the guy that they just hired, in the middle of his first season...I'd say they'd at least wait until the offseason.

You're thinking in the past. This year our season is looking to be over on April 19.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

Oh...my bad...thats right...last game and all. Yeah, if that was to be the case, I guess they'd do it right around the 19th, when our season officially ends. I cant wait until the draft lottery, then then draft day...and then I guess July 1st, when free-agency begins.

 

[Entity]

Wasn't Bibby the main one praising Muss during camp and those 2 seemed to really hit it off. I heard from Bibby and Muss about phone calls between the 2 and they seemed to have generated a good freindship.

 

[VF21]

Wasn't Bibby the main one praising Muss during camp and those 2 seemed to really hit it off. I heard from Bibby and Muss about phone calls between the 2 and they seemed to have generated a good freindship.

What is said during camp is not necessarily binding. And I strongly doubt if a "friendship" was generated between Musselman and Bibby. They don't really have very much in common...and Muss doesn't look the kind to join "team dime".



Aside from that, it's been increasingly obvious by some of Bibby's comments recently that he seems to be, at the least, tuning Musselman out.

 

[whozit]

What is said during camp is not necessarily binding. And I strongly doubt if a "friendship" was generated between Musselman and Bibby. They don't really have very much in common...and Muss doesn't look the kind to join "team dime".



Aside from that, it's been increasingly obvious by some of Bibby's comments recently that he seems to be, at the least, tuning Musselman out.

He may not have been making the same type comments last year, but he had seemed to have tuned Adelman out also. Two coaches, one that could be listed either in the great or at least very darn good catorgory and the other a big guestion mark both being appearantly tuned out by the same player speaks more about the player than either of the coaches.

 

[PieceOfStrange]

He may not have been making the same type comments last year, but he had seemed to have tuned Adelman out also. Two coaches, one that could be listed either in the great or at least very darn good catorgory and the other a big guestion mark both being appearantly tuned out by the same player speaks more about the player than either of the coaches.

Agreed. Two coaches tuned out in two years is not a good sign.