http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/460369.html
Voisin's View: It's not official, but Greene gets point
By Ailene Voisin - avoisin@sacbee.com
Published 2:00 pm PDT Monday, October 29, 2007
Reggie Theus is refusing to officially name his starting point guard for Wednesday night's season opener at New Orleans, but the identity of the mystery man was obvious while watching practice.
Orien Greene will start in Mike Bibby's usual spot alongside Kevin Martin. The move makes sense because the 6-foot-4 Greene is a better defender and ballhandler than Quincy Douby, and he matches up better against the cat-quick Chris Paul, Tony Parker and Devin Harris, the starting lead guards for the Kings' first three opponents in New Orleans, San Antonio and Dallas, respectively.
But the Kings were in trouble at that position even before Bibby injured his thumb. There isn't a proven backup listed anywhere on the roster. Douby is an improving scorer, but he hasn't convinced anyone that he can be converted to the point - at his size (6-foot-3), where he needs to be. John Salmons mishandles the ball and isn't an intuitive passer. And Francisco Garcia, the most creative of the bunch, and the only one who sees the floor, commits too many careless turnovers.
Talk about Bibby's perimeter shooting and shot-making all you want. But his ballhandling will be missed just as much. And the worst thing about his injury is that he seemed determined to have a much better season. He was responding to Theus' demands to improve his on-ball defense, and though probably still miffed about the trade rumors, was more animated and engaged than I have ever seen him.
But even when he returns, I don't see him ever forming a compatible backcourt with Kevin Martin. Their skills just don't fit. Bibby, who is not an exceptional distributor, and certainly not the type of quick, pass-ahead playmaker Theus needs to run his fastbreak, enjoyed his best seasons when paired with Doug Christie, a big guard who was a willing, gifted passer.
Martin, who is an efficient, increasingly prolific scorer, would flourish with a more conventional playmaker. He doesn't handle the ball well enough to consistently initiate the offense, especially on the break,- and Bibby simply doesn't get him enough shots.
So how would you like to be Reggie Theus right now? With the point guard situation a mess, Brad Miller and Spencer Hawes ailing, and Ron Artest suspended for the first seven games, Theus might be wondering what he got himself into.
This is a brutal introduction to an NBA head coaching career. In tomorrow's Bee, I offer some ideas on what Kings officials and coaches are thinking, and how long they should wait before making a concession speech.
Voisin's View: It's not official, but Greene gets point
By Ailene Voisin - avoisin@sacbee.com
Published 2:00 pm PDT Monday, October 29, 2007
Reggie Theus is refusing to officially name his starting point guard for Wednesday night's season opener at New Orleans, but the identity of the mystery man was obvious while watching practice.
Orien Greene will start in Mike Bibby's usual spot alongside Kevin Martin. The move makes sense because the 6-foot-4 Greene is a better defender and ballhandler than Quincy Douby, and he matches up better against the cat-quick Chris Paul, Tony Parker and Devin Harris, the starting lead guards for the Kings' first three opponents in New Orleans, San Antonio and Dallas, respectively.
But the Kings were in trouble at that position even before Bibby injured his thumb. There isn't a proven backup listed anywhere on the roster. Douby is an improving scorer, but he hasn't convinced anyone that he can be converted to the point - at his size (6-foot-3), where he needs to be. John Salmons mishandles the ball and isn't an intuitive passer. And Francisco Garcia, the most creative of the bunch, and the only one who sees the floor, commits too many careless turnovers.
Talk about Bibby's perimeter shooting and shot-making all you want. But his ballhandling will be missed just as much. And the worst thing about his injury is that he seemed determined to have a much better season. He was responding to Theus' demands to improve his on-ball defense, and though probably still miffed about the trade rumors, was more animated and engaged than I have ever seen him.
But even when he returns, I don't see him ever forming a compatible backcourt with Kevin Martin. Their skills just don't fit. Bibby, who is not an exceptional distributor, and certainly not the type of quick, pass-ahead playmaker Theus needs to run his fastbreak, enjoyed his best seasons when paired with Doug Christie, a big guard who was a willing, gifted passer.
Martin, who is an efficient, increasingly prolific scorer, would flourish with a more conventional playmaker. He doesn't handle the ball well enough to consistently initiate the offense, especially on the break,- and Bibby simply doesn't get him enough shots.
So how would you like to be Reggie Theus right now? With the point guard situation a mess, Brad Miller and Spencer Hawes ailing, and Ron Artest suspended for the first seven games, Theus might be wondering what he got himself into.
This is a brutal introduction to an NBA head coaching career. In tomorrow's Bee, I offer some ideas on what Kings officials and coaches are thinking, and how long they should wait before making a concession speech.
