Was the late 90s/early 2000s squad just a product of blind luck?

[SacTownKid]

I didn't watch Webber in Washington so i don't know if he had the same problems Tyreke has. My problem with Tyreke isn't really his numbers, per se. I'd be fine with it if he averaged 15 points by getting about that in every game. But he doesn't. He averages 15 points a game by getting 27 points and 25 points in back to back games, then following it up with a string games where he can't even hit double figures. That type of inconsistency makes it impossible for the team to ever really get rolling.

And if you look at the game he's alternating his play style at times and it leads to inconsistency. That to me speaks moreso about system and how that player is used than anything. Not that he doesn't have weaknesses to his game, as almost all players do. You may be right and Cousins and Evans might not be the right "duo" to lead this team. Tyreke is a player looking for a role and a way to be used just like anyone. One game he's trying to play Steve Nash, the next he's trying to plow his way into the paint when things go south. Could be all on him but I doubt it because I can look at all the circumstances surrounding this team and connect the dots.

Just a few weeks ago you had almost no valuable production from anyone, at least now they have a coach who understands who his best players are and realizes they need to play the minutes that your stars should. Westphal would yank guys in and out and put in the waterboy if he was on with his 18 footer in the warm ups, but how does that help in the development of a Demarcus Cousins or Tyreke Evans? They are both firmly in the stage of the game where their individual improvement should be top priority. I just hope Smart has some ideas on how they should be used and maybe even takes glance back at what this team looked like when they ran the offense through Demarcus Cousins. Timing is something can just come, but most times it has to be worked on. It obviously needs to be worked on here, it should be worked on, and until it is I myself personally will reserve absolute judgment. It's like looking at a painting 1/3 of the way done and calling it crap when all you see are some squiggles and a set of eyes.

 

[ManBearPig916]

Darn, I just posted something and it disappeared.

I don't know how much luck it was vs the mindset brought about by the players and the coach. It was a sharing offense that always took the best shot, and getting yourself or your teammate a good shot was the idea, instead of getting yourself a good shot. Nobody played defense though, so how can you consider it luck? In my opinion, considering I used to play basketball for fun, I consider defense an effort-based skill instead of a talent based skill. I have good footwork, which helps, and my short wingspan helps me to quickly get hands on balls during dribbles and crossovers. Regardless, I don't consider it a talent as much as I consider it a focused effort to hassle the offensive player and stay in front of them.

The 2002 Kings tried on one end of the floor because their offense was unmatched and they knew it. If they put forth the effort on defense, we would have won more, in my opinion.

Now, considering the question of luck, I'd say NO. I believe it was the philosophy of the offensive pieces combined with the offensive-minded coach in Rick Adelman that brought about the success we had 10 years ago. We need to refine our offense and gain some confidence, and I believe this offense cannot be refined by 1 on 1 dribbles. I believe ball-moving plays and off-ball movement needs to become a habit.

I'm new, have mercy on my posts.

 

[kennadog]

I seriously dont how petrie is still able to hold to his job after consistently ruining this team since 03.

I don't think it's coincidence that after the 02/03 season, the Maloofs wanted to get back under the salary cap. At that point the Kings had one of the highest payrolls in the entire league. Hard to cut salary every year to get under the cap and stay relevant. We finally got under the cap, with the Brian Skinner trade.

Now the Maloofs are probably among the poorest owners in the league. That doesn't help either. I'd love it, if they'd sell to someone like Burkle.

I don't know why Vlade wanted to sign in Sacramento, but I'll be forever grateful that he wanted to play here. He made a huge difference. More than a lot of people understand, I think. He turned the Kings into more than just a bunch of players. He made them a team, one other players wanted to play for. Some credit to Adelman, too, for sure.