What do you think K-Mart should improve?
- Thread starter Andre87
- Start date
Widowmaker2k
Bench
Well, as you stated, his first priority should be defense, after that, ball handling and passing are next on the list. Take last night for example, he played 40 minutes, the team scored 122 points, 4/5 starters notched over 20 points, yet he (Kevin) didn't notch a single assist.
Uncia03
Starter
For the last two seasons the number one thing from an offensive standpoint I've wanted Kevin to work on has been his ball-handling.
It looks as if he has been improving, but if he can take it up another notch or three it will really open up his game.
He'd have more of the ability to be the guy the Kings could toss the ball to when they have to have a basket, and it would allow him to force the defense to collapse on him even more while giving him the opportunity to pass the ball to wide-open teammates.
I've always felt it's his ball handling which has prevented him from being a true #1 guy and obtaining all-star status.
It looks as if he has been improving, but if he can take it up another notch or three it will really open up his game.
He'd have more of the ability to be the guy the Kings could toss the ball to when they have to have a basket, and it would allow him to force the defense to collapse on him even more while giving him the opportunity to pass the ball to wide-open teammates.
I've always felt it's his ball handling which has prevented him from being a true #1 guy and obtaining all-star status.
Bricklayer
Don't Make Me Use The Bat
Not sure you have a valid poll here without defense as a choice, but then again it would be such an obvious oe that maybe its better jsut ot leae it as is and make the questin "Other than defense, what do you think K-Mart should improve?"
Circa_1985_Fan
All-Star
I'm sure EVERY player needs to work on something to take it to the next level...but as far as I'm concerned, Kevin's game is Kevin's game, and wont be changing any time soon I dont think...he's a pure scorer that knows how to create his own shot, he gets to the line ALOT...he's never going to be a great distributor or defender, nor should he be asked to...he's a great scorer, and that's probably it...not a leader, not a franchise type player, and never will be, nor should it be asked of him to be...that will be for the next veteran big impact player we sign after next season...Kevin is Rip Hamilton, Detroit doesnt ask him to be the leader or defensive stopper, that's Tayshaun's job.
Vlade4GM
All-Star
Defense is at least something he could realistically improve on since he has the tools to do it. Generally if players improve their ball handling/passing/IQ it's done gradually over long periods of time because these are things that are normally inherant and difficult to learn/improve upon beyond the normal development years.
Kingster
Hall of Famer
He needs to get better defensively. He has to put out the effort night in, night out, not just when they get embarrased. That's the only way he's going to get better. I want to see him follow-his-man when he does get beaten around picks instead of slow down and watch what happens. FOLLOW THE MAN, track him down, and make it uncomfortable for him. He's one the fastest men in the NBA; he can definitely do it. I also want to see him prevent his man from getting the freaking ball. If he doesn't have the freaking ball, then he's not going to score, is he?
On offense, I want to see him develop a cross-over dribble.
On offense, I want to see him develop a cross-over dribble.
Um, wrong. A few extra pounds would do absolutely NOTHING to prevent him from ankle injuries. In fact, one might actually argue that with his propensity for foot/ankle problems, additional weight could be a real negative.
And I'm more than a little curious about why you don't think he doesn't have any passion for the game...especially considering how hard he's fought his entire career to be recognized and get respect for his game and his skills.
Ball-handling? Okay. Defense? Of course.
Weight and passion? Nope. No way.
I think it's more of a case where we - or at least most of us - would like to see him develop that part of his game more and become more of a threat to pass to his team-mates and open up the offense in that regard.
If he wasn't so light, he wouldn't be flopping around everywhere when he gets bumped putting him in position to be hurt.
And as for passion, I know he's a helluva player. But he doesn't have the passion, KG and Cisco have. If he played with the passion they do I think he could be an even more effective player than he already is.
And as for passion, I know he's a helluva player. But he doesn't have the passion, KG and Cisco have. If he played with the passion they do I think he could be an even more effective player than he already is.
Andre87
Bench
that's what I've said, off-course everyone would vote for that leaving other categories unnoticed.
I think kevin needs to improve his ball handling too 'cause as of now he's stil sloppy and a little bit too plain with it
yeah but in fact Detroit ask him to be a defensive stopper and he's a very good defender. I just think Kevin is lazy on defense and wants to save more energy for offensive purposes
it will help him finish at the rim more comfortably than now and actually not only hope to get free throws but score right away
bajaden
Hall of Famer
I don't think you can judge a players passion just by his outward appearance on the court. Martin has a great work ethic. He's worked hard to make the most out of the talent he has, and so far its paid off. He's not perfect by any means and still has a lot of room for growth.
Speaking there of: Defense, defense and more defense. Its his biggest weakness, and he'll never be considered a great player until he becomes at least respectable at it. Secondly, his ballhandling and passing skills could use some improvement. Its rare to find a player thats great at everything. Richmond, god love him, was a terrible ballhandler and an average at best passer. However, he was a great offensive player, and one of the best defensive players in the NBA.
One final note. Martin should not try to be something he's not. He's not a superstar, and I really doubt that he's a natural leader. There's no shame in that. When you try to be what everyone else wants you to be, is when you fail. Of late, it appears to me that Martin is trying hard to be the man. He's forcing things, and the result is usually a turnover or a forced shot. Now is not the time to switch horses. Just keep riding the horse that got you here, and you'll be fine.
Um, what??? Sorry but that's just silly. Another thing to keep in mind is Martin's body type. His slender frame is genetic so trying to bulk him up just for the sake of extra weight would be contra-indicated anyway. Another negative possibility could be the effect of extra weight on his speed, which is one of his best assets.
I do not mean to be disrespectful or rude in any way, but you're really off base IMHO about this.
I'm curious...how many times have you been able to watch Kings games? I can't help but think you're drawing your conclusions from something other than personal observation...
OptimusRhyme
Jive Turkey
His ballhandling could use work but I'd rather see him focusing on defense, and being a quick pesky defender, kinda like bruce bowen.. They are sorta the same build, he should take some tips from bruce and drop kick some people.
ZanesvilleFan
G-League
When I first read this question the FIRST thing that came to my mind was His Leadership Skills (being more vocal). So I went ahead and voted nothing. Everyone can play better defense then what they do (Its the NBA). haha
Andre87
Bench
contra-indicated? lol How in the world could you know that???? Have you seen Richard Hamilton a few years ago? Genetically skinny he was virtually as thin as Martin right now. He bulked up over the years noticeably and looks a lot more confident against bigger shooting guards and small forwards. Same can be said about Bowen.
All players in the league try to gain more weight once they enter the league for a reason - see Kobe, Mcgrady, Arenas, Garnett, Wade etc. And knowing how quick Kevin is, gaining a good 15 or so pounds won't affect his speed that much. It will only help him when he facing bigger guys againt him both defensively and offensively!
As for the games I think I've seen nearly half of the games we played this year, quite a few considering our magnificent performances this season...
tyrant
Starter
He needs to handle the ball better. And be able to use that against people that know how to move their feet on defense. Things open up more if you're able to use the dribble to create space. He just puts his head down & go. Which is fine sometimes, but he needs to be more creative.
A
AriesMar27
Guest
its funny that his defense is so bad now... i remember when he first got drafted he was the new doug christie and he was guarding opposing point guards... now he is stuck guarding the teams worst offensive perimeter player...
but i voted for ball handling... its just so weak.
but i voted for ball handling... its just so weak.
Gary
All-Star
I don't think there would be as many problems with the D if the Kings were winning. I am not saying it would go unnoticed, I am actually saying K-Mart would be playing better D. I think the whole team is in a rut and has lost a lot of skills they would otherwise have.
Defense is part effort, and since the effort is gone so goes whatever defense was along with it..
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AriesMar27
Guest
i think thats the real problem.... losing does that... if we had bigs that could block shots and deter players from attacking the basket would make martin and benos job a lot easier.
he has all of the tools to be a good defender. but this team is garbage, they are going to lose a lot of games and i doubt that they will play much defense this season.
he has all of the tools to be a good defender. but this team is garbage, they are going to lose a lot of games and i doubt that they will play much defense this season.
LPKingsFan
All-Star
He needs to get better at getting Brad Miller and John Salmons traded.
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