Which Current or Former Young Kings Player Will Turn Out to Be the Better Player

[SacTownKid]

I would have to go with "special K" just because of the hype revolving around the guy, that and he was a first round pick. I think guys like J. Will and Hedo are more ready now but the future is with Kevin. The upside is with Kevin, no doubt. I would also put Gerald Wallace high on the list as well. Evans has also really impressed me so he's up there too.

 

[SSBG]

I have been watching Kevin since Jr. high. I watched him all through high school, and made the 8 and a half hour drive to Cullowee, N.C. about 30 times to watch him at Western Carolina......I can only tell you all that the BEST is truly yet to come!

 

[Geoff]

Which Current or Former Young Kings Player Will Turn Out to Be the Better Player?

I dont think Damon Jones should be on that list. He is 28-29 and pretty much is developed into the type of player he is, a spot of 3 point shooter who can set up his teammates.

and shouldn't Bibby be on this list if Darius and Evans are on it? They are the same age.

If you're starting, odds are that you're better than those who came off the bench.

I think it's too soon to boost Special-K, he doesn't even have one season under his belt yet. I would have to go with Hedo right now if he continues to play well.

 

[VF21]

I have been watching Kevin since Jr. high. I watched him all through high school, and made the 8 and a half hour drive to Cullowee, N.C. about 30 times to watch him at Western Carolina......I can only tell you all that the BEST is truly yet to come!

I believe!!!

Welcome, BTW... how much longer before we have ALL of Kevin's family here at Kingsfans?


Geoff - Just because you're starting doesn't necessarily make you better than someone who's coming off the bench. Bobby comes off the bench for us; he would be starting on a lot of teams.

I still like what I've seen Kevin do in the last couple of games. I think he's starting to feel more in his comfort zone as he determines the team's pecking order, etc. He's got a lot of talent and Pete Carril likes him. That, to me, speaks volumes.

 

[Entity]

Rick better play Mo Evans and Kevin Martin to be sure what he has for the future of the 2 spot and a spark from the bench. Because Jackson's and Christie's contracts are the first two of the core players to come to an end.

 

[Purple Reign]

Which Current or Former Young Kings Player Will Turn Out to Be the Better Player?

I dont think Damon Jones should be on that list. He is 28-29 and pretty much is developed into the type of player he is, a spot of 3 point shooter who can set up his teammates.

and shouldn't Bibby be on this list if Darius and Evans are on it? They are the same age.

Young player would mean in my view unproven, unheralded, not starting, upside potential without being an all star. None of the guys on the list are an all star, with still upside. Too me Peja and Bibby although they are still young, both have proven themselves already to be all star calliber players. Damon Jones although is 28 or 29, did not come into his own until he got to Miami. And that only came because he is playing with you know who!!!

 

[Bricklayer]

Well, given that list of names, in order for Kevin to have the brightest future he would probably at least have to become a solid 15ppg starter while doing other stuff (i.e. not one-dimensional). Could he do that or better? Looks possible. Will he? We're way ahead of ourselves there. I'll stick to a safer choice for the moment.

 

[Purple Reign]

We're way ahead of ourselves there. I'll stick to a safer choice for the moment.

I agree, and who would that safer choice be?

 

[albeitrue]

I wanna have my say BEFORE I read the thread. Course, I could have already read it, but just take my word for it, "K"?

I picked Martin for several reasons, though my pointer wanted to go for Darius or Mo, it was like some freakizoid Oujia board experience, it was tough!

First, Martin's established history with the game, according to the reports he's been VERY GOOD until now, probably already has a list a mile long of awards and personal bests. Second, for what little time he has played he seems confident and willing to put himself "out there", not intimidated by his rookie experience, and I like that. But I have to say, it's mainly those reasons alone, and not skills yet. I think he has what it takes in his head, and I believe this to be key for players first time in the league. His cool disposition and his court awareness are what are appealing to me. His skills have brought him where he is, this goes without saying!

 

[Bricklayer]

I agree, and who would that safer choice be?

Let me tell you the tale of two young players. Both are great athletes, although one has a man's body while the other is still growing into his. One of them turned 22 over the summer, the other will turn 22 in about a month.

One is starting in the NBA. He is averaging:
30.7min 11.0pts (.428, .286, .596) 6.2rebs 1.8ast 1.6stl 1.4blk 3.1TO

The other has basically played real minutes in two NBA games and is averaging:
6.4min 2.2pts (.450, .000, .810) 1.0rebs 0.2ast 0.1stl 0.1blk 0.8TO


Knowing nothing more, which of these 22 yr olds would you say is the safer bet to be a serious player as of today?


P.S. Of our own current players I think Martin has more potential than Barnes/Evans/Daniels OR Darius. He is the only one I could see one day being a starting player on a good team (although Evans could be a defense/hustle role playing starter for a stacked team I suspose).

 

[AriesMar27]

GW... or Hedo.... neither will be all-stars, but they will do some damage.... j-will shouldnt count, and neither should damon.

 

[Mad D]

Damon Jones although is 28 or 29, did not come into his own until he got to Miami. And that only came because he is playing with you know who!!!

Well he actually came into his own when TJ Ford went down while he was on the Bucks. At one point he was getting 8-11 asist per night for a month.

 

[nAj jAn™]

Let me tell you the tale of two young players. Both are great athletes, although one has a man's body while the other is still growing into his. One of them turned 22 over the summer, the other will turn 22 in about a month.

One is starting in the NBA. He is averaging:
30.7min 11.0pts (.428, .286, .596) 6.2rebs 1.8ast 1.6stl 1.4blk 3.1TO

The other has basically played real minutes in two NBA games and is averaging:
6.4min 2.2pts (.450, .000, .810) 1.0rebs 0.2ast 0.1stl 0.1blk 0.8TO


Knowing nothing more, which of these 22 yr olds would you say is the safer bet to be a serious player as of today?


P.S. Of our own current players I think Martin has more potential than Barnes/Evans/Daniels OR Darius. He is the only one I could see one day being a starting player on a good team (although Evans could be a defense/hustle role playing starter for a stacked team I suspose).

The other 22 who is starting, and that would be Gerald Wallace!

And I agree G-Wall will blossom and turn out to be a better player, he's still an inconsistent player (his points) but I think the next 3 years, he and Emeka will be the main guys in Charlotte...

 

[Heuge]

The other 22 who is starting, and that would be Gerald Wallace!

And I agree G-Wall will blossom and turn out to be a better player, he's still an inconsistent player (his points) but I think the next 3 years, he and Emeka will be the main guys in Charlotte...

He was offered an extention by Charlotte recently and turned it down, electing to try out free agency. Who knows where he'll be.

 

[Geoff]

I believe!!!


Geoff - Just because you're starting doesn't necessarily make you better than someone who's coming off the bench. Bobby comes off the bench for us; he would be starting on a lot of teams.

I still like what I've seen Kevin do in the last couple of games. I think he's starting to feel more in his comfort zone as he determines the team's pecking order, etc. He's got a lot of talent and Pete Carril likes him. That, to me, speaks volumes.

I realize that VF, I was referring to guys on the same team

 

[4cwebb]

He was offered an extention by Charlotte recently and turned it down, electing to try out free agency. Who knows where he'll be.

If this is true, I find this very disappointing from GW...I don't know that after one season of 30 minutes per night he will be able to move on to a better team and earn the same amount of minutes...there are a lot of SFs here in the NBA.

 

[VF21]

I realize that VF, I was referring to guys on the same team

Oh.

Well then, to quote Emily Latella, "Never mind."

 

[SSBG]

I believe!!!

Welcome, BTW... how much longer before we have ALL of Kevin's family here at Kingsfans?


Geoff - Just because you're starting doesn't necessarily make you better than someone who's coming off the bench. Bobby comes off the bench for us; he would be starting on a lot of teams.

I still like what I've seen Kevin do in the last couple of games. I think he's starting to feel more in his comfort zone as he determines the team's pecking order, etc. He's got a lot of talent and Pete Carril likes him. That, to me, speaks volumes.

Thanks for the welcome. Give us some time; we're late bloomers like kev.

 

[slugking50]

Hmmmm I certainly wouldnt say JWill ,Damon Jones have a great future. Havent they reached their best already?Not sure Hedo can get any better either. Gerald... who knows....


Thats why I picked the Rook. He looks like he has the most potential.


Although i almost picked Sacramento's Finest.... Come on, Can somebody give Matt some love?!

 

[Kingsgurl]

Let me tell you the tale of two young players. Both are great athletes, although one has a man's body while the other is still growing into his. One of them turned 22 over the summer, the other will turn 22 in about a month.

One is starting in the NBA. He is averaging:
30.7min 11.0pts (.428, .286, .596) 6.2rebs 1.8ast 1.6stl 1.4blk 3.1TO

The other has basically played real minutes in two NBA games and is averaging:
6.4min 2.2pts (.450, .000, .810) 1.0rebs 0.2ast 0.1stl 0.1blk 0.8TO

One is also 16th in the league in turnovers per game, 7th if you use the per 48 minute stat, and it isn't the rook.
Wouldn't a more comparable look use the first year stats for both players, rather than the stats from 'Player A's' 4th season?

Player A-
8 min 3.2pts (.429, .000, .500) 1.6 rebs 0.5 ast .35 stl 0.1 blk .41TO
Player B-
6.4min 2.2pts (.450, .000, .810) 1.0rebs 0.2ast 0.1stl 0.1blk 0.8TO

Hmmm, now all the sudden those numbers look pretty similiar, well except for the shooting percentages.
I think Gerald, of course, has the edge in athleticism and the fact his body is more mature, however, I am going with Kevin because he has a more complete game, a nice looking shot and a dedication to put in the extra work. He always plays better against the best teams, as evidenced by his college career. I think he has a higher ceiling than Gerald. Will that happen? Who knows

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

... I think Gerald, of course, has the edge in athleticism and the fact his body is more mature, however, I am going with Kevin because he has a more complete game, a nice looking shot and a dedication to put in the extra work...

More complete offensively, maybe. I disagree that his game is more complete overall; Wallace has been a better rebounder from jump street, is an excellent shot blocker, and a pretty good steals man; and it's not like he's inept on the offensive end; that doesn't sound like a more complete game to me.

 

[PacMan]

One is also 16th in the league in turnovers per game, 7th if you use the per 48 minute stat, and it isn't the rook.
Wouldn't a more comparable look use the first year stats for both players, rather than the stats from 'Player A's' 4th season?

Player A-
8 min 3.2pts (.429, .000, .500) 1.6 rebs 0.5 ast .35 stl 0.1 blk .41TO
Player B-
6.4min 2.2pts (.450, .000, .810) 1.0rebs 0.2ast 0.1stl 0.1blk 0.8TO

Hmmm, now all the sudden those numbers look pretty similiar, well except for the shooting percentages.
I think Gerald, of course, has the edge in athleticism and the fact his body is more mature, however, I am going with Kevin because he has a more complete game, a nice looking shot and a dedication to put in the extra work. He always plays better against the best teams, as evidenced by his college career. I think he has a higher ceiling than Gerald. Will that happen? Who knows

The rook is actually number 1 on the list in term of turnover per game. With that said, I think it is too early to predict who will be better in the future between Wallace and Martin. Martin seems to be more completely offensively, but I think I will have to give the defensive edge to Wallace. He's a stronger rebounder and shotblocker.

 

[Bricklayer]

One is also 16th in the league in turnovers per game, 7th if you use the per 48 minute stat, and it isn't the rook.
Wouldn't a more comparable look use the first year stats for both players, rather than the stats from 'Player A's' 4th season?

Player A-
8 min 3.2pts (.429, .000, .500) 1.6 rebs 0.5 ast .35 stl 0.1 blk .41TO
Player B-
6.4min 2.2pts (.450, .000, .810) 1.0rebs 0.2ast 0.1stl 0.1blk 0.8TO

Hmmm, now all the sudden those numbers look pretty similiar, well except for the shooting percentages.
I think Gerald, of course, has the edge in athleticism and the fact his body is more mature, however, I am going with Kevin because he has a more complete game, a nice looking shot and a dedication to put in the extra work. He always plays better against the best teams, as evidenced by his college career. I think he has a higher ceiling than Gerald. Will that happen? Who knows

No it wouldn't be more accurate -- they are basically the same age. Gerald just spent college on our bench rather than in school. Comparing Gerald at 19 to Kevin at 21/22 is like comparing Shane Battier as a rook and Kobe as a rook and concluding that Shane had the much brighter future. No he didn't -- was just older and further along the development curve.

There's only one thing that Kevin really does better than Gerald, and that's shoot. Could be the critical thing that makes him into a viable starter for us, but doesn't alone make him "better rounded". This is actually why the passing game is so critical for Kevin -- he's never going to be the physical force Gerald is, never going to rebound like him, block shots like him -- but as a slightly built guard what he might one day be able to do is be a decent assist man. Never a PG -- you are kind of born with those instincts. But somebody who sees his teammates and can get 3-4 asts a game.

In any case Gerald is doing it right now. He is a raw but forceful starter for an NBA team. He's Kevin's age -- they should both have careers of roughly the same length assuming they both make it. And Gerald only has to take a small step forward to be about a 15pt 7reb 3ast 2stl 1.5blk player. In fact he basically would be if he played 38-40 min a night. So you ask who has a brighter future and for the answer to be Kevin he has to be able to equal or better that. For a scoring oriented player that pretty much means a 20ppg guy (if Gerald takes that small step -- perhaps 15ppg if Gerald does not). That's possible -- the Spurs game was very encouraging. But probable? We've been down this road before. Predicted All-Stardom for JWill, then Hedo, then Gerald. They've turned out to be good players, albeit not for us. But not all we had hoped. And while Kevin shows promise, all of those guys showed/are showing at least as much at the same age.

It would obviously be an absolutely enormous coup for the Kings if they have somehow drafted themselves a future All-Star OG late in the first round. That would just be perfect -- could really change things for us in the future. But to sit here and say that a late round pick from a small school who has yet to score double figures in an NBA game and was getting splinters in his underweight behind until two games ago is destined for big time NBA glory is just a tad premature.

Know that rooting for Kevin is a friends and family thing in a lot of cases, and that's cool. Glad to see he has a more stable structure than a lot of these kids who come into the league from bad environments trailing a posse of hangers on and yes men who never let them grow up. Gives him a better chance to mature into a stable young man. But friends and family are pretty much obligated to believe that their guy is the greatest and can do anything he puts his mind to. I on the other hand, just watch the games around the league. And there are a LOT of talented guys in this league. Perhaps the single most impressive thing to me of Kevin's young career is nothing that he's done on court, none of the friends or family testimonials, but the simple fact that Rick turned to him in the Spurs game. When one of the 20 winningest coaches of all times likes what he sees in practice enough to throw you out on the court for key minutes against the team favored to win the championship, that's a good sign.

 

[JB_kings]

I don't think it's fair to compare Martin to Wallace when it comes to skills and ability. Both have quite different games. To me, Martin has more in common with Rip Hamilton in body type and game. If Martin eventually turns out as good as Rip is today, then the Kings should be very happy. As for Wallace, the Kings probably don't feel bad about losing him because Evans is so far contributing pretty much what Wallace did - offenisve boards and a high energy athlete. I think Evans might even be a better shooter than Gerald.

 

[Bricklayer]

I don't think it's fair to compare Martin to Wallace when it comes to skills and ability. Both have quite different games. To me, Martin has more in common with Rip Hamilton in body type and game. If Martin eventually turns out as good as Rip is today, then the Kings should be very happy. As for Wallace, the Kings probably don't feel bad about losing him because Evans is so far contributing pretty much what Wallace did - offenisve boards and a high energy athlete. I think Evans might even be a better shooter than Gerald.

If Kevin turns out to be as good as Gerald is today, we should be happy. We'll have a keeper.

If he turns out to be as good as Rip -- well that would just be ridiculous. Note, BTW, that the Rip comparison is really probably only made because both are skinny as rails (Rip has bulked up a bit but the nickname is still amusing (even though I'm sure it referes to ripping the nets )). In actuality, Kevin is a better athlete and looks as if he might be able to put up better hustleboard numbers than Hamilton. On the other hand, Rip can be really silky with that J when he's on, and while Kevin can shoot, probably not at that level yet. Point being, different players, just similar physiques.

 

[Brewer16]

With Christie as his mentor, Special K's gonna be great, just give him a year or two.

 

[VF21]

Bricklayer - I find myself totally unable to follow your logic that we should be comparing Wallace in his 4th year in the NBA to Kevin in his first year. Gerald has had three years of NBA time to learn, to grow, to develop and mature. Kevin is a rookie, just as Wallace was in 2001. To compare the two is patently unfair, IMHO.

And it's not about being family or friends. When you get to games early and see how much work Kevin puts in before the game AND how much regard the coaching staff seems to have for him, you get a feeling that they, too, think he's something special.

I guess we'll all just have to wait and see...but my money is on Martin.

 

[mcsluggo]

VF21 - I find myself totally unable to follow your logic that we should be comparing Wallace in his 4th year in the NBA to Kevin in his first year. Keven has had four years of major playing time in college to learn, to grow, to develop and mature. Gerald was stashed on the bench during that time, how could he mature as a player in that situation. To compare the two is patently unfair, IMHO.

 

[Mad D]

I guess we'll all just have to wait and see...but my money is on Martin.

They're are two different players, mentally and skill wise.

Wallace:
-wasn't known to have the best work ethic
-relied too much on his athleticism (could be a good thing or a bad thing)
-still can't handle the ball too well
Martin:
-Kevin is already getting praised for his work ethic
-relies on basketball his instincts
-can handle the ball pretty well, just needs alittle more work

 

[mcsluggo]

If memory serves me, Gerald was praised for his work ethic... until it became clear that we was likely to be heading out the door.


Look, I don't want to be pessemistic about the rook. He seems to have some upside: a real scorer's mentality, quickness and athleticism, seems like a "good kid" and coachable. But...

ALL of the youngster's seemed to have promise, and were eagerly touted when they were here. Now that they are gone, the relative trashing of them as they leave and always blowing (up) the new guy in their stead gets on my nerves.

People, Martin HAS YET TO SCORE IN DOUBLE DIGITS IN A SINGLE NBA GAME. And his primary upside is as a scorer. Lets not get the cart too far before the horse here. He has some promise. So does Evans. But NEITHER has anything close to what seemed to be hinted at for the future when Hedo and Jwill were rooks here. It seemed entirely feasible that either of them could become franchise players. Right now, I'd be happy if Martin becomes a solid backup. I'll HOPE for more. but just hold your horses anointing him as the future savior, ok.