The Kings travel to Phoenix to face the new-look Suns for the first time. The Big Cactus has replaced Shawn Marion, which might actually be a blessing for the Kings.
There are things about our team we can celebrate even if we know we won't be watching Kings basketball after April 15. Beno Udrih has been a pretty nice surprise to just about everyone. Very few people expected much from the out-of-work point guard when he first came to the Kings.
Spencer Hawes is intriguing and really beginning to show what he's made of. Watching a center play with his back to the hoop in the low post is a joy and his half-hook is already very good. It's hard to remember sometimes he's only 19. His future - to steal a phrase - is so bright we're all gonna have to wear shades.
Reggie Theus has made some mistakes but all in all he's doing a good job, especially for a rookie NBA coach. I can't think of too many coaches who could have handled this current assemblage of players and the combination of problems much better than the ever-personable Theus. If he can just remember that his job is to get the very best out of each of our players and not let his ego get in the way, he could have a long career with the Kings.
And who's the stranger on the bench with all the enthusiasm for the team and his fellow players? None other than Lorenzen Wright, who joined the Kings in the Bibby trade. It's really great to see someone show that much support for other players, especially when the person in question has yet to step on the court during game time. Thanks, Lorenzen. You're a class act!
The game discussion thread is
here.
The PBP thread is
here.
Let's get ready for some Kings basketball!
