Will Vasquez’s shimmy be seen again?

[morsatun]

During the Vasquez interview at arrival to Sacramento, he mentioned that he wanted to go back to be himself, that he had not felt himself in the NBA yet. Now what does that mean?

When Vasquez was in college he was the absolute leader in his team. He had absolutely green light, and he use to take ridiculous shots, and made a lot of them. He also got a lot in to the fans with his famous shimmy after he score a point. He felt like a superstar, and he was treated like one. He then whent to Memphis as a backup guard and (as expected) was very shy and only had limited minutes, so he could not show that kind of attitude at all. In New Orleans, he was kept on a really short leash by Coach Williams, and probably with good reasons, as even on that short leash, he took a lot of hero shots at the end of games that probably costed the Hornets a few games.

Now, it looks to me like Coach Malone, is willing to give Vasquez a bit of freedom (form his comments about how Vasquez is the type of player that the system they want to implement needs) Does that mean that we will see a more "in your face" kind of Vasquez? Is he going to take a real leading role calling on the players mistakes etc.? And more importantly, would that change of attitude make him a better or worst NBA player?

 

[nebs]

 

[VF21]

During the Vasquez interview at arrival to Sacramento, he mentioned that he wanted to go back to be himself, that he had not felt himself in the NBA yet. Now what does that mean?

When Vasquez was in college he was the absolute leader in his team. He had absolutely green light, and he use to take ridiculous shots, and made a lot of them. He also got a lot in to the fans with his famous shimmy after he score a point. He felt like a superstar, and he was treated like one. He then whent to Memphis as a backup guard and (as expected) was very shy and only had limited minutes, so he could not show that kind of attitude at all. In New Orleans, he was kept on a really short leash by Coach Williams, and probably with good reasons, as even on that short leash, he took a lot of hero shots at the end of games that probably costed the Hornets a few games.

Now, it looks to me like Coach Malone, is willing to give Vasquez a bit of freedom (form his comments about how Vasquez is the type of player that the system they want to implement needs) Does that mean that we will see a more "in your face" kind of Vasquez? Is he going to take a real leading role calling on the players mistakes etc.? And more importantly, would that change of attitude make him a better or worst NBA player?

First of all, welcome to Kingsfans.com - glad to see new members joining the fold.

As far as what Malone will do, we're all in the same boat here. We'll have to wait and see what happens and how he defines the role of each of our players into the new vision that Vivek and Co. have for the team. Sacramento fans are a friendly, welcoming lot (in spite of some of the heated discussions you may see around here) and if Vasquez is going to feel at home anywhere, it will be here.

 

[Bricklayer]

Lots of guys do "the shimmy" in college. Jimmer even did The Mania. When you're in college you're better than just about everybody you face., then you come to the pros, and you aren't anymore. Result is, no more asinine hero stuff unless you are one of the true elites. I doubt Vasquez is foolish enough not to recognize that.

 

[Spike]

I don't know why this made me laugh so much, but it did.

 

[rainmaker]

Uh, no. What he should be concerned with is setting up the offense and getting the rock to Cuz, or anyone else who can actually do something with it which we don't have right now and are still waiting on PDA to get. The last thing we need is a moderate level NBA talent with little 1v1 ability and is slower than me thinking he's the star he was in college. If Vasquez starts looking for his own and taking "ridiculous shots" as you say he did in college, then his *** needs to be firmly planted on the bench.

 

[King Baller]

If the Kings win, Vasquez can shimmy all he wants.

KB

 

[jacklvyn]

During the Vasquez interview at arrival to Sacramento, he mentioned that he wanted to go back to be himself, that he had not felt himself in the NBA yet. Now what does that mean?

When Vasquez was in college he was the absolute leader in his team. He had absolutely green light, and he use to take ridiculous shots, and made a lot of them. He also got a lot in to the fans with his famous shimmy after he score a point. He felt like a superstar, and he was treated like one. He then whent to Memphis as a backup guard and (as expected) was very shy and only had limited minutes, so he could not show that kind of attitude at all. In New Orleans, he was kept on a really short leash by Coach Williams, and probably with good reasons, as even on that short leash, he took a lot of hero shots at the end of games that probably costed the Hornets a few games.

Now, it looks to me like Coach Malone, is willing to give Vasquez a bit of freedom (form his comments about how Vasquez is the type of player that the system they want to implement needs) Does that mean that we will see a more "in your face" kind of Vasquez? Is he going to take a real leading role calling on the players mistakes etc.? And more importantly, would that change of attitude make him a better or worst NBA player?

I think he said he didn't feel 100% healthy before surgery. Now he feels the best. That's it.

 

[Fear the Putin]

 

[chief bromden]

I wouldn't be upset if he recreated Merton Hanks' shimmy either

 

[Bricklayer]

I wouldn't be upset if he recreated Merton Hanks' shimmy either

We already had a shimmier. Name of Polynice. Do not need another.

 

[funkykingston]

I wouldn't be upset if he recreated Merton Hanks' shimmy either

Merton Hanks did NOT shimmy. His celebration dance is on another planet compared with everyone else mentioned. And let's not even talk about Shaq's attempt at copying it.

 

[chief bromden]

Merton Hanks did NOT shimmy. His celebration dance is on another planet compared with everyone else mentioned. And let's not even talk about Shaq's attempt at copying it.

Let's be honest here, you're right. Merton was on a whole other level - the only player to give himself concussions during celebrations. I stand corrected.

 

[morsatun]

OK, going back to topic. Regardless of the shimmy, do you guys think that Vasquez will take a leading role, and call players positions, mistakes etc? He kind of did that midway through last season, but then Gordon came back form injury, and Vasquez ankles started to bother him.

 

[Bricklayer]

OK, going back to topic. Regardless of the shimmy, do you guys think that Vasquez will take a leading role, and call players positions, mistakes etc? He kind of did that midway through last season, but then Gordon came back form injury, and Vasquez ankles started to bother him.

Will he be a team leader is a somewhat different question than will he throw up asinine shots trying to be a hero.

On the team leader front it will depend on three things: his own play early in the season -- you need success to gain the legitimacy to lead. if he struggles, guys aren't going to listen; 2) his relationship with Cousins -- he's got to be smart there and ally himself to the big dog. If they clash, he's dead as a leader, and so are we; 3) how much rope his coach gives him. And on that one, I expect quite a bit. Don't know for sure though as Malone has never been a head coach before.

 

[VF21]

OK, going back to topic. Regardless of the shimmy, do you guys think that Vasquez will take a leading role, and call players positions, mistakes etc? He kind of did that midway through last season, but then Gordon came back form injury, and Vasquez ankles started to bother him.

I'm not going to predict anything about Vasquez until I at least see him in a Kings uniform. To you, he's your favorite player on a new team. To us he's part of a whole bunch of new factors to be considered, including ownership, management, outlook, vision, coach and coaching staff, etc. There's just no way to accurately predict at this point in time what his role will be.

 

[morsatun]

I'm not going to predict anything about Vasquez until I at least see him in a Kings uniform. To you, he's your favorite player on a new team. To us he's part of a whole bunch of new factors to be considered, including ownership, management, outlook, vision, coach and coaching staff, etc. There's just no way to accurately predict at this point in time what his role will be.

Hey I have followed Vasquez, but he is nowhere near my favorite player in this team. If I have to name a favorite, obviously it would be DMC. now there are 3 players i am particularly interested to see, as IMO they can go sweet or sower this year: Vasquez, Mclemore and Thornton, Individually I really want to see how they develop with Coach Malone. If you were to check some of my posts from other fan sites, you would see that I have repeatedly mention that Vasquez is in a odd position. IMO he is either a decent 6th man in a good team, or an average starter in a mediocre team.

 

[VF21]

Hey I have followed Vasquez, but he is nowhere near my favorite player in this team. If I have to name a favorite, obviously it would be DMC. now there are 3 players i am particularly interested to see, as IMO they can go sweet or sower this year: Vasquez, Mclemore and Thornton, Individually I really want to see how they develop with Coach Malone. If you were to check some of my posts from other fan sites, you would see that I have repeatedly mention that Vasquez is in a odd position. IMO he is either a decent 6th man in a good team, or an average starter in a mediocre team.

Based on your initial post and your recent arrival on the forum, it appeared as though you were following your favorite player to his new team, something that happens every year about this time. Hence my jumping to the wrong conclusion.

And I don't read other fan sites.

 

[morsatun]

Based on your initial post and your recent arrival on the forum, it appeared as though you were following your favorite player to his new team, something that happens every year about this time. Hence my jumping to the wrong conclusion.

And I don't read other fan sites.

I understand you rational, and I would have reached the same conclusion you did. I just wanted to clarify for the future. and as I know a bit about his game, I will be writing about him often, without meaning I think he is the best or anything like that.

 

[jcwkings]

I think what he meant is that he wants to show his emotion, the guy is known for playing with a lot of fire. Alot like Cousins but without the crazy. I'm sure only being a bench player in Memphis and just having his breakout year in NO, he probably was holding some emotion back. I think he feels going into his fourth season he needs to be more assertive/take a more leadership role, especially being the lead guard.

 

[VF21]

I think what he meant is that he wants to show his emotion, the guy is known for playing with a lot of fire. Alot like Cousins but without the crazy. I'm sure only being a bench player in Memphis and just having his breakout year in NO, he probably was holding some emotion back. I think he feels going into his fourth season he needs to be more assertive/take a more leadership role, especially being the lead guard.

This could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship between Vasquez and the STA fans.

 

[bajaden]

Uh, no. What he should be concerned with is setting up the offense and getting the rock to Cuz, or anyone else who can actually do something with it which we don't have right now and are still waiting on PDA to get. The last thing we need is a moderate level NBA talent with little 1v1 ability and is slower than me thinking he's the star he was in college. If Vasquez starts looking for his own and taking "ridiculous shots" as you say he did in college, then his *** needs to be firmly planted on the bench.

To be honest, I don't think anyone considered Vasquez a star in college, and that probably includes Vasquez. But he was the glue that held that Maryland team together. He was the general on the floor, and I suspect that maybe that's what he's talking about. The freedom to be the leader on the floor. And by leader, I don't mean focus of the offense or even a third option. He was a tough, fiery, outspoken leader at Maryland, and unfortunately he didn't have a great team to lead. I'd like to point out that he had the same attitude on the defensive side of the ball. He may have some athletic liabilities, but he always busted his butt on the floor, defensively and offensively.

 

[Hallama]

Very excited to see Vasquez throwing alley-oops to Ben this season - V is truly one the better passers ahead and over the defense in the NBA, he's always looking. I still think Ben has a great chance to start because he fits in well with the starting lineup.

Kings still need a more explosive SF and PF to compliment Vasquez's passing a little better.

 

[Hallama]

To be honest, I don't think anyone considered Vasquez a star in college, and that probably includes Vasquez. But he was the glue that held that Maryland team together. He was the general on the floor, and I suspect that maybe that's what he's talking about. The freedom to be the leader on the floor. And by leader, I don't mean focus of the offense or even a third option. He was a tough, fiery, outspoken leader at Maryland, and unfortunately he didn't have a great team to lead. I'd like to point out that he had the same attitude on the defensive side of the ball. He may have some athletic liabilities, but he always busted his butt on the floor, defensively and offensively.

I think he was the ACC POY and the Cousy winner, iirc. I agree that he wasn't a "star", but pretty close.

 

[morsatun]

To be honest, I don't think anyone considered Vasquez a star in college, and that probably includes Vasquez. But he was the glue that held that Maryland team together. He was the general on the floor, and I suspect that maybe that's what he's talking about. The freedom to be the leader on the floor. And by leader, I don't mean focus of the offense or even a third option. He was a tough, fiery, outspoken leader at Maryland, and unfortunately he didn't have a great team to lead. I'd like to point out that he had the same attitude on the defensive side of the ball. He may have some athletic liabilities, but he always busted his butt on the floor, defensively and offensively.

Look I am not saying that I think he was a star, I am saying he was treated like one. In his last year, 3 quarters of the fans in the arena had his picture moving on top of their heads. He got The Bpb Cousy award as Americas best college PG, and the ACC player of the year, He was the only player tthat year to have more than 18 points and six assists in the country, and he is the only player in ACC history to compleat at least 2000 points, 700 asists and 600 rebounds. He was also the only player in Meriland history to lead the team in points, asists and rebounds in one season. Now again, He was not, is not and will never be a star (other than in the Venezuelan national team) as his 28th draft position tesitifies, but he certainly was treated like one in Meriland.

 

[VF21]

Look I am not saying that I think he was a star, I am saying he was treated like one. In his last year, 3 quarters of the fans in the arena had his picture moving on top of their heads. He got The Bpb Cousy award as Americas best college PG, and the ACC player of the year, He was the only player tthat year to have more than 18 points and six assists in the country, and he is the only player in ACC history to compleat at least 2000 points, 700 asists and 600 rebounds. He was also the only player in Meriland history to lead the team in points, asists and rebounds in one season. Now again, He was not, is not and will never be a star (other than in the Venezuelan national team) as his 28th draft position tesitifies, but he certainly was treated like one in Meriland.

I think you and bajaden are essentially saying the same thing. Bottom line is I think Vasquez has a great opportunity here and I hope he and the Kings are able to make the most of it.

 

[morsatun]

I think you and bajaden are essentially saying the same thing. Bottom line is I think Vasquez has a great opportunity here and I hope he and the Kings are able to make the most of it.

I can't argue with that!

 

[morsatun]

Very excited to see Vasquez throwing alley-oops to Ben this season - V is truly one the better passers ahead and over the defense in the NBA, he's always looking. I still think Ben has a great chance to start because he fits in well with the starting lineup.

Kings still need a more explosive SF and PF to compliment Vasquez's passing a little better.

I think we have to be able not to get overexcited here. If you see highlights, you see a bunch of alley-oops from Vasquez to Aminu and Davis last year, but you don't see all the bad passes he made trying to make "magic-like" oops. there was a point in the season where Monti Williams pretty much prohibited Vasquez alley-oops frenzy.

In relation to Vasquez being one of the best passers in the league, I think he is a good passer, but he has a lot to prove before he can be called one of the best. Finally on Ben starting, hard choice. what is better for deference Thornton and Vasquez starting and Ben and IT as backups or Vasquez and Ben starting and IT and Thornton as backups?. I am not familiar enough with Thornton deference, but would assume that with 4 years in the league, he is probably a better NBA defender that Ben on day 1. If that is the case I would go with Vasquez and Thornton.

 

[Bricklayer]

I think we have to be able not to get overexcited here. If you see highlights, you see a bunch of alley-oops from Vasquez to Aminu and Davis last year, but you don't see all the bad passes he made trying to make "magic-like" oops. there was a point in the season where Monti Williams pretty much prohibited Vasquez alley-oops frenzy.

In relation to Vasquez being one of the best passers in the league, I think he is a good passer, but he has a lot to prove before he can be called one of the best. Finally on Ben starting, hard choice. what is better for deference Thornton and Vasquez starting and Ben and IT as backups or Vasquez and Ben starting and IT and Thornton as backups?. I am not familiar enough with Thornton deference, but would assume that with 4 years in the league, he is probably a better NBA defender that Ben on day 1. If that is the case I would go with Vasquez and Thornton.

On our team, outside of what is likely to be a backup SG, I don't think alley oops are going to be a big part of the offense.

On the other hand his height/ability to throw it over the top could be very useful to keep people from fronting DeMarcus in the post. Less flashy, more practical, if he's ready for that.