Sacramento Kings Thread

[CKR13]

Forward Antoine Wright has won an award: Mr. Average

It's early, but Sacramento Kings forward Antoine Wright has won an NBA award: "Mr. Average." The league said Mr. Wright, who had no single significant statistic through Sunday's games, has striking similarities to league-average height, weight, age and experience. That he's never averaged more than 7.3 points or 24 minutes a game in a season means "his play on the court screams average," a league spokesman says.

-David Biderman

He is our reserve wing-man and can be asked to play Shooting-Guard, which is the role he played in College.

[dxjayrock2008]

From Yahoo! Sports.

Kings Team Report
Yahoo! Sports - Nov 2, 4:20 am EDT


Carl Landry doesn't invite nicknames, but his Kings teammates volunteer ideas based on the forward's late game efforts early this season.

How does "Mr. Fourth Quarter" grab you?

In the Kings' season-opening win at Minnesota, Landry had nine points in the fourth, and he had six to start the fourth in the Kings' triumph at Cleveland.

"Carl's been so good, so consistent," coach Paul Westphal said. "He's known as a big-time fourth-quarter scorer, and we're inclined to want to go to him quite a bit in the fourth quarter."

Said Landry, "My teammates tease me about (nicknames). I just try to be aggressive. That's something I had some success with over the last year or so in Houston, being one of the leading scorers in the fourth in this league."

Houston fans were so disappointed that Landry was traded last season, for Kevin Martin, that they flooded the front office with complaint calls. Fans appreciated his efforts and class.

And Landry has a simple explanation for why he succeeds in the fourth quarter.

"I just don't want to lose," he said.

Landry had nine points in Monday's win over the Raptors. The Kings are home against the Lakers on Wednesday.

KINGS 111, RAPTORS 108: The Kings (3-1) overcame another sluggish first half to post another fourth-quarter rally and claim their home opener. Omri Casspi hit two down-the-stretch 3-pointers, and Samuel Dalembert had 14 rebounds and a blocked shot.



*

The Kings have a tendency to get down at the half, trailing by 16 at the half at Cleveland in Game 3 before rallying to win and by 17 in the first half against the Raptors on Monday. The Kings outscored their first three foes 89-55 in the third. They outscored the Raptors 33-22 in the fourth Monday.
*

Kings coach Paul Westphal said he appreciates his prized rookie's ambitious nature. DeMarcus Cousins has asked for the ball late in opening games, including at Minnesota, a win, and at Cleveland, another win that gave the team two road wins after managing just seven last season.
*

F Donte Greene has been a disappointment. The Kings have been disappointed with the effort and performance of Greene, who started the season as a starter but has faded completely out of the rotation, in part because he's still trying to round into shape after reporting to training camp 25 pounds overweight.

Quote To Note:

"When DeMarcus came in against Cleveland, he was awfully antsy to put his fingerprints on the game. Probably inserted himself a couple of plays where the play didn't call for it, but he made some big plays. I love his spirit and his enthusiasm and his skill."
—Coach Paul Westphal on rookie DeMarcus Cousins.


Player Notes:

*

F Darnell Jackson, a journeyman big man, was the Kings' best inside player in the first half when the Kings were getting run out of the building, trailing by as much as 17. In 10 minutes, Jackson had eight points and three offensive rebounds in the half and gave "a great, great effort," according to Kings coach Paul Westphal.
*

F Omri Casspi competes like a crazed man—his teammates tease him for his intense gaze when he defends and how he snaps his head back and forth—and his efforts were key again against the Raptors. He had two fourth-quarter 3-pointers, hustled for loose balls and capped a wild comeback with a breakaway dunk.
*

G Tyreke Evans was late coming out of the locker room for the second half because of an upset stomach. He did return early in the third and immediate found Beno Udrih for a layup. Evans finished with 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
*

C Samuel Dalembert made his defensive impact felt with 14 rebounds—six offensive—and a late block that turned away the Raptors when it was still a two-point game.

Rotation:

Starters:

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Point guard Beno Udrih
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Shooting guard Tyreke Evans
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Shooting forward Omri Casspi
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Power forward Carl Landry
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Center DeMarcus Cousins

Bench:
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Small forward/Guard Francisco Garcia
*

Guard Pooh Jeter
*

Guard Luther Head
*

Forward Donte Greene
*

Forward/center Hassan Whiteside

[CKR13]

We played horrible tonight but we just lost by 12 to the NBA Defending Champions, the Los Angeles Lakers 112-100. The game was closer than it seems where Evans converted a lay-up and made it 99-90.

Tyreke Evans got into early foul trouble and just played for 28 minutes and finished the game with 21 points. On the losing effort Beno Udrih had 17 points, 8 assists and 5 rebounds. Francisco Garcia off the bench with 17 points.

Carl Landry, another starter, with 17 points and rookie Demarcus Cousins had 11 points and 6 rebounds.

We managed to out-rebound the Lakers 49-46.

It will be different next time.

[CKR13]

Our chemistry is at an all time high and the players are getting along well.

Common Interests Unite Young Kings

Developing chemistry for Kings players involves not only perfecting plays and scrimmaging during practice but also getting familiar and comfortable with team members away from the court. While each player exhibits a unique personality, the teammates have forged a close-knit camaraderie that extends outside of their shared locker room.

“(Francisco) Garcia, Donté (Greene), Antoine (Wright) and Sam (Dalembert) — they keep us all together,” forward Darnell Jackson said. “We go over to each other’s houses, watch (boxing/UFC) fights, play cards and dominos — we do it all together.”

Whether it’s going out to bowling alleys or resting on the comfy confines of their couches, the players find different ways to unwind during the downtime in between games.

“Love and Basketball, He Got Game and Friday are a couple of movies I like to watch,” guard Tyreke Evans said. “One of my favorite TV shows is Martin, and The Game is another one I watch now.”

For sharp-shooter Omri Casspi, a long road trip isn’t complete without a few of his favorite DVDs, even if his tastes might differ from some of his peers.

“The guys will laugh, but I like Lord of the Rings and Seven Pounds,” said Casspi, disclosing Denzel Washington and Will Smith are two of his favorite actors.

While Carl Landry similarly prefers to watch a Tyler Perry flick to relax, Jason Thompson frequents the theaters to catch everything from horror movies, such as Saw 3D, to laugh-out-loud comedies like Jackass 3D. The forward-center is also keen on sightseeing and exploring shopping malls in various cities where the Kings travel during the year.

“I like to go out when I’m in Chicago or New York, for instance, and see historical places,” Thompson said. “I like to shop a little bit — Louis (Vuitton), Gucci, Neiman Marcus and those (kinds) of stores.”

When he opts to stay inside for the night, Thompson, as well as nearly every one of his Kings teammates, engages in online battles of Madden 2011 against friends and colleagues. And of course, the players tested out the skills and ratings of their own likenesses as soon as they acquired NBA2K11.

“I had to check out how (good) I was,” admitted Evans, who felt honored to be included in one of his favorite titles. “It shows all of the hard work you’ve put in has paid off.”

In addition to videogames and CSI: Miami DVDs, Greene makes sure to pack the latest electronics that peak his interests and help him stay in touch with his family and fans.

“I’m a computer whiz – I have a whole bunch of (applications) on my new MacBook,” he said. “I’m a very big Twitter guy.”

A native of Baltimore, Md., Greene keeps close tabs on his hometown teams outside of basketball.

“I love my Ravens and Orioles,” the versatile forward said. “I’m a die-hard Orioles fan, even though (they’re) probably the worst team in the MLB. “

Thompson, who also grew up on the East Coast, cheered for the Phillies in the National League Championship Series, but tips his hat to the World Series champion San Francisco Giants.

Although Pooh Jeter doesn’t have a favorite NFL team, he’s close friends with Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson and cheers for the Green Bay Packers because the ‘G’ in the team’s logo reminds him of his hometown of Gardena, Calif.

On game days, however, the players’ focus is strictly on being prepared to face their opponents on the NBA hardwood. After a light pregame meal that typically consists of pasta with chicken or fish, along with plenty of water and Gatorade, each Kings player has a set routine to get mentally focused.

While Beno Udrih, Landry and Jeter don’t put on any music, DeMarcus Cousins listens to up-tempo rap songs from Travis Porter, Roscoe Dash, Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka when he wants to “get hyper.” Jackson refers to himself as “an R&B guy,” while Greene’s pregame playlist includes everything from gospel to Lil’ Wayne tracks.

After Casspi couldn’t remember the name of his newest favorite artist, he turned to his close friend and mentor, Garcia, for assistance.

“I like Eminem and — what’s the name of my boy, Cisco?” Casspi asked.

“Drake,” replied Garcia, who as the team’s elder statesman, leads by example by arriving two hours prior to each game to take extra shots.

As tip-off approaches, Landry grabs a piece of fruit and Udrih drinks a cup of coffee, whereas Evans opts for a less conventional pick-me-up.

“I love candy (before the game),” said the Kings guard with a sheepish smile. “When I used to go to school, gummy bears (are) all I would eat in class.”

With three wins in their first five contests for the first time in seven seasons, Evans and the Kings are certainly off to a sweet start.

-fullcourtpresskingsconnect

[CKR13]

Since Dalembert has been healthy, this gives head coach Paul Westphal another viable starter; a tried and tested veteran like Dalembert could start with either Carl Landry or Demarcus Cousins.

Westphal Examines a New Frontcourt

Following Thursday’s practice, Coach Paul Westphal announced he’s ready to make some changes. With Dalembert now healthy, there are more ways to mix up the frontcourt.

“It’s a good situation to get them healthy and back,” he said. “We’re looking forward to really integrating everybody. We’ve had to change things a little bit because we have players here now that weren’t here during training camp, so we’re trying to figure out how everybody fits. We’re getting a pretty good idea now that Sam’s getting healthy and able to play some minutes and play with timing.”

Westphal stated he is changing the starting lineup for the upcoming game, and hopes it will be the last time he changes it this year.

“Now that Sam is healthy, I think he’s the right fit to start with Carl (Landry), Omri (Casspi), Beno (Udrih) and Tyreke (Evans),” the Kings coach said. “It’s something we’ve always envisioned doing but haven’t been able to do it until now.”

The coaching staff likes having Dalembert as a defensive-oriented player in the frontcourt and loves the experience he brings. Reworking the lineup will hopefully benefit the rookie center, as well.

“I think it will really help DeMarcus (Cousins),” Westphal said. “He’s averaging 20 minutes a game, but I’d like to see him average 30 minutes a game… I think it will help him be more aggressive, help our team defense and stabilize our rotation quite a bit.”

By modifying Dalembert’s and Cousins’ roles in the rotation, the coaching staff must also address its impact on the team’s other big men.

“If we can bring DeMarcus off the bench, we’ll go to him when he’s in there. Then, we’ll go to Carl when he’s in there,” said Westphal, discussing the adjustments necessary when playing two scorers simultaneously. “Sometimes they’ll be in there together, but it defines our options a little better. The other option is having Jason (Thompson) and DeMarcus come off the bench together.”

Thompson is a player the team can utilize in a variety of ways due to his ball-handling abilities.

“I envision Jason playing a lot of the (small forward),” stated Westphal. “He’s going to play the (small forward), (power forward) and (center) as needed. I can see a lineup of DeMarcus, Jason and Darnell (Jackson) out there, and it lets us present a big front line for people to deal with.”

Newcomer Darnell Jackson is pleased the coaching staff has given him the opportunity to play, and he looks to take advantage of every minute.

“I try not to take it for granted,” said Jackson. “Like I’ve said before, I’m going out there to do my best for the fans, my teammates and coaches. When I’m out there, I try to make the best out of it. It’s a blessing, and I try to go out there and make something happen — if I don’t, I’m not helping my team.”

The team’s dynamic frontcourt group presents a lot of options for Coach Westphal, and he plans on tinkering to find the best fit. Up first, the Kings will test the new lineup against the Memphis Grizzlies this Saturday at ARCO Arena.

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Injury Report:

After twisting his right ankle in Wednesday’s game, Evans participated in some of Thursday’s practice. Westphal said the Kings point guard isn’t 100 percent right now, but “should be OK.”

Guard Luther Head did not attend Thursday’s practice, and he will also miss the upcoming game against the Grizzlies due to personal reasons.

-fullcourtpresskingsconnect

[CKR13]

Sacramento Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal has removed Demarcus Cousins from the lineup and thereby benching the latter.

Cousins was asked in an interview on his thoughts regarding this matter:

"I thought it was a great idea. I think it will really help the team … because I'm still learning. Coming in off the bench, I can how see how the game is, I can learn how aggressive to be and not be. I get the feel of the game a lot better."

[CKR13]

Donte Greene and Tyreke Evans update

Tyreke Evans tweaked his right ankle against the Los Angeles Lakers, Evans did not practice with the team.

Kings Notes: Updates on Greene, Evans and More

After tweaking his ankle during Wednesday’s game against the L.A. Lakers, Tyreke Evans did not participate in any contact drills on Friday. According to Coach Paul Westphal, however, Evans will play against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.

“He was able to practice, but I was unwilling to have him do anything where he might step on someone,” the Kings coach said. “He could have practiced today—it was only precautionary.”

Antoine Wright and Luther Head were absent from Friday’s practice due to personal reasons, and both are also expected to miss Saturday’s game. With the veterans inactive, rookies Hassan Whiteside and Pooh Jeter will be active against the Grizzlies.

Preparing for the game against Memphis and possible matchup with Zach Randolph, Westphal explained his assessment of the Grizzlies’ young team.

“They have proven that they are a very good team,” he said. “They are solid at every position and they have improved their bench. They can win anytime, anywhere they play — they are a solid young team.”

As reported on Thursday, the Kings plan to feature Jason Thompson at small forward in order to guard some of the more sizable wing players in the NBA, including Team USA member and Grizzlies’ forward Rudy Gay.

Donté Greene, who hasn’t appeared in the team’s last three games, has drawn a lot of curiosity from fans on Full Court Press, so Kings.com caught up with Westphal for a status update on the forward on Friday.

“Donté is the 11th or 12th man in our nine- or 10-man rotation,” he said. “It doesn’t mean it has to be that way forever. He’s a versatile young player and has a lot of ability and potential, he just has a few guys ahead of him right now.”

-fullcourtpresskingsconnect

[CKR13]

Sacramento Kings 91 Memphis Grizzlies 100.

I'm very disappointed. We lost to a team who played a game and lost to the Phoenix Suns in Double-Overtime last night.

What was worst is that Tyreke Evans and Francisco Garcia are the only ones who were playing. Evans finished the game with 30 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. Garcia provided a good game off the bench with 21 points. We have lost 2 straight games.

Following this game, the Kings will have a three day break and will host the Minnesota Timberwolves in November 10.

[CKR13]

Capitalizing on wins early this season

Kings Poised to Build On Best Start in Years

Despite two straight setbacks, the new-look Kings are 3-3 for the first time in seven years. With much of the city still abuzz about the young team, the Kings on Monday went to work on their defense and focused on the little things to get back on track for their impending matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“We tried to work on our focus, concentration and execution,” said Coach Paul Westphal. “Right now those things are hurting us the most — unforced turnovers or lapses in focus — when we need a play, and we don’t make things happen. We’re close but until we get through the point where we can play with more poise when situations call for it, all we’ll be is close.”

Although the team has committed the second fewest turnovers in the League, miscues were a contributing factor in the loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

“We just have to run the offense,” said Tyreke Evans, who’s scored 20 or more points in each of his last four outings. “The teams we play can run their offense a little crazy, and then we try to rush sometimes.”

The Kings would love a fast-paced offense but are working to set their own tempo knowing it will help set up the defense and limit fouls.

“The team has to be on the same page and have the other team make tough shots. The idea is to make them make field goals not free throws,” said Westphal. “We had a few plays where we got a stop and either didn’t secure the rebound or we fouled them unnecessarily. Those kinds of things are what we looked at on film today and what we worked at in practice. It’s the difference in giving yourself a chance to win and taking yourself out of the game.”

Westphal was thrilled to have everyone, with the exception of Luther Head (personal reasons), active for the day’s session, and he sees a healthy and deep roster being a difference-maker for Sacramento.

“I think our bench can be one of the strengths of our team,” said the Kings coach. “I think we’ll bring in DeMarcus (Cousins), Jason (Thompson), Darnell (Jackson), Francisco (Garcia) and Luther primarily. I’d like to see that group get us the lead. I think they can do it, and build a lead.”

In his first start of the season against the Grizzlies, Samuel Dalembert made an impact by notching eight points, 12 rebounds and five out of the team’s 10 blocks.

“I think he brings a lot of energy,” said Evans of the veteran center. “He goes out there and plays good defense on the big men and on help defense. He blocks a lot of shots, and when he blocks shots we can start running.”

After opening the season with six games in 10 days, the Kings are amidst a three-day stretch without a contest. So, before the team faces the equally-young Wolves for the second time this year, Tuesday brings another day to gear up for an upcoming round of three games in five nights.

Kings Notes

Head is expected to return for Tuesday’s practice, at which time the coaching staff will determine his status for Wednesday’s game.

-fullcourtpresskingsconnect.com

[CKR13]

Interview with Samuel Dalembert

With Dalembert healthy, he will be the defensive anchor in the Kings' frontline.

During his nine-year career, Samuel Dalembert has started more than 80 percent of the games in which he’s played. Recently, the veteran center gained his place among the Kings starters, so after Tuesday’s practice Kings.com caught up with him to discuss everything from his defensive role to teaching his teammates tricks to stay out of foul trouble and more.

How important was it for you to be named the team’s starting center?

“It’s not necessary for me to be in the starting lineup. It’s important for me that as a team we start strong (and) we don’t get ourselves into a hole too big to dig out – (that’s) more important to me than being in the starting lineup, or anything like that. (We’re starting slow) right now, but we are going to continue to play hard, learn from each other and win games.”

How do you think your presence in the starting lineup will help the team improve its defense to start games?

“I can especially help with penetration. We want teams to have to shoot outside, and if you are going to beat us by shooting challenged shots, then we’ll take it—it’s going to be a tough night but we’ll take it. The main (goals are) to stop and reduce the penetration inside and make teams take challenged jump shots.”

As the anchor in the paint, how much do you direct the team’s defense?

“They give me some freedoms, and communication is the key. I talk to the guys and let them know where I think the ball is coming from and where (the opponent is) penetrating. It’s difficult for us, so I try to sit with the guys and talk to the guys. We try to make communicating a habit. It works better than anything else. It’s just letting guys know what’s behind you and where the help is coming from.”

How much can you teach your young teammates about playing aggressive defense without committing fouls?

“I try to work with a lot of guys—(Carl) Landry—all the guys out there, but it’s up to the guys whether they are willing to learn. They can listen and take in everything I’m telling them and go out there and not apply it in the games. I want them to try it at least and give it a chance to work—that’s the main thing.”

For Kings fans still learning about your game, what are your greatest strengths on the court?

“Just being an energy guy — I go out there and see what needs to be done. If a guy is giving us trouble, then I’ll switch. I’ll go out there and guard him and calm him down a little bit. At the same time, I can also clog up the middle and be a force out there. I can get easy, quick rebounds that can lead to fast breaks. (It) allows us to run, which is our strength. I’ll give the ball to Tyreke (Evans) and let him go. That’s what we try to do.”

Kings Notes

After Tuesday’s practice, Coach Paul Westphal expressed the benefits of the team utilizing a zone defense.

“There are a lot of good reasons for using the zone,” the Kings coach said. “It can keep teams from using a certain play that we have a hard time defending. When you go to a zone, it changes their offensive approach and can disrupt their rhythm to allow us to play a bigger lineup without them having to chase smaller players around the floor. It helps you defend quick players and protect smaller guards.”

Luther Head returned to practice after missing time due to personal reasons.

fullcourtpresskingsconnect.com

[CKR13]

The team was out of sync in this game where the Kings lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 98-89 and thus a 3 game losing streak.

First, Tyreke Evans was too passive on the offense where he only had 5 points but had 9 assists and 3 rebounds. Beno Udrih was the best player in terms of statistics are concerned as Udrih finished the game with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists. Samuel Dalembert had 14 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks.

The team's defense were in total dis-array on this game and the team played rusty after a three day break.

We're 3-4 on this lost.

[CKR13]

Mayor Kevin Johnson trying to help the Kings

from Marc J. Spears of yahoo!sports

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Kevin Johnson was 19 years old when the NBA’s Kings moved from Kansas City to his hometown in northern California in 1986. In the quarter-century since, Johnson has gone from star point guard at the University of California to NBA All-Star to mayor of Sacramento. It’s in his current role that Johnson faces one of his most significant challenges yet: The NBA player-turned-politician is charged with ensuring the NBA team doesn’t skip town.

Johnson displayed an innate sense of timing and pace during his 12 seasons as an NBA point guard, and he knows it won’t be too long before the final buzzer sounds on Sacramento’s efforts to find a new home for the Kings.

“At some point, if we can’t build a new entertainment and sports complex, they are going to have to shop elsewhere,” Johnson said.

“I don’t have a gun to my head,” he added, “but the clock is ticking and there is not a whole lot of time on the clock.”

Kings fans are welcomed to Arco Arena this season by giant banners portraying the franchise’s two young stars-in-the-making: second-year guard Tyreke Evans and rookie center DeMarcus Cousins. Neither player was yet born when Arco opened its doors on Nov. 18, 1988.

Among unrenovated NBA venues, only the Detroit Pistons’ Palace of Auburn Hills is older, and that’s just by two months. Arco is the league’s smallest arena, with a seating capacity of 17,317 and 30 luxury suites. The Kings, however, are far removed from their glory days, when they packed the building every night; last season, they ranked second to last in attendance among the league’s 30 teams. The naming rights of the arena, which sits in the Natomas area between downtown and the airport, also are set to expire in February.

A campaign to build a new $600 million downtown facility – which would have been funded by a quarter-cent sales tax increase over 15 years – was overwhelmingly rejected four years ago. Another plan that would have involved Cal Expo, site of the California State Fair, also has been scrapped.

The Maloof family, which owns the Kings and Arco Arena, has repeatedly said it hopes to keep the franchise in Sacramento and has pledged $300 million of its own money for a new facility. Still, there’s a handful of other cities which could court the Kings, if given the opportunity, including Anaheim, Calif.; Kansas City; Seattle; San Jose, Calif.; and Las Vegas, where the Maloofs own the Palms hotel and casino. NBA commissioner David Stern said last month that the Maloofs have a year to “figure something out” in Sacramento.

“We’re just interested in getting something done,” said Kings owner Gavin Maloof. “We don’t care where it is or how they do it, just that they get something done.”

Johnson is now trying to put together a plan to build an arena in the downtown railyard. The company that recently took over development of the 200-acre site has expressed interest in discussing the issue with Johnson.

“If you look all around the country – whether its basketball, football or baseball – those arenas or stadiums are built in the part of the city with an urban core,” Johnson said. “They have a huge catalytic impact on your downtown area.”

Johnson conceded that “we have a long ways to go” before his plans become a reality.

“It’s a marathon,” he said. “There are going to be 100 twists and turns along the way before we get there. We’re going to figure out a way to get it done. I would like to think that, within the next year, we have a clear path to a new arena – which means at that point it would be three-plus years out.”

Johnson has been a regular at the Kings’ high-profile games since he became mayor; he sat courtside when the Los Angeles Lakers visited last week. If he gets his wish, he’ll someday be able to walk to a Kings game from his downtown office.

“As a kid growing up with no professional team, it was a big deal when the Kings moved from Kansas City and were able to move out to Arco,” Johnson said. “But to be able to be part of a new entertainment and sports complex that’s transformational would be an unbelievable accomplishment because, over the last 10 years, so many people have tried and failed.

“I must say this, though: If we are able to build a new arena, it won’t be in my first term. I’m going to have to be re-elected because it’s going to take four years to do it. If I get it started, I don’t want to just cut the ribbon at the groundbreaking. I wouldn’t have quite as good of seats if that’s the case.”

Now more than ever, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and the Maloofs must enter a crucial joint planning to help build the Kings a new arena. Since Taxpayers' money will not be involved, the most likely hood is to invite potential partners or better yet investors to fund the construction. This is the most logical step, but the most difficult.

[Khalid80]

from Marc J. Spears of yahoo!sports



Now more than ever, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and the Maloofs must enter a crucial joint planning to help build the Kings a new arena. Since Taxpayers' money will not be involved, the most likely hood is to invite potential partners or better yet investors to fund the construction. This is the most logical step, but the most difficult.

Since the Maaloufs own quite a few casinos in Vegas I would want to see them speak to some of their major big clients/rollers in Vegas to see if they would be willing to invest in such a venture. Then again it's not like i'm discussing something i'm sure they have already haven't thought of, and considering Nevada has one of the highest unemployment rates in the U.S (something like 14% if i'm not mistaken) i'm sure this is no easy feat to get potential investors/partners for such a deal.

[CKR13]

Sacramento Kings 94 Detroit Pistons 100

This has been a cause for a concern for the past five games; the tendency of this team to start flat on the first half and thus begin a long struggle on clawing back from the deficit. Unlike the Utah Jazz which is also having the same problems on offense and the relative defense, the Kings do not have the necessary veterans to accomplish a comeback.

Sure, the losses were close but 40 minutes of the game are played where the team's focus is directed to offense and thus defense suffers. It was evident on this game where our defense has failed us once again and the reliable offense has been stale. 2/18 from the three point distance.

Paul Westphal knows this too and it is about time that the players' role should be defined and transcribed into a true offensive system. While the defense is slightly improving.

[CKR13]

Rumors abound that center / forward Jason Thompson is being offered on a trade to the following teams:

Atlanta Hawks

Jason Thompson for Jeff Teague

Houston Rockets

Jason Thompson for Kyle Lowry

We really need a solid point guard off the bench.