Sacramento Kings Thread

[dxjayrock2008]

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.

Can we get Jason Thompson in exchange for De Sagana Diop or Kwame Brown? Lol.

[CKR13]

Can we get Jason Thompson in exchange for De Sagana Diop or Kwame Brown? Lol.

I can see the Kings agreeing to trade for Kwame Brown if the Bobcats include point guard DJ Augustin in the equation. In which the Bobcats might not agree to trade their starting forward for Jason Thompson. If the trade happens, the Kings can have a point guard off the bench and simply waive Brown's expiring contract and the Bobcats get to write-off $1.2 Million in cap-space. Still, the Bobcats will not agree to this.

On the DeSagana Diop trade scenario, that one is really far off as the Diop's contract is locked into the 2012-2013 Season and would be getting seven double figures. That is the contract that the Bobcats would like to rid themselves off but the Kings will not agree to that, even with Augustin in the fold.

[CKR13]

that was not a rumor. It actually happened (last week, btw so this is kinda old news) but Atlanta turned it down. now, Lowry is kind of the plan B here

I can see why Atlanta was hesitant. There has been no word from the Houston Rockets. They could have declined the offer.

[CKR13]

Sacramento Kings 106 New York Knicks 113

In this game Head Coach Paul Westphal, Tyreke Evans started a point guard and the starting shooting guard was Luther Head. Evans finished with 23 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. While Head scored 13 points.

Rookie Demarcus Cousins came off the bench with 15 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks. Beno Udrih also came off the bench with 18 points.

The Kings were 4-15 from the three point area. Something we must constantly improve along the way.

This lineup did quite well to start and it would be interesting to see how Westphal and the Kings can learn from this combination. We are on a 6 game winning streak.

[CKR13]

The quest for a new arena continues... As Sacramento City Mayor and former NBA guard Kevin Johnson has reconvening more proposals from prospective developers for a new arena proposal to be submitted on a panel that Johnson has commissioned.

A public hearing is scheduled in December or January regarding the discussion of these plans. City Counsel are also set to participate on the said hearing.

[CKR13]

Donte Greene

Greene Eyes Return to Starting Lineup

There’s a simple Japanese proverb, “Fall down seven times, get up eight.” Following Sacramento’s best start since 2003-04, the team has sustained six-straight setbacks. Now, the Kings are focused on returning to their early-season form.

“We are trying to walk a fine line right now,” said Coach Paul Westphal, after Thursday’s practice. “We are trying to correct mistakes while remaining encouraging and optimistic, but I think it would be foolish to not recognize that we are going through some tough times right now. People are throwing dirt on us. We are either going to die or we are going to grow. I think we are going to grow.”

While it’s difficult to pinpoint the root of the team’s current struggle, the Kings coach believes with better defense, better ball movement and a bit of luck Sacramento should be able to get back on track.

“There are things that are non-negotiable,” said Westphal. “You can’t give points away from fouls that we have no business committing. We gave (Danilo) Gallinari 17 free throws.”

“The excessive fouling stands out to me. That’s the biggest difference statistically. We also need to get the other team’s field goal percentage down. We need to tighten up the screws defensively.”

Along with focusing on playing smarter defense, the Kings are working to make their offense more fluid.

“It’s not that we aren’t trying, it’s that we aren’t trying the right way,” the Kings coach said. “When we go to execute a play, we kind of just look at each other. That’s the time when experienced teams know how to make it work for the team. We aren’t there yet, but that’s what we are working on—passing the ball, getting into our offense, moving and being hard to guard as a team.”

Westphal also understands the degree of difference between winning and losing can be minute, especially as a young team.

“We feel that if we can focus—we’ve been in every game in the fourth quarter—our team is not that far away,” Westphal said. “We are working on getting over that hump.”

Aside from the offensive and defensive adjustments being made by the players, the Kings coach will also be making adjustments to the way he manages player personnel. In the game against the N.J. Nets on Friday, the Kings will feature a new starting lineup and a smaller rotation.

“We are going to go with Luther (Head), Donté (Greene), Tyreke (Evans), Carl (Landry) and Sam (Dalemert) to start the game for the foreseeable future,” he said. “Every time you try a combination, you think it’s the one. You stick with it until you are convinced there is a better way to go.”
One way or another, Kings fans can be sure the team knows it must work together to end its current skid.

“Doing it as a team, is the only response to every situation,” Westphal said.

Donté Greeene Q&A

With his return to the starting lineup set for Friday night, Greene shared the following reaction to Westphal’s announcement.

What are your thoughts on moving back into the starting lineup?
“I just have to go out there and produce. I can’t go out there and have a bad night. I need to go out there and play my game, have fun and get a victory.”

While you were waiting for your opportunity to play, what was going through your mind?
“A whole lot of frustration—it felt like my rookie year. I wasn’t happy for awhile. I talked to my teammates and mentors. God puts you through things for a reason, so I came out here and worked harder than I was before. It paid off when I got in the game (Wednesday) night. We didn’t get the win, but I was pretty happy with my performance.”

Were you nervous to enter the game against the N.Y. Knicks?
“I was nervous. I felt like it was my first NBA game. I was shaking and I didn’t know what to do. Once I got that first lay-up, I felt good. I got rolling and had a steal where Beno (Udrih) ended up getting an and-one.”

Do you feel like this is sort of déjà vu, since a few weeks ago you were named the starting small forward heading into the Season Opener?
“Yes. I have to admit, I wasn’t working as hard as I should have been. I’ve been coming in before practice and leaving at night—getting stronger and getting up shots. I want to find my place in this league and be here for awhile.”

After sitting for an extended period, do you have a different perspective on why the team may be struggling?
“At times there is a lack of energy and lack of defensive presence. When I got in there last night I tried to get the guys into it and bring some energy. I tried to do the little things.”

Watching some opposing small forwards play well against the team, were you excited about the possibility of getting your chance to guard some of the League’s best players?
“Definitely, especially when Rudy Gay came in here — I wanted to get out there and guard him. It’s my turn now, and I have to go out there and lock up—hopefully we get some wins.”

Kings Notes

Evans, Landry, and DeMarcus Cousins have been named to the 2011 NBA All-Star ballot.

While Evans appreciates the first-time honor, he is more concerned with the success of the team than personal accolades.

“I’m not too focused on that right now,” the reigning Rookie of the Year said. “My focus is on how to turn it around and get us a win.”

-fullcourtpresskingsconnect

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Despite the loss against the New York Knicks for last game, there has some good points on that lost. The Kings found their offense for the most of the game but faltered via turnovers on the crucial possessions. Rookie center/forward Demarcus Cousins is slowly learning to thrive despite coming off the bench.

With the impending return of Donte Greene to the starting lineup, and with Greene re-focusing on defense and promises to be more aggressive instead of just shooting the ball from mid-range to the three point area, Greene must re-commit to attacking the basket and post up smaller defenders. Overall, Greene is still learning, but I like his dedication to strive for better.

[CKR13]

The Sacramento Kings snapping their 6 game losing streak by winning against the New Jersey Nets 86-81. Tyreke Evans starting at point guard scored 20 points, adding 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Demarcus Cousins had 8 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 assists and a block.

The win gives us a 4-7 record.

[CKR13]

An article about point guard Beno Udrih and forward Omri Casspi.

Casspi, Udrih Reflect on Youth Hoop Dreams

A world away from U.S. high school gymnasiums and blacktop courts, which have created the backdrop for an untold amount of imaginary game-winning shots, pressure-filled trips to the foul line and raucous crowds, two European teenage boys’ dreams of a professional basketball career had surprisingly early beginnings.

At nine-years old, Beno Udrih picked up a basketball for the first time. Only six years later, he would begin his professional career playing in Slovenia’s second league. By 1999, he was transferred to the top team in the Slovenian Premier League—Olimpija Ljubljana—and earned Rookie of the Year honors.

For Omri Casspi, the story of his professional career also began at an early age. Born in Yavne, Israel, the Kings forward began playing for Maccabi Tel-Aviv’s youth club as a 13-year old. By the age of 17, he was a regular on the senior Maccabi Tel-Aviv squad, which culminated with a run to the championship game in the small forward’s final season with the team.

While, in the U.S., players must be one-year removed from high school before entering the NBA, professional European basketball leagues follow the model set by their soccer counterparts. In fact, foreign clubs often operate with pro teams in multiple sports (see FC Barcelona, home of both basketball prodigy Ricky Rubio and soccer superstar Lionel Messi). Using this model, talented, young athletes begin playing professionally as juniors before officially playing with the senior squads.

Although they would eventually devote their time to basketball, the two Kings players spent their youth often playing other sports—soccer, handball and tennis. For Udrih, the first opportunity for him to play hoops came through a chance encounter, while Casspi learned to play by competing in neighborhood games.

“I came home one day from a handball practice, and the coach hadn’t shown up so we didn’t have anything to do,” said Udrih, reflecting on what would turn out to be a life-changing day. “We were waiting for around a half an hour. So when I came home, the (basketball) coach of my brother was standing right there in front of our house talking to my dad and my brother. He asked how old I was and if I wanted to go play basketball at his school. I said, ‘Sure.’ I went, and I got hooked.”

“The first time I played (basketball) was with my brother and friends in the neighborhood— I fell in love,” Casspi says. “I told my mother (I wanted to play basketball). It was important to my family for each of us to play a sport.”

From the aforementioned moments onward, the youngsters could hardly get enough of their newfound favorite activity.

“The next morning, I remember I woke up my dad,” Udrih says smiling. “I wanted him to show me the left and right layup. It was before school at 6:30 in the morning. We went on the basketball court outside and he showed it to me. When he got off work, I took it back to the court and showed him I had already learned it.”

The Kings guard’s enthusiastic early morning practice became essential for his rapid development.
“Back then, you would have school, and then you would practice every day,” Udrih says. “Then, you would have games on the weekends — basically, one game, usually on Saturdays. As you start getting older, it’s on Sundays.

“After you make the first team, it’s every Saturday and Sunday at night. Once I turned 17, I was better than guys my own age. For that reason, I was practicing with guys my age, with middle-aged guys, with guys a few years older than me and the first team. I had practice from 10-12 p.m. with the first team, 4:30-6 p.m. with my own team, 6-8 p.m. with another team and 8-10 p.m. with the three-years-older team. It went on for almost two years. For two years, I had basically four practices a day and a few games.”

For the Kings second-year forward, cutting his teeth in the Israeli professional ranks was an important step towards making the move to the U.S.

“It was a learning process,” Casspi explains. “It was a point where I wanted to learn what being a professional was all about.”

Although both players drew inspiration from following the NBA, there was little TV exposure to American basketball.

“The only time I was able to watch was on the German channel,” Udrih says. “It was a lot of Seattle games because Detlef Schrempf was playing for the Sonics.”

“We had the NBA on TV for some time, but then they got rid of it,” Casspi says. “My favorite player was Michael Jordan.”

Watching their idols play, and learning the game through playing on the competitive European junior and senior teams, the two dreamed of reaching the league of their heroes.

“It was always my dream,” Udrih remembers. “Once, my friend and I were in my room looking at the posters all over my room, which were all of NBA players. My friend asked if I thought he and I would ever make it to the NBA, and I said, ‘I don’t know about you, but I will.’”

Although the Sacramento teammates reached their goal through a path different than the American system, the teenage versions of Udrih and Casspi were possessed by the same ambitions, which have captured the imaginations of countless others. Their success in the NBA does much to explain the now global reach of a game and dream.

-fullcourtpress.kingsconnect

[CKR13]

Sacramento Kings 71 New Orleans Hornets 75

We lost a close game due to critical turnovers on the last five minutes of the game and the inability to convert points on offensive possessions where our execution is lagging behind time as well as lacking of key player movements to execute properly.

Tyreke Evans finished with 9 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists while contributing with 4 steals. Donte Greene had a good game with leading the team in scoring with a team high 15 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks.

Our defense was excellent in the game as we limited the Hornets to 75 points where the team is averaging 99.5 points per game. Samuel Dalembert made his presence felt on defense with 10 rebounds and 4 blocks.

Up next is the Utah Jazz.

[doubleM]

Is there anyone who knows why Casspi doesn't get to play in last couple of games?

[CKR13]

Is there anyone who knows why Casspi doesn't get to play in last couple of games?

Omri Casspi was initially bothered with a sore hip early November, but strangely, he fell out of Westphal's rotation.

After the Kings-Hornets game, Westphal said he will play Casspi some minutes against the Utah Jazz.

[CKR13]

Sacramento Kings 83 Utah Jazz 94

We were down by as much as 20 midway into the third quarter. The Kings looked tired, being this is the second game of a back-to-back where the Kings played the New Orleans Hornets the other night. Demarcus Cousins scores a team high 18 points, and adding in 9 rebounds off the bench.

[CKR13]

Happy Thanksgiving, a message from the Kings

CKR13 and the Sacramento Kings wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

The Kings Count Their Blessings

As Thanksgiving approaches, Kings players acknowledge the people who helped guide them in their journey to the NBA and give thanks to those who continue to show their love and support.

With the holiday season upon us, many people take time to thank the people who’ve made an impact on their life and think about the things for which they’re grateful, including members of the Sacramento Kings.

“It’s a blessing to be in this league,” Kings forward-center Jason Thompson said. “It’s tough to get into, and to have another year is great.”

As Kings.com caught up with nearly all of Sacramento’s players, each echoed Thompson’s sentiment, stating how much he cherishes the opportunity to play in the NBA and work in a profession he loves.
Many are also greatly appreciative for their families and the support they provide throughout the year.

“I’m thankful for my mom, dad and God,” last season’s Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans said. “I’m also thankful for my brother because he’s been here supporting me since Day One.”

Along with being thankful to play another year in the League, Thompson gives credit to his family as well.

“If it wasn’t for my parents providing the money to be on an AAU team and putting the ball in my hands, who knows where I would be right now?” he questioned.

Having an unwavering support system is important, especially with such a young team, to which rookie DeMarcus Cousins can attest.

“The glory goes to God, but I also appreciate my mother,” Cousins said. “She stuck with me through thick and thin, as well as my AAU and high school coach. The people in my close circle, I appreciate.”

Teammates Luther Head and Donté Greene also hold their mothers in high regard, and it shows when expressing their gratitude.

“My mom is someone I really thank in getting me here,” Head said.

“I admire the great qualities my mother instilled in me and being the role model I always look to,” Greene added.

Despite the death of his mom this past spring, Darnell Jackson still believes he has much for which to be thankful. Jackson has endured a tremendous amount of heartache throughout his life, with the passing of many family members and friends, yet he maintains a positive outlook on life.

“I’m thankful for my beautiful daughter, my brother and sister,” the first-year Kings player said. “I’m grateful for all my friends and family, because if it wasn’t for them pushing me I wouldn’t be here. All the coaches I’ve been around were always there for me when I needed them, too.”

Kings co-captain Francisco Garcia has also dealt with the passing of a loved one, but still celebrates health and family.

“I’m grateful for my daughter and myself being healthy,” Garcia said. “I’m thankful for a great life and my family always being supportive.”

In addition to acknowledging his family and friends, Omri Casspi recognizes the people of Sacramento for their loyalty and devotion to the team.

“I’m thankful for the great fan support — it means a lot,” he said.

Aside from conveying their appreciation for family, friends and fans, Kings players couldn’t help but share their gratitude for Thanksgiving dishes.

“I’m a big smoked turkey (and) stuffing (guy),” said Thompson beaming. “I also like mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese with the big noodles and sweet potatoes with the big marshmallows on top.”

Preparing for his team’s second national TV appearance of the season on Thursday, Evans is still hoping he’ll be able to share in a feast, even if it isn’t on Thanksgiving.

“I enjoy the typical meal my mama makes – macaroni and cheese, mash potatoes and yams,” said Evans excitedly. “Hopefully she’ll come out here Friday night, and I’ll get a chance to eat some.”

Head and Cousins, too, are big fans of their mothers’ cooking.

“(I like) whatever my mom cooks — everything is good,” Head said.

“It doesn’t matter to me, I love anything my mama cooks,” Cousins added.

Rookie guard Pooh Jeter also had a difficult time picking just one favorite dish.

“Can everything be my favorite?” said Jeter laughing. “I used to starve myself for about two days before Thanksgiving just to get ready for the feast.”

When Kings forward Carl Landry was asked to choose his favorite Turkey Day delight, the answer was simple.

“That’s easy, turkey,” he quipped.

-fullcourtpress.kingsconnect

[CKR13]

Sacramento Kings in the market for Brooks or Teague?

An article from the Sacramento Bee

Ailene Voisin of the Sacramento Bee: Some movement needed, and fast

The Kings should not be this terrible.

No, no, no, no, no.

While no one expected a playoff run, or even anything resembling an extended winning streak, this early season tumble is shooting flares all over the place.

Is there a plan? Is there an offense? Maybe not. But no one's getting fired.

"We're disappointed," Kings co-owner Joe Maloof said Tuesday, his club having lost eight of its past nine games, "but we're not panicking. The defense is much better, and if we start making shots, we'll win some of these games.

"Let's get 25 games into the season and then we'll have a better sense of where we are."

Patience, he says. But here's the thing about patience. Most NBA players have the attention span of school kids.

They want to see results. They need to see results to continue believing in a system, and a philosophy, and a coach who controls their minutes and influences their livelihood. And right now, Paul Westphal, who is signed through next season and seemingly enjoys better job security than most state employees, is entering a precarious phase.

While players lean on him for guidance, last year's pattern repeats itself. The only difference is that, at least a year ago, the Kings flirted with a .500 record (13-14) before they stopped passing, stopped moving, stopped evolving into a team, and became observers in a one-man play.

It's not even the numbers. It's not even the opponents, though recent home-court losses to Memphis, Minnesota, Detroit and New York ruined any chance for a happy holiday season around Arco Arena. Rather, it's the players' confused looks and the chronically sluggish nature of the defeats.

Late Monday night, a visibly upset Beno Udrih basically summarized what advance scouts (and many of his teammates) have been reporting about the Kings for weeks: "We're predictable. We don't make other teams work for anything, never attack from different sides of the floor. We don't move the ball. It's all one-on-one."

In fairness to Westphal, everyone acknowledges the Kings are far from a finished product. They need outside shooting like ski resorts need snow. They need DeMarcus Cousins to behave like a mature adult, not a 20-year-old kid. They need a facilitator so they can move Tyreke Evans to shooting guard or small forward and exploit his strength and natural scoring instincts.

Better yet, they need Geoff Petrie to acquire a more conventional point guard – or a player whose skills would better complement those of Evans – and accelerate the learning process. (The Kings are aggressively pursuing a move and reportedly have inquired about Atlanta's Jeff Teague and Houston's Aaron Brooks, among others, though team officials declined to comment on the speculation.)

"There's no point bemoaning what we don't have," Westphal added. "Right now with this team, the best possible thing we can (accomplish) is to put together a defensive identity. Put the pieces together in a way that fits. Be the best defensive team we can be. We will work it out offensively. I don't think anyone expected us to look like the 1971 Knicks after 13 games."

So how about imitating the Kings of the opening week? You know? The team that used its youth, depth and athleticism en route to a 3-1 start and an entertaining home opener against the Toronto Raptors?

"We knew we would have our ups and downs," said Maloof, who was surprisingly upbeat considering the circumstances. "This isn't the end of the world."

True, this is sports. This is all a big game. And the Kings can at least pretend to have fun once in a while, and more than once in a while, pass the darn ball.

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While the Atlanta Hawks' guard Jeff Teague is certainly available via trade, there are no personnel that the Hawks want in the Kings' roster at the moment.

Aaron Brooks of the Houston Rockets has an expiring contract that is viable for a trade, but the Rockets will not let go of the scoring point guard without a better compensation.

[CKR13]

Thanksgiving Massacre

Sacramento Kings 82 Los Angeles Clippers 99

Car Landry lead the team with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists on the losing effort. Tyreke Evans had a horrible shooting night with 2-13 from the field.