Sacramento Kings Thread

[CKR13]

Up next are the Memphis Grizzlies. The most pressing concern is the availability of Demarcus Cousins for the game. The Kings need Cousins' rebounding and inside scoring to even survive the front line consisting of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph.

[DonPugfâché]

The best scenario would be Cousins to calm down and comes back to his senses. It doesn't help either that Paul Westphal have reached his tipping point with Cousins.

I agree 100%. Cousins, despite his immaturity (both with his mouth/attitude and on-court decision making) is still one of the most talented bigs in the league. I'm just not sure it's realistic.

That said, they said the same thing about Z Bo back in the day, and look at him now ... so there's still hope!

[uhfotis]

That said, they said the same thing about Z Bo back in the day, and look at him now ... so there's still hope!

There's still hope..... but not with the kings.. This exact kind of thing plays out every couple of years (randolph, beasley) and as the players get older they do calm down, mature and get their head set... but never with the original team. If/when the kings trade him they're not getting anything worthwhile back. They have zero leverage because of what's happened, and because of the risks anyone taking him on has to take on.

[DonPugfâché]

Kings say they WON'T trade Cousins. I actually like the hard stance from the Maloofs. Also some interesting quotes from players/people close to the team:

“He’s selfish,” one source close to the team said of Cousins. “He’s always angry or clowning. He needs to change. The Kings have been great about covering things up for him, and his agent has been protecting him.

“He’s always miserable. He acts like he’s entitled.”

Some players are disillusioned with the constant drain of Cousins’ tantrums, sulking and absence of professionalism. “He’s a bully, and they let him get away with it,” one source said. “No one wants to deal with the guy.”

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slu...s_kings_010112

[DonPugfâché]

There's still hope..... but not with the kings.. This exact kind of thing plays out every couple of years (randolph, beasley) and as the players get older they do calm down, mature and get their head set... but never with the original team. If/when the kings trade him they're not getting anything worthwhile back. They have zero leverage because of what's happened, and because of the risks anyone taking him on has to take on.

Good point ... unfortunately, the team that took the chance with the guy is rarely the team that reaps the rewards.

[CKR13]

Tyreke Evans said on his twitter that Cousins will be traveling with the team to Memphis tonight.

[Bosnian 23]

I think the fault isn't completely on DCuz; Evans also complained to Paul Westphal before. I think Westphal has messed up the team, the defense in transtition is terrible this year. It's good that Cousins will be back tomorrow night. Tyreke Evans played great against Hornets (obviously) with 27 points, 4 assits, and 3 rebounds. His jumpshot was GREAT in this game (especially his three-point shooting). Our defense was definitely improved from games past and it gave us easy fastbreak points. As for the Cousins drrama, I think it's all on Paul Westphal. He is the reason to blame for our three blow-out losses in this season and for our bad transition defense. Tyreke is doing everything he can (plus DCuz/Thornton) to lead the team to victory, but you can tell; the offense doesn't look fluid. Yesterday, we made the extra pass that led to easy points and this is what we were lacking in the first four games. By the way, we are dead last in assists per game (at least before yesterday anyways) but we improved on that against New Orleans for sure. Assuming we play like we did yesterday, we'll be a play-off contender for sure.

By the way, I'm really glad the Maloofs don't want to trade Cousins. As stated previously, we'd get nothing equal in return, in terms of his talents and potential. The best we could get would be a role player and maybe a first round pick but I doubt we'd even get the pick. Maybe a couple garbage players, but that's it. Trading him riht now wouldn't be a good idea at all. Oh, and one more thing. I knw it's early, but I just wanted tgo mention that we're 1/2 game out of the sixth spot and one game back for the fifth spot. Not bad.

[CKR13]

I think the fault isn't completely on DCuz; Evans also complained to Paul Westphal before. I think Westphal has messed up the team, the defense in transtition is terrible this year. It's good that Cousins will be back tomorrow night. Tyreke Evans played great against Hornets (obviously) with 27 points, 4 assits, and 3 rebounds. His jumpshot was GREAT in this game (especially his three-point shooting). Our defense was definitely improved from games past and it gave us easy fastbreak points. As for the Cousins drrama, I think it's all on Paul Westphal. He is the reason to blame for our three blow-out losses in this season and for our bad transition defense. Tyreke is doing everything he can (plus DCuz/Thornton) to lead the team to victory, but you can tell; the offense doesn't look fluid. Yesterday, we made the extra pass that led to easy points and this is what we were lacking in the first four games. By the way, we are dead last in assists per game (at least before yesterday anyways) but we improved on that against New Orleans for sure. Assuming we play like we did yesterday, we'll be a play-off contender for sure.

By the way, I'm really glad the Maloofs don't want to trade Cousins. As stated previously, we'd get nothing equal in return, in terms of his talents and potential. The best we could get would be a role player and maybe a first round pick but I doubt we'd even get the pick. Maybe a couple garbage players, but that's it. Trading him riht now wouldn't be a good idea at all. Oh, and one more thing. I knw it's early, but I just wanted tgo mention that we're 1/2 game out of the sixth spot and one game back for the fifth spot. Not bad.

Paul Westphal is quite old and the perceived generation gap is there. "Older" coaches have trouble in deferring to younger players. A lot of NBA teams did fire old coaches and replaced them with younger coaches to whom can relate with the culture and upbringing of the young players.

Still, Westphal is a good coach on record. Yes, our offense is rather primitive with lots of ball possession plays on the part of Evans, Thornton and Cousins. But they are making progress and if enough improvement is made with these extra passes, Westphal in turn can add more dynamics into the offense like added flex screens and more ball movement on either strong or weakside.

At best, Cousins should stay as his trade value is not a good commodity in the trade market due to his attitude and antics. I just hope that this thing blows over and Cousins gets his act up. When he is motivated and focused, the guy can certainly produce good results.

[CKR13]

Kings say they WON'T trade Cousins. I actually like the hard stance from the Maloofs. Also some interesting quotes from players/people close to the team:

“He’s selfish,” one source close to the team said of Cousins. “He’s always angry or clowning. He needs to change. The Kings have been great about covering things up for him, and his agent has been protecting him.

“He’s always miserable. He acts like he’s entitled.”

Some players are disillusioned with the constant drain of Cousins’ tantrums, sulking and absence of professionalism. “He’s a bully, and they let him get away with it,” one source said. “No one wants to deal with the guy.”

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slu...s_kings_010112

This is welcome news and a wise re-consideration of the situation. Cousins just had his moment as all these losses and in-game foul troubles got to him. I hope next time, he handles the situation well. A part of his path to maturity. Even if he is traded, he might not get what he wants. The motivation for asking to be traded is rather dubious as well. What did Cousins exactly want in being traded to another team? He has the starting role and minutes with Sacramento. Perhaps Cousins wanted to play for a winning team.

But I would take note that winning teams would be hesitant to acquire Cousins as well where his track record of tantrums and antics could prove to be a distraction on and off the court.

On the article, several teammates have expressed their frustration on Cousins. His antics have been disrupting team chemistry off the court. Veterans like Garcia, Salmons and Hayes are not to keen and understanding with Cousins.

[durden_tyler]

Until when will the Kings rebuild? They have to trade ALL cancers from that team (starting with Cousins then Evans) there's just lots of negative vibes with these group of players.

[CKR13]

Until when will the Kings rebuild? They have to trade ALL cancers from that team (starting with Cousins then Evans) there's just lots of negative vibes with these group of players.

Trading Tyreke Evans and Demarcus Cousins means the team is as good as gone in the California capital. In trading Evans and Cousins, the rebuilding just got back to square one without a clear timeframe on when is the era of rebuilding over and the era of adding pieces and maturation takes place. Thornton and Fredette would not carry this team at all.

It is not as bad as what the media are reporting. These antics are tolerable and it is not as bad as Arenas brandishing a gun in the locker room.

[CKR13]

Demarcus Cousins denies demanding a trade. Now the plot thickens.

DeMarcus Cousins denies trade request

After the controversial locker room claim, it is noted that Cousins' agent also denied to the media that his client requested a trade. Perhaps a case of Westphal exploding and telling the management that Cousins requested a trade? From the press release by the Kings on this matter, Geoff Petrie had no comment and everything pointed to Westphal's words on the matter.

Or Cousins and his agent are in damage control mode via denunciation.

[CKR13]

I am looking forward to the game against the Memphis Grizzlies. For them, Zach Randolph is questionable with a bruised knee and Mike Conley is also questionable due to a sprained ankle.

The Kings should not be complacent and start off with a sense of urgency. Defensive match-ups are crucial wherein Rudy Gay is an offensive threat and John Salmons will not be able to guard Gay. I hope Westphal gives quality minutes to Donte Greene as he could prove a challenge for Gay in offense. Greene is a 6'10 forward that is quick, athletic and the wingspan to challenge Gay. But in putting Greene for an extended period, the offense may suffer as Greene settles for perimeter shots, including the long range one.

Then there is OJ Mayo. Tyreke Evans should guard Mayo as Evans is a better defender than Thornton. This will allow Thornton to guard the team's point guard and help out in defensive trapping.

Over a year ago, these two teams played through the wire wherein Mayo hit a jumper with seconds left. Kings had no timeout left and the team had to inbound half-court. Tyreke Evans made the half-court heave that won the game for the Kings.

[DonPugfâché]

Until when will the Kings rebuild? They have to trade ALL cancers from that team (starting with Cousins then Evans) there's just lots of negative vibes with these group of players.

To say he's not a franchise player, or a legit PG is 1 thing ... but calling Tyreke a "cancer" is a bit harsh, considering he hasn't really done anything selfish or destructive to the team like Cousins has. And IMO out of the primary scorers on the team, he's probably the most willing passer, and best creator for others (or at least causes havoc with his drive that forces defenses to move around and work, as opposed to Marcus who is more of a 1x1 pure scorer who really doesn't pass all that much or force the other 4 defenders to do much other than watch).

[durden_tyler]

Trading Tyreke Evans and Demarcus Cousins means the team is as good as gone in the California capital. In trading Evans and Cousins, the rebuilding just got back to square one without a clear timeframe on when is the era of rebuilding over and the era of adding pieces and maturation takes place. Thornton and Fredette would not carry this team at all.

It is not as bad as what the media are reporting. These antics are tolerable and it is not as bad as Arenas brandishing a gun in the locker room.

Point taken. But with both as building blocks? Really? They are not even superstar material (let's not take into consideration their off the court attitude) inside the court they are not really very very good players and leaders. Sucks to be a Kings fan these days (well the past 5 years )