Sacramento Kings Thread

[dxjayrock2008]

Some moron vandalized the mural by the Sacramento Kings for Israeli forward Omri Casspi. Inserting a Swastika.

Jewish Community Relations Council member Barry Broad had this to say:



This is just plain wrong.

Damn those Nazi thugs!

[CKR13]

Bright and cheery heading into the season alright. I haven't felt like this since 2001. Yeah, I stood-by the horrible Ron Artest days.

[dxjayrock2008]

Bright and cheery heading into the season alright. I haven't felt like this since 2001. Yeah, I stood-by the horrible Ron Artest days.

God Speed and good luck to the Kings!

[CKR13]

Bright and cheery heading into the season alright. I haven't felt like this since 2001. Yeah, I stood-by the horrible Ron Artest days.

It is no secret that we (Sacramento Kings) are marketing out "potential stars of the future" like Tyreke Evans, Demarcus Cousins and Omri Casspi to generate ticket sales and tv viewership equating to endorsement deals. I miss the good old days where the ARCO arena was always sold-out.

But last season was promising due to the emergence of Evans. This season will be better for us.

[dxjayrock2008]

It is no secret that we (Sacramento Kings) are marketing out "potential stars of the future" like Tyreke Evans, Demarcus Cousins and Omri Casspi to generate ticket sales and tv viewership equating to endorsement deals. I miss the good old days where the ARCO arena was always sold-out.

But last season was promising due to the emergence of Evans. This season will be better for us.

Don't worry, your dominance will return in no time.

[CKR13]

Don't worry, your dominance will return in no time.

We were never dominant. We were just among the "Elite Teams" that were over shadowed by the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of 2000-2002.

[CKR13]

After a quarter century, Arco name to come off Kings' arena

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2010/09/21/304...#ixzz10EHXHVqJ

After a quarter century, the Arco name is coming down from the arena that houses the Sacramento Kings, forcing the struggling basketball team to scramble in tough times to find a replacement sponsor.

The Kings' contract with the Arco oil company will expire in February, but company officials say the Arco Arena name will remain in place through the end of the upcoming season.

The parting of ways comes at a difficult moment for the Kings, with fewer and fewer businesses willing or able to dole out the millions of dollars that major league naming- rights deals typically draw.

Arco Arena itself has taken a public relations hit in the past few years – characterized by the National Basketball Association as an aging, inadequate facility that needs to be replaced.

The NBA faces player contract negotiations next year, with the possibility that a labor stalemate could cause a lockout, further reducing the advertising value of basketball arenas.

Nevertheless, marketing experts say the NBA and its teams remain powerful brands, and the chance to put the company name on the door of a major entertainment facility – even one the team hopes to vacate – remains compelling.

Kings officials declined Monday to discuss their prospects for landing a new sponsor but said they see the Arco deal's end as an opportunity.

"We are deeply appreciative of the historic 24-year run we enjoyed with our friends at Arco," Kings co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof said in a news release on Monday. "This was one of the original, pioneering naming-rights partnerships in major league sports and entertainment.

"Now there is an incredible opportunity for a new brand to integrate across all Maloof Sports & Entertainment platforms."

Scott Dean, a spokesman for oil giant BP, which now owns Arco, called the arrangement "a long and fruitful relationship." Dean declined to say why the company is ending its naming-rights sponsorship in Sacramento. The decision was made several years ago, he said, and is not related to BP's financial woes from this year's massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Kings' groundbreaking mid-1980s agreement to put Arco's name atop their arena created a steady source of income over 24 years, estimated by several sources at between $700,000 and $750,000 a year.

Those numbers, however, looked increasingly modest as naming-rights deals boomed nationally in the 1990s and early 2000s, becoming a key income source for teams to help finance new stadiums and pay escalating player payrolls.

Oracle pays $3 million a year for the arena in Oakland that houses the Golden State Warriors and other events. FedEx pays $4.5 million a year for the new arena in Memphis, Tenn.

But the perceived marketing value of high-priced sponsorships for companies has waned notably during the recession.

Paul Swangard, managing director of the University of Oregon's Warsaw Sports Marketing Center, said Arco company officials may have felt the Sacramento deal has run its course.

"It was probably a deal of diminishing returns," Swangard said. Arco might have a "hard time justifying (the expense) in this kind of economy. I'm not sure anyone walks out of Arco Arena and immediately goes and gets their car filled up with Arco gas."

Swangard said companies now are more inclined to put their money into marketing programs that produce an immediate measurable payoff.

Several larger sports franchises recently have been unable to sell naming rights to new facilities.

"The two biggest and best stadiums in the world – Cowboys Stadium (Dallas) and the New Meadowlands Stadium (East Rutherford, N.J.) – have gone without naming rights," said Larry DeGaris, a professor of sports marketing at the University of Indianapolis. "That's an indicator of the market. It's awful, it's a really tough market for sponsorships in general."

The Kings, however, may count some positives as they look for a new name over the door, Swangard and others said.

Their more modest arena and Sacramento's relative small size in NBA terms means more companies may be able to afford a deal here. The NBA is still a powerful brand, Swangard said. "There's not many buildings that are home to NBA basketball."

from the Sacramento-bee

[CKR13]

Here's a nice article I found from NBA.com on the Sacramento Kings' youth movement after the Fab-5 days.

Makeover on verge of paying dividends for young Kings


Posted Sep 22 2010 11:46AM

The adjustment is more a rumbling seismic shift. An evolving, time-lapse version, yes, because it has been a year in coming, but make no mistake. The Kings are living a dramatic transformation.

Think they became more physical and aggressive in the summer of 2009? Try 2010, when the major trade added a shot blocker, the major draft decision brought in a sledgehammer interior presence and a secondary draft decision went to another shot blocker with the kind of upside that makes him a good bet to stick as a second-round choice.

That isn't a coincidental series of transactions. It's a statement.


This was the offseason president Geoff Petrie officially altered his thinking, and if Petrie's philosophy has changed, the Kings have changed. It's nothing less than a major policy shift in the wake of consecutive last-place finishes in the Pacific Division -- "I guess the answer to that would be yes, because we did [the moves]," he said when asked if he agrees with the change-of-direction premise -- that has changed the traditional franchise approach toward skill and finesse over muscle.

It started a year ago. They drafted physical point guard Tyreke Evans at No. 4, hard-nosed small forward Omri Casspi at No. 23 and physical power forward Jon Brockman at No. 38 and immediately felt the benefits, going all the way from 29th in the league in rebounding percentage in 2008-09 to 12th last season. It was impressive. But it wasn't enough.

"When we finished last season, I still wanted to improve the size and the strength and the talent level of our front line," Petrie said.

Done.

The major trade: Spencer Hawes, the incumbent center, and forward Andres Nocioni were sent to the 76ers for Samuel Dalembert as Hawes' replacement. Hawes, skilled on offense. Dalembert, seventh in the NBA in blocks plus 9.6 rebounds a game in 25.9 minutes, modest burn for a starter. The Kings got the bonus of dodging Nocioni's contract with two years and $14.15 million remaining, and there's no declaration of endless love with Dalembert in the final season of his contract, but it was a move for size and defense.

The major draft decision: Whatever questions surrounded previous lead picks -- Evans, Jason Thompson, Hawes, Quincy Douby, Francisco Garcia, Kevin Martin -- there were no doubts about their drive. DeMarcus Cousins: major doubts. Regarded by many teams as the second-best talent on the board, he slipped to No. 5 because executives saw risk in someone who struggled so mightily with maturity and passion to play. That made him such an un-Petrie selection and a greater risk than choosing Evans for point guard despite very limited previous experience at the position. But the Kings wanted the serious muscle that went with Cousins' considerable skills, so risk away.

The secondary draft decision: Under the radar but noteworthy anyway: 7-footer Hassan Whiteside, another center, another rookie center who needs to mature, but also a shot blocker.

The kicker is that it has all been authored by Petrie, the guy who built the Kings into championship contenders at the top of the 2000s with an offense that ran through the inside because Vlade Divac and Chris Webber were exceptional passers and could drain jumpers. When Petrie moved to replace Divac, it was with Brad Miller and a similar game, and then Hawes and the same. Cousins has the basketball DNA to become another very good passer, but Cousins' power is the real appeal. Getting Cousins, getting Dalembert, getting Whiteside, all a summer after adding Evans, Casspi and Brockman (though Brockman left for the Bucks this offseason) is a concerted effort to get more physical.

"I think that's fair," Petrie said. "I think that's definitely fair."

Statement, indeed.

[CKR13]

Beno and Cisco Have High Hopes for Upcoming Season

There are many storylines going into this eagerly anticipated 2010-11 Kings campaign. One of those will be the outlook of the shooting guard spot. Its current depth chart boasts two veterans with differing skill sets and a multitude of training camp invitees looking to find a spot in the NBA.

Former starting point guard Beno Udrih filled the majority of the minutes next to Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans last year and finished the season with career marks in PPG (12.9), FG% (49.3%), minutes played (2,476) and APG (4.7).

On the other end of the spectrum, Francisco Garcia is looking to come back from a season marred by injury, only suiting up for 25 games during the 2009-10 season. He is a dynamic piece that will certainly be a welcome sight to Paul Westphal and the rest of the coaching staff, bringing an unwavering intensity, lights-out perimeter shooting and strong leadership qualities.

Kings.com caught up with Garcia and Udrih at their recent “Kings for the Community” event at Collings West Sacramento Teen Center where they donated tickets to Sacramento-area youth. Check out what they had to say about the upcoming season.

BENO UDRIH

How was your offseason and what did you do to prepare for this upcoming season?
“I was practicing at home during the offseason, just trying to stay in shape. I took a lot of time off too, because last season I had a problem with my heel. So I’ve been back here for three or four weeks working out with Daniel Shapiro, our strength and conditioning coach, just trying to get in shape for the season.”

Last season you played a lot of off-guard alongside Tyreke, do you see your role changing at all or staying the same this season?
“I don’t know about my role, but you know Tyreke and I work really well together on the court. So I don’t see why we would go away from it. Now we have Cisco though, so I think we have a lot of room to improve. Hopefully we can just improve and get better in a lot of aspects of the game, and make a step forward.”

Last season was one of the best statistical seasons of your career, how do you look to improve on that going into this season?
“Tying to improve and get better as a team because basketball, after all, is a team sport. The team wins basketball games, not one particular player or two. We just have to work hard in training camp and get to know each other on offense and defense and we should be fine.”

As one of the veterans on the team what is your goal, going into the season?
“Make it easier for them (the young players). Sometimes they don’t understand the little things. So I’m just trying to tell them how it is in this league. I’ve been around some players while winning two championships with the San Antonio Spurs, so I know what it takes to win championships. I’m not saying we’re going to just go onto the court and win the championship, but we are definitely looking towards that way, trying to get better and take steps forward.”

In San Antonio you played with Tim Duncan and a strong frontcourt. How do you feel about going into this season with multiple big guys on the team who could be really dominant?
“Yes, we have a really good team. I’m really confident, and anything can happen. Hopefully we are lucky with injuries and nobody gets really hurt. I think we should be fine when we settle in. Then, towards the end of the season, maybe we are right there and can win a couple more games to get into the Playoffs. You never know, there’s a lot of stuff that can happen.”

FRANCISCO GARCIA

How has your offseason been so far? What is your mindset going into training camp this year?
“Just getting 100 percent healthy, that’s what I did. Also, getting my game a little tighter. I’ve been working on that all summer, so it’s looking pretty good.”

You’re currently the longest-tenured player on this team. Do you see yourself growing into a leadership role with all of the young guys on the Kings right now?
“We have a lot of young guys that really listen to me, and we have a good bond.”

Talk a little bit about the shooting guard spot right now. Beno earned the majority of minutes at the off-guard spot last season, so what are your goals going into this season and possibly being the starter at that position?
“I don’t see it really as a competition. We are just going to go out there and produce and help our team win.”

You played a short time with Tyreke last season, how well do you feel you fit in with his style of play and what have you guys done to improve chemistry?
“This year is going to be a little different since we have more time together, especially now in training camp. We are just going to vibe together and see how we can do on the court together.”

What is it in Tyreke’s game that you can see will help out your game?
“You can see he attracts so much of the defense, in terms of double-teams and stuff like that. So, it’s going to be interesting.”

In the same regard, can you talk a little bit about how DeMarcus Cousins and Samuel Dalembert are going to help you and the team?
“I think we just got so much bigger and so much stronger. It’s going to be very good now that we have shot blockers down there. Now we are going to be able to pressure more on defense and put more pressure on the other team.”

What is your overall goal for the season?
“First, we know we have to make the Playoffs. Then, the sky is the limit.”

Beno Udrih and Francisco Garcia are in high spirits heading into training camp. Good vibes compared to last year.

[CKR13]

Shuffling the Deck: The NBA's Most Improved Frontline

It has been almost a full calendar year since, in the NBA’s toughest conference, and home to some of the most daunting and physically imposing frontlines, the Sacramento Kings trotted out Jason Thompson, Sean “Big Mac” May, and Desmond Mason in an opening night loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

This was, to say the least, a far cry from the days of Vlade Divac and Chris Webber toying with opposing NBA defenses with the offensive versatility rarely seen in big men in the NBA today. Webber and Divac both possessed an inside-out game, with the ability to score in the post as well as hit a 20 foot jumpshot with consistency. They ran Pete Carril’s high-post Princeton offense to perfection, with the pin-point passing ability of both being the oil which allowed this machine to run so smoothly. They were the cornerstone for a fun, exciting and highly marketable brand of basketball which both the casual and diehard fan enjoyed alike, until father time and injuries put an end to this era of Kings’ basketball.

Fast-forward to the opening night of the 2009-2010 season, and Sacramento was ready to go to war with arguably the worst frontline in the entire NBA. Spencer Hawes, Jason Thompson, Sean May, Kenny Thomas, and Jon Brockman were supposed to help resurrect the Kings, and jumpstart their eventual run back to the playoffs. No, that wasn’t a joke, even though I can’t fault anyone who finds humor in placing any hope of success on the shoulders of that frontline, as it would have trouble competing in the Euroleague, much less the NBA. Is it any wonder the Maloof brothers sought out and hired outside influences to help sell out the first two home games of the 2009 season?

Here we are, a little more than ten months later, and Sacramento has a completely revamped frontline, with third year forward Jason Thompson being the only holdover from the previous campaign.The shuffling started with a trade at the February deadline, which essentially sent Kevin Martin to the Rockets in return for Carl Landry.

Landry immediately added toughness and a post presence, both being attributes which were non-existent for the Kings prior to his acquisition.Landry, who was a 6th Man of the Year candidate for Houston before the trade, quickly established himself as a starter for the Kings, and put up an impressive 18PPG, along with 6.5RPG, as the starting power forward.

The Kings followed the Landry trade with a pre-draft trade which sent the chronically underachieving Spencer Hawes, along with Andres Nocioni, to Philadelphia for shot blocking extraordinaire Samuel Dalembert, and future cap space. Dalembert immediately adds a new, and much needed dimension to the Sacramento frontcourt: a defensive presence. Dalembert also ranks in the top three in the NBA in career rebounding percentage, both offensively and defensively.

The 2010 NBA Draft was extremely kind to Sacramento, thanks in large part to David Kahn being one of the more incompetent general manager’s in NBA history. According to Draft Express, Cousins ranked number one overall (in the last eight years) in points per-40 minutes, rebounds per-40 minutes, field goals made per-40 minutes, and placed second overall in free throw attempts per-40 minutes.

Arguably, Cousins is the most dominant big man to step on a college basketball court in the last decade, and should be a consensus top ten center by the end of his rookie season. DeMarcus is not only a physically imposing center who will dominate play in the paint, but also has the versatility to pull opposing big men away from the basket, and either face-up and hit the jumper, or attack off the dribble. How Kahn came to the conclusion that passing on Cousins in favor of chasing down Darko Milicic in Serbia, and offering a four year deal was a good idea, is beyond comprehension. The Kings will reap the benefits of this colossal error in judgement.

The other member of the 2010 Draft class who will join Cousins up front is shot blocking sensation Hassan Whiteside, who inexplicably fell to the 33rd pick overall.

Whiteside blocked a staggering 5.4 BPG as a freshman at Marshall, and registered the longest wingspan of anyone at the Draft Combine, at an amazing 7’7”. While Whiteside was a steal at #33, as some projected him to be a lottery pick, he is a young player drafted mainly on potential. Players with this amount of potential are rarely seen in the second round, and the comparisons to a young Marcus Camby are not as far-fetched as some would like to believe.

Rounding out the Sacramento frontline is Jason Thompson, another versatile young big who posted 12.5PPG and 8.5RPG in his second season in the league. Thompson has the quickness to guard opposing power forwards away from the basket, as well as the size to match-up with opposing centers in the paint. While Thompson is not expected to be in the starting lineup this coming season, he provides Paul Westphal with added depth and versatility in his bench unit, with Thompson’s ability to split time at both the power forward and center positions.

Does Sacramento have the most potent, experienced, and physically intimidating frontline in the NBA? Of course not. But the complete overhaul of its frontline is the most impressive and substantial of any frontline in the league. The Kings now have one of the best one-two punches at the center position in the league, with Cousins and Dalembert. They have one of the toughest and most physical power forwards in the NBA today in Carl Landry. Jason Thompson looks more and more like a young Udonis Haslem every day, with his ability to defend and rebound, while hitting the open jumper and play multiple positions. Waiting in the background for his opportunity will be Hassan Whiteside, young and unproven, but with unmistakable potential.

The rest of the NBA should take notice, as this revamped Kings frontline shares no resemblance to the frontline they had on opening night nearly one year ago, and will cause problems for opposing players and coaches for years to come.

Jon Darbee / Bleacher's Report

[DonPugfâché]

I'm not condoning the Traffic Violation but we at Sacramento Kings call that incident:

Rekes of Hazard and Need For Speed: Rekeing Havoc

HAHA, I like it! I like when Shaq poked fun of it on that episode of Shaq Vs when he raced Dale Earnheart: "I bet you I can drive faster than Tyreke Evans."

[CKR13]

Welcome back, DonPugfâché

Anyways, we (Kings) had such a great media day. Check it out.

Sacramento Kings 2010 Media Day Pictures

[CKR13]

Kings Strong in Day One of Training Camp

As the Kings completed their first 2010 Training Camp practice, the sense of positivity and camaraderie surrounding the team seemed to have carried over from Monday’s Media Day at ARCO Arena.

With Kings players divided into three teams at the practice facility on Tuesday, the coaching staff ran the team through basic, non-contact “clinics” focusing on defensive and offensive sets, shooting and conditioning.

The goal for the day, according to rookie Hassan Whiteside, was to “go hard and listen.”

Though it was only the first of many practices to come, the consensus from the coaching staff and players was that the morning was a success (the team has two-a-day practices through Saturday).

Coach Paul Westphal was especially pleased with the performance of rookie DeMarcus Cousins.

Singling out the Kings 2010 first-round pick, Westphal joked, “I hate to give him a compliment this early, but DeMarcus looked really good. He’s a very skilled player, he’s focused and he picked things up really quickly.”

When informed his coach had called him out, Cousins chuckled before asking, “Was it good or bad?”

Cousins’ humble question emphasizes how eager the Kings first-year big man is to please his new coach and teammates.

Expressing his thoughts on the first day, Cousins remarked, “It went really well today. We learned a lot and got better as a young team. We’re ready for tonight. I came in and tried to soak in as much information as I could.”

As for Whiteside, he continued to wow the media in attendance during his first practice with his enhanced physique.

Since the Draft, Whiteside has added close to 25 pounds of muscle, and he believes he’s become a more physical presence in the low post.

Watching the drills, it became clear the 2010-11 Kings have successfully added the variety of talent Westphal went into the summer hoping to attain—skill, toughness and defense that goes beyond merely adding height.

Nearly every player on the court appeared to have redefined his body in the offseason.

Besides Whiteside, Omri Casspi, Donté Greene and Tyreke Evans all said they’ve added muscle to their frames. Meanwhile, big men Jason Thompson and Cousins are lean and ready to battle for position in the post. For the team’s training gains, much credit should be given to Kings strength and conditioning coach Daniel Shapiro, who was integral in each players’ summer advancement.

According to Westphal, Thompson has come into camp in as good of condition as anyone on the team thanks to a rigorous strength-training program and work ethic.

Always personable and professional, Thompson explained he’s excited about the new additions to the team. Regarding Samuel Dalembert, he said he should be able to bring “veteran leadership, Playoff experience and defensive talent” to the team. For Thompson, his goal is to continue improving while pushing his team to make great strides this season.

Speaking of strides, the team added speed during the offseason with its addition of pace-setting guard Pooh Jeter. Both Jeter and Westphal are confident the 2007 Kings Summer League team member is ready to make a splash in the NBA after playing in Israel last season.

With the influx of new talent, the Kings showed early signs of being better able to adjust to opponents’ strengths and weaknesses on a nightly basis.

-fullcourtpresskingsconnect

[CKR13]

Evans Confident in New Shot, Kings

Following the first official practice of training camp, the Kings returned Tuesday night for their first full-contact run of the season. While the evening session was closed to the media, veteran Samuel Dalembert described the atmosphere as “dead serious.”

“That is what you have to establish,” Dalembert, inside the Kings practice facility, said. “We don’t take anything for granted, and that’s the way it’s going to be. The coach is watching to see who is really pushing themselves and really going after it. I think, so far so good.”

According to Coach Paul Westphal, the team has been highly engaged amidst the rigors of two-a-days.

“Daytime practices are more instructive and the nighttime is more competitive,” he said. “Certainly in the morning we can’t have any contact, so it’s just teaching them where they’re supposed to be and why and what we are looking for when we call certain things. At night we try to implement it, and it’s very competitive, very physical, and it’s more like basketball.”

While the Kings chemistry off the court is evident, it’s clear the team has plenty of motivation for the upcoming season. With so many players battling to either make the team or earn playing time, intensity during practices is palpable.

“The first week of camp is just about pushing yourself,” Dalembert said. “I always say to the guys, ‘Come out here and push yourself.’ The next guy, he is your teammate so you don’t try to hurt him, but when you step on the floor, you don’t know him—you go after him and get better. You are pushing him, and basically you want to get somebody’s position.”

Nowhere is the competiveness more apparent than in the Kings frontcourt. Returning from an offseason spent adding depth to the Kings roster at the power forward and center positions, the team now has a group of talented players competing for playing time.

Tuesday night, the team’s big men competed against each other in a series of two-on-two games where—according to Dalembert—the players were “really going after it.” In addition, Tyreke Evans described a scene in which DeMarcus Cousins exhibited his potential to be a dominant low-post player.

“Yesterday he had a couple of fadeaways and a couple of big man moves—elbows and those types of things,” the Kings point guard said. “He’s a big guy, and I’m looking forward to playing with him.”

After straining his left adductor muscle during Tuesday morning’s practice, Dalembert was left refereeing the two-on two-drill. He explained the injury as a remnant of an old one, and the veteran attributed the aggravation to his eagerness to “push himself” by joining his teammates running sprints.

Still unable to participate in Wednesday morning’s practice, Dalembert explained he was feeling better and that sitting out was a precautionary measure. He hopes to be able to do “a little bit more” on Thursday. Either way, the Kings center said he’s no stranger to playing injured, and has hardly missed a game in the last four or five years.

In other injury news, new signee Antoine Wright suffered a strained left quadriceps muscle Tuesday. Though he showed improvement on Wednesday, Westphal said he’s yet to be cleared for full-contact practice.

During Wednesday morning’s non-contact practice, the players were separated into different groups — the big men practiced post moves and jump shots from the elbow, while the guards practiced shooting from mid-to-long range.

One of the highlights of watching the drills was seeing Evans’ improved shooting.

Featuring recalibrated shooting mechanics, the Kings point guard hardly missed. Once practice was over, he continued to practice his jump shot with assistant coach Pete Carril.

According to Evans, Carril has been impressed with his new jumper and was “happy” and “proud” the reigning Rookie of the Year had done his offseason homework.

“I’m trying to get the same rip every time, just shooting a lot,” he said. “I watched a lot of tape from when I was in high school of how I shot the ball. I’m just trying to go back into the gym and get that muscle memory back. It’s more in front of my face and jumping straight up and down.”

Additionally, the two worked through some of the team’s new offensive sets, which involve Evans coming off screens to catch and shoot.

The added offensive sets reflect Westphal, too, has confidence in Evans’ improved shooting.

“That’s the way this league is, you do one thing and it works and they find a way to stop it, so you have to find a Plan B,” the Kings coach said. “I think Tyreke is up for the challenge.”

“I’ve seen a lot,” Evans concluded. “I’m looking forward to tonight and coming back out here and getting after it.”

So far, it seems not only is Evans up for the challenge, but the entire team

-fullcourtpressblog

[CKR13]

A Rookie in Name Only

Although much of the early excitement surrounding the Kings first-year class has been focused upon DeMarcus Cousins and Hassan Whiteside, fellow rookie Pooh Jeter has made an early impression on Coach Paul Westphal.

When asked which young player has had the easiest time picking up the Kings offense, Westphal responded, “I would say Pooh Jeter. He stands out in every way.”

Jeter is not your typical NBA rookie. Following a successful collegiate career at the University of Portland, he went undrafted in 2006 before signing with the Colorado 14ers of the D-League.

As a member of the 14ers, Jeter was named to the All D-League Team and led his team to the championship game. For his efforts, the guard was invited to play for the Kings 2007 Summer League team.

After playing in his first Vegas Summer League, the Kings rookie spent the next three seasons playing in Europe for BC Kiev (Ukraine), Vive Menorca (Spain) and Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem (Israel). At each destination, Jeter found success—receiving All-League recognition and making trips to the Euro Cup. All before signing with the Kings this summer.

“I feel the last four years of playing gave me a chance to learn the game,” Jeter said. “I don’t feel like a rookie.”

Westphal shares in his young guard’s self- assessment.

“He’s ready for the NBA,” the Kings head coach said. “He’s spent a few years overseas, growing his game a little bit. He’s a very mature player. He’s a natural leader, and makes great decisions. He’s the fastest player on the court. I think people are really going to like what Pooh brings.”

Heading into his first year in the League, the dots are finally beginning to connect.

“For me to be here, I knew I had to put in the work and preparation,” he said. “That’s what led me here.”

Starring for Portland, Jeter’s Pilots were in the same conference (West Coast Conference) as Westphal’s former Pepperdine Waves.

“It’s a good thing Coach Westphal is my coach because I played against him when he was at Pepperdine,” Jeter reflected. “He knew what I was able to produce.”

The connections don’t end with Jeter’s play against Westphal or his prior stint on Sacramento’s Summer League team.

Due to teammate Omri Casspi’s popularity back in Israel, the Kings new guard, who played in Jerusalem last season, was able to watch all of Sacramento’s games.

“When I signed with the Kings, it was great because every Kings game is shown in Israel,” Jeter explained. “Last year I used to watch the Kings, and that’s one of the best things about it.”

Listening to Jeter, it’s clear he’s seizing the opportunity at hand.

“I think the last three years have really prepared me for this moment,” the guard said. “I really just want to take advantage of it.”

Kings Notes

While Westphal is playing his cards close to his chest, the Kings coach has admitted he is leaning towards one particular player for the starting small forward position. It’s also apparent Carl Landry and Jason Thompson aren’t expected to see extended time at the position.

“I think down the road it might be something we look at—particularly if we play a lot of zone defense,” Westphal explained. “It’s pretty tough for Carl or Jason to chase the threes they would have to chase in this position to have that be a trademark of our team. It might be something we do from time-to-time with certain matchups, but it’s certainly not something we are ready to focus on yet.”

Westphal was enthusiastic about the play of DeMarcus Cousins during Wednesday evening’s practice.

“Last night he was outstanding on the offensive boards,” he said. “Nobody could keep him off the boards, and it’s really quite impressive what he’s doing.”

“I really got after it on the boards,” Cousins relayed. “I tried to grab every rebound that came off, no matter where it was. If it was outside the three-point line, I was trying to grab the rebound.”

Wednesday’s late session also saw the rookie pitted against Thompson, and according to Westphal, “JT had his hands full.”

kingsfullcourtpressblog

Eugene "Pooh" Jeter could be the PG we are needing off, someone to back-up Udrih.