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MANRAM!
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: NORCAL
Age: 24
Posts: 18,070
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Offseason pondering begins for Kings
With that in mind, here are a few random thoughts on what was, what might have been and what Geoff Petrie will ponder during the offseason:
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The Kings' 19.1 assists-per-game average (28th of 30 teams) wins the award for ugliest stat of the season, surpassing the cluster of ugly defensive numbers congregating near the bottom.
There is no question teams need players to draw double teams and break down defenses, but the best way to chase away fans and alienate teammates is to allow Ron Artest and John Salmons to dominate the ball, slow the pace and refuse to pass.
Artest says he won't opt out of the final year of his contract (at $7.4 million), and if he returns, Petrie and the Maloofs have to plot accordingly. His trade value (and expiring contract) will be tempting, though there is zero likelihood of reuniting Artest with former Indiana Pacers president Donnie Walsh, now with the New York Knicks. And what about the fact Salmons flourishes as a starter and sinks as a sub? One of them probably has to go.
Petrie's other main duties consist of deciding whether Beno Udrih is a capable starting point guard for the near future and, if so, how much to spend to re-sign him; upgrading a power forward position that has bedeviled the Kings since Chris Webber shredded his knee in 2003; acquiring a consistent deep shooter, unless Quincy Douby dazzles during the summer league; and doing all of the above while managing the salary cap.
Reggie Theus not only won more games than Eric Musselman, he survived a mini-revolt that threatened his job before Christmas. His curious benchings, public scoldings and questionable timeouts left many within the organization speculating about the identity of an interim coach. But Reggie surprises. He adapted and admitted mistakes, realized he was no longer coaching college and earned a passing grade partly because his competitive spirit and agreeable personality were acknowledged and appreciated. Next year? Less play calling and tighter defense, please.
Adding an older, seasoned assistant to his staff would enhance his job security.
When Kevin Martin avoids becoming frustrated when Artest or Salmons ignores him in the offense or when he's wide open on the break, he is among the league's most efficient scorers and an engaged, improving all-around player. He should be the No.1 offensive option next season, and if he's not, he should demand some answers. Come to think of it, Kevin squaring up and demanding anything would be progress.
Francisco Garcνa remains mistake-prone, but this isn't the same player who, as a rookie, was obsessed with yanking his shirt out of his shorts whenever the refs weren't looking. His energy, defense, versatility and professionalism make him a franchise favorite.
Tell me again that Spencer Hawes is only 19 years old. The ambidexterity. The jump hooks. The bank shots. The deep shots. The interior passing. The length of those limbs. When he is physically capable of holding position in the post and utilizes his size to rebound and influence shots, he will force his way into the starting lineup. Hmmmm. How about during his sophomore season?
Mikki Moore is a terrific teammate who, one suspects, would have no trouble accepting a backup role if the Kings acquire a starting power forward.
Imagine the transformed Brad Miller in a complementary role with Phoenix, Detroit, Boston or San Antonio? Given his age (31), it might be something to consider.
Shelden Williams is an undersized forward without much explosiveness, but his width and strength suggest he could create a niche similar to that of Kurt Thomas or Danny Fortson, presumably before Fortson attempted to thrive as a thug.
A second consecutive season without a playoff berth isn't anything to celebrate, but compared to last year, the 2007-08 Kings weren't an embarrassment. When the ball moved and the defense created transition opportunities, the product was surprisingly entertaining. And let's not forget that Reggie as a former actor loves the theater. The locker room was turbulent at times, but always interesting.
For the sake of full disclosure, the Kings won 38 games. I pegged them for 35.
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Offseason pondering begins for Kings
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