Our First Real Win...
by Peter W on Oct 21, 2008 7:41 AM CDT
Email
Print
Rocky Widner/NBAE/Getty Images
I've been watching Sacramento--our first regular season opponent--over the last couple of preseason games, and all I have to say is: what happened to THAT club? As much as we've followed the Wolves descent into mediocrity over the last few years, the Kings have devolved into a nondescript bunch; I can't tell who they exactly want to be.
Like the Wolves, they're in rebuilding mode. Kevin Martin is a nice player, but similar to Milwaukee's Michael Redd, I'm not so sure I'd want to build a team around him. Their attempts to refresh their front court with players such as Spencer Hawes, new number one Jason Thompson and Shelden Williams via the Bibby/Atlanta trade is inconclusive to date. John Salmons and Francisco Garcia are decent wing players, and in hindsight Udrih would been nice for the Wolves last year, but can you imagine a deep playoff run with any of those players?
Sacramento is right around where the Wolves are, a mid 30 win team with two first round draft picks in next year's draft and some expiring contracts (Kenny Thomas, Abdur-Rahim, Brad Miller, etc.) for the 2010 sweepstakes. For this year, it looks like they can generate enough offense to win some home games, but on the road, it will be Martin having a hot night against indifferent teams that will keep them in games. I can't believe the Wolves will be indifferent on Opening Night; therefore we should notch win #1 against this regal bunch.
7 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
The direction Sacremento is taking is baffling
Unless they get really lucky with a big man they are set to be a 28-35 win team for a looonnnggg time. They look exactly like those Twolves teams from the pre-KG era. Not consistently bad enough to get a stud and no where near good enough to be in playoff contention.
The direction Sacramento is taking is towards Las Vegas
The Maloofs own the Palm, and that’s where they will put there franchise at some point in time. Until then, they are rebuilding around some young players with decent character. Some of which (Garcia) already seem to be overpaid again, even in the eyes of a lot of their fans.
Odenied: If you're given lemmings—make lemming-ade (Bow4Meow)
Udrih is one that stands out
in terms of being overpayed. Getting the full MLE on the basis of one good season is poor management.
Oh, and as for opening night – we’ll win.
As a stat geek...
….I do have to say that Kevin Martin is a freak. The guy has a TS% of 61% and he gets to the line like a madman. He was 6th in the league last year in pts/40. Very, very efficient.
The World's Leading Exporter of Small Area Quickness
www.canishoopus.com
They need some trees
I think the Kings would be a great team to turn into just brawlers. Get two or three bigs that just bang, play like the Bad-Boys from Detroit and just bruise there way to wins. As long as Martin could shoot over them I’m sure it’d work. He could jack-up as many shots as he likes and their bigs could just clean the glass.
The strange thing about this team for me
is they’ve got basketball-crazy owners with very deep pockets (at least I thought they were filthy-rich?). I always used to think of them as slightly more reserved versions of Cuban? Guess I was wrong, given the direction of their team.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
