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4 Takeaways from the Kings Preseason Finale vs. Lakers

The Kings emphatically beat LA in their preseason finale.
By | 55 Comments | Oct 15, 2022

Oct 14, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings point guard De'Aaron Fox (5) shoots the ball against Los Angeles Lakers point guard Patrick Beverley (21) in the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

In their final preseason game on Friday night, the Sacramento Kings smacked around the Los Angeles Lakers. Both coaches expressed pregame that they planned to heavily lean on their regular rotational members in preparation for the regular season.

On Sacramento’s end, Kevin Huerter (foot soreness) and Keegan Murray (non-COVID-related illness) were both unavailable while the Lakers were without Anthony Davis (back), Lonnie Walker IV (ankle), and Troy Brown (back). Plus, in Russell Westbrook’s first game off the bench in years, he didn’t make it through the first quarter before being ruled out for hamstring tightness.

A unique wrinkle to the night was the NBA’s stat tracking being down around the league and there were no websites or people in the building that kept anything resembling a typical box score. But, there are sites that have since been updated!

Here are my takeaways from preseason game four.

1. Wing Defenders

KZ Okpala started the first two preseason games assigned to LeBron James and then Damian Lillard. He didn’t see the floor against an injury/rest riddled team that hardly resembled the Phoenix Suns, but Coach Mike Brown called his number once again to cover James last night.

Having previously referred to Okpala as having Defensive Player of the Year potential during their shared time with the Nigerian National Team, Coach Brown made it clear he still thinks very highly of the 6’8″ wing.

He can be, trust me on this now, he can be a high high high level defender in the NBA. He’s got size, he got strength, he’s got athleticism, he’s fast-twitch. Even though he doesn’t say a word, he’s intelligent. He got into Stanford and he’s worked his tail off on trying to shoot the catch-and-shoot three. And he doesn’t try to play outside his box. He knows what his role is and he’s embraced it,” Coach Brown said. “We are lucky to have him because he gives us length, versatility, defense at a high level, because there are some cats out there that are 6’8”, 6’9” that can put that ball in the hole. So to have the flexibility to go to him, and possibly Chima, for a head coach that’s a sigh of relief.”

Rim protection isn’t exactly the most common skillset on the 2022-23 Sacramento roster, but there were a handful of promising flashes last night highlighted by this Okpala block. It was initially called a foul, but reversed upon review following a coach’s challenge.

Okpala, who is not one to give long-winded answers when speaking to the media simply said “that’s what I do” and that’s really what he’s been doing in preseason.

Coach Brown mentioned Moneke at the end of that quote as well following what probably was the most opportunity the UC Davis product has seen to date.

“Today (Chima Moneke) was great. As training camp has gone along, he’s trended upwards. I think the initial shock of being in the NBA and the speed and athleticism and all that stuff caught him off guard a little bit but he belongs on this level and he can help us,” Brown said. “Once he gets some games and some days in the NBA under his belt, man, look out.”

We’ll see how well it holds up as the regular season gets underway but it’s new to hear a Sacramento head coach say he feels like they have a few different options to slow down the wing initiators that are littered around the Western Conference.

2. Domas talking on defense

Domantas Sabonis does not have the physical tools to be a phenomenal rim protector. He doesn’t have overwhelming size or length or a particularly standout ability to turn his hips in guard in space. Yet, he makes up for his physical shortcomings with his understanding of the game.

Sabonis can be seen communicating with his teammates often during dead balls, stops in play, or free throws but that doesn’t stop when the ball is inbounds.

I want to preface this but making it VERY clear that Mike Brown said he is NOT saying Sabonis is Draymond Green on the defensive end of the floor but that he did notice a similarity.

Draymond’s ability to talk the entire defense through a possession, Domas is starting to feel that. Because usually as a big, you’re behind everybody so you see what’s happening out in front of you,” Coach Brown said. “His constant talking and his physical presence without fouling and his ability to clean up rebounds just makes sense for what we’re trying to do because we want to get out and go. We don’t want to give up second shots and he’s the anchor to all that and I appreciate what he’s brought to the table in this preseason so far.”

Sacramento has excelled as a whole on the defensive end of the floor and their dominant victory where they held the Lakers to 86 points is as perfect of an example as you can find. I feel a need to once again mention, it is just preseason but promising nonetheless.

3.  Yet another good shooting night

Keon Ellis knocked down three triples, after air balling his first, and ended with 11 points in the fourth quarter alone. And he was far from the only one knocking down shots from beyond the arc.

Malik Monk, who started in place of Huerter, knocked down two from range. As did De’Aaron Fox, Terence Davis, and KZ Okpala. Standouts were Ellis and Davion Mitchell who each contributed three of their own and Trey Lyles led with a game-high four made three-pointers.

For Sacramento to knock down 20 threes on a night where two of their five best shooters were inactive is impressive.

4. High praise for Matthew Dellavedova

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that all three of KZ Okpala, Chima Moneke and Matthew Dellavedova will make Mike Brown’s final roster. That puts Sam Merrill as the odd man out despite his undeniable shooting ability.

Mike Brown started talking about the competitiveness levels in practice being healthy and Dellavedova was used as the prime example.

“I believe our practices are harder than our games because that’s how hard we’re trying to push each other and you get guys like Dellavedova. He doesn’t know any other way than to go hard. And so what that means is, if Davion ain’t going hard he will get embarrassed by Delly. If Foxy ain’t going hard, he will get embarrassed by Delly. And so to have a guy like that on your team with your group just raises the level of intensity all the time and then he’s like a coach on the bench,” Coach Brown said. “To have him and other guys that push guys in front of them but they’re still all-in and they’re encouraging their teammates and all that other stuff, but yet when their number is called they’re ready to go. To me, it’s a perfect recipe for us to be better defensively.”

Davion also weighed in on the intensity that the Aussie brings every single day. “Delly’s a vet. I’ve learned a lot of things from him, he’s a really smart player. He can get anywhere on the floor. He makes his teammates better. He gives me pointers all the time, even throughout the game. So, he makes me a lot better,” Mitchell said. “Defensively, I try to speed him up, but he’s seen it all so I can’t really speed him up a little bit so it makes it hard for me… I think he definitely helped us out a lot as well.”

Mitchell has been stellar defensively throughout the course of the preseason and had his moments knocking down shots as well. It’s easy to draw comparisons to Dellavedova and no surprise that Mike Brown is a big fan of them both.

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55 Comments
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OG_Aggie
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October 15, 2022 4:21 pm

I didn’t get into Stanford.

Daydreamer
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October 15, 2022 6:27 pm
Reply to  OG_Aggie

????

andy_sims
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October 17, 2022 11:26 am
Reply to  OG_Aggie

It never even occurred to me to apply, for literally dozens of reasons. Maybe even hundreds of thousands of reasons.

Kosta
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October 15, 2022 4:25 pm

My takeaway:

When KZ Okpala plays, we win by about 30 points.
Whe KZ Okpala does not play, we only win by 1 point.

THUS, JORDAN POOLE IS OVERPAID.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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Nostradumbass 14
October 15, 2022 4:28 pm
Reply to  Kosta

Me thinks that Draymond punch landed Poole a few extra million per year.

Ellis5
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October 16, 2022 8:42 am
Reply to  Adamsite

I’m not really surprised the Warriors front office didn’t penalize Dray or tell him to go kick balls.

Kingsguru21
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October 16, 2022 11:49 am
Reply to  Ellis5

What JVG said matters here IMO. It’s a business, not preschool. You need both Green and Poole to repeat as Champs. You were going to pay Poole, and maybe wait on Green. I doubt this changes much in that regard. It’s just that video became out and that was such a bad look everyone expected more.

Last edited 2 years ago by Kingsguru21
Ellis5
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October 16, 2022 12:16 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

Yes…. “I’m not really suprised.”

Kingsguru21
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October 16, 2022 1:35 pm
Reply to  Ellis5

No doubt. No reason to be surprised really, either.

Kosta
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October 15, 2022 4:29 pm

The Kings are no longer blaming India…and New Delhi.

Now we have a good thing in new Delly.

jwalker1395
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October 15, 2022 4:46 pm

Going into this offseason, we talked about needing defensive versatility, length, and shooting.

Monte McNair signed KZ and Moneke to bring length and defensive versatility as backend rotation guys, then picked up a host of cheap shooters. He only needed to use the MLE, draft, and a single protected first rounder (and a pair of benchwarmers) to do so. The total cap hit of Okpala, Moneke, Huerter, Monk, and Murray for this season is approx $35 million.

We couldn’t get any star talent, but Monte filled our needs in the composite – and on a shoestring budget at that. We have retained almost all of our picks, trade assets, and cap flexibility to use when the right move comes at the trade deadline for the missing piece.

McGenius?

murraytant
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October 15, 2022 4:51 pm
Reply to  jwalker1395

duds are spending 483 million. Kings 132 and only 35 for those guys.
Poodle dog with his big contract will have trouble with Davion, Ellis, KZ or Delly trying to take his cornbread.

Kingsguru21
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October 15, 2022 5:01 pm
Reply to  jwalker1395

We couldn’t get any star talent

Disagree if this includes Murray. He’s got the potential to be a star IMO even if it might take a year to start to round into shape.

That said, I agree that it looks like the Kings might have found a gem or two. But….. based on preseason I can’t go further than that. Preseason means so little. Monk and Huerter were good gets, and Okpala and Moneke made sense as flyers.

Also, the Warriors tax bill thst people keep citing is for 2023-24, not this season. Something tells me they won’t end up paying the amount they are currently thought to be on the hook for.

AnybodyButBagley
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October 15, 2022 6:46 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

Star talent = an actual star

Potential does not equal star talent. This team has been selling g league potential for a decade.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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Nostradumbass 14
October 15, 2022 6:52 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

They are paying $190M in tax this season, which in itself is more than the Kings entire payroll.

AnybodyButBagley
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October 15, 2022 6:57 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

There is an acceptable amount for that organization if they are winning. Night and day difference from the KanGZ unfortunately.

Kingsguru21
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October 15, 2022 7:42 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

I know that. But they also have a good reason in doing so. What would paying luxury tax do for the Kings that translates to meaningful improvement on the court? I’m all ears, but don’t waste your time telling me the Kings could have kept DDV. I know that, I’ve already disagreed with you on that point previously and you’re still offering the same hodge podge of reasons as a rebuttal. I see little reason to keep arguing the same points over and over.

Last edited 2 years ago by Kingsguru21
AnybodyButBagley
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October 16, 2022 2:11 am
Reply to  Kingsguru21

Always such a confrontational ass every time someone tries to engage you in an actual conversation.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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Nostradumbass 14
October 16, 2022 7:32 am
Reply to  Kingsguru21

1) To win in this league you have to spend above the tax because talent costs money. The exceptions are a team like Memphis who hasn’t had to sped YET because the majority of their talent is still on rookie scale deals.

2) The only way to spend above the tax is to pay to keep your controlled assets. There is literally no other way to get the payroll teams like the Warriors, Clippers, Bucks, Celtics, etc have without retaining players…regardless of talent or desire to play with the team. You spend, then make moves to acquire talent while you operate above the cap or tax threshold.

An example of all this is how the Warriors have handled things. Durant was leaving as a UFA. He did not want to return to the Warriors. The Warriors were still able to complete a sign and trade for Russell, who did not at all fit with the Warriors plan. The continued to operate above the tax. They then flipped Russell for the albatross contract of Wiggins, again to remain above the tax. Now they have extended him again. They’ve continued to inflate their spending power and will continue to move pieces and kick that spending power down the road.

Since you brought up DDV, my whole point was to do the same. You don’t have to want DDV, have a role for him, or even like the guy, but retaining his rights and giving yourself the opportunity to match, you inflate your spending capabilities down the road. Again, you have to spend to win, and retaining assets is the only way to operate above the tax line like winning teams do.

AnybodyButBagley
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October 16, 2022 8:20 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Teams willing to pay a tax to win because overall the franchise is more profitable.

The insanity of it all……

Kingsguru21
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October 16, 2022 12:25 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

To win in this league you have to spend above the tax because talent costs money. The exceptions are a team like Memphis who hasn’t had to sped YET because the majority of their talent is still on rookie scale deals.

So the Dubs first paid luxury tax, ever, in what season?

A) 2012-13
B) 2015-16
C) 2017-18

Here’s your answer.

An example of all this is how the Warriors have handled things. Durant was leaving as a UFA.

Right. Because at the end of the day, the Kings have let a player of Kevin Durant’s caliber leave for nothing. Like, say, Donte DiVicenzo for example. Who isn’t anything remotely like the value of, say, Otto Porter Jr or Gary Payton II. Not even a little actually.

The Warriors were still able to complete a sign and trade for Russell, who did not at all fit with the Warriors plan. The continued to operate above the tax. They then flipped Russell for the albatross contract of Wiggins, again to remain above the tax.

The Dubs weren’t above the tax in the 2019-20 season, but thanks for playing. Look at the link above if you don’t believe me. Or read this Mark Deeks piece on Forbes.

Again, you have to spend to win, and retaining assets is the only way to operate above the tax line like winning teams do.

No you have to spend wisely to win. Like the Dubs did at the beginning. What you need to really do is spend money to keep a core group together. Which the Dubs also did. But they weren’t spending luxury tax at the beginning of their playoff runs Adam. Rewrite history all you want, but that doesn’t make you accurate in this context. You’re just simply seeing what you wish to see mainly.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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Nostradumbass 14
October 16, 2022 3:26 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

Right, the Dubs weren’t spending into the luxury tax at the beginning of their playoff runs because Curry, Klay, Green and Barnes were on rookie scale deals. All but Curry (on his newly minted cheap extension) were still on their rookie deals when they won their first championship. They went into the tax their next season for the first time ever (and 5 of the next 7 seasons) after their first title.

For the two years they didn’t go into the tax, 2016-17 and 19-20, the first was the year the cap exploded and they landed Durant, and the second was the year they didn’t go into the tax, but operated above the cap and tax for much of the season, because Curry and Klay played a combined total of 5 games.

FWIW, the cap in 2019-2020 was $109M and the tax line was $132. The Warriors were hard capped at $139M. when they completed the Durant for Russel trade What you are failing to acknowledge is that the Warriors OPERATED ABOVE THE TAX LINE until they made the trade for Wiggins and sent out Russell and other deals to get just below the tax threshold before the end of the season. They were smart by this. The dipped their salary by a few million to just get below the tax threshold and avoid the repeater tax. This is what smart franchised do. That being said, they were still spending roughly $20M above the cap to retain that spending power for the future.

Color me shocked that the one year they didn’t play like title contenders (15 wins) is the one year they dipped below the tax, but not until the deadline of that year.

Doesn’t that support my idea of spending to win or are you going to nit pick some other tiny detail without acknowledging my much larger premise?

AnybodyButBagley
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October 16, 2022 7:19 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Logic and facts are not heard or understood when ego protection is the only concern.

Kingsguru21
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October 16, 2022 8:13 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Doesn’t that support my idea of spending to win or are you going to nit pick some other tiny detail without acknowledging my much larger premise?

It doesn’t, no. Because the reality of luxury tax is you pay it at the end of the season, not at the beginning.

Color me shocked that the one year they didn’t play like title contenders (15 wins) is the one year they dipped below the tax, but not until the deadline of that year.

Case in point.

What you are failing to acknowledge is that the Warriors OPERATED ABOVE THE TAX LINE until they made the trade for Wiggins and sent out Russell and other deals to get just below the tax threshold before the end of the season.

I’m not failing to understand this. Or acknowledge it. I just don’t assume teams operate over the tax line until they operate over the line. You know, by the last day of the season when it actually matters. But details, right ? They’re dumb. I’ll grant you that.

Right, the Dubs weren’t spending into the luxury tax at the beginning of their playoff runs because Curry, Klay, Green and Barnes were on rookie scale deals. All but Curry (on his newly minted cheap extension) were still on their rookie deals when they won their first championship. They went into the tax their next season for the first time ever (and 5 of the next 7 seasons) after their first title.

Right. Because they were smart. Why pay for something you don’t need to? And in 2015-16, they paid tax for the first time ever. AFTER THEIR FIRST TITLE with this group.

Cry all you want about this, but more the scream about this the more you prove my point.

AnybodyButBagley
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October 16, 2022 10:10 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

Copy…..paste……copy…..paste…..copy….paste

AnybodyButBagley
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October 16, 2022 7:17 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

What you have proven is that the dubs built a team with young talent. To keep that young talent they decided it made sense to pay the luxury tax.

Kingsguru21
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October 16, 2022 8:16 pm

What you have proven is that the dubs built a team with young talent. To keep that young talent they decided it made sense to pay the luxury tax.

And here I thought you simply lacked reading comprehension. This is ample proof that it’s not reading comprehension you lack, you’re just an asshole who wastes others time obfuscating.

I’d say I find this surprising but it’s pretty par for the course for you.

AnybodyButBagley
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October 16, 2022 10:11 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

copy…….paste…….copy……paste…..copy…..paste….

Any actual coherent thought without insulting everyone would be a pleasant surprise.

andy_sims
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October 17, 2022 10:21 am

This is a peculiar way of insulting someone, given that you’ve used this exact language over and over in your predictable responses.

Now dance, monkey.

AnybodyButBagley
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October 17, 2022 7:25 pm
Reply to  andy_sims

Not trying to insult anyone. Some here do think that is the thing to do.

Dance monkey……copy…..paste…..copy ……paste….

Any receipts?…….copy ……..paste……..copy…..paste

Last edited 2 years ago by AnybodyButBagley
aplumley
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October 15, 2022 5:56 pm
Reply to  jwalker1395

The fact that he kept picks and flexibility while improving talent and keeping the team young is impressive.

AnybodyButBagley
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October 15, 2022 6:59 pm
Reply to  aplumley

First logical GM strategy in a long time.

Carl
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October 16, 2022 12:06 pm
Reply to  jwalker1395

McGenius?

The Kings made some good moves in the offseason, but how about let’s win some games for the first time in his tenure?

Last edited 2 years ago by Carl
AnybodyButBagley
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October 16, 2022 7:21 pm
Reply to  Carl

Not a genius but also not stupid.

That is positive progress.

murraytant
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October 15, 2022 4:49 pm

Kings brought in defense (KZ, Moneke, Ellis and Delly) and shooting (Huerter, Murray and Monk). A very different team.
Confidence is important- get off to a good start.

This may not be popular, but I think Ellis is the best defender. Savion is amazing on ball, Ellis more versatile and KZ and Moneke on LeBron was fascinating.
Monk has not shot it well), but Hueter and Murray and TD are “on fire”.
and Lyles has surprised me.
the cuts were the right ones. Metu kept due to $.

AnybodyButBagley
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October 15, 2022 7:00 pm
Reply to  murraytant

Ellis is a G League player on a two way contract. His contract does not impact the final roster of this team.

aplumley
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October 15, 2022 7:17 pm

Put as many asterisks as you want next to it. A 47 point win is a statement.

jwalker1395
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October 15, 2022 7:22 pm
Reply to  Jman1949

Is it the flu?

UpgradedToQuestionable
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October 15, 2022 7:40 pm

Playoff-Less Record Champs 2006-2022
Summer League Champs 2021-22
Pre-Season Champs 2022-23

Progress, however small is progress.

This IS a different team, a better team and putting aside Lucy and her football, a team that has me interested and anticipating excitement and more wins.

Now – where’s that TKH win prediction post?

BuffaloDiaspora
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October 15, 2022 8:42 pm

So I have always blamed myself – the Kings haven’t made the playoffs since I moved to NorCal.

However! My other sad-sack team had a 17 year drought ended by the most unlikely of events and then a big step back when they drafted an alien to play QB. Let me say that it has turned out ok so far ????

The decades of pain pay off really well. Trust me on this.

RikSmits
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October 16, 2022 8:01 am

they drafted an alien to play QB.

Wait. What? Wembanyama also plays football?

macdoogs
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October 17, 2022 9:39 am

You moved to nor cal, and your team got a kid from nor-ish cal at QB. I’m moving back to nor cal next month, and the Kings may finally be a competitive team.

Also, the Bills are a super easy team to root for as a Raiders fan. I’ve felt your pain for 20 years haha. Gotta love a central valley kid making it happen for yall too. Idk if Firebaugh is still the valley but I still claim him as one of ours ????

Also also, Kings and Bills fan must have been a rough time enjoying sports. Probably still not as bad as an A’s, Raiders, Sharks, Kings fan still unfortunately. Just keep taking it to the Chiefs ????

RPO
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RPO
October 15, 2022 8:32 pm

I’m usually very skeptical about this team’s talent and chances for success, but I’m feeling somewhat hopeful about the upcoming season. I can honestly say I haven’t felt this way in years. Hopefully the promise they’re showing this preseason carries into the regular season.

vestxpress
October 15, 2022 9:01 pm

Living in San Diego I am technically in the Lakers market and was able to watch the game. The Kings dominated from start to finish and I actually have legitimate hope for this season for the first time in a long time.
That being said, my biggest cause of concern, is Fox. He has demonstrated time and time again he is unwilling to put in the time and effort to improve his free throw shooting. He shoots a lackadaisical free throw, and has done it his entire career. He continues to shoot off his heels, side saddle, with a flip on the wrist, fading away. It honestly looks like he is not even trying to make them.
There is literally no excuse why he should not be an 80% plus free throw shooter other than being lazy, or simply not caring and it drives me bonkers.
I apologize for the rant, super pumped for the season, go KINGS!!!!

RandyBreuersNeckHair
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October 15, 2022 9:51 pm
Reply to  vestxpress

He’s just not very good, sadly.

AnybodyButBagley
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October 16, 2022 2:13 am
Reply to  vestxpress

Your rant is all about the obvious.

He is just collecting a check.

Ieyatsu
October 16, 2022 2:09 am

Is it just me or Davion is extremely selfish on offense? Any time he has the ball on his hands only looks for his own shoot.

AnybodyButBagley
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October 16, 2022 2:15 am
Reply to  Ieyatsu

He has Fox as his role model.

andy_sims
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October 17, 2022 10:24 am

6+ apg for his career.

Is there some other, perhaps non-basketball topic about which you can speak knowledgeably?

Last edited 2 years ago by andy_sims
SuperShaka
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October 16, 2022 4:38 am
Reply to  Ieyatsu

He took 7 shots in 17 minutes with 5 assists. He looks more aggressive with driving to the basket. I thought he did a better job than Fox of looking to drive and kick to the wings.

Carl
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October 16, 2022 12:12 pm
Reply to  Ieyatsu

I haven’t looked at the stats, and it can be hard to meaningfully improve if you’re a really bad shooter, but anecdotally, Davion’s shot looks a LOT better, and he 100% should be launching in preseason.

eddie41
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October 16, 2022 11:03 am

On the first point, KZ makes a lot of sense in the starting 5. It’s a different team when there is an elite defender disrupting the point of attack. There is also a lot of long term upside for the team if it works out because KZ can play next to Keegan the same way he plays next to Barnes. In that scenario, Keegan would eventually take Barnes place in the starting lineup, which would make sense in terms of player age/timeline. Off the bench, Davion can fill the roles of both KZ and Fox for now, and he might be on the floor to close games. Kudos to whoever thought up the tactical strategy of starting KZ.

SelecaoKOJ
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October 16, 2022 11:56 am

I have a feeling the defensive mentality will carry over into the regular season. I can definitely see a.500 season. A next level improvement would mean Fox would need to make a definite leap. Play 65-70 games. He’s misses an average of 20 or more that past 3.
I still firmly believe this team will ride or die with Fox. If he cannot show marked improvement in his game. This team won’t go very far. .500, play in, first round playoff sweep. All possible. But that may be the ceiling for this current roster.

This is the best team in 16 years. But will that translate into playoff success is another story.

Murray has a Spursesque play style. So, I could See KM being a number one option by next year.

andy_sims
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October 17, 2022 10:26 am
Reply to  SelecaoKOJ

Do games at the end of the season when he was held out count?

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