Kings vs Lakers tips off at 2:30 PM PT.
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California Classic Open Thread
Game 3 for the Kings tips off at 2:30 PM PT
By Greg Wissinger | 186 Comments | Jul 5, 2022
NBA: California Classic-Miami Heat at Sacramento Kings
Jul 3, 2022; San Francisco, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (34) dunks against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at the California Summer League at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
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Fuck the Lakers
Color commentator: “I have to pull for Frankie Ferrari because I love that name”
How about “Pippen”. That’s a damn fine name.
Summer league has the best names. Paris Bass!
Le Poisson!
That makes one of us.
That was Garry St. Jean!
I hate Keegan sitting in the corner. Go get the ball.
Ferrari is a dented Yugo
Its summer league so I am not gonna loose my mind over it but Jordi can we see Coleman over Ferrari please???
My dream job might be to be a summer league commentator. Especially in an empty arena. No rules and straight banter for four quarters.
“Now when you have two different colored shoes…..does that mean you buy it like that, or do you have two pairs of shoes?”
Lol Kosta that was my favorite bit yet.
Now giving real estate agent names in granite bay for Mike Brown lol!
OMG, is it Garry St. Jean???
yea lol guys hilarious
Ok, I think I’ll enjoy this more now.
I’m happy 🙂
Wait, he just said he used to coach the Kings….
Who is this?
Sounds like Garry St Jean,
The ones over the weekend games were cracking me up. I can’t remember the name but the other guy the whole game was ragging on summer league and how he’d rather be anywhere else the whole time, how he played in summer league and that was enough for him. Wonder if he got talked to about that lol
Warrior all-time great Tom Tolbert?
Yeah, I like that about him. He’s very honest, but makes it funny.
That last three by Keegan was so far off I groaned audibly.
I watched Reggie Miller air ball. So what?
This is a message board. People react on a game thread.
So what?
Me too.
This is a message board
Yes, it’s summer league, but I’m not sure if Keegan has much ability at shot creation right now. Very little juke in his game.
Where are the gloaters after Keegan’s first game?
It’s SL play, no reason to get high or low on a player. Donte Green comes to mind.
He didn’t create his own shot in the first game, either.
That is a known hole in his game right now…if he develops an ability to do so, he may end being a perennial All-Star. No need for him to learn EVERYTHING by his 3rd SL game.
You point out known negatives like they’re new insights.
Seriously, that’s not what his game is right now. That’s not why we drafted him.
I am happy with his play, he played well even though the game play was slop. Keegan will look even better once there is some more structure.
Ivey has a game that should excel in SL so we will have to here that, but I am excited for our pick, and could care less about who we skipped. I don’t care about Luka or who my ex girlfriend married either.
I look for red flags, boxes checked, the eye test in Sl/the Classic. Did they fall on their face, do they have a good stroke?
So far I am happy with Keegan. I can’t wait to see him with the fox and the ox.
Give the kid a chance to adjust in the NBA……………………………………………………………………………….. summer league
He doesn’t need shot creation to be effective. Look at Klay
Shot creation was his one known weakness.. he is a transition, catch and shoot , low post, cutter and pick and pop player.
Keon’s defense is really impressive. That guy straight strips cats like its nothing. Velcro hands. Really fun to watch
I can accept a quiet game and not jump to conclusions. Vegas will be more telling. But I’d wish Keegan was a little more active off ball. He drifts to spaces, but his picks and cuts aren’t really decisive or physical.
Yup, he’s gonna be frustrating with his slow gait. He is very Harrison Barnes with his energy. But you don’t have to be a super scout to know he’s not gonna be a sizzling superstar.
He doesn’t have to be sizzling just a.
Tim Duncan
His team won the game, he led all scorers with 24pts, had 7rebs, 3stls and 1blk. What a loser.
I know terrible, he probably only had the best all around numbers at the classic but he sucks and will not pay off.
Definitely picking up on this point. Bottom of the third three case point. Shifty feet running off a pick. Nice possession Keegan.
Relay that to sexy whoever.
You would seriously think the Kings are trying to spotlight Ferrari
And “pick up game” Coleman
I don’t think I’ve seen Keegan sprint yet.
Why don’t you challenge him to a foot race.
Your mom.
My mom was 4 feet 11 inches and weighed 99 pounds. I didn’t mess with her growing up and you could’t either.
O’Connell has some hops
Keegan was obviously the pick the for fit, but the scouts were right – his upside is limited.
This May or may not be true but the thought that the Kings drafted for fit is what turned me off upon first Murray viewing.
I will watch today and give him time but didn’t like not going for a star/risk and have to be convinced otherwise.
Yeah, I think you have to go for a a big upside when you swing at No. 4. But a lot of teams wanted Keegan so who knows.
I even wanted Keegan.
Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan
LOL
exactly which NBA “scouts” said he has limited upside?
Queta is the ultimate bull in the china shop
Ferrari gonna look good starting for Sac City next winter.
If not, I’m sure he can secure employment over at Niello.
This is not fair, but I think if Keegan occasionally pumped his fist or changed his expression or showed some tidbit of enthusiasm a lot of fans would feel better.
My favorite player ever is Tim Duncan so that part I personally enjoy. Then again i’m a weirdo so…Starting to come on a bit though.
Good comparison
I like just the way he is. Thank the stars your not a kings scout.
Thank the stars you don’t know how to spell you’re
I would rather not know how to spell than you having to evaluate Keegan Murray.
Brilliant retort.
Says the guy who brought up spelling on a fan site.
Ugh and you point out spelling on fan site, as if that has anything to do with anything. Half of the time I type in a tiny box , with tiny phone, while drinking and sitting in a bar waiting for friends. I mean, as long as I can get the general idea of what someone is saying, I am good.
Maybe he has bigger goals and knows that in the scheme of things Summer hoops means nothing
You’re right. It’s not fair, in fact, downright dumb.. Tim Duncan.
I couldn’t care less about demeanor, just do your job on the court.
I like that he is even, we have had bombastic and highly emotional before. I’ll take the mature, determined, dedicated, and thoughtful type Monte has been drafting. Sure you need some emotional type players but they don’t all need to be that.
Keegan doing something and the crowd goes wild,
Oh, wait.
Ferrari is a really really aggravating watch. Nothing personal my guy but I hope he aligns with the bench minutes come Sin City.
Keegan getting stuffed at the rim is not inspiring
Yeah we all know good players never get blocked
I watched Kobe getting stuffed at the rim and he turned out to e a pretty good player.
How much does Keegan have to pay you for all the space in your head he is taking up..
It’s a freaking fan message board. All you sensitive types need to get a hanky.
I would rather be a little sensitive than cold blooded.
And mean and dumb. SexyNapier needs to get a life.
Uh…
To be fair, he seems to be a bit sensitive about people reacting to his shitposting.
I’m not sensitive.. just noting how Keegan seems to live in your head, probably because you wanted Ivey…
It’s a freaking fan message board.
Yes, not a sucker fan message board.
We got George Carlin and Albany Patroons stories and its not even the fourth. Can any of the older Kings fans tell me a bit about Garry St Jean? Very intrigued on his tenure?
Garry St. Jean is one of 3 head coaches in Sacramento to ever coach the team in the playoffs (Phil Johnson in inaugural season, then Adelman all those Glory Years, and St. Jean versus the Sonics in ’95-’96, which was an electrifying, short time– RATTLE SEATTLE).
Didn’t have a lot of talent to work with, but probably wasn’t the best coach either.
Still, good to see him doing well and breathing!
Thanks! knew the name but never heard him talk. Appreciate it.
After his time as the Kings coach, he was the Warriors coach for a short spell I believe. He was a pretty good analyst during today’s game and a dry sense of humor to boot.
Came from the warriors. His pet saying was always about PMA- positive mental attitude.
Mediocre coach
He had a meh roster and coached it accordingly. In more modern terms, he was the prior incarnation of Paul Westphal, if Paul didn’t have a squad consisting almost entirely of back-of-bench players.
I like Keegan’s quick release from 3. That will help tremendously
His stroke and shotmaking is impressive. I think he’s relying on it at times, being a bit idle as an outlet, but the touch and speed is encouraging.
ME TOO!
Are y’alls commercial breaks just ridiculous shots from NBA history lol? If only real NBA commercials were just highlight reels oppose to Pizza Guys and Roseville Auto Mall Ads for like the last 20 years.
I’m getting some insurance ones
Keep Queta on the big club. Just throw him for 3 or 4 minutes a game to wreak havoc
“defacto California Classic champions!”
And we beat the L*kers
Keegan is a ball of charisma.
Khris Middleton was the 39th pick in his draft, after three years in college. It took him four years to blossom as a pro.
If I squint hard enough right now, I can see Murray develop into a Middleton-esque player, hopefully with an accelerated career arc (the investment in him is bigger than it was in Middleton, so Murray should get every opportunity to fast track a little).
I notice that Murry’s top speed doesn’t seem to be top speed, yet he is very often the first person back in defensive position, even on a few occasions where he was in the corner on offense. Rudy Gay had that – he was often-times accused of not going all out when in fact he was just smooth and had a glide to him.
It’s way early and to take anything away from the Ca Classic or summer league would be presumptuous, but if these exhibitions resonate with you, you have to be pleased with what you have seen from Murray to this point, especially while he is playing with PGs that are closer to rec. league level than NBA level.
The guard play I agree is a noteworthy point. Less even on the quality then Ferrari’s tendency to create from a single action. Keegan seems more engaged and able to capitalize on more touches circling in the halfcourt. Be it cutting, getting time for post position, spotting up or putting the ball on the deck. Kind of was forced as simply an outlet at times with a pick out pass offense.
Great point on the glide. Maybe more evident in the GSW game, but that slippery sleepy movement has precedent and is effective. Do think he could be helped with some stronger picks to open into pops but the man is crafty at finding seams for looks.
We shall see.
He has the potential to have a nice impact on games. Is that enough for a franchise thirsty for success? Maybe.
I had and have doubts on the pick, but the way he plays is not really correlated to that personally. Speed bounce etc are glorified in the draft not cause they are the best traits but because of the safety they provide if other things don’t translate. Same goes with age in terms of development.
Theres plenty of great players that have not so dissimilar games in the way he just had albeit in the NBA. Aesthetically I enjoy his game immensely (probably more than any other player that was available at 4). The concerns are if it doesn’t translate the lack of intangibles that might ease that gap. The same goes for age in relation to the precedent of players developmental arc. But the way he is effective I don’t think is the possible issue in isolation if that makes sense.
I was with you all the way until the last point. Nobody that has even gotten an NBA tryout is closer to rec. league than NBA. In the words of Brian Scalabrine “I’m closer to Lebron, than you are to me”
If you want to take that comment literally, knock yourself out. That said, these guys can prove me wrong (which is a rather easy task) by simply scoring a roster spot on a regular season NBA roster. It really doesn’t change the spirit of the comment, being that Murray is not playing with PGs the level of Fox or Mitchell, not to mention Sabonis.
I get the overall point, and I agree with it. I just had to stick up for all the Pro-Am hoopers, overseas guys, and college players that never made pro… and I love that Scalabrine quote. The distance between rec guys and a guy on a NBA summer league is vast.
Agreed 100%. Having said that, how likely do you think it is that Ferrari or Coleman make an NBA regular season roster? What is the percentage?
<1%
0.0
Yeah. It likely that Ferrari never makes an NBA roster but guys that never played have no idea how talented that guy is. I love Scalabrine as a commentator because he brings a playing background to his analysis.
Really really good point,
You are sooooo correct. Great post. I think you’ve played and coached so you can appreciate the talent of these guys.
keegan’s game is so easy and in control. i’m going with k-easy or keezy. Fox and the Ox use their Barnes to make the game Keezy and put a huerter on the other teams.
Jerry should be proud!
Hmm, another nickname could be what was also the nickname of Larry Kenon back in the day as Coach Fernandez told us that he believes Keegan is special….
Special K
Keezy is too cheezy
Murray plays like a guy that defenders won’t be able to speed him up. He’ll play at his own pace and play within himself.
Unimpressively impressive. Mean that as a compliment honestly as a lot great players slyly get theirs even in not the best showings. Have to give it to him cause the first two quarters he was a bit ancillary. And yet again just an attrition player with a good internal clock.
Definitely gets more confident and in rhythm seeing some shots go down (who doesnt). Both games 1 and 3 had a few answering possessions back to back. Personally I find him really engaging and fun to watch which is a plus.
But whats the saying on Summer League. Good performances should be taken with a grain of salt, where bad performances are far more telling. Checking box one thus far which is all you can ask for.
Nice opening before to Vegas!
Holy cow Murray goes for 24/7 in a win and reading here you would think he was a dumpster fire. Maybe lower the expectations a little bit if you were expecting Lebron or MJ out the gate
Eh, it’s really just one guy that left a lot of in-game comments.
One fucking brilliant guy.
Sexy! You’re the Ricky Davis of this thread, and im here for it. Don’t stop chucking. Every take not taken is take you cant have back.
I’m the irrational confidence poster
Takes alot of irrational confidence to claim Grant Napear is sexy.
yes, it’s red down there. if that’s what you are asking
I wasn’t asking. Ignorance is bliss, truth be told.
Hey, at least you’re not fucking a dumb guy.
He turned the game in the 3rd period when he became the center tent pole in the offense, calling for the ball, driving to the rim on one shot and putting up a smooth 3 on the next. I particularly liked his defense and foot movement today.
Garry St Jean gave Keegan some good advice on taking the ball to the hole during the interview. Three games in, fun to watch. Can’t wait to see him with NBA facilitators as he cuts through the lane. Nice left hand too.
I just saw him celebrating on Instagram. He almost cracked a smile.
Overreaction report card from first three games:
Nice release. Yes.
Good hands. Yes.
Ability to get to the hoop: Mostly.
Ballhandling. Needs work.
Playmaking: Not much
Defense: Good footwork. Probably can’t handle threes.
Rebounding: Probably, but not a force.
As a long time manager, I normally wait more than three days to give a performance review. But hey, maybe I’m old fashioned.
Again. it’s a message board.
Again. It’s a message board.
It’s a message board?
Again, it’s a message board.
SNapes May be hammering home his point but all he did there was post what he saw after 3 games.
That’s not hating. I do the same with Murray. Watching to see inklings as to him amd growth potential.
This guy gets it
I don’t think the issue for most is the “hate”. I think it’s the need to troll and post the same points 100 times in one thread. Makes the thread less enjoyable for everyone with redundancy. My two cents.
When is the down vote coming back? ???? Although this guy would relish it so maybe not…
His comments are much more entertaining than yours. At the end of the day we’re all here for entertainment and a short break from IRL.
The point is most of the board doesn’t find him entertaining it seems, but rather exhausting to read over and over. So not really much of a break, huh?
But you seem to, so enjoy away.
You are free to debate my points. Or you can simply whine.
Your choice.
Meh. I dunno about that. I prefer it when people give their takes, good or bad. More comments are better than empty threads for the most part. He doesn’t have to like the player. What brings the board down in my humble opinion is when people post takes about other posters, and make it about the person rather than the take itself. (not saying you did that… just a general sentiment). Debate the play, or the player, but leave the personal stuff out of it. That said, I do get that too much hammering on one thing gets dull to read, but my computer has a scroll function. Works great for that.
I didn’t watch SL, so I like to read what people think. I might be guilty of predisposed pessimism when it comes to the Kings, and SL means less than nothing to me (didn’t we win the SL championship last year?) Still, seeing what people think about the young guys is in fact entertaining (to me.)
For the record, my posts were based on what I observed over different points in the game. I can’t help it if no other people were participating in the thread.
This was NOT trolling. I made legitimate points.
But go on.
You made the same legitimate pts over and over again. Sorry if there was no one to talk to. Was ridiculous to read through after. That’s the point. Moving on… stay sexy peaches.
Super small sample size and it is the summer League but I will add
3-0.
hell it’s better than 0-3.
Superstar? All star?
I agree for the most part, depends on the 3 in question but he definitely needs to quicken his slides when defending smaller players. I thought his rebounding was fine, he averaged 8/gm and was second in SL (SL lead rebounder had 8.7/game).
He played basically the same way he had always plays, a solid C&S 3pt shooter with solid defense and good rebounding.
Skinny ass Chet Holmgren with one of the great summer league debuts
Chet was and is my bet to be the best player in draft and dominant. I sooooo badly wanted Kings to trade up for him. Highest ceiling.
And that type of star potential/ceiling is what I’d hope Kings would go for. Risk to be great.
It is amusing to see that Chet’s 23 PTS and 7 REB gets the press, while Murray’s boring 24 PTS and 7 REB in a winning Summer League effort is .. ho hum .. boring. Marketing at its finest. We shale see how these top 4 picks turn out. There will be a sleeper not in the top 5 picks which will surpass all. 😉
Interesting that OKC is rolling out a pretty NBA looking roster (a shitty one but most of them will get minutes this year). Having a bunch of non nba guys to play against makes it look easier. Keegan’s debut was preetay nice too…
Yes but Chet took over. Block-take up floor-dish. Behind back pull up 3. Looked amazing always. D incredible. Massive ceiling. You can see it right away.
.
Good thing we didn’t pass on him.
Kings never get a break. Never seen to get THAT player. Boogie had the potential, but a nickel sized brain. Holmgren has superstar written all over him. If he doesn’t break in two.
They got a massive break in 2018. Divac took Bagley with it.
I think Holmgren has the best chance to be THE player from this draft.
I’d argue it was a gift!!!! That Vlade then shat on and burned.
I remember when we got the second pick and I thought to myself… “finally after being a kings fan since 1985 my team finally will be able to have a transcendent hall of fame player!”
and then we picked Marvin and I yelled “WTF?!?!?” at the TV and cried.
I remember thinking, man, they must know something that I don’t.
Nope.
Did he pump his fist after each make or flex after each block?
No, but he was pumping after the game. In private.
I see 17 in a row.
It’s Summer League but man, Chet looked absolutely ridiculous. The combination of defense, playmaking and shotmaking for a dude that big was just other worldly.
Keegan looked good! He can definitely make shots and he impacted the game defensively. I saw almost no play making which could limit his ceiling because that’s a really hard thing to learn later on, but overall a nice debut.
Gee, when I say that I’m called a hater.
Hater!
Maybe it’s the technique. FKC went with the tried and true Compliment Sandwich. It’s nice to see fundamentals on display this early in the season!
Yeah I thought overall I liked what I saw, I just do worry about the play-making and I think that during the draft process when people were saying he had a limited ceiling, that’s part of the reason why. In a very limited sample size it seems like by far the biggest area of improvement. Now, if he’s just a two way shot maker and defender who doesn’t do much play making I still think he can be a good player but I don’t that he can be a star unless he develops that part of his game. I really think play making is what separates the good from great players.
That’s true, most of the truly good players and good teams move the ball around really well. We’ll have to watch for that.
Uh, that’s what I said throughout this thread, but I’m a troll?
Yes, I thought that’s what you were going for with the whole SexyNapear thing?
I don’t think you are a true hater. You are always looking at your glass half empty. Try looking at that glass half full once in a while.
Also negative comments are okay but try starting off with something positive then go into all your negative ones. It might sit better with kings fans.
Are we in grade school? I state my opinions. Some ain’t so pretty.
If you’ve been a Kings fan for the last 20 years and aren’t cynical, you haven’t been paying attention.
I taught grade school for 40 years. Loved what I did and always tried to provide a positive enviroment with my students. I also coached basketball 47 years and always tried to stay positive. Maybe when you were in grade school you should have listened more.
I made fun of you in grade school
You know that reflects worse on you then it does on him, right?
It’s. A. Joke.
Man, you gotta work on those then. That’s about as low-ceiling, low-floor of a joke as we see around here. But it is Summer League. This IS the time to work on your weaknesses. Hopefully you’ll show more flashes of comedic upside in the future so us fans can feel better about your prospects.
You throw shade like few others BHE. LOL
I agree with the limited ceiling label on Murray. And I’m OK with it. I don’t see superstar. But I see a super solid player that can quickly, and sneakily put in awesome games from the shadows, 3rd, 4th, 5th option plays, in an efficient manner. I hope we bring him off the bench. Fox, and Sabonis are going to lead the charge and be options 1 and 2 no matter what this year.
Keegan Murray’s stats in 3 summer league games.
“High floor, low ceiling, but most NBA ready.” Same thing the so-called experts said about rookie Jason Tatum a few years ago.
19.6 PTS
7.6 REB
1.3 STL
51% FG
43% 3PT
29.9 MIN
In addition to the good play of Kegan the “previously recorded” (which always fools me until the 3rd quarter of a viewing dumb ass that I am….) re-run on NBA TV of yesterday’s game is worth watching and focusing on Cueta’s play and Garry St. Jean’s comments about his play.
There is real NBA impact player talent/potential showing through. There is a lot to still work on, not abandoning his defensive assignment is at or near the top because in the “post-spring training real live games” NBA players will punish him for lapses as he leaves his man to hunt a block, but he has really developed in a year…if he continues that trajectory it will be a lot of fun to watch him go up against Chet on defense and Chet on him while on offense, which may be the tougher side of his development arc.
Others have already commented on Keon Ellis, nothing for me to add there (for example, “he has Velcro Hands…nice) other than how cool might it be to see Mitchell and Ellis on the floor at the same time against, just for fun, Haliburton and Hield, as one example, or a similar duo of opposing guards? Is it me or is Ellis not quite squared up to the basket on his 3’s? He has had success in college, so not being critical of his shot. Really good pick up for MM and his scouts. The assistant coaches are whispering in his ear every time he comes off the floor during a stoppage in play. They see a player there too, raw, but someone who has a shot at an NBA roster down the road.
Both of these fellas just need to play a lot. I hope they don’t sit on the end of the bench unless they have already played in Stockton as much as they can stand.
Viva Las Vegas!
I know there is a lot of Khris Middleton comparison talk and I am all for it.
I’d like Keegan to aim a little higher for players he wants to study and emulate. I’m thinking I’d like Keegan to study up on how Paul Pierce used to play. They sort of have the same look like they’re moving slow but make up a lot of ground due to their long strides and active feet. Keegan also has the body to punish guys on the block or high post and get shots off. Has a chance to be a better 3 point shooter than Pierce IMO.
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