The Kings walked into Madison Square Garden tonight without their best player, De’Aaron Fox, for the 4th straight game thanks to some pesky left ankle soreness. Head Coach Alvin Gentry revealed pregame that nobody in the organization was concerned about a serious injury here, and that “with a guy like him, you err on the side of caution.”
I find Sacramento’s slow approach to Fox’s return interesting in light of all the ‘win-now’ trade rumors and speculation surrounding the team at the moment. There doesn’t seem to be a ton of urgency to get Fox back out on the court as the organizations play-in hopes continue to slip away, and let me be clear, I think that’s great.
Fox shouldn’t be rushed back. The Kings shouldn’t operate as a win-now team heading into the deadline. Maybe these two events aren’t related, or maybe they are. Or maybe they are holding out Fox because they’re working on a trade involving him, and don’t want to risk further injury blowing that up. Or maybe there is nothing noteworthy happening here whatsoever. I don’t know.
Either way, speculating about which direction the Kings are going to take heading into the February 10 trade deadline is infinitely more interesting than the basketball right now, but this is a game recap and we have to talk about it, so let’s talk.
This game was pretty bad! The Knicks dominated the Kings on the glass in the first half 27-18 in large part because Sacramento couldn’t buy a bucket. The Kings shot just 37.8% from the field and 53.8% from the free throw line in the first two quarters of basketball tonight. Tyrese Haliburton struggled. Harrison Barnes really struggled.
To add insult to injury, one of the most disappointing players on the Knicks this season, Evan Fournier, couldn’t be stopped. Fournier dropped 18 points on 7-9 shooting on the Kings in the first half alone.
I’m using first half numbers here because those are the only minutes that weren’t glorified garbage time. Tyrese Haliburton’s final stat line looks pretty nice– 21 points and 8 assists on fairly efficient shooting– but the Kings never really made this one interesting, and proceeded to get beat to the tune of 116-96.
If we’re being real, it’s tough to get invested in anything that’s happening with this team right now. Half of the roster is featured heavily in trade rumors, and the other half should be, so I’m finding it difficult to break down any of this in detail when so many of the parts are going to change in 10 days. What’s the point?
With that being said, one player worth investing some time in is Davion Mitchell. Davion has struggled offensively this season, but since joining the starting lineup (I understand this is only his 3rd straight start) we’ve seen some really encouraging stuff. He followed up a 20-point night in Atlanta with a 15-point night in Philly, and dropped another 18 points and 6 assists against the Knicks tonight.
The Kings need to find some purpose in this, another disappointing season, and figuring out who Davion Mitchell can be on an NBA team might be priority #1 heading into post-deadline basketball. He’s passing the first test as a starter, and we’ll see where it goes from here.
In better news, Will Griffith’s Operation M.C.N.A.I.R. rolls on. For updates on that, you can find him on twitter here, and if you have the means to donate, we’re focusing on the California Food Literacy Center this evening.
Really starting to believe all the Fox bulked-up-in-the-offseason was bullshit and he came into camp out of shape.
Now I’m starting to think there’s something really fishy going on behind the scenes, most likely a quiet trade demand from his agent. It’s being kept under wraps so his value doesn’t tank any further.
Meanwhile, the entire team knows it’s shit storm ahead.
That’s my story. And I’m sticking to it.
I think he asked for a trade too. And I think the rest of this soft-minded, pampered team has been pouting about it and the deadline for several weeks now. The exceptions being Hali and Mitchell.
Can’t wait to hear your theories about the assassination of JFK.
Uh………………………..Lee Harvey Oswald??????
Luke Walton has to review the Zapruder film first!
There were 5 centers on the grassy knoll.
Well 4 rostered one at least. And a TWC.
D-lo and KC actually did an okay job documenting exactly the same thing as the first sentence.
Also, James Ham has been talking a lot about the strangeness of Fox’s injury.
Beginning to think Andy does PR for Vivek.
Poor Andy thinks everything with Fox is just fine.
Andy is Vivek’s boy. Loyal through it all.
Could not have been anybody associated with the Kings, because JFK’s assassin actually made his shot.
We’ll probably never know WTF has been going on. If Fox has been told by McNair that he was being included in potential trade discussions it wouldn’t surprise me if he turned the tables and asked to be traded.
The one positive thing that has come out of Fox’s shitty play/attitude is that it has become very apparent that Hali has become the player if not to build around has become a very solid second piece. It is also is becoming clear that with Fox off the court that Davion is a player worth investing in.
I know there must be a few but how many players have come into their respective training camps boasting about how much muscle they put on over the summer which inevitably turns out to be 10 pounds of flab and a few pounds of muscle. Think Donte Green.
Donte fried his pasta in goose fat to add pounds, IIRC.
I think that would work. You might want to put together a weight gain/muscle increase book for scrawny NBA players who don’t want to work very hard. Coming from the Netherlands leading Basketball analysts (and probably a gourmet) it would carry a lot “weight”
Amazing how Fox said all the right things about wanting to turn the franchise around, etc; when he was drafted. The franchise awards him with a max extension and now he can’t handle the added pressure. Dude, when the franchise pays you to be “the guy”, you need to step up and be “the guy”. Where is your leadership? When the highest paid player on the team puts forth mediocre effort on defense and seems disengaged, the rest of the team will follow that lead. Kudos for Hali and Davion for going all out every game. Hopefully, the FO sees that and builds around them. I’m tired of seeing players bust their asses to get a large bag and once they get paid, it disappears. Where is your pride? Great players are never satisfied with where they’re at and always work to get better. It’s that obsession that separates them from the rest. Fox needs to start earning his $$. Sac fans just want to see a team put forth effort every night. You can’t control wins and losses but you can choose to give max effort.
I think it goes to show that you don’t pay a guy to be “the guy,” you pay him because he’s already “the guy.”
Unfortunately that’s not how the NBA works.
The point is you don’t give a max extension to a player in the hopes that he takes another 2 steps forward, especially when he’s never led the team to anything and has a history of inconsistency (both performance and effort-wise). Just my opinion. YMMV.
The alternative was to let him hit restricted free agency, where he’d have gotten the same contract but with one year less team control. He was playing well enough that, by NBA standards, he was getting that contract. There was no upside to waiting, especially if you believed in his ability.
Yeah, the Kings had to max him. Arrow was pointing straight up at the time. I think his attitide does a 180 on winning team. He’s a very good player. He hasn’t gotten great coaching and I have no idea what his 3 pt shooting is so damn awful at this point.
He is but he’s also not held to account for anything internally. This has also been a trait of the Vivek years. Players come here and relax because the franchise treats everyone with gentle care and ego stroking. But when the product is shit they don’t know how to handle it and or just lash out at media/fans, etc.
No they did not ! No other team could pay him as much or as many years ! They gave away about 60 million that is now hamstringing the team !
The Kings are in no way hamstrung by Fox’s contract. They didn’t even use their MLE this past season. They have plenty of options, and Fox’s deal is very moveable.
Or you trade him at that point for an equal-valued asset or other assets. IMHO, if a guy isn’t playing like “the guy” already–or is clearly just one step or less away from being that guy and on a consistently upward trajectory–you don’t pay him max money. Fox was 2 steps away (my opinion), had a record of inconsistent effort, couldn’t shoot free throws…
Did for the Ws. Man that second Steph contract was something!
(Unique circumstances acknowledged!)
Yep, and I’d argue never winning a dang thing and regularly showing a lack of motor despite being the fastest guy in the league counts as a unique circumstance, as well.
Yeah.
Building around a PG that can’t shoot and doesn’t play defense is a pretty tough strategy in the NBA these days.
Add an inability to run a half court offense, and it gets even more difficult.
Um. Yes it does. For functional orgs, anyway.
Paying a player a max contract does not make him a max player ! Overpaid by at least 60 million and did it by bidding against nobody !
That explains why McNair drafted yet another guards but it still doesn’t explain why he then signed 7 centers and 0 small forwards while failed to dealt anyone who doesn’t want to be here
Given that Fox is a major reason that the team is terrible, a trade demand makes perfect sense. If it is actually true, I’d be interested to know how other teams are responding to inquiries by his agent.
I’d love to see Bobby Jackson get a crack at the HC position. He seems to get his teams to buy in on defense. Man I hope Fox is sitting out due to a trade and I hope that trade is for a talented young player or players and picks.
No thanks. That line of thinking by Vivek is exactly why the franchise is where it’s at. Trying to bring back old fan faves hasn’t worked. We need an experienced coach. B-Jax needs a little more experience.
It’s not about him being an ex fan favorite. It’s about him being able to get his teams to play defense. The Stockton Kings are currently 2nd in the league in defensive rating. Exactly what the Kings need. Who would you hire?
Somebody who can or will trade players until the team has more talent on both sides of the ball.
A proven assistant or head coach. B-Jax has one season of G League under his belt. Coaching prospects and coaching a NBA roster are two different beasts.
The team needs a GM and coach who will ignore Vivek…I’m not sure that’s possible.
Please don’t ruin his coaching career by making him HC this team!
The win now approach has not changed. Win the lottery now!
Hey we’re gonna win last place if I’ll be damned.
SUMMER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!
2X!!!!!!!!!!
Solid loss, as we’re now in sole possession of the 5th spot.
So if Monte does nothing at the deadline and eventually gets us down to the 3 spot, despite Vivek’s insistences, is he actually McGenius?
There’s definitely an argument to be made for that. Stealth tanking.
Stealth and Hover tank!
I was sort of amusing myself with that very notion. He’s instituted a stealth tank right under Ranadive’s nose, and if he can turn a couple of contracts into draft picks, everyone can hold up their heads and claim that this was the plan all along.
I don’t have anything that suggests that this is actually a thing, and don’t actually believe it, but compared to some of the deeply paranoid theories floating around the old cesspool? It’s as likely as water being wet.
The team has been tanking since Walton was bounced.
Fox for a shit contract (Harris) + picks would be a shrewd move at this point.
Sixers already have Maxey, but maybe the Knicks get desperate?
It’s fun to think there’s some kind of master plan, but unfortunately…no.
7 straight losses? More like 7 straight moral victories, amirite? Hello, is this thing on? Testing. Testing.
Yeah, I got nuthin’.
I think I’ve become so numb to this team that even things that should be painful don’t hurt me anymore.
Don’t worry, Klam. Plenty of room on this door for all of us!
Apathy is a natural progression of grief and all of us are there with you
STACKING
DAYSLOSSESI’m surprised it took this long to reach our first 9 game losing streak.
Yes, I know how to count, we’ll meet those 9 games by the end of the week.
Fox is such a lackluster ‘star’, I don’t miss him clanking fadeaway midrange jumpers at all, not that I watch anymore, just come here to laugh.
I think he’s only considered a “star” in Sacramento. He’s not your #1 option on a contender.
While us ungrateful fans continue to complain, the team has secured the #5 seed in the league. Guess you can’t please everyone….
/s, just in case…
Fox with the never ending ankle boo boo ! Almost Bagley caliber !
False modesty is just another form of arrogance.
Keep your filthy hands off our Haliburton!
https://www.libertyballers.com/2022/1/30/22908980/tyrese-haliburton-trade-sacramento-kings-philadelphia-76ers-ben-simmons
Oh man, I clicked on that and now I go that SBN stank on me
Yeah, I know. I feel dirty even checking there, but wanted to get a pulse on their fanbase after that game 😬
Good, better chances at the top 3. We have a bit over 31% chance of hitting the top 3 at the 5 spot. Any one of Jabari, Chet or Paolo would be great. Really hoping we pick up Jabari or Chet – but we’ll probably just end up drafting another PG with our luck. Trade the pick if it’s anywhere outside top 5. Too many guards outside the top 3.
Hi Cloudy. I used to be Clear Eyes but changed my handle. You know, from Friday Night Lights.
IMO, there is a clear top 3 in the draft, and you nailed them. I am not sure about Holmgren- could he be Shawn Bradley?
The other two are solid. and yes, after the top 3, there are far too many guards. Do you take BPA or reach for a wing/PF?
at this point, Kings will reach a long losing streak- got Nets at home then GSW on road. Then some cupcakes at home but the cupcakes make mincemeat out of the Kings.
Five teams have no first-round pick. Around 3 teams have 2 picks or more- Memphis has 3. Memphis wants depth for their playoff run, as does Denver and maybe now Utah with Ingles out. Some trade options there except most of those picks are late first round (except one of the Memphis picks)
While I don’t care if they play, Woodard, Ramsey and King are trash. Queta??? maybe because it does take some time for bigs to develop. I wish he was a bit more athletic like C. Wood from Houston. Kings are only going to get pennies on the dollar for their trade pieces. Keep 1-2 assets and let the rest go, they will not be part of any successful future. Barnes, Buddy, Bagley.
Mitchel has been much better last 3 games- far, far, less dribbling, attempts at assists, good D. He needs consistency. While, except for size, he is not CP3, he could be (could be) close to Kyle Lowry and better than Bledsoe. His true picture is starting to come into focus. If he hits the first shot, he is ok, if not, he struggles.
In retrospect, Boston who went to the LAC might have been the better second round pick, but his type is more common than a successful big like Quetta.
In 2022, Kings have 2 second round picks.
The draft is the only free market- trades and FA signings all come with cost since most FA signings are sign and trade. And teams are tying up young guys earlier now with contract extensions. Far less impact FA’s and far less movement on that front.
Kings need a high impact guy- one better than either Fox or Hali, making them second or third best players (unless one is traded)
I have been a season ticket holder from 1985, am tired of re-builds but the current situation is untenable and if the Kings keep doing what they are doing, they will keep getting what they got.
The previous tear downs and tanks were not successful. The free draft options were there but bad choices made over and over. I don’t see any other option. what is going on now is not working at all and cannot be turned around. A win here or there like the LAL is fools gold. Get serious and lose them all.
I don’t know the question Carmichael Dave asked McNair recently, but his answer was something to the effect that they weren’t going to take a multi-year or long path to the playoffs.
McNair *has* to know that the fastest path to the playoffs is to lose as much as possible this season and get a high draft pick. This roster has no future anyway. Do whatever you want next season, but the worst possible outcome is making an idiotic, short term win now move to desperately try to sneak into the 10th seed with 34 wins. This team needs a high draft pick in the worst possible way, and they’re well on their way to getting it.
Don’t screw it up.
at this point, all paths lead to no playoffs, yes?
Yeah, but I expect the Kings to take the worst path.
I can deal with a trade that adds real talent long term. Maybe that’s a Ben Simmons or Sabonis deal. But the fastest realistic path to the playoffs right now is to get a quality player in the draft this year, and that goal is absolutely attainable if they don’t do anything stupid, like add 3 or 4 worthless wins, pushing them just past the star/quality starter tier of the draft.
The problem, whether its a 3 player draft, 4 player draft, or even a 7 player draft, I fully expect the Kings to pick one spot behind those.
And the good GMs find the gems outside that top 3, top 4, etc..
So far, drafting good talent (jury is still out on Mitchell) is the only thing Monte has show he’s good at. Maybe getting more draft picks is what he needs.
yes, or miss on the one who drops.
That’s what is baffling. McNair clearly stated bottomed out is not an option, presumably from day 1 of his tenure, which makes sense because that’s why he was hired to take this roster to meaningful basketball. Why then he accumulated 0 assets and draft capitals, made 0 actual improvement during offseason, and takes forever to do anything to fix the roster now we are approaching the trade deadline?
My answer: basketball hell
Trust the losses
.
This game was not as close as the score indicates.
What is the record for consecutive games lost by twenty or more?
This is the type of record that is achievable. Every team must have an a attainable goal.
We just got absolutely embarrassed at the Mecca Madison Square Garden
All 11 fans at G1C next game be T Wolves can enjoy endless hot dogs and popcorn!!
* first quarter only
* must re-pay cost per hotdog and kernel by 3x stadium cost if kings lose
* must create social media posts tagging Kayte and thanking her for explaining to us as fans – what we didn’t understand
* must buy NFT if kings lose
* must invest in TIBCO
Kings need Beth Dutton as their GM.
yep. serious about serious
she would blow it up
Keep them coming. I want a top 3 pick, and a trade everyone but Hali and Mitchell.
So?
I would said RJ Barrett is not that good, and seems does not worth his 3rd pick……shooting 1/8 from 3 pts line…
Right now, with the addition of Reddish, I don’t know if the Knicks would trade away RJ Barrett….
And maybe we should try to trade for him if possible (without giving out Fox, Mitchell and Tyrese)……..
I am so envious of the Memphis Grizzlies position: loaded with young talent, good role players, and 3 first round picks. Maybe Harrison for one of their firsts is a good fit?
They also have an incredibly clean cap sheet. They have JJJ locked up and a good declining deal and have another year before need to extend Morant. Even more amazing is they have no real holes in their roster. They will have Brooks back for the playoffs so I’m not sure they really need to trade those picks for a guy like Barnes. They could just sit on those until draft night, make a big move for a legit star, and come into next season as a legit title contender.
I forgot about Brooks. I am more envious now. They really are skyrocketing to title contention.
I think that the Grizzlies are already a legit title contender. Young, athletic, talented, committed to the team concept.
To think, it was only three years ago they traded Mike Conley. And now they have a strong young team, cap space, draft picks.
But I think the Kings have a better arena.
Memphis + Cavs + Bulls + T wolves + Hawks all were down with the Kings, made the right moves and moved up in success. Now Detroit, Orlando, OKC and Houston all poised to do the same thing.
Ultimate purgatory- caught between the losers who are now winners and the current losers who will be winners.
Do something!
Enviable position. Under cap, pretty good young core. Brooks back for playoffs. They do want shooting. Buddy or Barnes could help them but are they willing to take on cap space or move assets? They have 3 first round picks- the LAL pick +? Utah and their own.
and Zaire Williams on the bench.
If I were them, I would hold tight this year and move strong next draft day but if I were wishing for the Kings, I hope they get happy feet and move the LAL pick to Sac.
Appreciate the good review of Davion. There’s a lot to like.
these losers got outplayed by Alec burks lol
Badge Legend