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Kings Pulse: Bagley’s progress, Woodard/Ramsey update, & Jalen Johnson draft profile

An episode full of needed rants about Robert Woodard, Jahmi'us Ramsey, and Duke's Jalen Johnson.
By | 95 Comments | Feb 22, 2021

The Sacramento Kings have now lost seven straight games, and there is no reason to keep talking about their historically horrible defense and its shortcomings.

In a search for silver linings, Marvin Bagley’s play stands out and we dive into what has been different in this promising stretch of games that we have seen from him.

De’Aaron Fox seems to check out of games and have a wavering sense of urgency and aggressiveness. Is this something that should be a long-term concern for the max player?

With roughly half of the G-League bubble (Gubble) regular season being completed, it is time to check in on Robert Woodard II and Jahmi’us Ramsey.

I rant about why Robert Woodard should be recalled to the Sacramento roster and even make the case that he would help the team win games right now with certain skills.

Jahmi’us Ramsey is a more difficult player to understand and I do my best to explain to the fanbase where he is at in this current stage of his career. He is the seventh youngest player in the NBA, by the way.

And to wrap up, Bryant West and I decided it was time to get started on some 2021 draft profiles. Duke’s Jalen Johnson opted out of the rest of his college season and is being criticized for that decision. Bryant explains why that is absolutely ridiculous and should not be considered when evaluating what is an already complicated player.

We dive into the 6’9″ forward’s skillset and how he would fit on the Sacramento roster. Is Johnson a player that would dramatically alter the future direction of this franchise as a crucial piece alongside Fox and Tyrese Haliburton?

What is his projected draft range?

The Kings Pulse podcast is available on all major listening platforms.

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andy_sims
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February 22, 2021 3:15 pm

I’ve noticed that during the losing streak, there are multiple times per game where Fox breaks down his defender, and speeds to the hoop for fairly easy shots, but tries to dish to another Kings player in the paint. A lot of his turnovers are stemming from this.

Fox has shown what he can do when he centers himself more in the offense by getting to the rim for layups, and still gets good assist numbers. His best asset is speed, and it opens up every other aspect of his game.

Assertive Fox is the best Fox.

SelecaoKOJ
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February 22, 2021 5:21 pm

I know it sounds crazy. But, Hali would be a more effective PG for this team then Fox. Hali just sees the floor better, always 2 steps ahead of everyone else, the constant sense of urgency, and has an amazing sense at reading defenses beyond his years. I know it would never happen. But, I would love to see some switching between Hali and Fox. With Hali running the offense half the time. Fox becoming like a combo guard.

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rockbottom
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February 22, 2021 6:58 pm
Reply to  SelecaoKOJ

Reynolds stated that several weeks ago on the Podcast ! Thought Hali was a better playmaker and would make it easier on Fox to score ! Wish Walton would figure it out !

kings4ever
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February 23, 2021 7:52 am
Reply to  SelecaoKOJ

Why would it never happen and why does it sound crazy? Ty and Fox are interchangeable between the 1 and 2, with Fox having more SG skills and Ty more PG skills , especially surveilling the floor and making the long pass. Two combo guards sharing scoring and playmaking is optimal pairing and that is what we have.

It is also possible that Ty could catch up to Fox in terms of SG skills and breaking down his man one-on-one; he is having the superior rookie year. Comparable growth from Ty could put him ahead of Fox as a scorer. Fox has more explosiveness and burst and juke moves while Ty has more length and feel for pass v shot. How this translates into individual scoring prowess remains to be seen.

kings4ever
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February 23, 2021 8:37 am
Reply to  kings4ever

And I would be remiss not add the way Ty has shot the ball from deep over the first 30 games is better than any accuracy Fox has shown over 3 years.

RikSmits
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February 23, 2021 8:41 am
Reply to  kings4ever

It would be funny (in a slapstick, broomstick in the groin kind of way) that we would not let Luka take the ball out of Fox’s hands, but will allow Hali to do so…

kings4ever
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February 23, 2021 9:13 am
Reply to  RikSmits

I know where you are coming from, but as good (to great as) Luka is, he holds the ball…..he will interminably hold the ball. Haliburton moves the ball. Luka leads NBA in usage at 36% – and this even understates his ball dominance – and 3rd in touches , while Fox is 10th in touches.

Luka will milk the shot clock while teammates stand and watch. That is the Mavs system and his methodical dice and dissect approach. It is the Luka Party with everyone else an invited guest. I see that style of play more incompatible with Fox more so than a Fox and Ty pairing, which I envision as perfect.

Luka would have had to be willing to change his style of play to fit with Fox, and there is some prima donna personality traits that indicate he would be reluctant to do so! Luka’s production can come at the expense of his teammates, HB was relegated to standing in the corner during his tenure, for example, which is the opposite to Ty.

Yes, I know Luka is “incredible and the best thing since sliced bread” in minds of many fans, the one who got away, but fans may tend to romanticize and idealize w/o seeing the full picture.

RikSmits
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February 23, 2021 9:32 am
Reply to  kings4ever

It is interesting that you mention usage, but not Luka’s assist percentage which is 45.7%, second in the league to this guy called LeBron. Fox is at a nice 35.3%.

And it is interesting that you mention Barnes, who had a higher usaghe alongside Luka than he has had here.

I think it is probably fun for most players to be part of the Luka Party. I could be wrong.

IMO, when you have Luka, you make Fox change his style of play to fit Luka. YMMV.

kings4ever
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February 23, 2021 12:11 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

A high assist percentage just implies he always has the ball in his hands, and ends a lot of possessions, you are helping make my point. 45.7% was last year. This year the Wonder Boy is at 47%, meaning almost half his teammates FG makes are assisted by him when he’s on the floor.

Fox is better than Luka at creating separation. Luka is better at finding and creating passing angles. But you want a devastating PG with unmatched speed and juke moves to hypothetically go stand in the corner so Luka can run out the clock and bully his way into the paint then beg for a call ???

I am being somewhat facetious, and I like Luka a lot mainly because he has moxie. It is the same reason I am a Kyle Guy fan. But he also palms the ball 30-40 times a game and if the league ever cracks down he’s in trouble. And he cries for calls as much as Boogie despite going to the FT line all the time, its never enough.

Luka’s assist to turnover ratio is not spectacular, it is 2.2. And this is a better marker of passing effeciency. Luka’s assist to turnover ratio pales in comparison to Ty at 3.5 . And Fox has an assist ratio of 2.2 too, same as Luka.

In general my philopsophy is “good players figure it out”. So in theory you put two good to great players on the floor in Fox and Luka and they could (would) figure it out. But it would require mutal giuve and take and there is valid reasons to think it would not work and expecting Fox to make all the sacrifice when he clearly is the more lethal one on one initiator is unreasonable proposal.

To be clear I would rather have this problem (challenge) then wondering whether Marvin can even be a part of a winning core or quality starter nevermind a star in the league. But if you think Luka would not have to make any adjustments to the way he wants to play to fit with Fox, you are talking about untenable situation, and Fox would just be begging to get out of town.

2018DraftTimeMachine
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February 27, 2021 8:50 pm
Reply to  kings4ever

Which would be fine.

Luka >>>> Fox

I wish that some segments of the fan base that try to say that we are better off with Fox than Luka would just stop, because no relevant metrics point to that being the case … team success, stats, individual awards … nothing.

I mean, it’s the Interwebs and if people want to believe the sky is red and 2 + 2 is 7, then, hey, I can’t help them.

I choose to live over here in Reality World.

Last edited 3 years ago by LaBradfordsCreditCard
GFunkClassic
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March 10, 2021 7:37 pm
Reply to  kings4ever

Yes, yes, yes. This is spot on of the weakness of Luka. He always needs the ball in his hands to produce his numbers. The Mavs gave him the keys to the franchise immediately. Would we have done so? Would other franchises have done so? I think Luka’s numbers would fall pretty dramatically if he was forced into a team concept. Lebron showed he can play off ball and still produce elite numbers playing alongside Kyrie. Many times even Wade would bring the ball up with the Heat. Can Luka be an off ball NBA guy? I have my doubts. Not the most fun to play with guys that dribble the ball for 20 seconds and then either shoot or pass it with little time to do anything but shoot it. It’s not fun basketball to watch either, in my opinion.

2018DraftTimeMachine
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February 27, 2021 8:45 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

Agreed, the €œnever been an All-Star despite being drafted the year before Luka guy€ known as Fox can learn to adjust to the €œAll-NBA in his second year guy€ known as Luka.

Last edited 3 years ago by LaBradfordsCreditCard
2018DraftTimeMachine
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February 27, 2021 8:43 pm
Reply to  kings4ever

We should have had a Luka Party on Draft Night 2018.

2018DraftTimeMachine
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February 27, 2021 8:42 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

Agreed, been thinking that this entire season. No disrespect to Hali at all, he’s been great.

PlayoffModeT
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February 22, 2021 6:35 pm

I cant wait to see Robert Woodard in the Kings rotation.

Jalen Johnson does not intrigue me. He reminds me of Aaron Gordon and Kyle Anderson. If Bagley is moved, and we have a later pick, then maybe. Someone has to convince me!

My prospects to watch right now are Cunningham, Kuminga, Green, Mobley, Moody, Ziaire Williams right now.

MidtownMike
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February 22, 2021 9:48 pm
Reply to  PlayoffModeT

I think the draft “drop” is after 4, we need to be top four

BestHyperboleEver
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February 23, 2021 9:43 am
Reply to  MidtownMike

In a general sense, I think there’s a pretty clear top 5. But there is still a lot of talent after that drop.

MidtownMike
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February 23, 2021 10:48 am

Im just not as big on Jalen Green, especially for us compared to the other 4

BestHyperboleEver
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February 23, 2021 11:50 am
Reply to  MidtownMike

I put him 5th. But I think he’s closer to the 4 above him than the group below. I think if we’re drafting 5th and Cunningham, Kuminga, Mobley, and Suggs are off the board, then he’s probably a clear enough BPA for me not to worry about any potential fit issues.

Overall, I put Mobley, Suggs and Kuminga in the same tier at the moment.

Last edited 3 years ago by BestHyperboleEver
MidtownMike
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February 23, 2021 1:28 pm

I agree 100%, that’s why I just hope we land top 4 haha. I do think if we are at 5 there is a chance someone takes Jalen above Suggs or Kuminga, but it would be slim and very dependent on the teams above us.

kings4ever
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February 23, 2021 7:58 am
Reply to  PlayoffModeT

Jalen Johnson does not impress me either. I think the best way to evaluate players is with pick-up games like this. You get a better sense of their intensity, focus and decision making in games that “do not count” v highlights in real games. This is how I knew Haliburton had the chance to be special. He was dazzling in 3-on-3 games and approached them like the NBA Finals.

(Unfortunately there were not pick up games available to view in the Marvin v Luka draft but this is what a good GM is for, to put a prospect in a setting like this)

Johnson looks smallish and drifts mentally but I do think we need a frontline player who can handle and make plays. Johnson does not look like a special athlete so he needs to be more fundamentally sound to be a Top 5 pick than he appears to be.

BestHyperboleEver
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February 23, 2021 9:44 am
Reply to  kings4ever

I’m actually very interested in Jalen Johnson. But mostly because I think there’s a chance he falls WAY too far and ends up being a huge steal in the 2nd half of the 1st round.

richie88
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February 23, 2021 12:35 pm
Reply to  PlayoffModeT

While Johnson doesn’t interest me in the area where the Kings’ 1st rounder will probably be, Gordon & Anderson are significantly different players.

Want-to-be-gm
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February 22, 2021 8:58 pm

You can talk about these guys and evaluate them all you want but the real question is how we proceed from this point forward. Chasing superfluous wins with veterans who don’t figure into the future only potentially hurts our draft position. We need to start making some moves, IMO I would put all the below guys on the market and hopefully come away with a couple more decent draft picks and some cap space. Also it would be nice to have a better feel about the capabilities of guys like Woodard, Guy, Metu, Ramsey and James going into the offseason and they need playing time for us to properly evaluate them. There’s really no reason at this point for players like Joesph, Robinson, Bjelica, Whiteside, and Parker to be taking minutes from the young unknowns. Those guys along with Barnes and Buddy should be put on the market immediately. I’d like to go into the offseason with a couple of first round picks, another young prospect and a bunch more cap space.

I would build around Fox, Haliburton and Bagley for now. I wouldn’t go crazy, but I’d offer a reasonable contract to Holmes like 3 yrs for 18-20mil and let him go if he doesn’t take it. I would possibly use the additional cap space to take on a serviceable bad contract in exchange for a draft pick or young prospect.

If we don’t proceed like this, our chances of getting any of the top 8 players may not be possible and we’d be evaluating these guys for other franchises.

My starting lineup from this point forward would be Fox, Hali, Jeffries, Bagley and Holmes. Off the bench would be Guy, Woodard, Metu and James and someone young we may have picked up in the fire sale. Any of the veterans we are not able to move would sit the rest of the year.

We must make the next draft count and count big and I’d like to have multiple shots at the wheel which hopefully trading Barnes and Buddy and the rest of the veterans will give us.

RORDOG
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February 22, 2021 9:27 pm
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

if you’re plan is to build around Bagley, then might as well trade Holmes at the deadline. That frontcourt pairing is always going to be an awkward fit. For whatever reason, there seems to be plenty of teams in need of big men this season.

RORDOG
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February 22, 2021 9:35 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

Who says No?
comment image

MidtownMike
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February 22, 2021 9:50 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

Ugh… Ugly all around lol

RORDOG
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February 22, 2021 10:15 pm
Reply to  MidtownMike

The Mavs could probably get a better deal than that, but I’d still be puckering pretty good if I was McNair after saying yes to that trade.

BestHyperboleEver
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February 22, 2021 10:40 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

I’d probably do it. Then engage the tank and sit him most of the rest of the season to work on his core strength. Move Barnes for Williams + 1st. It’s a ton of risk, but walking out of the draft with a base roster of

Fox, Guy
Haliburton, Ramsey
Cunningham/Kuminga, Woodard,
Porzingis, Bagley
Williams,

Theoretically has a nice mix of youth, ball handling, defensive upside, rebounding, with a lot of different directions you can go with the Celtics pick and the 2nds.

Hamlet1989
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February 23, 2021 7:32 am

Who’s Williams? And how’d you get Cunningham/Kuminga? No one is giving a top-3 pick in this draft for anyone the Kings are trading.

Want-to-be-gm
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February 23, 2021 8:45 am
Reply to  Hamlet1989

He doesn’t, it’s fallacy.

RORDOG
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February 23, 2021 9:05 am
Reply to  Hamlet1989

Robert Williams from Boston in exchange for Barnes is just a trade idea that’s floated around. The top-3 pick is based on the hope that if you trade away Buddy/Barnes/Holmes, and give Porzingis the rest of the season to get healthy, then the Kings can put themselves into full tank mode, and obtain one of those guys with their own pick.

BestHyperboleEver
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February 23, 2021 9:47 am
Reply to  RORDOG

I thought that was all pretty clear.

There’s also a decent chance Kuminga “falls” to 4 or 5.

Hamlet1989
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February 23, 2021 1:49 pm

Ok, I see. And that really isn’t bad, but I don’t think it’s worth it for them, especially with Barnes salary going forward and their cap situation.

Hamlet1989
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February 23, 2021 1:52 pm

“from Boston” made it much more clear

2018DraftTimeMachine
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February 27, 2021 9:01 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

Yes, it’s been floating, much like a turd that you try to flush three or four times before you are resigned to the fact that you have to get the plunger.

This floating turd of a trade sucked the first time it was mentioned, currently still sucks and will always suck until hopefully the trade deadline passes and Barnes is still with us.

Want-to-be-gm
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February 23, 2021 8:12 am

There’s no way in hell that occurs. These are 3 trade proposals put out by NBAanalysis whoever they are. I thought these were unrealistic until I saw yours.

If any of these teams are stupid enough to make these trades we should jump all over it. For the Kings, I like the Orlando trade the best but I highly doubt they would do it.
Sacramento Kings Receive: F Aaron Gordon, G Dwayne Bacon, C Mohamed Bamba, ORL 2022 1st Round Pick, ORL 2024 1st Round Pick
Orlando Magic Receive: G Buddy Hield, F Jabari Parker, LAL 2021 2nd Round Pick (via SAC)
Trade Scenario No. 2 €” Philadelphia 76ersSacramento Kings Receive: G Danny Green, G Shake Milton, G/F Terrance Ferguson, PHI 2021 1st Round Pick, NYK 2021 2nd Round Pick
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G Buddy Hield, G/F Glenn Robinson III

Trade Scenario No. 3 €” Dallas MavericksSacramento Kings Receive: C James Johnson, G Trey Burke, F Dorian Finney-Smith, DAL 2021 2nd Round Pick, DAL 2022 1st Round Pick, DAL 2026 1st Round Pick
Dallas Mavericks Receive: G Buddy Hield, F Glenn Robinson III, SAC 2023 2nd Round Pick

Adamsite
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February 23, 2021 8:31 am
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

I’d do any of those trades in a heartbeat, but the Orlando trade is the best, IMO. All of those heavily favor the Kings.

Want-to-be-gm
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February 23, 2021 8:44 am
Reply to  Adamsite

I agree with you but I have my suspicions that they are not realistic. I also don’t think some of the Boston trade rumors are as lucrative (Williams and a first rounder) as what’s being floated around. Who knows maybe we’ll get pleasantly surprised. I just think if any of these rumors were true, Barnes and Buddy would be gone by now.

andy_sims
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February 23, 2021 8:57 am
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

I like the part where we never have to give up a first-rounder.

2018DraftTimeMachine
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February 27, 2021 9:08 pm
Reply to  andy_sims

Again, over here where I live, in Reality World, those kinds of things don’t happen.

What he fails to realize is, over and over and over and over again, is that no NBA GM is going to trade good players plus first round picks for our crappy players that are known to have significant flaws.

I mean, I don’t know, please supply me with the rundown of exactly how many such trades have occurred since the Kings moved here in 1985.

OK, fine, I’ll give you one … the DeMarcus Cousins trade … and our big prize coming back to us in that one?

Yep, Buddy Hield.

RORDOG
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February 23, 2021 9:10 am
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

I love that you think my idea has no chance in hell, but also believe the Kings can get 2 firsts for Buddy.

richie88
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February 23, 2021 12:57 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

Um, it looks like that’s a reaction to BHE’s trade proposal, not your trade proposal.

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February 23, 2021 10:16 am
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

Those aren’t “rumors.” They’re just “trade machine ideas thrown at the wall.” No different than what RORDOG did above.

RORDOG
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February 23, 2021 10:45 am

yeah I usually try to avoid posting fake trades because they always seem to devolve into a game of “your trade is a ripoff for one team or the other, but this other fake trade is actually good.”

I was really just curious if people think trading for Porzingis is the right type of risk for this team to take if the asset cost to complete the trade was basically “not Fox/Hali/Bagley/future firsts.” I say yes, but I wouldn’t feel particularly good about it.

BestHyperboleEver
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February 23, 2021 11:56 am
Reply to  RORDOG

Like I said, I can see making a deal like that IF it works in conjunction with a tank. Then you can justify the risk of Porzingis (somewhat) with the idea that Haliburton and [2021 top pick] should provide a ton of excess value during the years you’re paying Porzingis.

It’s a nerve-y move to make, but in general, as I’ve said, I’d rather the FO was bold and proactive than they just sit around and hope all the guys on the current roster hit their ceiling in the right timeframe.

Hamlet1989
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February 23, 2021 2:01 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

KP has $100 mil. owed after this season. I’d love to see Buddy moved, but that’s to much money for Zinger even if he’s healthy. At least Buddy has never been injury prone.

2018DraftTimeMachine
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February 27, 2021 9:09 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

No, it’s OK, go ahead and throw Bagley in any trade scenario.

He is not part of our future core, given that he sucks.

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February 27, 2021 9:08 pm

That’s his specialty, crap thrown at the wall.

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February 27, 2021 9:03 pm
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

While you’re at it, let’s see if Dallas would be willing to throw in Luka and we’ll chip in Pervis Bagley.

Probably as likely as any of those.

kings4ever
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February 23, 2021 12:49 pm

I haven’t studied the prospects much, and I am not easily impressed, but Kuminga looks awesome…. BALLER! We need a player like him, he looks to have the “it” factor!

He has the physical tools and he knows how to play. I would like to see Kuminga vs Woodward that is a G-League game I would tune into!

kings4ever
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February 23, 2021 1:01 pm
Reply to  kings4ever

Austin Spurs (Woodward) vs G League Ignite (Kuminga) March 6th

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February 27, 2021 8:58 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

Yes … but … could they get a better deal two days ago?

PlayoffModeT
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February 22, 2021 11:02 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

I absolutely love this on paper. I think the injuries are the only thing that scares me.

Hamlet1989
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February 23, 2021 7:34 am
Reply to  RORDOG

NO!

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February 23, 2021 8:13 am
Reply to  RORDOG

Dallas says no. Not a chance in hell.

RORDOG
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February 23, 2021 8:59 am
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

Have you read about how people around the league value Porzingis at this point? It’s not that great. That article pegs it at a lottery protected first and long-term money coming back.

2018DraftTimeMachine
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February 27, 2021 9:10 pm
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

LOL, as opposed to all of your genius moves.

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February 23, 2021 8:56 am
Reply to  RORDOG

Porzingis certainly is impressive in the handful of games when he’s healthy enough to get on the court.

Guys that tall break down quickly, and almost never come all the way back. I’m not sure that nature meant for humans to be that tall; there’s just way too much weight and strain going on above the knee and ankle joints.

Dallas still owes him $130 million. I don’t disagree that guys like Hield and Barnes will serve the Kings best over the next year or so as assets on the market, but the two of them combined in ’23-’23 will make $38,875,000, while Porzingis will be owed $33,833,400, with another $36 million for ’23-’24.

Barnes & Hield have generally been pretty durable, and can be moved independently or in tandem. Once a broken-down Porzingis lands on your cap sheet, the only way you’ll be rid of him is to take on a worse deal. He’s only twenty-five; can you imagine how hobbled he’ll be by the summer of 2024? Yeesh.

RORDOG
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February 23, 2021 10:07 am
Reply to  andy_sims

yeah it’s one of those things that will either turn out great or set this team back for a really long time.

BestHyperboleEver
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February 23, 2021 10:21 am
Reply to  RORDOG

Yep. It could be Webber (25-year-old big with injury issues) or it could be devastating. Though if Haliburton and [insert 2021 high draft pick], become high level players on rookie deals, that could mitigate the pain a bit since they’ll be cheap throughout the course of Porzingis’s contract.

I should say, I’m not necessarily saying they should go that direction (unless his value is even low than I think and they end up sending other assets as well). Just that I can see a valid approach that includes it.

Last edited 3 years ago by BestHyperboleEver
PlayoffModeT
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February 23, 2021 11:23 am

It’s certainly a gamble. The way I see it, you’re locked in for $20M and the same years. Would you rather give Buddy that money or Porzingis (+10M)? My gut tells me Porzingis because I see much more upside.

I am a fan of Porzingis so a shooting C with his ability. When healthy, he would pair well with Fox, Hali, and Bags. Sitting him wouldnt even be bad like suggested above. Getting a top pick is my priority.

andy_sims
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February 23, 2021 11:25 am
Reply to  PlayoffModeT

“When healthy” is doing a lot of work in your post.

PlayoffModeT
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February 23, 2021 11:49 am
Reply to  andy_sims

I get that because Porzingis has missed a lot of games. That said, he brings that we don’t have and can’t find/replace. Haliburton could replace Buddy in the starting lineup right now.

Would you rather bet on Buddy returning to form or Porzingis returning to form? How do their peak or best versions of themselves help the team?

andy_sims
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February 23, 2021 1:51 pm
Reply to  PlayoffModeT

I would absolutely have more expectation that Hield gets back to what he’s best at, than Porzingis overcoming his many and constant injuries.

Throw in that Buddy is actually durable, so he plays, and will cost half what Porzingis does, when his contract wraps.

Dallas isn’t shopping him because they expect him to get back to form at some point. KP’s deal is a millstone that could limit any franchise for season after season until he’s bought out. Joint injuries are nearly impossible to mitigate long-term for really big dudes. I wouldn’t trade for him without taking on a ton of first-rounders, 2022, 2024 & 2025.

Hield’s main problem is that’s not being used correctly. He’s still producing assists, and has made real improvements on defense. That isn’t to say I think he shouldn’t be moved at some point, but not to get back a chronically-injured player like PK. Just no way.

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February 27, 2021 9:15 pm
Reply to  andy_sims

I’d trade him straight up for Pervis Bagley without blinking.

eddie41
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February 23, 2021 2:25 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

I think Porzingis will always be injured.

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February 27, 2021 8:58 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

I would do that without blinking if it were Buddy and Pervis Bagley … tough to give up my main man Holmes.

Want-to-be-gm
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February 23, 2021 8:38 am
Reply to  RORDOG

Not awkward at all maybe just not good enough. We’ll have to see how much further Bagley progresses. As for Holmes, I suggested a conservative offer one that wouldn’t be bad even he was relegated to a backup. Hypothetically if the Kings got Mobley from USC, Holmes would be a temporary starter and then a heavy used backup and 3 years at 18-20 mil would be fair value.

Lastly nobody is untouchable. If someone makes an offer that brings back more perceived value, you make the trade. I really don’t know what Bagley’s perception is around the league but unless he can bring back a medium to high first round pick, I’m keeping him. My assumption is that his trade value is not that high presently.

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February 27, 2021 9:16 pm
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

Maybe try googling Marvin Bagley and see how everyone but you thinks he sucks.

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February 27, 2021 9:13 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

Holmes >>>>>>>>>>>>> Pervis Bagley

Hamlet1989
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February 23, 2021 7:27 am
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

$18 mil. for Holmes is a boondoggle

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February 23, 2021 8:48 am
Reply to  Hamlet1989

See my explanation above. $6 mil a year for Holmes is good value, you would like to upgrade that position but may not be feasible in the short run.

andy_sims
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February 23, 2021 9:06 am
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

I expect that he’ll have offers in the neighborhood of $10 mil/year, and I’m not sure that he love it here enough to leave several million dollars on the table. I’d love to have him back, of course.

kings4ever
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February 23, 2021 8:12 am
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

All these fans talking about moving Buddy are engaging in Fantasy Land. You don’t think the GMs see what a Train Wreck of a Player this guy has become? He’s a negative asset. We are going to get back something good for a negative asset? That is not how it works.

The obvious and ONLY way to proceed with Buddy is get him to LEAN out, which would be easy if he spends more time in the sauna, trades in all starchy carbs for fruit and veggies as his energy source, and increases the cardio and lays off the weights except high rep sets.

I said 2-3 weeks ago Buddy’s career has reached a crisis point, of his own making, of the training and coaching staffs own making, and yet it seems the parties involved are oblivious about it!

Buddy should be benched for Jefferies which would be a cold slap in the face but this coach lacks the audacious mindset to do so. He’s a timid conventionalist.

And fans want to talk about peddling a guy off at the nadir of his trade value when his issue can easily troubleshooted? It is mind blowing!

Conceptually, an elite shooter with two elite playmakers is a match made in heaven. Oh, but let’s blow it up ?!? Excuse me but these arm chair GMs need to step back!

At least with Barnes we may get a decent return but I would be very hesitant to move him too. He’s very good, can likely outperform his declining contract over the next 3 years and has a skill set that is very difficult to replace.

Barnes can defend SF and PF, sometimes SG. How many guys do we have that can do that. Besides HB the number is zero.

It is concerning that HB has a tendency to disappear at times, but I think a new coach will help to lessen this occurence, and the chances we have a new coach year (or sooner) are very high.

Want-to-be-gm
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February 23, 2021 8:28 am
Reply to  kings4ever

As for Barnes, I think you’re overrating his defense which was one of the reasons Dallas traded him away for virtually nothing. Also it can’t be ignored that when Barnes was acquired, the team was playing 500 basketball and they haven’t seen that record since the trade. So there’s enough of a sample set to show Barnes has not been a difference maker for the Kings. I think some of the trade rumors with Boston and others are overrating Barnes’ value which might explain why he’s still with the Kings.

I’m afraid Buddy is now a contract liability that will not bring back anything of value in a trade.

andy_sims
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February 23, 2021 9:11 am
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

Shooters don’t just forget how to shoot, and shooters will always be valued in the NBA. His value is lower at the moment, but he still came into the year with a career three-point percentage above 41%. Teams understand that.

MidtownMike
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February 23, 2021 10:56 am
Reply to  andy_sims

Yeah I think teams can see the very sudden shift in quality of play coinciding with Walton and talk themselves into buddy still being a high quality player when used correctly

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February 27, 2021 9:20 pm
Reply to  andy_sims

Instead of playing Buddy at point guard, Luke and Buddy should have been €œwatching the film€ of how great shooters like Reggie Miller and Rip Hamilton move off-ball to get open shots.

Once Luke is canned Buddy will go back to being Buddy.

MidtownMike
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February 23, 2021 10:55 am
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

Kings were over .500 this year….hmmm

kings4ever
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February 23, 2021 12:28 pm
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

The Mavs traded away Barnes (for Z-Bo and Justin Jackson) to create salary space to acquire Porzingis. They waived Z-Bo whereas HB had the player option that needed to get out from under. They didn’t trade him away for nothing in effect, it was step one of their two step process to get another “max level player”. And they wanted to unload DSJ so they could turn the team over to Luka.

It is unfair to say the Mavs dumped Barnes for nothing when they had grander designs in mind.

MidtownMike
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February 23, 2021 1:34 pm
Reply to  kings4ever

Yeah they would probably trade the zinger for barnes right now and the Kings say no

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February 27, 2021 9:22 pm
Reply to  kings4ever

It’s fine, his strength is not in research of facts … he specializes in copy and paste as well as outright stealing takes.

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February 27, 2021 9:19 pm
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

Again, simple knowledge gained by minimal research … Buddy’s biggest problem is Luke Walton. Gentry will straighten him out in the next couple weeks when Luke is fired.

andy_sims
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February 23, 2021 9:09 am
Reply to  kings4ever

He didn’t get as fat and slow as Bibby did, but dropping a bit of muscle would likely help.

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February 27, 2021 8:55 pm
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

Please send me a royalty check for your young lineup take … I posted literally the same thing days before you did on STR, and don’t give the lame/fake excuse that you didn’t see it because there are only like three comments per article.

Also, write shorter paragraphs, and try not copying and pasting so much useless basketball cliche … you might get better responses.

Would also help if you weren’t the last guy on the Titanic in regard to Bagley.

Last edited 3 years ago by LaBradfordsCreditCard
Hippity_Hop_Barbershop
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February 23, 2021 7:27 am

Buddy/Barnes/Bagley for picks, cash and paperclips.

Fire Walton.

Re-sign Holmes.

Draft well.

See you next year.

All these memories will fade. Like tears lost in the rain…

richie88
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February 23, 2021 12:51 pm

It’s time to die?

KingsSince85
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February 23, 2021 1:54 pm

Agree with most all of the above… Except I’d like to see Bagley in a Kings uniform next year under a different coach to see whether there’s improvement. Hopefully, we get a new coach (sooner the better) and he lights a fire under all the players to improve themselves and sacrifice for the team.

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February 27, 2021 9:23 pm
Reply to  KingsSince85

Nah, Bagley is what he is. A skinny, outdated power forward whose second jump is not the nuclear weapon that Vlade thought it was.

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February 27, 2021 9:22 pm

I like it. I like it a lot.

Hamlet1989
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February 23, 2021 2:11 pm

Likely gonna have to be patient with trades. Bjelica this season for a second. Barnes next season for a first. Buddy the following for.. Who knows what he’ll be worth then? Teams are gonna make the Kings pay these contracts down a little before thy bite. It’s just too much long term money for the value they need back at this point.

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February 23, 2021 2:44 pm

regarding Fox, i agree it appears he has appeared disinterested lately. My take is that teams are taking away his lane to the basket and giving him the 3, and he’s not countering it well. Some have suggested that he pass it and play off ball sometimes when players go under which might be a good option. Personally I think he should go get more buckets in the midrange. I suppose the analytics guys might say it’s a bad shot because the modern nba is all 3s and layups, but if it gets your best chess piece on the board, it’s worth it.

andy_sims
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February 23, 2021 3:28 pm
Reply to  eddie41

Walton: “My best player has been shit-hot while we’ve played truly solid basketball! I should definitely sit him down for a game.”

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February 27, 2021 8:41 pm

They should send Pervis Bagley to the G-League and promote Woodard.

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