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Kings 90, Grizzlies 75: Kings move to 3-0 in Vegas

Jahmi'us Ramsey and Davion Mitchell once again led the way for Sacramento.
By | 79 Comments | Aug 13, 2021

Courtesy of Sacramento Kings

As the old saying goes, defense wins championships. That very well may be the case for the Sacramento Kings in the Las Vegas Summer League as they improved to 3-0 in a 90-75 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. Sacramento’s entire starting lineup harassed the Grizzlies into an awful offensive night, holding Memphis to just 42% shooting from the floor and 17% from deep, along with 20 turnovers, 14 of which were steals from Kings players. Jahmi’us Ramsey and Davion Mitchell once again led the way on offense, combining for 38 points on just 23 shot attempts, while the Grizzlies top scorer was Sean McDermott with 13 points.

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly
THE GOOD:

Guard Dominance: Jahmi’us Ramsey and Davion Mitchell were clearly the best players on the floor throughout the evening. Ramsey showed out not only on the offensive end, which has always been his specialty, but he was also a pest on defense, an encouraging sign for a 20-year old trying to crack Sacramento’s rotation. Mitchell also once again played a pretty complete game, knocking down threes and tough jumpers, and his ability to swarm an opponent one-on-one was on full display for the fifth consecutive game. The Kings haven’t seen a defender of his aptitude since Ron Artest.

THE BAD:

Bad Fox Impression: One of the biggest question marks regarding Davion Mitchell’s game coming out of Baylor was his poor free throw shooting, and those struggles have been evident throughout the Summer League. Tonight, he was made just one of his four attempts, and he’s shooting a paltry 42% from the charity stripe this summer.

THE UGLY:

Bench Play: Strong bench play is never expected in Summer League, but Sacramento’s substitutes have been particularly ineffective in Vegas. Any time more than one or two Kings starters come out of the game, both the offense and the defense fall apart, and Davion Mitchell and Jahmi’us Ramsey are constantly coming back to face a smaller lead than they left, or even a deficit. The play of second-year rookie Robert Woodard has been particularly disappointing, as he’s been demoted to a bench player, and despite a couple of nice moments tonight, he was mostly invisible in his 13 minutes on the court.

Play of the Game

Up Next

The Kings will take on the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday at 12:00 pm Pacific Time.

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Ellis5
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August 13, 2021 8:15 pm

I only caught the very end of the game… The post game interview was pretty good. I like this gentleman.

SexyNapear
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August 13, 2021 8:19 pm

Fun potential.

Bu no matter the defense, it’s gonna be hard to win if Fox and Mitchell can’t knock down free throws.

Ellis5
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August 13, 2021 8:38 pm
Reply to  SexyNapear

is Pete Carril free?

Rosevillain
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August 13, 2021 8:22 pm

If Hali goes 6’7″ now, why can’t he be the starting 3? Does the roster really have a SF problem?

MItchell
Fox
Hali
Siakim/Simmons
Holmes

Ellis5
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August 13, 2021 8:26 pm
Reply to  Rosevillain

“Does the roster really have a SF problem?” Only if Ben Simmons is on it.

TheGrantNapear
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August 13, 2021 8:29 pm
Reply to  Rosevillain

I’ve said it since Davion was drafted, it’ll be a three guard starting lineup.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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Nostradumbass 14
August 13, 2021 8:44 pm
Reply to  Rosevillain

Isn’t he 6’5″?

Rosevillain
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August 13, 2021 8:46 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Google has him at 6’7″ now. Hope so.

Greg
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August 13, 2021 8:56 pm
Reply to  Rosevillain

The problem playing Hali at 3 isn’t height or wingspan, it’s strength. He can’t guard NBA 3s until he adds significantly more muscle.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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August 13, 2021 9:01 pm
Reply to  Greg

Good point. If 6’9″ guys can play center because they have the muscle and length (Ben Wallace comes to mind), then 6’5″ guys can play SF if they have the length and muscle. I mean, Charles Barkley was a 6’6″ PF, right?

Rosevillain
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August 13, 2021 9:11 pm
Reply to  Greg

Likely, but there have been a lot of great skinny defenders in the league, too. Muscle usually shows up in year three, if guys are serious about the weight room.

jswilliams37
August 13, 2021 9:34 pm
Reply to  Greg

Tell that to Kevin Durant

Rosevillain
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August 13, 2021 10:27 pm
Reply to  jswilliams37

Michael Cooper, Tayshaun Prince, Doug Christie quickly come to mind.

Sir_tajj
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August 13, 2021 10:13 pm
Reply to  Rosevillain

Bleacher report also has Haliburton at 6’7. Is there anyway to confirm this?

9BDC4EC7-C275-4BC6-8E64-CEC23416E1AE.jpeg
Kosta
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August 14, 2021 5:09 pm
Reply to  Sir_tajj

Hehe, I love the way they describe Davion’s defense.

satdawg
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August 14, 2021 8:21 pm
Reply to  Sir_tajj

Yes, by finding Tyrese and measuring him in person

andy_sims
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August 13, 2021 10:21 pm
Reply to  Rosevillain

I think he can handle it in certain matchups, but I’m pretty sure that even with shoes on, he’s 6’6″, tops. I don’t know that he can really thrive in that role until he adds some muscle over the next few years.

But on the other hand, I want to see him play, and they can slot him at center for all I care.

LandParkJimmer
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August 14, 2021 9:04 am
Reply to  Rosevillain

Hali isn’t big enough for the 3 on defense imo

TheGrantNapear
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August 13, 2021 8:39 pm

All the starters looked good.

Davion played well on both ends. He looks taller than his listed height. As some have said, he really does remind me of Donovan in that they play bigger than their height.

Ramsey was a stud, did a little bit of everything. We’ll see if he can translate some of this against the big boys, but I’ve been surprised by him.

Metu is so active and long. It seems like he’s going to block every other shot at the basket. If he can get his instincts in sync around the basket, he could be a killer 4 defensively.

Continually impressed with Queta, he moves so well for his size and is very active. I think he’s going to be a beast in Stockton and hopefully he’ll get some run in G1C.

The bench players are pretty horrendous, I don’t see much potential there aside from Terry.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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August 13, 2021 8:49 pm
Reply to  TheGrantNapear

My only pause is the Kings start 5 guys who are on their roster. I’m not sure there is another summer league team that does that. Toss in Woodard and the Kings have 6 guys in summer league that may be a part of their rotation, hell some might even be key rotation guys.

My point is, are the Kings playing men amongst boys right now?

All that being said, I think the summer league roster has additional intriguing pieces. I really like Murkey and Terry could be solid NBA bench players. It all makes me wonder if the NBA is long overdue for expansion, especially if the play-in tournament is a thing to stay.

Rosevillain
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August 13, 2021 9:01 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

King and Queta will likely be Stockton, right? Maybe Ramsey, too, although he looks like a legit 4-5 guard right now.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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August 13, 2021 9:03 pm
Reply to  Rosevillain

King and Queta are on 2-way deals so they will see some time with the team.. Ramsey and Metu are on the active roster. IMO, Metu might get some significant minutes as apart of a 9 man rotation.

Rosevillain
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August 13, 2021 9:15 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Thanks, what’s Woodard then?

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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August 13, 2021 9:16 pm
Reply to  Rosevillain

He has a guaranteed roster spot at $1.5M

Right now, I’d think he would be the one going to the G-Leauge, based on performance. When it comes to roster fit, I have no clue.

Last edited 2 years ago by Adamsite
Rosevillain
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August 13, 2021 9:35 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Sadly, I can’t see him on the roster. He still looks like something’s troubling him. Hope he can get through it.

andy_sims
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August 13, 2021 10:27 pm
Reply to  Rosevillain

He is just…off. I’ve seen the guy play, and this summer league version isn’t the same player. Could be a lingering injury, or some off-the-court thing, as you’ve suggested. I hope he can get right, here or elsewhere.

murraytant
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August 14, 2021 10:23 am
Reply to  andy_sims

yes, there were times last year where he looked in control, looked powerful and active. Never great at handling the ball but he could hit s corner 3. Now…he looks lost or disinterested or something.
It takes longer for big guys and PG’s to develop but he is behind and at risk. Ramsey was terrible in Sac but looks like he belongs here. Gets buckets in many ways and plays aggressive defense. He may make it at end of guard rotation.
“Q” is coming along- needs to get his feet untangled. and gets out muscled ( figure that?) at times. Lobs, spins, dunks –ok. Blocks shots. Has not yet continued to develop his passing where he was pretty good in college. On defense, he doesn’t slide but pivots and turns. and he could learn to shoot over smaller guys. Did make a nice Holmes push shot.

NorCalKingsFan
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August 14, 2021 12:51 pm
Reply to  andy_sims

I haven’t heard that he’s dealing with any injuries, but he looks way more stiff this year, like he’s having back problems.

TheGrantNapear
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August 14, 2021 11:48 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Interesting observation, I hadn’t thought about that. It did feel like Memphis was outmanned by the Kings from a talent stand point, so it could be that the Kings are playing more nba players than other teams.

andy_sims
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August 13, 2021 10:25 pm
Reply to  TheGrantNapear

Mitchell reminds me more of Jrue Holiday than anyone else at this point, the skill on both ends, the strength & athleticism, and the smarts. Been a fan of Holiday’s since Philly, and if we get anything like a compact version in Sacramento, that will be fine with me.

Maybe you can shoot over him. Maybe. You’ll need to, because you aren’t getting past him.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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August 14, 2021 8:53 am
Reply to  andy_sims

I like that comp. If he can even approach Holidays’ level of play it’s a major win for the Kings.

murraytant
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August 14, 2021 11:39 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Better comp than Pat Bev. He just takes away space without fouling. Jrue does that as well. and he scores as well as Pat Bev

TheGrantNapear
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August 14, 2021 11:50 am
Reply to  andy_sims

Jrue is a solid comp for Davion. The Donovan or Gary Payton comp some have floated I don’t see.

Kosta
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August 13, 2021 8:43 pm

The throws were free anyway.

Klam
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Nostradumbass 18
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August 13, 2021 9:06 pm
Reply to  Kosta

comment image

Kosta
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August 13, 2021 10:31 pm
Reply to  Klam

Only Holmes can make that shot.

BeTheBall
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August 13, 2021 9:57 pm

These three games were more entertaining to watch than any game the big club played last year.

TheGrantNapear
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August 14, 2021 11:50 am
Reply to  BeTheBall

Agreed , which is pretty sad lol

Milkman
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August 13, 2021 9:57 pm

Sounding like a broken record: definitely worth a 9th pick if he can be a cross between Tim Hardaway and Tony Allen.

Rosevillain
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August 13, 2021 10:04 pm
Reply to  Milkman

9th pick? Who’s looked better? Not Cunningham, Mobley, Barnes, Giddy, Kuminga, and Wagner.

Milkman
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August 13, 2021 10:18 pm
Reply to  Rosevillain

And if he can master his own version of the UTEP 2 Step…being aggressive and attacking the rim will help when the shot is not falling.

Kosta
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August 13, 2021 10:26 pm
Reply to  Rosevillain

The Jalens, maybe?

Green, Suggs, maybe even Johnson?

Rosevillain
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August 13, 2021 10:31 pm
Reply to  Kosta

Agree on those two, which is why I didn’t list them. Granted it’s Summer League, but looking good for Monte again.

Kosta
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August 13, 2021 10:35 pm
Reply to  Rosevillain

Yeah, it’s still Summer League but I’m definitely excited to see how Davion performs alongside Fox, Haliburton, Holmes, and whoever else when the regular season starts.

Monte’s drafting ain’t too shabby.

Last edited 2 years ago by Kosta
Sir_tajj
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August 13, 2021 11:13 pm
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I think we really don’t talk enough about his eye for talent. Even outside of the draft.

RAP87
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August 14, 2021 1:46 am
Reply to  Sir_tajj

Yup. It seems Monte has a good eye for talent which is great. Probably the only question about him is his ability to pull off big trades which has not happened yet which I’m totally fine if it doesn’t make the Kings better.

rockbottom
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August 14, 2021 8:58 am
Reply to  Rosevillain

Check again !

murraytant
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August 14, 2021 11:43 am
Reply to  Rosevillain

9th– he has looked better than all but Cunningham, ( we disagree), J. Green, Suggs, and maybe Kuminga who has looked good but does not have the same wide skill set or special skill as Mitchell. Below him, Sengun has looked good too but there is no D at all in “Alpie”

BeTheBall
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August 13, 2021 11:38 pm
Reply to  Milkman

A Bobby Christie Jr would be a solid get from the 9th pick.

andy_sims
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August 13, 2021 10:18 pm

We have our back court of the future with Fox & Haliburton, and now we’ve created La petite cour arrière.

As you said, wonderful to see Ramsey digging deep and causing problems. Maybe Bobby Jackson took the time to point out that the ball spends considerable time at floor level, and even short guys can be a pain in the ass if they keep those hands busy.

The additions to the roster, while not mind-blowing, could reasonably be argued to be defensive improvements across the board. It’s still entirely possible that by the time a half-masked Walton plops his ass back into the first chair, it’ll be a lot less noticeable. Admittedly, it’s tough to have a defense that’s worse than the worst in history, but I’d imagine that there more than a few around here who are unable to rule out the possibility.

I can’t say it won’t happen, but I do think it will be better, and possibly even, dare I say it, about average?!?

Standard fantasies of a Kings fan.

jwalker1395
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August 14, 2021 5:10 am
Reply to  andy_sims

God damn I’ve been enjoying the summer league play so much I forgot at the end of it Bobby Jackson is turning the reins over to that freaking mouth breather…..looking forward to two more seasons of the worst head coach in the league!

murraytant
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August 14, 2021 11:51 am
Reply to  jwalker1395

he has 2 seasons on the contract. The players, unfortunetly, like him.
The team has not changed much: added Mitchel and Q, “traded” Whiteside for Len but lost Wright for TT. Slightly better.
At the same time, West is tough: LAL, LAC, Denver, Utah are in. duds improved. Portland slightly less. Memphis better. SAS worse. Dallas same. Minnesota and NOP ? but OKC, Houston not there yet.
The 10th slot is a slog.

TheGrantNapear
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August 14, 2021 11:53 am
Reply to  murraytant

The roster as currently constructed is still 8th seed or play in level, best case scenario. As you stated, the west is too loaded.

WizsSox
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August 13, 2021 11:38 pm

I think one thing that has been most impressive about Mitchell is the lack of turnovers, while being the clear lead ball handler for this team. He has 4 in three games to 17 assists. I don’t think he had one until the last min or so of tonight’s game. Almost went 2 of the 3 games with 0 turnovers.

That’s really hard to do in summer league with not knowing teammates, more aggressive defense/uncalled fouls etc. Color me impressed.

Last edited 2 years ago by WizsSox
Kingsguru21
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August 14, 2021 8:51 am
Reply to  WizsSox

Asking for a friend: Is a 4.25 AST/TO ratio good?

Seriously though, Jerry pointed out in the last podcast this was a problem at Baylor. Glad to see at least in a few games at Vegas Davion Mitchell is capable of improving that.

Doesn’t mean anything longterm of course, but hopefully he’s capable of translating this to the big club come October. That would be wonderbar!

rockbottom
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August 14, 2021 9:02 am
Reply to  Kingsguru21

Seems a great ratio and summer league still counts for something ! The Jerryism that sticks with me about Davion was – He can stay in front of you but you can’t stay in front of him ! Simple but so very true !

kings4ever
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August 14, 2021 8:08 am

Ramsey turned 20 one month ago. Isn’t that the age McLemore came into the NBA? I see Ramsey as a better version of Benny, not that that makes him a world beater, but it would make him a legit rotational player. Ramsey got burned a couple of times early then locked in. He picks up close to half court too, something Buddy is unable to do because of his heavy feet and poor lateral mobility.

Ramsey LSVL stats (3 games): 18 PPG 51% FGs 40% on 3s ; 3 RPG 2 APG 2 STLs .

Ramsey is outperforming Bouknight and Kuminga in almost every statistical category FWIW.

Can Ramsey be a 22-25 PPG in Stockton this season? Probably. McGenius strikes again!

Davion is shooting better from 3s than overall, 53.1% FGs vs 54.5%, 11 PPG and 6 APG. He is in Top 15 in SL plus minus along with Queta, Ramsey and King, when he is on the floor, we are kicking ass or taking a pause between a pending ass-kicking.

Mitchell has a 5:1 assist to turnover ratio (5.7 / 1.3), which addresses Jerry’s concern about his playmaking.

I want to see Davion get to the basket more, get more paint touches, draw more fouls. There was one play where it looked like he had a lane to finish with a reverse layup and instead he kicked out.

Still it is encouraging when he is not getting deep penetration, he is getting defenders to back off to get clean looks. When we talk about shooting translating, we talk about space creation and shooting on balance with focus and mechancis. It is clear Mitchell creates space and shoots on balance beautifully.

There was scuttlebutt pre-draft whether the shot would translate. Fake analysts cite FTs. Well, Davion has been butter from deep and bricks from FTs. I could see Mitchell lead our team in 3s accuracy, even if Buddy sticks around, while making 65% FTs. I will take that all day every day because we are talking about 3-4 FGs per game from 3, vs 2-3 FTAs per game.

FTs are about rhythm and slowing down, mentally as much as physically. With the intensity and speed with which a player like Mitchell and Fox and Giannis approach the game, this transition within the span of seconds can be a challenge. I am not excusing for said players, I am just speaking to the reality.

Scottie Bust is shooting 33% FGs in 3 games and 25% from 3. What happens when defense gets sturdier if you can only shoot 33% now? Though he averaged 13 PPG, he has gotten 7 FTAs per game, consistently bailed out by refs when he careens into the defender. He is not getting that call when the regular season begins. His assist to TO ratio of 3:2 does not portend point forward ability either.

Kyle Guy, trying to overcome PTSD after being coached by Fluke, forget the disrespect and disregard, is averaging 12 PPG in 17 MPG and 41% on 3s. I am rooting for him to make GSW! He needs to get tougher and do better assisting (2 APG / 1.3 TOV), more playmaking, and he should make their roster.

Franz Wagner, aka House Plant, one pick before Off Night, is pathetic, just as I suspected. The vaunted passer, is 1 APG vs 2 TOV; averaging 6 PPG and 4RPG on 40% FGs. He is a non-rotational player, not even good enough to play on a rebuilding ORL team. He is a G Leaguer until he radically transcends his skill and confidence level.

I want to like Emmanuel Terry, as a pseudo replacement for Isiaah Jackson, who we could have had had the LAL trade went through, but hes not big enough to play PF. Terry has the spring but not the bulk. Woodard has the bulk, but not the spring. If you could combine Terry and Woodard, you would have a player.

Queta has the size and mobility of Embiid. Now he needs the strength and experience. He has a frame that will support muscle, unlike someone like say Marvin and Willie, though their respective work ethics to add muscle was inhibitory too. Queta can be a beast but he needs stronger hands, stronger core, stronger base. If he turns himself into a daily grind workout machine, which I think he will, the sky is the limit.

Queta slimmed down from Utah State, clear when he showed up to the combine, so he is going to work hard. A three guard lineup of Davion, Ty ad Fox with Queta at C and Holmes at PF would be devastating. A difference between Queta and Whiteside, is Whiteside does not want to vacate the basket area. Queta will follow the opponent all over the floor. Queta has oversized mitts, as displayed on one play he got a one handed rebound flipped it to his other hand for the putback.

The coordination and fundamentals are very good, with increase in functional stregnth he can be a starting NBA center. The combination of size and skill is tantalizing. Typically guys like Queta are going to get played off the floor, the game is too fast. Our great GM saw the potential for him to keep pace, then exploit his size advantage. Having a 7’0 center with a 7’5″ wingspan enables you to play a scrambling three guard lineup, go smaller at the other positions, and be able to get rebounds and gamble defensively, overplay, with an eraser in the middle when you get backdoored.

As much as I like Holmes, if we are going to play a three guard lineup, Len or Queta makes more sense at center than him. If we are not going to trade for Markennan, we may want to consider moving Holmes to PF, starting Len at C, with Fox, Ty and Davion filling out the other spots, until Queta is ready. This uncreative coach won’t do this, but this team would be tough to play against. Barnes is not the answer at PF, and starting Barnes and Holmes at PF and C does not give you enough boards if you want to play a 3 guard lineup.

All this is to say the sooner Queta is ready to play NBA minutes, the better. Like right now!

TheGrantNapear
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August 14, 2021 11:54 am
Reply to  kings4ever

More and more I look forward to your long, detailed comments, you might be a part of the TKH staff ar some point

WizsSox
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August 14, 2021 12:05 pm
Reply to  kings4ever

Barnes is not the answer at PF, and starting Barnes and Holmes at PF and C does not give you enough boards if you want to play a 3 guard lineup.

True rebounding is less, but those two with the 3 guard lineup last year produced a league average defense (rating wise) to go with an offense that would be ranked amongst the top in the league….in over 400+ minutes, so not small sample.

Barnes played 70% of minutes at power forward last year. Most of their best lineups have him in that spot…and I can’t imagine Queta is better than Holmes anytime over the next couple years while Barnes is under contract. So barring a trade, those two with a mix of 3 guard lineups is probably the most effective ones the Kings have.

Last edited 2 years ago by WizsSox
murraytant
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August 14, 2021 12:08 pm
Reply to  kings4ever

I appreciate your insights and that you are not afraid to express these in enough words to make the points.
Q is not ready yet but intriguing. He does not yet slide his feet but turns and pivots and gets caught in an awkward spot at times. He not yet shown his passing ability. And, as you said, he is not afraid to get out on the floor.
Love your monikers for Scottie Bust and House Plant. Apt.
K. Guy was disregarded by fluke. But Ramsey has started to put it together. Looked lost in G league and in Sac SL but the structure here has helped. Much stronger than Guy.
Woodard has just disappeared inside himself. Kings traded Tillman for him. I thought, at the time, good deal but not so now.
Mitchell tends to flip his shot more than shoot it. That I believe is part of the problem with FT. Once he plays with Fox and Hali, he will get more off the ball spacing and become more effective. That will open the court for more drive and kick as a secondary guy.
Kings still have issues at SF, PF. Trying to play guys there where this is not natural position. 3 guard is fine but do need some wings who can shoot and rebound. In a PG league, they have 3. and have centers of all shapes and sizes. Now add a wing. Wonder if there is a third Morris brother triplet out there?

andy_sims
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August 14, 2021 3:56 pm
Reply to  kings4ever

I think McLemore was still 18 when he was drafted, but may have been 19.

Honestly, when you look at the physical gifts he had, I think his single biggest impediment to becoming an NBA player had to do with him being dumb as a rock. I never saw an interview with him where I thought anything other than, “Jesus, I hope he’s got someone honest around to help him with his money, and occasionally remind him to exhale.”

murraytant
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August 14, 2021 4:09 pm
Reply to  andy_sims

B-Mac had a gorgeous jumper- perfect form. But he did not have much of a diversified game. And, yes, a rock does come to mind. That continued to be his problem for years. Ramsey is shorter but has a more diversified game and while quiet, seems to have something going on in his noggin ( Sorry Ben)
He has had terrible games- like last year early in G league and this year in Sac but once he seems to get comfortable, he does ok. Maybe something like Terrance Mann
Consistency is important and the ability to impact a game with just a few short minutes

RobHessing
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August 14, 2021 8:26 am

If this is going to remain B-Jax’s focus in Stockton, that team might be a better “bang-for-the-buck” team this season than the team that plays at G1C.

Have I mentioned that I would love to see the Kings roster under a different head coach?

TheGrantNapear
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August 14, 2021 12:00 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

If Bjax has success in Stockton, perhaps next off season he’s the coach of the Kings and DC is coaching in Stockton and Luke is an assistant coach with the Fakers or Duds. With Gentry on the bench, it’d be a great time to give a young coach like Bobby a chance. Let’s see how he does in Stockton.

AmateurNerd
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August 14, 2021 1:32 pm
Reply to  TheGrantNapear

BJax has been working as an assistant in the league (Kings and elsewhere for a bit, I think) for years now. I think this is a more plausible scenario than many would believe.

ArcoThunder
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August 15, 2021 5:21 am
Reply to  AmateurNerd

I hope so and I wouldn’t mind it one bit. I don’t care about a coaching search anymore. Walton was supposedly “qualified” and a great hire to many people and look where we are at. George Karl was “Super Qualified” and I’ll never forget what a complete shit show that was.

give me Bobby Jackson as our next head coach and I’ll be excited to see what he can do.

RobHessing
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August 15, 2021 7:19 am
Reply to  ArcoThunder

Except that in both the cases of Karl & Walton, there was no coaching search, no comparing and contrasting of viable candidates. Rush to judgment in both instances.

I love B-Jax, and if he wound up being the best option after a comprehensive coaching search, I’d be all for it.

DutchKingsFanInUK
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August 14, 2021 8:44 am

Am I seeing things or does Queta look pretty good? Seems like there might be an NBA player in there.

For everyone who’s gonna say: “it’s SL, this doesn’t count for anything” I just finished my workweek so I don’t care, I just need anything positive to hold onto.

TheGrantNapear
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August 14, 2021 12:01 pm

He’s looked really good. I think he’s going to tear it up in Stockton.

murraytant
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August 14, 2021 12:13 pm

Big guys can take time to develop- multiple examples. Q seems on track or ahead of that development trajectory. Needs a bit more fluidity on D and some more confidence on offense. He did take jump shots at Utah State and passed well from high post. He could use a Holmes floater which he pulled out last night.

LandParkJimmer
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August 14, 2021 9:10 am

Mitchell is fun to watch, can’t wait to see him play along Fox and Hali to see how it all goes. Should be interesting to see how the team looks once the season starts – seems like plenty of trades are still plausible ( Buddy, Bagley, Barnes).

I just hope Fox will learn from Mitchell’s defense because Fox can’t seem to get around a screen to save his life.

TheGrantNapear
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August 14, 2021 12:02 pm
Reply to  LandParkJimmer

Apparently Fox has put on 9 lbs of muscle this offseason, that should help fighting over screens. Hopefully Hali has also packed on the muscle because it’d be nice if he could play some at the 3.

RobHessing
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August 14, 2021 12:27 pm
Reply to  TheGrantNapear

As long as it’s muscle and not max contract weight.

jwalker1395
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August 14, 2021 1:46 pm
Reply to  TheGrantNapear

Hali at the 3 would solve so many problems for this team but I’m still skeptical he’d be able to handle forwards. Maybe in 3-5 years.

Wilson
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August 15, 2021 5:38 am
Reply to  jwalker1395

Yeah, he definitely needs to put more meat on those bones before he can play at the 3.

arbexfernando
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August 14, 2021 1:36 pm

With this squad, we would be NBA champions if things happen like in the movie “The Replacements”. I even think that Gene Hackman is a better coach than Luke Walton. We would only need Keanu Reeves.

murraytant
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August 14, 2021 4:10 pm
Reply to  arbexfernando

that would be an excellent adventure

Roaddog
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August 15, 2021 12:29 am

Will this be the longest win streak all year?

RikSmits
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August 15, 2021 8:29 am
Reply to  Roaddog

I LOL’d.

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