The Kings Herald Show returns with Jerry Reynolds, Will Griffith, and Tony Xypteras to break down everything the Sacramento Kings have accomplished in free agency this offseason, along with an early look at how the Summer Kings are performing in Vegas. Thanks for listening.
We’d also like to take a quick minute here to thank our presenting sponsor for the podcast, Sacramento Electronic Supply! Sacramento Electronic Supply has been servicing the Sacramento area’s industrial electronic needs for over 75 years. Family-owned and operated, Sacramento Electronics is a registered California small business that prides themselves on their customer service.
Whether you’re looking for wire and cable, tools and testers, connectors, or relays, Sacramento Electronics is open for you Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm directly south of Costco in Rancho Cordova. Or visit them online 24/7 at www.sacelec.com
If you enjoy The Kings Herald Show, the easiest way to support us is to subscribe, rate, and review the show on your preferred podcast platform. Thanks for listening.
Apple.
Spotify.
Google.
Stitcher.
In addition to our bi-weekly podcast with Jerry Reynolds, we also record a Patreon exclusive Q+A once a month where Patrons at any level can Ask Jerry Anything.
You can submit questions for Jerry on Patreon, or write your questions in the comments below this post! Or you can just yell questions to Tony or Will on Twitter.
There may be a problem with the file. It downloads as an .mp3, but the properties say it’s a video file. In any event, there’s no audio, and I can’t get it to play here or in PodBean.
I am listening now and sound is good . Must have been corrected . Enjoyable as usual .
The file is on a “floppy” disc. Could be a technical foul.
The audio was really messed up for me, too, but there’s a good chance that my phone is just on the fritz.
I had issues on PodBean too. The time was jumping around, there was some playback from earlier in the podcast towards the end, etc.
Spotify for the win!
Rik, I’ll be in Amsterdam on the 18th and 19. Wife and I doing cruise out of Rotterdam to the Baltics. Never been to your country. Very much looking forward to it.
Off topic but per the Bee there is confusion over Domas getting surgery for his thumb. I have heard othing else regarding his thumb since the season ended. Anyone know if he did, or did his doctor say it would heal on its own? I’d hate to see this issue cause problems for him this upcoming season. I’d think if surgery was warranted he’d want to have had it done already to allow time to heal
I was thinking about this the other day. Same goes for Fox, any idea what that injury was he sustained in the playoffs?
IMO this is one of the biggest questions the Kings need to address especially with Sabonis. Last year the Kings were blessed with no sustaining injuries. Heaven forbid if either Sabois or Fox has injuries that would keep them out for a long period of time . There are players who would repace Fox for awhile but Sabonis have Lyles, Len or Queta. IMO neither could do that, IMO the Kings need to address this issue before the start of the season. In free agensy only Wood or PJ Washington could help. The other woud be a trade. What do you think? Comments welcome.
You asked so here you go, these are my thoughts on your thoughts:
As of July 13th 7:30am pacific time it has been reported by James Ham that Sabonis WILL NOT NEED SURGERY!!!!
😃
This is exciting for all the obvious reasons. He’s not going to miss time to start the season and his thumb will heal naturally which is by far the ideal situation. It’s excellent excellent news for him and the Kings.
As for your concern on depth for back up players to our two best players, Ox and Fox…
I feel like Monte has already acquired depth to back up both Ox and Fox and is likely going to add 1 more of each at their respective positions. Center and Point guard. if Ox goes down there’s Len, Lyles and Vezenkov already on the roster. A 4th emergency center would be nice from our outsider perspective. Personally I would like that player to be Harry Giles. I absolutely love that guy and it seems to me that his skill set fits this teams need PERFECTLY. Especially for the cost and minor risk involved with signing him. He can be a back up at Center as well as a back up power forward and personally (I love Giles so much and believe in his game) I think he could become the starting power forward before seasons end.
To me, Harry Giles is a grand slam pickup at this stage in the offseason. Fitz the team perfectly. I’m not sure what Monte is waiting for.
As for another backup PG… I do believe that Monte has already covered that with the current roster. Monk would be my first choice to replace Fox if a prolonged injury strikes. Theres also Davion Mitchell who I believe will have a much better offensive season this year (let’s see). In addition to both of those very capable players theirs also our new rookie Mr. Jones who can fill in the gaps left from Monk or Mitchell being thrust into the starting lineup for a long period of time. I would also anticipate that Monte is planning on signing a back up PG after all the dust settles from summer league. There are several players that would seemingly fit this role very nicely. Ford, who is currently killing it for the summer league Kings team seems like he has earned that opportunity. He appears to be more than capable of being an emergency back up PG. the nice possibility with Ford is that Monte could sign him on a two way contract which does exactly what we are discussing here. He would be available for emergency duty if one of Fox or Mitchell go down for an extended period of time. All while leaving that roster spot open for a possible trade mid season. Of course there are several other options out there for this backup PG position which would be the last roster spot. Anyone who Monte and Mike Brown choose would have my full support.
In my opinion the Kings are one of the deepest teams in the entire league. It’s one of the sneaky good things about this off season that doesn’t get mentioned very often. The Kings are deep and in theory should be able to sustain success through injury to any of their players.
k agree on Giles. He was a favorite of mine when he played for the Kings. IMO would solve what I was thinking from above comment. Ford would be a good point guard for back up reasons. I personally like Ellis over Ford mainly for defensive purposes. Thanks for your comment. I really appreciate it. GO KINGS!
Harry would be such a low cost, winning move. I remember when he finally got some real run with us, his passing and playmaking was such a fun thing to see. His bbiq is really off the charts even if the rest of his athleticism doesn’t quite match up now post injuries. In terms of our offense not dropping off a cliff without Domas on the floor, he’d be the closest thing to maintaining our play style, and being just a really likeable player who is so easy to root for. I don’t see a huge gamble giving him 5-15 minutes a night on a cheap contract. At this point I’d rather have him than Queta as a back up big
Me too’
Man, you do love you some Harry. I love the guy as well. If he could do this great..
I do think that Monte is waiting for un-balanced rosters on other teams to get sorted out. There is some flexibility here. Orlando drafted a PG, has Suggs, Fultz and Anthony.
Charlotte has 4 centers.
Kings are pretty deep
C. Jones still outscoring the duds #1 pick. Go Colby.
Kings building for post season where depth really matters.
the consistent concern over your Jones V Podz bet has won me over, I’m pulling for you
let’s see what happens.
Podz was a #20 pick I think and Jones a #34
I get so tired of the duds bragging about all their new players- like the ones now gone- Wiseman, Rollins, Baldwin and Moody + Kuminga who can’t get significant playing time
I think the HG train has left, but imagine what he could learn from Sabonis? Similar bodies and IQ and skill sets, obviously Sabonis is more talented down low…but HG could be a solid passing big backup to Sabonis.
Jalen Slawson is too old to be this far away from producing. I know it’s the 54th pick, but we could’ve had Trayce Jackson-Davis on a two-way or a second round contract! Compound that with the fact that Queta doesn’t seem to be an NBA player and we STILL don’t have a true backup center that can protect the rim, rebound, score in the paint and run the DHO (things that TJD excels at), it becomes fairly frustrating that we picked a 23 year old that can’t play.
Of course, this doesn’t change my perspective on Monte overall, but this seems like an obvious fumble in the second round – which reminds me of the time we also traded the rights to Xavier Tillman, a guy I really liked. Hell, even trading Jaden Hardy might’ve been a flub in retrospect! Monte has at least been turning second rounders into rotation players via savvy trades (Duarte, Vezenkov, even Colby Jones could be counted), but I really wish he was better at identifying older, rotation caliber players when it’s his turn to pick.
I heard reports that TJD’s agent was telling teams to basically not select him, he wouldn’t sign with them, and “forced” his way to Golden State.
From what I heard he didn’t “forced” his way to Golden State. TJD and his agent wants a standard contract and not a two-way contract which led to teams essentially passing on him including the Kings. Woj mentioned it during the draft as to why TJD slip that far to 57.
TJD’s agent?? none other than Mike Dunleavey’s the duds GM, brother !
While guys almost have to take the contract offered, I bet with this set up, he had some leverage.
there has to be mutual interest for 2nd round picks. Trayce and Tshiebwe had polar opposite draft experiences. Fine, let that play out.
not regretting drafting Neemie. he’s been a fun player to follow, even if nearly all of his play has been in the G league and summer league.
Slawson might be fun to watch in the G league this year. did you see him swat that intended alley-oop last game?
Another backup center can still be found on a cheap contract. They might prefer a 5-out backup unit with Lyles and Vezenkov. And they have Len who is serviceable.
Harry Giles
no objection here
For a training camp visit, yes. We would need to check him out before an offer is made. There are some other big men that would be a better fit and some 2nd round picks to throw at guys on teams with extra centers.
Jerry said as much on the pod that we still lack an athletic big. I really don’t know what MM is doing in this regard. Shouldn’t be that hard to find an athletic big that can bring some rebounding, D and toughness.
HB, Domas, Trey, Sasha, Len are not going to cut it as the bigs.
Hary Giles
Hairy Giles.
I disagreed a bit with Jerry’s take that Keon Ellis perhaps not being an NBA player. He may need another year in Stockton, but he’s already an ace defender, and he can shoot the ass off the ball. He was great from three in college, and his shot has only improved. I don’t think he’s a natural point guard, but he’s certainly more-than-competent in that regard.
Ellis makes it possible to consider dealing a higher-profile shooting guard, should the right offer appear. He and Davion chasing opposing guards would be unleashing hell.
Agreed. Ellis is a really good defender and is active with his hands.. A lot of times he really gets after it and swipes the ball a lot at opposing players when they drive to the lane. I can see him in the main club next year filling that Kessler Edwards role as a primary 3 and D guy.
He might not get consistent minutes but he will have his opportunity to get in the floor to slow down a specific player even if its just for 10-12 mins per game.
honest question as crazy as it might come off…
how much better is:
Terrance Davis vs. Keon Ellis ?
TD had some big games for the kings and I enjoyed those moments but he always seemed to bring back my Buddy Hield PTSD. Keon Ellis doesn’t seem built the same way as those guys. His natural scoring ability isn’t even close to what Buddy Hield’s is. Terrance Davis has him bested in that category as well. But between those two guys… by how much (in that specific role, 10-15 minutes a night)?
Keon Ellis appears to have a high BBIQ to me. It’s higher than both Buddy Hield and Terrance Davis. Combined? No comment.
Maybe I’m crazy but I feel like Ellis is a better defender than both those guys right now. He can hit open 3’s at a very solid percentage and he’s, smart, fast and athletic.
am I crazy that I’d pick Ellis over TD?
No doubt TD was a solid player for the Kings last year.
You ain’t crazy.. Even as early as last year during the season, I always felt that Ellis would be Davis’ replacement once the season is over. Davis is a gritty defender but just lacks the defensive principles that Mike Brown is looking for. That’s why you see Davis getting benched or coached after a missed assignment. Ellis on the other hand is already an excellent defender but lacks the experience playing in the big stage. If Brown can be patient with Ellis and allows him to play with mistakes, I think he can be a solid contributor off the bench especially if we’re talking about 10-12 mins per game.
But with the additions of Duarte and Jones, it was wise for Ellis to at least have another year of seasoning in the G-league and continue to improve his skills such as ball handling and making quick decisions when he has the ball.
I don’t think Ellis has ever been asked to be the type of scorer that Davis and Hield are. I do think, though, that he’s got the ability to rack up big point totals from time to time, just based on his shooting.
It was good to see him putting up shots in Summer League, but he’s likely the fifth offensive option when he’s in Sacramento. I’d put that more at the feet of deferring to our other skilled scorers, and not an inability to put up numbers. If he’s got a clean look, he should take it, because his shot is much better than Edwards or Mitchell. I’d not be surprised if he hits threes at a rate closer to forty percent than to thirty-five when all is said and done.
I’m a fan of TDs, though. Best athlete on the roster, played hard, and just beautiful when in motion. I’d love to have him back, but it doesn’t look like there will be a slot available.
Interestingly enough, he’s still not on a roster, which makes me think he’s worth the vet’s minimum. I’m guessing he was looking for a pay raise from his $4M last season, but it looks like he’s not going to get it.
I don’t think there is s spot from him on this roster now with the additions of Duarte and Jones, but the Kings still have two roster spots open. I solid big or a legit wing are the bigger priorities.
You’re right. I think that’s why we saw TD get benched so much. His Offense was a microwave, but his D was terrible and low BBIQ. With that said, unless Ellis can prove to be a reliable shooter, he won’t make it in the NBA. Can’t have a backup getting 10-12 mins disappearing on offense. Huerter exposed how detrimental that is to our offense during the playoffs.
I think he needs another yr in Stockton, but agree there is still a potential nba player there.
Full Harry Giles interview with Sean Cunningham posted:
You’d have to be some sort of monster to not root for Harry Giles III.
That was pretty sweet! I’d love for the Kings to at least take a good look at him. He’s a fan favorite for a reason. Good luck to you Harry!
So, because of the change to the two-way rules, isn’t it possible for Giles to be signed to a two-way deal now? He definitely fills a position of need.
I definitely can see him getting a two-way contract somewhere.
I can’t remember if it was summer league or two way contracts, but I read something about Tatum advocating for one of those specifically for guys like Harry who have league experience. I’m pretty sure it was 2 way contracts. Get him signed and have stockton run an offense similar to what we run and let Harry play his game.
Yeah, there’s a new rule called the “The Harry Giles” rule that allows players to retain a year of eligibility for a 2-way contract if they happen to miss a year due to medical reasons. Tatum is a friend of Giles and helped Giles get this issue traction and got it added to the new cap rules.
Given Giles’ passing acumen, he’d be the ideal backup to Domas. But for whatever reason Giles can’t seem to put it together.
The reason is the knees, son.
Jaren Jackson says playing video games makes him better. I love Tony Hawk It made ma a better person as well.
Isn’t Summer League still going on? Yet no posts here in four or five days.
yes Kings at 3-2 with all the key guys sitting but Slawson got 17 !
Nerlens Noel on the cheap! There’s your backup center with rim protection.
Looks like the Neemias Queta experiment is over in Sacramento. Would have love to have Queta as the 3rd Center but I guess the FO and coaching staff doesn’t think that he is ready for the big club.
Badge Legend