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The Kings are focused on defense in Summer League, but can it carry over to the regular season?

A lot needs to change on the defensive end for the Kings to become a good team. In Las Vegas, Bobby Jackson is doing what he can to start that process.
By | 96 Comments | Aug 12, 2021

Aug 10, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Chimezie Metu (25) pressures Washington Wizards guard Jordan Goodwin (0) during an NBA Summer League game at Cox Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The Sacramento Kings were historically bad on defense last season and finished last in the NBA in defensive rating. And while the offensive promise of De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton is exciting, the team will never improve enough to be a consistent playoff team without a substantial shift in how it approaches defense.

Retaining Richaun Holmes and adding Alex Len should help, but it is going to take a mixture of a completely different strategy in the way Luke Walton coaches defense; Fox and Haliburton placing an emphasis on stopping the ball; and hopefully Davion Mitchell’s drive helps push the culture toward defense so all the players buy in. Every offseason in Sacramento we hear about the need for better defense. We hear about how there is going to be a renewed focus, and seemingly every subsequent regular season we see it slip away as quickly as the Buddy Hield-to-the-Lakers trade. And the cycle is continuing, just hopefully with a different outcome this time around.

In a new baby step toward trying to make the Kings a better defensive team, Sacramento Kings Summer League Head Coach Bobby Jackson has placed emphasis on defense in Las Vegas. And in the team’s first two games it has shown. The Kings held the New Orleans Hornets to 70 points on Monday and then held the Wizards to 75 points on Tuesday. Jackson said it started in training camp and continued to build in the California Classic.

“Once we know we can get into you and rattle you and make things hard and difficult for you, it just allows us to play with a little more confidence and we started that in training camp. We worked on defense for the first 45 minutes, we didn’t do any offense,” Jackson said. “I just wanted to change the outlook of how people talk about us. So I came in saying we’re going to only focus on defense for the first 30-45 minutes and the guys bought into it. The only way we’re going to be really good is everybody has to accept that challenge and be really good and tough on the ball and off the ball.”

Mitchell, the Baylor star whose calling card is defense, is a catalyst to this. Following the win over the Hornets in which Mitchell locked down fellow lottery pick and offensive standout James Bouknight, Jackson said, “You see why he is really special. He plays with pace, he can get everybody involved, he didn’t have a turnover tonight and 9 assists. He was a floor general tonight, but he defended at a high level and made sure he was locked in defensively. And when we can do that it changes the scope of everything. It allows us to be just a different team.”

Mitchell watched filmed on Bouknight the night before playing against him. Mitchell noticed Bouknight is good when in space and so he just tried to take away that space, but also repeatedly credited his teammates for the defensive stance against Bouknight (nice to see his team mentality). Bouknight finished with 11 points, with 5 turnovers and went 1-5 from three.

Chimezie Metu sees how Mitchell can impact the whole team.

“He is amazing on defense. And I had heard about him last year, but seeing him up close it’s pretty insane. It gets boring sometimes on defense just standing there watching him hound whoever is dribbling. But he’s great, man. Obviously that was something we were lacking last year. I feel like he’s going to come in and be a really big spark for us. It’s exciting having him around,” Metu said.

And it isn’t just Mitchell playing with a sense of purpose on defense. Metu and Louis King both tallied four steals against the Hornets. King also had two steals against the Wizards to go along with a nice stat line of 16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 0 turnovers. Neemias Queta also has been a nice interior presence.

As a team the Kings have played decent team defense and are maintaining a level of intensity on that side of the ball. They forced the Hornets into 22 turnovers and the Wizards into 21 turnovers and have 27 total steals. The Wizards shot 24 percent from three and the Hornets shot 25 percent from three against the Kings.

“When you get stops it just gives you a lot of confidence on the offensive end. It gets you out, it allows you to run, come up with turnovers and we’re just trying to play aggressive, physical defense, communicate, talk, have each other’s back and just be super explosive on the ball and off the ball and the guys are doing an amazing job and they’re competing for me every single night,” Jackson said.

Jackson also said that Mitchell, while a good on-ball defender and has shown promise scoring the ball, still needs to work on his off-ball defense.

“That’s his bread and butter – his toughness, the way he approaches the game, how he defends. He’s a really great on-ball defender, has to get better off the ball. We’ve talked about it, but he sets the tone at the top of the key offensively and defensively for us. Really crafty, still learning the game and I think his toughness allows us to be a tough team and it’s just how we want to play,” Jackson said.

Summer League is known for its hot takes and overreactions. The talent level isn’t anywhere near what it is in the NBA, so everything must be taken with a grain of salt. Two games of good defense with a majority of players who won’t be in the regular rotation this season in Vegas does not mean the Kings will be a good defensive team in the 2021-22 campaign, but you have to start somewhere.

Kudos to Jackson for setting the tone.

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Marty
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August 12, 2021 2:25 pm

Hello Marginal Player Transformation Expectations, how I’ve missed you.

WizsSox
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August 12, 2021 2:48 pm
Reply to  Marty

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Kosta
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August 12, 2021 2:26 pm

I loved Bobby then, and I love him now.
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Last edited 2 years ago by Kosta
NorCalKingsFan
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August 12, 2021 2:27 pm

I love seeing what BJax has been putting together with the SL team,, hope it carries over to his G -league team. The defensive mentality is evident from tipoff.

King4life
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August 12, 2021 2:34 pm

Buddy and Bagley are still on the roster so I’m going to go ahead and safely assume that no, the defense won’t transfer over to the regular season.

Sacto_J
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August 12, 2021 3:17 pm
Reply to  King4life

You forgot the guy whose job it is to run this team, Luke Walton. So this emphasis on defense has little to no chance what so ever, unfortunately.

andy_sims
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August 12, 2021 3:44 pm
Reply to  Sacto_J

That’s pretty much the beginning and end of the conversation, unfortunately. I expect that there will be improvement, but it will be in spite of whatever it is that Luke Walton does all day.

TerzoM
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August 12, 2021 6:32 pm
Reply to  Sacto_J

Kings with BJAX – Looking Pretty
Kings with Walton…..comment image

Gregoryl
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August 13, 2021 9:33 am
Reply to  Sacto_J

With the expectations coming into the season, especially on the defensive end, I can’t see Walton lasting past the AS Break.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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August 12, 2021 3:18 pm
Reply to  King4life

Agreed. Anyone else getting a little bit more and more nervous that every day that passes the possibility that Buddy and Bagley are on the roster to start the season increases?

TheGrantNapear
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August 12, 2021 3:47 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Of course the more time passes, the more likely they’ll be on the roster opening night. I don’t have a problem with that, they’ll eventually get traded before the trade deadline for a better return. As King’s fans, we can only hope they play well and increase their trade value as currently both of their trade values are as about as low as it can get. So no, I’m not nervous or worried about them still being on the team

andy_sims
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August 12, 2021 4:17 pm
Reply to  TheGrantNapear

Same, them sticking through summer wouldn’t be a shocker. Hield is going to play, because he should play, both because he’s an elite volume shooter, and to showcase him. He should get fewer minutes than previous season, but Walton is trying to prove that he isn’t the worst coach in history, so we’ll see.

My hope is that Bagley will show up healthy, and stronger, and has spent his off-time getting better. He’s still got the physical tools to be one hell of a player, but everything else is up in the air. I hope that he’s so good that you have to play him. He has no future here, but he could still help get a good return. If he doesn’t show any real progress, then he’s still an expiring contract, and that’s got value.

Carl
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August 12, 2021 7:07 pm
Reply to  andy_sims

Above average.

Marty
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August 12, 2021 10:13 pm
Reply to  TheGrantNapear

Hello Marginal Player Performance Expectations Prior to the Trade Deadline, how I’ve missed you.

we can only hope they play well and increase their trade value

Greg
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August 12, 2021 4:05 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

I’ve been thinking about this. It makes me nervous, but October is still a long ways away. We’re still three days away from the deadline on Justin James’ contract option. We’re in the middle of summer league. Lots of time still.

CastlePeak
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August 13, 2021 5:08 am
Reply to  Greg

Agreed. Would include that Buddy has some nice value as evidenced by the batch of players and possible pick from the Lakers. Team Bagley’s value not so great now, but should improve if he stays healthy and because of the salary slot and RFA status next year. Have no problem with Monte taking his time on this. He has time and flexibility with the mix of players, picks and contracts that he can move.

Carl
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August 12, 2021 7:09 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Monte is going to be on the hotseat if all he does is swap around bench players and draft a guard, and the team doesn’t win any more games yet again this season.

RikSmits
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August 12, 2021 9:36 pm
Reply to  Carl

It depends on how expensive the hotseat is and if ownership can afford one.

If Doug replaces Walton before the season is over, you’ll know that this franchise is (still) dominated by lack of cash considerations.

TheFifthMookie
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August 13, 2021 8:42 am
Reply to  RikSmits

If Doug replaces Walton before the season is over, you’ll know that this franchise is (still) dominated by lack of cash considerations.

I hadn’t even considered this possibility, but now that I’ve read it, it seems so incredibly plausible and possible for the Kings to do this, despite it being a horrible idea.

RikSmits
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August 13, 2021 11:01 am
Reply to  TheFifthMookie

It worked with Vlade. He was at least as bad as Pete D, but he was a hero from the Kings glory years, and plenty of fans kept supporting him.

I suspect many fans will say that Doug is a great choice, and will yada yada away his lack of coaching experience, and will point at his ability to learn on the job, like was done with Vlade.

I will be somewhat surprised if this won’t happen.

andy_sims
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August 13, 2021 12:45 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

I think DC could probably be a pretty good coach someday, but that day isn’t particularly soon, and it’s certainly not in the next twelve months. I am very pleased that he’s accepted the assistant coaching position, because I do believe that with his attention to detail, there will be a lot of ways for him to help players get better.

At this moment, I think it’s an ideal job for him.

9sac8
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August 13, 2021 1:47 pm
Reply to  TheFifthMookie

Or with BJax

BasketballHella
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August 13, 2021 2:15 pm
Reply to  TheFifthMookie

Get ready for it….it’s coming.

TheFifthMookie
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August 13, 2021 8:40 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Yup, and I don’t see a role for them on the court this year either. Time to invest in potential rather than what could have been.

RAP87
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August 12, 2021 4:07 pm
Reply to  King4life

I’m willing to bet Buddy and Bagley would be on the Kings roster opening night.

Prove me wrong Monte!

murraytant
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August 12, 2021 3:10 pm

This is SL where Donte Greene was a star. The Kings SL team does play better defense and seems to enjoy that. There will be some carry-over to the real team.
I do think Mitchell is key to this. Defense is infectious and Mitchell, when he plays will set a tone and hopefully the others will b either inspired or shamed into following suit.
I would love to see Mitchell pick up full court and to see more full court traps.
Mitchell’s on ball defense has secondary effects. Once hounded, his players seem to throw bad passes. I would like to see some dying quails up there that Fox and Hali can turn into buckets.
I believe the team will not have the leagues worst defense but finish just below the middle.
Defense is scheme, coaching, desire and players.

rockbottom
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August 12, 2021 3:20 pm
Reply to  murraytant

Agree in that Davion does bring an edge that was not apparent last season ! Kings will improve from the worst to not the worst ! Tiny steps but steps !

TheFifthMookie
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August 13, 2021 8:46 am
Reply to  murraytant

When the Kings drafted Mitchell, I had no idea who he was – but based on what I’ve seen so far, he might be my favorite kings player in a few months. Dude was electric.

Convoy
August 12, 2021 3:32 pm

A good defense starts with the team’s owner buying in to appropriately running her/his team. Until the basic mechanisms of sports business hmanagement are defended, the shitshow will continue. 

andy_sims
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August 12, 2021 3:42 pm
Reply to  Convoy

I’m going to replace “a good defense” with other things, and see what happens:

Show-stopping dunks starts with the team’s owner buying in to appropriately running her/his team. Until the basic mechanisms of sports business hmanagement are defended, the shitshow will continue.

De’Aaron Fox improving his three-point shooting starts with the team’s owner buying in to appropriately running her/his team. Until the basic mechanisms of sports business hmanagement are defended, the shitshow will continue.

Improving players’ attitudes while on the bench starts with the team’s owner buying in to appropriately running her/his team. Until the basic mechanisms of sports business hmanagement are defended, the shitshow will continue.

Nah, still doesn’t make sense.

TheGrantNapear
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August 12, 2021 3:49 pm
Reply to  andy_sims

You seem to defend any anti-VIvek comment, interesting.

andy_sims
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August 12, 2021 4:19 pm
Reply to  TheGrantNapear

Interesting is it? Do explain.

And what’s to defend? The above is word salad.

andy_sims
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August 12, 2021 3:32 pm

comment image

TheGrantNapear
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August 12, 2021 3:51 pm

The Kings are focused on defense in Summer League, but can it carry over to the regular season?

Yes, have Luke and BJax swap jobs.

andy_sims
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August 12, 2021 4:19 pm
Reply to  TheGrantNapear

This…this is not the solution this franchise needs.

TheFifthMookie
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August 13, 2021 8:48 am
Reply to  andy_sims

but it is the kind of solution this franchise often chooses

andy_sims
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August 13, 2021 9:46 am
Reply to  TheFifthMookie

That…that is a fact.

Carl
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August 12, 2021 3:58 pm

The Kings are focused on defense in Summer League, but can it carry over to the regular season?

comment image

Last edited 2 years ago by Carl
RobHessing
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August 12, 2021 4:21 pm
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Kosta
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August 12, 2021 4:30 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

Will the Kings’ defense improve? Will they make the playoffs?

Or will we be stuck in the same cycle?
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Last edited 2 years ago by Kosta
murraytant
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August 12, 2021 6:47 pm
Reply to  Kosta

Defense will improve. By a little.
Kings will miss playoffs
JJ contract due in 3 days- maybe a deal by then for something.
I think the Len signing is on a sort of hold- get the rest of the logjams cleared or JJ dropped and then do it.

Carl
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August 12, 2021 7:11 pm
Reply to  murraytant

I don’t think there’s any reason to pick up James contract. You have to cycle through these low level players. If you don’t find something, move on. There’s another player who might turn into a rotation guy.

andy_sims
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August 13, 2021 9:47 am
Reply to  Carl

I’m inclined to agree. He’s shown flashes, but it’s time to give him the chance to explore other opportunities.

AnybodyButBagley
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August 13, 2021 7:13 pm
Reply to  Carl

Almost two decades of “potential”. Do what the rest of the real NBA does. Move on……

murraytant
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August 13, 2021 5:09 pm
Reply to  murraytant

Kings have 15 players on contract with JJ and Len not officially signed yet. I suspect JJ goes unless TT can be traded for a future. That would be my preference. That would mean Wright got wronged but too many centers now.

Pistola916
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August 12, 2021 10:29 pm

I’m going to say yes by default. It can’t get any worse than last season, so instead of allowing 120, they’ll allow 119. Boom! Improvment!

HongKongKingsFan
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August 12, 2021 10:54 pm
Reply to  Pistola916

Don’t be too pessimistic.

we got a more “consistent” roster starting from Day 1 of regular season. (Harkless and Davis retained, instead of GR3 , JJ , Guy and Jeffries)

those retained guys at least play average defense.

I would said, we won’t be ranked last in defense.

Henry
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August 12, 2021 11:45 pm

Only if Walton changes as a coach, or is changed as coach.

AnybodyButBagley
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August 13, 2021 1:39 am

Same coach that has never been defense focused. Same owner that forced this coach to start Bagley, the worst defender in the NBA.

All going to add up to the same post game conversation that talks about toughness and defense but never describes an actual defensive system or benching soft players.

kings4ever
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August 13, 2021 7:30 am

Big game tonight, boys!   Davion and Co going for the Chip! 

Zaire Williams is on a 5000 calorie per day diet, in other words, the average American diet.  This man had to drop jaws when he showed to his workout, including SAC. He’s so skinny, bordering anorexic, he wears an undershirt below his jersey to conceal his pencil arms and anti-Dwight shoulders.  

There’s KD lean, then theres this kid. He is skilled with a beautiful shot and space creating moves, obviously better than House Plant, who has been a total flop for ORL, playing scared and beta, but in retrospect it is fortunate we did not take him.  He’s not 6’10 as falsely reported to try to boost his draft stock.

ZW has good defensive instincts but I do not see him as an impact player on D until he adds 15-20 pounds.  Finishing at the rim is going to be difficult too unless he has a clear path as he easily gets pushed off his lane.  So he’s a situational player, more of a SG than SF for the next 12-18 months. How does that help us in the immediate future? 

I look forward to ZW vs Louie King to see the talent and size differential, and which way it leans. 

Speaking of total flops, Scottie Bust has been Woodard-level cringe most of the SL. Who told you the guys game was trash?  He yelled at the top of his lungs “BOOM BITCH” when he made a wide open 3 in the 1st quarter and fans interpret this as endearing.  

Maybe it is just me but I like quiet intensity a la Off Night and proportionate displays of emotion and a player who acts like he has been there and done that before. The other side of the coin of a player who gets overly excited, is the response to adversity is going to be extreme as well, and self-defeating. 

There was one epitomizing play Scottie Bust had a 1-on-1 open floor against Kyle Guy.  He could have gone left.  He could have gone right.  Or he could have dunked on Kyle Guy’s head.  Instead he shot an awkward floater from 5 feet that was like a missle out of his hands, the smooth silky touch of a guy wearing oven mitts. 

SB gets his own rebound, has a wide open layup and misses by two feet.  Then he gets his miss again. By this time the defense has converged, and panic sets in.  Well you can imagine what happens on the third attempt, but I encourage you find the clip if you want a chuckle.
This comedy would not be worth mentioning if it was a one-off, but this type of sequence is all over his college tape. Ladies and gentleman, Scottie B, 4th pick of the draft.  Swallowed hole by the defensive ferocity of Kyle Guy.

TOR knows what they are doing, in general, and I think that they think they can transform Barnes through their skills training program, like they did with OG and Siakum. I do not think they were necessarily blind to the defeciencies of Barnes, but they may be brazenly over-confident in their developmental system to take this fundamentally farcical player and turn him into a force.  Just like ORL is going to regret House Plant over Davion, TOR is going to regret SB over Suggs.  

One last takeaway, recalibrating my projections: Kuminga has not been very good for GSW.  But that dude plays with assertiveness. And he is friggin huge.  He may be able to play at 240 pounds. I envisioned Kuminga pre-draft as a less talented Andrew Wiggins. Kumiga however projects as a big forward more than small forward, so that means he does not have to be as skilled to make plays.  I bet if you put Kuminga next to Marvin, for example, you would see that Kuminga is more imposing physically, so being able to move him down a position and projecting him to be able to exploit his size makes his outlook more promising.  

Comments_404
August 13, 2021 8:25 am
Reply to  kings4ever

House Plant? Is that suppose to be Jalen Suggs?

Bbmuteman
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August 13, 2021 8:41 am
Reply to  Comments_404

Franz wagner

Comments_404
August 13, 2021 8:49 am
Reply to  Bbmuteman

Thanks. I was confuse since K4E mention ORL will regret not drafting Davion (PG) and since they did draft Suggs (PG). I thought it was referring to him over Wagner.

andy_sims
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August 13, 2021 9:50 am
Reply to  kings4ever

“Nineteen year-old has body of skinny teenager.”

And I guess that it will never change.

murraytant
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August 13, 2021 10:07 am
Reply to  kings4ever

House Plant is the dude from Michigan Franz Wagner. And, so far, this is an apt description. I love your description, as well, of S. Barnes. He appears awkward and flailing. They should have taken Suggs who looks smooth and confident.
Mitchell is a good player and has a special skill but is not Jevon Carter or Pat Bev who have minimal offense. He was maybe the BPA at that spot. Moody was more need but Mitchell seems better player and it is tough to keep your eyes off him.
On the other hand, I did like Sengun , in part because I thought Mitchell was redundant on the Kings. “Alpie” has looked very good.
Kuminga is athletic and skillful but lacks a certain BB sense. He grabs and goes and plays “let’s get physical”.
I do believe and have read that the duds preferred Giddey, maybe Wagner and Mitchell at #9 but Kuminga dropped and they felt he was a better trade chip in their poor attempt to trade. Then they wanted Duarte at #14 and were desperately trying to get Pacers to trade.
They are still in the Simmonds sweepstakes.
This does appear to be a good rookie class.
I know there was a lot of love for Z. Williams but I agree with Kings4ever- the guy is a bean pole- he makes Bol Bol look buff. Does not matter how good the shot looks, if you can be bumped off rhythm it is meaningless

RAP87
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August 13, 2021 10:08 am
Reply to  kings4ever

I’m not putting too much stock on SL but ZW has been more impressive than Wagner so far. Nice to see how he fairs against the Kings tonight.

Carl
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August 13, 2021 10:43 am
Reply to  kings4ever

This man had to drop jaws when he showed to his workout, including SAC. He’s so skinny, bordering anorexic

.

l his pencil arms and anti-Dwight shoulders. 

.

And he is friggin huge.

Voison’d

andy_sims
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August 13, 2021 12:47 pm
Reply to  Carl

That was so solid that your hair went curly.

Sacto_J
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August 13, 2021 11:56 am
Reply to  kings4ever

I have a nickname for you:
Rambles4ever

Way to stay on topic, Rambles…

MyNeighborTurturro
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August 13, 2021 3:24 pm
Reply to  Sacto_J

Rambles Forever sounds like a rejected Dick Tracy villain. I can still get behind it, though.

SMF-PDXConnection
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August 13, 2021 8:38 am

No.

The only defense Walton knows how to field is his legal one.

Hamlet1989
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August 13, 2021 9:19 am

I just looked at the Kings depth chart on Hoopshype. They have starting:
Fox
Hield
Harkless
Barnes
Holmes
They have Woodard as the only back-up three, and Bagley is the 3rd power-forward behind Metu.
At this point, I see the Kings starting the exact same squad as last season.

Hamlet1989
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August 13, 2021 9:32 am
Reply to  Hamlet1989

Also, if I were Haliburton’s agent I would likely already have informed Monte that Tyrese will not ever sign another contract with this franchise, and if he doesn’t start this year, I’m demanding a trade. I believe the Kings franchise cost him the Roy last season by choosing to start Buddy over Hali when Ty was obviously the better player, and fit with the starters. It feels like they’re damaging Haliburton’s career in order to salvage Buddy’s, and for they’re own sake! They’re throwing-away good talent after bad. Kangz!
I’m beginning to wonder if firing is a fate too good for Luke. He should be subject to, at least civil, if not criminal liabilities!

Hamlet1989
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August 13, 2021 9:40 am
Reply to  Hamlet1989

Also, it seems like their probably gonna do the same with Davion this year. I could totally see Luke starting Moe Harkless, and Buddy Hield all season, while Hali and Mitchell stew away glued to the bench. I’ve heard Ty talk about not minding a bench role, but that’s why young professional athletes hire professional agents to manage their careers, and I can’t imagine Hali’s agent being thrilled with the prospect of watching Tyrese sucking hind teat behind Buddy Hield.

Last edited 2 years ago by Hamlet1989
WizsSox
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August 13, 2021 11:10 am
Reply to  Hamlet1989

Quite the tirade of responses to something that has happened and nobody has implied will happen besides a website that didn’t source anybody. But hey let’s get fired up!

Also Hali’s agent can say whatever the hell he wants. They have his rights if they want till the end of the decade. I don’t think they are going to continually try to screw him over. He did play 30 mins a game last year as a rookie…I don’t think they short changed him.

andy_sims
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August 13, 2021 9:51 am
Reply to  Hamlet1989

Monte to Hallibirton’s agent in this wildly fictional dialogue:

“Get fucked.”

Hamlet1989
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August 13, 2021 9:53 am
Reply to  andy_sims

That’ll help build this team!

Hamlet1989
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August 13, 2021 9:56 am
Reply to  Hamlet1989

Also, his phone may be busy

Hamlet1989
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August 13, 2021 9:56 am
Reply to  Hamlet1989

Almost certainly busier than Monte’s!

Hamlet1989
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August 13, 2021 10:02 am
Reply to  Hamlet1989

Hali’s agent figures if he’s gonna get fucked anyway, it may as well be by The L@#$%rs where they can at least get some endorsement money in lieu of a kiss

Sacto_J
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August 16, 2021 4:03 pm
Reply to  Hamlet1989

I’m…. just…
wow.
Go get ’em, tiger.

Hamlet1989
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August 13, 2021 10:04 am
Reply to  andy_sims

I sure hope your not a hostage negotiator!

WizsSox
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August 13, 2021 11:11 am
Reply to  Hamlet1989

I mean at this point you look as if you are negotiating with yourself with these responses.comment image

Last edited 2 years ago by WizsSox
andy_sims
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August 13, 2021 12:48 pm
Reply to  Hamlet1989

I’ve never been asked, but I’d give it a shot.

And at least I’m not serially responding to myself.

Carl
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August 13, 2021 2:07 pm
Reply to  andy_sims

I sure hope your not a hostage negotiator!

.

I’d give it a shot.

comment image

Last edited 2 years ago by Carl
RobHessing
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August 13, 2021 11:20 am
Reply to  Hamlet1989

Well, ROY is right up there with COY for least important and meaningful NBA awards, so my guess is that you’re a lot more worked up about this than team Haliburton is.

Honestly, they took the #12 pick in the draft and spun him into the #3 rookie in the draft. As much as I am in agreement that this organization is at least a bit of a shitshow, I thought that they handled Haliburton rather well last year. In a compressed season he was one of only four rookies to average more than 30 minutes per game.

Hamlet1989
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August 13, 2021 6:54 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

It hasn’t been an issue, and suppose it does sound a bit like solving a problem we don’t have. Maybe I’m jaded from seeing the Kings ruin so many good careers. I don’t think there are many here in Sacramento with a lot (or any) more experience building championship teams, than myself, which is none. I’m not sure Monte knows how. Or Andy Sims. I don’t. I know there’s always a lot going on behind the scenes with agents and I can’t help but wonder. I’m concerned about the front office aligning priorities with the careers of our young core. People are talking about how impersonal Monte is as a GM, and about how he gave Fox a maximum contract and then spent his next two first rounders on point guards. Is this FO entirely unconcerned? Is Fox? I really doubt they told anyone to “fuck off.” I hope not. I see Monte as likely pulled in different directions between prudent management of assets, players, Vivek, agents. It must feel very precarious, especially the Vivek part.
Do you think though that they can continue to keep Tyrese on the bench without causing a problem? Or are you convinced he’ll start this year? I don’t know of anyone in the organization addressing the matter or sorting out a starting line-up. And I think we’ve seen this team start “their guys” before without them earning it. They’ve been doing it with Bagley since he was drafted.

Hamlet1989
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August 13, 2021 6:59 pm
Reply to  Hamlet1989

And Oh yeah. Thanks, Rob, for providing an intelligent response to what I admit is likely an over-reaction to what is likely a non-issue.

Last edited 2 years ago by Hamlet1989
Sacto_J
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August 16, 2021 4:10 pm
Reply to  Hamlet1989

“People are talking about how impersonal Monte is as a GM…”

I’d be interested in reading up on this, can you cite any sources?

I just don’t think Monte’s the problem, yet, so I’m curious; how many minutes do you want Tyrese to play, exactly? As Rob mentioned, they gave him an average of 30 a night…

AnybodyButBagley
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August 13, 2021 7:20 pm
Reply to  Hamlet1989

They dedicated three years to Bagley……

They are loyal.

AnybodyButBagley
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August 13, 2021 7:18 pm
Reply to  Hamlet1989

Bagley is still not listed low enough in the depth chart.

Can you have a DNP category in a depth chart?

jwalker1395
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August 13, 2021 10:57 am

Speaking of defense….the more time that goes by the more I believe Barnes+Bagley+1st could get us Ben Simmons. It doesn’t seem the Sixers are getting anywhere near what they want for him, and rumors are swirling that Ben is showing displeasure with the organization. Tbh, Morey may end up in a position where he has to dump him now before his value gets lower (assuming he doesn’t suddenly develop a reliable jumpshot between now and the trade deadline) and before Philly’s championship window closes shut.

Fox Mitchell
Hali Davis Ramsay James
Buddy Harkless Woodard
Simmons Thompson Metu
Holmes Len Jones

Looks like a #6 seed to me!

cloudyeyes
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August 13, 2021 12:20 pm
Reply to  jwalker1395

I don’t think 76ers do this. The trade is basically Fox for Simmons when browsing 76ers websites/forums. They want a pairing next to Embiid and Bagley/Barnes doesn’t do it.

cloudyeyes
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August 13, 2021 12:28 pm
Reply to  cloudyeyes

But think of that trade a bit, team composition wise – as much as it sucks losing Fox, I get it.

Mitchell/Haliburton
Buddy/Haliburton
Barnes
Simmons
Holmes

Mitchell looks as advertised on defense. Barnes is above average on defense. Haliburton can come in and provide defense, Simmons was runner up for Defensive Player of the Year. Holmes is also great at defense. Execute that trade and we have excellent defenders in every slot.

We also pick up Simmons to be a point forward. He can distribute the ball in the paint with cuts and we’ll have elite 3 point shooters surrounding him on offense. Even though I don’t want to lose Fox, my gut tells me our team would be better with

Mitchell/Haliburton
Buddy/Haliburton
Barnes
Simmons
Holmes

instead of

Fox/Mitchell
Haliburton/Mitchell
Buddy
Barnes
Holmes

RAP87
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August 13, 2021 1:31 pm
Reply to  cloudyeyes

Yup, trading Fox for Simmons is the only way the Kings can guarantee getting Simmons as well as not mortgaging the future by sending multiple 1st to the Sixers. Plus it balances the roster out with Haliburton at the point and Mitchell as your 6th man.

AnybodyButBagley
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August 13, 2021 7:27 pm
Reply to  cloudyeyes

Still have a coach who does not know what to do with players that play defense.

Gregoryl
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August 13, 2021 4:35 pm
Reply to  cloudyeyes

I heard KC on 1320 talking abt this the other day, and it made sense, and also makes sense for why he may not be a good fit for the Kings. He basically said that Simmons as a 6’11 PG is what makes him special. If the Kings did what the Sixers did and moved him to a F position, he’s just not that special anymore.

murraytant
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August 13, 2021 5:17 pm
Reply to  Gregoryl

Simmonds “specialness” is that he is a 6/10 PG who can run, dribble and pass but he can’t shoot, a requirement for PG in my book. Hence he moves to PF where his special skills are not so special anymore.
I would trade Buddy + Bagley and a protected first but that’s it. I do believe the duds can offer a better package but Philly has to see the future as bright for Kuminga, Moody and Wiseman.

jwalker1395
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August 14, 2021 11:01 am
Reply to  cloudyeyes

This off-season has shown it’s not really a matter of what they want, so much as what other teams are willing to give them. Seems like the high mark has been Brogdon+1st. I’d take a reliable replacement forward, a flyer on a young athletic scorer and a FRP over that. I’ve personally been staunchly against trading Fox unless picks or one of their prospects came back with Simmons.

SexyNapear
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August 13, 2021 12:09 pm

Would anyone include Davion Mitchell as a chip in a blockbuster deal? Or has he seduced too many fans at this point? He just might be turning into one of the Kings’ biggest trade assets as he continues along at Summer league.

TheGrantNapear
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August 13, 2021 12:36 pm
Reply to  SexyNapear

I’d certainly include him in a Ben Simmons deal.
Davion’s cieling is likely Marcus Smart with a little better offensive game. If Davion shows out early in the season, I could see him included in a trade as a legit piece.

SexyNapear
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August 13, 2021 2:24 pm
Reply to  TheGrantNapear

I don’t really get the Ben Simmons love. At least not for the Kings. He seems kind of broken at this point and, with the exception of Chris Webber, not many players end up rejuvenating their career in Sacramento.

cloudyeyes
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August 13, 2021 3:53 pm
Reply to  SexyNapear

Also remember Richmond was traded for Webber. Sometimes big moves are needed to win.

WizsSox
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August 13, 2021 4:50 pm
Reply to  cloudyeyes

Trading a 32 year old All Star with 1 year left on his deal for a 24 year old All Star with 3 years left on his deal, is not exactly an apples to apples comparison in trading Fox for Simmons.

Looking back that trade is flippin’ laughable from an asset standpoint, regardless of Webber’s off court drama. Unfortunately Wes Unseld is not the GM anymore : )

But yes, big moves for big change I will agree with.

Last edited 2 years ago by WizsSox
murraytant
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August 13, 2021 5:18 pm
Reply to  cloudyeyes

Mitch was “old” at that point- he did not last long after that move.

Hamlet1989
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August 14, 2021 9:02 am
Reply to  SexyNapear

He’s a 24 year old, All-NBA, All-Star, perennial DPOY candidate, and Sac hasn’t even had an All-Star in years. Also, worst defensive team in NBA history.
Some people just don’t like Simmons and I get that, but it shouldn’t be too hard to see the logic. His talents are as obvious as his flaws.

Last edited 2 years ago by Hamlet1989

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