As far as weeks go, that was one of the more entertaining ones of the season, with the Kings ending it on a high note with a clutch overtime win at home against the Houston Rockets. All in all, not a bad week of Kings basketball after some truly depressing games over the last month or so, and just in time for the holiday season.
Bottom tier franchise, God-tier fanbase
Last night was pretty cathartic for myself and I’m guessing a lot of the fan base that was in attendance for the game against Houston. I was given last minute tickets from a co-worker and I almost turned them down because of how miserable this team has been, but I’m glad I didn’t. Basketball in the end, is supposed to be fun and last night was very fun. You could feel the energy in the building waiting to be released, and then those big shots down the stretch caused the entire building to erupt. You’d never know from being in the building or watching on TV that this was supposed to be one of the worst teams in the league. The enthusiasm and passion this city has for this team is unparalleled, and they truly deserve so much more than they’ve gotten over the years. I hope this team can figure this rebuild out for once, because no fan base needs a long stretch of success more than this one.
Better without LaVine?
Last week ended with the news that the Kings would be without Zach LaVine for at least a few weeks thanks to an ankle sprain suffered in the loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. LaVine’s absence meant that Doug Christie was able to experiment a little bit more with the starting lineup and rotation for the last few games, and I like what he’s done. The Kings are finally playing with a bit more size, moving DeMar DeRozan to the two and inserting Precious Achiuwa into the frontcourt next to Maxime Raynaud and Keegan Murray. Part of that may have been simply due to matchups, as the Kings played two very large teams in the Trail Blazers and Rockets this week, but it’s a look I’ve been wanting to see from the Kings and they seem to at least be more well balanced for it, even if they still have to play small a lot of the time. The Kings managed to be in every single game they played this week, and probably should have been 2-1 overall. Playing better without one of your supposed best players doesn’t make sense, but it does when you look at this team’s roster construction. I bet it might have looked a bit similar if say DeMar DeRozan had been out and LaVine was available instead (although I do think DeMar does more of the little things than LaVine does). This team badly needs rebalancing, and these injuries have only served to highlight that as the Kings have been more efficient working with less.
NBA officiating has somehow gotten even worse
The NBA’s had an officiating problem for a while now, but it just seems to be getting worse and worse. Sacramento’s first loss to the Blazers this week ended on one of the most absurd foul calls I’ve ever seen, where Deni Avdija basically punched Russell Westbrook in the head with the ball and flailed and got a whistle. A few nights later, the Kings nearly lost to Houston after Westbrook got called for a foul on a three because Jabari Smith kicked out his leg. The Kings weren’t able to challenge the call because Doug Christie had already had to use both his challenges on calls that were so obvious at the time that it shouldn’t have needed a review in the first place. And don’t get me started on the uselessness of the league’s two-minute reports. I’d highly recommend this Thinking Basketball video highlighting the officiating problem. I’m not sure what the solution is, but there needs to be some sort of course correction to this epidemic of foul baiting and grifting across the league.
Send this DeMar DeRozan game tape to everyone in the NBA
What DeMar DeRozan did against the Portland Trail Blazers last week was something I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. The man had 11 points with under a minute left in regulation and finished with 33 points, most of those in overtime. It was a masterclass in clutch shooting, and it probably should have resulted in a Kings win if not for the aforementioned ref shenanigans. DeRozan has been nothing but a professional since coming to Sacramento, even if it clearly hasn’t been what either he or the Kings were hoping it would be. There’s plenty of teams that could use his services, and his performance this last week or so is probably making Sacramento’s job of finding him a new home just a bit easier.
Sabonis out even longer
Domantas Sabonis’ original injury prognosis timeline for his meniscus tear in his knee was 3-4 weeks, but his latest re-evaluation is that he’s out for another 4-5 weeks. Given the Kings situation this season, there’s no need to rush him back at all, and if need be, the Kings should just shut him down. Knee injuries are no joke, and a meniscus tear is what ended up ruining Chris Webber’s career. Let Max and Dylan Cardwell keep getting some extended looks, and let Domas get some rest and heal up for the next season. Plus, I’ve liked what we’ve seen from the young bigs so far, especially Raynaud, who looks like he’s going to make an All-Rookie team at this rate. Since becoming a starter, Max is averaging 11.6 points and 9.9 rebounds in 30.9 minutes a game, not bad work for a rookie. With Eubanks also out, the opportunities are there for Cardwell as well, who is quickly becoming a fan favorite with his energy and hustle. Who knows if there’s anything there, but at least he’s going to get some opportunity over the next few weeks.
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Upcoming Schedule:
- Tuesday, December 23rd vs. Detroit Pistons
- Saturday, December 27th vs. Dallas Mavericks
- Sunday, December 28th at Los Angeles Lakers
Team has been much more fun to watch the last couple weeks.
We still suck, but much better effort on both ends
IMO Monk should play more and Westbrook less. Westbrook is a look at me player where Monk is a team player. Keegan Murray got hot last night especially in the second’ half then in total of 10 minutes left in the game he got the ball once. IMO that’s Westbrooks fault. You go win or lose at this stage of the game with Murray not Westbrook and when he is on offense he wastes neatly half the time dribbling in front of his man. He was great when he was in his prime but not now.!2 three point shots is way too much. Half of those should have gone to Murray or Schroder. Especially Murray.Sometimes I don’t go with Matt George but his comments last night were spot on. You think Doug would know this and adjust but he didn’t. I love Christie but am starting to lose my confidence as a head coach. Not giving Monk more minutes and Westbrook less seems to me a bad decision on his part. Westbrook won’t be here next year or shouldn’t because IMO the Kings should use this draft to pick a point guard who would be their future and keep Schroder to help as a backup or starter the first of next year then backup and be a mentor to whom ever the Kings pick.
I have some trade ideas that might help the Kings garner a first or two in the coming draft. I’ll share later. GO KINGS!
PS. I am gaining more confidence that Nique Clifford will be a good NBA player.His defense has really improved especially not fouling. He has good mechanics and just needs more confidence which he is getting the more he plays. IMO from where he came Cardwell is going to be a real help especially on the defensive side of the ball. Raynaud has really shown he really can play. Just needs more playing time which he is getting right now. Go rookies!
I have to disagree with you, Jack. I thought that Coach Christie should have put Westie in sooner (for ‘Nique) rather than later. He made some his TOs but he made more than enough compensatory plays, and yes, he sets a tone. And he continues to be one helluva rebounder. When his 3 pointer is hitting, he is leading this squad. I don’t think he fits well with Zach Lavine, but he fits well enough with Deebo.
Nice to see Keegan taking it upon himself to create and score, but it still seems awkward to him, a bit too often for my liking. Baby steps I guess, even in this, his 4th season – progress however slow, is still progress. He either becomes Khris Middleton/Paul George or he’s Mavs version of Harrison Barnes or Shane Battier-esque.
Looks like the new date to expect some trades is January 15th. As we’ve seen against Portland and Houston – the Kings need size. I’d rather Kuzma than Kuminga, (hemlock or strychnine, aka pick your poison) and no to Trae.
By the way – Reed Shephard was disappointing last night. He couldn’t even bring the ball up – he looked a bit too much like a tall Jimmer at times (que Jimmer dance pic). Very good shooter, not a good defender at all.
Having said that – I think a Schröder for Shephard and Tari Eason trade might go a long way for the Rockets and Sacramento. (there, Jack likes me again, because I included Eason)
UTQ, you are assuming that putting Russ earlier would have resulted in a less dramatic win, but therein lies the problem: we have no business winning this season. Let Nique play and make mistakes. Let him get the burn and let him feel the embarrassment of making a bone-headed play.
and I can’t defend against your tank argument.
In a game that a win was desired – and this game, could be argued to be same, because winning is it’s own reward in the learning process – Westie over ‘Nique. Throwing Clifford out there and “sink or swim” is one version of getting experience, not necessarily the best – that’s a larger discussion (and individualized per player). At the same time – why still, very little Keon?
That’s so Kangz …
I mostly agree with your take, but the problem is I think Russ is the only reason DeMar, LaVine and Monk have been putting in what effort they have been on the defensive end. The only reason.
I think you have to live with bad Russ to get the good Russ.
If I’m HC, I think I’m playing Russ a lot. He sets the tone
If you played Russ less would the record be worse than 7-22 ? Also, should you care and what is the franchise risking . After trade deadline they shouldn’t play at all if still here .
Depends on who you’re talking about making the decision. If it’s DC then he needs to play the players that give the team the best chance to win and get the players to play the way he wants. Build the culture.
If it’s the GM and he wants to improve the draft odds then he needs to get that player off the team or fake an injury or something.
Put me in the camp that feels the Kings have been blessed with good Russ for most of the season. He’s shooting 35% from three right now, but he’s a career 30% shooter from deep. He’s also attempting 5.1 threes per game, which is the third highest attempts of his career! If and when he comes back to Earth with his outside shooting we will see the real Russ.
He has definitely added a win or two so far this season with his play, which was exactly what I worried about when they signed him. He’s making what would be a 19 win team a 23 win team, and that doesn’t help anything.
I like that guy, but I’m looking forward to when he gets traded by the deadline. He has value to a contender at his minimum salary and the Kings need to take advantage of that as opposed to just letting him walk after he adds a couple more wins to this roster post deadline.
I think he ends up getting cut in time for a contender to pick him up for the playoffs.
Surprised he’s down to 35%. Was much higher earlier in the season. So I looked at his game logs.
In the 10 games before going 5/12 last night his 3pt shooting:
3/5, 2/5, 0/4, 2/7, 1/4, 2/3, 1/5, 0/3, 0/0, 0/5 = 11/41 = 26%
I’m thinking he only gets cut if he asks out, which may very well happen, and I would’t blame him one bit. it would be completely asinine for the Kings to sit on him until the end of the season, but they are the Kangz.
A team like Minny or Houston could use him. Something simple like Russ, McDermott, and Saric for Conley and Terrance Shannon Jr. Minny gets all expirings including Russ and the Kings get an expiring Conley and a prospect in Shannon Jr. Minny gets Russ and cuts guaranteed money.
It’s a whole lot of meh, but the Kings at least get something for Russ rental.
Westbrook is like our other vets, outdated style of play that doesn’t win much. Nobody wanted him because he’s an inefficient usage hog, only the Kings would allow him to do whatever he wants which isn’t that helpful. We’d be better off with a G league player. I’d rather watch Carter fail all year.
Good to see Cardwell getting run, we’ve needed a big that blocks shots forever and hopefully he’s rebounding well also, maybe a few dunks. That’s all you need from one of your bigs on the roster.
It’s so obvious what the Kings need to do to get better and yet it’s only injuries that seem to be forcing them to do what they should already be going all in on. Gotta go full rebuild, half measures will fail.
In regards to officiating and the use of challenges, for the life of me I don’t understand why coaches use their challenge in the first half of basketball, especially when it is something silly like an out of bounds play that doesn’t take off or put on points to the scoreboard. If it is a critical foul call on a star player on a three point contest, then fine, but why not just sit on all of you challenges until the final few moments of a close game? I can’t be convinced that using a challenge in the first 3 quarters will have much baring on the final score of the game. Save them for crunch time like like that whacky call against the Blazers.
For sure. Only reason to use a challenge in the first 3 quarters is to reverse a 3rd, 4th or 5th foul on your star so they don’t have to sit or get one put on the opponent’s star so they do have to sit.
I think it’s absurd that there is a limit on successful challenges. “Sure you caught us screwing you over twice, but that’s all the criticism we’re going to take! We will now screw you over as much as we want for the rest of the game!”
Right there with you.
I was at this game (with Ms. UtQ) and it was just plain fun. I believe I could read Doug Christie’s lips/mannerisms as he approached the Lead Official and said (to somewhat paraphrase) “Why are you making me use this challenge, why can’t you just get the call right” and they were obvious calls.
Because of the nonsense call on the out of bounds play, Coach Christie couldn’t challenge the ridiculous Westbrook call on the Jabari Smith, Jr. 3 pointer.
I was convinced the Kings were going to lose this one. I thought the Rockets carried themselves with the expectation that Sacramento was just going to fold.
I believe the referees want to have the coaches use up the challenges so they don’t have to deal with them. To me, that is a bad attitude – do the refs want to get it right, or not? Nobody believes them to be infallible, but too many of these calls are just poor officiating. Calls from across the court, or blowing the whistle by rote (the Westbrook call).
And yes, the Two Minute Report is an absolute traveshamockery. (travestry/sham/mockery).
I’m negative enough, so I’ll just say that i am happy fotr the fans that watched and for the players. Nice win.
Its funny how Rockets fans can complain about Tari making bone-headed plays (see Schroeder game winning three) and say Jabari or Sengun is soft, while we wallow in a deflated ball pounded to death by iso after iso. I can’t believe I am saying this, but as of right now, I would swap Sabo with Sengun (and I like Sabo) and Tari for Monk/Keon/Carter.
Part of my trade scnerios have Monk, Keon, and Carter to the Nets for Sharpe, Williams and Clowney plus a first.
That was fun but it’s time to get back to business. We need more losses to help get that top 4 draft pick. And please, please, please trade DeRozan ASAP! He’s the main reason this team was competitive this week, he’s an amazing player but he’s not helping the cause. He needs a better opportunity and we need to lose.
One win is nice, but it’s only a matter of time, he still looks down from the mountain.
If he would just sell the team his
heartwallet would grow 3 sizes that day!I know compalining about the refs is ultimately a fool’s errand, but I’m going to do it anyway!
What bugs me is the fouls that have somehow been normalized into not being fouls unless particularly egregious. The two standouts here for me are the offensive player being able to dislodge the defender and moving screens. For example, you shouldn’t be able to use an off arm to push off a defender to clear space when driving to the hoop. A lot of guys do this, but the highest profile guy I see do this all the time is SGA. He constantly uses the off arm to push off and clear space and always gets away with it. On a related note, you shouldn’t be able to to drop a shoulder into the defenders chest to dislodge them and create space, but this is another one seen regularly.
As far as screens go, the screener can’t impede the defenders ability to move around the screen by moving themself as the defender navigates the screen. Another one that never seems to be called unless egregious.
Time to go. I need to go outside and shake my fist at a cloud.
I know compalining about the refs is ultimately a fool’s errand, but I’m going to do it anyway!
What bugs me is the fouls that have somehow been normalized into not being fouls unless particularly egregious. The two standouts here for me are the offensive player being able to dislodge the defender and moving screens. For example, you shouldn’t be able to use an off arm to push off a defender to clear space when driving to the hoop. A lot of guys do this, but the highest profile guy I see do this all the time is SGA. He constantly uses the off arm to push off and clear space and always gets away with it. On a related note, you shouldn’t be able to to drop a shoulder into the defender’s chest to dislodge them and create space, but this is another one seen regularly.
As far as screens go, the screener can’t impede the defenders ability to move around the screen by moving themself as the defender navigates the screen. Another one that never seems to be called unless egregious.
Time to go. I need to go outside and shake my fist at a cloud.
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