The KANGZ are officially back, ladies and gentlemen. After a 3-1 start to the season offered up some renewed hope, the Kings have since gone 2-7, with no loss more embarrassing than tonight's against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Sacramento was able to hang with the Clippers for most of the first half, but even still, the Clippers managed to make 11 threes in the first half alone and go into halftime with an 8 point lead despite the Kings shooting 60% from the field. It just got worse after the break, as Sacramento's hot shooting trailed off as the Clippers didn't let up, pushing the lead from 8 all the way to 30 at one point.
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George both toyed with the Kings at times, scoring no matter who was guarding them, and I say guarding only in the sense that a Kings player would sometimes be in their vicinity. Sacramento's defense of late is akin to replacing Folsom Dam with a giant screen door.
It's hard to pinpoint any bright spots for the Kings this game. Even vaunted rookie Tyrese Haliburton had perhaps the worst performance of his career so far, playing far too passively at times and generally not being given open looks by the Clippers. Chimezie Metu had a good first half stint as the backup center in Hassan Whiteside's absence, and Richaun Holmes continued to provide effort on both ends, but no Kings player should feel good after this game. Something's gotta give, or else performances like this are going to become the norm.
The Kings will end their homestand on Sunday as the New Orleans Pelicans come into town, but they'll face this very same Clippers squad a few days after that. Hopefully the sting of this defeat will still be fresh on their minds.
Any success stories muting the tv broadcast and using radio audio? I can’t take it anymore. Any other ideas?
turn off the tv and just rely on TKH comment stream
I rely on TKH stream since I don’t have the means to watch on TV/online (too frugal to spend on things like LP).
LP and opponent broadcast would be ideal.
The Bagley lovefest is insufferable.
It’s amazing. You can’t tell the truth about Bagley in any Sacramento media, no sports talk host here will do it. Instead, they talk about his potential and that he needs time before we can make a judgment. It’s an “emperor’s new clothes” situation.
The Bags overhype and the teams lack of consistent, or any D effort makes me think Vivek is medaling/hovering over everything.
Like the players see/feel the disfunction.. could be wrong but it feels that way.
Or, on D, they don’t respect/get anything from Walton.
As far as taking anything optimistic from this game, the most encouraging play tonight was the second 3 point shot from Bagley. He looks good in the highlights!
The homerism was strong tonight
I feel like I’ve said enough about it. My Doug tolerance is now at 0. I don’t even want to watch. They could pull someone from Sac State or UCD for all I care.
is it as simple as hitting pause on live tv for ten seconds and listening to KHTK?
It’s really hard to get the timing right.
I used to try it with the 49ers games a few years ago and gave up. Never tried a Kings game though
Doug was my favorite player when I was growing up, so this is hard for me to say, because I love him, I really do:
He is REALLY BAD. He’s bad on television and he’s bad on the radio. I had to stop listening to KHTK in the afternoons because if I heard Doug say “and all those different things” or “and all those sorts of things” one more time after listing off a few things out loud and not knowing what the F else to say afterward, I was going to drive my car into a ditch and light it on fire with the nearest tumbleweed and a smoker’s discarded Bic lighter.
Seriously. Doug should only be allowed to do serious analysis. His jokes/schtick are horrible. It literally ruins the game. With Jones it’s almost tolerable but with the other dude chiming in with the same crap….oh god.
League Pass allows one to listen to other announcers, which is what I’m doing. Or silence. That’s much preferred.
I like Doug’s enthusiasm. It’s basketball, not a quarterly report for shareholders.
For me, the enthusiasm isn’t the problem, it’s just… his voice and the way he talks. I know that’s not fair, b/c it’s not like he has much of a choice in the matter, but he does live TV and live radio, so it’s relevant to the job. Maybe not the best fit. I think he would make an AMAZING coach, especially at the college level. He seems to really enjoy working with players and helping young talent, and his positivity would be infectious in a college locker room. When I first heard he was joining KHTK and the Kings broadcasts, I wondered “why?” I always assumed he would go into coaching, b/c it seemed like such a natural fit for him.
a lot of positive points there.
Take THAT ya dirty rat!
Sounds like you guys are missing me lol.
But in all seriousness, I couldn’t stand DC and Jones from day one, the homerism and constant joking and strange comments ( I won’t mention) had me out from the start. Not only are the Kings unwatchable but the telecasts are as well.
I think we all miss Jerry.
I watch every game on mute.
When Grant was on the broadcast I felt I was getting a quality broadcast even though Doug was not a very good analyst.
Even though Mark Jones is fine as a PBP guy, he lacks the knowledge Grant did of the Sacramento era.
I’m going to have to figure out a way to sync the G-Man and J Ross up with the TV broadcast me thinks.
That’s where I’m at and I’m going to give it my very best effort.
I’m just finding myself not wanting to watch the game within four minutes of play because of it. The well is dry.
Anyone know if Scot Pollard is still working for Pacers radio?
Man that’s cold. I like this years team. Christie is much improved as an announcer. Grant Napear had the most annoying voice in sports. Everything since is so much better. I like the hometown chill vibe between the backup team and the more polished when Mark Jones is around. It’s a good balance
I saw metu perform a decent screen, so there is that
remember when we were concerned that if the kings made the playoffs that would hurt our lottery position
What we’re closer to is the realization we aren’t seriously competing for the playoffs so it’s time to move the vets and get at this draft, before Barnes and co have us picking 10th
Blow it up. Tear it down to the studs.
at this point, I would only keep Burt and Holmes.
Trade the rest for future assets. This team is going nowhere.
Unpopular opinion but their defense is never going to be good with Richaun Holmes manning the middle, even if you chalk the bad defense up to Walton’s schemes.
Shouldn’t be unpopular, but I don’t think he needs to go. If we can swing for a defensive big that can shoot decent from the outside then holmes would pair nicely with him.
Maybe take a shot on bamba, or really swing for a Myles Turner deal. Who else fits that mold that is gettable
I would love to get Turner, but I’d think Indy has the interest in moving him that they once had. He’s having a good year and Indy looks solid. In all seriousness, they could be this year’s Miami Heat.
Perhaps. But he is the only one who gives consistent effort and I would settle for mediocre right now, instead of historically bad.
I agree, I’m not saying trade holmes, I’m saying find someone to pair next to him and let him play the pf role of defense.
I’d much rather trade Bagley and resign holmes than the other way around
This is good
Very good
Kings already picked-up Bagley’s option @ 11 mil.
That doesn’t mean he can’t be traded
This. That’s gotta have some value. Especially to a soft, puppy dog team like this. He’s the only one with some pride. My theory is that this team excels when they have some Alfa’s around to kick em in the ass. Guys like shump, even joeger. Barkers that aren’t afraid to embarrass you. I think fox is a great player, I don’t doubt that he can be centerpiece on a successful team but he’s got that KD like soft personality. This team needs a Russ. Hell I don’t care even if they trade for Russ to lead the tank and set the tone for the future.
What makes you think KD’s soft? Lol anyways he’s way better than Westbrick
That’s been like the only knock on his game. Of course he’s a better player than Westbrook. But you’ll never have to worry about Westbrook’s energy and I wouldn’t want to be in locker room with that dude after a 38 point blowout.
The “move” was soft but KD the basketball player isn’t. The brotha literally played on a torn Achilles
Bruh, soft in leadership context. Not talking about him as an individual player. Here don’t take my word for it, take Kevin durants.
he Doesn’t have to be this leader you want him to be, he’s K fricken D, all he’s ever done is win and show up in the biggest of moments. That’s how he leads, use a diff example
You forget the 2016 western conference finals? The biggest moment, his own team with a 3-1 lead? 2012 nba finals? How many more examples you need? I got you. Yes, he’s never had to be leader since. So now, sit down and think hard as to why I would use that example. Think why I would compare the kings “leader” to KD’s leadership. Think hard about how Russ still took that team to the playoffs even after KD left when he had every excuse to quit playing hard. How is that possible because KD is clearly the superior individual player. So how? I hope you can see how guys like Russ, Draymond don’t let teammates give anything less than a 100%. That’s leadership and you ain’t wining team sports without leadership.
And I’m not advocating for a Westbrook trade. I’d just like to see a player with his heart on the kings.
Well prior to tonight kings were +4 net rating with Holmes on the court and -20 net with him off. So that statement makes a bunch of sense…he’s definitely the problem. 🤦🏽♀️
I agree. This is pretty much what I suggested in the article about the Kings’ horrible defense. Teams that play defense like this are hopeless, they can’t be fixed unless your tear down and rebuild.
This is not a young team at least among the players that play regular minutes ! Really tired of hearing that as an excuse ! This is a veteran team ( not a good one) with 3 young players ! Fox, Hali and Bags ! That is it and not enough to get a warm fuzzy feeling !
Stinky Team, Just Old!
When all is said and done, I just hope that Vivek stays out of McNair’s way.
Vivek and Dumars. Not holding my breath.
Fox with 3 assists to 4 TO’s.
How much can you put on coaching?
How often do you see Fox get a Halliburton type assist, the kind where Halliburton reads a guy cutting off a back screen on the other side of the floor and delivers a perfect pass for a layoff or easy shot?
If it ever happened, it doesn’t happen very often. Fox sees the floor in a linear way, while Halliburton sees it in 3 or 4 dimensions, which makes Fox easier to defend, and hence, a lower assist to turnover ratio.
Very well said.
Yea I think he is better suited to play the SG next to Haliburton rather than the other way around. But as much as I love Haliburton, I still don’t think he can be a full time or the sole play maker on the floor. That’s why I’m starting to lean more in the purposely tank camp. Cade would be a tailor made fit on this team.
I think this as well. It sort of reminds me the way that Jrue Holiday moved from a scoring PG to SG in N.O. He was way more effective on the offensive end as being the second initiator.
If Fox and Hali are to be future backcourt mates, lets have Hali run the offense.
Yes! I’ve been harping for a time on his lack of BBIQ. It apparently took seeing Burt next to him for folks to see the gap.
It is also visible on D, but people care less about D, unless it gets to historical bad D territory. Fox doesn’t have much defensive awareness, other than gambling for steals and the occasional highlight block.
I think “historical bad D” has been achieved.
Excellent observation.
Can we put paper bags over the cardboard cut-outs?
Paper Bagleys?
COTY candidate right here.
I’ve long thought “Paper” should be Bagley’s TKH nickname.
Klam with the homerun. This needs to be a thing now.
deaaron Fox for Jaylen brown
I bet you could thrown in this years top ten pick and that wouldn’t get that deal done. Never gonna happen
Yea I know, he’s better than Tatum at this point
2nd half bitch-slap down
I don’t even feel anything anymore, I will enjoy the wins like Pacers but for most part hope to trade for the future and get a good pick for next season. Monte we are depending on you
Walton may be a mediocre coach, but a coaching change will not solve the fundamental problems of a poorly constructed roster dominated by players with low BBIQ, an inability to play NBA team defense and a losing mentality. With the exception of Haliburton, I wouldn’t hesitate to move anyone if the right deal was available. I know that Fox can’t be moved for awhile under the CBA, but even he shouldn’t be considered untouchable.
That talk got Karl fired 🤣
Which was a mistake.
100%
The worse mistake was firing Mike Malone.
Walton is well below mediocre.
I disagree. A more skilled and competent coach would make adjustments. More than a few defensive schemes should be on deck at all times. A real coach makes sure his players are fundamentally sound and puts his players in position to win. A real coach has schemes that maximize talent/strength and hides weaknesses. Even if the opposing team adjusts and figures how to attack our weaknesses, then a real coach has SEVERAL adjustments in his back pocket. This is a game of chess. Lose Alton is playing UNO.
I love UNO btw…but that’s not the point. We need a coach setting some kind of foundation now. I cringe watching my favorite team. That’s not acceptable. Losing is not acceptable. If it’s going to be a show, go full shit show and get rid of everyone. Look in my opinion, the only players safe on our team are the dogs. Holmes, Holmes, and Jeffries. Hali has the potential to be a dog as well too, Ramsey as well, but he’shurt now and not ready to see meaningful minutes. Alpha males are needed on this team.
Sacramento deserves better. I hate other teams circle a W on their calendars when they see Sac. The team gets pushed around like bitches. Alton doesn’t seem to understand. Your team is an extension of you, soft and uncaring. That’s embarrassing. The league knows they can push this team around for 48 mins, and we will not make one adjustment. The coach and damn near all the players are soft. I remember there was a time when teams came to Arco and they KNEW we were going to whoop that ass with a beautiful display of sound basketball. Those days are long gone, along with the competent coaches we’ve had.
Name ONE “great coach” that will be put up with this lackadaisical defense and lack of effort. Who? I’ll wait….
Agreed. Pop has been coaching flawed players to the playoffs for decades. A good coach can makeup for players defensive shortcomings. That is where a team defensive identity comes into play, and that falls at the feet of the coach.
The Spurs GM gets players that fit Pop’s system. They have flaws, but ones that can managed within his system. He would have difficulties with these players, as great a coach as he is.
You do remember that Pop is the President with final say on all Bball decisions ! Much the same as Pat Riley !
People often talk about certain players in the draft as “Spurs picks.” That label gets put on seemingly every player who demonstrates a very high BBIQ, a high level of tangible skills (as opposed to just athleticism), and a high level of character. In other words, a “Spurs pick” is a player who KNOWS THE GAME, can do whatever is asked of them (within reason) without complaint, and won’t be a doofus. How many “Spurs picks” do we have on the Kings right now? I’d argue Hali is definitely a Spurs pick. Holmes is a Spurs pick. Barnes is a Spurs pick.
… and that’s it. And at the other end of the spectrum, we have players like Hield (low BBIQ) and Bagley (low level of tangible skills + doofus) that limit the Spurs picks’ effectiveness when they play together. The early-00s Kings were not particularly athletic or “fast” in the physical sense. They were SMART and they had REAL SKILLS. That’s how we won back then, and that’s how the Spurs have been winning for 25 years now.
Walton is not a good coach, as I said, but I don’t think that there is a coach that could get this team into the players, because of a roster of too many players brought here by Divac who don’t really grasp the fundamentals of NBA basketball. It would be nice if we had a different coach who won a few more games, but that might actually be a negative because it could generate false hope.
That was a nice practice for the Clips.
D-farce!
What do we think it would take to pry Turner from ind?
Barnes? A package of Bagley and expiring contracts?
We need a big that can play some defense, holmes would pair nicely with a Turner type big
This is a move that should have and could have been made in the off season.
A Bogi for Turner sign and trade likely would have worked.
Yup, he was rumored to be on the block this offseason, but I’m guessing Indy is hanging onto him now. The kid is leading the league in blocks by quite a margin AND he can shoot for 3. He is everything we would want Marvin to be.
I never understood why he was on the block but wish we would of looked at it seriously
Dammit, I knew I should’ve guessed the Clips were going to score 130 points in the prediction contest…
Same here!
I took the under as well. I figured by some miracle we would hold them to 129.
Same, haha.
I repeatedly said before the season that I thought this team was probably bottom 5 in terms of talent and… here we are. Haliburton with Cunningham or Mobley or one of the other top guys will look pretty good in a year or two.
Spot on. I think the top 6-7 guys in next years draft look really interesting. Cade or Mobley would be incredible, but I’ll also be very excited about Suggs, kuminga, green, Barnes and others. Suggs and Hali as our guard rotation would be REALLY fun basketball.
Oh man that would be awesome. Suggs is another guy with a super high BBIQ and those two in the back court would be fun. I’m usually a guy who wouldn’t take a big high but Mobley looks like an Anthony Davis type exception to me. He’s not quite on that level as a prospect but I think he’s close.
Who are requesting “Trade me” within the Kings roster ?
(Bagley…., maybe Hield and who else ?)
Those two are the only ones that strike me as trade me types of players.
Barnes should be but I think he is too classy
Barnes is the type of guy that would quietly meet with the GM and ask to be moved to a contender when the right deal comes along. Not yell it on the court, take to social media, have his dad speak out, or any other unprofessional way that it could be done. He is a classy, bring your lunch pail to work kinda guy.
Cheer up fellas, let’s keep racking up the losses. I have faith Monte won’t kangz our top 2 pick this time around.
Serious question:
1) Why Guy did not see any minutes in garbage time ? (I think he played better than Justin James in limited minutes)
2) Why Parker did not see any minutes in garbage time (I heard Fox said Parker stood out during workout)
3) If our defense is already bad, then why not play back BJelly, at least his BBIQ and passing worths watching.
Guy was on the injured list
The Parker one baffles me. He hasn’t seen a minute of play even after all the positive remarks about him in camp. Seems a bit odd.
I saw the practice video kings posted two days ago. Man’s looking thickk with a extra k lol they’re probably trying to get him in game shape.
I get it, we’re supposed to lose games this year, but getting blown away on 4 of last 5 losses (the other loss is when we gave up 2 big leads) is one of my lows as a Kings fan for two decades. Just no effort. I remember a few years ago, other teams kick us but the team fights back even though we’ll lose in the end. I think it’s much better.
Something has to change, whether it be coaching or players, etc. We fans, deserve a better team.
This is one of your low points of the past 2 decades?! I must have been watching the wrong team….
To be fair, being historically bad on defense is a new low for the Kangz.
Yeah, their defense is currently one for the record books. It’s never been this bad.
It hasn’t but also has always been been really bad. The fact that Haliburton is on the team means this season is already a win IMO. Tank, get a high pick, and start building something for next year.
Well yeah, on court at least. Even Tyreke and early Cuz teams play harder. Off court Kangz always gives us a lot of lows.
Metu looks raw, but athletic. Don’t mind seeing him get developmental minutes.
Why didn’t Walton empty the bench with 6-8 minutes to go? You’re down 30. Why not get the youngsters more than 2 minutes?
My thoughts were that he was trying to teach the starters something by having them in in the 4th. Buuuuut I think this team has closed their ears to Walton.
I like Metu as well. He has confidence and moves pretty good. If that 3 starts falling, I can see him taking over Beli’s role
Well anyone of Mobley, Cade, or Kuminga. Blow this up, fire the coach, make trades and let the tank roll.
Anyone remember when Doug Christie punched Rick Fox? We need that type of attitude on defense.
We need that kind of DC on the telecast as well.
I would even love Suggs next to Hali and to move Fox in the right deal. I’ve always loved Fox but I don’t see a guy who refuses to let his team lose.
i’m alllll for a Suggs-Hali backcourt. The passing would be incredible. Seems this has been well summarized in this thread, but Fox doesn’t excel at making the game easier for his teammates. Has gotten better at getting foul calls though.
This! This is the point I was trying to make with my comment above. We need a dog on this team. Like Russ yelling at Harden for not playing defense. Someone with that kind of courage to call out buddy and fox. Guys like that take teams to the next level.
I got down voted a ton after the first few games for laughing at commenters that actually thought the Kings were good, well, newsflash they’re not.
Don’t blame the players.
Don’t blame the coach.
Don’t blame Vlade.
They were/are just doing their jobs to the best of their abilities, unfortuantely their ability pales in comparison to their respective peers.
Blame the smartest guy in the room who hired and kept Vlade on for so long. Afterall, Vivek is a genius and everyone else is stupid.
Feel free to caption the pic.
Shaq: Thanks for having me aboard, Vivek. Together, Vlade and I can continue to keep Sacramento from winning a title. We worked well together in the “glory years”, right Vlade?
Vlade: Tip to Horry went as planned!
Vivek: I’m a genius.
Vlade: Cigarette
Shaq: I have ownership in the Queens
The World: WTF!!!!
I think we can conclude at this point that Fox is not a point guard, he’s a combo guard.
Rubs hands.
IT’S TIME!
NAPG!
As bad a loss as this was, it would have been a lot more fun to watch if the kings still had Harry Giles
He would probably help with the Tank too.
Have you noticed that slippage rhymes with garbage?
Time to insert Tyrese into the starting line-up for Buddy
You cannot solely solve the problem simply by inserting Tyrese for Buddy..
Our 3 pts defense sucks……..the opponent keep shooting wide open 3……
and of course…Bagley was part of the reason why the opponent shoots those 3 with ease.
If Walton really wants to improve the 3 pt line defense…
then goes with this starting lineup:
PG: Fox
SG: Tyrese
SF: GR3
PF: Barnes
C: Holmes
I posted a request for that self-same line-up 2 days ago
I agree. Let’s see him and Fox build a rapport. It’s a better narrative than slippage.
It is a real shame the DeVincenzo trade fell through. He’s having a better year than Bogi and Buddy. He’s a great defender, rebounder and passer and he would push Buddy back to the bench where he belongs or at least he would have serious competition for those minutes.
DeVincenzo is at 10 RPG 4 RPG 2.5 APG 1.5 steals per game and 44% on 3s in 25 MPG on a 9-4 team. Buddy is at 0.7 steals in 35 MPG, half the steal rate in 10 more MPG. DeVincenzo has much better rebound rate bc hes the far superior athlete and defender.
But most important perhaps is DeVincenzo uses superior discretion when pull the trigger, hes not mindless hoisting.
I gave Buddy benefit of the doubt to start last year to a degree because the coach set a quantitative goal for team 3s and discretion flew out the window. It was see the rim, let er rip. That excuse does not work anymore. But that habit seems to have perpetuated. The coach screwed up the player, but the dysfunction goes both ways , neither are blameless.
Here’s the stat that should have fans and coaches concerned. 74% of Buddy’s shot attempts are 3s. 74%!!!! Look at the collosal joke his game has turned into, he’s ruining his career, and he’s ruining the team if he does not use more selectivity and prudence. He’s turn into an embarassment, the coach is enabling it, two losers the GM is going to be eager to get rid of if this keeps up.
In his first two full seasons with us, Buddy shot 44% and 48% of his shots from 3. That’s a good balance. That is letting the game come to you, probing and dishing, getting the defense on the heels, keep them guessing when you are going to strike from next.
Then last year his 3s as % of at FGAs jumped all the way to 59%, with the coach playing aforementioned role. Now 74%, and his free throw rate and TS% are at career lows. And from a qualitiative perspective, you are bailing at the defense too frequently, demoralizing teammates, you are suffering from irrational confidence and you have lost sight of your purpose. Your objective is to win games, it is not to try to get another invitation to the 3 point contest, which was in fact cancelled.
Good point on looking at the amount of shots coming from 3. Hield has completely abandoned any medium to long twos, which while not the best shot in basketball, at least keeps D honest as mentioned.
I think this is where is gets hard to evaluate some of these guys like Buddy under Walton. He obviously has played different under Walton the past two years and has mostly sucked for it. What does a different coaching philosophy bring out in some of these guys? Could someone get the best that we see flashes out of some of these guys? The upbeat and positive outlook to finish the 18-19 season is gone and I wonder how much of Walton’s suckitude colors our vision of what kind of players these guys could be going forward.
Joerger took a probably less talented team (Holmes for Cauley-Stein, Hallie for Bogie, older Fox) and came close to .500.
It just wouldn’t totally surprise if the right coach could make this a .500 type team. Playoffs prolly not, but much more competitive.
Agree completely on DeVincenzo. We needed him for so many reasons.
You don’t really believe DiVincenzo would have the same impact here as he does there? He has a very specific role while surrounded by extremely good NBA players.
Spot on!
CoJoSLo had zero points and zero assists in 15 minutes, haha what is the point?! The guy is pathetic! But I don’t even blame him anymore, it is the coach enabling this embarassment.
Didn’t of the guys make a post Jospeh had the second or third worst FG% allowed behind Bagley?
I didn’t even know of this stat but appreciate the quantitative data to confirm what my eyes see.
I have been beating that drum all season you cannot be an effective defender with defensive fundamentals if you lack the physical and athletic profile to defend, close out on shooters, get to loose balls, play passing lanes, to defend high up (near half court) and recover, etc.
So do the math. Crap on offense, crap on defense, yet his minutes are etched in stone!?!?
If Kyle Guy got his minutes there is NO way we lose that game by 40 points. We lose but not by 40 points.
So Justin James leaped Guy in the rotation?
Justin James is not an NBA player. He’s a PG who cannot shoot. Though Vlade drafted him as a SG or SF even though he has the physique of a PG. Another winning move by Vlade!
Metu was impressive last night, a player that I rate as an equal or better prospect than Harry Giles.
You said some good stuff but I don’t get all the “Guy is a Savior” stuff around here because of one preseason game.
I don’t think he’s a savior, he’s a baller with moxie and a beautiful shot who fits a need. We need his shooting with exile of Bjeica and Bogi, and struggles of Buddy.
He’s also a creative set up man, something he developed in G-League, something guys like Buddy and Bagley need. We need more energy on the floor too with the second unit.
I liked Guy before the one preseason game. Guy’s scoring effeciency has to get better. But he made strides as a PG after being a SG coming into the league, so I think he can do it if given the chance!
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