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Suns 127, Kings 124: Mitchell’s big night not enough

Despite Davion Mitchell's career night, the Suns outlasted the Kings in overtime.
By | 93 Comments | Mar 20, 2022

Mar 20, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell (15) reacts after the Kings were called for a foul against the Phoenix Suns in overtime at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

If there’s been one common denominator for the Kings since the trade deadline, it’s that they’ve been playing very hard despite it not resulting in wins.  Today’s matchup against the Suns was no different.

Both teams were missing key players, with Phoenix missing Chris Paul and Sacramento missing De’Aaron Fox. Still, you’d be forgiven if you expected the Kings to fall flat without their best player against the team with the best record in the NBA.  But the Kings came out strong early, taking an early lead and maintaining it for much of the game.  Harrison Barnes, who had gone scoreless in Friday’s game against the Celtics, was a focal point of Sacramento’s offense to start the game and he wound up finishing with 21 points.

One of the big reasons that Sacramento was able to build that early lead was that Devin Booker wasn’t really doing too much early on.  He finished with just 8 points in the first half. Of course, Booker doesn’t need to do much to get going and he came out of the locker room at halftime far more aggressive and brought Phoenix back into the game to the point that towards the end of regulation the Kings and Suns were trading baskets and leads.  Booker ended up with a game-high 31 points to go with 7 rebounds and 5 assists.

With about 4:55 left in the game, Domantas Sabonis had a bit of a collision with Deandre Ayton and tweaked something in his left knee. He was able to stay in the game for the next possession, but Coach Alvin Gentry pulled him out shortly after and sent him to the locker room. It fortunately didn’t look too serious, but at this point in Sacramento’s season it was far more prudent to keep Sabonis out and healthy than to try to win any one game.  Sabonis’ night ended with 18 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals, and he outplayed his counterpart Deandre Ayton, who finished with just 12 points and 10 rebounds while fouling out in just 27 minutes.  It seems likely that the Kings will take all precautions and we likely won’t see Sabonis on the court again unless he’s 100%.

Fouls were a big help for the Kings for once.  Especially recently, it seems like the Kings have been on the wrong side of a lot of whistles, but tonight the Suns were called for 30 fouls to just 21 for Sacramento, and the Kings had 36 FTA to 27 for the Suns.  Along with Ayton, JaVale McGee and Devin Booker both ended up fouling out in overtime.

But how did we get to overtime? After Sabonis left the game, Harrison Barnes would end up extending Sacramento’s lead to 105-100 with 3:51 left on a nice cut to the basket.  On the other end, Sacramento sent Ayton to the line where he made both.  Sacramento responded with a nice fadeaway shot by Damian Jones in the post to push the lead back to 5.  Jones had a very nice game overall, finishing with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals and a block in 22 minutes off the bench. He even hit a three!

The Suns would battle back over the next couple minutes until Devin Booker found McGee under the rim for what would have been a sure dunk if Trey Lyles hadn’t fouled him.  McGee hit both free throws anyway and tied the game at 108 with 49.9 seconds remaining.  On the other end, Davion Mitchell got to the basket but couldn’t convert the layup.  Devin Booker got the rebound and dribbled the ball for most of the clock until he made his move to the right corner. He pulled up for a very tough fadeaway jumper over the outstretched arms of Davion Mitchell and hit nothing but net.

The Kings called timeout and gave it right back to Davion, who once again attacked the rim, getting past Torrey Craig and this time converting.

Booker had a chance to respond and ended up getting a really good look from three to try to win the game, but it hit back iron and on to OT we went.

The beginning of OT was the JaVale McGee vs. Davion Mitchell show.  McGee scored 6 of the first 8 Suns points as Phoenix sought to attack the Kings down low. Fortunately, Trey Lyles was able to foul him out shortly after on an and-one.

With 50.9 seconds left and the Suns up by 1 point, Trey Lyles managed to foul out Booker as well, on what was probably a bit of a flop, but hey, we’ve been on the other end of that many times.

Mitchell, who had a career night and finished with 28 points and 9 assists in 46 minutes (all career-highs), once again sought to drive to the rim and got free thanks to a beautiful screen by Damian Jones. Bismack Biyombo was able to react in time to smack the ball off the glass, but Jones was right there for a ferocious putback to put the Kings up 121-120 with 41.1 left.

On the next play however, the Kings committed their biggest blunder of the night.  Off a missed shot, the ball went out of bounds to Phoenix and they were able to set up an inbounds play from beneath their own hoop. The Suns were able to inbound the ball to Landry Shamet, who had lost his defender and gotten open in the corner, where he drilled the three to put the Suns up 123-121 for what would end up being the go ahead basket.  The Kings weren’t able to respond on the other end and Phoenix came away with the victory.

All in all, it was a pretty fun game even if the result wasn’t a victory.  The Kings now head on the road for a five-game stretch, starting on Wednesday against their old pals Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield in Indiana.

Random Observations:

  • Alvin Gentry probably should have had Donte DiVincenzo in the game for OT instead of Justin Holiday. Gentry kept the same group that ended regulation in the game for almost the entire extra period, but DiVincenzo had played a better game than Holiday and Sacramento could have used another playmaker on the court, especially with Sabonis out.
  • Trey Lyles has been a nice roleplayer for the Kings since the deadline. He doesn’t do any one thing particularly well but he plays with effort on both ends and given that the Kings have a small team option on him for next year, I could see him having a future on the team as a roleplayer. Ideally we have someone better than him starting though.
  • Davion Mitchell was the star of the night for the Kings and a big part was that he continues to hit his three pointers. He went 4 of 7 tonight, and has now shot 43.8% from distance over the last 6 games.  For the season he’s only at 32.2%, but I’m convince he’ll end up becoming a league average or better three point shooter in time.  The biggest thing he will need to work on is his finishing ability, as too often he is getting his shot blocked from behind or putting it up too strong on the glass.  He’s a hard worker though and I look forward to seeing how he develops.
  • Mikal Bridges had the quietest 27 points I’ve ever seen. I didn’t even realize he scored over 15 until looking at the box score. He doesn’t command the ball, but he’s also really good at scoring in a multitude of ways. He’s more than just a 3-and-D guy.
  • There’s something so inherently old school about Deandre Ayton that I love. He not only looks like a center straight out of the 80s, he’s got the post game to match.
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Marty
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March 20, 2022 8:24 pm

League leaders!

3D4F1EB7-F2FD-4BEA-BD9F-3815E4090544.jpeg
1951
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March 21, 2022 8:04 am
Reply to  Marty

Are we going to get a “Don’t need Fox” song from Matt George?

JoeMama
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March 21, 2022 5:22 pm
Reply to  1951

I remember that after the draft. I wonder how Matt feels now???

Bill2455
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March 20, 2022 8:27 pm

Kings will now have a worse record than last year. Helluva job Monte.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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March 20, 2022 8:56 pm
Reply to  Bill2455

Since firing Joerger, the Kings have gone from 39 wins, to 31 wins, to 31 wins, and now less than 31 wins.

To give a different perspective, Monte took over a team with the 12th pick in 2020, with Fox, Buddy, Hali, Bogi, Holmes, and Barnes as the core going into the offseason.

He then steered them to the 9th pick in 2021 with Fox, Buddy, Hali, Mitchell, Holmes, and Barnes, as the core.

Now has taken them to something closer to the 5th pick this season with just Fox, Sabonis, Barnes, Mitchell, and a soon to be draft pick as the core.

It’s been a trend…and not a good one.

He’s now about to enter his 3rd draft and offseason while the team continues to get worse. I can’t think of too many new GMs that have awarded that kind of rope other than the Process 76ers.

For reference James Jones of the Suns took over PHX just one year before Monte took over the Kings. Talk about different trajectories…

Remember when the Sun Kings were a running joke in the NBA just 3 years ago?

rff
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March 20, 2022 9:11 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Wonder if Joerger would come back? Same owner, but a different GM and a different team.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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March 20, 2022 9:38 pm
Reply to  rff

Doubtful.

Klam
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Nostradumbass 19
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March 21, 2022 7:27 am
Reply to  rff

Any coaches that have passed through the gates of Basketball Hell will gladly take their paycheck and never return here.

MidtownMike
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March 20, 2022 10:50 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

I actually think he has set us up nice for a big jump next year if he can land one sf/pf FA, that’s it, that’s all we need because our pick will be high to draft a high end forward.

He has to get a good coach and one high quality forward FA…

Get us Terry Stotts, Bobby Portis and Keegan Murray and we’ll be in the playoffs.

Fox, Davion
DD, TD
Barnes, Murray
Portis, Lyles
Sabonis, Jones

Last edited 2 years ago by MidtownMike
keith_kar
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March 21, 2022 7:16 am
Reply to  MidtownMike

A good coach will help immensely, but I don’t think this lineup gets us into the playoffs. Personally I think all of our aging vets are expendable, and need to be dealt somehow.

This team needs to get younger, and Monte needs to score big in the draft, again.

Jack
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March 21, 2022 7:20 am
Reply to  MidtownMike

I like your thinking on this but I would change it a little. I think we could use Holmes as trade chip to get PJ Washington. I also think Barnes can be used in a trade to get someone like Patrick Williams. I like Barnes but because of his age and sometimes inconsist play should be traded.

Gregoryl
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March 21, 2022 8:47 am
Reply to  Jack

It will be interesting to see how much Holmes sitting the rest of the year affects his trade value…is he now seen as a bigger risk than before?

Kingsguru21
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March 21, 2022 9:25 am
Reply to  Gregoryl

is he now seen as a bigger risk than before?

I highly doubt his value has changed much. He’s still an energy/hustle guy who has an unique skill set who misses a large chunk of games and will help you in the games he does play if used correctly. And he’s on a reasonable contract for at least 2 more years and probably 3.

He’s tradeable, but maybe the problem was trading Richaun before the draft was never feasible in reality. He’ll be alot easier to trade this summer than he was at the deadline.

murraytant
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March 21, 2022 3:19 pm
Reply to  Jack

I think the PJ trade for Holmes is over- Hornets got Harrell and he is too similar to Holmes

Marty
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March 21, 2022 7:59 am
Reply to  MidtownMike

Next year will be the year for sure.

I actually think he has set us up nice for a big jump next year

HongKongKingsFan
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March 20, 2022 10:50 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Next season gonna be a critical for McNair.

Team roster improved every year, but the record result getting worse.

keith_kar
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March 21, 2022 7:05 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Nice synopsis there. It goes without saying how critical next season is.

jwalker1395
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March 21, 2022 7:30 am
Reply to  Adamsite

The Joerger firing is extra painful because it wasn’t even a ‘hindsight is 20/20’ situation – everyone knew replacing him with Walton was unwise literally as it was happening. All because Joerger was a coach instead of a friend to the players (what a crime), and because there was some disagreement over a guy named Luka or something…

rockbottom
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March 21, 2022 8:50 am
Reply to  jwalker1395

Also, the hiring of Brandon Williams and firing of Pete Youngman . Both moves were against Joerger .

Kingsguru21
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March 21, 2022 7:44 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Monte McNair did not have a core that included Bogi. He had a player who was RFA in line for a hefty increase in pay. He didn’t take the team from 39 to 31 to 31 wins. He inherited a 31 win team. Buddy being a core piece was not his decision, it was part of the deal accepting the job. Just as keeping Luke Walton on was part of accepting the job.

McNair isn’t perfect, best as I can tell. But I’m not sure what his great crime is outside of having the audacity to not ask fans permission on whether he’s running the team to their satisfaction or not.

1951
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March 21, 2022 8:10 am
Reply to  Kingsguru21

So, are you confident that the Monte is going to build a team this offseason that takes a 13-17 or so win jump in one year?

Because that’s about what the Kings will need to be in the eighth spot in the West next season.

Kingsguru21
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March 21, 2022 8:16 am
Reply to  1951

I have no idea what’s going to happen so I’m not confident of anything at this point. Ask me that question in August.

I do know that if McNair only makes a nominal move, it won’t be enough unless you have wholesale internal improvement.

I could see a 13 win jump, maybe a 17 win jump depending on what happens. But that will be dependent on Fox taking the leap you don’t believe he will take based on his body of work.

1951
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March 21, 2022 8:21 am
Reply to  Kingsguru21

Yeah, neither do I.

My point really is that next year is going to be tough too. It’s definitely not a given that the playoff draught ends anytime soon and my initial and way-to-early assessment is that the outlook is bleak.

West has Suns/Grizz/Ws/jazz/Mavs/Nugs. Kings need to also pass a couple of the Wolves/Clips/Lakers/Pels.

And that’s assuming there are no surprises from OKC/Spurs/Rockets/Blazers. (OKC has a lot of firepower if they want to flex it this offseason.)

And in the context of evaluating Monte, he should be judgded on how he competes against the other teams in the NBA, not against former Kings GMs (which he is already a million times better than the last two but that’s a big, “so what?”).

Last edited 2 years ago by 1951
1951
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March 21, 2022 8:27 am
Reply to  1951

(What’s crazy is that as bad as Vlade was, he could have accidentally succeeded had he just taken Luka. It was right there for him and he whiffed.)

Kingsguru21
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March 21, 2022 9:18 am
Reply to  1951

My point really is that next year is going to be tough too. It’s definitely not a given that the playoff draught ends anytime soon and my initial and way-to-early assessment is that the outlook is bleak.

A point that’s been made repeatedly here and elsewhere since the Domas trade.

And in the context of evaluating Monte, he should be judgded on how he competes against the other teams in the NBA, not against former Kings GMs 

While it’s true that you have to judge McNair against other GMs in the league, it’s also true those other GMs don’t have to fix the issues that have presented itself to every GM/Prez with the Kings for a decade and a half either. They don’t have to figure out a way to move on from numerous diminished assets that a GM as bad as Vlade left the franchise with.

This summer will be big for McNair regardless of whether he succeeds or not. Those who believe he can will and those who don’t won’t.

But I don’t think it was totally realistic that wholesale change of the roster would come before this summer.

1951
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March 21, 2022 9:35 am
Reply to  Kingsguru21

But I don’t think it was totally realistic that wholesale change of the roster would come before this summer.

Let’s see if upper management shares your patience if the Kings fail to make the postseason next season.

Kingsguru21
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March 21, 2022 9:54 am
Reply to  1951

Let’s see if upper management shares your patience if the Kings fail to make the postseason next season.

I assume you mean ownership. And I doubt Monte survives that. If there was an expectation to make the playin despite the slim chances of it happening this year, I doubt Monte makes it through another offseason if you have another bad season.

The good news is I like the opportunities available potentially. It’s just a matter of whether you can take advantage of them. Lotta people didn’t think Domas would be really available without a crazy package going back to Indy. Even without acquiring picks, Monte has a reasonably large war chest with just the Kings picks alone.

The Kings worst contract to deal realistically is De’Aaron Fox and that’s because of the max slot he holds. There’s opportunities out there. Will they take advantage? We shall see.

1951
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March 21, 2022 10:07 am
Reply to  Kingsguru21

I assume you mean ownership.

I am referring specifically to the Chairman (and whoever is in his ear, which is Joe Dumars at present I guess).

satdawg
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March 21, 2022 12:50 pm
Reply to  1951

Hell to the no, we’re not getting anybody significant via trade with the pieces we have and we sure as hell aren’t getting anybody via free agency. oh wait we only have 24 wins so getting 10 extra wins seems likely

Last edited 2 years ago by satdawg
murraytant
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March 21, 2022 3:21 pm
Reply to  1951

how big of a jump did the Suns make? wasn’t that around 15 wins?
2

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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March 21, 2022 3:50 pm
Reply to  murraytant

They also added a first ballot hall-of-famer to the roster, as well as Jae Crowder. Kings would need two new starters, one being super star, added this summer to make that comparison.

rockbottom
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March 21, 2022 8:51 am
Reply to  Kingsguru21

Correct, as his record proves it !

KingOfTheMonsters
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March 21, 2022 8:03 am
Reply to  Adamsite

To give a different perspective, Monte took over a team with the 12th pick in 2020, with Fox, Buddy, Hali, Bogi, Holmes, and Barnes as the core going into the offseason.

Fixed it: To give a different perspective, Monte took over a team with the 12th pick in 2020, with Fox, Buddy, Hali, Bogi, Holmes, Bagley and Barnes as the core going into the offseason.

Gregoryl
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March 21, 2022 8:55 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Don’t ever discount the Vlade stink on this team. I think Monte has FINALLY reached the point where that is starting to be a non-factor.

Carl
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March 21, 2022 11:09 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Since firing Joerger, the Kings have gone from 39 wins, to 31 wins, to 31 wins, and now less than 31 wins.

Yeah, this is a dismal record. I don’t see how anyone spins it otherwise. That being said, I think the current roster, if healthy, wins in the high 30s next season (36-39 wins). That’s better! But I would argue that’s not good enough, and there’s opportunity this offseason.

The Sabonis move is a positive, short term. My fear is that the front office talks themselves into believing they’re done, and that tinkering with bench players gets them to the playoffs. That’s “possible” with a high 30’s roster, but it’s more hope than a plan. This team still needs more high level talent to have a good chance at .500. I don’t really care how they do it, but I don’t want to see them sit on their hands for another year, and I don’t think ownership is going to allow that to happen.

Last edited 2 years ago by Carl
Jman1949
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March 21, 2022 1:14 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

TBF: Jones had more like a two year head start on McNair, serving a year as interim GM before getting the official title. Per basketball-ref:

  • Phoenix Suns: October 8, 2018 to present (Appointed Interim GM when Ryan McDonough was fired; Shared responsibilities with Trevor Bukstein for 2018-19 season; Named GM 4/11/19)
markdog333
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March 22, 2022 6:58 am
Reply to  Adamsite

I am not saying that Monte is GM of the year or anything, but I do think the team is in a better spot now. The team had a lot of players who would do well as the 4-10 players in the rotation, but really only one player who was a legit 1-3 option. Now, I think the team has 2 players who are legit 1-3 options.

On losing Bogi, I agree with the decision not to match once he had signed Atlanta’s offer. I don’t think a building team can commit that much money to a player who should not be a top 3 rotational player. I love him as a secondary ball handler / 6th man type player.

I like the trade for Sabonis in the end, and I like the gamble even if Sabonis does decide to leave in two years. Tyrese is a great player, and I think he will be great for many years. To me, before the trade it looked like the team was two pieces away from competing not just for the play in but potentially the 6th spot in the west.

I think they can land that type of player if they are willing to sacrifice some of their draft assets. That and a good coaching hire will go a long ways.

TerzoM
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March 20, 2022 8:42 pm

Next ASB trade deadline, call to Monte..
comment image
”Time to trade your second-born. Commence Operation Tyrese 2.0”

Last edited 2 years ago by TerzoM
eddie41
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March 20, 2022 8:57 pm

Dope game from Davion. Team chemistry appears good.

Brown.says.Good.or.Bad
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March 20, 2022 9:08 pm

Entertaining tanking is good

sonny
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March 20, 2022 9:52 pm

that Mathurin kid from Arizona looks good

Henry
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March 21, 2022 1:28 am
Reply to  sonny

Yep

Mike120
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March 21, 2022 10:52 am
Reply to  sonny

I was thinking the same. Bit of an assassin. We need a competitor like that. A bit of Jordan-Kobe instinct.

Bitgod
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March 20, 2022 9:57 pm

#5 baby!

jwalker1395
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March 21, 2022 7:31 am
Reply to  Bitgod

If we could somehow ping-pong into the Top 3 I’ll do a backflip

Carl
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March 21, 2022 10:51 am
Reply to  Bitgod

Yep. Just sit Fox and Domas the rest of the season. Too much to be lost by jumping a lottery spot. RIght now, over the next two weeks, is the Kings best chance to improve the team over the next few years.

murraytant
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March 21, 2022 3:28 pm
Reply to  Carl

absolutely ! now tied at 5 and play Pacers next- could be all alone at 5. Blazers have 10 straight games against horrible opponents. Lost to Pacers but if could win just 2-3 would give Kings some cover.
However, I do think both Pacers and Blazers beat Kings for 5 and 6. A kings win at Pacers moves Kings to tie for 6/7. A loss puts them all alone at 5.
Draft order makes a difference. I am not relying on better odds, just better position.
The 5-9 range includes Murray, Sharpe ( has not played a college game), Davis, and Griffin and Mathurin.

TerzoM
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March 21, 2022 4:37 pm
Reply to  murraytant

Blazers are super-tanking with losses of 30 pts or more.

RPO
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RPO
March 20, 2022 11:45 pm

Far better final result than I expected, but glad that this was an L in the end. I do fear that a string of”moral victories” toward the end convinces Monte that Gentry is the coach that’ll lead us to the playoffs. Let’s keep both Fox and Ox out the last few games. Go full-hilt tank from here on out.

keith_kar
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March 21, 2022 7:04 am
Reply to  RPO

I’m (almost) sure Monte isn’t bringing back Gentry, but you never know with this team. That’s right up there with one of my biggest fears.

If there’s a new coaching hire, that might be just as important as the new players being brought in.

Carl
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March 21, 2022 10:52 am
Reply to  RPO

Gentry is 100% gone. It’s also not going to matter much if the core talent doesn’t improve.

Ralph_Furleys_Tailor
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March 21, 2022 2:03 am

Life…is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, and signifying nothing.

MacKangz

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March 21, 2022 4:59 am

Nothing to complain: the Kings fought and lost against an opponent that’s just superior in almost every way. Great performance by Mitchell and I hope to see some more minutes to our young guys if Sabonis and Fox are out. Get Queta on the court!

Jack
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March 21, 2022 7:30 am

I agree on Queta. I think we have a young player who we can develop into a good center for us but we need to play him against NBA talent to really realize his potential, I also think we need to get one really good three point shooter either in the draft, FO or trade. Last night in the fourth quarter we are up by 11 played great defense and the Suns turned it over twice in suecession. We went down and had two completely open three pointers and missed them both. If made we would have been up 17 and if the game played out as it did we would have won. Just can’t make those threes when it counts.

Kings-Rebuild
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March 21, 2022 7:37 am
Reply to  Jack

Yeah get Queta on the court but more importantly draft Koloko. I hope you saw him last night and understand now why I’ve been recommending him.

Kingsguru21
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March 21, 2022 8:06 am

Get Queta on the court!

He’s playing in Stockton, which he should have done alot more this season IMO.

Kings-Rebuild
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March 21, 2022 7:33 am

For several weeks I’ve been promoting Koloko (Arizona) as a player the Kings should be targeting with their second pick. I hope you had a chance to see him last night in Arizona’s overtime win over TCU. Unfortunately the 7 footer and former Oakland Soldier who played with Scottie Pippin and Kenyon Martin’s sons and all big West Point guard Ezra Manjon (you will see in transfer portal soon) has played so well he’s unlikely to fall to the second round as many rating publications project him. The Kings should still be targeting Koloko because he’s the perfect player for the Kings. He a beast inside and has the athleticism and versatility to come up and defend the perimeter very well for a 7 footer. He’s a bit raw but he’s developing all phases of his game rapidly as you may have seen last night. So the haul I’m continuing to strive for in the upcoming draft is Murray, Koloko, Timme, and the USF backcourt player. One last thing on the draft, if Murray is gone, the Kings should not be afraid to draft Ivey if he slips unexpectedly who I think is the second best player in the draft behind Smith.

I’ll maintain my assessment of Mitchell and reject the comparisons to Patrick Beverly. Also, Jerry Reynolds floated Bobby Portis as a player for the Kings to target in free agency and now the blog is starting to run with that one. Don’t buy. The last thing we need is another overpayment for a lower tier free agent. Instead use Holmes and something else as a possible trade chip to position ourselves to get Koloko with our second pick. Damien Jones along with Koloko will be a nice young developing duo to handle the post next year. Add Murray and Timme along with the veteran presence of Lyles and that would be a great young group to move forward with.

KingOfTheMonsters
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March 21, 2022 8:02 am
Reply to  Kings-Rebuild

I like these ideas or most any idea that has the team going for younger talent.

rockbottom
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March 21, 2022 9:01 am
Reply to  Kings-Rebuild

Bucks will not lose Portis but he would be a great fit ! What is overpaying for him – since he is getting less than 5 million now? A young tough proven Champ that Ave 15 pts, 9 rb, and 40% 3 . 10 million would be a steal .

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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March 21, 2022 9:18 am
Reply to  Kings-Rebuild

Jones is a UFA and the Kings will still have Len a guaranteed deal, unless they move him. Sabonis, Holmes, Quetta, Len, Koloko, and Jones! That’s even more centers than Monte had under contract this year.

Kings-Rebuild
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March 21, 2022 9:44 am
Reply to  Adamsite

I said we should move Holmes and Len if we sign Jones. If we don’t sign Jones to a minimal contract then just keep Len for another year. Koloko is the longer term solution if we can get him. I hope you watched the game yesterday and you’re formulating your own opinion. I think many people are just repeating what they read on the internet without ever seeing the player. That’s why I don’t comment on the Euro’s because I don’t see them play. I’ve been watching Koloko since high school and coached against him in AAU.

Carl
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March 21, 2022 10:53 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Sabonis, Holmes, Quetta, Len, Koloko, and Jones! That’s even more centers than Monte had under contract this year.

Add a couple of veteran point guards and no wings, and it’s playoffs for sure.

Kings-Rebuild
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March 21, 2022 11:09 am
Reply to  Carl

You need the entire draft recommendations along with the existing roster and you will see the results are very balanced and a team that can play both sides of the ball which is why I like Mitchell, Koloko and Murray. As I recommended prior to the the tournament watch Koloko. I think my thoughts on him are being validated. Also Timme.

Murray, Koloko, Timme and away we go.

Adamsite
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March 21, 2022 12:11 pm
Reply to  Kings-Rebuild

I guess my philosophy is when you drafting late in the 1st round or 2nd round it is more about fit than need. I’m not sure I understand the logic of drafting another pure center when your best player starts there and you currently have 3 more under contract. The Kings are very unlikely to trade any of their centers prior to draft night so you would still advocate drafting one with the others currently on the team? Wouldn’t that hurt any trade value and leverage the Kings might have in trading players like Len and Holmes?

On top of all that you want to draft Murray (which I’m totally on board with) to be a stretch 4 then draft another traditional non-stretch 4 in Timme. That would be a team loaded with bigs, just 2 PGs guards in Fox and Mitchell, and one legit wing in Barnes.

Just to be clear you’d want the roster to look something like this:

PG: Fox, Mitchell
SG: DDV (re-signed), Davis, Holiday
SF: Barnes, Harkless
PF: Murray, Timme, Lyles, Metu
C: Sabonis, Koloko, Jones (re-signed), Queta, Holmes and Len traded for something.

That would be 15 guaranteed deals (17 if you can’t move Holmes and Len), no cap space, and likely only the MLE left on a free agent.

Last edited 2 years ago by Adamsite
Kings-Rebuild
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March 21, 2022 5:44 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

It’s about getting the best player available when you have a roster like the Kings. I don’t want Holiday, Harkless, Holmes and Len back. That’s just to start. I’m also looking to move Barnes. I’m also not adverse to moving Fox. There was a proposal out there prior to the deadline to move Fox to Boston for Smart, 2022 first, 2024 first, and Nesmith. I’d take a deal like that if it was available.

I’m not real high on Queta I just think there’s no reason he shouldn’t have gotten more NBA playing time. It’s not like Wilt Chamberlain is playing ahead of him.

You’re too worried about traditional positioning.. Just make sure your lineup can shoot, pass, rebound, and defend. There’s no reason Sabonis can’t be on the floor with both Koloko and Murray. Remember good/great players make things fit.

Hypothetically this roster can play. Mitchell, Smart, Murray, Sabonis, Koloko. I know the Kings management isn’t heading that way but there needs to be a lot of turnover with this present roster.

BestHyperboleEver
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March 21, 2022 12:38 pm
Reply to  Kings-Rebuild

Sorry I haven’t been following along but how are you proposing the Kings pick up that late-1st to draft Koloko?

Kings-Rebuild
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March 21, 2022 6:03 pm

Well I say we monitor the draft and I don’t know if Holmes has value but maybe a second and Holmes to get late into the first round. I’ve been of the mindset that we needed to move players for draft picks and cap space. I’m not sure why we still have Barnes unless there is absolutely no market for him. The proposals I was hearing was that Barnes could bring back a mid to late first rounder and a prospect

I guess my answer to your good question is I would use some combination of Holmes and Barnes and second rounders to grab someone like Koloko. I’d rather take a shot on someone like Koloko than to go back to the same failed playbook and overpay for someone like Portis. BTW when I was proposing Koloko all the draft boards had him going into the second round. I think that’s unlikely now. Also, I know you don’t like Timme but I was hoping to get him as a late second or as a UFA. I just saw him at 36 on one of the draft boards. After the top 20 guys, it’s very sporadic on ones I know something about so maybe someone else knows of a sleeper. I’ve been also pushing for Bouyea as a UFA pickup but now I’m starting to see him in the second round on draft boards.

murraytant
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March 21, 2022 3:35 pm
Reply to  Kings-Rebuild

I like your enthusiasm but disagree with analysis.
Koloko is athletic, has some good points and some drawbacks. He would have been a good second round choice and I agree- he has moved up.
But Timme ? NO. He is worse than the Pistons Luke Garza who cannot get court time. Too slow, too short…nope,nope, nope.
The USF guys is Boulye? Pass on him as well.
Top 4 a lock: Chet, Paolo, Smith and Ivey. No drops there. Trades maybe but no drops.
From 5-10: Griffin, Murray, Sharpe, Davis, Mathurin and Duren.
While I do doubt that Portis wants to come West, the money required would be high.

Gregoryl
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March 21, 2022 8:50 am

The Pacers win and “The Flamethrower” continues to throw bricks? I’m good.

keith_kar
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March 21, 2022 9:12 am
Reply to  Gregoryl

Holiday?

Kingsguru21
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March 21, 2022 10:49 am
Reply to  keith_kar

Buddy Hield I’m presuming.

Gregoryl
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March 21, 2022 10:53 am
Reply to  Kingsguru21

Correct. As coined by Jalen Rose himself.

Kingsguru21
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March 21, 2022 11:55 am
Reply to  Gregoryl

I’m assuming you’re referring to the infamous exchange where David Jacoby said the league should have stepped in and voided the deal?

Gregoryl
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March 21, 2022 3:16 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

That’s the one

rockbottom
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March 21, 2022 9:13 am

Mitchell deserves to start and the more he plays the better he plays . DDV is an off the bench disrupter at best .

HongKongKingsFan
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March 21, 2022 9:42 am
Reply to  rockbottom

I completely had no problem with Mitchell pairing with DDV as the 2nd unit…

But I would rather put DDV as the starting SG over Holiday…as DDV seems good at finding Sabonis in the paint.

keith_kar
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March 21, 2022 10:04 am

With only a handful of games to play, I wouldn’t mind Metu getting some starts ahead of Barnes.

Kings-Rebuild
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March 21, 2022 9:48 am

I’ve seen enough of Holiday. For the last 9 games I want to see Mitchell along with DD in the backcourt. I actually like Lamb better than Holiday.

Jack
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March 21, 2022 10:36 am
Reply to  Kings-Rebuild

The more we play Davion and Donte together they better we will be.

Kings-Rebuild
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March 21, 2022 11:09 am
Reply to  Jack

Agree, and we also need to further evaluate them going into the offseason.

andy_sims
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March 21, 2022 11:19 am

That screen and putback by Jones just feels like further proof that he can create a very nice role for himself in the NBA. He’s a skilled passer, can spread the floor a bit, has quick feet on defense, and offers legit rim protection. If Queta isn’t going to play, I want 30+ minutes per game for Jones in the remaining games.

Kings-Rebuild
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March 21, 2022 11:38 am
Reply to  andy_sims

For a minimal contract he can be a serviceable placeholder. Koloko is the longer term solution if we are fortunate enough to get him.

Sacto_J
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March 21, 2022 1:13 pm

Wasn’t expecting overtime against one of the best teams in the league last night.
Davion is showing he’s going to be in the league a while and I like seeing him and DDV together as the 2nd unit back court. They’re disruptive AF and play well together on both sides of the ball.

I’m conflicted on Holiday, the lows are too low to justify the 1 game in 5 where he lights it up. We hated on Buddy for the same shit, hard to give a pass just because there’s a different name and number on the jersey. But damn, when that guy is on its impressive as hell.

I’m in “shut her down” mode and think Jones should be starting the rest of the year. The team needs to determine if he’s going to be a part of the future or not (I think he’s earned it, his game is decent and he continues to improve.)

I like Metu and wish he got more burn. Between him and Lyles I would rather see Metu, tho Lyles has done alright. Between the two I think Metu has more of a chance to be consistently contributing starter if he continues to improve his game. He also seems to have some chemistry with Bones, even if its simply because Metu recognizes when and where to cut.

Time to call up Queta and get him some minutes, already.

Last edited 2 years ago by Sacto_J
Jack
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March 21, 2022 2:20 pm
Reply to  Sacto_J

I have a question that maybe some of you could answer. Please comment. I read somewhere that the kings could trade Barnes, Holmes and Holiday plus our 2023 first round pick for Julius Randle( 20, 10,5).Ifpossible my question is would it be a good fit along side Fox and Sabonis? I am high on Murray who could play the 3. What do you guys think? Also I like Davion and Donte playing together with maybe Davis and get a FO SG like Monk. Another question.

Gregoryl
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March 21, 2022 3:19 pm
Reply to  Jack

WAY too much for Randle. Barnes + filler for Randle maybe. But no way should the pick be involved.

keith_kar
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March 21, 2022 3:24 pm
Reply to  Jack

I would go for that trade in an instant. The only potential downside is Randle is turning 28 years old this year. The addition of Randle would give the Kings a ‘big 3’ so to speak, and if we luck out in the draft and pick up Murray, the Kings should be set.

I’m sure Monte is exploring all options, and I like the idea of giving up next year’s pick to obtain a proven scorer. We just need better players, period.

BestHyperboleEver
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March 21, 2022 3:38 pm
Reply to  Jack

I don’t see Sabonis, Randle, and Fox working well together. Fox and Sabonis already make a questionable enough fit. Adding Randle to the mix just exacerbates the spacing issues without adding anything Sabonis doesn’t already bring.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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March 21, 2022 3:56 pm

Agreed 100%. Fox and Sabonis desperately need rim protecting stretch 4 and a legit 3-D wing. Good luck with that, Monte.

Kingsguru21
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March 21, 2022 4:21 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

If you could have any rim protecting stretch 4 and 3&D wing that isn’t in the draft, who would you want?

I’m just curious what player’s are even out there that fit this mold, mainly.

Last edited 2 years ago by Kingsguru21
murraytant
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March 21, 2022 3:40 pm
Reply to  Jack

Randle puts up numbers- but mostly empty calories. A ball hog has to have the rock. And does not space the floor. Don’t trade first round picks.

Jman1949
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March 21, 2022 4:57 pm

Another missed call on Shamet’s three-pointer near the end of OT:

Q500:33.2Foul: Offensive Bismack Biyombo Aaron Holiday INC. Video

 Comment: Biyombo (PHX) clamps Holiday’s (SAC) arm during the screen and the contact affects his ability to defend.

Note: That reference should be Justin Holiday, not Aaron.

Kingsguru21
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March 21, 2022 5:24 pm
Reply to  Jman1949

That means he’s out until the team comes back for the final 2 home games of the year. And there’s only 2 games left on the road after that.

I can see the Kings going 1-9 in these next 10 games.

Last edited 2 years ago by Kingsguru21

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