The Good:

1. Effort seems to be back

The Kings seem to be once again playing with the determination that they were with at the beginning of the year.  This was especially evident to me during the Denver and San Antonio games, both games the Kings could have won, and the eventual loss could definitely not be blamed on effort.  I'm just glad we're seeing it come back again, and against some very good teams too.  I think the team is tired and the All-Star break will be a good chance for them to get some rest.  I also can't wait until the deadline is over so the team can put its full focus on the games at hand.

See Player of the Week

3. Donté Greene

Sergio was quite capable as the primary backup point guard this week, and he showed remarkable skill at getting to the rim and finishing, mainly because of his quickness.  He's a magician with the ball, and if we trade Beno at the deadline, I'll be glad that Sergio is here to take his place.  But if we keep Beno, I think Sergio could be a pretty good trade chip.  Guy has skill, there is no question of that.

Tyreke has been distributing the ball extremely well as of late, and thats what I want to focus on this week.  He's making an art form out of the drive and kick, and while it doesn't always lead to points, most of his passes are to wide open shooters.  There's no doubt in my mind that Tyreke will have the Points and Assists requirements for the 20/5/5 crew.  Now if only he could pick up his rebounding a little bit.  But that's just nit picking.  Kid's special.  I'm glad he's in a Sacramento uniform.

Omri had a fairly solid week after some slumping, and he finds ways to contribute even if he doesn't score.  He rebounds extremely well for a G/F, but he does need to work on his decision making, which is probably his biggest weakness.  Omri is definitely NaPG.  I have faith he'll get better in this area.  He is a rookie after all.  Its nice to see him shooting the ball decently again.

I probably delayed a week Noc's return to the Good, but he definitely earned it this week.  While his numbers for the week aren't glamorous, they aren't bad, and they definitely aren't ugly.  And you have to give Noc this, he always plays hard, and plays scrappy defense.  He was an especially big boon in the Denver game.

8. End of Bench guys

The Bad:

1. JT missing three games.

One of those games (Denver) he continued his horrid slump.  The other two were a funeral.  Condolences to JT, and he looked pretty good against Toronto, so perhaps all he needed was a slight rest.  We'll see what happens after the All-Star break.  If his slump continues, then I think we start to get a little worried.

2. Kevin Martin

Dear Kevin,

Please spend the All-Star Break with Coachie and/or David Thorpe and get your shot back. 

Miss you,

Kings Fans

3. Kevin Martin Trade Rumors/ Trade Rumors in general

I can't wait until the deadline is over.  What happens, happens.  Until then, the team needs to tune out the voices and just keep playing. 

I'm going to chalk up Beno's recent poor play to his Plantar Fasciitis.  I have known people who have had it, and from what I've heard, it is very painful.  Get better soon Beno!

The Ugly:

1. Interior Defense

2. Losing

3. Grant Napear

Sam Amick Rules.  Napear drools.  That's all I have to say about that.

4. Me.

Player of the Week:

Spencer Hawes

15 PPG, 5.3 RPG, .526 FG%, 2 APG, 1.3 BPG

Comment of the Week:

Highlight of the Week:

Caption Contest:

Remember to Rec Captions you like.  That's how the winners are decided. If you don't know how to rec, simply click actions on the post you want to rec, and then click rec.

Last week's winner: debrixtha1

Last week's runner-up: section214

This week's picture (FROM THE FUTURE!):

Bold Prediction: A Crotch Thrust Caption wins again.

Lottery Projection and Profile of the week:

Since we've entered the 2nd half of the season and are clearly headed for the lottery, I thought it'd be about time to add some draft analysis.  I'll be profiling a different college player each week, as well as showing the possible range for where the Kings might end up, pre-ping pong balls of course.

Current Projected Lottery Position: 4th

Current Lottery Range: 3rd-9th

Draft Profile: Patrick Patterson, 6'8, 223 lbs, PF, Junior, Kentucky

Patterson has made noticeable improvements in his game since his Freshman year.  This year with new Freshman Demarcus Cousins and John Wall coming to Kentucky, Patterson hasn't had to be the focal point of the offense, but is still a decent offensive weapon.  He's got great athleticism, and is a VERY efficient scorer, hitting almost 60% of his shots over his college career.  His basketball IQ is great and you can trust him to make good decisions with the basketball and to know his role.   He's also, by all accounts, got great character. 

Next Week's Profile: DeMarcus Cousins

And Nostradumbass Prediction for next week:

@ Toronto 2/7 L (Kings start off poorly, play some great stretches of basketball during the 2nd and 3rd quarters, but just can't stop the Raptors in the 4th or score for that matter.  Raptors win by, oh lets just say 11)

@ New York 2/9 W (Game can go either way. We can win by a lot, or lose by a lot.  I don't see a middle ground here.  But screw it, we need a win and I'm feeling optimistic this week)

@ Detroit 2/10 W (OPTIMISM!)

Nostradumbass Record for the Year: 27-22