Kings Gab

Jimmer’s Fall Is Isaiah’s Gain

Russ Loede — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:36:50 +0000

Have Jimmer Fredette's struggles led to Mr. Irrelevant's rise?

I recall at a Cavs-Warriors game back in mid-January, when I was asked the question: "Could Nate Robinson start for a contending club at PG?"

I finally saw the answer at live -- a month and two days later. He can, that is, in the form of Isaiah Thomas of the Sacramento Kings -- the 60th overall pick of last June's draft. Keep in mind, both went to Washington, both are undersized, both have been doubted several times over.

The last pick of the draft nearly had a triple-double, almost stealing last night's spotlight from the new age "Isiah Thomas", Kyrie Irving. Isaiah showed me the ability that he could start one day at PG for a good team, maybe even a playoff team I shall adventure?

Which brings to me to my next thought.

Can I say, Isaiah Thomas will have a more successful stint in Sacramento than Jimmer?

As for Jimmer, watching him shoot and warmup courtside in Cleveland, I must say, he's lacking something -- he just doesn't look right and it seems like he isn't having fun. One of the many reasons I was high on him and that he could make a huge impact right away, was his intensity/energy/personality that his teammates fed off of at college. It seems like the Kings have turned him sour and it could take some time for him to re-establish that edge and charisma. Could he be J.J. Redick Part II?

Not the best future comparison when you were drafted tenth overall.

If Jimmer is Redick, than Thomas has to be the next Raymond Felton -- a starting caliber NBA point guard who is more of a scorer than a shooter.

I guess one man's hype is another man's gain.

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Improving Kings Prepare For Six-Game East Coast Trip

Russ Loede — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:24:47 +0000

After dropping Saturday’s home contest to Phoenix by 14, the Kings were winners of four out of their last five games.

Three of the four victories were captured at home — including an overtime win over Golden State and a five-point triumph over OKC on TNT. A three-point win over Portland was also an impressive showing for Keith Smart’s young, yet talented club.

Still residing at the bottom of the Pacific Division at 10-17, the team prepares for a tough six-game East Coast trip — starting Tuesday night in the Windy City against the Eastern Conference-leading 23-7 Bulls.

The following night, the team will head to the Big Apple to witness “LINsanity” and the emerging Knicks, winners of five straight.

Friday the Kings will travel to the Motor City, head to Cleveland on Sunday, before wrapping up the tour out East with back-to-back games next Tuesday in South Beach and Wednesday in the Nation’s Capital.

Intro For Isaiah Thomas Documentary

Russ Loede — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:03:44 +0000

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“The Making of Jimmer” Trailer

Russ Loede — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:16:11 +0000

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Kings SG Marcus Thornton Expected To Miss 1-2 Weeks

Russ Loede — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:11:24 +0000

A diagnostic ultrasound test performed on guard Marcus Thronton today at the UC Davis Medical Center revealed a significant hematoma in his left thigh.

The LSU product is expected to miss approximately one to two weeks of action.

Thornton, the Kings’ leading scorer (16.4 ppg), has missed four games due to the injury.

Kings Fire Paul Westphal; Keith Smart Takes Over

Russ Loede — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 01:17:02 +0000

The Sacramento Kings have fired head coach Paul Westphal after a 2-5 start.

Assistant Keith Smart, who just received a two-year contract from the Kings, will serve as the team’s interim head coach.

“I want to thank Paul for all of his effort on behalf of the Kings,” said Kings president Geoff Petrie in a statement. “Unfortunately, the overall performance level of the team has not approached what we felt was reasonable to expect. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Westphal posted a record of 51-120 in his two-plus seasons as Kings coach.

“I would like to thank the Maloof family for the incredible opportunity they gave me to participate in the attempt to bring the Sacramento Kings back to prominence,” said Westphal. “While the job is far from finished, I am proud of the strides we were able to make.”

Cousins Wants Out; Coach Westphal Grants Him His Wish For Tonight

Russ Loede — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:31:06 +0000

STATEMENT FROM KINGS HEAD COACH PAUL WESTPHAL

SACRAMENTO, CALIF., Jan. 1, 2012 – “Whenever a new season begins, in any sport, there is great hope that everything will progress in only a steady, upward direction. As we all know, it seldom happens like that in this life!

As coaches, we can only ask that our players do everything they can to improve themselves as individuals and teammates. If they do this with all their hearts, we live with the results.

Everything that happens on a team does not become known to the public. This is how it should be. However, when a player continually, aggressively, lets it be known that he is unwilling/unable to embrace traveling in the same direction as his team, it cannot be ignored indefinitely.

DeMarcus Cousins has demanded to be traded. In the best interest of our team as we go forward, he has been directed by me, with the support of management, to stay home from the New Orleans game tonight.”

Cousins is averaging 13.0 points and 11.2 rebounds in 27.0 minutes through four games this season.

The Kentucky product is also shooting 32.1% from the floor and averaging 5.0 personal fouls to go along with 2.8 turnovers per game.

Defenseless Kings Get Bounced By New York; 114-92

Russ Loede — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:59:55 +0000

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Kings Bullied By Bulls; Fall At Home 108-98

Russ Loede — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 06:38:57 +0000

Derrick Rose recorded 19 points and eight assists and the Chicago Bulls collected a 108-98 win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night.

The Bulls tallied 15 straight points early in the game and never trailed again in defeating the Kings, who missed more free throws (14) than they had assists (13).

Carlos Boozer put together his first double-double of the season, accumulating 16 points and 15 rebounds for the Bulls (2-1).

Rip Hamilton added 16 points, while Ronnie Brewer led an effective Chicago bench with 12 points.

Luol Deng also scored 12 points.

The Kings had no answer on defense, allowing the Bulls to shoot 53.8 percent from the field, while also surrendering 33 fast break points.

Marcus Thornton led Sacramento (1-2) with 20 points and Tyreke Evans generated 19 points.

DeMarcus Cousins, who fouled out in the fourth quarter, produced his third straight double-double to start the season, amassing 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Rookie Jimmer Fredette scored 14 points and John Salmons had 12.

Trailing by 12 points, Fredette hit a 3-pointer and Evans followed with an uncontested dunk, cutting the Chicago lead to seven with 2:53 left. But the Kings could never get closer than that against the savvy Bulls, who closed the game out at the charity stripe.

Next Game: Saturday vs. New York Knicks, 5 PT.

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Kings Pounded In Portland; Lose 101-79

Russ Loede — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:24:28 +0000

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