Coaching: while I disagree with the philosophy of firing the coach to solve a team's problems, if the Kings are going to move in a new direction they will need a coach who is up to the task. A coach who stresses defense and rebounding. A coach who has both the vision and the intelligence to make that vision a reality. In the rebuilding process, the coach is perhaps the most vital aspect.
Defense: The Kings give up 108 points a game. Nothing else needs to be said about that.
Big Men: The Kings front line is soft. Here is a unit that no one in the NBA respects and for good reason. The lack of a true post player has been a trait of Kings teams going back to the days of Olden Polynice. Having a respected big man does a number of teams for a ball club: prevents guards from driving to the basket at will, draws double teams which enables shooters (Martin, Garcia) to get open easier, blocks shots so the thought is at least in the mind of the opposing team and most importantly rebounds the damn basketball.
Leadership: the Kings have no leader. Kevin Martin is the best player but is he the guy everyone looks to in the locker room? The team appears to have put its faith in Beno as their point guard but is he ready to assume the role of leader? Brad Miller? Yeah right.
Lack of a Marketable Player: There is no face of the franchise right now. The Kings have no player who is easily identifiable. If the casual basketball fan were to see a picture of Kevin Martin it is likely that they would fail to identify him. Publicity is a good way for a team to gain respect and a great way to increase desirability for free agents.
Fans: Arco Arena is dead. There is no excitement, no enthusiasm, and for some games barely any fans. Sacramento has gone from bringing the ruckus every night to not caring. This will not change until the team puts a better product on the court.
Brad Miller: He just needs to be traded to clear salary cap room so the rebuilding effort can seriously get underway.
Too many of the same player: Swing men like Francisco Garcia, John Salmons and Quincy Douby are a dime a dozen in the NBA. Instead of taking up roster space with players like that, why not add some depth at point guard or on the front line?
Ownership?: Sometimes I wonder if building a successful basketball team is the Maloof's first priority. They have their casino and all that now in Las Vegas. I feel like maybe their commitment to the team is no longer as strong as it used to be.
I still maintain my faith in Geoff Petrie. I believe that if anyone can fix this mess it is him. I will not abandon hope. I truly believe that the days of Arco Thunder will return.
Go Kings!
-Bryce B
-Bryce B
Well put.
ReplyDeleteMost of this is applicable to the Warriors; don't get me start on that person they call man who is Don Nelson.