Thoughts following Kings Preseason Games

The Kings had two preseason games against the Golden State Warriors where Sacramento went (1-1) coming away with a win on their home floor. The lockout has certainly slowed down the progression of this young team but it’s evident this team is talented.

Top scorer: Marcus Thornton – 21 points both games

Top rebounder: J.J Hickson – 16 over both games

Assist leader: Tyreke Evans – 14 over both games

*Potential – This Kings team has so much potential. From the top to the bottom of their roster, is talent. Bench players like Donte Greene and Hassan Whiteside, who I believe could be good role players on other teams in the NBA, may not see the floor this year a lot. The incoming rookies have been terrific. As soon as Tyler Honeycutt gets stronger, his minutes will increase but as far as Jimmer Fredette and Isaiah Thomas; great additions.

*Off-Season – Sacramento’s front office needs more than a pat on the back. The Kings went out and acquired veterans John Salmons and Travis Outlaw. They also traded for a young, energetic, four man in JJ Hickson. They could potentially re-acquire Samuel Dalembert as Chuck Hayes contract was voided. One word describes the Sacramento front office this limited off-season; wonderful.

*Turnovers – Turnovers are going to be a big problem this year for the Kings. Not exactly, but they were huge in the preseason. Unfamiliarity with the teammates is one thing but some of the turnovers were not caused by lack of chemistry. I think, as the biggest Tyreke Evans supporter, the primary ball handler should be Jimmer Fredette. I love Evans and what he’s done for this organization but he tries to do too much at times and until he realizes he can’t make every play, the Kings will suffer. Total turnovers through the first two games? Try 46. 12 by Evans alone.

*Star power – The Kings have star power. Not only does Sacramento boast the 2009-10 Rookie of the Year but also premier NBA big man DeMarcus Cousins and icon Jimmer Fredette. The fame in California has reached Sacramento and the Kings not only have enough talent but also enough star power to once again turn Power Balance Pavilion into the best arena in the NBA.

(January 20, 2011 - Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America)

*Defense – Despite giving up 90 and 100 points to Golden State, Sacramento has so much potential on the defensive end. The Kings have the necessary length, a solid frontcourt in Cousins and Hickson, with Jason Thompson and Outlaw helping out, and most importantly, energy. Now, it’s going to boil down to putting it all together. The Kings can score, no doubt about it. But, can they summon up the energy and make a commitment to defend the basketball is going to dictate how well they will be this season.

Overall, I feel like this is the most talented team the Kings have seen in recent memory. The talent is there, now it’s about becoming cohesive with one another, building chemistry, establishing that identity and competing in a tough Western Conference.

If I had to predict our record this season over a 66-game period, I’d say in a perfect world the Kings could win 40-games. However, based on what I saw, and how I believe they’ll improve, I’ll say they’ll just barely miss out on the playoff this year and slightly win more games than they did last year.

Fredette is a superstar waiting to happen and I’ve never seen someone with such a great shooting stroke. He’s going to see a lot of minutes this year because of his scoring ability. Evans over the summer showcased a new and improved jumper and although he hasn’t showcased much of it yet, it’s there.

Also, Outlaw will be the x-factor. His shooting ability has amazed coach Westphal and it should earn him extra minutes.

Offensively, the Kings shouldn’t have a problem scoring the basketball. Throughout all five positions on the floor, there isn’t a player that can’t score the basketball on the NBA level.

I still feel like they need that defensive presence behind or possibly beside Cousins. Last year, when they made the trade for Marcus Thornton, which I thought was brilliant, Sacramento started to come together and offer a small portion of what you could expect in the future.

You can say it was for many reasons. Thornton was playing out of his mind and Cousins was coming along as well. But, the thing many people may overlook is the fact that then Sacramento could rebound the ball.

In both preseason games, Golden State managed to out-rebound the Kings. First time, in embarrasing fashion and even after getting Cousins back in the second game, the Warriors frontcourt seemed to outmuscle, the more talented frontcourt, in my opinion.

I thought that head coach Paul Westphal could place some trust in Hassan Whiteside as the defensive bruiser in the paint and play a role of a shot-blocker and rebounder, but the 7-footer rode the bench throughout the second game.

This is where Hayes would have been extremely valuable. He offers you toughness, a verbal leader, someone who plays with high energy and heart. Those are some things you can replace when you talk about a presence.

Outside of Cousins and Thompson, there isn’t another guy that can compare to the typical Western Conference frontcourt. Hickson is good but undersized, compared to the typical Western Conference four and has a career average of 5.7 rebounds per game. Not to say he’s not going to rebound but even if you put stock into Hickson, who is going to help out at the center position?

There are obvious things that need to be address with this young Sacramento team but rebounding should be No. 1 priority. Chemistry can be fixed. Ball handling was suspect because of the shortened period with the team, everyone is going to be rusty. The defense will improve as the season goes along and the players establish chemistry and are able to feed off one another. But the lack of rebounding will stick until you get an upgrade at the backup center position in the frontcourt. I would personally like to see the organization put a little more trust in Whiteside, but I’m not NBA GM nor coach.