Game 1 Thoughts

Welcome to my blog.  This is my first time doing anything like this.  I’m hoping to continue with this for the NBA season.

I’m going to be using this as a way to give my opinion on the Sacramento Kings season.  I’ll try and post a reaction of some kind after every game.  Since this is my first post, I have a lot I’d like to talk about.  Enjoy.  I’d love the feedback.

1.)  Starting Lineup

-Fox, Ferrell, Hield, Bjelica, Caulie-Stein-

When I initially saw this starting lineup, I was a bit surprised.  First, I was interested to see the two PG’s.  I wondered how they could coexist.  I know during the preseason, Ferrell was on a tear, so it was nice to see him get recognized.  Buddy Hield at the 3 was clearly due to the fact that Bogdan was not playing.

TAKEAWAYS:  Ferrell is a stud.  In addition to his 12 points, he was the absolute toughest defender out there.  In an undersized matchup, he was really able to shut down everyone he was matched up against.  In fact, he was an inspiration out there. I’d love to see the rest of the team share his intensity.  And while we’re on the subject of studs, Bjelica deserves a mention.  18/8/2.  After getting over the initial shock of seeing him in the starting lineup, I really enjoyed watching him play out there!  Running the length of the floor to score, hustling on defense, and fighting for rebounds, even with Gobert out there disrupting the post play.  Overall, very happy with the starters.

2.) The Game

Another year, another disappointment.  Once again, it’s disappointing to see the Kings unable to finish, blow a 16 point lead, and lack intensity in the 2nd and 4th quarter.

The first quarter could not have gone any better!  The Kings got off to a blazing start, and pulled to a huge 16 point lead.  But, all good things must come to an end, and the Kings soon found themselves in one of their signature death spirals.  Sloppy play and a lack of defensive intensity really ruined it for them.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m a diehard fan.  I’m just disappointed to see the same story play out game after game.  Granted, the officiating didn’t help.  Especially with the game on the line in the 4th.  And the stupid technical from Willie cost them a point.  Plus, Hield missed a technical free throw.  Speaking of free-throws, 66% is not gonna cut it.  The Kings need to do a better job of getting to the line, and converting once they’re there.

So… the starters were awesome. The bench:  not so much.  There’s a serious lack of depth going on.  They let Temple and Carter go without really actually replacing them.  Temple, especially, was a spark plug off the bench, as well as a strong veteran presence in the locker room.  He’ll be tough to replace.

3.) Justin Jackson

I promise I’m not going to be negative all year, but this is probably my biggest piece of contention with the Kings.  Hopefully, Jackson is only going to be in the rotation while Bogdan is out.  For someone who played 6th man minutes, he was a liability on offense and defense.  I mean, he couldn’t even guard Joe Ingles.  Imagine if he had to guard KD, or The Greek Freak? There’s no way he could stop them.  8 points in 30 minutes is NOT going to cut it. Something has to change.

4.) Too many bigs???

According to a team source, we will not be seeing Koufos or Randolph this year (barring injury). With Willie, Giles, Bagley, Skal, Jackson all at the 4 or 5, it’s a bit crowded down there. Which leads me to my next point…

5.) Trade Willie????

Wille is playing great. But, let’s face it:  he’s in a contract year. I personally think this is the most productions we’re ever going to see from him. I think it may be wise to trade him. The Kings need a 3. — No if’s, and’s or but’s about it.  Looking at needs, I don’t think it would be unreasonable to get maybe:  DeMarre Carrol, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Justise Winslow (lol pipe dream), Khris Middleton, Danny Green, Thabo Sefolosha, Markieff Morris, or Kelly Oubre Jr. But, knowing the Kings, they won’t do any of this…

6.) Small Guards

Ferrell proved that size doesn’t matter when you want it more than the other guy.  The current roster has a bunch of small guards (other than Shump). I think that this could also be an area addressed in trades. Maybe trade away Jackson and/or Mason??? Just a thought.

7.) Final Thoughts

Well, the Kings played tough against a playoff quality opponent. They gave it their all.  Although they came up short, they have nothing to be ashamed of. If they bring it like this every game, it’s only a matter of time before they see it pay off in the form of victories. Here’s to a good year!