Summer League

2010 Las Vegas Kings Summer League team roster has been finalized.

1. Omri Casspi SF 6'9 225 lbs. Israel
2. Donte Greene SF 6'11 226 lbs. Syracuse
3. DeMarcus Cousins C 6'11 270 lbs. Kentucky
4. Hassan Whiteside C 7'0 235 lbs. Marshall
5. Connor Archley F-C 6'10 225 lbs. Texas
6. Dionte Christmas G 6'5 205 lbs. Temple
7. Wayne Chism F 6'9 246 lbs. Tennessee
8. Devan Downey G-F 5'9 170 lbs. South Carolina
9. Lee Cummard G-F 6'7 190 lbs. BYU
10. Jason Ellis F 6'7 200 lbs. Boise State
11. Steven Hill C 7'0 245 lbs. Arkansas
12. Tyren Johnson F 6'8 204 lbs. Louisiana-Lafayette
13. Sylven Landesberg G 6'6 207 lbs. Virginia
14. Tyrese Rice G 6'1 190 lbs. Boston College
15. Donald Sloan G 6'3 205 lbs. Texas A&M
16. Ryan Thompson G 6'6 220 lbs. Rider

Before the actual analysis begins...am I the only one who thinks names will become an issue during practice and games? A Dionte and a Donte? A Tyrese and Tyren not to mention coaches in the habit of calling out to Tyreke? I'm confused just writing this! Thank goodness I'm not coaching!

I'm not going to sell you on current Kings players. If you haven't heard of the two returning players or read my opinions on the two newest members of the Kings...well read my previous posts and get with it! Kidding, but read up on who they are and what they bring to the team on mine and other sites!

Thompson:

A sentimental favorite of mine would be Ryan Thompson. I was hoping he'd get drafted on draft day, but it wasn't in the cards. I thought he would go to San Antonio personally, but I am happy he's playing on our summer league team. I figure we have brothers running things off the court why not have brothers on the court right? We did it once, well sort of, with Mike Bibby and Eddie House (yes they are brother-in-laws). Ryan has a good game, but it's not what I would consider well rounded. He has a good outside shot. Reviewing his sophomore and junior seasons he shot over 42% in both. He didn't have his best shooting year during his senior season. He has an established jumper and can take the ball inside and attack the basket. His biggest improvement needs to come in his defensive game. He has a realistic chance to make the Kings training camp roster, or any teams roster as he is confirmed for Boston's summer league team as well, by proving he can be that long range 3-point shooter in an NBA environment.

Landesberg:

When watching highlight videos, one could only notice the similarities between he and Tyreke. Not saying he's as good as Tyreke is, but he drives to the basket and scores a lot in the paint. He's a good rebounder and FT shooter. He lacks an outside shot shooting 38% 3 pt in his sophomore season.

Christmas:

High scoring ability. Like Kevin Martin, his shot is a little unorthodox, but he finds the bottom of the net more often than not so who cares what it looks like right? He's a good defender, but he lacks athleticism for a guard.

Chism:

He's QUICK!!! He lacks an outside shot with a 32% 3 pt in college and lacks the height and athleticism. The Kings have a pretty stacked front court already and he doesn't add enough to be a likely candidate for a Kings jersey.

Atchley:

Former D-League player for Iowa and Dakota teams. Decent numbers 16.1 ppg 9.5 boards, nearly a double-double. He lacks strength though.

Cummard:

Great shooter! While at BYU never shot under 51.7%, 85+% FT 2 of 3 years, 40+% 3-point shot. However, he's a spot-up shooter and it is unknown if he will be able to create his own shots in the NBA.

Downey:

Decent scorer, perhaps best known for his game against Kentucky in the SEC game. He's more of a SG than a PG and he's lacking size at 5'9"! Come on I'm that tall and I shouldn't be as tall as NBA players if you ask me! Unless your name is Nate Robinson or Muggsy Bogues!

Rice:

Moves well and is a good scorer. Again, he's not that athletic of a PF

Hill:

A former D-League player, did a short stint with Oklahoma City Thunder in 2009. He's a solid defender, but again, Kings are loaded in the front court.

Ellis:

He rebounds well. Aside from that, there's virtually nothing out there on this guy.

Sloan:

Athletic enough, lacks defensive skill set and outside shooting ability.

Johnson:

Sort of athletic, decent off the boards for his senior season, but he has a problem with TURN OVERS! We need to value the ball more as we had an issue with that last season, we don't need another butterfingers on the court!

Some have asked me the following questions, where is Brockman, JT, and Reke? Well, I have the answer to some of those.

I am not sure why Brockman is not listed on the roster as most anticipated he would be. Maybe the Kings feel he doesn't need to prove himself for his spot since they locked him up at least as a restricted free agent going into this all important Summer of Lebron (AKA 2010 Free Agency). JT isn't joining his little brother on the courts in Vegas because he's considered a proven player. This isn't to say that his buddy Donte Greene isn't, but JT isn't leaving Sac in the foreseeable future, so he doesn't have to head to Vegas, but I'm sure he will be there to cheer little bro Ryan on. Tyreke....really? Do you have to ask? One, he's ROY is there any doubt of his skills? Two, he's working out with Team USA and the Kings decided not to take the risk of injuring their star player (see Clippers and Blake Griffin). Tyreke expressed interest in playing for the Summer League team, but the organization decided to protect their assets!

The Newbies

This is going to be short and sweet. What is the best thing about the newest Sacramento Kings?

THEY WANT TO BE IN SACRAMENTO!!!

For all those who were annoyed at the Andres Nocioni trade, this is why I didn't mind seeing him go! He never wanted to be in Sacramento! He got a D.U.I. right as season started, way to take a play from errr "Coach" Musselman's play book Noc! Real classy! But my point all along with all players current and potential, I don't want someone on a team who doesn't want to be here! We have a good thing going, we don't have the major drama of other teams (see Arenas and Wizards), our players aren't out with weapons in the clubs, brawling in the streets, being accused of sexual assault (Kobe and Big Ben of the Steelers for those that don't follow football). My real point is that Cousins and Whiteside are young guys who reading this actually can say they weren't annoying, immature, know it everything attitudes at 19? I know for one, I wasn't in the spot light with the potential to make millions and I was still pretty immature at times! They are basically still kids, they will learn how to check their emotions and be professionals. I just hate that certain people aren't even willing to give them a chance!

With the 5th/33rd pick the Kings select....

It's official! 2010 NBA Draft Day has officially concluded and I must say, Kings fans are more than excited about BOTH of the selections in the draft.

Yesterday was the Kings Draft Party at ARCO Arena, which I attended, along with about 4,000 other Kings fans! Prior to the start of the draft, Mayor Kevin Johnson was on hand and made this statement, "I'm going to name off 4 players and with applause let me know who you want" well Favors, Turner, and Johnson received applause worthy of a drunken karaoke performance, but when Cousins name was announced, the fan favorite was obvious! With all the rumors floating around about Houston attempting to make a deal with Minnesota to move from the #14 to the #4 pick to steal Demarcus Cousins from any team waiting to snag him off the block; not to mention his sudden jump from #5 - #7 picks to a possible #2 and #3 in some mock drafts, I was nervous! It came as no surprise that John Wall went to the Wizards at #1, Congrats! Turner was no surprise nor was Favors. Then came the #4 pick. I am pretty sure that those in attendance at the Draft Party set a world record for largest collective sigh of relief when David Stern took to the podium and said "With the 4th pick in the 2010 NBA Draft the Minnesota Timberwolves select.....Wesley Johnson." PHEW! With anticipation building it took a commercial break to build the already fragile nerves of all in attendance! When David Stern announced the #4 pick ARCO erupted in cheers as if we had just beat the Lakers in a game 7 championship series! It was loud and it was clear that the fans got their pick!

Here's a little info on each of the rookie selections.

Demarcus Cousins- University of Kentucky

6'11" 270-290 lbs

True Center

7'6" wingspan (rounded up .25")

9'5" standing reach

Averaged a Double-Double last season playing around 20 minutes per game.

Now Demarcus is only 19 years old. When he begins play after summer league he will be 20 (August 13th is his birthday for all who want to give him a shout out on Twitter @boogiecousins). What most people will tell you about him right now is that he's a risk. They assume that because he's had a few yelling matches with coaches in the past that he has a problem with authority or that he's crazy! That happens to be my personal favorite! Granted I do not know this young man any more than the bulk of the country, but what I have seen of him thus far is no different than anything I'd expect of a 19 year old. I don't think he's crazy, lazy, authority challenged if you will. I think he's got drive, ambition, and a pure competitive blood running in his veins. With the right direction and coaching, he's bound for greatness if he is willing to put the work in. Talent isn't enough to make it in the NBA. It's about developing and improving on your existing game to make yourself the best player you can be. From all accounts, Demarcus is looking forward to joining the Kings and being in SacTown and I know from the sounds at ARCO that SacTown is ready for him too!

Hassan Whiteside- Marshall

7'0" 235 lbs

PF/Center

7'7" wingspan

9'5" standing reach

Top shot blocker in NCAA with 5.4 b/pg

I will admit, I've heard Whiteside's name in the past, but only briefly. I had to do my homework on him before writing this. I love the drive that he displays. Once thought to be a lottery pick, he dropped to the 2nd round where the Kings may have struck gold, once again! It's not his numbers or his workouts that made all other teams pass him up 32 times before the Kings took him. Hassan suffers from a very common disorder, A.D.D. bringing his maturity level into question. When I think basketball powerhouses Marshall isn't a school that comes to mind, and surely the competition within the conference is probably lower than that of top teams Duke and North Carolina, but great players can come out of nowhere. Hassan is using his snub from the league as fuel to make them regret not choosing him. If you ask me, that's pretty mature. But let me put into perspective just what a 7'7" wingspan means....Hassan opens his arms straight out and could touch Yao Ming's head with one hand and his toes with the other! Yes! That's right! Yao Ming is 7'7" tall! INSANITY! And we have another rookie who is just one inch less at 7'6"!!!

In the end only time can tell what will come of these two, and all other rookies taken last night, and those who weren't. But as a Kings fan, I am more than excited about both of these guys. So welcome to Sacramento Demarcus and Hassan!!!

Oh, and I TOLD YOU SO! I've been calling for Cousins since March! I'm happy I was right!

Welcome

Just a quick welcome to Demarcus Cousins and Hassan Whiteside! I will post more tomorrow after I've formulated full opinions on everything that went down today! It's late and I'm a little out of it! But we all know that I'm so EXCITED about Cousins!!! Can't wait seriously!!! AMAZING-NESS!

Kings Draft Party

With the NBA Draft coming up in just 2 days there isn't much new to report. Anything I could say I've either said already (who I want) or is pure speculations (rumors floating around the blogosphere). So let me focus on something much more concrete and easy to confirm. I, as well as hundreds of other Kings fans, well be converging on Arco Arena Thursday at 3:30 pm! There are exciting events planned, check out Kings Fan Connection blog to read about all it!

I for one am looking forward to not only seeing who the Kings are going to draft, but hanging out with the best fans in the league!

RSVP today TICKET IS NEEDED TO GET IN!!! Go to Kings.com to RSVP today (it's the welcome screen RSVP on the left) Check out all the new info on the newest King, Samuel Dalembert who will be wearing a fan favorite jersey #10! Welcome Samuel! We can't wait to see you play!

First Change Up

As reported in the previous posting Andres Nocioni wanted out of Sac Town. Well, as of this morning, he and teammate Spencer Hawes are out! We are acquiring the services of Samuel Dalembert from the 76ers.

Yes, I know that Spencer has been a favorite of some Kings fans in the past few years, but this is a REALLY good thing for the Kings. Here's a stat comparison for the two based on last season alone:


Dalembert:

PPG 8.1
RPG 9.6
SPG 0.5
FG% .545
FT% .729
3P .000

Hawes:

PPG 10
RPG 6.1
SPG 0.4
FG% .468
FT% .689
3P% .299

Advantage: Dalembert: 4 Hawes: 2

And as I said before...Nocioni wanted out and I don't want someone on the team that doesn't want to be here!

So I say this:

Good luck Spencer and Andres in Philly! Thanks for your contributions over the years!

Welcome Samuel Dalembert to Sac Town! You will be received well here and I, for one, am looking forward to the season ahead!

Trades, Drafts, Free Agency OH MY!

There is no denying that these past few weeks talks of Lebron and the rest of the all star free agency have subsided, if only for a little while. With all the coaching changes happening in the east and with the amazing play of the highly underestimated Celtics (yes they've knocked out #1 and #2 seeds in the east and are looking to knock out #1 in the west making that 3 top teams in the NBA) it's easy to overlook the smaller teams and what is happening within. So here is a bit on what I "know" on the Kings and what's going down in Sac Town!

Noc Out as King:

Multiple sources are reporting that Kings' forward Andres Nocioni wants out! He's not shy about it either. This isn't the first time this season we've heard this statement either. It was reported that he wanted out before the trade deadline in February because he felt he wasn't part of the core going forward. The Kings are reportedly in discussion to shop Nocioni for another player. I say great! Give me a player that wants to be in Sacramento. I don't want anyone here who doesn't want to be here!

Return of One Time Fan Favorite Hedo Turkoglu?

It's been said that Hedo wants to return to the team he first called home in the NBA. After departing from Sacramento after the 2002-03 season, Hedo has played for three teams: San Antonio, Orlando, and Toronto. He continued to flourish while in Orlando and he became the player that the Kings began shaping in 2000. Here's my concern, he wanted to go to Toronto, but shortly after arriving it went down hill. He got hit with the party tag and there is just bad blood swirling around the whole situation in Toronto. Maybe the cold weather didn't suit him? I don't know, but if he wants to come back to Sacramento, and if we take him back, don't screw it up Hedo! Be here and be the player you were while you were here and in Orlando. Don't screw us over and let our fans down like you did Toronto's.

Kings Look to Build a "Royal Family":

With multiple teams looking to trade up in the draft, the Kings have come into conversations in the sports blogosphere to be a likely candidate to give up their 5th pick for a proven player. Rumor is that Tayshaun Prince would be a possible from the Pistons should the Kings want to give up the #5 pick. Price would be a great addition to the young squad. He brings experience, leadership, and proven talent to the Kings.

Draft Possibles:

My favorite, and has been since day one, YES even if we had gotten the #1 pick, Demarcus Cousins! Cousins had a work out in Sacramento on Saturday, and from all reports he had a great work out. With all comments being positive, accept that of Sacramento Bee writer Aileen Voision about his body fat percentage and his belly, he's still my #1 man...or would it be #5? I don't know! Favors also worked out with the Kings on Saturday. The two are the top big men in the draft and could both be unavailable come time to select at #5, but the general consensus on mock drafts is that Cousins will go to the Kings.

Only time will tell what is going to happen next Thursday, but there's one thing I know for sure; I as well as hundreds of other Kings fans will be on hand at ARCO Arena for the Draft Party! We rocked downtown for the Greatest Draft Lottery party last month, and this is bound to be just as if not more exciting than that! This is a MUST ATTEND and MUST RSVP event! Without an RSVP you can't get a ticket to get in!! So get your RSVP on! Visit http://www.nba.com/kings/news/kings_draft_party2010.html to get your tickets today! Event doors open at 3:30 pm and the event will start at 4:00 pm. Special guests are scheduled to appear! The best part is....Attendees will receive a voucher for a free ticket to one regular season game in the 2010-2011 season!