Relax It's Only Preseason

The Kings have played three preseason games this season; they have won just one. I have been in contact with personal friends that are Kings fans as well as ones that I do not know and all I keep hearing is, "Why isn't Tyreke playing more?" "What's with this starting line-up?" "Why aren't we starting our starters?" etc. I think it is important for all Kings fans to realize that it is preseason. Our players from last year have spots on the roster for this season; others do not.

The preseason, to me anyway, is a time for the training camp invitees to show us what they've got. To show the coaches why they need to be a part of the team's roster going forward. This is really their tryouts. Sure, Summer League gave some of them a chance to strut their stuff, and practices and training camp scrimmages do as well, but it's nothing when compared to actual real game experience. Sure, the caliber of play isn't the greatest, but it isn't the worst either. It's also a time to see who works well with each other and what match ups aren't the best for every game. It's a chance to work out the kinks!

It is important as a fan to realize that preseason games count for nothing in terms of the the regular season. Sure, some guys will cement their standings as starters or even players, but stats count for nothing! I do not want to see a Kings player become this year's Blake Griffin who suffered a season ending injury in a preseason game with the Clippers last year. How would you react to seeing Tyreke or DeMarcus go full force in a preseason game to see their whole season and your hopes of winning knocked out with them? I'm not willing to take that chance! So if Tyreke sits every game until the second game of the season, I'd be okay with that!

So remember, it is only preseason, nothing matters right now! It's more of an opportunity for those trying to make it into the league to get a spot! Starters and stars don't need to go out and give it all they've got on an exhibition game! Conserve that energy for the regular season! If anything we have learned from preseason play this year, at least in the NFL, is that if you win all or most of your preseason games, it doesn't mean you will win in the regular season ones! Take the 49ers who are 0-5 for the season...or the Raiders who did well in preseason but have struggled to gain solid footing in the regular season!