Live, Learn, Let Go

Immature, young, loose-cannon, inexperienced, wild, unpredictable, disrespectful, childish, a problem with authority; these are all words or phrases that have been used to describe the Sacramento Kings rookie center/forward DeMarcus Cousins. When I think of DeMarcus I think of a few words: potential, talent, and passion.

I am in no way condoning the behavior of Cousins that is being reported about the post-game locker room altercation with his teammate Donte Greene, following the loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. There have been numerous corrections made to the story about what went on in the locker room. I cannot speak to what actually happened between Cousins and Greene, but if what is being reported is factual, I cannot say it was the best way to go about things. I don't disagree with voicing his frustrations, I voice mine on a regular basis, but the way he went about doing it probably was not the best. It cannot be easy to question the veteran, or at least more veteran players, on a team that is young and seriously lacking that one overall leader. DeMarcus is already at a disadvantage in voicing his opinions being the low man on the totem pole, but his concerns are valid.

Lets face it, no one likes to lose. Not in professional sports, pick-up games in the park, or board games. It cannot be easy for DeMarcus, or any other athlete, to go from a top ranked team and winning program to the pros and be on a team that is currently struggling to add wins to the win column. Speaking from experience, losing those games that you have been in the whole game, or have a chance to win in the last seconds is far worse than the ones you never really had a chance to win to begin with. Frustrations are building for the players, the coaches, and the fans. We are all tired of ALMOST winning. We want to win!

No one is questioning the fact that DeMarcus has heart. If they are, they clearly have not watched the young man play a single game at any point in his basketball career. He had heart and passion in high school, while at Kentucky, and he continues to have it in the NBA. There is no doubt that he will continue to have it either. However, I am not sure I really want him to be the player that takes the last shot to win the game. In the past he has not proven himself to be the clutch play maker. He has thrown an errant pass a few rows into the stands, missed wide open corner threes, and has lost the ball going up at the rim in traffic. He is learning to have patience under the rim and taking his time going up for the easy dunk, but in game winning situations, time is not on an offensive player's side. While Tyreke Evans may have missed the three-point shot that would have won the game for the Kings, he is not to blame. It was a good look and it just didn't fall. No one was under the basket to rebound and put the ball up for a chance to tie the game. At least in that situation, with a struggling Beno Udrih on the floor, in my opinion, Tyreke was the best option for that shot, at least he has a few game winning shots on his NBA resume to back up Coach Westphal's decision to go to him late for the win.

DeMarcus did not travel to Phoenix with the team last night. It is being reported that DeMarcus will rejoin the team in Oklahoma City for tomorrow's game against the Thunder and that he has been fined for the incident. I'm not giving up on DeMarcus, and hopefully the incident is the last of its kind and all players, coaches, critics, and fans can move on.

Kings Topple Champs

Going into tonight's game at Staples Center the records stood as Kings (10-33) Lakers (33-13), nearly mirror images of each other. To make matters worse, the Kings had lost their last eight meetings with the Lakers. Things did not look positive, but as any true Kings fan will tell you, "We still believe!"

After a 21-point first quarter show from Kobe Bryant, it had many Kings fans wondering if they were about to see another record breaking night from Bryant, who is on a journey up the NBA's All Time Scorers ladder. Despite the strong start for Bryant, he slowed down, but still finished with 38 points to lead all scorers. But the real story here is the play of the Kings and their young rookie.

DeMarcus Cousins took control early. Less than two minutes into the game Cousins picked up his first foul. This was a bad sign to fans as Cousins has tacked on five and six fouls in the last two games for the Kings. A bad omen this was not. Cousins made shot after shot, play after play. He finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocked shots, all while with only 1 foul for the whole game. Cousins was helped out by his teammates tonight with Casspi finishing with 20, Dalembert 18, Evans 13, and Landry 12.

Tonight the Kings played a full 48 minutes of basketball. There were no late fourth quarter collapses, no implosions, no selfish play. The Kings were a unit tonight in a statement win over the defending champions. While the Kings only have 11 wins starting the second half of the season, Kings fans are still standing strong behind them. As the story title for Sports Center read, "Lakers Crowned", and they weren't talking about their championship win either!

Final score- Kings 100 Lakers 95. Biggest win of the season! Go Kings!

Vegas Summer League Wrap up

Well, today is a sad day Kings Fans! Today marked the end of basketball until preseason starts! But rest assured that there is plenty to be excited about. Our future is looking bright and if you missed any of the action of Vegas Summer League check out what current and possible future Kings did while in Sin City.

Casspi: 24.6 MPG .489 FG% .438 3p% .633 FT% 4.4 RPG .6 APG .6 SPG .2 BPG 14 PPG

***22pt game vs Chicago hit buzzer beater at 3rd Q***

Greene: 21.6 MPG .462 FG% .429 3p% .800FT% 2.6 RPG 1.6 APG .6 SPG .6 BPG 13.2 PPG

***20pt game vs Toronto in loss 4/5 games in double figures***

Christmas: 14.4 MPG .524 FG% .333 3p% .727 FT% 1.2 RPG .8 APG .4 SPG .2 BPG 6.6 PPG

***13pt game vs Chicago***

Cousins: 29.7 MPG .333 FG% .000 3p% .735 FT% 9.8 RPG 1.8 APG 1.5 SPG 1.2 BPG 14.5 PPG

***T-Mobile Rookie of the Month 2010 tallied double double in 4/6 games almost 1 for week***

Whiteside: 25.8 MPG .439 FG% .000 3p% .417 FT% 5.0 RPG 0 APG .7 SPG 2.3 BPG 6.8 PPG

***4 blocks vs Detroit and Chicago***

Landesberg: 16.7 MPG .500 FG% .000 3p% .500 FT% 2.3 RPG 1 APG .7 SPG 0 BPG 8.3 PPG

***13pt game vs Lakers***

Sloan: 15.5 MPG .231 FG% .000 3p% .700 FT% 1 RPG 1.3 APG 0 SPG 0 BPG 3.3 PPG

***6pt game vs Detroit***

Chism: 16.5 MPG .688 FG% .000 3p% .750 FT% 5.8 RPG .5 APG .8 SPG 0 BPG 6.3 PPG

***13pt game vs Lakers***

Rice: 21.3 MPG .429 FG% .200 3p% .857 FT% 2 RPG 3.3 APG 1.2 SPG .2 BPG 8 PPG

***15pt game vs Detroit (did better than while with Utah SL team)***

Thompson: 14.3 MPG .545 FG% .000 3p% .857 FT% .3 RPG .3 APG .3 SPG 0 BPG 6 PPG

***12pt game vs Detroit (did better with Boston SL squad)***

Cummard: 5 MPG .000 FG% .000 3p% 1.00 FT% 1 RPG .5 APG 0 SPG 0 BPG .5 PPG

***1 pt game vs Toronto***

Atchley: 9 MPG .385 FG% .500 3p% 1.00 FT% 0 RPG 0 APG 0 SPG 0 BPG 3.3 PPG

***7pt game vs Chicago***

Downey: 12.3 MPG .364 FG% .000 3p% .500 FT 2.7 RPG 3 APG 1 SPG 0 BPG 3.7 PPG

***11pt game vs Lakers (only game he scored in of the 3)***

First asses the rookies we drafted. Cousins landed the T-Mobile Rookie of the Month award over former teammate, John Wall. I for one was surprised that this happened. In my belief, Cousins had a better week in Las Vegas, but I figured because of the media craze that came with Wall that he'd be favored to win it since he had a few great games. I was pleased when Cousins received the award. Then there is Whiteside. This was my first glimpse of Hassan and I was impressed. This kid can jump! From the first game on he was in the paint coming out of nowhere swatting shots away. I think it is safe to say that "SWAT" signs will be all around ARCO this season. He was beyond impressive in his aggressiveness at the basket.

Guards! What to do with them? We obviously need one or two...or three! My top two picks are Thompson and Rice. Rice had the better week in Las Vegas, but Thompson had a better summer league over all with his stint with the Celtics SL squad. Rice also played with the Jazz this summer but the stats were pretty equal. Both had impressive moments. Thompson had one fewer game with the Kings as he got hit pretty hard in the first half of the Minnesota game and did not play in Friday's contest with the Raptors. Christmas is also an impressive player and showed a well rounded game this week.

All in all, the Kings went 4-2 in Las Vegas this week, but in the end, the fans are the real winners! This young squad shows extreme potential and I for one cannot wait until the regular season.

Midway in Vegas

So tonight's exciting finish marked what Kings fans hope to be the first of many. With 2.8 seconds left on the clock Demarcus Cousins called for the ball which Donte Greene happily fed him down low. He, for the first time all game, took it up the middle and sank the short hook shot against Minnesota. His reaction to it was similar to that of Tyreke's, "This is my house!" in Chicago in the 35-point comeback win...only I will choose to leave his exact words out of this blog! Cousins has tallied a double-double in all three contests thus far in Vegas. His early performance has Lebron James calling for Wall or Cousins to win ROY.

From the first minute of the first game Hassan Whiteside came out swinging...or is it swatting? Either way, Whiteside has been making his presence around the net known from game one. At one point in the first game against the Pistons, where normal shot blockers block with their hands, Whiteside blocked a shot with his wrist. Yes, I said his wrist, meaning he jumped too high and got above the ball. Upon review of replays of his many blocked shots, he is shown blocking balls that are above the square on the backboard...and he looks so effortless in his ability to jump. 10...9....8.....3...2...1....LIFT OFF! Hassan 33 is headed to outer space!

Other bright spots for this young competitive squad has been the play of Ryan Thompson. Although tonight his play was cut short after taking a hard hit to the head after a collision at the basket, Ryan said via his Twitter account, "Just won our summer league game..it was crazy..hit my head pretty hard but I will be okay for friday." Which is a good sign for Kings fans who are pulling for the kid brother of Jason Thompson to join his brother in Sac-Town this coming season. Ryan has shown to be an aggressive scorer from the early seconds of each game he's started. According to Sacramento area sports reporters, rumor is that the coaching staff is very impressed with the way he is playing. The Kings did workout Ryan in the weeks leading up to this year's draft so some of what he is showing comes as no surprise to them. Newly signed rookie guard, Sloan has been playing well and showing Kings fans just what he intends to bring to the court this season. He has some fancy ball handling skills that have been impressive thus far. His court vision is also developing.

All I know for sure as that I will be lost for the next two months once Summer League play ends. I will be anxiously awaiting October to roll around for preseason contests and then finally....TIP OFF! Kings fans have something to be excited about...and if you have walked around the streets of Sacramento lately you can tell. This city's love affair with the Kings has resumed! Consider that flame rekindled Sac-Town!

First look

With a rather torrent media frenzy in the past week over where King James was going to land, I am happy to announce that the circus is finally over! Now we can all get back to what is really important--the actual game of basketball!

Tomorrow marks the first opportunity for Kings fans to witness the newest and possible future members of the Kings. Already signed to a 1-year league minimum deal is former Texas A&M guard, Donald Sloan. Apparently, the Kings coaching staff was impressed with what they saw during the mini-camp practices held before Vegas Summer League officially kicked off for Sacramento.

It is clear that excitement is building in Sacramento over the bright future ahead of our young squad. Last night, hundreds of eager Kings fans gathered at the new Kings on L location to meet newest Kings DeMarcus Cousins and Hassan Whiteside along with last year's rookie Omri Casspi, an instant star in the Sacramento community, and fan favorite Donte Greene. Fans were also given the opportunity to purchase the newly launched "Kings Quarter Season Pass" which offers an 11 game package, including the first home game, and a series of packs that either showcase Lebron and the Heat, two showcase Kobe and the Lakers, or one offer for all weekend games. The package offers the busy Kings fan an opportunity to feel like a real part of the season ticket holder family without the big financial hit! To get your tickets now go to Kings.com

Kings fans on Twitter, Facebook, or connected to the Sacramento Bee or its reporters have heard the more than positive reports from the Kings summer league practices. In my opinion, the news coming in about Cousins will leave 3 teams kicking themselves for not taking the risk on his reported immature attitude! I still stand by my first opinion on DMC...he's 19! We were all a little authority challenged, wild, and just wanted to have fun. But DMC haters, please keep in mind that this kid lacks any involvement in serious offseason or off court problems.

The future is looking bright in Sacramento, not just on talent, but on long term life of the Kings in Sacramento. All reports are that the plans for a new arena are coming along and that plans for the land-swap agreement are moving forward with great progress. There is still no official go ahead on the new Arena, but it's certainly a more positive view than it was this time last year!

Good luck to all 13 players (yes the original roster is 3 men short) tomorrow and throughout the Vegas Summer League. I am one Kings fan parking myself in front a of TV tomorrow to get my first glimpse at what could be one of the most amazing seasons of basketball we've seen in awhile!

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!

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!

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!

Why the 5th pick isn't the end of the world...technically

Yesterday I was in Midtown with hundreds of other Kings fans awaiting the results of the lottery. I was among the rest of the world of Kings Fans that hung their heads in disappointment at the 5th pick in the draft. Thanks a lot balls...we didn't want that pick! But what can you do? I am putting my disgruntled attitude aside and looking at it as positively as I can. Here is what the "experts" are saying.

Depending on which mock draft you look at you will see a couple of different options for the Kings at the 5th spot. But before I go there, the top 4 is a hot mess! The top three is pretty much sealed, Wall, Turner, Favors. But it's that 4 spot that is messing everything else up for our 5th pick. According to Bleacher Report Demarcus Cousins is going in the 4 spot and the Kings are taking another Syracuse Orangeman in Wesley Johnson, I'm sure Donte will be happy! Shaun Ahmad, a senior analyst with Bleacher Report has a significantly different mock draft than any other reporter out there. His top three match up with the rest of the field Wall, Turner, Favors, but his 4 sport goes to Wesley Johnson. So one would think, "Okay, Cousins is still available, the Kings will take him in this mock up." But no, Ahmad has the Kings taking Greg Monroe from Georgetown. Sorry, but I've never heard this guys name mentioned for the Kings of any other high picking team!

Here's a running tally of a handful of sports reports of who the Kings will take at 5:

Cousins: 4

Johnson: 1

Monroe: 1

Aminu: 1

Basically the "experts" say Cousins, but who knows. These are the same guys where half were reporting that the Kings would take Rubio last year...thank goodness they were wrong about that! But hey, if they can be right about Cousins, I wouldn't complain. He's been my pick from the beginning!

Draft Lottery Tomorrow

On the eve of the 2010-2011 NBA Draft Lottery, being held in Seacaucus, NJ at 8pm EST, many fans, both Kings and other lottery eligible teams, are reeling. Just where will your team fall? Who will your team pick? Aside from the #1 spot, it's a bit of a mystery...at least in terms of WHO is being taken since there's no telling which team is going to get lucky enough to grab that coveted top spot! One can only assume that John Wall is going number one. Great pick for sure, but compared to last year's draft class, this class leaves me worried.

Where the Kings got the prize in the cracker jack box last year with the 4 pick, this year even the 4 pick is shaky at best. The top names associated with the draft this year are Wall, Cousins, Favors, and Turner...after this point, even this educated writer, can't tell you much about the remaining players. Hopefully, that won't matter when it comes to who the Kings are getting as my fingers are crossed for another top 4 pick, although I'm really holding out hope for the 1/2 spot!!!

Looking at things the day after the draft lottery last year, I as well as every other Kings fan felt the slight of the ping pong balls as we held the worst record in the league and got 4th pick...FOURTH! Not even second or third, but fourth pick. This was horrible news for all of us hoping to land the size we so desperately still need in Blake Griffin! Sure, he got hurt, so maybe in hindsight seeing what kind of a talent we got in Tyreke, the 4 spot isn't all that bad. But who knows, maybe if we picked one we would have taken Tyreke anyway! Geoff Petrie never seems to do anything according to anyone else's plan, but his own! He's a draft day god!!! Striking it rich with virtually every pick!

So who does Geoff take this year?? Wall, Cousins, Favors, Turner??? Someone else? As I've said before, I'm pulling for Cousins no matter where we pick! I hope he's still on the board if we don't get the top 2 picks. The so called "experts" have the Kings predicted at the 3 spot, but taking Favors. Not a bad pick up I suppose, but I still want Cousins. He's a big man with a great stat line. He's listed as 6'11" 270 lbs Power Forward/Center. His game is special for a "big man". He can score in traffic and has the ability to pull the ball in a crowd. He's a defensive problem for offenses because he's just there...it's difficult to score over him and well you can't go through a wall! He's got a perimeter game as well! The best part about Cousins is his passing ability, which many are unaware of. He was selected as SECs Freshman of the Year 2009-2010 as well as being part of the 2009 McDonalds All-American team. He's a talent, that like any young player, is not fully developed!

Who do you want to see in a Kings uniform next year?

***NBA's GREATEST LOTTERY DRAFT PARTY IS TOMORROW!!!! 4pm 18th St Midtown between L and Capitol! Be there to watch the balls fall, mingle with Kings fans, SKDT, Kings Breakers, Slamson, Coach Westphal, Bobby Jackson, and live entertainment!***

Lottery

With exactly 3 weeks to go before the NBA Draft Lottery takes place, where the Kings have yet another chance at the coveted #1 pick, who do we want? Granted there is no way to tell where we are picking, but one would be inclined to believe it is a top 3 pick, but who knows.

There are a ton of players entering the draft this year, mainly half Kentucky Wildcat team, but this draft class is relatively weak in terms of "star" players. We all know Geoff Petrie is a draft god grabbing our favorite in the #4 spot last year, getting the gems of Omri Casspi and the up and coming John Brockman. In past years we have gotten some amazing players late in the first round, you know back in the golden years of .500 seasons!!! Who do we want? Wall, Cousins, Favors? Someone else???!!! Who?

It has been reported and quoted, by what source I do not recall, but it is being reported that face of the Kings, Tyreke Evans is lobbying hard for Demarcus Cousins, saying something along the lines of "you have no idea what I could do with a guy like him [Cousins]." So, is Tyreke already able to put his word in and influence the pick of Petrie? Ehhh probably not, I for one would love to get Cousins. I think if we were to get the #1 or even #2 pick it's highly probable. At #3 I think the Kings become a bit more unpredictable. The so called "experts" are saying the Kings will pick at #3 and take Favors, but I'm hoping for a higher pick! I think we got robbed of the #1 pick last year, even though I am more than happy with our #4 super star, and ROY, in Evans, but it would make me feel better to not get shafted this year with the fall of those pesky white ping pong balls! I don't know who would be the best fit for the Kings, it's why I'm a fan blogger and not in the front office, but I would be more inclined to lean towards Cousins if we were to pick at #1. I think Wall is too much like Tyreke and even though he's an amazing player and likely to have an amazing year and career, I'm still in favor of Cousins and his style of play and how well it can match up with Tyreke and Company!