RealGM

Just a thought, but if we have a let Aldrich go and have P-Pat and Landry at PF doesn't that make JT the backup C by default?

Arguably Chuck Hayes. I'm betting JT gets those minutes though.

They have to view JT as the backup center. JT works better without Cousins imo, so a JT/Landry lineup off the bench would be good. The depth on this team is pretty nice.

Well, if this coach is legitimately looking for guys who play defense, Hayes will get those minutes. I honestly have no idea how it's going to work out and I just really hope that he doesn't try and fit them all in. You can do that with defenders/shooters, but in that frontline there are only two that fit the bill in Patterson and Hayes. Giving marginal minutes to either Landry or Thompson is just going to make them look worthless, Thompson more so than Landry unless Landry gets 5 shots a game.

As for JT at backup C. Don't like it, he can't handle the position defensively at all unless he comes in a whole lot stronger this year. Unlikely. I'm a little worried about backup C to be honest, the only thing remotely definitive thing I've heard Malone say about it is they can play Landry there like at GS. Yeah.... might be good for an offensive mismatch but how does that work out for you otherwise?

The best starting lineup for this team is clear to me:

PG: Vasquez
SG: Thornton
SF: Mbah a Moute
PF: Patterson
C: Cousins

Aside from having only 1 great defender that is a team that compliments each other very well offensively.

ADoaN17 wrote:They have to view JT as the backup center. JT works better without Cousins imo, so a JT/Landry lineup off the bench would be good. The depth on this team is pretty nice.

Wasn't the first time.

SacKingZZZ wrote:Well, if this coach is legitimately looking for guys who play defense, Hayes will get those minutes. I honestly have no idea how it's going to work out and I just really hope that he doesn't try and fit them all in. You can do that with defenders/shooters, but in that frontline there are only two that fit the bill in Patterson and Hayes. Giving marginal minutes to either Landry or Thompson is just going to make them look worthless, Thompson more so than Landry unless Landry gets 5 shots a game.

As for JT at backup C. Don't like it, he can't handle the position defensively at all unless he comes in a whole lot stronger this year. Unlikely. I'm a little worried about backup C to be honest, the only thing remotely definitive thing I've heard Malone say about it is they can play Landry there like at GS. Yeah.... might be good for an offensive mismatch but how does that work out for you otherwise?

The best starting lineup for this team is clear to me:

PG: Vasquez
SG: Thornton
SF: Mbah a Moute
PF: Patterson
C: Cousins

Aside from having only 1 great defender that is a team that compliments each other very well offensively.

Agree with this.

I have been calling for the Kings to utilize JT as the back up C for a few years now. I really like how he plays off the bench (minus his limited defensive presence in the paint).

I think the biggest thing here for the Kings is their now established depth at PF. I cant remember the last time the Kings had two good PF's that can score and pass. Usually the bench sucks.

Vasquez - Thomas - McCallum
Thornton- McLemore - Fredette
Mbah a Moute - Salmons - Outlaw
Patterson - Landry
Cousins - Thompson - Hayes

Think that's the most balancing 1st & 2nd teams for you guys. There's definitely a lot of depth on your team. I actually think too much. Would love to see a Jimmer Thompson deal for an even better big.

The stupidest thing was to trade T-Rob - gonna regret it so much when he starts playing well for RipCity. (WHYYY would you trade a top 5 pick in his first year, jeess relax)

Have you seen trob play?

I wonder if Malone is going to feature both Thomas and Vasquez at the 1 and 2 in stretches of the game.

I wouldn't doubt it, but you've already two really good SG's, one now and one for the future needing minutes there. I'd like to see him put Vasquez at SF for stretches with Thornton and McLemore so they can be sure to get enough minutes for Ben.

SacKingZZZ wrote:I wouldn't doubt it, but you've already two really good SG's, one now and one for the future needing minutes there. I'd like to see him put Vasquez at SF for stretches with Thornton and McLemore so they can be sure to get enough minutes for Ben.

That would be interesting but who is guarding the opposing point guard?

KF10 wrote:

SacKingZZZ wrote:I wouldn't doubt it, but you've already two really good SG's, one now and one for the future needing minutes there. I'd like to see him put Vasquez at SF for stretches with Thornton and McLemore so they can be sure to get enough minutes for Ben.

That would be interesting but who is guarding the opposing point guard?

If it were me I would run a switch defense on the perimter depending on who the opposing SF was. Probably run more zone in that lineup or at least a semi-zone. Although I think Thornton did a decent job when Westphal used to let him guard opposing PG's. Regardless this team isn't going to have a PG stopper no matter what lineup they put out there unless maybe McCallum gets some minutes. The bigger concern would be Vasquez getting blasted if they have a legit SF on the other side, hahaha.

just a question, where do you guys see mclemore fitting into the rotation? any chance he starts later in the season?

also how has he been doing so far in the preseason? I was really big on him before the draft but haven't followed the kings preseason games.

If he continues to play with the confidence he's displaying he will be starting sooner the later. I still think think we ease him and let Marcus Thornton start.

Gotta give the current starters one more chance but I want to see
Vasquez
McLemore
Outlaw
Thompson
Cousins

Isaiah has been great off the bench.

I don't know if it is chemistry issues or they haven't gelled yet but Isaiah has been ignoring McLemore ALOT in the last three games so far.

Start McLemore to unleash his true potential #ROY

KF10 wrote:I don't know if it is chemistry issues or they haven't gelled yet but Isaiah has been ignoring McLemore ALOT in the last three games so far.

I'm not sure but I don't like it & I'm tired of seeing missed alley oop opportunities because IT is not looking to pass it to Ben. I'm just glad Ben is such a humble kid and just keeps playing. If that was Demarcus I don't know that he would be too happy.