OFFICIAL: Training Camp Thread

[pillwenney]

Seems dumb, but hopefully it'll motivate Spencer. At times he seems too arrogant for his own good.

[KF10]

While Westphal didn't relate his decision to the slight left ankle sprain Hawes has been dealing with, he said it wasn't an indictment on Hawes' play. He said he's been known to play some of his reserves more than his starters, and said he simply likes May in that spot for the moment.

Well, we know that this move wasn't on Hawes' play at least. So, it isn't like Hawes was playing horrible.

I don't know about this decision though. It may turn out very interesting/beneficial. Or it can turn out badly.

[KF10]

Kings Training Camp: Spencer Hawes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64vQWXT_KKU

[cdt3]

Westphal is the opposite of Natt, he wants constant competition which pushes players. Hawes hasn't really taken anything seriously and thinks he cannot be replaced. Embarrassing Hawes in front of Oden is great, who he already has a bit of a complex against. Hawes really has to improve his defensive toughness, he does get worked by the bigger Cs. Hawes will start in the year, but he definitely needs a kick in the rear.

You still think Westphal has never had a below .500 season for no reason?

[KF10]

Kings Training Camp: Coach Westphal:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwjEgZqNJIg

[Joseph17]

Desmond Mason's shooting form is actually semi normal now. I'm glad he worked on that.

[RIPskaterdude]

Good. I'm glad that Hawes isn't automatically given the starting C. It's not like he deserves it. He should have been there for summer league..and now it's coming back to haunt him.

[SacKingZZZ]

Trying to point out what is quite possibly your 2nd or 3rd best prospect in this fashion, if indeed this has anything to do with that, is NOT a smart thing to do. That's how players and teams blow up before take off. It's also very typical of coaches who seem to get fired rather quickly. Hopefully this is just an experiment.

[KF10]

Mason hurt, Garcia to start in Portland:

PORTLAND - Kings coach Paul Westphal said at this morning's shootaround that Desmond Mason is experiencing back pain and will not play tonight.

Fifth-year swingman Francisco Garcis will get the start. Mason told me he is dealing with back spasms and is heading to see a local chiropractor this afternoon. He is unsure if he'll be available for tomorrow's game against Portland at Arco Arena. - Sam Amick

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/sp ... -garc.html

[SadKingsFan]

I'm trying not to read too much into may starting, but i cant help it. This is a very dumb move by Westphal IMO. As fans we haven't really seen this new kings team in action, so we dont know what the coach means by saying the offense has ran more smoothly with may, and quite frankly, i cant picture how that would be the case.

This is also hurts our height/length and rebounding, which we definitely cant afford to lose. I understand the fact that this isn't the final decision but is there really a point to this? Seems rater pointless to me...

[YogiStewart]

hey,
just wondering how Casspi's doing? I see he's doing alright on the box scores, but is he going to be part of the rotation?
the kid has a lot of promise and i think he really was a steal at his draft slot.

[KingInExile]

^^Good, timely question. Here is part of an article in the Bee today:

The rookie drafted 23rd overall by the Kings in June had been the most maligned player in training camp and early in the exhibition season, with coach Paul Westphal agonizing over the mistakes that began in the Las Vegas summer league in July. But it appears Casspi is in the midst of a well-timed turnaround, as Westphal said he has seen significant improvement from the player who spent the last four seasons playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv.

With Garcia out for up to 4 months, Mason will certainly get the start and maybe a good chunk of the minutes at the 3...at least early on. But if Casspi continues to improve and work on fitting into the system, he could earn some significant time as the season goes on.

Article:
http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/2257667.html

[YogiStewart]

cool. briefly saw him play when i was in Israel in May. while Euro ball is different than NBA ball, skill is skill. i really think the guy will show that he has game.
may take a year or 2 and i don't think he will be a star, but he may have a decent to pretty good NBA career.