The Kings of Confusion- Zach Lowe

[SactoKingsFan]

Interesting Grantland piece by Zach Lowe. Even Lowe and NBA executives are confused about what the FO is trying to do.

http://grantland.com/features/sacrament ... -strategy/

[artest420]

This guy gets it. I'm still trying to wrap my head around what this mystery plan is besides the Rondo-Smith rumors. It looks like they better have a Plan B because our team looks worse than last year at the moment.

[KF10]

Interesting Grantland piece by Zach Lowe. Even Lowe and NBA executives are confused about what the FO is trying to do.

http://grantland.com/features/sacrament ... -strategy/

What's so confusing about it?

They have always said that they want a competitive Kings team by 2016. That's the plan.

The Kings are going against the grain and are actively seeking out players that are overpaid but are still deemed good players in the right situation (Rudy: last year // Smith: right now).

Last year, many people point & laugh at the Kings all season when they traded for Rudy Gay. Fast forward at the end of the season, the critics are nowhere to be found and the last laugh belonged to the Kings. The same is happening again when we are seeking out of Smith.

[enderwilson]

This guy gets it. I'm still trying to wrap my head around what this mystery plan is besides the Rondo-Smith rumors. It looks like they better have a Plan B because our team looks worse than last year at the moment.

Really? Besides Cuz, who did we have at ANY position that is better than what we have now? I'll give you IT, but his potential didn't shine through until Vasquez was moved/lost the starting spot. We were so weak and lacked potential in every other aspect this team a year ago, plus we were laden with lousy contracts. Most of those lousy contracts and mediocre to worse players are gone. Now we have more talent and developing talent at 4/5 positions. This is more than we've had to work with in a long time.

I say let the media keep guessing. Developing a team, targeting free agents, and making trades requires strategy and patience. Like any poker game, our FO doesn't have to show their cards just to put mine or anyone else's minds at ease. If this team still sucks by the end of next season with little to no improvement in the record, then I'll consider unpacking the machette and pitchfork. Until then, roller-coasters can be fun. I'm going to enjoy the ride even if few others can.

[SacKingZZZ]

I think signing Collison and going away from IT at PG is one of the few moves they've made that does make some sense at least in terms of a team concept. Now, they have to find some talent upgrade at PF for it to make complete sense.

[SacKingZZZ]

Interesting Grantland piece by Zach Lowe. Even Lowe and NBA executives are confused about what the FO is trying to do.

http://grantland.com/features/sacrament ... -strategy/

What's so confusing about it?

They have always said that they want a competitive Kings team by 2016. That's the plan.

The Kings are going against the grain and are actively seeking out players that are overpaid but are still deemed good players in the right situation (Rudy: last year // Smith: right now).

Last year, many people point & laugh at the Kings all season when they traded for Rudy Gay. Fast forward at the end of the season, the critics are nowhere to be found and the last laugh belonged to the Kings. The same is happening again when we are seeking out of Smith.

I would guess in some ways they are confused about some of the moves and process of those moves I mentioned in that other thread. Like on draft night when they called other teams looking to trade up for Stauskas that had to have other GM's wondering if they were .

Not that Nik can't turn into a better talent than many of those drafted above him, just that nobody else saw Stauskas that way, NOBODY.

[SactoKingsFan]

Interesting Grantland piece by Zach Lowe. Even Lowe and NBA executives are confused about what the FO is trying to do.

http://grantland.com/features/sacrament ... -strategy/

What's so confusing about it?

They have always said that they want a competitive Kings team by 2016. That's the plan.

The Kings are going against the grain and are actively seeking out players that are overpaid but are still deemed good players in the right situation (Rudy: last year // Smith: right now).

Last year, many people point & laugh at the Kings all season when they traded for Rudy Gay. Fast forward at the end of the season, the critics are nowhere to be found and the last laugh belonged to the Kings. The same is happening again when we are seeking out of Smith.

Signing Landry even though we already had JT signed to a long-term deal. This was a terrible move no matter how you look at it.

S&T IT for trade exception that may never get used.

Sign Collison to 3 year deal with the understanding that he's supposed to be our starting PG even though he's a career backup.

These are some of the moves that don't make a lot of sense. Just not fully convinced that PDA knows how to construct a coherent roster that can compete in the West, however, I'm willing to give the FO another year before I fully judge their competence.

And trading for Josh Smith is only a good idea if Malone can convince him to focus on D, play like a PF and stop taking long range shots. If it doesn't work out we could end up losing Rudy and potentially DMC.

[SacKingZZZ]

Smith was close to superstar level at times in Atlanta playing in much the same way I'm sure the Kings have every intention of using him in Sacramento. He'd answer some of their questions at PF and as a 3rd wheel he might finally not be exposed for just not quite reaching his ceiling most nights. It's a gamble, but I don't see as much more of a gamble then using a 7th and 8th pick in consecutive drafts to draft true SG's and thinking "out of the box" in order to make that work.

Maybe the deal can wait until the deadline, but by the deadline where this team is at record wise will largely determine what they are going to have to do moving forward and that might not include going for win now talent. Starting day 1 with veteran talent and having 2 months to let the ball start rolling is far different than waiting until your back is against the wall and grinding it out while you're down and out.

[KF10]

I would guess in some ways they are confused about some of the moves and process of those moves I mentioned in that other thread. Like on draft night when they called other teams looking to trade up for Stauskas that had to have other GM's wondering if they were .

Not that Nik can't turn into a better talent than many of those drafted above him, just that nobody else saw Stauskas that way, NOBODY.

We don't know the entire story, though. There were talks that Nik would have been taken right after the Kings if they decided to trade down. To me, Nik was their guy (when Embiid was out off the table), they accomplished their mission (a mission that you may not liked). They stayed at #8 and drafted their main target. You can argue that Vonleh would have been the alternative draft choice for the Kings but he simply doesn't fall into their plans in being competitive by 2016 because Vonleh is only a pup and by the time he gets good, Cousins will be shopping his new contract.

Signing Landry even though we already had JT signed to a long-term deal. This was a terrible move no matter how you look at it.

S&T IT for trade exception that may never get used.

Sign Collison to 3 year deal with the understanding that he's supposed to be our starting PG even though he's a career backup.

These are some of the moves that don't make a lot of sense. Just not fully convinced that PDA knows how to construct a coherent roster that can compete in the West, however, I'm willing to give the FO another year before I fully judge their competence.

And trading for Josh Smith is only a good idea if Malone can convince him to focus on D, play like a PF and stop taking long range shots. If it doesn't work out we could end up losing Rudy and potentially DMC.

Carl Landry's deal: 100% agree. That was a bad move by the Kings. Even though Landry > JT // adding Landry simply overloads the PF position.

IT situation: IT was simply not in the new ownership's plan. We can argue on and on about IT but the reality is that IT was not wanted here and that's that.

Collison: He's willing to take a lesser role, commit on defense & run. Those 3 things are vital for the current core of the Kings. On paper, Collison simply fits a lot better than IT ever can have.

[SactoKingsFan]

I don't think Smith was that close to being a superstar or star in ATL. He was a borderline All-Star that was usually much more impactful on defense. It's somewhat concerning that he started taking a lot of bad shots in ATL and it just got worse in DET.

[K-Town King]

I don't really think its much of a mystery what they are doing. For whatever reason, the front office determined that Isiah was not the best fit for the team we have based upon the skills he brings and what he excels in. After this was determined, they decided to target a player who put more pressure defense on opponents and they felt played at the pace they were looking for. We're not talking about having their choice of every PG in the NBA, we're talking about the choices they had in free agency. Collison was the best choice. I really don't understand the bashing of his contract. Not that bad in my opinion. As far as the other moves they are making, its all based upon who can help us improve now. Stauskas was picked because the SG position was our worst position by far last year and they have PF depth. The Kings were also a terrible shooting team last year and he brings help. He was the right pick in my opinion on who was left.

I have honestly felt that every trade they have made they have gotten the better end of the trade. The Kings took risks where the positives outweighed the negatives. They're still in fine position going forward with flexibility. The ONLY bad move I believe they've made has been the Landry signing. I'm sorry but if your team makes one bad move over the course of a period larger then 1 year, I'm fine with it. I atleast see somewhat of a direction we are going in. We are attempting to improve to a point of competing and we want to stay below the luxury tax. Are we championship contenders, no we're not. I'm happy with the fact that the front office is willing to make moves that they feel will improve us. We just have to hope things work out and the players they have entrusted pull through. Its really more about the players stepping up and reaching their potential now. The talent is there to compete for a playoff spot in my opinion.

[SadKingsFan]

I think signing Collison and going away from IT at PG is one of the few moves they've made that does make some sense at least in terms of a team concept. Now, they have to find some talent upgrade at PF for it to make complete sense.

Yes!

I feel the same way, and was about to say something similar. I just pray we don't open the season with Landry AND Thompson at the 4. Enough is enough, cuz I feel like we've had them for over a decade

[SmellingColors]

Yeah I mean to me that article seems less about how what the Kings are doing is "confusing" and more that people don't agree that their decisions have been the right moves. To me, every move has made sense in context. Even the Landry signing, which didn't make basketball sense, made sense because of their connections with the Warriors. I'm not confused about the signing, I just don't like it.

[SmellingColors]

I think signing Collison and going away from IT at PG is one of the few moves they've made that does make some sense at least in terms of a team concept. Now, they have to find some talent upgrade at PF for it to make complete sense.

Yes!

I feel the same way, and was about to say something similar. I just pray we don't open the season with Landry AND Thompson at the 4. Enough is enough, cuz I feel like we've had them for over a decade

This x100. Get one of them out of here.

[Kings2013]

Acy looks like he is going to start commanding minutes as well..

[zhp]

Don't know what's so confusing. They got Collison to replace IT for almost the same price they could've retain IT for. Mainly because they think Collison will be the better passer/facilitator and defender than IT. They drafted Stauskas when they already have BMac. Vivek have said numerous time, they are building a position-less team. They feel Bmac and Stauskas can play together at times, and they did through out the summer league. Other than Vonleh, who else would have gone before Stauskas? The front office is thinking out of the box here, but I dont see anything wrong with the moves they've made. I think all these national writers are just running out topics to write about.

[blind prophet]

Acy looks like he is going to start commanding minutes as well..

If he can hit that jumper and extend the key, you may be right.

[blind prophet]

Don't know what's so confusing. They got Collison to replace IT for almost the same price they could've retain IT for. Mainly because they think Collison will be the better passer/facilitator and defender than IT. They drafted Stauskas when they already have BMac. Vivek have said numerous time, they are building a position-less team. They feel Bmac and Stauskas can play together at times, and they did through out the summer league. Other than Vonleh, who else would have gone before Stauskas? The front office is thinking out of the box here, but I dont see anything wrong with the moves they've made. I think all these national writers are just running out topics to write about.

How many national media said we were done deal and the Kings were leaving town?

They also have zero reference points really besides a single year of work with this management.

I think most of us agree that the Gay trade was the right call, and remember how we all got trolled here.

Most of us think the Landry deal was terrible considering what we had here, and surprising.

They did not have a whole lot of time with the draft of McLemore, just started up, same with the gauge of Tyreke.

This summer has been baffling because we have not seen much as of yet, but so far I'm not happy, but I do like the Stauskas pick.

[scotch_and_dice]

I don't see what's so confusing either.

PG- They were happier with the way the team functioned with Ray than IT. Yes, Ray isn't "there" yet, but he sure looks like he'll be solid in the future and he's MUCH CHEAPER than IT for now. Collison is a better fit for him to learn behind. Ray can score, manage the offense, play some D, is a willing passer and sets the team up for the second and third pass better than IT. IT can score, score, score but doesn't manage the offense well.

SG- They have hope for Ben and still drafted Stauskas. Everyone is flummoxed by this. As far as I know a team needs more than one person at each position. Also, if you were crazy and assumed that Ben was the second coming of Michael Jordan or something, it would still be nice to have Manu Ginobli off the bench. Not saying Ben is MJ or Nik is Manu, I'm saying having two guys at a position just allows you to play the game.

SF- Gay. Yes, he's hugely expensive this year, but sign him to a 14 mil per for 4 and you have the psotion not only solidified, but with the new cap increases it's even very reasonable. They need a backup here because I don't see Williams staying for too long the way he's playing.

PF- Landry was a mistake, UNLESS they can get rid of JT and even then he was a mistake at the level they signed him, but Josh Smith with Landry behind him would work to some degree. Everyone gripes about Josh's three pointers, but neglects that he's been asked to play like a SF these last two years.

C-Cousins. We need more depth here, but DMC is going to take most of the minutes for many years, so they don't need to spend much that's for sure.

Bench is somewhat covered above, but it would be great if they could sign Acy and then have Evans to trade away. I like Evans A LOT of the bench, but Acy is a younger Evans with more potential and Evans may be the only piece we have of value that's worth trading. I could see him being a great fit for a team needing an energy guy who plays D off the bench.

2015-16 season, they will have 20mil or so in cap room after signing Gay if they do. I like where their headed. It's not a championship team in two years, but it's tons better than it's been in years!

[VeeJay24]

I think the moves started to make more sense after watching summer league.

I can see where some would question the Collison move but it was apparent that Malone just didn't want Thomas. I wouldn't be surprised if McCallum takes over the starting PG spot before the season is over. McCallum is a keeper.

At this point, the Kings feel that whenever there is a player of the ilk of a Gay or Smith available and for whatever reason other teams aren't interested; they have to be aggressive and pounce. And that's what they are doing. Smith is key though and as far as the long jumpers; hopefully, Malone and his staff can coach him out of that but in his defense he was out of position last year. Don't forget Gent was the one who improved Lebron's shooting so maybe he can do the same for Smith and get him to at least 35% on a few per game.

I think if they can get Smith it is time to stop with the trades for names; I hope these are the final moves of the off season for the Kings

Trade JT/Williams for Josh Smith
opt in on Quincy Acy;
sign Marshon Brooks, Eric Moreland
Trade Terry for Jared Dudley
Sign a FA center to the vet min

Collison/McCallum
Mclemore/Staskas/Brooks
Gay/Dudley
Smith/Acy/Evans/Moreland
Cousins/?

Bench need some work especially behind Cousins but it's a nice mix that will be competitive with the huge potential to get better. McCallum, Mclemore & Stauskas will grow and get better and make a great 3 guard rotation. Moreland could be groomed behind Smith to be that athletic shot blocking PF next to Cousins. With all that they still will have flexibility to make moves if need be.