Kings Off-Season

[kingjawn100]

i think the Peja thing is much ado about nothing. Basically a title change and most likely a raise. Guys who've held a position for a couple years get title upgrades routinely in all businesses. It's not like we're asking Peja to balance the cap. He's played basketball his whole life and is one of the best shooters of the modern era so it's not a stretch to think he'll be able to evaluate/develop talent.

Kings fans should be hoping Lebron and/or Paul come to the Lakers. Sure we'd lose to them in the short term but the asking price for some of their players under contract who they'll have to shed will be a lot lower then than at any other point. i'd take Ingram OR Kuzma straight up for the #7 and id probably do it even if we had to take back Deng. I consider this a pretty weak draft and I think Ingram is CURRENTLY as good if not better than what a guy like Mikal Bridges' ceiling would be (and ingram could still get a lot better)

Let's also not forget...if Lebron comes in they likely aren't able to re-sign Randle, which could help us as well.

[codydaze]

The report on the Kings site is framing it as an “expanded role” and seems to be stipulating talent evaluation as separate from managing the affiliate.. I guess we will need more info

Once again. Player. Development. The same thing he's been doing as VP of Basketball Operations the last three years.

How is his role being expanded into something he’s done the last three years? Title expansion?

The expansion of his role is managing the G-League affiliate, this is all clearly spelled out in the article so I'm failing to see where you are not comprehending.

[kalenclayton]

i think the Peja thing is much ado about nothing. Basically a title change and most likely a raise. Guys who've held a position for a couple years get title upgrades routinely in all businesses. It's not like we're asking Peja to balance the cap. He's played basketball his whole life and is one of the best shooters of the modern era so it's not a stretch to think he'll be able to evaluate/develop talent.

Kings fans should be hoping Lebron and/or Paul come to the Lakers. Sure we'd lose to them in the short term but the asking price for some of their players under contract who they'll have to shed will be a lot lower then than at any other point. i'd take Ingram OR Kuzma straight up for the #7 and id probably do it even if we had to take back Deng. I consider this a pretty weak draft and I think Ingram is CURRENTLY as good if not better than what a guy like Mikal Bridges' ceiling would be (and ingram could still get a lot better)

Let's also not forget...if Lebron comes in they likely aren't able to re-sign Randle, which could help us as well.

I see how we could take on Ingram and Deng for #7, but not Kuzma. I like Kuzma, but I don't see a star in him. I see a good role player (perhaps starting) going forward, but not a star. I'll take the potential from one of Ayton, Doncic, Porter Jr., JJJr., Bagley, Bamba, Mikal B., Miles B., or Wendell Carter before I look at Kuzma. I definitely don't take on Kuzma with Deng for the 7th pick though. That's too much of an investment when this team is already in a hard spot.

[kingjawn100]

i think the Peja thing is much ado about nothing. Basically a title change and most likely a raise. Guys who've held a position for a couple years get title upgrades routinely in all businesses. It's not like we're asking Peja to balance the cap. He's played basketball his whole life and is one of the best shooters of the modern era so it's not a stretch to think he'll be able to evaluate/develop talent.

Kings fans should be hoping Lebron and/or Paul come to the Lakers. Sure we'd lose to them in the short term but the asking price for some of their players under contract who they'll have to shed will be a lot lower then than at any other point. i'd take Ingram OR Kuzma straight up for the #7 and id probably do it even if we had to take back Deng. I consider this a pretty weak draft and I think Ingram is CURRENTLY as good if not better than what a guy like Mikal Bridges' ceiling would be (and ingram could still get a lot better)

Let's also not forget...if Lebron comes in they likely aren't able to re-sign Randle, which could help us as well.

I see how we could take on Ingram and Deng for #7, but not Kuzma. I like Kuzma, but I don't see a star in him. I see a good role player (perhaps starting) going forward, but not a star. I'll take the potential from one of Ayton, Doncic, Porter Jr., JJJr., Bagley, Bamba, Mikal B., Miles B., or Wendell Carter before I look at Kuzma. I definitely don't take on Kuzma with Deng for the 7th pick though. That's too much of an investment when this team is already in a hard spot.

People get so enamored with the unknown of a draft pick but why not take a sure thing? 16 & 6 as a rookie from Kuzma was pretty impressive. Nothing says he can't be 20 & 9 by year 3 or even next year. At #7 sure you could end up with Jamal Murray or Lauri Markkanen but you could also get Emmanuel Mudiay or Ben McLemore. You're basically taking an unknown as opposed to a guaranteed 16 & 6 for the next 5 years. Given the Kings poor track record/bad luck for drafting, it seems like a pretty obvious choice.

[kingjawn100]

It also can't be understated how unbelievable and highly improbable last year's draft was. I wouldn't be surprised if Mitchell, Tatum, Jackson, Fox, DSJ, Bam, and Markkanen all reach an all-star game at some point in their careers. That's 7 players. That's unheard of! That doesn't include Fultz, Issac, Monk, Zach Collins, Ntilikina and OG who have tons of potential as well. Easily the best draft since Lebron's class and arguably better.

This years draft just doesn't have the talent or depth. There are huge question marks on everyone's game in the Top 7 whereas a guy like Tatum was as sure a bet as i can remember. Also this draft is full of traditional bigs, which are becoming dinosaurs in the modern nba. Wendell Carter and Mikal Bridges will be quality role players but i don't see them even having the upside of a guy like Ingram.

[kalenclayton]

i think the Peja thing is much ado about nothing. Basically a title change and most likely a raise. Guys who've held a position for a couple years get title upgrades routinely in all businesses. It's not like we're asking Peja to balance the cap. He's played basketball his whole life and is one of the best shooters of the modern era so it's not a stretch to think he'll be able to evaluate/develop talent.

Kings fans should be hoping Lebron and/or Paul come to the Lakers. Sure we'd lose to them in the short term but the asking price for some of their players under contract who they'll have to shed will be a lot lower then than at any other point. i'd take Ingram OR Kuzma straight up for the #7 and id probably do it even if we had to take back Deng. I consider this a pretty weak draft and I think Ingram is CURRENTLY as good if not better than what a guy like Mikal Bridges' ceiling would be (and ingram could still get a lot better)

Let's also not forget...if Lebron comes in they likely aren't able to re-sign Randle, which could help us as well.

I see how we could take on Ingram and Deng for #7, but not Kuzma. I like Kuzma, but I don't see a star in him. I see a good role player (perhaps starting) going forward, but not a star. I'll take the potential from one of Ayton, Doncic, Porter Jr., JJJr., Bagley, Bamba, Mikal B., Miles B., or Wendell Carter before I look at Kuzma. I definitely don't take on Kuzma with Deng for the 7th pick though. That's too much of an investment when this team is already in a hard spot.

People get so enamored with the unknown of a draft pick but why not take a sure thing? 16 & 6 as a rookie from Kuzma was pretty impressive. Nothing says he can't be 20 & 9 by year 3 or even next year. At #7 sure you could end up with Jamal Murray or Lauri Markkanen but you could also get Emmanuel Mudiay or Ben McLemore. You're basically taking an unknown as opposed to a guaranteed 16 & 6 for the next 5 years. Given the Kings poor track record/bad luck for drafting, it seems like a pretty obvious choice.

I get where you are coming from. For me, it comes down to controlled costs, age, and perceived ceilings. Kuzma was considered old for a rookie. I won’t let that take away from his production, but that is the world we live in now. His advanced stats look alright at the moment. No reason that can’t improve, but that is something that cannot be overlooked. He already has one year taken off of his deal and I perceive his ceiling to be solid starting 4. All of the prospects I named (minus Mikal) will be younger at the time of draft than Kuzma was. The younger a prospect is, the more time you have to put your stamp on the prospect. All of the guys I mentioned I perceive to have higher ceilings than Kuzma. Sure they may have lower floors, but we need to be going for ceiling at this point. Our team needs a star and the draft is our best shot at getting one.

I am not enamored with what Kuzma brought, but I acknowledge that he was pretty darn good.

[kalenclayton]

It also can't be understated how unbelievable and highly improbable last year's draft was. I wouldn't be surprised if Mitchell, Tatum, Jackson, Fox, DSJ, Bam, and Markkanen all reach an all-star game at some point in their careers. That's 7 players. That's unheard of! That doesn't include Fultz, Issac, Monk, Zach Collins, Ntilikina and OG who have tons of potential as well. Easily the best draft since Lebron's class and arguably better.

This years draft just doesn't have the talent or depth. There are huge question marks on everyone's game in the Top 7 whereas a guy like Tatum was as sure a bet as i can remember. Also this draft is full of traditional bigs, which are becoming dinosaurs in the modern nba. Wendell Carter and Mikal Bridges will be quality role players but i don't see them even having the upside of a guy like Ingram.

I agree with you on just about all points here. Last year’s draft was incredible and I look forward to the future of the league. As for Ingram, I agree that he has more likely potential than most of the guys in this draft. I could see Ayton, Doncic, and Bamba having outcomes where they are better, but I think Ingram comes out on top. I don’t believe the same to be true with Kuzma though.

[codydaze]

It also can't be understated how unbelievable and highly improbable last year's draft was. I wouldn't be surprised if Mitchell, Tatum, Jackson, Fox, DSJ, Bam, and Markkanen all reach an all-star game at some point in their careers. That's 7 players. That's unheard of! That doesn't include Fultz, Issac, Monk, Zach Collins, Ntilikina and OG who have tons of potential as well. Easily the best draft since Lebron's class and arguably better.

This years draft just doesn't have the talent or depth. There are huge question marks on everyone's game in the Top 7 whereas a guy like Tatum was as sure a bet as i can remember. Also this draft is full of traditional bigs, which are becoming dinosaurs in the modern nba. Wendell Carter and Mikal Bridges will be quality role players but i don't see them even having the upside of a guy like Ingram.

I agree with you on just about all points here. Last year’s draft was incredible and I look forward to the future of the league. As for Ingram, I agree that he has more likely potential than most of the guys in this draft. I could see Ayton, Doncic, and Bamba having outcomes where they are better, but I think Ingram comes out on top. I don’t believe the same to be true with Kuzma though.

I agree on Kuzma. I think for the most part, he is what he is at this point. He'll get better at what he does but I don't see much expansion to his game. I would definitely like him in Sac but I wouldn't part with the 7 for him. If it was something like Skal/Mason/Koufos or something for Kuzma and eating Deng's contract then I'm all on board.

[BoogieTime]

Once again. Player. Development. The same thing he's been doing as VP of Basketball Operations the last three years.

How is his role being expanded into something he’s done the last three years? Title expansion?

The expansion of his role is managing the G-League affiliate, this is all clearly spelled out in the article so I'm failing to see where you are not comprehending.

He’s already been doing that. What is he doing now that he wasn’t doing yesterday that required a promotion? It’s weird that they would maintain 3 Asst GMs.. it’s a mess

I’m not following the ‘expansion’ of duties. What’s expanding from yesterday? Is that the wrong term being used?

[kingjawn100]

It also can't be understated how unbelievable and highly improbable last year's draft was. I wouldn't be surprised if Mitchell, Tatum, Jackson, Fox, DSJ, Bam, and Markkanen all reach an all-star game at some point in their careers. That's 7 players. That's unheard of! That doesn't include Fultz, Issac, Monk, Zach Collins, Ntilikina and OG who have tons of potential as well. Easily the best draft since Lebron's class and arguably better.

This years draft just doesn't have the talent or depth. There are huge question marks on everyone's game in the Top 7 whereas a guy like Tatum was as sure a bet as i can remember. Also this draft is full of traditional bigs, which are becoming dinosaurs in the modern nba. Wendell Carter and Mikal Bridges will be quality role players but i don't see them even having the upside of a guy like Ingram.

I agree with you on just about all points here. Last year’s draft was incredible and I look forward to the future of the league. As for Ingram, I agree that he has more likely potential than most of the guys in this draft. I could see Ayton, Doncic, and Bamba having outcomes where they are better, but I think Ingram comes out on top. I don’t believe the same to be true with Kuzma though.

Gotcha...the tough thing for me is judging how far along the team is. Like, are we as bad as the 27-55 record, better or worse? We did beat a bunch of really good teams but were they just playing down to their competition? And we also didn't tank so it's not like we could have won more than 27. Plus we lost with our best players to some really bad teams late in the year that weren't even playing their good players.

So yeah...i agree we probably need to acquire a star player just to become an 8th seed. But to me Fox + Kuzma or Ingram gives us a 50/50 shot to have a star player in a couple years. That's in addition to solid 2nd/3rd options in Buddy and Bogi. And even if all these guys are a small tier below all-stars, that's a lot of assets that could be tradeable for an elite player.

As far as this year's draft i just look at what Whiteside, KAT, ibaka, Nurkic and Gobert looked like at times in the playoffs and can't help but wonder just how valuable guys like Ayton, Bamba, Carter and Bagley really are. The modern nba is so good at getting those guys switched onto elite guards that they become serious liabilities where you almost can't play them.

[kingjawn100]

Watch on YouTube

[kalenclayton]

Watch on YouTube

What is evident in just about every interview of De'Aaron is the fact that he is a student of the game. He loves the game and he studies how everyone plays it. I think that is an indicator of how one progresses mentally through the years as a pro. I really think he is going to be a special player. That was a fun interview though. I’d vote for Mitchell too.

Edit: oh and he had the Boogie gear. Foreshadowing?

[kingjawn100]

Watch on YouTube

What is evident in just about every interview of De'Aaron is the fact that he is a student of the game. He loves the game and he studies how everyone plays it. I think that is an indicator of how one progresses mentally through the years as a pro. I really think he is going to be a special player. That was a fun interview though. I’d vote for Mitchell too.

Edit: oh and he had the Boogie gear. Foreshadowing?

Also just a very likable, well-spoken kid. One of the major reasons why most people in sac and around the nba seem like they are pulling for him to succeed.

I know its only been a month since the season ended but im a little concerned if he's gonna be able to put on much weight. In the workout vids he still looks SOOO skinny. He weighed 169 at the combine last summer but i wouldn't be shocked toward the end of the year if he was playing closer to 160 just from the amount of weight you naturally lose over the course of a long nba season.

[City of Trees]

^ Mo Bamba was also well spoken on The Jump

Sent from my LG-H872 using RealGM mobile app

[kalenclayton]

Watch on YouTube

What is evident in just about every interview of De'Aaron is the fact that he is a student of the game. He loves the game and he studies how everyone plays it. I think that is an indicator of how one progresses mentally through the years as a pro. I really think he is going to be a special player. That was a fun interview though. I’d vote for Mitchell too.

Edit: oh and he had the Boogie gear. Foreshadowing?

Also just a very likable, well-spoken kid. One of the major reasons why most people in sac and around the nba seem like they are pulling for him to succeed.

I know its only been a month since the season ended but im a little concerned if he's gonna be able to put on much weight. In the workout vids he still looks SOOO skinny. He weighed 169 at the combine last summer but i wouldn't be shocked toward the end of the year if he was playing closer to 160 just from the amount of weight you naturally lose over the course of a long nba season.

I share the same concerns. If he’s sitting at 160, I can see him jumping to 180 if the trainers really want him to get there. There is risk that comes along with quick weight like that though. Realistically, I could see him putting on 10 pounds of muscle and calling it good. He can get stronger and work on keeping a low center of gravity for the offseason. That will probably be more beneficial than just gaining weight. The main thing I want to see is some muscle around his tiny legs.

[kalenclayton]

^ Mo Bamba was also well spoken on The Jump

Sent from my LG-H872 using RealGM mobile app

That’s one of the reasons I fell in love with his fit in Sac. I always look up interviews of prospects and see who I like and don’t like. Bamba grabbed me right away with his demeanor and eloquence. He seems like an extremely likable person and a joy to be around. Having him on a squad with an already booming chemistry like the Kings would be fantastic.

[BoogieTime]

Watch on YouTube

What is evident in just about every interview of De'Aaron is the fact that he is a student of the game. He loves the game and he studies how everyone plays it. I think that is an indicator of how one progresses mentally through the years as a pro. I really think he is going to be a special player. That was a fun interview though. I’d vote for Mitchell too.

Edit: oh and he had the Boogie gear. Foreshadowing?

Foreshadowing? Boogie labeled Kings management cowards, I don’t think there is near the good will for that to take place

[kingjawn100]

^ Mo Bamba was also well spoken on The Jump

Sent from my LG-H872 using RealGM mobile app

That’s one of the reasons I fell in love with his fit in Sac. I always look up interviews of prospects and see who I like and don’t like. Bamba grabbed me right away with his demeanor and eloquence. He seems like an extremely likable person and a joy to be around. Having him on a squad with an already booming chemistry like the Kings would be fantastic.

i actually thought that too when i saw Bamba's The Jump interview but almost in a negative way. We seem to have a lot of nice, well-spken, "good guys" on the team. I'd welcome someone who's a politically incorrect alpha/a-hole. Need some more grittiness on this team. Some guy you wouldn't want dating your daughter. lol

[VeganKingsFan]

Every time I read a post and highly disagree with everything in it, I look at who wrote it and it's always kingjawn100

[kingjawn100]

Every time I read a post and highly disagree with everything in it, I look at who wrote it and it's always kingjawn100

Cheers!... And thanks for reading all my posts (this is the first time i'm seeing one of yours).