The KingsCorner
By: Jason Jones
***BREAKING NEWS IN SACRAMENTO: SPANISH INVASION***
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW4jcdFMU1Y
Oh lord, again? Jesus get the **** out of the sound booth Navarro!
Navarro on Intercom: Triste
What?
Sorry about that everyone, obviously since the Sim League draft this morning things have been hectic around the team office. So without further interruption we would like to welcome our newest addition to the Sacramento Kings family: Marc Gasol! The Spanish Big Man has already been well received by the team, most notably by fellow Spaniards Juan Carlos and Wally Szcerbiak.
Gasol is projected to start on Day 1 of the new season. The 7'1 265 big man fills a much needed role that was void from the team in seasons past. Marc is expected to improve the Kings abysmal down low presence and to secure defensive rebounds to prevent opponents from benefiting from second chance points.
Going into the offseason the Kings developed a plan. With the 2nd highest chance to win the lotto, our Kings would eventually net the #4 pick in the draft again! (*Off-topic and off-record but the lotto system can suck it*) Luckily the 2007 Sim League draft was loaded with centers and we ended up with who we think was the second best player in the draft that fit our teams direction and need. Not to take anything away from Oden and Horford who will have long and healthy careers and has our best of luck, but Marc Gasol is a player we feel can pair up well with the inside-out scorer LaMarcus Aldridge and with patience train him into an All Star.
The other skill that made us covet Gasol is that he is already a good and proficient low post offensive threat. The big man can post you up and decide whether to back you down, shoot, or pass. His basketball skills for a 7'1 center is unmatched by any other big man rookie.
So I know you're tired about me talking about him so witho--
Wally on Intercom: HOLA MARC!
****ing crying out loud now what!?!?
Yeah you think you're funny... get the **** outta here Wally.
Wally on Intercom: Triste
What? Anyways, here's Marc Gasol!
Marc Gasol: Thanks for the welcome and I'm excited to be here in Sacramento where dreams are made!
Marc, this is Sacramento.
Marc Gasol: Right! The city of fallen angels!
So Marc, besides the other two musketeers has anyone from the team reached out to you since the draft?
Marc Gasol: Yes, of course management has been talking daily to me since two week before the draft. Before my name was officially called I got a text from LaMarcus Aldridge welcoming me to the family, so we've been shooting messages back and forth.
Yes Aldridge is quickly grooming himself into the teams leader at such a young age. How do you see yourselves playing on the court at the same time?
Marc Gasol: Aldridge has many skills that are comparable to the European league I played in. He has a great jump shot from what I've seen at the mid range and as a young rookie had better post moves than expected out of college. I think the transition will be easy on this team as I can provide the presence much needed down low in the defensive and offensive post game, but I never restrict myself to one role. I want to be an all-in-one front court piece that can score, set picks and screens, move the ball well, and try to get easy second chance points through hustle and opportunity.
Sounds great but the Kings were not known for their defensive play this past season after the departure of Theo Ratliff left a hole, and now with the retirement of PG Terrell Brandon many think the Kings will be worse off than before. Care to reply?
Marc Gasol: Hopefully that's where I step into the picture. I know I'm a big man but size and weight aren't the combination to success on defense. I think me being on the court will improve the teams defense by itself but I know have a lot of work to put into multiple seasons and offseasons. My hope is that I can provide a valuable 30 minutes or more a game of good defense, but that doesn't start individaully. The team as a whole has to get better and get on the same page when we're on the court. It's easy to watch film and draw up ways to stop a teams offense, but it's a different beast when it comes to walking on that court and stopping the likes of Tim Duncan and such.
That and about $32 million in cap space to fill out 3-5 players, which is a big topic at our fans team forum. You have to be excited to see who else joins you as the new face of the franchise.
Marc Gasol: Oh yeah, $32 million doesn't hurt at all. From what the team told me in discussions before I was picked, they are looking to upgrade the backcourt, either with starters or role players, this free agency. They aren't restricting themselves to free agency though, they are open to trades where they see appropriate.
A lot of fans are upset about the new RFA rule that took into effect this offseason with the likes of Lebron, Melo, and Barbosa. Do you think the Kings will still go after these and other players with their current cap situation?
Marc Gasol: Oh I know they will. I would be upset if the team did not at least try to better themselves by bidding on the best players available that fill a need, and those three plus others are on the Kings wish list for sure.
A wish list is that right?
Marc Gasol: Oh, that's right league.
The Spanish Invasion is in Sacramento
Printable View
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08-05-2013, 12:11 PMNOLa.The Spanish Invasion is in Sacramento
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08-05-2013, 12:11 PMNOLa.
So Marc has learned he's not in LA and has a message for Kobe and crew.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAKUXd241SA -
08-05-2013, 02:29 PMBeeBall Reasons
Bosa is mine.
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08-05-2013, 02:30 PMTrayWithAnAOh yeah?Quote:
Originally Posted by BeeBall Reasons
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08-05-2013, 02:30 PMNOLa.Over my cold hard cashQuote:
Originally Posted by BeeBall Reasons
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08-05-2013, 02:46 PMBeeBall Reasons
got the money and the wins though. Bout to become CP and the Hornets hand me downs.
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08-05-2013, 02:53 PMTrayWithAnA
So I'm assuming that you are both throwing out maxes if he hits the market...
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08-05-2013, 03:00 PMNOLa.
Not certain. Max seems a bit much but if it comes down to it commish might have to match a high offer if it's even accepted.
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08-05-2013, 03:36 PMAD23forMVP
Hornets will match any offer to Barbosa.
Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk 2 -
08-05-2013, 03:37 PMBallSoHardSounds like incentive to give the MAX MAXQuote:
Originally Posted by AD23forMVP
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08-05-2013, 03:37 PMTrayWithAnAYou aren't pleased with Rip starting? HahaQuote:
Originally Posted by AD23forMVP
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08-05-2013, 03:39 PMAD23forMVP
More than willing, but Barbosa won't go anywhere
Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk 2 -
08-05-2013, 03:42 PMJJackisangry
I'm willing to test your resolve with a Tax payer's exception!
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08-05-2013, 03:43 PMNOLa.
Free agency will be interesting. I'm wondering about Melo's value as well :)
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08-05-2013, 03:44 PMBallSoHardMAX THEM ALLQuote:
Originally Posted by NOLa.
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08-05-2013, 03:50 PMNOLa.
Sucks that RFA started this free agency web though I'm in much favor of the rule. But man there's some good talent there.
Still need to compile a list of UFAs, haven't even started that yet.
Also why hasn't anyone done a Free Agency article previewing the upcoming players? -
08-05-2013, 03:58 PMBallSoHard
It's too bad you didn't name this, the Spanish Inquasition
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08-05-2013, 03:59 PMNOLa.**** I need an editor. I really cheapened the title.Quote:
Originally Posted by BallSoHard
That or special thread retitle privileges -
08-05-2013, 04:01 PMBallSoHard
Or armada; you had so many choices ...
Now Asian Invasion would have been bomb if you had Asians. -
08-05-2013, 04:03 PMTrayWithAnAI have asian(s)Quote:
Originally Posted by BallSoHard
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08-05-2013, 04:04 PMBallSoHardSo does quailQuote:
Originally Posted by TrayWithAnA
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08-05-2013, 04:04 PMNOLa.
Not even enough players until Len comes to do an Asian Invasion. If I actually knew any Spanish I think I could've done much better.
Maybe title of the song -
08-05-2013, 04:06 PMJJackisangryQuote:
Originally Posted by BallSoHard
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08-14-2013, 08:10 AMBeeBall Reasons
Hi lost Seattle reporter, (seriously why am I in California?) have the Kings offered guard Leandro Barbosa a contract despite the fact that he is Brazilian? Could you see a rivalry forming between the Kings and the reigning Pacific champs?
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08-14-2013, 08:18 AMThe JNRAbout 9 days late, but...Quote:
Originally Posted by BallSoHard
http://i.imgur.com/XS5LK.gif -
08-14-2013, 08:22 AMBallSoHard
Mike Trudell: Mike Trudell from Lakersnation.com here. Can you talk about the futurue of your rebuild, how many years you see this taking until you break into the playoffs, and now that you have major pieces will you continue to use the draft as your main rebuilding tool or will FA become more of a roster filelr for you.
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08-14-2013, 08:47 AMTrayWithAnA
What percentage do you think your chances are to make the Big Dance this year? If you make it, who do you see sitting this postseason out?
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08-14-2013, 10:40 AMNOLa.The Kings reportedly have only made one max offer to this years free agent class. Have plans to add more depth than to swing for a slim to none chance for coveted RFA.Quote:
Originally Posted by BeeBall Reasons
Kings fans consider the entire Pacific Division their respective rivals, but Sonics would be up there, along with Lakers, that fans are looking forward to playing the most. Mainly because of hype to play last years Western favorites. -
08-14-2013, 11:02 AMNOLa.The rebuild is progressing as planned when I first stepped into this position. Left with a cast of regressing veterans with an 8 figure income and out of the free agency due to bad timing stepping in, the first season was unfortunately a disaster as expected. And although the lottery may have taken me out of the predicted pick twice, this has not stopped the team from finding the best prospects available to build up a solid front court of Aldridge and Gasol, along with Bargnani as a developing outside threat.Quote:
Originally Posted by BallSoHard
The team has and will remain patient to build the team we have envisioned that fits our philosophy. We hope to bring in immediate starters in the back court to fill our current needs, and in doing so maybe take advantage of what could be another down year in the West.
And the team was looking to shift from a draft focused build to spending money in free agency on a max type player. The timing of the RFA was unfortunate with the amount of cap we had to spend, but ultimately in full favor of the new rule. We do believe this changes the outlook of free agency going forward and may invest in mid to late first round picks if we are able to avoid over paying a veteran. -
08-14-2013, 11:04 AMNOLa.The team is uncomfortable answering this before the free agency is over because if I remember correctly about 4 or more Western teams have over $10,000,000 to spend still. Any of those can luck out and the others can all strike out. A lot of uncertainty that might be answered tonight.Quote:
Originally Posted by TrayWithAnA
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08-14-2013, 11:13 AMIamQuailman:hihi:Quote:
Originally Posted by The JNR
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08-14-2013, 08:32 PMPelicans78
Calvin Murphy from ESPN Houston 97.5:
You have 3 former Houston Rockets starters in Wally Szczerbiak, Cuttino Mobley, and Damon Stoudamire and a Houston native in LaMarcus Aldridge. Is someone in your front office from Houston? What kind of impact do you expect the 3 former Rockets to make?
How hard is having a guy like Bargani around seeing that he has one of those faces that needs to punched as much as possible? Speaking of him, what role do you see for him long-term? -
08-14-2013, 08:47 PMNOLa.
Update for Latest Sim Results
The Sacramento Kings organization and fans would like to introduce two new players into our family and a welcome back to another!
The Kings remained commuted to bringing back SG Cuttino Mobley to a 1 year $7,000,000 contract. The veterans presence was a much needed commodity with his overall defense and scoring. Coaches feel Mobley can start or provide valuable minutes off the bench to take advantage of backup matchups.
And now to the two new faces. We are proud to introduce PG Damon Stoudamire and SG/SF Ricky Davis. With the retirement of defensive PG Terrell Brandon the Kings were in obvious need of a replacement, feeling Juan Carlos would best serve as a scoring backup facilitator. The Kings also brought in the versatile defender in Ricky Davis who we feel can hold his own weight at both the SG and SF positions. The addition of both Mobley and Davis was partially expected and brings tremendous depth to what was our weakest position.
With this offseason resignings and additions, the Sacramento Kings management and coaches feel they have made great strides into becoming a more complete and competitive team in the Pacific Division.
To quickly highlight the Kings moves this offseason, here's a quick run down:
- Drafted 7'1" 265 lb C Marc Gasol to anchor our low post.
- Retained C Chris Anstey and SG Cuttino Mobley to one year rental deals to solidify depth.
- Signed PG Damon Stoudamire and SG/SF Ricky Davis to a 2 and 3 year deal respectively. Stoudamire's contract nets around $11,000,000 total, and Davis's contract nets $22,000,000 total.
- Moved Andre Bargnani to original PF position to bring in a stretch 4 off the bench in place of LaMarcus Aldridge. Team feels they have a great potential one-two punch at the PF position.
Team also has hopes Rodney Carney develops into a lockdown perimeter 3, looking to improve this during training camp with the second year player. -
08-14-2013, 09:12 PMNOLa.We do not deny that we haven't noticed where our players come from. We always look at past performances of course when scouting players but we were surprised to see so many former Rockets during free agency. The Kings were also interested in Melo but unfortunately our chances of landing him were very very slim we felt. Anyways, when a player comes from a winning culture we will always give an extra look at previous role and try to acquire at what we think their value is. Luckily we have a good solid cast of former Rockets to teach the new guys how to perform and act like winners. We expect each to compete for a starting spot come the start of the season, and even if they do not win the start they will definitely play a well deserves role of 20-25 minutes a game.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pelicans78
Bargnani may be the player the coaching staff is most excited to see (hopefully) develop. Aldridge has already proven he is a solid PF in this league and a scoring force for seasons to come, and Gasol has not played a single game yet on America. Bargnani was inefficient and inconsistent for most of the season, but the problem was his position which I changed to C as an experiment to fill a need.
We're excited to see Bargnani take on the PF position as a backup to be an offensive scoring threat that we need to relieve the pressure off of Aldridge. Defense will be worked on come training camp. We have high expectations for Bargnani to
Improve his overall game.