Rick Bowmer - AP
Incoming: Nuggets
back for more. Tie up Lawson
and success can come.
Denver Nuggets at Sacramento Kings
7 p.m. Pacific on Comcast SportsNet
First, I need to be recognized for not including too many syllables in a preview haiku yet. I would have expected to make it through 3-4 games before botching it.
The Nuggets visit Sacramento, having whooped the Kings thoroughly when our protagonists visited the Mile High City a few weeks back. That was the nail in Paul Westphal's big toe, and opened the door for Keith Smart, DeMarcus Cousins and a new era. How exactly that era is shaking out remains to be seen, but at least the head coach and team's best or second-best player aren't openly feuding. Progress.
On the court, the offense is still ... inconsistent. There are glimpses of sustainable success, especially when the defense is creating easy looks. But all too often, the offense seizes up and wears out and fails. Needless to say, you can't afford that against a team as explosive and deep as the Nuggets.
The Kings are 2-1 at home in the Smart era! We can build on this! Game's at 7, game threads at 7 and 8:30. Let's go Kings!
2 recs | 76 comments
The Perfect Storm
New York is currently 7 & 9 and in 8th place in the East and 18th place overall in the NBA.
Amare Stoudemire - Acquired via sign and trade in July 2010
Carmelo Anthony - Acquired via trade in February 2011
Tyson Chandler - Acquired via sign and trade in December 2011
For those of you that think the Kings only need one super star to be a playoff contender you might want to rethink that notion.
Now for the other side of the Anthony trade.
Denver is currently 12 & 5 with a home record of 6-2 and a road record of 6-3. They are 2nd in the West and are tied for the 5th best record in the NBA with the 76ers, Magic and the Heat
Wilson Chandler - Acquired via trade in February 2011 for Anthony
Danilo Gallinari - Acquired via trade in February 2011 for Anthony
Raymond Felton - Acquired via trade in February traded to Portland in June
Timofey Mozgov - Acquired via trade in February 2011 for Anthony
Kosta Koufos - Acquired via trade in February 2011 for Anthony
And, for those that feel the Kings need to build thru the draft.
Arron Afflalo - Acquired via trade in July 2009
Corey Brewer - Acquired via trade in December 2011
Rudy Fernandez - Acquired via trade in December 2011
Kosta Koufos - Acquired via trade in February 2011
Tywon Lawson - Picked 18th in 2009, acquired in draft night trade
Andre Miller - Acquired via trade in June 2011
Al Harrington - Signed as a free agent in July 2010
Chris Andersen - Signed as a free agent in July 2008
DeMarre Carroll - Signed as a free agent in December 2011
Kenneth Faried - Drafted 22nd overall in 2011
Jordan Hamilton - Drafted 26th overall in 2011
Nene - Drafted 7th overall in 2002
Only 3 players have been with the team since before 2010.
So, what can the Kings expect? Denver plays at the fastest pace in the league and has the highest PPG average. They have the highest TS% while the Kings have the lowest. They have the highest Assist Rate while the Kings have the lowest. They have the highest FT Rate while the Kings are up there in 9th. The Kings and Nuggets are 2nd and 3rd in most points allowed. Denver is 5th in Def Rebs while the Kings are last. But, what really has the clouds massing for the big One is scoring at the rim. Denver is #1 in FGA’s at the rim with 33 per game. The Kings are the 2nd worst team at giving up shots at the rim at 27 with a 70% success rate. This truly does look like the Perfect Storm brewing, and I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone isn’t blown out of the arena early into the 3rd quarter.
If Denver was just a running team, I’d give the Kings a chance on their home court. But, Denver also has a half-court game and works the ball into the paint where the Kings are their weakest. Good Luck, Sac.
HighTops - January 25, 2012
Great write up
Odds are we do need to rebuild through the draft (and have so far)
Sure, the Nuggets got some role players via smaller trade. However, they still don’t have a star and are headed for an inglorious first round exit.
And the first five players you mention were only acquired because the Nuggets traded a player they picked third in the draft. Without Carmelo, the Knicks aren’t giving the Nuggets those 5 players for Linas Kleiza. And the Nuggets weren’t getting Carmelo in the first place without drafting him.
SPTSJUNKIE - January 25, 2012
Five players, two of which aren't even playing
Yes, you do need talent to acquire talent in return during trades. But, they traded Felton for Miller who was an expiring contract and could have been acquired with cap space. Chandler isn’t even playing because he signed a contract in China during the lockout. So really they got 2 backup bigs averaging 21mpg and Gallinari for Anthony.
So I stand by my opinion, that you can trade your way into the playoffs even if you aren’t going all the way. And, having Anthony and Nene didn’t win Denver any championships either. But, it is a strong reason for choosing talent over need when your drafting.
HighTops - January 25, 2012
Maybe I misunderstood your point then. I think we might be agreeing here.
Basically I think small market teams need to acquire a superstar through the draft or trade (if they are lucky), although that trade will likely take accumulated draft assets.
I’m not a big fan of “fools gold” teams like Denver, Houston and Indiana that look great in the regular season but are fodder for the big boys in the playoffs. We had one of those teams post-Webber with Brad, Peja, and Vlade. Well coached, nice depth and the ability to win some regular season games. But hindsight shows we weren’t winning a ring with that team.
SPTSJUNKIE - January 25, 2012
I think you're underestimating this team.
I could see Denver making it to the WCF. They may lack a superstar, but you can go to Nene, Lawson, or Gallo if you need a bucket. They pass so well, defend as a unit, are devastating in half and full court, have arguably the deepest bench in the league, and have tremendous chemistry.
Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Nuggets eliminate the Thunder, Lakers, Mavs, Clippers, or Spurs in the Playoffs.
Shizzo - January 25, 2012
We'll see. Smells like Atlanta Hawks redux to me.
Could they sneak into WCF in a weak year? Maybe. But I will get a Nuggets lower back tatoo of Aykis and Section drinking a beer while Cowboy Ron screams Rise the Hot Hand if Denver wins a ring with this core.
These running teams that play good motion based offense but lack a star who can consistently create when defense tightens up and fast break points disappear in a tight playoff series are fodder. Nene and Gallo are nice players, but not guys I would trust in a the last 5 minutes of a playoff game to match Durant, Kobe, James, Rose, etc. blow for blow.
SPTSJUNKIE - January 25, 2012
This shall be remembered.
wallywagon11 - January 25, 2012
Maybe I'll offer to buy a luxury box for the forum as an alternative
SPTSJUNKIE - January 25, 2012
...and it should be
Aykis and Section sharing a beer out of Cowboy Ron’s navel while he screams Rise the Hot Hand. I’m willing to pose for it if needed.
section214 - January 25, 2012
Fine, as long as you guys use my new tattoo as the new STR logo
SPTSJUNKIE - January 25, 2012
This can all be arranged.
Looking forward to it.
sj60615 - January 25, 2012
This is predicated on the Nugs winning it all with their current core
before you start designing the new STR banner. Important caveat there.
Thought if anyone is a master photoshoper, would love to see the design.
SPTSJUNKIE - January 25, 2012
kobehas one of the lowest % for game winning/game tying shots in the league
you just see the highlights of him making 2 or three a year over and over again because he takes more than anyone else.
the notion that it is better to have one guy kill grass for 23 seconds and then hoist up a contested jumper, than to have several players who can hit a big shot within the play is utter nonsense!
gallo, ty, afflalo, andre, harington, brewer, nene and rudy have all at one time or more been our “closer” in denver and at a much better rate than kobe/melo. ad to that the fact we will be either getting wilson chandler or an excellent player or draft pick in a sign and trade come march and this team is (and has been) scary.
this years nuggets team is going to disprove the “star” theory that is so prevalent in the nba. who is a star is absolutely subjective anyway. give me a list of all the “stars” in the league, and i’ll hand you back a sizable list of players that galo, ty and nene are better than in return.
this years nuggets team is built to go all the way! you better believe it!
Patrick KB. Nugget - January 25, 2012
Detroit won without a "star"
They had a HOF coach just like the Nuggets might have. I wouldn’t say it’s impossible, just improbable. Although with the Lakers & Mavs not looking so great I could see the Nugs getting there. Most likely losing to Miami though.
Allbenji - January 25, 2012 via mobile
miami is plain awful against the nuggets
and have lost ten straight in denver.
team> three stars and a bunch of d-leaguers.
Patrick KB. Nugget - January 25, 2012
The big three has played in Denver 10 times?
section214 - January 25, 2012
The truth is
that both teams have held serve since the Heat obtained LeBron and Wade to go along with Bosh. The truth also is that only one of those two teams reached the NBA finals last year.
I like the Nuggets a lot and wish that the Kings played like them, but that does not mean that it’s open season on unbridled hyperbole.
section214 - January 25, 2012
zero hyperbole involved
not a walton desciple. i called the bulls and mavs in the finals last year and everyone said i was crazy. i was very close to being correct. i know hoops.
Patrick KB. Nugget - January 25, 2012
and the truth is what i said
ten straight losses by miami in denver.
Patrick KB. Nugget - January 25, 2012
no, like i said THE MIAMI HEAT just 2. blown out both times, but i'm pretty sure wade has never won here
even during the championship year.
Patrick KB. Nugget - January 25, 2012
Yeah, Detroit is the definite exception, but you can't build on that model
But they also got very lucky they got a cakewalk through the East back when there was a major imbalance between conferences.
If they had to not only beat the Lakers, but also some combination of the Kings, Spurs, Mavericks and Timberwolves we would likely have a different champion.
SPTSJUNKIE - January 25, 2012
there is exactly one team i currently rank ahead of denver in the west,
okc, but they have that bomb waiting to explode situation chemestry wise, which the nuggets lead the league in team chemestry.
Patrick KB. Nugget - January 25, 2012
do you believe yet?
they are doing this without 3 starters and a key reserve that would start for most teams.
Patrick KB. Nugget - January 25, 2012
Man, I wish I had your optimism Patrick.
I like the Nuggets and rank them 3rd in the West behind Memphis and Portland.
But I cannot imagine them knocking off the Heat in the Finals. (or Memphis in the WCF)
Shizzo - January 25, 2012
You're using the fact that they are throttling the Kings as a yardstick?
Okie dokie.
section214 - January 26, 2012
So you're saying there's a chance?
Seriously though, I just hope for overall improvement in this game. Some sort of sustained cohesion on offense, and giving up less fast break points (31) and less points in the paint (68) than the last time we played them. If that happens, I will be content.
Wonderchild - January 25, 2012
Yeah this isn't the best of matchups
Seem to recall the Hornets playing the Nuggs doing a great job of forcing the Nuggets to take outside shots and a few times following the Hornets lead. And yeah, have a hard time seeing how we do that to the Nuggs.
wallywagon11 - January 25, 2012
So many players acquired through trades...
Am not sure here, but either the Nuggets Front Office (FO) is amazing, desperate, or both have taken them to a new level.
I thought FOs were supposed to do as little as possible and only make moves that were necessary to meet minimum salary requirements…
CowbellKings - January 25, 2012
should check out how the Rockets acquired their starters
Kevin Martin and Dally where the ones where they really had to sacrifice to get them (not kidding)
wallywagon11 - January 25, 2012
Big minutes, big points for Jimmer!
Early optimism anyone?
McB7 - January 25, 2012
I know where I am heading to...
kromeace - January 25, 2012
ENTER THE DRIVE-THRU
Balky Needs - January 25, 2012
I don't know about you guys...
but my gut feeling is we could squeeze in a win tonight!!!
KINGKENJI - January 25, 2012
I have the same feeling, but fear it may be indigestion
SPTSJUNKIE - January 25, 2012
We don't have much time on stomach flu's (see Salmons, John)
KINGKENJI - January 25, 2012
What about bird flu?
thewaterispoison - January 25, 2012
Is he pointing to where
his next tattoo is going?
StevenG - January 25, 2012
Mmmm...Squeeze Inn
StevenG - January 25, 2012
That looks delicious.
Slam_Dunk - January 25, 2012
Here, requested props.
Perfection of Preview Zen,
flawless as Jimmer
AnotherStupidSN - January 25, 2012
Congratulations!
It is cold; but you are hot
Counting syllables.
Slam_Dunk - January 25, 2012
Syllables, per poem
Sactown Kings, assists per game
Why are they the same!?!?!?!
lead_pipe - January 25, 2012
well played sir!
very well played
wallywagon11 - January 25, 2012
nice
Shizzo - January 25, 2012
green
lietothegirls - January 25, 2012
Well done
SPTSJUNKIE - January 25, 2012
What's Nene's staus?
Wasn’t he out last time we played?
Blue Dog - January 25, 2012
Nene has started the last 13 games, including 40+min against NY last Sat.
Yes Denver’s last game was Saturday and they had 3 days rest
HighTops - January 25, 2012
Oh that is good
At least we get to say they didn’t cream us on short rest.
LOUiECOG - January 25, 2012
It seems that the kings do exact opposite of what I expect this year.
Tried putting some money on the a few times both ways and always got it wrong. So maybe they win this one. But maybe now that I expect them to do the unexpected…
Blue Dog - January 25, 2012
...so they'll be rusty!
Shizzo - January 25, 2012
Point spread is at nine
Need some cash for weekend fun
Go against the Kings
Pdidd - January 25, 2012
I have the spreat at 6
Blue Dog - January 25, 2012
Reply fail
Blue Dog - January 25, 2012
i wonder...
…what it would take to pry away wilson chandler or danilo galinari from this team. i think those guys would fit in great on the kings. but i guess that’s a long shot.
honestly really none of the kings have played all that well to whet any other gm’s appetite except if they were basically trading on potential or an expiring contract a la JJ or Flaco.
some of the free agents for later this year do look pretty nice though, as long as the maloofs are willing to pull the stick out of their butts. you got deron williams, raymond felton, steve nash, jason terry, ray allen, danilo gallinari, plus a few others…
MIKELOOP - January 25, 2012
well, considering today they just resigned galinari ...
as for Chandler, you’d almost have to hope that he signs with the Nuggets mid season just one year so he will be unrestricted next offseason
wallywagon11 - January 25, 2012
aww damn.
well there goes that idea lol.
MIKELOOP - January 25, 2012 via Android app
Gallinari is their leading scorer, so it's going to take a lot to get him,
plus they made the QO so they have his rights thru next season. Chandler is playing outside the NBA, so I think if Denver made his QO they would retain his rights thru next season also. Although if he comes back in March or when ever he’s eligible that might not be the case.
Wilson isn’t showing up on Denver’s roster, so I’m not sure if they didn’t make him the QO, or they did but because he’s playing outside the NBA and didn’t accept the offer, they don’t have to count the offer in the team salary.
HighTops - January 25, 2012
Gallinari is there for 4 more years
and just a little more expensive than Thornton
wallywagon11 - January 25, 2012
Yeah
Good deal for denver for sure. Guess the small forward search is going to have to rely on free agency. Unless petrie pulls off something crazy. If salmons would play like half the player he can be I swear we would be in so many more games. But thats a pipe dream.
MIKELOOP - January 25, 2012 via Android app
I don't know if its a good deal for Denver.
Or just points out how we overpaid a one dimensional player in Thornton.
DWeissbart - January 25, 2012
Too early to say on Thornton
But Butler, Prince, and others go the same price.
SPTSJUNKIE - January 25, 2012
With that group of players, the Nuggets definitely got a good deal
Shizzo - January 25, 2012
Agree
SPTSJUNKIE - January 26, 2012
Wilson Chandler, Ray Felton/DJ Augustine, & Ryan Anderson
Those 3 moves this offseason would be the freakin home run GP needs right about now. That’s my wish list. Amnesty Salmons, let Donte & JJ go, sign JT if we can to a cheap deal & we’re set.
Felton(or Augustine)/Jimmer/IT
Tyreke/MT23/Jimmer/Cisco
Chandler/Cisco/Honeycutt
Anderson/Hayes/JT(maybe)
Cousins/Hayes/JT(maybe)/Whiteside
That is a playoff team my friends!
FIRE PETRIE! HIRE BENJI!
Allbenji - January 25, 2012 via mobile
I just have this feeling that we could win here. I had the same feeling in indiana and san antonio. But I knew we would probably lose at memphis and portland. So maybe my inner feeling will be right again.
CousinsEvansDUO - January 25, 2012
We can watch in envy a team
with two legitimate point guards play against us a team with no point guard.
StevenG - January 25, 2012
Bold prediction
I will be without cable and internet by the 4th quarter, so I’m betting that the Kings put forth their best effort of the season, most notably Salmons and Jimmer.
section214 - January 25, 2012
I wouldn't bet too much.
Slam_Dunk - January 25, 2012
Don't you mean
Salmons and Outlaw?
SPTSJUNKIE - January 25, 2012
Forgot that Outlaw was still on the team
Damn you.
section214 - January 25, 2012
My fault. Reminding others of Outlaw is a bannable offense. I'll be better in the future.
SPTSJUNKIE - January 25, 2012
Take notes STR
If we start playing well towards the end of the third, start of the fourth… We know who is cursing us…
HeuristicLineup - January 25, 2012
Nugs invade Sactown
a team of balance and guts.
Time for school, young Kings!
RJinFairOaks - January 25, 2012
Kings could win by 5
Or get blown out by 30;
Which team will show up?
sj60615 - January 25, 2012
Have been on a bit of King's hiatus
so I turn in for a couple minutes and Andre Miller one of the older and slower guards in the NBA is beating the Kings back on transition and on defense and as the whole team stands around he comes right down the center of the key for an easy uncontested layup. My hiatus continues. Good luck.
Bluejohn - January 25, 2012
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