I reached out to Nate Parham of Golden State of Mind for a little recon on Keith Smart, the Sacramento Kings' new (for now) head coach.
One might expect that Warriors fans would be happy with Smart after improving the team 10 games in his first full season as a head coach after 7 years as an assistant. If nothing else, it seemed as if he should have gotten a second year to grow as a coach with personnel he was familiar with (though I think given new ownership not retaining the guy from the old regime was understandable).
However, I can say if this GSOM poll is any indication, Warriors fans weren't too happy with Smart on the whole and at least 75% were somewhere between unhappy and indifferent.
The reason for people's displeasure was pretty simple: the offense often looked disorganized, they probably didn't run the pick and roll as much as they should have given their obvious strength on the perimeter, there were some controversial substitution patterns involving Stephen Curry and one could argue that the team's improvement was as much due to the team's top 4-5 players being healthier as it was to coaching.
I don't know what on earth is going on in the Kings' locker room right now, but it will be a major test to see how quickly he can come in and clean up this mess while resolving the questions about his rotations, strategy, and handling of players that Warriors fans might have had.
1 recs | 253 comments
*Hits head against wall*
Well, at least he knows that we want to see organization and pick and rolls, screens etc. An organized offense.
And nothing can look less disorganized then we do right now.
HarveySpecter - January 5, 2012
Greeeeeat
No wonder PW liked him.
lietothegirls - January 5, 2012
Looking Forward to Hearing Peaches Spew Vitriol at the Fans Today :)
HarveySpecter - January 5, 2012
How is that different from every other day of his life?
Carl - January 5, 2012
It's not
49er16 - January 5, 2012
Doesn't he take days off sometimes?
napg - January 5, 2012
Here is how Napear rolls...
Dude is a total suck up when players or coaches are in SAC…. But as soon as the player is traded or coach is fired he starts badmouthin them BIG TIME… Did it with Richmond- I think most of us agree The Roc didn’t deserve to be badmouthed after all he did for the Kings…. Anyways my guess is that Peaches will be talking all kinds of shit about PW today even though he’s been protecting him for the past year!!!!
Get Jimmered - January 5, 2012
uhhhh......
I wonder how different this will be than what Westy “implemented”?
kwlarson - January 5, 2012
My first thought on reading that.
PurpleLoco - January 5, 2012
I dunno
If the regulars at GSoM don’t like him, maybe he’s ok. I’ve always sensed they are posting in an oxygen-free environment over there.
otis29 - January 5, 2012
Agreed
My friend who is a lifetime warriors fan will not read gsom. Yet he loves, and is jealous of, the quality of work, and the generally highly knowledge fans, on StR.
KeonClark - January 5, 2012 via mobile
Yes GSoM is terrible
It seems every Kings fan has a friend that is a life time Warriors fan :)
Vinson916 - January 5, 2012
There is truth to this
I have a couple of lifetime Warrior fans as friends, although they are pretty knowledgeable about basketball.
darooster - January 5, 2012
I smell a sitcom...
LiquidPolio - January 5, 2012
Dub_TC - January 5, 2012
I'm scared, guys.
swoosh91 - January 5, 2012
This is disappointing.
Seems like we are just giving up for the season. Why not give it awhile and see what kind of candidates are viable?
Steevo - January 5, 2012
This is expected
Hard to get a quality coach to take over a team midseason. Maloofs still paying PW probably also comes into play.
Will probably make a run at good coach or current assistant this offseason. Hope so at least.
SPTSJUNKIE - January 5, 2012
Obviously a lot seems to depend on where the Kings will be playing and/or who will be the owners. If the Maloofs keep a controlling interest, I don’t know how they are going to be able to pay for a high quality coach and do some other things needed to shore up the organiation and the roster. I am also worried that they still stand fully behind GP
ExPFCWintergreen - January 5, 2012
Do we have some history of going after good coaches that I am unaware of?
LiquidPolio - January 5, 2012
those candidates
be probably still be there at the end of the year. Might as well see what Smart can do. If that doesn’t work …. another coaching search.
Dub_TC - January 5, 2012
It's incredibly rare to get a brand new head coach mid-season
The Bobcats managed to do it last year with Paul Silas, but it helped Silas already lived in Charlotte.
Aykis16 - January 5, 2012
I know it's rare
But with the hot mess we are in, and the chance it stagnates… just thought it might be worth waiting a bit. Also, saw your tweet on ‘where did aldridge say that?’ and it certainly wasn’t on Twitter, so this might just be pure speculation anyway.
Steevo - January 5, 2012
It's odd the Kings just said that Smart would be coaching the team tonight
and not as interim head coach. My initial guess was that they’d be looking for a potential replacement while simultaneously giving Smart a test run. I kinda feel bad for Smart, because he has almost no practice time with these guys, and has to go on a bunch of road games this month.
Aykis16 - January 5, 2012
thats why I thought they'd wait at least another 12 days on Westphal
wallywagon11 - January 5, 2012
Comparing several radio interviews I heard last year -
Smart definitely seems a little more easygoing than Westphal. Not saying that’s a good or bad thing in a coach, but maybe he can communicate a little better with this young team.
blknblu - January 5, 2012
But he's back in a head coaching job, pretty much immediately
And he doesn’t have to make much progress with this team to make them a success. I’d be happy if this team was simply bad instead of sucking. Blow outs are a little draining.
Neil Manich - January 5, 2012
I don't expect positive results immediately from Smart coach.
We were plenty patient enough with PW, (2 seasons and 7 games worth) but I don’t think Smart will have near the leeway that Westy had, that’s if he’s given the coaching job to begin with. I’m hoping that the Kings give Smart a shot as the interim HC for possibly a new spark to this year’s squad and auditioning for the future. I really don’t think they would be able to find anyone that’s worth a shit at this point in time, probably have to wait until the off season. Either way, Westphal was a turning into a cancer for our Kings and I’m glad to see him removed even if he is a swell guy and all.
DiegoKing - January 5, 2012
Sounds like we traded in Westphal for another Westphal
49er16 - January 5, 2012
probably
hopefully we see something positive during the year, and maybe get a very good coach during the offseason.
Or Smart keeps the job and it’s same ol song.
Dub_TC - January 5, 2012
Wouldn't surprise me if Smart is the HC next season
He seems like he fits the Petrie yes-men mold that Petrie has liked.
49er16 - January 5, 2012
Not quite sure how Westphal was much of a yes man.
in fact, sure seemed to dictate quite a bit.
wallywagon11 - January 5, 2012
I don't think Adelman was a yes man.
Adelman was the man.
SharkKings49 - January 5, 2012
And that's why I believe Petrie hired Theus
49er16 - January 5, 2012
how was Theus a yes man?
dude wouldn’t let players use their cell phones.
wallywagon11 - January 5, 2012
and rode Kevin Martin hard
and let Artest do whatever he wanted
wallywagon11 - January 5, 2012
I think he gave a curfew also
SharkKings49 - January 5, 2012
I think Theus shoulda been the coach for this team
A coach who actually has rules would be good for a young team imo
FTFeli - January 5, 2012 via mobile
If I remember he was let go
because he completely lost the team
prowseinthehouse - January 5, 2012
Is that true?
I always liked Theus, too, and felt he should have gotten some more time, but if he lost the team then there’s nothing you can do
darooster - January 5, 2012
Who am I thinking of then?
49er16 - January 5, 2012
Shit
The Kings have had so many different coaches lately I’m confusing all of them.
49er16 - January 5, 2012
There was Musselman
with his power points and inspirational posters.
markdog333 - January 5, 2012
I knew there would be a problem with Musselman
When shortly after he started, a reporter asked Bibby if all those poster weren’t a good reminder to stay focused (or something like that) and there was a looong pause and then Bibby said, “yeah I guess.”
blknblu - January 5, 2012
Musselman is good for only two things
Wowing gullible dopey trust fund babies in interviews (Maloofs) and having a name that sounds like it belongs to a bad James Bond villain.
darooster - January 5, 2012
Um, good question
I don’t know who you are thinking of
wallywagon11 - January 5, 2012
In Westphal's farewell press conference
He should just say “I hope you all remember me as that guy that coached for a little while that was better than that other guy who coached for a half a season with the huge nose that made the defense switch on every pick.”
Neil Manich - January 5, 2012
I'm not thinking right now
This ear infection I have is a bitch.
49er16 - January 5, 2012
Except for himself
That went over well with the players, I’m sure.
otis29 - January 5, 2012
Smart?
You mean Cousins, right?
Docile Ocelot - January 5, 2012
I wonder how his communication is.
Does he take accountability?
The Guy on the Couch - January 5, 2012
At the very least I hope that this starts a fire under the players
Let them know that we got them a new coach and only the players are left to blame (unless smart is somehow worse than PW)
SharkKings49 - January 5, 2012
well
he has been in training camp since day 1. What is he going to do or say now that he hasn’t been doing already?
markdog333 - January 5, 2012
Not much
I don’t expect Smart to implement a bunch of new plays right away, but I hope the players play harder out of pride and slowly implement a new system. Tonight, I expect the same system that PW ran.
I hope by the end of the season we see a real offense. If not, I hope we dump him Kenny Natt style (but with a real replacement after).
SharkKings49 - January 5, 2012
If nothing else
I hope he shows some fire.
markdog333 - January 5, 2012
Wow just saw the news
Although I still think a big part of the problem is on the players when the team is performing that bad the coaches head is on the chopping block.
Well I hope Smart has something for this team, another Natt experience cannot be tolerated.
bignerd - January 5, 2012
Either get Larry Brown--he's had experience with two classic 'tudes
Sheed and Iverson.
Or get real about moving DMC: His attitude is that bad. Pure poison. And people like that don’t change overnight.
Maybe send him to the only team worse than the Kings—the 0-6 Wizards.
from sportsology:
“DeMarcus Cousins to the Wizards for JaVale McGee and Nick Young. I think Andray Blatch makes too much money to be thrown in. Anywho, wouldn’t it be great to see John Wall and Cousins together in the NBA? Yes! It would!”
VirginiaBlue - January 5, 2012
Is it attitude?
Or does he not enjoy losing? Admittedly I live outside of Sac and don’t see a lot of games, but what I’ve seen of DMC, he’s hitting the deck going after loose balls, trying to get putbacks, etc. Not your typical headcase.
misterbrister - January 5, 2012
That effort seems to come in spurts
otis29 - January 5, 2012
Tyrus Thomas, Dennis Rodman
two other headcases that come to mind when thinking about diving for loose balls (way more so than DMC)
wallywagon11 - January 5, 2012
Rodman was a great player
don’t see how that hurts DMC’s case
prowseinthehouse - January 5, 2012
did I say it hurt his case?
wallywagon11 - January 5, 2012
No it just sounded to me like that was the direction you were going
sorry
prowseinthehouse - January 5, 2012
Yeah McGee and Young.
I was thinking about the same thing when the “trade request” news came out.
Raykings - January 5, 2012
And now we face reality
What successful proven coach would want to coach this team as it’s currently put together? Smart was let go from GS after only one season, because of the proverbial need to “go in a different direction.” Like forward, maybe. Methinks we’re going sideways with this decision.
kinglet - January 5, 2012
I think a lot of it was the new owners wanting to put their mark on the franchise.
blknblu - January 5, 2012
I think a lot of it was the new owners wanting to put their mark on the franchise.
bingo. They wanted flash not substance. Smart will try hard to do the right thing and the players will like him. Right now that’s a pretty good combination.Remember Smart was assistant to Nellie so he’s got valuable experience. It’s not all doom and gloom.
Skeptic con Urquell - January 5, 2012
Owners want a coach who will win games
They aren’t interested in whether a coach has flash or not. See: Popovich, Sloan, Carlisle
kinglet - January 5, 2012
They aren’t interested in whether a coach has flash or not. See: Popovich, Sloan, Carlisle
those guys were not hired by the warriors owners. Think Hollywood baby. Jerry West, Mark jackson, Nate Robinson. We’re not talkin Pop and timmy here.
Skeptic con Urquell - January 5, 2012
Oh my
He seems like the same exact dude.
Neil Manich - January 5, 2012
Well, given last year being Smart's 1st season as head coach,
he’s entitled to have some holes in his approach. While Whesty had various stints in a head coaching capacity and still had these major issues with form and function.
Balky Needs - January 5, 2012
My new pipe dream
We free Adelman from his icy prison in Minnesota and he unleashes the dragon on the rest of the Western conference.
Neil Manich - January 5, 2012
Not sure he would leave the Wolves for our mess
Rubio and Love is probably enough to keep him there. Not to mention their other young talent.
SharkKings49 - January 5, 2012
For sure
That team is stacked with lottery picks. But a kid can dream.
Neil Manich - January 5, 2012
dude has a dragon
we’ll be fine
wallywagon11 - January 5, 2012
Exactly
Neil Manich - January 5, 2012
sounds legit
wallywagon11 - January 5, 2012
Mine is that Walton decides that he is healthy and motivated enough to volunteer for some charity work here for the remainder of the season.
ExPFCWintergreen - January 5, 2012
Even as a non-travelling big man coach
Just Walton working with DMC every day.
Neil Manich - January 5, 2012
If nothing else
All the pot smoke will chill DMC out a little.
Carl - January 5, 2012
Can't we all, get-a-bong?
Balky Needs - January 5, 2012
Lesson #1
Throw it down big man
SharkKings49 - January 5, 2012
icy prison?
at this point it is looking like a winter wonderland.
TrojanCBB - January 5, 2012
This is Kenny Natt redux.
6thgradefreethrowchamp - January 5, 2012
I don't think you can say that.
He has one season of head coaching experience, and he seemingly did okay.
blknblu - January 5, 2012
I meant...
They look like the same dude.
6thgradefreethrowchamp - January 5, 2012
I'll be worried if they say any more than 'interim' as regards to Smart
I know it’s hard to find anyone but give yourself some space. See if it looks like the players want the guy to succeed first. See if he has any clue before you make him permanent.
lietothegirls - January 5, 2012
yeah
Kfan in Korea - January 5, 2012
I hope this isn't...
One of those play hard for the coach for a game or two then do our own thing scenarios.
6thgradefreethrowchamp - January 5, 2012
That always happens
A coach who can figure out how they will be play better after the effort isn’t pushed to the extreme is what to look for here.
bignerd - January 5, 2012
Agreed.
6thgradefreethrowchamp - January 5, 2012
Don't know what to feel
I knew last night he was going to be fired today. Don’t like how it was a player coup though, these cats don’t seem to get that the KIngs were here before any of them came to Sac and don’t care enough to bring intensity to the people of Sacramento whom still may lose everything before this drama plays out. The poison taste from last year is still in my mouth and I at this moment don’t see any of these players representing the hopes and dreams of Kings fans. Good luck to Smart, he’s gonna need it.
John Takanikos - January 5, 2012
Are you Filipino by any chance?
Vinson916 - January 5, 2012
Greek
actually I am an anglo/Grexican
John Takanikos - January 5, 2012
So I'm expecting a Dead Coach Bounce tonight.
49er16 - January 5, 2012
I think the amount of effort the players give tonight
Will give us a better idea of what the players attitudes towards Westy leaving and Smart taking over is.
thelettere - January 5, 2012
Investment metaphor
I like it
SharkKings49 - January 5, 2012
Basketbawful came up with it
49er16 - January 5, 2012
I love basketbawful
He hasn’t had as much time recently, but he has some great stuff there. I can’t believe deadspin didn’t reup with him, his one year there was great.
iashwash - January 5, 2012
Where was Basketbawful from?
SharkKings49 - January 5, 2012
?
Not sure what your question is…
basketbawful.com is the website, there’s a couple contributing writers, but the main guy ended up writing for the Chicago Bulls blog that goes for TrueHoop, afterwhich the site took a bit of a tumble quality-wise (but still pretty good). He had a series on deadspin.com where he would do a worst of the night or worst of the week article about the NBA, and it was pretty funny.
iashwash - January 5, 2012
Something like this?
SavageBeast - January 5, 2012
Now THAT is some fine work
lead_pipe - January 5, 2012
This is good on top of great on top of awesome
section214 - January 5, 2012
So, who do have for head coach candidates this upcoming offseason?
Now, which of those dudes is the cheapest? Good. Bring him in.
chilibean_3 - January 5, 2012
I would appreciate it very much if our media betters, who do have access to the owners, could find a way to actually press them for detailed answers concerning their plans for this team.
For example, why did it take till the eve of the new season for you to spend enough on the team to finally reach the league minimum? How come there has been so much silence (again) on the issue of how much, if anything, you are thinking about contributing to the arena effort? Now that the team has fired a head coach, what is stopping you from taking this opportunity to indicate to the league, the city and the fans that you are “all-in” on the Kings by seeking a first rate experienced head coach?
ExPFCWintergreen - January 5, 2012
I would greatly appreciate it if our media betters, the ones who have access to the owners, could find a way to ask genuine questions concerning their plans and intentions for the team. For example, now that the head coach has been fired, what is stopping you from showing your commitment to the team, the fans and the region by seeking out a first tier, experience NBA coach to bring along this young team? Why did it take you until the eve of the season beginning to attain the league salary minimum? Why have you been so silent all these weeks after the city reports make clear that there will be a need for a significant contribution from the owners of the Kings for the new arena proposal to pencil out?
ExPFCWintergreen - January 5, 2012
very sorry for double posting. Amateurish and inexcusable
ExPFCWintergreen - January 5, 2012
We should fire your posting coach.
Aykis16 - January 5, 2012
Double post up move with a switch.
You can’t can’t teach that stuff!
Balky Needs - January 5, 2012
I just want this team to look like it has a plan on offense.
I don’t care if they struggle to execute. I just want to see that they have an idea of what they want to do and attempt to do it. I want to feel like they’re not just showing up and winging it on the court every possession. For now, that’s the short term goal that would make me happy.
jveezy - January 5, 2012
just saw this on Twitter, regardless of how you feel about Cousins, have a laugh
@RubiesNoffNBA
DaRubiesSLOKingsA's - January 5, 2012
Haha
49er16 - January 5, 2012
Are you plugging your own twitter account?
I’ve seen you post tweets from the @RubiesNoffNBA twitter account in another thread. It would be weird if that wasn’t your twitter account seeing how it is very similar to your screen name and @RubiesNoffNBA only has 5 followers…
I don’t really care either way, I just think it’s funny that you’re setting the tweets up like they’re not from you. Maybe you should just post your tweet as comment here?
Kyle_B - January 5, 2012
You two, bike racks, 4 o'clock.
lol
Balky Needs - January 5, 2012
I also hear
some guy named savagebest2 writes awesome books
SavageBeast - January 5, 2012
I'm so sick and tired of hearing about how BRILLIANT that swoosh91 is.
Overrated much?
swoosh91 - January 5, 2012
My wife was just telling me
about what an amazing editor and basketball mind LPA is.
SavageBeast - January 5, 2012
src=“http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/2456058189_ef609bc2d1.jpg”/>
yaboyrafa - January 5, 2012
yaboyrafa - January 5, 2012
Made me laugh.
ResetSmith - January 5, 2012
Don't forget to check out
“@realfourthmookie” they write some hilarious stuff
TheFifthMookie - January 5, 2012
well now that is hilarious
wallywagon11 - January 5, 2012
hahaha they actually aren't from me
I don’t have a twitter and I actually saw the account because I noticed the name “RUBIES,” when I did a search when I was considering making one a few days back.
Anyways, I’ve been a loyal Sac Town Royalty as well as A’s Nation member for over a year, but hey, maybe I’ll start my own TWITTER now was well. @DARUBIESSLOKINGSA’S, I’m sure that is available
DaRubiesSLOKingsA's - January 5, 2012
follow me at @DaRubiesSLOKingsA's
hahaha
DaRubiesSLOKingsA's - January 5, 2012
I bet it will be hilarious ;)
SavageBeast - January 5, 2012
I think it will be a good account
Nice Picture of CWEBB AN JWILL by the way. Back when SLAM was readable
DaRubiesSLOKingsA's - January 5, 2012
Thanks
SavageBeast - January 5, 2012
Wow
Well, egg on my face. That is about the strangest coincidence I’ve ever seen…
Kyle_B - January 5, 2012
that's not egg
Shizzo - January 5, 2012
Tyreke
I sure hope that first thing he does is put the clamps on Tyreke and his out of control 1 on 3/ 1 on 4 takes to the basket that these days seems mostly to end badly. This team needs a floor leader. While I like the rookies, neither seem ready for prime time. Still, I think I’d rather go with some willing passers than a guy who consistently ignores wide-open teammates running the floor along side him on fast breaks and who constantly pounds the ball. I realize there a many other offensive ills on this squad and that Tyreke isn’t the only problem. But the offense starts (or doesn’t) with the PG.
Aside from the offensive problems, this young team has no leader. (It really hasn’t since Vlade left.) With a team this young and seemingly confused, I don’t envy Mr. Smart. I don’t care how good a coach you are if you’ve got no point guard, a lot of young players, no superstar, and a head-case (DeMarcus) your chances are exactly great.
Kusian - January 5, 2012
"are not exactly great"
Kusian - January 5, 2012
It is an incredibly flawed roster no doubt.
But you cant get blown out every game.
TrojanCBB - January 5, 2012
agreed
I never expected a lot of wins from this squad. But I did expect a high leve of effort/competitiveness.
Kusian - January 5, 2012
same here. stupid me.
DiegoKing - January 5, 2012
What's really sad
is that the team that finished the season last year is a better team than the one currently taking the floor. I didn’t support the Salmons trade when it happened; I don’t support it now. We could use Beno. And I don’t see that Salmons or Outlaw are significant upgrades over Omri and Cisco.
Kusian - January 5, 2012
Beno/Dally > Hayes/Salmons
ouch.
TheFifthMookie - January 5, 2012
The offense starts with the players WITHOUT the ball trying to get OPEN
Without passing lanes and players who are open, a pass first PG still has no one to pass to and isnt going to get many assists. In which case you have a no scoring PG with limited assists. Don’t think that works well either.
All the screens and picks are for the ball handler, which when it’s Tyreke allows teams to play off because they’d like him to take an outside shot rather than allow him to go to the basket. We had Beno who made his name as a P&R guard and he averaged fewer assists then Tyreke. So, while Tyreke isn’t in anyway a pass first guard, he’s not solely to blame for the teams lack of assists.
Watch ever team we play, and you see players off the ball setting backpicks and screens on every person they run past just to cause havoc and occasionally open up someone on their team for a slashing layup, alley-oop or wide open jumper. Tyreke might not be a PG, but a true pass first PG isn’t going to have any more success then he does, if their teammates don’t work together to get someone open. And, preferably at the rim.
HighTops - January 5, 2012
This is a good point.
And goes to show that there are multiple problems with our offense. I’m just not a fan of Tyreke running an offense.
Kusian - January 5, 2012
Starting Over Again?
What an absolute train wreck. Embarrassing leaderhip, both from the team and the franchise.
nohops - January 5, 2012
Grrrr
It really ticks me off that the Kings have already announced Smart will coach the rest of the year. Really? You really had to announce that today? You couldn’t talk to people and look at options? I think a lot of people that hated Westphal are going to hate Smart just as much. The cheap Maloofs strike again!
SavageBeast - January 5, 2012
Have they?
I hope that’s not true.
lietothegirls - January 5, 2012
Yeah
Look at the update to TZ’s announcement
SavageBeast - January 5, 2012
Well how often do new coaches come in mid-season
It’s hard to get your own system in place with no training camp, no off-season, few practices.
Aykis16 - January 5, 2012
I'd be okay if it didn't heppen
But I’d like to see some conversations at least. I’d bet some of the coaches we might be interested would be willing to come in now, with most of a season to go.
SavageBeast - January 5, 2012
I'm ok with it, anyone brand new has to start over from scratch with limited practice time
It will also give the FO to spend more time looking at replacements. And, it give more potential coaches time to consider the position.
If Smart just handles the young players with a little more tact, he’ll do better than PW.
Smart probably likes the idea that he gets an extended tryout, before he has to compete with the other applicants in the off season. If he has any success at all he’ll have the upper hand at getting the job permanently. And, even if he doesn’t do any better than PW, he has the excuse that there wasn’t enough time to implement changes due to the schedule.
HighTops - January 5, 2012
Or they can give him a 2 yr contract and spend 2 years looking for a replacement
HighTops - January 6, 2012
Grrrr...2!
They top 9 had 5 new players, a lock out, short preseason, and some attitude problems. Coach W, like him or not, had less than two months to make it work? The Maloofs should have parted ways with Westphal last year, or at least backed him full tilt until the all star break. Sad….
zzsjolt - January 5, 2012
I remember
Curry in an interview said coach Smart was a good coach and the players were getting used to him but the he got fired.
Chent - January 5, 2012 via mobile
Here you go Otis 29....
I have been away from STR a while but here are (2) winning percentage numbers to ponder.
.588 vs .334
.588 – Rick Adelman after he was fired by the Kings.
.334 – The four Kings coaches since that dreadful day.
I have missed your banter Mr. 29.
ridnour8 - January 5, 2012
John Deere
I am all for Sloan!
ridnour8 - January 5, 2012
Bigger mistake than any trade or draft in the last 10 years for the kings right there.
TheFifthMookie - January 5, 2012
Old grudges die hard eh?
Would love to see you back more often ridnour.
And hasn’t Adelman had four jobs since he left the Kings? ;)
otis29 - January 5, 2012
Touche'
Yes…..four jobs.
1. Houston.
2. Assisted his son coaching at Lincoln HS up in Portland.
3. Spokesperson at the Hair Club for Men. (Nothing they could do for him)
4. Minnesota.
ridnour8 - January 5, 2012
I don't think there is any serious debate
about whether Adelman is far superior to any coach we’ve had since he left. Adelman is one of the league’s elite coaches.
Kusian - January 5, 2012
I can't quote the interview verbatim...
But when Adelman was asked what his plan was without Webber after his knee injury in Dallas he said something along the lines of, “Whatever it takes to win.”
The Kings need some of that right now….Especially before March 1st.
ridnour8 - January 5, 2012
If Dantoni gets canned during this season I say we go after him.
Deleran - January 5, 2012
Because who needs defense?
Or an elite pass-first point guard to make him look good?
elfboy_ - January 5, 2012
OK SO...
How much time does Smart have before we should expect to see improvement? A month a year a few seasons? Yes I was on board getting rid of Westy but now the players have gotta play the way we all know they can.
Howard Nevens IV - January 5, 2012 via mobile
I would guess the rest of this year
if the team is still putrid, then I would assume a new coach would be hired in the off season.
Kyle_B - January 5, 2012
Larry Brown
I know a lot of people around here don’t like him, but I think he’d be great for this team. The man won Championships in both NCAA and NBA.
And don’t bring up Darko. If Darko had the talent DMC does, he wouldn’t have ridden pine for so long. The players need a coach they can respect and a coach who levies appropriate (and not ego-driven or unnecessary) discipline. I think Brown fits.
I’d also look at Shaw.
No more inexperienced or bargain basement coaches.
PhutureKings - January 5, 2012
It goes beyond Darko
He has a long and established track record of not developing younger players.
Exhibit G - January 5, 2012
And destroying point guards
49er16 - January 5, 2012
Good thing we don't have any on the roster
Deleran - January 5, 2012
I never thought of that
HIRE LARRY BROWN!
49er16 - January 5, 2012
Get Phil Jackson next season
and we’ll literally KILL the Lakers :D
bibbY10 - January 5, 2012
Happened upon Smart Interview from Cowbell Kingdom when he joined Kings, might have clues on philosophy
He compares Kings favorably to the Warriors: http://www.cowbellkingdom.com/tag/keith-smart/
Coach Smart: They (the Kings) are young, they have scorers and they can play a fast pace game, but then they have players that are big. With the Warriors, we never had big guys that rebound. Here, we have speed and a pace that can be played and big guys that can rebound and eventually become good defenders. So that’s where the two kind of separate themselves until now, where the Warriors are starting to get bigger players.
This team is a unique team because they have guys who are really, really good rebounders that can crash the glass and they have a guy who will eventually develop into being a good low post guy. That’s why it’s exciting. They have to develop the chemistry now. Young players all want to showcase themselves to the NBA and to the fans. So if you have seven of them like that, everyone kind of goes their own way. We have to start tying them now to come back together to see what’s more important. Your success determines the team’s success. The team succeeds, everybody succeeds, and you have to get that across to them.
bringbackbuddytrees - January 5, 2012
That's why I can't understand why this team is 2-5. smh
bibbY10 - January 5, 2012
2-5 I can deal with
It has been the nature of the blowout losses that left me shaking my head.
I’d rather we lost every game for the rest of the season by a close margin and showing some skill than winning a bunch of games, but getting slaughtered in the rest.
Crazy King Man from OZ - January 5, 2012
Sounds like a good philosophy Smart...
…cant wait for the results.
Wonderchild - January 5, 2012
I don't know why fanshots don't seem to be functioning
but here is Zach Lowe’s take
HERE
http://nba-point-forward.si.com/2012/01/05/sacramentos-problems-go-beyond-the-failings-of-paul-westphal/#?sct=nba_t11_a2
lietothegirls - January 5, 2012
That was disheartening as fuznuck
folsomfella - January 5, 2012
I'd say that was a pretty accurate assessment of the situation
Deleran - January 5, 2012
Cheese and Rice!
otis29 - January 5, 2012
lol
iashwash - January 5, 2012
When Evans is your "PG" what do you expect?
Kusian - January 5, 2012
You read the whole story?
otis29 - January 5, 2012
Has little to do with it
It’s a system issue. Other teams have run their offenses through players like Kobe, Wade, Carmello, etc. who have lower assist %s than Evans. Yet they still have a higher percentage of assisted buckets.
I imagine until the offense improves, people will keep trying to pin issues like this on Evans, but it’s coaching. Evans will never be a true PG, but he is a good passer. He’s not Nick Young or Kevin Martin.
SPTSJUNKIE - January 5, 2012
Building on this
Wade has a very similar profile to Evans in terms of having a similar assist rate, usage (Wade’s is higher) and not being a great off the ball shooter.
Still the last three years when Miami had Wade and a pu pu platter of mediocre offensive players (young Beasley, Haslem, Chalmers, etc.) their % of baskets assisted was 51%, 55%, 59%.
SPTSJUNKIE - January 5, 2012
Cause there's no way Evans was our PG for the last 2 years
Shizzo - January 5, 2012
Thanks for the link, lttg
I found this quite reasuring about Petrie,
Puts the job Petrie does more in perspective,
HighTops - January 5, 2012
Peaches is blaming Salmons for everything
(not that I think John is playing well)
lietothegirls - January 5, 2012
I blame John for being traded for Beno
Our offense is clearly worse without Beno, and John isn’t bringing enough on the defensive end to make up for it.
Deleran - January 5, 2012
How is he making this argument?
Seems ridiculous.
SactoRyan - January 5, 2012
Maybe PW put John in charge of creating a system for our offense
SPTSJUNKIE - January 5, 2012
cause his comment above isn't accurate
He called out Salmons for playing poorly, he didn’t extrapolate any further blame from that comment.
bignerd - January 5, 2012
True, but the first thing he called out was how terrible Salmons' been
on, Tyreke “he’s not playing well either”
Really? No kidding?
lietothegirls - January 5, 2012
Jerry Sloan
From Ailene Voison (SacBee chat), re: Jerry Sloan:
Not the best source, but Jerry Sloan would be amazing. DMC+Evans/Jimmer pick and rolls all night long.
RajB - January 5, 2012
He couldnt handle deron williams...
you really think hes gonna take care of cousins and tyreke!?!
TrojanCBB - January 5, 2012
He handled Williams for years.
This is like saying Adelman couldn’t handle Bibby cause they clashed at the end.
I would take Sloan in a heartbeat
SPTSJUNKIE - January 5, 2012
i dont think success with john stockton and karl malone will equate to success with tyreke and DMC
its like in San Antonio. Poppovich and his system have worked out because the team was able to build around two of the most mature, skilled, rational, and selfless superstar players of the last 30 years in Duncan and Robinson.
TrojanCBB - January 5, 2012
He had success in that market WITHOUT Malone and Stockton
I doubt he’d be scared of this situation. DMC is a handful, but I’ve seen nothing that indicates he’ll have trouble with Tyreke’s personality, just his game.
Would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see Sloan here.
otis29 - January 5, 2012
I'd reach out to Sloan
lietothegirls - January 5, 2012
Reach out?
I would drive to Indiana, pick him up, roll out the red carpet and give him a freaking lap dance if I had to.
After the Muss, Theus, PW pu pu platter I would be thrilled to have a top 5 coach who actually understands offensive systems, utilizing the talents of individual players and how to get a team playing team defense.
SPTSJUNKIE - January 5, 2012
This is Sloan isn't it?
SavageBeast - January 5, 2012
Yeah, and she might be a little more convincing to Sloan than I am
SPTSJUNKIE - January 5, 2012
He seems more distracted than being convinced by her.
Probably because he sees another girl show solid post skills against the stripper pole.
elfboy_ - January 5, 2012
Agree with Otis
He went to the WCF with Williams and Boozer. Reke and DMC are not Stockton and Malone, but I think he would be able to win with them.
This team has talent. We need a coach. Sloan can do that.
SPTSJUNKIE - January 5, 2012
Get Sloan
the OG of coaches
SharkKings49 - January 5, 2012
Honestly
I think that says more about Deron. If the Kings players want a system they should dance and sing over getting Sloan
SavageBeast - January 5, 2012
Stop it!
You’re just making me think about Prime Rib when I know we are going to end up with cold SPAM.
SavageBeast - January 5, 2012
On that note, the Kings have announced they are rehiring Kenny Natt and paying him in Monopoly money.
SPTSJUNKIE - January 5, 2012
Thanks
I feel better now
SavageBeast - January 5, 2012
+1
with a John Deere hat….
ridnour8 - January 5, 2012
I personally would love Jerry Sloan coaching the Kings.
DiegoKing - January 5, 2012
I can't make myself rec a Voison quote
but I really want to believe this.
TheFifthMookie - January 5, 2012
And coaching Jimmer would make him feel like he was back in Utah!!
Kyle_B - January 5, 2012
Hope he like working for these
ResetSmith - January 5, 2012
DAMN
Weren’t we talking about a community fund to chip in for the arena? Maybe we can do that to get Sloan instead.
otis29 - January 5, 2012
Not sure he would be willing to go into the same market as that other California dreamin’ buffoon Vinny Del Negro.
diehardNFFLbarnone - January 5, 2012
A Vain Hope
I would hope that if there was even the slightest chance or rumor that Sloan was interested, any organization in our position would pursue it aggressively.
But would this ownership and front office?
RajB - January 5, 2012
Not the best source
Ranks a notch above Bleacher Report
bignerd - January 5, 2012
Ok, that was funny
otis29 - January 5, 2012
At first I thought that read "Reeks"
HighTops - January 5, 2012
He might shoot DMC, but...
… I’d take him in a heartbeat if he’d have us.
And if not Sloan, what about Phil Johnson, his lead assistant?
Variant - January 5, 2012
Now that Westphal is gone, can we start talking about playoffs?
CrimeD - January 5, 2012
It's always Smart not to piss your Cousins off.
(fingers crossed)
DiegoKing - January 5, 2012
Hey, it looks good to me.
Bill2 - January 5, 2012
Maloofs - Call this man and don't get cheap this time
My favorite non-Adelman coach of all time
SharkKings49 - January 5, 2012
It would take all of $15M per season.
LiquidPolio - January 5, 2012
That's not Don Nelson in the picture
otis29 - January 5, 2012
I think what we have here looks something like this -
And it started some time before the draft when Petrie said “Sure, Paul. Your input on the roster is valuable and important.”
Now we have a center who’s as tall as a small forward (I love Chuck, don’t get me wrong but he is a backup PF / C at best,) we settled for Salmons and Jimmer over Beno and (take your pick of draftees 1 – 7), we have a NaPG who’s the size of a small forward, could be an incredible defender and passer, but doesn’t have the swagger to be a leader in any category, and a Center who punches teammates in the eye for not passing to him and now probably believes he’s the most important part of this team despite the fact that he probably couldn’t stay on the court for more than 30 minutes due to foul trouble most nights. Throw in a coach who won’t be here (more than likely) next year and the fact that we may or may not be in Sacramento next year….
Tough times, Kings fans. I dare say it can’t get any worse…
Sacto_J - January 5, 2012
We're in a better situation than we were in 08-09
Deleran - January 5, 2012
Is that a real photo?
lietothegirls - January 5, 2012
no idea
but it seemed fitting…
Sacto_J - January 6, 2012
How do you figure the conducter managed that?
ResetSmith - January 5, 2012
He was a Maloof.
PhutureKings - January 5, 2012
As an Indiana University alum.
I love this!
shlyank - January 5, 2012
Eat me - and Go Boilers!
(well, maybe next year)
lietothegirls - January 5, 2012
Everyone here should call Peaches today and demand Sloan
Let’s make the color of his face match the color of his hair!
CaliforniaJag - January 5, 2012
Lets see how many times he can yell at a caller and hang up for asking
SharkKings49 - January 5, 2012
He's already yelling at the very first caller.
ThePrince - January 5, 2012
You're an hour late
lietothegirls - January 5, 2012
Wow - Per Twitter
WojYahooNBA Adrian Wojnarowski
Keith Smart has agreed to a two-year with the Sacramento Kings, source tells Y! Sports. His deal is guaranteed through 2012-’13 season.
SPTSJUNKIE - January 5, 2012
Just in time for me to say
What the fuck???
CaliforniaJag - January 5, 2012
Maybe they noticed the Kings haven't lost a game since he became HC
SPTSJUNKIE - January 5, 2012
Please be a lie!
If not, it’s time to fire GP and the Maloofs with him. I’m sorry that is just the dumbest thing ever!
SavageBeast - January 5, 2012
Just killing me
lietothegirls - January 5, 2012
Come on
He wasn’t going to coach the team at the assistant coach price.
bignerd - January 5, 2012
Predictable really
Pattern has existed since Adelman was ousted.
Docile Ocelot - January 5, 2012
Lazy lazy lazy
That’s what that is.
otis29 - January 5, 2012
How many fans here just fell out of fantasy land?
What did you think you were getting firing Westphal?
bignerd - January 5, 2012
Doesn't change the fact that Westphal needed to go
otis29 - January 5, 2012
No
I’ve read enough comments here to know a lot thought their was a magic switch behind the Fire Westphal curtain.
bignerd - January 5, 2012
I haven't gotten that vibe at all
otis29 - January 5, 2012
rainingbuckets - January 5, 2012
Epic Mealtime?
If so, all I got to say is
Bacon Strips!
Bacon Strips!
Bacon Strips!
Bacon Strips!
Sacto_J - January 6, 2012
Sorry...the Kings will never get a good coach. They haven't had one yet, and it's been 25 years.
Plus don’t say Adelman.
LiquidPolio - January 5, 2012
Adelman.
Just sayin’
ridnour8 - January 5, 2012 via iPhone app
OVERRATED!
/old school
otis29 - January 5, 2012
Here we go.....Just like I never left. LOL
ridnour8 - January 5, 2012 via iPhone app
I know the fans at GSOM weren't fond of Smart but really they don't like anybody but Monta and Ant Rand
but the players seemed to like him and were sorry to see him go at least from what I read in Matt Steimatz’s and Marcus Thompson’s blogs some time back. In the immediate future he won’t play Kenny Natt to Westphal’s Reggie but I’m hoping that the Maloof’s open their pocketbooks to bring a quality coach.
I hope they take a look at Mark Jackson’s lead assistant Michael Malone who formerly held the same position with the Cavs and the Hornets. According to one of the San Jose Mercury News blogs he is being paid more than Westphal to keep Jackson looking like an actual coach
Bluejohn - January 5, 2012
Tyreke hates white people
choderboat - January 6, 2012
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