Discuss: Young Bigs and K-Mart
March 23, 2009 by Andrew Nicholson
After practice on Monday, Coach Kenny Natt discussed his desire to see more leadership from the veterans on the team while complimenting the effort and play of his two young big men — Spencer Hawes and Jason Thompson.
“Hopefully we can get more consistency with them,” Natt said referring to Hawes and Thompson. “They’re double-double type guys — scoring and rebounding. Spencer nearly had a triple (double) last night — one more assist. These guys are willing to pass the basketball. They’re skilled. We have a future there with those guys, it’s just our veterans need to help them along.”
As Hawes (10 double-doubles this season) and Thompson (double-doubles in four of the past five contests) continue to develop into a formidable frontline, Natt also touched on the growth of a player he considers a rookie, as least in one area.
Referencing his leadership, Natt discussed the progress he’s seen from Kings leading scorer Kevin Martin this season.
“Kevin, in his attitude and his approach, wants to be the leader,” Natt said. “It’s a process for him. He’s a rookie in this. LeBron (James) struggled to accept that the first time and Kevin is struggling to realize what it really takes night-in and night-out…
“He has to realize it’s not always about numbers,” Natt continued. “It’s about other things. It’s about setting the example — playing tough defense, hustling, getting the deflected rebound, making the extra pass and getting your teammates involved. That’s the process by which he is growing right now.”
Natt went on to praise the games in which Martin tallied seven assists and seven rebounds this year and said “he’s better now than he was at the beginning of the season.” The Kings coach then added, “We’re making ground, not only with he and that role but these young guys have gotten a lot better in their confidence, too.”
With the Kings next contest not coming until their final game of the season against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday at ARCO Arena, the team will practice every day until then. After Tuesday’s practice, the team will dish a collective assist to Roberts Family Development Center.
Despite the craziness of an NBA lifestyle that’s spanned Salt Lake City and Cleveland and now Sacramento, Natt has always made time to help make a positive impact on his resident city and his hometown.
“We have to go out and support our community because that’s who’s supporting us,” Natt said. “It’s our time to go out and share and let them know we appreciate their support. This is the Maloof time but I do it year-round in my hometown and (other places I’ve coached) and I’m sure other guys do as well.”
As a youngster in Monroe, La, Natt’s role models were high school athletes and his only concept of a profession in sports was to be a player. Since 2001, Natt has worked with Pelican State Youth Movement to teach youth in Louisiana about multiple sports and expose them to all aspects of job opportunities in the sports world, including trainers, scouts, front office executives and more.
Through the program, boys and girls who participate and volunteer hours in the community are rewarded with trips outside of their small town to games and other venues.
On Tuesday, Joe and Gavin Maloof will close Maloof Sports & Entertainment offices for its sixth annual Day of Volunteerism to celebrate the legacy of Cesar Chavez. Together with presenting partners Health Net, Raley’s & Bel Air and Wells Fargo, Sacramento Kings players, Monarchs personnel and full-time Team Members of Maloof Sports & Entertainment will refurbish the Roberts Family Development Center at Twin Rivers Housing Complex in a single day.
Check out Kings.com for all access coverage of the Kings Day of Volunteerism, including a live blog and video.
Just as the team shows its support for the community, it shows its appreciation for its most loyal supporters.
Tonight Kings Season Ticket Holders who chose the Kings Fantasy Clinic as their 2008-09 Renewal Gift will join Kings players Kenny Thomas, Ike Diogu, Cedric Simmons and Calvin Booth and Kings assistant coaches Jason Hamm and Randy Brown to participate in basketball drills working on shooting, passing and defense.
What are your thoughts on the recent play of Hawes and Thompson and Martin’s development as a leader?
This might be redundant, but here go's. These are probably the three most important things the Kings can focus on (besides defense) for the rest of the season. JT has been doing much better with staying out of foul trouble and Spence is going to be talked about as the most improved player next season if he keeps up the work he's putting in now! Now as for Kevin, I think we would all like to see him take on that leadership role more intensely. We know this is really his first season doing that, but it needs to start showing more in the little things. I'd like to hear that he's the last one in the gym, taking advice from vets, applying it to himself and passing it on. The others will follow his lead. As the season winds down i've been less frustrated and more and more pleased with the development of the young players. Their work has really started to show and if the keep it up they can be a really great team in no time.
For the last few years I believe the Kings have had to focus on defense. With this team they at times can hold their own and go on with the win. The payoff really comes with consistent offense and defense. That is what is lacking with this team. Maybe veteran leadership or someone stepping up will help the team get consistency. However, it seems that all the veterans have been traded to other teams. The only veterans, as far as I know, on this team are Garcia and Bobby Jackson. Bobby Jackson is out injured and Garcia is looked up to as the leadership for this team from what I read. Maybe there should be someone to keep the Kings playing consistent throughout 48 minutes. The Kings have to demand a win to get a win, in my opinion.
For the last few years I believe the Kings have had to focus on defense. With this team they at times can hold their own and go on with the win. The payoff really comes with consistent offense and defense. That is what is lacking with this team. Maybe veteran leadership or someone stepping up will help the team get consistency. However, it seems that all the veterans have been traded to other teams or not been playing many minutes. The only veterans, as far as I know that have been playing substantial minutes on this team are Garcia and Bobby Jackson. Bobby Jackson is out injured and Garcia is looked up to as the leadership for this team from what I read. Maybe there should be someone to keep the Kings playing consistent throughout 48 minutes. The Kings have to demand a win to get a win, in my opinion.
I strongly agree with the comments from JTKINGSFan, I can see a definite improvement in the young guys. Coach Natt's patience is paying off with the results he is getting from the players efforts. As far as Kmart is concerned with leadership, he will be okay, winning always takes care of a lot of issues.
The Kings got talent. Why don't they have a better record? Kevin Martin, Jason Thompson, and Spenser Hawes are very players in the NBA. What is missing is leadership on the Court. Coach Natt has patience with this team. I agree with JT. The results are paying off. What could be missing are veteran players. Natt is a good coach off the court. The team needs a coach-players on the court. There needs to be players that get on the court and take over. That is something that comes with experience. San Antonio Spurs with Tim Duncan have allot of veteran players and they always seem to do good every year. I would look for a few Veteran Players in the NBA that are not injured to give this team guidance in any upcoming trades.