Coach Westphal Answers Your Questions

September 17, 2009 by Carly Montoya

Coach Westphal took some time today to answer a handful of questions from his mailbag.

Check out the comments below to see if your question was answered!

We will continue this segment with Kings co-owner Gavin Maloof next week and Kings VP of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie the following week, so keep checking back to see if your question was answered (and to ask future questions with others). We look forward to hearing from you!

Filed Under: Featured, New Media
Tagged: Ask Coach Westphal, Coach Westphal, Kings New Media

Comments

3469Coach+Westphal+Answers+Your+Questions2009-09-17+13%3A33%3A34Carly+Montoya to “Coach Westphal Answers Your Questions”

VonVon on September 9th, 2009 3:50 pm

Tyreke obviously has great potential as a guard in this league. How would you compare his abilities and style to some other players, like Gary Payton, or Kevin Johnson, that you have coached before? Who would you tell him to study and emulate?
Greg Wissinger on September 9th, 2009 8:50 pm

What should we expect the point guard rotation to look like this season, and how much of that is dependant on Beno's recent injury?
Joe Crowe on September 9th, 2009 9:10 pm

What are your plans for Tyreke Evans this year?
patrick on September 9th, 2009 9:13 pm

yes i know that our goal is to improve this up coming season. But as a die hard sacramento Kings fan do you think we have a shot of making the nba playoffs? possibly the 8th spot? GO KINGS!!!!!! patrick.
Capt. Factorial on September 9th, 2009 9:16 pm

We appear to have a logjam at small forward, with veterans Nocioni and Garcia needing minutes and young kids Greene and Casspi needing opportunities to develop. How do you foresee sharing the minutes between these players? Is it possible that one or both of Greene/Casspi will be relegated to mop-up duty or do you hope to ensure that both get regular minutes?
Alex K. on September 9th, 2009 9:38 pm

As it stands now, the Kings don't have a true backup center behind Spencer Hawes. Do you envision playing more small-ball with Jason Thompson and Sean May at the five this season, or are we likely to see another trade or signing before the season begins?
Westley on September 9th, 2009 9:39 pm

Why has Jon Brockman not been signed? We're selling his jersey and talking as though he is on the team but he hasn't been signed. Will Brockman be signed?
Keith on September 9th, 2009 9:45 pm

I would like to know, will the kings go after another big man or they staying put. And will they try to get another power forward because i really do not think mays will hold up not unless they limit his minutes. Thank you
carlymontoya on September 9th, 2009 9:46 pm

Great questions everyone. Keep them coming!
Dylan on September 9th, 2009 9:52 pm

If Oklahoma City Thunder selected Tyreke Evans with the 3rd pick in 2009 NBA Draft, what direction do you think yourself, along with Geoff Petrie would have went?
Angelo on September 9th, 2009 10:36 pm

in order to shore up interior defense, do you think theres room on the roster for an inexperience athletic bigman?
David Wesley on September 9th, 2009 11:00 pm

How do you balance the need to win today (putting your best team on the floor) with the need to win next year (putting youth on the floor).
Jonathan Brisco on September 9th, 2009 11:31 pm

I know you are familiar with the style of play the Kings played while under Rick Adelman and all the success and FUN we had with it so my question is how do you envision this Kings teams style and system to compare with the past teams style and system? similarities and differences? p.s. really happy we hired you, you were the only one I wanted honestly.
Hatcreek5 on September 9th, 2009 11:39 pm

Coach, with the injury to Beno and all the uncertainty around him even when he is healthy - are the Kings looking to add adding another point? ALso…Tyreek shoots the ball from to far behind his head which causes a flat shot at distance - who on your staff is working with him in that department?

Welcome to Sac coach!
russ anderson on September 10th, 2009 1:34 am

coach i was dissapointed with donte greens progresion in the vegas summer league i was there last year and he did some really good things this year he seemed to regress ?
VISHAV on September 10th, 2009 1:39 am

HELLO,
I WAS GOING TO ASK AT THE 3 SPOT U GUYS SHOULD LET NOCH COME BECAUSE WE NEED SOMEONE WHILE KEVIN RESTING LIKE GRACIA TO COME AND BENO STARTER CAUSE REKE IS A ROOKIE MAYBE ON HIS 2ND SEASON SO MY QUESTION IS ARE U GUYS GOING TO GET ANOTHER POWER FORWARD FOR CENTER WE NEED MORE TALENTED LIKE SPENSER AND JASON THANKS!
antonio braynen on September 10th, 2009 1:47 am

what i would like 2 know is what has kevin martin been up 2 in the offseason and how is his ankle also kevin martin needs 2 put the team on his back in the 4th quater and be the kings closer this season
fabian on September 10th, 2009 2:15 am

what is your opinion,of andres chapu nocioni???compatriota de ruben wolkowisky player our in seatlle supersonics
Benson on September 10th, 2009 2:38 am

Hi coach Westphal, i hope that you can manage to make the kings again a playoff contender coz we believe in this team.. I'm hoping also that i can learn from your experiences and coaching style because i want to be a coach someday or even today.. I'm still young but i'll be reliable to be teach because i love the game of basketball.. I really love to coach so that one day i'll be just like red and you coach. thank you.. hope you'll help me..
FaStRmAn on September 10th, 2009 2:54 am

Hi Coach! First of all, Welcome to Sacramento! I understand you are all moved in and hopefully you can find time to get settled into your new home before the pre season starts in earnest. My question is, how do you envision the ongoing development of our young front court? Will the Young players earn their time on the court, or are you going to play them starter minutes and teach them the NBA game during the games? I am a little worried that the Young Bigs have a little too much pressure on them, and there isn't a lot of other options to play the 4 and 5 on the roster. My second question is how do you see Rodriguez's role as our Point? Is it possible he could be the season starter (considering Beno's recent injury and poor play last season) with Tyreke coming off the bench and being slowly integrated into the starting rotation? Thanks and GOOD LUCK COACH !!!!!
Joe on September 10th, 2009 3:53 am

Although there were a lot of blowouts last year, there were also a lot of close games where late game execution was very poor. What is your strategy for helping these young players perform well in late game situations so the team can possibly put more numbers in the Win column?
Eddie on September 10th, 2009 4:02 am

Paul, I have high hopes for the Kings this year. I chat with buddies on AOL and they think I am crazy to predict 35 wins. I dont mean to put pressure on you but do you think that is a realistic number of wins? We only won 17 last year but we were just a hair away from at least 10 more. We had some injuries and just plain bad luck. Add in the … Read Morecoaching instability and you had disaster stew…which came into fruition. I dont see that same perfect storm brewing this year.Are your goals to reach the playoffs this year??
Jonathan Luz on September 10th, 2009 4:21 am

First of all, I would like to welcome to Sacramento Coach Westphal!!! I have three questions that hopefully you can answer.
1. What drew you to the coaching position in Sacramento after the last 2 coaches were let go?
2. Were you also part of the decision making and evaluation of drafting Tyreke Evans?
3. As you and your coaching staff gets ready for training camp, what will be your biggest areas to concentrate on: Offense, Defense, or Rebounding

I'm a big Charles Barkley fan when you got the opportunity to coach him Phoenix and if wasn't for his good friend Michael Jordon your Phoenix team would have had at least 1 ring. Good Luck on the up coming season.
littlegman on September 10th, 2009 4:25 am

lnevitably, how will you handle an ineffective starter's playing time when opponents reach double digits late 3rd quarter/early 4th quarter game situations to give kings best chance to grind out a win? Would you consider giving a rookie more playing time?
J.R. on September 10th, 2009 4:42 am

Honetly who do you think is going to be better in 2 years (as in a better chance of being an All Star Player), Ricky Rubio or Tyreke Evans?
Grrravy on September 10th, 2009 5:08 am

Who is helping Hawes and Thompson improve on their back-to-the-basket skills and footwork? Welcome aboard, Coach!
JTKingsFan on September 10th, 2009 5:15 am

Welcome coach! Few questions. First, who do you see as the starting five on the floor this year? Secondly, Is Kevin expected to step up to the leadership role this year? And last, Is the team going to being sticking with the read and react offense? Thanks so much, can't wait for the season to start!
Hong Kong SUPER Fans on September 10th, 2009 5:38 am

Hi, Coach, I really want to come to Sac_town and support the kings.

I have nth to ask, but a few recommendations.
1) put K-mart to 6th man (like Manu) (I think he is more effective when acts as 6th man)
2) More chance for Rookies (Casspi, Evans)…and Sergio
3) less mintues for Cisco (his ball-handling is BAD)
4) All kings players need more ball movement !!
wow on September 10th, 2009 5:48 am

i luv the kings but why do we never try to get any players all these damn free agents and roster moves trades throughout the league and the kings are the only team every year to do nothing (since webber,richmond) y do we always have to have a damn mediocre team when we don't damn maloofs spend some damn money imean sean may seriously iverson just went to the grizzlys hes better than anyone on the team besides martin our small forwards are weak and boring y not get gerald green in here dunkn on some fools get some excitement 17 wins wow
lietothegirls on September 10th, 2009 6:17 am

The team ranked near last in almost every way you can evaluate a team defensively last year. I I believe that led to at least (at least!) a dozen or more losses. Is there hope for a fan like myself who grew tired of lay-up drills by 6'4'' opponents followed by 3-point barages? Whats the plan to get them on the right track early?
kenji (from Guam) on September 10th, 2009 6:38 am

Coach, Welcome to Sacramento King's basketball, I am not from Sacramento but when i saw how they played during their glory days, I was amazed and very excited to see them play, so my question is based on the King's roster you have, are we going to see fun and excitement back at ARCO?

Wishing you Goodluck Coach and the Kings!!
JOE on September 10th, 2009 6:45 am

Good luck Coach Westphal
How much time and focuse are you going put in the team defense stradage
Kevin Martin GAME should excile in high level with Tyreke starting at least 30 minutes a game
tamir yanay on September 10th, 2009 8:21 am

Coach, Welcome to Sacramento King's !
i have some questions for you
What do you think the chances of Casspi to Succeed in the nba? What he needs to improve in his game?
and Last question What do you think about his decision not to play the national team?
Danny W UK on September 10th, 2009 8:24 am

Welcome to the Kings Coach. Firstly, can I just say, Coach Theus was used as a scapegoat, Phil Jackson couldn't have achieved much more with the team we had on the floor last year. Had to get that off my chest.
I'm sure with one years more experience, and Evans in the team, we'll improve over last year. I would expect a playoff berth within 3 years realistically, unless we find something special in the Rooks, or an as yet unsigned free agent/trade. Which brings me nicely to my question, have you got any big roster changes planned before the season starts? Or is the team we see now, the team that'll be out there come the season start?
Brian B on September 10th, 2009 8:53 am

What kind of offensive system do you think is best for this Kings team? What kind of system should we expect? Mostly up-tempo or a half court game?
patrick on September 10th, 2009 1:43 pm

I WANT TO HAVE THE ARCO ARENA THUNDER WITH OUR COWBELLS!!! TO HAPPEN AGAIN GO KINGS 4EVER. WELCOME TO THE CITY THAT LOVES OUR KINGS. I WANT OUR HOME COURT TO BE THE ONE OPTION WHERE IT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO COME AND GET A WIN! We're THE LOUDEST FANS IN SPORTS! BEWARE NBA ARCO ARENA. 17,317. THE SELLOUT STREAK STARTS NOVEMBER 2 AGAINST ALLEN IVERSON AND THE GRIZZILIES. THANKS PAUL.
patrick on September 10th, 2009 1:50 pm

Is there any way we can make opening night like a playoff game? where they would pass out white t-shirts to us fans at the door while entering the arena? to make arco all white! is there any chance you can have that happen on the 2nd of november against the grizzlies? thanks again coach.
Ben on September 10th, 2009 1:51 pm

What do you think about our new internacional players (Sergio, Caspi)?

From Spain.
Richie in Rocklin on September 10th, 2009 3:29 pm

Coach Paul:
Go TROJANS! Go KINGS!! Welcome to Sacramento!!!
We (Kings) appear to be thin at backup center and shooting guard positions. Will those be addressed before camp starts or during camp? The best shot at improving our roster does appear to be in Feburary before the trading deadline, what with our cap space and over half of the league being over the luxury tax limit. When do you expect the front office to make some moves?

Thanks, Coach.
LIsa on September 10th, 2009 5:29 pm

Hi coach, what is one measurable short term goal do you have for this team?
Nalyd on September 10th, 2009 5:38 pm

Hey Westphal, from what youve seen thus far, what is one thing you like about our kings going into the season.
Moulton on September 10th, 2009 5:40 pm

If there is anything you could shape up before preseason, what problem would you adress, meaning what do you think the kings weakest part of the team is?
Rich on September 10th, 2009 6:19 pm

How do you coach your leaders? Kevin Martin, Cisco, Spencer, and others are our young but talented leaders. In fourth quarter minutes and in critical situations, do you take over, or allow our leaders to take charge and direct the teams attitude? I only ask because last year, there were so many games where the team just quite, a complete lack of leadership.
Rich on September 10th, 2009 6:23 pm

I would agree coach, I am sure many others feel the same way. With our youth, How about some up-tempo offense?
dan on September 10th, 2009 6:34 pm

how the hell is this team gonna win more games than they did last year?
Apollo on September 10th, 2009 6:35 pm

from Apollo916

Omri Casspi has had the opputunity to workout with Kevin Martin this offseason over in Florida. Who do you think has worked the hardest on developement so far this offseason out of the entire team?
Rickey Oliver on September 10th, 2009 6:36 pm

What are we going to do with Kenny Thomas, he's taking up space for another player that we do not have yet. Hope that Jason post up a little slower, because I think he could be one of the better big man in the game. I love the players we have,this season. I will be watching all game so (GO KINGS)
Thank You Rickey
markdog333 on September 10th, 2009 7:51 pm

Hey Coach. We are glad to have you leading our team! I realize training camp has not started yet, so you may not have had much of a chance to evaluate all of our players yet. You mentioned that the team will have to get better at defense and rebounding. Do you believe that the players on this team have the ability/desire/toughness to become good in those areas? Is that something that can be learned? Also, with regards to playing to our strengths, what do you see our strengths being with this team?
GoKingsFan_CAM on September 10th, 2009 10:06 pm

Hi Coach Westphal.
Who is going to be the starting line up for the 2009-2010 NBA Season? What are your impressions for the team so far and what do you want from the players as the season progresses?
GoKingsFan_CAM on September 10th, 2009 10:08 pm

Hi Coach Westphal.
Who is going to be the starting line up for the 2009-2010 NBA Season? What are your impressions for the team so far and what do you want from the players as the season progresses?
Oh yeah, we appreciate you taking a risk, stepping up, and coaching the King's team.
Kalab Reinke on September 11th, 2009 1:02 am

As a king fan i hope to see a fast pace game because i think its alot easier for a young and unexperience team to get easy points and also work on their defence because it will want them to score points i think. i also have another question will u run alot of pick and roles and run plays with that? Cuz watching the kings last year looked kinda boring thats just my opinon i would just like to watch the kings run up and down the court just like watching the golden State worriors back when they made the playoffs just a couple years ago and that running game helped win against the dallas mavericks soo i was just woundering what ur opinion on the running game
kenji (from Guam) on September 11th, 2009 1:26 am

thanks for agreeing, i know Coach Westphal will do a better job than our previous Coaches, im just excited to see them on the floor and hope they could surprise the League. I know up tempo basketball excites the fans but i was watching the videos of Jordan's Bulls team, defense is still pivotal in this League. So Coach, what defensive scheme would you think is proper with the roster you have?
the beast on September 11th, 2009 6:52 am

okay!!!!! when is the team singing good players, maybe some veteran ones… this team looks like a college team… im not even going to games anymore… like look around there, oh sorry were plenty of good free agent players… come on my little brother thinks better then the owners !!!!!!!!!!!!
KRAZY KOU on September 11th, 2009 6:27 pm

Will the kings trade for Tayshaun Prince or Josh Howard? Kings need a solid starting small forward because when I look at the roster this is our only weakness to our team. Both Prince and Howard are long and tall and can help make us a better defensive of team as well if we can land Prince.
JOE on September 11th, 2009 7:48 pm

Good luck this season coach Westphal
What kind of things are you telling your team to get them modavated
What kind of goals are you setting for you and the team
Go Kings PLAYOFFS
ra'd on September 11th, 2009 9:53 pm

START EVANS WESTPHAL PLEASE HE'S YOUR BEST PLAYER NOT NAMED KEVIN MARTIN__HE'S A STAR START HIM NOW HE'S GONE GIVE U GUYS VERSATILITY DEFENSE ASSISTS AND SCORING DEFENSE TO. EVANS MARTIN NOCIONI THOMPSON HAWES
Donald on September 12th, 2009 12:59 am

I'd like to know how you balance the age old question for rebuilding teams: How do you weigh winning now (playing veterans) and developing young talent (greene, evans, thompson)?
AJW on September 12th, 2009 9:09 am

Hi Sacramento Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal.I am a very big Sacramento Kings fan,since I was still way back in Grade 5,when I was still living in Roseville,CA,during the 2001-2002 season.I would like to know if u r gonna get rid of Bobby Jackson,Calvin Booth,Rashad McCants,and Cedric Simmons.I understood that Calvin Booth and Cedric Simmons were very low and underperforming,but terrific basketball players,at some point of their career.Are u gonna sign more free agents and get rid of all the free agents that the Kings have this year?
ECN on September 12th, 2009 4:08 pm

What is the key for the Kings to playing better team defense? Obviously the team defense stunk last year.
Edward Reeder on September 12th, 2009 4:49 pm

Not claiming to be an expert here, but the apparent shortcomings of an up-tempo offense seem to be transition defense, and half court defense. Do we have enough offensive firepower to outscore opponents or are there certain techniques to improve these shortcomings?
JMP on September 12th, 2009 6:06 pm

Welcome to Sacramento Coach Westphal
Defense Rebounds Turnovers
Now I love to see alot of points on the scoreboard
BUT 3 WORDS COME TO MIND TO BE A BETTER TEAM
And the team lacked 2 of the words and way to much of the other
GOOD LUCK THIS YEAR COACH
Matt George on September 13th, 2009 12:52 am

Hey coach! Greatly looking forward to this upcoming season. I am one of the four Kings fans at my Highschool and I want to change that. Anyway I was wondering three things. 1. How are you trying to intertwine the games of both Kevin Martin and Tyreke Evens? 2. Do you think the Kings have a good shot at the playoffs this year? 3. I overheard some of the guys on ESPN predicting that Tyreke will overcome Blake Griffin and win rookie of the year, do you think thats true, and what about him gives him the edge?

Thanks coach!

Forever Kingsfan,
Matt George
Matt George on September 13th, 2009 1:00 am

Hey coach, sorry to interrupt this guys question, but I honestly believe Tyreke should start. No offence to Beno but i believe Tyreke is better and is ready. He came into collage last year and blew everyone away! Why not give him the same chance in the NBA. But I do agree with you that the Kings should deffianetly consiter the playing time and starting role for Noch. Garcia seemed to have struggled last year at the starting role but play excellent off the bench. I dont know if that was just coincidence but it seems he does better off the bench. I think that the starting linup should be as follows: Evans, Martin, Noch, Thompson, and Hawes. But hey! Im not the coach. With you all the way Westphal!
Matt George on September 13th, 2009 1:05 am

Amen! I agree coach!
irish on September 13th, 2009 2:24 pm

in australia the clothing line availble tends to dictate who people should support, at the moment its all L.A LAKERS and KOBE BRYANT
my question is, when will the kings be a team that everyone wants to support or do we have to wait for a michael jordan the 2nd before this happens?
Rory on September 13th, 2009 6:41 pm

Coach Westphal, first of all, I know you are an above average coach. I watched your coaching style back in the days of Barkley and Johnson. I remember your bold comments, that you would win a playoff series, when you were down, and your team came through. Excited to see next season. The kings do not have trouble scoring but, I would like to know how would you improve the kings rebounding and defense next season. Thank you for your time.
kabao on September 13th, 2009 10:51 pm

well considering your argument, i believe that the kings are not making any big move this summer yet because they are probally going to make a big impack next year where a lot of big names are going to be on the market….well maybe we wont land lebron but maybe just maybe chris bosh.
David on September 14th, 2009 12:15 am

Are the starters set and stone or do they have to work to keep their spot? Will Omri Casspi maybe get a chance to start and show what he can do and Nocioni can be the 6th man?
Kings_Fan on September 14th, 2009 2:28 am

Be honest, what are you predictions for this coming season? Do you think we will have a chance at the playoffs? By the way, I love the kings!
Tom on September 14th, 2009 2:17 pm

I am a die hard Kings fan. Should we focus on defense more and passing the ball offensively since our team chemistry isn't there yet? I watch old Pistons championship tape and they had aggressive pass first D. Our offense was there last year but no D. Go Kings 0 wins or 80 wins I am always a Kings die hard
Tom on September 14th, 2009 2:19 pm

I meant pass first offense and aggressive D
Sean on September 14th, 2009 7:44 pm

Hello Coach Westphal, and welcome to Sacramento! I was just wonder what type of team we should be expecting this coming season. Are we going to see a lot of face paced pick and roll or are we going to see a lot of slow offense and really tough defence? Hopefully both.
rob on September 15th, 2009 12:23 am

you do realize that we havent been in the playoffs since adelman got fired, and not selling out arco has a huge impact on our economy, right? sacramento needs its 18,000 people spending money for 41 games, then maybe we wont be the third worst city in the us when it comes to the unemployment rate and foreclosures. we need a good season.
Nick on September 15th, 2009 3:27 am

Hey Coach, I was wondering if we are going to be signing any other players, I mean I love are team here, but what about are D-league players, are any other those guys going to be making the team any time soon….Its great to have you as are Kings coach and I'm looking forward to the upcoming year, thanks for coming.
Nick on September 15th, 2009 3:45 am

Its great to have you aboard on the Kings….I've been a kings fan for about 15 years now, and I can stop loving them. I love the draft pick in Tyreke Evan and all the other picks, I think we have a chance on something good this coming year. What do you think on this….?? Do you believe any of the D-league players will be coming up anytime soon or are we going to be signing any body??? One more question, I'm from Wisconsin and I saw in the Summer league we had One Wisconsin player and 2 Marquette players try out, what is going to be happening to them??

Its great to have you aboard Coach and look forward to seeing you guys in action…Good luck this coming year….GO KINGS….
wow on September 15th, 2009 5:16 am

i like thompson though i wish we could get a sf a good one like melo
getPGwithbounce on September 15th, 2009 7:14 am

Coach, everyone (ie ESPN) believes the Kings will be at the bottom this season, so is there any incentive to exceed these expectations this season if being at the bottom improves the Kings' chances of drafting the GUY IN THE GRAY SHIRT below???

[youtube 3rsjJQz0GGE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rsjJQz0GGE youtube]
Nick on September 15th, 2009 5:19 pm

He can dunk and haves alot of speed, but he doesnt play D-Fence.
wow on September 15th, 2009 7:08 pm

guy in grey shirt lazy as hell on D but good ass dunker
JOE on September 15th, 2009 7:16 pm

There is no "D" in his game so why would the kings draft a guy who just wants to be in a SLAME DUNK CONTEST
mark on September 18th, 2009 3:42 am

coach how r u going 2 get the team ready for the season and set a tone for the league that we r not a easy win and a walk over
Joseph on September 18th, 2009 1:20 pm

i've never seen u before, are u new this season?
kelvin Scarborough on September 18th, 2009 4:43 pm

I have been a Kings Fan everysince Joe and Gavin took over. I'm Trying to make everyone in NewMexico a Kings also, Will Coach try to make Kings a highpower offense team this and make the fans jump out their seats. Take Care and Good Luck this Season Kelvin X. Scarborough. NewMexico AllStars.
JDZ on September 19th, 2009 2:09 am

Please make a trade and play green as much as possible.
getPGwithbounce on September 19th, 2009 7:05 pm

OMG….they're playing Kenny??!!
Ben on September 19th, 2009 8:06 pm

Hi Coach, There seems to be more focus on the 17 than the 65 losses, and I think there is just as much to learn from determining what we did wrong in a losing effort, as to what we did right in a winning effort, aside from the fact that we have more evidence in the losses. The team was not involved in blow-out losses 65 times so, it would make sense to look at our 4th quarter execution in close games. How to execute down the stretch is not exactly easy for young players to learn from the bench. My question is, how can we get better ">crunch time" execution from our young players and still establish a "go-to" player or two?
paulwestphal on September 22nd, 2009 7:02 pm

Alex-Right now, the way that our roster is constituted, we do not have a lot of tall centers. Spencer Hawes certainly qualifies as a legitimate NBA 7-footer. We are bringing Melvin Ely to camp, and Jason Thompson has the size to play against most centers. We have Kenny Thomas, who has shown us that he probably can defend the low post better than anyone else on our roster, even though he is a little short to play center. There is also Sean May as an option. So, whenever Spencer is not at center, then I guess we will be playing small ball, if that is what you want to call it.
paulwestphal on September 22nd, 2009 7:05 pm

Jonathan-I think that historically, and particularly since the Maloof’s have owned the team and Geoff Petrie has put the talent together, this has been one of the teams in the NBA to be reckoned with. Just because we are down a little bit doesn’t mean they don’t have the know-how and the will to bring us back into the NBA elite. The city has also embraced this team and almost willed them to success many times. I think that Sacramento is renowned throughout the league for having one of the craziest home court advantages to exist in the last 10-15 years. I think there is a hunger for people to have that back and there is a hunger from the management. To me, to have the nucleus of these young players and the potential of the team, along with the desire of the city and organization to see that happen again, just seems like an obvious and exciting opportunity.
paulwestphal on September 22nd, 2009 7:06 pm

Brian-If you are going to answer the question about offensive systems, you first must answer the question, “How is your defense going to be?” You are not going to win games in the NBA unless your defense is respectable. To be last in the league in field goal percentage, last in three-point defense and last in rebounding, it was not a respectable defense. So it doesn’t matter what offense you run if you can’t do better in those categories. Our plan is to shore up our defense in those areas. You also cannot just wave a wand and lead the league in those categories, but we can start to see improvement.
paulwestphal on September 22nd, 2009 7:07 pm

If we do start to see improvement, particularly in our rebounding, so that we are not giving up too many second shots, we then want to be able to get some easy shots. The best way to do that is to get the ball up the floor quickly and look for a high-percentage shot. I am drawn to that style of play and think that is what suits this team and that is what we are going to try to do. We won’t be able to do it though if we are not able to rebound. If we have to change our personnel and get better defensive players and more rebounders, that will affect our style of play. I am interested myself in seeing how fast we can play. We are not going to sacrifice defense to the extent that you would have to sacrifice it just to play fast and loose. We don’t want to do that.
paulwestphal on September 22nd, 2009 7:08 pm

I like the enthusiasm and the hunger that I see. I see attitudes of guys that didn’t like being a part of a team that only won 17 games. When you take someone like Kevin Martin who is a proven, high-level NBA player who I think will be on the All-Star team for many years to come, but was injured much of last year, there is still a feeling that he was part of all of that. All of the guys who are back felt they were part of that. You could even say that Spencer (Hawes) was young, Jason (Thompson) was a rookie, that it’s not their fault— but they were still a part of it. They didn’t like it. I see an attitude of “we are a lot better than that and we’re not going to let it happen to us again.” I see receptive guys who want to be here and want this to be a respected team. I think that is a really good place to start. I see a group that has talent, enthusiasm and hunger.
paulwestphal on September 22nd, 2009 7:09 pm

It can be learned to a certain extent, but a lot of rebounding is a gift. If you are able to see where that ball is coming off before it has even hit the rim and the man you are playing against can’t do that, then you are going to have the advantage. That isn’t something that I have ever seen anyone teach. You can recognize it in someone and say I would want him on my team because he knows where the ball is coming off. We try to get players like that, but some of rebounding is the habit of boxing out and the desire of wanting the ball. Also, it isn’t just one person rebounding, it is everybody being committed to it. One reason we brought on Truck Robinson is because he was one of the greatest rebounders of all time. He led the league in rebounding as a 6’7” forward. He is going to help, in part, due to all of the tricks he has learned. I think that we will improve our rebounding. Whether it is enough or we need some extra personnel, that remains to be seen. That is something that you have to look at. If the guys you have can’t get rebounds and you are emphasizing it, then you just have to get new guys.
paulwestphal on September 22nd, 2009 7:14 pm

Joe-First of all we are very excited and quite convinced that Tyreke is going to be an excellent point guard in this league for many years. I don’t understand the sentiment that he isn’t able to be a point guard. He isn’t a classic play maker, “you get over here and you get over there” type of point guard. He is someone who can get where he needs to go off the dribble and he can create mis-matches in the post and he can guard point guards. I think he is going to have a very effective career as a point guard in the NBA. Having said that, he is young. He is a rookie and so many of the questions concerning his timetable for development will be answered as time unfolds. There is no way of knowing that in advance. I have great confidence in him, but there is still a learning curve and we have two other point guards on the team who are proven NBA players.
paulwestphal on September 22nd, 2009 7:14 pm

We have Beno (Udrih) and Sergio (Rodriguez), so I am sure we will have quite a bit of competition at that position. Beno tweaked his knee a little bit while playing for his country this summer, but will be ok and ready the first day. Sergio has been working out and he will also be ready. We’ll have good competition at the point guard spot. I don’t have a pre-conceived decision on who will get the minutes or who will start, but I think that we have three good options.
paulwestphal on September 22nd, 2009 7:15 pm

David-I would say that I don’t quite look at it like that. It is our mission to win playoff games, and we want to make that happen as soon as possible. We need to become a team that first gets to the playoffs so that we can win playoff games. Having the worst record in the league to build on, it certainly is a stretch to predict playoff success this year. That doesn’t mean it isn’t a hope or a goal, but it is a long way to get there. What we want to do is take positive steps toward putting our team in a position to win playoff games as soon as possible.
paulwestphal on September 22nd, 2009 7:15 pm

We intend to develop our young players by giving them playing time where they will undoubtedly make some mistakes and learn from them. Also, our goal will be that of trying to win games by putting the best guys out there. We don’t know how good we can be this year. I think we can do much better than last year if we can stay healthy. As far as how soon we can be in position to win playoff games, we need development from our young guys and we need contributions from our veteran players. We are going to try to blend it all toward that goal.
sender on November 1st, 2009 11:52 am

dear coach,
i dont understand a couple of things.
why does evans is so afraid of his own shadow ?
and does he know he is a pg and not a sg ?
why martin does what ever he wants, he is very talented, no question about it,
but he is also so selfish..maybe its because all the rest of the players are young..
and whats the deal with may, he is less agresive then my 12 year old sis', i bet u she can pull
the ball out of his hand any day..
its just the beginning of the season, and every body wants quick esolt so i understand..
but the payers must play more agresive, they say that in basketball the best offense is defense.
so please start hitting and try to make the players think about the team, other wise the kings will be a team that payers pass on the way to the big teams, and players like martin stays..
if u dont give it all on the court, and mostly on the defense, let them sit on the bench, or trade them
for pepole who would kill for an opportunity to play in the best league in the world..
good luck..
sender on November 12th, 2009 10:06 am

i dont want to say 'i told u so'..but it looks like , when May and Martin are out,
the kings r playing like a team..tyrek and udrich playing together its also a very smart choice.
good luck, and hopfuly keep on winning…
nuapham916 on January 9th, 2010 10:47 am

i dont like tyreke evans at all too selffish beno is better lets beno hold the ball kings will win trust me

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