Casspi Learning, Fighting Through First Season

Kings rookie Omri Casspi plays with a spirit and passion for the game teammates and fans worldwide respect and celebrate. Lately, however, the first-year forward’s relentless dedication to his craft has caught up to him.

With Casspi’s energy level visibly waning along with his production, Coach Paul Westphal opted to put the tenacious forward on the inactive list for Sunday’s Kings-Thunder game to give him rest. Though it was tough for Casspi to watch from the bench in a suit, he agreed with his coach’s decision.

“Omri the competitor wants to play 48 minutes every game for 82 games,” Casspi said. “Sometimes I should (I listen) to my body…

“Coach thought I needed the rest and so did the staff and everybody,” he continued. “I haven’t had a lot of bad days in Sacramento, so it was good for me.”

Reflecting on the last year, Casspi sees a schedule packed with weight training and on-court workouts, not including his litany of off-court obligations.

“Maybe I practiced too hard in the beginning,” he said. “It’s something to learn for the future, because I didn’t know how to prepare myself for 82 games. I practiced hard in the offseason and in the beginning of the season, so it’s something to learn from and (improve) for the future.”

Watch - Kings Practice: Omri Casspi.

Though Casspi threw down a vicious dunk in traffic in the closing moments of the team’s practice on Monday and expects to play on Tuesday night in Portland, Westphal still sees the effects of his forward’s whirlwind season.

“He looks worn down to me,” the Kings coach said. “He doesn’t look as quick. He doesn’t look as strong. I think he’s questioning himself a little bit. I think all those things are in play.”

While Casspi looked on Sunday night, Jason Thompson returned to the Kings lineup, after missing fives games with two non-displaced transverse processes fractures in his lower back. If his 11 points and eight rebounds in 30 minutes of action were any indication, the Kings forward is close to feeling healthy.

“I think I might be 85 or 90 percent right now,” Thompson said. “A few things I would have done before, I kind of held back a little bit, but I was still playing my game. I think it’s going to take some time for me to just keep getting treatment and keep getting reps in for me to be 100 percent, but for the most part I felt pretty good.”

Now in his second season, Thompson says players learn a lot about how to pace and take care of themselves after experiencing a year in the League.

“It takes a toll on your body,” Thompson said of the NBA’s 82-game schedule. “You never know how to train until that next summer, going into your second year, how to train for all 82 games and, hopefully, more.”

Asked what kind of tricks-of-the-trade players like Casspi, Tyreke Evans and Jon Brockman will enter their second season with, Thompson says it’s essentially the ability for players to become more in tune with their bodies.

“Just knowing how to treat your body and eating the right things and making sure you have a routine,” number 34 said. “You get your lifts in, you get your strength and conditioning in and just (learning) how your body feels on certain days and certain games, and you stay consistent with (it).”

Watch - Kings Practice: Jason Thompson.

Speaking of the rookies, Brockman has missed the last two-plus weeks due to a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Although he could miss up to four weeks from his Feb. 20 diagnosis, the Kings forward is making progress.

“He’s not ready to run around, yet,” Westphal said. “He’s feeling better, but it still takes time.”

After practice, the team left for its Northwest matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers. Since the teams tipped-off in December, both have endured their share of injuries and now have new-look rosters. Despite their wounds, Portland has found a way to win. In the midst of a seven-game stretch in which they play six current playoff-bound teams, the Kings will have their hands full.

“They found some young players, (like) Jerryd Bayless, who’ve contributed in a big way, and Andre Miller has asserted himself in a way that people expected when they signed him and, of course, Brandon Roy is one of the top two guards in the League, and they’re playing defense,” Westphal said. “They’re getting their players back and they’re a very solid team.”

Sacramento’s coach says the team needs to improve the areas it has hurt itself in recent outings to counter the Blazers’ potential punch.

“We’re going to have to limit them to one shot and we’re going to have to take care of the ball against a good defensive team in order to have a chance up there,” Westphal said.

With his build and steady all-around production this season, Evans has drawn comparisons to Portland’s All-Star Roy. While the Blazers’ talented guard may share a last name that could be an acronym for the Kings rookie’s potential end-of-the-season award, Westphal isn’t quick to liken the two.

“I don’t think in terms of comparisons that much,” Westphal said with a shrug. “They’re both good players. We can compare that.”

Watch - Kings Practice: Coach Westphal.

Catch Evans and the Kings take on Roy and the Blazers in the teams’ second battle of the regular season on Tuesday at 7 p.m. on CSNCA and Sports 1140 KHTK.

JT Returns and Landry’s Impressed

For the first time since February 23, Jason Thompson practiced on Saturday and could play in Sunday’s final regular season matchup between the Kings and Oklahoma City Thunder.

“If he feels good (Sunday),” Coach Paul Westphal said. “We’ll activate him for the game.”

Since sustaining the injury, two non-displaced transverse processes fractures in his lower back, in the second quarter of the Kings-Pistons game, Thompson has been working with the training staff to get back on the court as soon as possible.

“It was good to step on the court and play with the guys and get my game back,” Thompson said. “I have been conditioning and working out and doing core stuff, but it’s just different than when you’re going through contact and just being in game shape. I felt like I was pretty good.”

Not one to happily sit out of a game or practice, it’s been hard for the second-year forward to watch from the sideline as his new teammates gel, but it’s given him an opportunity to gain some valuable insight he can use when he returns to action.

“You study the game and how guys do certain things on offense and how I can improve on defense, as well,” Thompson said. “I kind of got to learn a lot (about) what Coach’s methods (are) and other guys’ methods (are) during game situations.”

Whether Thompson is able to play or not, new Kings guard Garrett Temple may make his ARCO Arena debut. Added to the team’s roster on Wednesday, number 17 has accumulated eight minutes in the past two games, but Saturday’s practice marked his first as a Kings player.

“I like to have three players who are capable of playing point guard for insurance purposes,” Westphal said. “He’s a point guard. He’s tall, too. He’s about 6-foot-5, very quick and has a reputation of being a real good defensive player, and he handles the offensive end pretty well, too.”

Heading into the team’s fourth and final contest of the season with the young and talented Thunder, Temple’s reputable defense could be challenged by Russell Westbrook, who is averaging 17.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 10.7 assists against Sacramento this season.

“Russ is a very quick guy, very athletic, long and excels at getting to the rim and getting his teammates involved when he’s in the paint,” Temple said of his possible backcourt matchup. “One of his weaknesses is his jump shot… So we’re going to try to keep him out of the paint and make him beat us with his jump shot. It’s a lot easier said than done, though.”

The last time the Kings and Thunder collided, it was a high-scoring game that showcased two teams with promising futures. Reflecting on the 113-107 loss in which Sacramento shot nearly 54 percent, rebounding disparity proved to be a difference-maker as OKC outrebounded the Kings 43-32 and turned 17 offensive boards into 23 second-chance points.

“(We) just have to rebound,” Carl Landry said. “It’s as simple as that. We have to do a better job of rebounding and keeping them off the boards.”

While the Kings improved their rebounding effort on Friday with a 45-40 advantage over the Mavericks, turnovers proved to be costly as Sacramento committed 17.

“We have to make better decisions,” Landry said. “We played together and practiced a lot today. We scrimmaged a lot. It comes along with playing with each other. Just knowing where guys are and knowing the plays and knowing where guys are going to be when the first option and the second options (are) not there… that’ll help us cut down turnovers.”

Eight games into his Kings career and feeling more comfortable by the day, Landry has notched back-to-back 20-point games while averaging 8.25 rebounds over the past four contests. The Kings power forward has also put on a clinic at the free throw line over the past seven games where he’s gone 43-of-46 (93.5 percent). While his play has been notable, it’s his teammates who’ve impressed him.

“Everybody’s good,” Landry said. “The whole team comes out here and plays hard. They’re always focused and just want to get better… Everybody can play. I’m impressed with just about everybody.”

Incessantly smiling, Landry is enjoying his new teammates and the Kings style of play, even if his shoes show a slight, red allegiance to his former team.

“They have to make the shoes and change the color and then send them all the way over here to the West Coast, so it takes awhile,” Landry, who wears shoes made by a Chinese company, said with a laugh. “It’s been almost two weeks, I think. They should be here any day now.”

See Landry and the Kings take on Kevin Durant and the Thunder at ARCO Arena on Sunday at 6 p.m.

Plus, Kings fans can rally to support Tyreke Evans for NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) and have a chance to have their voice heard live at ARCO Arena on the KingsVision Jumbotron at the ‘Rally for RekeROY’ game on Mar. 10 (Kings-Raptors) by recording a ‘Reke for ROY testimonial on the concourse during the Kings-Thunder game.

Share Your Thoughts on Kings Bright Future

Before the Sacramento-Boston game on Feb. 16, Kings co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof announced the team’s Season Ticket Holder Package for the 2010-11 season and cemented their family’s commitment to Sacramento and building the team toward the Playoffs and beyond.

It was an exciting prelude to the Kings staunch defensive effort against the veteran-led and All-Star loaded Celtics.

Thanks to tremendous fan feedback, the new STH package has enhanced value, featuring reduced pricing for 99 percent of seats in the lower bowl, a 15-percent savings for lower bowl Season Ticket Holders while upper bowl Season Ticket Holders maintain a 10-percent savings over individual game buyers, free parking for nearly half (20) of the team’s regular season home games for those who renew or buy by April 23, exclusive STH VIP concession stand lines and more.

It’s been more than two weeks since the 2010-11 Season Ticket Holder package was unveiled, and we’d like to hear from you.

What do you think about the new STH prices? Do the announced prices give you incentive to become a part of the Kings, as Gavin says, “lifeblood?”

If you’re already a STH, why should fellow Kings fans become Season Ticket Holders?

What has impressed you about the Maloof’s unwavering commitment to this city and community?

What pieces would you like to see added to the young foundation Kings President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie has in place on this team?

Now that they’ve had a handful of games and practices to gel, how do you like the direction of the new-look Kings?

Thank you for supporting the team, and we’re eager to learn from your feedback.

SDKT Blog: High School Rallies Bring Back Memories

Hello, Kings fans!

I can’t believe it’s already March. I guess the saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun,” is true!

Nothing beats performing for Kings fans at ARCO Arena, however, when we aren’t at games or practices, we spend a great deal of quality time in the community. Over the past several months, the Sacramento Kings Dance Team has had the honor of going to many events in the Sacramento region, which keep us extremely busy.

Recently, many of us on the SKDT along with many of the Kings players, have been attending various high school rallies throughout the Sacramento area. The appearances are part of the Kings Size High School Challenge.

This past week, Carly, Ari and I attended Oak Ridge High School’s rally. With such an enthusiastic crowd, it gave us such a rush and it was so much fun to perform for them. It was especially entertaining for me to perform there because it’s one of the gyms I used to cheer at during high school… Oh, the memories!

This past weekend, Katie, Althea, Jeannie and I had the pleasure of attending the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s poker tournament fundraiser. The event was held at Morton’s The Steakhouse in Sacramento. There were so many thoughtful and giving individuals and businesses involved with the charity. We were treated so kindly and had such a great time interacting with those who participated. It was so rewarding to hear about the wonderful things Make-A-Wish does for so many! The stories we heard about the children they’ve helped touched our hearts. We were thankful to attend the wonderful event and more than happy to give our part, hoping to make a difference.

Our appearances range from touching to exciting, but they are all fun to be involved in. Community events like the Make-A-Wish Foundation appearance on Saturday make being a member of the SKDT very fulfilling.

This season is getting better and better by the day. I’m so fortunate to be a part of this amazing dance team with so many wonderful women. I would love to keep writing, but it’s Wednesday, and I have to start my drive to ARCO for our practice. Before I go, I would like to send warm birthday wishes to our SKDT March birthdays – Candace and Sasha — and for fans who follow the SKDT on Twitter, you probably heard, it’s my birth month, too!

See you all on the court!

Mayor Johnson Leads Rally For ‘Reke

It’s hard to believe, but Tyreke Evans is still just a rookie.

The dynamic point guard’s first-year NBA story took another exciting turn on Tuesday, as the Mayor of Sacramento, Kevin Johnson, held a press conference to officially endorse the Kings young leader for Rookie of the Year.

“Sacramento strives to be a world-class city, and Tyreke Evans is proving to be a world-class player,” Johnson, standing in front of a multi-story ‘Rally for ‘RekeROY Night’ banner and flanked by prominent local leaders, Slamson and members of the Sacramento Kings Dance Team, said. “He has my official endorsement for the NBA Rookie of the Year award. I encourage all Sacramentans to show the nation how we support Tyreke by attending ‘Rally for RekeROY Night’ at ARCO Arena on March 10.”

In honor of Evans’ incredible play in his first season in Northern California, the Mayor along with other prominent local politicians, leaders and members of the Kings 100, came together to voice bi-partisan support and spread the excitement about #RekeROY (the hashtag used to reference Evans on Twitter) and the young Kings team.

“I think it’s very important for Sacramentans to support the Sacramento Kings organization,” Johnson continued. “Look, if he’s going to get Rookie of the Year, ultimately, it comes down to what he’s doing on the court. He’s already done that. However, when the writers and voters look at what’s happening in Sacramento, (and) they can see we’re excited and the elected officials are coming together and we packed the house on March 10 in support of Tyreke Evans, all that has some sort of influence on the people who are going to vote. Us coming out and supporting him is going to send a message around this League that the city of Sacramento has rekindled the spirit and the excitement of Sacramento Kings basketball, and a lot of it has to do with the rookie who’s leading the Kings organization, Tyreke Evans.”

Along with being mentioned regularly this season among three of the greatest players to ever play the game – Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James – which is incredible in its own right, the soft-spoken yet powerful point guard has been praised by those ranging from Kings fans to All-Stars (James, Dwyane Wade, Steve Nash) to the President of the United States, Barack Obama.

As sport so often does, support for Evans and the team breaks down political barriers and unites people across the region.

“The Kings give a lot of pride, a lot of entertainment and a lot of satisfaction, not just to the city of Sacramento, but the city of Citrus Heights, city of Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills, my home community of Fair Oaks,” Republican Assemblyman of the Fifth Assembly District Roger Niello said. “And Tyreke Evans, this year, has just been a thrilling part of that and there could be nothing better that could happen to this whole region of Sacramento than for Tyreke to be Rookie of the Year — RekeROY!”

Along with his official allegiance to Evans’ run for ROY, Johnson shared he is, as appointed by the NBA, a mentor for the Kings rookie. The former All-Star explained he serves as an advisor to Evans giving him advice on leadership and sharing opinion on matters on-and-off the court.

“On the court, there’s not a lot I can teach him,” Johnson said humbly. “This guy can do things I could never do playing in the NBA. He’s doing things you can’t teach other players to do. His instincts, the nuances of the game, his IQ are very high.”

When asked if he’d recommend a future career in politics to the Kings rookie, Johnson said his advice would be a simple amendment to a well-known adage.

“When I played basketball, one of the things we used to say is, the best offense is a good defense,” Johnson said smiling. “In politics, it’s actually reversed. The best defense is a good offense, so that’s what I would tell Tyreke Evans.”

Join Mayor Johnson and fellow Sacramentans by showing your support for Tyreke Evans’ run for Rookie of the Year. Buy tickets now for ‘Rally for RekeROY Night’ to see the Kings take on the Toronto Raptors on March 10 at 7 p.m. at ARCO Arena.

Beno Consistently Producing for Kings

“It might be raining outside, but the sun is shining in the Kings hearts today,” Coach Paul Westphal said smiling after Saturday’s practice.

In a thrilling victory at ARCO Arena on Friday night, Tyreke Evans scored 24, Beno Udrih tallied a season-high 25 and Spencer Hawes added 15 points as the Kings put together their finest offensive game of the year.

“We spaced the floor well,” Westphal said of the team’s efficient 24-assist and eight-turnover outing. “We got into our offense quicker. We were, what I call, patiently aggressive rather than unsure. We just seemed to have our spacing and understanding of what we’re trying to do at a high level.”

When Evans, the sensational rookie point guard who once again sealed the game with his clutch play, reflected on the difference-maker for the team, however, he said it was the Kings defense.

“Our defensive intensity was real heavy last night,” Evans, who also totaled eight rebounds and seven assists against the Jazz, said. “I thought we did a good job of playing the whole game, and in the fourth quarter, not letting go of the lead.”

One player, who played well throughout the game, like he has all season, was the aforementioned Kings high scorer, who shot 11-of-16 from the field. In the past three games, Udrih has committed just two turnovers in 86 minutes.

“I think Beno has been one of the strengths of our team all year,” Westphal said. “(He’s someone) we can count on consistently. Certainly when Kevin was here, his role was different in that we wanted him to come off the bench in the lead guard position. Now there’s more time available for him, and he’s taking advantage of it and playing with Tyreke pretty much the way he did before Kevin came back.”

Along with taking care of the bell exceptionally well during the past three games, Udrih has dished nine assists and averaged 17 points per game while shooting 64 percent from the field. This season, the Kings are 8-9 with Udrih in the starting lineup.

As the least experienced team in the NBA, with an average of 2.214 years in the League, the Kings have struggled to find consistency in their play all year. The Kings veteran guard says for the team to regularly outperform its opponents it needs to remember the aggressiveness it played with against the Jazz.

“We know we’re young and have a lot of things to learn,” Udrih, who at 27 is the fourth oldest player on the team, said. “We’re just trying to go out there, and play aggressively like we did yesterday…

“(Our inexperience) has something to do with it, but still, in the end, we just have to come to every game and treat it like it’s (the last) game in the season, and go for a win every time. I know we do that, but sometimes our lack of experience hurts a little bit…But, I think we’re going in the right direction.”

On Sunday, the Kings host the second of four regular season matchups with the LA Clippers. With the taste of defeat to the Clippers still fresh, it gives the Kings a chance to even the season series and build on the impressive performance they had against Utah. To do so, it’s going to take a collective effort to limit the effectiveness of the LA’s dynamic sophomore guard.

“Eric Gordon is basically a guy who the whole team has to focus on,” Udrih said. “Yesterday, against Utah, the weak-side help was much better than in previous games, and that’s what we have to do with Eric Gordon. The weak side has to be ready. It’s not only one guy’s job. It’s a job for all the other guys, too, to help.”

“That’s a good backcourt,” Evans added. “Steve Blake is smart point guard. Eric Gordon is a good scorer and strong. They got us last time, so we’re looking to get back the advantage.”

With Friday’s exciting victory making even a cloudy day an enjoyable one, Evans and Co. know it would be fulfilling to carry the feeling into their upcoming three-game road trip.

“I think when everybody’s aggressive,” Evans said. “We’re at our best.”

See Evans and the Kings go head to head with Gordon and the Clippers on Sunday at 6 p.m. at ARCO Arena. Buy tickets now.

JT’s Blog: Off-Court Fun and Overcoming Injury

I have to start out this blog with a shout out to Sac High. They hosted a little JT pep rally, and I had a lot of fun out there. The teacher had a dance contest, and the students were all nervous, which was really funny. People were dancing and having a good time and selling tickets. There were about 1,000 students there so it was a good crowd. I didn’t think I was going do anything, but then they put some tunes on and had an introduction song on for me so I had to enter with some SWAG! It was funny, and everybody started going crazy. It was early in the morning on an off day, but I really had a good time.

With another blockbuster trade again this year, it’s kind of been the tale of the second half of the season for my two years in the League. We traded Kevin Martin, Sergio and Hilton, for new pieces to our puzzle. We got Carl Landry, Dominic McGuire and Joey Dorsey. They’re definitely guys who will come in and help us out.

Last year and this year I heard my name mentioned in trade talks. I consider it kind of a good thing if teams are mentioning your name in talks compared to hearing your name in talks because your team is trying to trade you. For some guys it’s always nerve racking at the deadline, but it’s just part of the business. The trade deadline is so valuable for some teams and crucial for teams who are in the playoff hunt, because it can make or break teams. With our trades, I think we’re going in the right direction. I do wish Kevin good luck. He took me under his wing when I was a rookie. I just tried to absorb what he had to say, and he taught me a good amount of stuff I’ve kept with me.

Before this lower back injury, I missed my first two games of my career due to the passing of my cousin Tiffany, which was tough for me, mentally and physically. I was really close to her. She was pretty much the only female in my family who played basketball or any sport. I always worked out with her. I’m the oldest guy and most successful guy in my family, in terms of basketball, so we definitely had a lot in common when it came to sports. She was only 25, and her life was cut short, but I guess things happen.

After being with my family back home, I rejoined the team on the road and came off the bench for the first time since the beginning of my rookie season, so it was a learning experience. Then, I returned to the starting lineup playing the five. Everything is so interchangeable on this team because guys can do a lot of things. The four and five for us are just numbers, but it’s a good opportunity for me because I can be a mismatch problem for fives. If they’re slow, then I can go by them. If they’re as tall as me, I can post them up.

Now, I’m recovering from this injury. I was going up for a rebound and got my arm tangled with Chris Wilcox’s arm and got my legs knocked out from under me and I landed on my back. Rarely have I been injured on the Kings or in college, so I tried to come back and play, but it was just too severe to come back so soon. On Thursday, I went to the doctor and got an X-ray. The doctor said I have two non-displaced transverse processes fractures in my lower back, so I’m going to be out for bit. Back injuries can be long term so I’m just going to get treatment and play it by ear. I’m still going to be training as hard as ever. I’m going to come back just as strong as I was before the injury. Thanks to everybody for their thoughts and prayers. With some treatment and therapy, The Kid will be back soon!

We were playing real well early in the year, even with injuries, guys were stepping up and doing well. Then, we hit a tough stretch where things weren’t going as well. Coach Westphal has been successful in this league as a coach and player so we have confidence in him. For the most part, we just have to play well for 48 minutes. If fans have been watching, they’ve noticed we’ll have one quarter where we may not be shooting the ball well and not getting stops and it kind of makes or breaks the game. We’ll try to bounce back but sometimes it’s too much. If we just put it all together and get a lead early on, things should be good.

The chemistry is kind of different now because we have new guys and we’re all trying to see where we’re headed so it’s kind of tough, but guys are getting along and everybody is on the same page. The new guys just learned the plays and are starting to know guys’ strengths and weaknesses and how they move on the court. We’ve only had two full practices with them so it’s tough, but we’re all grown men, and with time it’s going to work. We’re going to end the second half of the season on a good note.

I’ve just been hanging out during this home stand. I haven’t been in Sac for awhile because I went home and spent time with my family. Then, I was on the road. I’ve been on East Coast time for awhile, so I’m finally on West Coast hours. It feels good to be back! I’m enjoying the weather. Everybody keep coming out and supporting us at ARCO!

Shout out to my family on the East Coast. I’ll be back when we play the Nets in March. Shout out to people at Rider and my high school. Also, everybody please give me a shout out on Twitter.com/jtthekid because I’m trying to get my follower game up to 10,000-plus, so just keep spreading the word to support your boy on Twitter!

Casspi, Kings Striving Toward Goals

Sacramento hosts the Utah Jazz in its final regular season matchup on Friday, and with two intense and productive days of practice in the rearview mirror, the Kings head into the contest with added confidence.

“We worked hard these two days and I think we tightened up a lot of loose ends and took some steps forward,” head coach Paul Westphal said.

On Thursday, the team further familiarized itself with the offense to help get Carl Landry, Dominic McGuire and Joey Dorsey on the same page as their new teammates. While the addition of Landry, in particular, changes the focus of some of the team’s sets, the offense hasn’t undergone a complete makeover.

“We’re just tweaking the offense a little bit,” Westphal said. “We’re not starting over with whole new sets, but we’re trying to get him the ball in the low post and get him the ball on the move in the paint a little bit. We think he’s really good in those areas. (Also, we) just (tightened) some of the things we’ve been running. We want to get into our offense a little earlier, and I think we took great steps in those directions the last two days of practice.”

Over the past two games, rookie Omri Casspi has tallied a combined nine points, despite tallying 45 total points in the previous three games. When asked if he’s feeling the effect of an 82-game season, Casspi said he’s doing his best to get rest and treatment so he can play at a high level, but admits it’s mentally challenging.

“Basketball is crazy,” Casspi said. “It’s like (99) percent is in your head. The game for us tomorrow is very important. First of all, we’re trying to reach goals (by) the end of the season. We’re trying to get to 30 wins and make it almost double our wins from last year, so we have to focus. We have to get ready.”

Facing a physically aggressive team in Utah also presents a mind game, but in his lone appearance against the Jazz, Casspi filled up the stat sheet modestly with eight points, six rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal. Doing his best to match Utah’s physical nature, the first-year forward also tallied four fouls.

According to McGuire, it’s important for the Kings to match the Jazz’s intensity.

“We have to match their physicality,” McGuire said. “You have to, because if not, it’ll wear on you.

“They’re going to come out and play hard. They have a great point guard in Deron Williams. Carlos Boozer, he’s playing great. They’re playing great as a team right now. We just have to come out and match their intensity and limit our turnovers, and we’ll be fine.”

Although the team came up short in the new players’ first tilt at ARCO on Tuesday, McGuire appreciated Kings fans’ warm reception when he entered the game.

“It was nice,” McGuire said smiling. “I wish we could have gotten the win, but it was cool. I’ve watched the Kings play for years, so to actually be in there and be a part of it, it was great.”

Now that Landry, Dorsey and he have had a few days in Sacramento, McGuire says they’re getting more acquainted with their Northern California surroundings, but the trio is still living out of a hotel.

“It’s crazy,” McGuire said of staying at the Embassy Suites. “Especially when you’re accustomed to living in your house and real comfortable, so it’s different, but it’s just (part of the) business.”

Jason Thompson did not practice on Thursday and will miss up to two weeks of action with two non-displaced transverse processes fractures in his lower back, which were confirmed by X-Rays taken today.

“It’s one of those moments where you think you already hit (the ground), and I thought I was good,” Thompson, reflecting on his fall in the Kings-Pistons contest, said. “Then, next thing I know, I hit the ground. It hurt pretty badly, and I got the wind knocked out of me, too. It was a tough situation, but I’ve had it happen to me before this year, so stuff happens.”

See the new-look Kings take on the Jazz on Friday at 7 p.m. at ARCO Arena. Buy tickets now.

Kayte Asks for Patience with New-Look Kings

I understand fans’ frustration right now. In all honesty, the Kings had a phenomenal start to the season, and I truly feel we were a little spoiled by the team’s early success. It made us all quickly forget about a season in which 17 wins had a lot of people in the basketball world scratching their heads, wondering how long it would take to turn this team around.

Having 14 wins by the end of 2009 brought about playoff talk on talk radio shows all over Sacramento. Then, January arrived. Two wins later, and a great deal of frustration on the part of players, coaches and even more so fans, resulted in a barrage of trade talk and discussions about who the Kings should keep and who the team should move.

Hordes of fans felt if the team made a major trade by the deadline it would right the ship. Then, many got what they wanted. A major trade, and the arrival of a potential team-changing low-post presence in Carl Landry as well as two additional players in Joey Dorsey and Dominic McGuire, who might very well be able to come in and make an impact on this team despite having minimal roles with Houston and Washington.

We’re now just three games in, and quite frankly, I’m not surprised the trade wasn’t the immediate answer many hoped it would be. Why does it so often evade some people that rebuilding and making significant changes to a team’s make-up doesn’t offer up an instantaneous result? It’s like going to therapy ONE time and expecting all your problems to be resolved in an hour. Let’s be realistic.

So I will spell it out, and hopefully shed a little light on what is going on with the Kings right now.

The team has three brand new players in Carl, Joey and Dominic. Plus, it has Francisco Garcia who had been back in uniform just two games before the Kings first took the floor with their newest trade acquisitions. With just one practice under their belt, in which Coach Westphal wasn’t even present due to a family emergency, and two walkthroughs, could we really expect we’d see a team firing on all cylinders? Again, let’s be realistic.

Landry brought about a serious change to this team before stepping on the floor for the first time as a Kings player on Feb. 20. He brings the possibility of a significant low-post presence to a team that ran plays for guards 90 percent of the time. The first play of the Kings-Clippers game, the team tried to go to him in the post. In theory, once this team acclimates itself with its new pieces, it’ll be great for players like Tyreke, Omri, Cisco and the rest of the guards and wings. It gives them a force in the paint to make their games much easier. In reality, though, it’s going to take awhile.

The new players don’t even have to learn all the offensive sets and all their teammates’ preferences and tendencies, but they have to learn defensive calls and rotations. For that reason, Kings opponents haven’t necessarily had a difficult time finding the bottom of the net these past few games. It also explains why the Kings offense has seemed stagnant recently.

What we’ve seen is what fans might expect to see in a preseason game, and how can anyone be surprised? Again, I’ll say it, ONE PRACTICE.

Let me add this last little tidbit. Before Landry stepped on the floor against the Clippers, he had been in the starting lineup just one time in his two-plus years in the NBA. One time! He is a starter on this team, and that alone deserves a little time for adjustment.

Everyone who’s concerned, take a deep breath… In. Out. In. Out.

The team will get better. Give it a little time. Rebuilding takes time. This is not a modular home you can just plop down on an empty piece of land. This is a house that needs repairs. It doesn’t happen overnight.

Westphal Discusses Kings Foundation and Future

Kings head coach Paul Westphal has a very clear vision of how to build a strong foundation for the team, and that includes future playoff success in Sacramento.

After Wednesday’s productive practice, in which Westphal said the team went over half of what it plans to run with its new makeup while the second half will be implemented on Thursday, the Kings sideline leader went in depth about the importance of the team staying united through all the ups and downs that come with being a youthful team, building toward a promising future.

“I’m actually optimistic about this team,” Westphal said. “There have been a lot of changes and a lot of distractions and we had a pretty intense day yesterday, in a lot of ways the media and public don’t and probably shouldn’t know about, but I think our team is ready to take a step forward, and I think it’ll play out not only the rest of this year but in the years to come.

“I think we’re laying a good foundation,” he continued. “(Our performance) was not sharp last night, but I think it’s going to get there. I feel very confident.”

Although the media has questioned him about his varying rotations this season, Westphal remains steadfast in his belief in them. He sees the lineup changes as part of the process en route to eventual success.

“It is hard to not know when you’re going to go in the game,” he said. “Nobody has ever said it’s not hard, but that’s part of it. We don’t make excuses, and we certainly don’t make excuses publicly. If it’s hard, overcome it. Play better. That’s the message we’ve been sending to the team all year. That’s one of the reasons for the (rotational) changes. We want to find out who’s going to overcome adversity? Who’s going to play better? Who’s going to play through situations?”

To help paint the picture of what young teams go through before working into Playoff contention, Westphal pointed to the progress the Oklahoma City Thunder have achieved.

“We have the opportunity and the will to take this team that was in the bottom of the League last year and won 17 games, and building something that will be solid for a long time,” Westphal said. “One of the building blocks we’re going to have is that our players are going to be tuned in, doing everything they can do on-and-off the floor to making this team the best it can possibly be.

“We’re going to keep getting better in all phases of the game. If we’re not good enough, we’ll try to get better the next day, but we’re going to keep going in that direction.

“I look at our team and we’ve already succeeded past what the team did last year,” he continued. “I look at what happened with Oklahoma City. They drafted Jeff Green and Kevin Durant, and they won 20 games. Twenty, (in) the first year with those guys. The next year they drafted Russell Westbrook — they won 23 games. Now, they’re (sixth) in the West. Young teams can be built, but they have to be built on a solid foundation, and that’s what I insist on. We are going to do that.”

Watch – Kings Practice: Coach Westphal.

Among those who make up the sturdy foundation for the Kings is the ever-improving leading candidate for Rookie of the Year honors, Tyreke Evans. The Kings point guard nearly willed the team back from its significant third-quarter deficit and tallied 28 points and a career-high 13 assists against the Detroit Pistons.

“He’s showing the whole package,” Jason Thompson, who did not participate in practice due to a bruised lower back, said. “He’s getting to the rim. He’s still working on his jumpshot, and he’s passing the ball, too. He’s starting to read the defenses. If they’re pressuring him, he’s finding the open guys. So he’s playing well, and he’s just learning from each game.”

Over the last four games, Evans is shooting 56.9 percent form the field and over the last eight games, he’s averaging nearly eight assists (7.8) per game. Though his outstanding first-year play has now become the norm, his consistent contribution has continued to increase the confidence his veteran teammates have in him, while also showing them it’s just the beginning of an even more productive future.

“We have a lot of confidence in him because he’s scoring the ball well,” Thompson said. “He has a lot of mismatches with guards, and if he has a bigger guard on him, then he can go by them. So he’s using all of his strengths, and his talent is there. He’s just getting better each day.”

Watch – Kings Practice: Jason Thompson.

“He’s a young guy, who’s playing (at) a high level,” Beno Udrih said. “The way he plays is just amazing, so I just hope he goes up and up and gets better and better every day.”

Watch – Kings Practice: Beno Udrih.

Like the aforementioned Thompson, Andres Nocioni didn’t practice on Wednesday. The Kings forward was out due to a bruised left knee. Thompson and Nocioni are probable for Friday’s Kings-Jazz contest at ARCO Arena.

Though he was inactive against the Pistons, Spencer Hawes practiced and spoke confidently about helping Westphal and the team achieve its goal.

“I just want to keep helping the team out,” Hawes said. “And whatever that takes, that’s what I want to be able to do.”

Watch – Kings Practice: Spencer Hawes.

See the Kings take on the Jazz and LA Clippers this weekend. Buy the Kings Exclusive Weekend Two-Pack, and see the Kings final contest of the regular season against the Jazz and the team’s first home game of the season against the new-look Clippers.

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