- Here We Reign - Kings pull out close wins, beat OKC (43-34)

Ibaka steps up for Thunder in game 1
Thunder: 111
Kings: 92


Nik Stauskas struggled to fill in for McLemore as the Kings' lack of outside shooting was worse than usual

Oklahoma City Thunder Top Performers
Russell Westbrook: 31 PTS - 3 REB - 3 AST - 11/17 FG - 3/4 3PT FG - 6/7 FT
Serge Ibaka: 23 PTS - 5 REB - 8/12 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 6/6 FT
Kevin Durant: 16 PTS - 2 REB - 3 AST - 5/12 FG - 2/8 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Isaiah Thomas: 13 PTS - 6 REB - 10 AST - 5/12 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 1/1 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 20 PTS - 7 REB - 7/15 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 18 PTS - 9 REB - 7/13 FG - 4/6 FT
Ray McCallum: 12 PTS - 9 AST - 4/6 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 3/4 FT - 25 MIN
Reggie Jackson: 9 PTS - 5 REB - 4 AST - 3/10 FG - 2/6 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Nik Stauskas: 2 PTS - 2 REB - 3 AST - 1/8 FG - 0/6 3PT FG - 22 MIN
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Thunder take game 2 behind unstoppable Westbrook
Thunder: 125
Kings: 100


The Kings had no answers for Russell Westbrook in game 2

Oklahoma City Thunder Top Performers
Russell Westbrook: 40 PTS - 7 REB - 5 AST - 14/29 FG - 3/9 3PT FG - 9/10 FT
Isaiah Thomas: 23 PTS - 11 AST - 8/15 FG - 7/8 FT
Kevin Durant: 17 PTS - 4 REB - 5 AST - 7/16 FG - 2/7 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Serge Ibaka: 10 PTS - 16 REB - 4/10 FG - 2/2 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 24 PTS - 17 REB - 8/20 FG - 8/12 FT
Reggie Jackson: 20 PTS - 3 REB - 4 AST - 6/11 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 7/8 FT
Rudy Gay: 17 PTS - 2 REB - 2 AST - 6/12 FG - 1/6 3PT FG - 4/6 FT
Derrick Williams: 13 PTS - 6/7 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 18 MIN
-------------------------------------------------------------

OKC dominance continues with game 3 win in Sacramento
Thunder: 107
Kings: 85

Oklahoma City Thunder Top Performers
Russell Westbrook: 29 PTS - 8 REB - 7 AST - 10/19 FG - 3/6 3PT FG - 6/8 FT
Kevin Durant: 25 PTS - 5 REB - 6 AST - 10/20 FG - 3/11 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Isaiah Thomas: 18 PTS - 8 AST - 8/13 FG - 2/3 3PT FG
Serge Ibaka: 12 PTS - 10 REB - 6/9 FG

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 18 PTS - 9 REB - 8/18 FG - 2/2 FT
Reggie Jackson: 17 PTS - 3 REB - 2 AST - 7/16 FG - 3/4 3PT FG
Rudy Gay: 17 PTS - 2 REB - 2 AST - 6/12 FG - 1/6 3PT FG - 4/6 FT
Ray McCallum: 8 PTS - 5 REB - 4 AST - 2/6 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 3/3 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------

Kings show some pride, avoid sweep behind Cousins' huge effort
Kings: 115
Thunder: 111


Aside from Cousins' performance, Jerryd Bayless and Ray McCallum, who got the start at shooting guard, also deserve credit for their contributions

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 38 PTS - 18 REB - 12/20 FG - 14/15 FT - 44 MIN
Rudy Gay: 23 PTS - 7 REB - 6/14 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 10/11 FT
Reggie Jackson: 19 PTS - 2 AST - 8/13 FG - 3/3 3PT FG
Jerryd Bayless: 15 PTS - 3 REB - 2 AST - 4/11 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 6/8 FT - 30 MIN
Ray McCallum: 13 PTS - 8 AST - 5/9 FG - 0/4 3PT FG - 3/4 FT - 36 MIN

Oklahoma City Thunder Top Performers
Russell Westbrook: 38 PTS - 8 REB - 9 AST - 14/35 FG - 3/8 3PT FG - 7/8 FT
Kevin Durant: 21 PTS - 6 REB - 5 AST - 10/20 FG - 1/1 FT
Serge Ibaka: 17 PTS - 10 REB - 8/13 FG - 1/1 FT
Isaiah Thomas: 10 PTS - 9 AST - 3/12 FG - 0/7 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------

Thunder mop up in game 5 to advance
Thunder: 118
Kings: 105


This series marked the first playoff experience for the Kings' future star, but he couldn't make it last longer than most people expected

Oklahoma City Thunder Top Performers
Kevin Durant: 33 PTS - 6 REB - 2 AST - 13/33 FG - 2/8 3PT FG - 5/5 FT
Isaiah Thomas: 26 PTS - 2 REB - 2 AST - 9/16 FG - 3/5 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Russell Westbrook: 22 PTS - 6 AST - 8/17 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 5/5 FT
Stephen Adams: 15 PTS - 13 REB - 6/8 FG - 3/3 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 25 PTS - 19 REB - 10/21 FG - 5/6 FT
Rudy Gay: 19 PTS - 3 AST - 3 STL - 7/13 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Derrick Williams: 14 PTS - 4 REB - 6/7 FG - 2/4 FT
Reggie Jackson: 7 PTS - 3 REB - 5 AST - 2/8 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 2/2 FT - 8 TO
-------------------------------------------------------------

NBA Notes:

NBA Injury Updates:

NBA Transactions:

Cavaliers claim NBA title with 4-1 series over OKC


Something that Lebron didn't do when the Big 3 formed in Miami was win the ring right away. This time, there was no waiting period. They beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in a short 5-game NBA Finals. Their star trio and a supporting cast of experienced veterans like Shawn Marion and Nate Robinson was enough to overcome a very talented and deep Thunder team relatively easily. In his Cleveland homecoming, Lebron joined forces with Kyrie Irving and a newly-arrived Kevin Love last summer. Their season met expectations and finished second in the Eastern Conference behind the Chicago Bulls.

Chicago was considered the favorite to win the east at the start of the postseason, but as has been the case in recent years, the Bulls' success rises and falls with the health of Derrick Rose. In game 2 of the Bulls' first round series against New York, Rose went down while driving to the basket and required assistance leaving the court. The diagnosis was a very vague 'knee soreness', but was severe enough to hold him out of games 3 and 4, which Chicago lost. D-Rose struggled through a Bulls win in game 5 but was clearly not 100%. He would play, yet struggle once again in the Knicks' series clinching win in game 6.

With the Bulls unexpectedly out in the first round, the Cavaliers' main competition in the conference was in the second round against a tough Raptors team. That series went to a game 7 in which Cleveland saw Nate Robinson add 20 points off the bench to 20+ performances from James, Irving, and Love to carry the Cavs to the conference finals. The ECF wasn't much easier though against a Pacers team that found a rhythm in the postseason after a mediocre regular season. Once again, Cleveland faced another 7-game test. Once again, having three superstar players proved decisive. Lebron had 26 points in game 7 to go with a 27-13 effort from Kevin Love. Conversely, the Pacers shot just 38% in game 7 and lost by 29.

The Thunder made easy work of the Kings in the first round and took down the Blazers in just 5 games. That semifinal series against Portland, which was expected to be much closer, was a signal to the rest of the league that the Thunder were legitimate contenders and a possible powerhouse in the future, just in case people didn't know it before. Even an experienced Spurs team, now healthy with Duncan and Splitter at 100%, bowed out in a relatively quiet 6 games. Durant had 35 points in the clinching game 6 and Westbrook had 26, while no Spur mustered more than 15 points.

In the Finals, the Thunder crushed Cleveland in game 1 by a 131-98 margin. KD posted a 39-9-7 statline and had OKC looking unstoppable en route to the title. Yet that was the high point of the Thunder's series. Cleveland ran off 4 straight wins to win the championship in emphatic fashion. Durant made a heroic effort in game 4 with 48 points and 9 rebounds, but his Thunder still lost by 2. Disheartened after their rally in game 4 fell short, OKC gave up 30, 30, and 29 to Lebron, Love, and Irving in game 5 and were forced to watch the Cavs hoist the trophy in their building.



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NBA Retirements and HOF Inductees

[

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Timberwolves luck into #1 pick from 8th


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Lebron and Love both opt out despite championship

Even after winning the NBA title, Lebron James and Kevin Love both declined their player options with the Cleveland Cavaliers and will enter free agency. The Cavs lost Shawn Marion and Mike Miller to retirement, and with James and Love opting out, the only Cavaliers currently under contract for next season are Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters, Timofey Mozgov, Anderson Varejao, and Joe Harris. Rumors are that they are interested in signing long-term deals in Cleveland, but there will always be teams with cap space who will make a generous FA offer to try and sway stars like James and Love.

Other notable players who opted to enter free agency are Al Jefferson, Dwayne Wade, and Goran Dragic.

At least you got one game, probably not surprising, OKC is tough. Can't wait to see the moves you make during the off-season.

For the latest Kings
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and highlights.
Kings Season in Review 2014-15
Questions about the fit between Demarcus Cousins and Reggie Jackson began to rise at the end of the regular season and in the playoffs

W-L: 41-41

Best Performances:
Points: D. Cousins: 42 PTS vs. ORL
Rebounds: D. Cousins: 24 REB vs. BKN
Assists: R. McCallum: 12 AST vs. UTA
Blocks: J. Henson: 6 BLK vs. UTA

D. Cousins - 34 PTS, 11 REB, 4 BLK vs. SA - 27 PTS, 24 REB vs. BKN - 42 PTS, 7 REB vs. ORL
R. Gay - 38 PTS, 5 REB vs. BKN - 38 PTS vs. NYK - 22 PTS, 5 REB, 9 AST vs. MEM
R. Jackson - 30 PTS, 8 AST vs. LAL - 30 PTS, 5 REB, 5 AST vs. MIA
B. McLemore - 30 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST vs. MIA - 17 PTS, 9 AST vs. UTA
J. Henson - 10 PTS, 11 REB, 6 BLK vs. UTA - 21 PTS, 6 REB, 5 BLK vs. DEN
D. Williams - 18 PTS, 10 REB vs. IND - 20 PTS, 12 REB vs. ORL
C. Landry - 19 PTS, 13 REB vs. DET
R. McCallum - 25 PTS, 6 AST, 4 STL vs. DEN

The 2014-15 season was one in which the Kings were expected to make a step forward considering the added pieces like Reggie Jackson and John Henson, as well as another year of development for Demarcus Cousins and Ben McLemore. With that said, they easily met those expectations as they found themselves in the mix for the playoffs and posted a perfect .500 record with a 41-win season. Rudy Gay's career revival in Sacramento continued this season, particularly in terms of shooting efficiency and a career-best APG. Of great value to the Kings was Rudy's 3PT percentage which was the highest since 2010-11 in Memphis and second-best percentage of his career after that 2010-11 mark of 39.6% (which was in a smaller sample size of 54 games). Ben McLemore was another player who make a big step forward in his game and posted very solid numbers after having a disappointing rookie year. Even as the team's centerpiece, Demarcus Cousins' scoring numbers actually dipped since his 22.7 per game mark last year as a result of carrying less of the scoring load thanks to the other offensive options.

But people closer to the team would be uneasy about the long-term potential of the current roster due to conflicts about playstyle that became evident down the stretch of the year. Plenty of the blame for Cousins' decreasing offensive numbers could be thrown at the feet of one of his teammates. Fairly or unfairly, Reggie Jackson received a lot of criticism for his own attack mentality instead of making sure Cousins got his touches in the paint. With an interior force like Cousins, common logic would approve of a bruising half-court game in which the Kings can run offense off of kick-outs when double-teams arrive or let him dominate 1-on-1 inside when they don't come. Many times Jackson would attack the rim on his own just to find the lane clogged because of Cousins' presence and a lack of outside shooting. The Boston College product is undeniably an impressive offensive talent as a slasher, athlete, and a competent shot maker. Even fans who criticize Jackson for his tunnel vision know that he has too much talent to give up on and that finding chemistry between Jackson and Cousins is the best solution for the team.

The Kings played better defense as the year went on, especially after the All-Star break. The half-court play of Cousins and the improved defensive effort lent support to the notion that the team should commit to a physical, defense-first identity. But such a gameplan might limit the effectiveness of Reggie Jackson, Ben McLemore, or even John Henson, who runs the court very well for a frontcourt player. But Henson lacks a full arsenal of low post moves which limits his effectiveness in a half-court game. Jackson and Henson seem to favor a faster pace along with McLemore, Cousins is better in the half-court, while Rudy Gay could probably produce in either. The Kings managed to put together a positive season and ended their playoff drought, but to have dreams of more than mediocre lottery picks or first-round exits, management, coaches, and players will all need to be on the same page.

Demarcus Cousins: Despite decreases in his PPG, APG, and FG%, Boogie Cousins remains the face of the franchise and centerpiece for the future. Demarcus made his first All-Star team and was impressively named as the center for the All-NBA First Team. He made strides with his defensive effort and posted a career-best 1.5 BPG in addition to leading the NBA in rebounding. Cousins will probably never be known as a great defender, but he made the required strides to at least be capable defensively like a starting 5 in the NBA has to be. His offensive talent is well-documented but he shook labels of bad character and poor defender as he showed excellent leadership in many instances this season.

Rudy Gay: Set to be a free agent this summer, Rudy is unlikely to leave Sacramento after publicly expressing his desire to resign following the team's playoff appearance. His career trajectory has stabilized with the Kings after being booed out of Toronto and is on excellent terms with Demarcus Cousins after winning a gold medal in Spain together on Team USA. As he showed in Memphis, he is excellent as a secondary option to dominant bigmen, and Cousins certainly fits that description. Rudy has at least 4 or 5 seasons of experience on most of his younger teammates and is the right kind of high-performing veteran in their prime that benefits young teams.

Reggie Jackson: The criticism of Jackson towards the end of the year overshadowed the positive impacts he made for the majority of the season. He posted 15 points every nights and helped step into the #3 scorer role left by Isaiah Thomas. While his 5.9 APG could use a little improvement, it isn't a bad mark either. Some argue that he is best as a 6th man, but many said that about Isaiah as well and he was more than adequate as a Kings' starting point guard. Jackson's talent is too much for the team to abandon, and will likely remain a King next season unless some team offers him an outrageous contract in free agency that the Kings refuse to match.

Ben McLemore: On a team that, as a whole, was a feel-good story for most of the year, the one player that embodied that more than any other was Ben McLemore. McLemore had a troubled rookie season in which he shot just 38% and 32% from three. The team still gave him 55 starts and almost 27 minutes a night, and the in-game experience he gained paid off this season. His percentages skyrocketed along with his confidence and posted a 50% mark that any guard would be ecstatic to have. Ben also shot 42% from downtown and was the best deep threat in a starting lineup that lacked consistency in that area. He did all this while not getting as many offensive touches as he probably deserved considering the presence of Cousins, Gay, and Jackson in the starting 5 with him. He finished 5th in voting for Most Improved Player and has started to be lumped with Cousins as a big part of the team's future and almost untouchable in trades.

John Henson: The limited dimensions of Henson's game didn't stop him from being an adequate frontcourt partner for Cousins. He blocked 1.5 shots and added 9 rebounds on a nightly basis to anchor the team's defense. His face-up game and post moves haven't developed as quickly as the Kings hoped when they traded for him, but his low-usage and hard work make Henson almost a lock to stay as a starter unless the team finds a significant upgrade.

Carl Landry: After playing in just 18 games last year, Landry bounced back with a healthy and a productive campaign in Sacramento. His 18.4 MPG were still the third lowest of his career, but a positive step up from the 12.9 MPG last year and he appeared all 82 games for the first time in his career. He provided a consistent scoring option and veteran leadership off the bench with 7 points and almost 5 rebounds on 48% shooting. Some fans were unhappy with his 4-year contract last summer, but now 2 years have elapsed and a 31-year-old Top Hat appears healthy and poised for another productive year.

Derrick Williams: A free agent this summer, Derrick Williams did not receive a qualifying offer from the team. The $8.7M cost of the QO for a #2 overall pick was not warranted by a player averaging 6.5 PPG and 3 RPG. After 4 NBA seasons and his rookie contract, Williams has not lived up to the expectations of his draft spot and likely never will. Nonetheless, D-Thrill showed potential to adjust to a bench role late in the season and put together many games of 10-14 points on 50% or better. He also posted a pair of big double-doubles against Indiana and Orlando while Rudy Gay sat out with an injury earlier in the year, so he maintains the ability to fill in as a starter quite effectively. It is unclear how much interest he will receive in free agency and the Kings are reportedly still considering retaining Williams for the right price.

Nik Stauskas: Statistically, Stauskas' rookie year wasn't as difficult as McLemore's was, but many fans are viewing them in the same light. With his reputation as a shooter, many will look at his 3PT percentage of 44% and consider his year a rousing success. But his downtown accuracy aside, Nik had a mediocre campaign. His overall shooting left something to be desired at 42% while his defense left much more. Considering the team's 28-win season during McLemore's rookie year and the high ceiling of Ben's physical tools, patience was easier then. But now the Kings had a more competitive season and an improved McLemore seems have the 2-guard position locked down for the future. Some wonder if the team will gamble on Stauskas having a sophomore jump like McLemore did, or possibly even explore trade offers for him before his value erodes more.

Ray McCallum: Rarely is a 2nd year guard who barely shoots 40% considered reliable and consistent, but that is exactly what Ray McCallum was. He is a decent all-around guard and doesn't have too many weaknesses. If he can improve his percentages and shot selection, Ray has a long NBA career in front of him, even if it is as a reserve. The coach's son is too smart and has the fundamental skills to carve out a role on any team's bench.

Jerryd Bayless: Acquired from Milwaukee midway through the season, Jerryd Bayless split reserve minutes with Ray McCallum often at the detriment of Nik Stauskas. Bayless has potential as a scoring guard off the bench, but his 42% shooting and 33% 3PT shooting are big reasons why he has now been on 7 teams in his 8-year career. McCallum didn't post an incredible percentage either, but brings more overall skills and better defensive ability, in a younger package.

Quincy Acy: Quincy only played in 45 games, but always gave coaches and fans alike everything he had. He worked on improving his perimeter shooting last summer and throughout the season and was rewarded with a 43% (9/21) mark from downtown. Developing as a stretch 4 with an impressive motor and quality athleticism seems to be his best shot at a larger NBA role. The Kings did make his small QO and Acy will likely remain in Sacramento to the delight of Kings fans.

Zaza Pachula: Pachula came to Sacramento along with Bayless and seemed ready to contribute after amassing DNPs with the Bucks. But things didn't change too drastically in Sacramento as Pachulia averaged 7 minutes a night. His position on the team could conceivably go either way as a reliable veteran backup to Cousins with a consistent 12 minutes a night, or as a superfluous piece with value just as an expiring contract.

Omri Casspi: Casspi was the forgotten man on the Kings' bench and played in just 28 games. The vast majority of those came early in the season before the Kings committed themselves to testing Derrick Williams and even playing McLemore at the 3 at times. Omri actually played fairly well in limited minutes and can still find a role either with the Kings or with another team thanks to his perimeter shooting. He shot 60% this season from behind the arc on a somewhat small sample size (15/25).

Eric Moreland: An undrafted rookie from Oregon State, Moreland opened eyes with the Kings' Summer League team as a rebounder and athletic rim protector. He played in just 13 games with the Kings as developmental project. An improved shooting touch and continued work in the weight room will help him crack an NBA rotation.



-----------------------------------------------------------------

Kings accept team options on McLemore, Henson, McCallum

The Sacramento Kings announced that they have accepted the contract options on G Ben McLemore, G Ray McCallum, and F John Henson. McCallum and Henson will be under contract for one more season, while McLemore's option was for the next two. McLemore played in all 82 games for the Kings with averages of 12.8 PPG on 50% shooting and 42% 3PT shooting. McCallum had 6.0 PPG and 3.0 APG in 15.5 MPG this season. Henson started all 82 games at the power forward position, posting 8.2 PPG, 9.0 RPG, and 1.5 BPG in 31 minutes.

The team also announced that they have extended qualifying offers to restricted free agents Reggie Jackson and Quincy Acy. They did not extend the qualifying offer to Derrick Williams however, whose QO was set to be $8.7M. The Kings will have the ability to match any offer sheets for Jackson or Acy, while Williams be an unrestricted free agent.

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Kings acquire former #3 pick Favors in blockbuster deal

Sacramento Kings trade: John Henson (76) - Nik Stauskas (76) - Carl Landry (75) - 2015 2nd Round Draft Selection (VIA MIL - #42)



Utah Jazz trade: Derrick Favors (80) - Carrick Felix (67) - 2015 2nd Round Draft Selection (VIA CLE - #60) - 2016 2nd Round Draft Selection (VIA GS)




The Kings clearly have a franchise piece in Demarcus Cousins. When a team has a player that is arguably the best center in the NBA, they have to find the pieces that fit with him, instead of asking him to adjust to other players. They also have to surround him with legitimate talent and other stars or potential stars. A gameplan should be built that best utilizes the talents of your star players. The Kings made a trade for a player that checks all three boxes next to Boogie Cousins.

Derrick Favors was drafted third overall by the Nets in 2010, incidentally the same draft that Cousins came from. He spent half of his rookie year in New Jersey before being sent to Utah, along with Devin Harris and draft picks, in exchange for Deron Williams. Favors spent the rest of that season and the next two years behind Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson. The Jazz opted to give their young bigs a chance instead of spending money to retain Millsap and Jefferson as free agents. Favors played in 73 games in 2013-14, all of them starts, and put up solid numbers of 13.3 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 1.5 BPG. Utah gave him a 4-year extension after the 13-14 season and seemed to be a key building block going forward.

But this season, Derrick's numbers dipped across the board. His scoring dropped a full 3 points to 10.3 a night, his rebounds are down, and his shooting percentage had a free-fall to 43%, down from an effective 52%. Much of the decrease might be attributed to a change in Utah's frontcourt rotation. 7'1" bigman Rudy Gobert emerged with flashes of his potential as the center of the future in Utah. Gobert lacks the face-up skills that Enes Kanter has, and the more minutes Favors played with Gobert, the less he was allowed to do inside the paint. The Jazz seem ready to reshape their roster and let Favors go for a quality return. An intimidating, athletic bigman in Gobert surrounded by shooting and versatile scorers like Gordon Hayward, running the pick-and-roll with dynamic guards like Trey Burke and Dante Exum seems to be the new gameplan.

John Henson goes to Utah after one season with the Kings and two with the Milwaukee Bucks. Henson's ability to run the floor will fit with the Jazz better than it did in Sacramento and is still just 24. Henson has already made some solid improvements in his game and his body and still has potential for more, even though the Kings moved on. Nik Stauskas is the other key return in the trade, who was the Kings' lottery pick last summer. He had a passable but slightly underwhelming rookie season despite posting an impressive 3PT percentage. His potential as a shooter to space the floor for Gobert and Hayward is worth gambling with for a retooling team like Utah.

Somewhat surprisingly, rumors suggest the Jazz asked for Carl Landry instead of Zaza Pachulia's expiring deal like the Kings initially offered. Landry is the superior player and looks to be healthy again after an 82-game year, but has 2 years left on his contract at $6.75M each. Trevor Booker also had a productive season in Utah and brings more youth, athleticism, and showed potential as a stretch 4. Nonetheless, Landry is a positive lockerroom presence and quality veteran that can help a young Jazz team or bring a return in a trade to a contender.

For the Kings, they have confidence that Favors can regain his scoring efficiency with other offensive options like Cousins, Gay, and a rapidly-improving Ben McLemore with him. Sacramento can also consolidate player roles with the addition of Favors. He can replace Henson as a young frontcourt partner to grow with Cousins both now and for the future, he replaces Landry as the secondary post scorer to Cousins, and he replaces Pachulia as he and Cousins will likely share almost all of the center minutes. Favors can be the defensive anchor and rim-protector that Henson was, with the bonus of having the strength to guard opponents on the block much better. The Kings can keep one of either Cousins or Favors on the court for the vast majority of a game and, as a result, will always have a go-to option inside. Ultimately, Sacramento was seeking another potential star-caliber player to place with Gay and Cousins and Derrick certainly has the talent to become a top-shelf #2 or #3 option.

Perhaps most notable from this deal is the fact that the Kings are going all-in with Coach Mike Malone, giving him personnel that fit a defense-first, bruising half-court game. And the team did it fairly cheaply as well. Favors replaces Henson's defensive abilities plus has post moves and strength that Henson didn't. McLemore has the shooting guard position filled for the Kings, so Stauskas would be somewhat superfluous even if the Michigan product will be able to adjust to the NBA game. Landry could have been a valuable piece off the bench in a Cousins/Favors/Landry rotation but now at least Quincy Acy will get more floor time or a spot is open to sign an inexpensive forward that the Kings like in free agency.

Sacramento gave up the 2nd round pick acquired from the Bucks in exchange for the #60th overall pick that is the Cavaliers' second rounder. But the Kings have had luck with a Mr. Irrelevant before with Isaiah Thomas, so maybe they can catch lighting twice. The team lacks any second rounders in 2016 or 2017, so the Warriors' 2nd round pick in 2016 is certainly a positive.

Terrific trade for you. That's a very good starting lineup now and if you can fill out the bench, things will be looking good.

2015 NBA Draft

1: Minnesota Timberwolves - Terrence Fields - PF, UCLA
Just like Kevin Love and Kevin Garnett before him, the Timberwolves have an imposing power forward to build their franchise around. Fields enters the league with an NBA-ready body and an adequate arsenal of low-post moves. Placing him with Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine gives the Wolves a young trio for the future.

2: Philadelphia 76ers - Byron Knight - PG, Duke
An athletic lead guard, Knight came from Duke and was in the discussion for the #1 overall pick but the Wolves opted for the safer pick in Fields instead of the emotional Knight. The 76ers were happy to take him at #2 overall and gamble with his high ceiling. Knight has the athleticism and driving abilities in a Westbrook-esque lead guard, and the brashness to match. Undeniably the prospect with the highest potential in the draft, Knight has the talent to overtake Michael Carter-Williams as the PG of the future in Philly.

3: Washington Wizards - Darius Thompson - SF, Kansas
The former Jayhawk has a long NBA career ahead of him. Thompson has a smooth jumper and can create a shot from almost anywhere, yet remains under control and is an excellent team player. With similar skills to Paul Pierce, Thompson comes to Washington with an excellent opportunity to learn from the Hall-of-Famer for a season or two before stepping into a lineup besides Wall and Beal.

4: Phoenix Suns - Benjamin Taylor - PF, Indiana
Picking 4th in a 3-player draft is a difficult position, but the Suns still selected a solid prospect. Taylor is a solid inside scorer from the 4 position and gives Phoenix a different frontcourt option to the Morris twins. Taylor doesn't project to be a superstar anytime soon, but he will be a productive player for years. The Suns certainly didn't strike out with the first of their 3 lottery picks.

5: Detroit Pistons - Brett Adams - PF, Connecticut
With the perimeter game and stretch 4s becoming vogue in today's NBA, the Pistons selected Brett Adams at #5 overall. Brett played with his twin brother Martin at Connecticut and complimented Martin's physicality and athleticism well. Detroit expects Adams' shooting to mesh well with Andre Drummond's paint dominance much as it did at U-Conn with his brother.

6: Boston Celtics - Thomas Jackson - SG, Louisville
Boston is preparing for the probable departure of Rajon Rondo in free agency. The keys will pass to last summer's lottery pick Marcus Smart, and the Celtics selected a backcourt partner for him. Jackson is a natural scorer who can play with or without the ball. His versatility and ability to do it all can fit next to Smart or Avery Bradley, giving the Celtics a trio of young guards to compliment bigmen like Sullinger and Olynyk.

7: Utah Jazz - Dedric Owens - C, Vanderbilt
The first pick that raised a few eyebrows, the Jazz boldly selected who they saw as the BPA regardless of position. Owens projects to play behind Rudy Gobert, at least until Owens further develops his already adequate jumpshot. He has legitimate NBA size at 6'10", 260 and enough offensive skills to have a productive career. Free agent Enes Kanter seems less likely to be a member of the Jazz next year, with John Henson, Carl Landry, and now Owens all worthy of frontcourt minutes.

8: Phoenix Suns - Joel Richmond - SG, Pepperdine
Richmond's defensive instincts, court vision, and impressive intangibles are somewhat counterbalanced by his undersized frame. At 6'4", 168, he is considered by some scouts as a tweener and will struggle to find a position. While he can handle the ball, Richmond is best at the 2, but is undersized there. He lacks the shooting range or mindset to become a Jamal Crawford type scoring 6th man. But almost everyone agreed that Richardson has the best defensive abilities of any guard in the draft. Since he can defend, he will find a role in the NBA regardless of if he develops his shooting and gains some strength.

9: Phoenix Suns - Victor Alenichev - SG, Latvia
Alenichev is a prototypical European prospect, with quality outside shooting and finesse skills. What sets him apart is above-average athleticism and outstanding playmaking abilities. The odds are good that one of Richmond or Alenichev will develop into a long-term NBA starter.

10: Memphis Grizzlies - Martin Adams - C, Connecticut
After watching his brother get selected 5th by Detroit, Martin Adams sat uncomfortably until the Grizzlies selected him with the #10 pick. Martin lacks the shooting ability and polished post moves of his brother, but is a physical center with very good athleticism. He could certainly benefit from a year or two of NBA experience, but has Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph to help him develop his offensive abilites.

11: Denver Nuggets - Allen Montgomery - PG, Georgia Tech
The Nuggets got a very good value pick at #11 with Montgomery. With most of the sure picks off the board, the Georgia Tech PG has the physicals and playmaking abilites to develop into an NBA starter. His defense needs some work but his athleticism gives the team hope in that area. His shooting stroke is inconsistent but not broken.

12: Milwaukee Bucks - J.P. Baldwin - PG, Jacksonville
A pure PG from a small school, Baldwin attracted the attention of scouts thanks to his impressive abilities to feed passes almost at will to anywhere on the floor. 12 may have been a little high for him, but might turn out to be one of the top players in the draft if he improves his shooting and defense.

13: Atlanta Hawks - Jordan Sanders - SF, LSU
Sanders comes from LSU as an NBA-ready, defensive small forward with legitimate size at 6'8". He may already be an upgrade over Demarre Carroll, who is a free agent and may be convinced to leave Atlanta. He has good athleticism and slashing abilities, but his jumpshot is certainly inconsistent at best. Hours in the gym with a shooting coach are needed for Sanders to become a complete two-way wing.

14: Houston Rockets - Rudy Barnes - C, St. John's
Aside from standing 6'11", possessing a long wingspan and a consistent jumper from 15-18 feet, perhaps the biggest reason for Barnes' drafting was need. The Rockets have no legitimate size to relieve Dwight Howard and often relied on perimeter bigman Donatas Montiejunas or a 31-year-old, 6'9" Joey Dorsey. Barnes can score inside or out and is a solid rebounder as well.

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Kings trade Bayless for two second round picks

Sacramento Kings trade: Jerryd Bayless

Houston Rockets trade: 2015 2nd Round Draft Selection (#41), 2016 2nd Round Draft Selection

The Sacramento Kings traded Jerryd Bayless to the Houston Rockets during the draft in exchange for the #41st overall pick and a future 2nd round pick. The Rockets can utilize Bayless to bolster their bench scoring and can play in combination with Harden or with a much-improved Isaiah Canaan. Houston had 4 second round picks in this year's draft and were unlikely to keep them all. The Kings had less need of Bayless after drafting Julio Martin at #28 and easily chose to acquire a 2nd rounder higher than 60th overall.

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Kings select Martin, Lekic, and Eminescu



Julio Martin: With the late first round pick acquired from the Thunder, the Kings opted to select a point guard. Julio Martin enters the NBA after two seasons at Ohio State in which he garnered a reputation as a quality set-up man and defender. His selection further adds to speculation of the Kings seeking a steadier hand at point guard in the future. His shooting will need to improve before he is a potential starter but has the playmaking and defensive skills that the Kings might like with their half-court gameplan.

Kostas Lekic: After selecting Martin at the end of the first round, the Kings traded Jerryd Bayless for an addition 2nd round pick from the Rockets. Sacramento was reportedly targeting defensive prospect Derrick George or raw athlete Sean Washburn, but both went off the board before the Kings were on the clock. With their targets unavailable, the Kings settled on international prospect Kostas Lekic. Lekic is a Lithuanian national with a decent array of NBA-ready skills, especially for a 2nd round selection. Like most international players, he has a consistent jumpshot out to 3pt range. It is unclear right now if he will come to the NBA right away or stay in Europe.

Tudor Eminescu: Eminescu is a power forward prospect with decent size and is just 20. He could develop into a typical european stretch 4, but is undeniably a project. He will continue playing in Europe instead of coming to Sacramento this season.

You plan on bringing Reggie Jackson back?

NBA Free Agency Headlines

Mavs add Rondo, but lose Monta
The Dallas Mavericks signed G Rajon Rondo to a 4yr/$58.5M deal through 2018. Rondo joined a starting lineup that included Dirk Nowitzki, Tyson Chandler, and Chandler Parsons. The Mavericks had more cap space than expected to offer Rondo thanks to the departure of Monta Ellis. Ellis was offered a 4yr/$45.1M contract by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves will place Ellis next to the playmaking abilities of Ricky Rubio and their young core including the last three #1 overall picks Anthony Bennett, Andrew Wiggins, and Terrence Fields.

Millsap joins improving Milwaukee squad
Paul Millsap accepted a rewarding 4yr/$52.8M contract from the Milwaukee Bucks to join the rising stars of Brandon Knight, Jabari Parker, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. If Larry Sanders can remain focused and Millsap steps in seamlessly, the Bucks easily take the next step into the playoffs in a weaker Eastern Conference.

Draymond heads to New Orleans
The Golden State Warriors refused to match an offer sheet for restricted free agent Draymond Green in favor of chasing Paul Millsap and Greg Monroe. They struck out on both while the Pelicans snuck in on Green with a 3yr/$21.9M deal to bolster their defense next to reigning DPOY Anthony Davis and Omer Asik. If Green steps in as the starting small forward, the Pelicans can move Tyreke Evans to a 6th man role in which he can be the primary ball handler as well.

Lebron, K-Love resign long-term in Cleveland
Both opted out of their contracts following the championship and some feared that they might be convinced to leave Cleveland, but such fears were unfounded. Lebron got a 4yr/$95.15M deal while Love got a full 5 years at an immense $102.8M.

Jazz let Kanter go to NY, sign Danny Green
Following the emergence of Rudy Gobert, the additions of Henson and Landry, and the drafting of Dedric Owens, the Jazz showed little interest in retaining Enes Kanter. The Turkish center signed a 3yr/$21.99M contract with the Knicks and projects to be the starter in New York. Instead the Jazz chased after Danny Green, who leaves San Antonio following the retirement of Tim Duncan. Green's 3yr/$19.4M deal places him in Utah as the starting 2 in a sharp-shooting lineup around Rudy Gobert.

Detroit lands Matthews to space floor for Drummond, Monroe
The Detroit Pistons retained Greg Monroe with a very reasonable 4 year contract worth $38M. Keeping Monroe with Andre Drummond gives Detroit a physical lineup that still found itself in need of perimeter shooting. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope failed to seize the starting role last season, shooting 39% from the floor and just 28% from downtown. In search of consistent shooting in a lineup that also continues to force Josh Smith into a small forward role, they signed Wesley Matthews from the Blazers. Matthews was swayed to leave Portland by a 4yr/$31M deal.

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Kings keep Rudy for 4 years



The Sacramento Kings announced an agreement with F Rudy Gay on a 4-year contract extension worth $42.7M. He was acquired from Toronto in the 2013-14 season in exchange for a 4-player package including Greivis Vasquez and Patrick Patterson. Gay has experienced something of a career revival in Sacramento as a second option to the inside presence of Demarcus Cousins. The recent addition of Derrick Favors next to Cousins offers Rudy a chance to have efficient production such as he had in Memphis next to inside forces Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph. Rudy was on Team USA for the FIBA World Cup in Spain along with Cousins and won a gold medal. Rudy averaged 18.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 3.4 APG in 33.9 MPG last season.

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Kings try and bolster bench with Swedish duo Taylor, Jerebko



The Sacramento Kings signed free agent forward Jeff Taylor to a 2yr/$5.73M contract with a $3.05M team option for a third year. Taylor, 26, spent his first three NBA seasons in Charlotte after being drafted 31st overall in 2012. His role in Charlotte dropped drastically since his rookie season. In 2013-14, he played in just 28 games before rupturing his right Achillies and missing the rest of the year. Taylor's games and minutes were significantly down last season as well. He was suspended for 24 games stemming from a domestic violence incident, and even after he returned, barely played due to the logjam on the wings and the addition of Lance Stephenson. Taylor comes to Sacramento gladly, and multiple years of guaranteed money was a better contract than most expected the Vanderbilt product to receive. He is expected to assume a 3-and-d role off the bench, with the emphasis on becoming a competent defensive option. Taylor was born in Norrkoping, Sweden before coming to the U.S. and playing collegiately at Vanderbilt.

Jonas Jerebko received a 2yr/$6.13M contract from Sacramento after spending his entire 6-year career in Detroit. The Swedish forward averaged almost 28 minutes per game and started 73 of 80 games his rookie season, before seeing his minutes slowly decline since. Jerebko is only a 32.5% 3PT shooter on his career, but shot almost 42% (31/74) in 2013-14. He barely played last season though. The Kings are hoping Jerebko can provide some floor spacing as a stretch-4 option next to either Cousins and Favors, playing in any combination with them. Even if he cannot replicate 40%+ from downtown, Jerebko merely needs to make enough threes to make defenses respect him. He also has a decent pick-and-pop game. Jerebko was born in Kinna, Sweden before being drafted 39th overall in 2009.

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Williams resigns for 2 years, Jackson and Acy accept QOs



The Sacramento Kings resigned F Derrick Williams with a 2yr/$4.7M contract. Williams was initially drafted #2 overall by the Timberwolves in 2011, but has struggled to live up to those expectations. The Kings acquired him from Minnesota in exchange for Luc Mbah a Moute early in the 2013-14 season. Derrick managed to provide some consistent performances off the bench towards the end of last season in Sacramento and the Kings retained him for his athleticism and ability to break out for big performances if he gets extended minutes. Williams averaged 6.5 PPG and 3.0 RPG on 50.3% shooting in 15.7 MPG last season.

Reggie Jackson accepted his $3.4M qualifying offer after not receiving much interest in free agency. Jackson was hoping to get a multi-year contract from either the Kings or another team, but none offered the salary he was seeking. The Kings focused on Rudy Gay's extension and signings of Taylor and Jerebko instead of consructing a new deal with Jackson. They were prepared to match offers for the restricted free agent but no foreign offer sheet was signed. Jackson will be a free agent next offseason as well. Jackson averaged 15.0 PPG and 5.9 APG in 31.9 MPG last season.

Quincy Acy accepted the $1.34M qualifying offer from the Kings and will remain in Sacramento next season. Acy averaged 2.5 PPG and 1.5 RPG in 7.5 MPG last season.

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2015-2016 Opening Day Rosters

Philadelphia 76ers
Additions: Byron Knight (R) - Jamall Miller (R)
Resigned: None
Notable Departures: None
Starting 5: M. Carter-Williams - T. Wroten - K.J. McDaniels - N. Noel - J. Embiid

Charlotte Hornets
Additions: Jonathan Huestis (R)
Resigned: Kemba Walker
Notable Departures: None
Starting 5: K. Walker - L. Stephenson - M. Kidd-Gilchrist - N. Vonleh - A. Jefferson

Milwaukee Bucks
Additions: J.P. Baldwin (R) - Paul Millsap
Resigned: Brandon Knight
Notable Departures: None
Starting 5: B. Knight - O.J. Mayo - J. Parker - P. Millsap - L. Sanders

Chicago Bulls
Additions: Edmund Dawson (R)
Resigned: Jimmy Butler
Notable Departures: None
Starting 5: D. Rose - J. Butler - D. McDermott - T. Gibson - J. Noah

Cleveland Cavaliers
Additions:Stacey Stafford (R)
Resigned: Lebron James - Kevin Love
Notable Departures: Mike Miller (Retirement)
Starting 5: K. Irving - D. Waiters - L. James - K. Love - T. Mozgov

Boston Celtics
Additions: Thomas Jackson (R) - John Jenkins
Resigned: None
Notable Departures: Rajon Rondo
Starting 5: M. Smart - A. Bradley - J. Green - J. Sullinger - K. Olynyk

Los Angeles Clippers
Additions: Carlos Boozer
Resigned: None
Notable Departures: Glen Davis
Starting 5: C. Paul - J.J. Redick - M. Barnes - B. Griffin - D. Jordan

Memphis Grizzlies
Additions: Martin Adams (R) - Wilson Chandler - Mo Williams
Resigned: Marc Gasol
Notable Departures: None
Starting 5: M. Conley - C. Lee - W. Chandler - Z. Randolph - M. Gasol

Atlanta Hawks
Additions: Jordan Sanders (R) - Brendan Richardson (R) - Travis Outlaw
Resigned: None
Notable Departures: Paul Millsap
Starting 5: J. Teague - K. Korver - J. Sanders - A. Payne - A. Horford

Miami Heat
Additions: None
Resigned: Norris Cole - Shawne Williams
Notable Departures: None
Starting 5: M. Chalmers - D. Wade - L. Deng - J. McRoberts - C. Bosh

Utah Jazz
Additions: Danny Green - Carl Landry - John Henson - Nik Stauskas - Dedric Owens (R)
Resigned: Alec Burks
Notable Departures: Derrick Favors - Enes Kanter
Starting 5: T. Burke - D. Green - G. Hayward - J. Henson - R. Gobert

Sacramento Kings
Additions: Derrick Favors - Jonas Jerebko - Jeff Taylor - Julio Martin (R) - Kostas Lekic (R)
Resigned: Rudy Gay - Derrick Williams
Notable Departures: John Henson - Nik Stauskas - Carl Landry
Starting 5: R. Jackson - B. McLemore - R. Gay - D. Favors - D. Cousins

New York Knicks
Additions: Enes Kanter - Dillon Flory (R)
Resigned: None
Notable Departures: Iman Shumpert
Starting 5: J. Calderon - J.R. Smith - C. Anthony - A. Stoudemire - E. Kanter

Los Angeles Lakers
Additions: Nick Johnson - Deon Kelley (R) - Marshall Alexander (R)
Resigned: None
Notable Departures: Carlos Boozer
Starting 5: J. Lin - K. Bryant - N. Young - J. Randle - J. Hill

Orlando Magic
Additions: Gerald Green - Cole Anderson (R)
Resigned: Goran Dragic
Notable Departures: None
Starting 5: G. Dragic - V. Oladipo - T. Harris - A. Gordon - N. Vucevic

Dallas Mavericks
Additions: Rajon Rondo
Resigned: None
Notable Departures: Monta Ellis
Starting 5: R. Rondo - D. Harris - C. Parsons - D. Nowitzki - T. Chandler

Brooklyn Nets
Additions: Brook Gordon (R)
Resigned: Mirza Teletovic
Notable Departures: None
Starting 5: D. Williams - J. Johnson - B. Bogdanovic - K. Garnett - B. Lopez

Denver Nuggets
Additions: Allen Montgomery (R)
Resigned: None
Notable Departures: Wilson Chandler
Starting 5: T. Lawson - A. Afflalo - D. Gallinari - K. Faried - J.J. Hickson

Indiana Pacers
Additions: None
Resigned: Luis Scola - C.J. Watson
Notable Departures: None
Starting 5: G. Hill - C.J. Miles - P. George - D. West - R. Hibbert

New Orleans Pelicans
Additions: Draymond Green
Resigned: Omer Asik
Notable Departures: None
Starting 5: J. Holiday - E. Gordon - D. Green - A. Davis - O. Asik

Detroit Pistons
Additions: Wesley Matthews - Robin Lopez - Brett Adams (R)
Resigned: Greg Monroe - Kyle Singler
Notable Departures: Jonas Jerebko
Starting 5: B. Jennings - W. Matthews - J. Smith - G. Monroe - A. Drummond

Toronto Raptors
Additions: Geoffrey Paul (R)
Resigned: Lou Williams - Tyler Hansbrough
Notable Departures: None
Starting 5: K. Lowry - D. Derozan - T. Ross - A. Johnson - J. Valanciunas

Houston Rockets
Additions: Rudy Barnes (R)
Resigned: Patrick Beverly
Notable Departures: None
Starting 5: P. Beverly - J. Harden - T. Ariza - T. Jones - D. Howard

San Antonio Spurs
Additions: Caron Butler - Kevin Seraphin - Paulo Garcia (R) - Jordan Davis (R)
Resigned: Kawhi Leonard - Jeff Ayers
Notable Departures: Danny Green - Tim Duncan (Retirement)
Starting 5: T. Parker - M. Ginobli - K. Leonard - B. Diaw - K. Seraphin

Phoenix Suns
Additions: Benjamin Taylor (R) - Victor Alenichev (R) - Joel Richmond (R)
Resigned: None
Notable Departures: Gerald Green
Starting 5: E. Bledsoe - J. Richmond - M. Morris - M. Morris - M. Plumlee

Oklahoma City Thunder
Additions: None
Resigned: None
Notable Departures: None
Starting 5: R. Westbrook - J. Lamb - K. Durant - S. Ibaka - S. Adams

Minnesota Timberwolves
Additions: Terrence Fields (R) - Monta Ellis
Resigned: None
Notable Departures: None
Starting 5: R. Rubio - M. Ellis - A. Wiggins - T. Young - N. Pekovic

Portland Trailblazers
Additions: Byron Hughes (R) - Gary Neal
Resigned: Lamarcus Aldridge - Chris Kaman
Notable Departures: Wesley Matthews - Robin Lopez
Starting 5: D. Lillard - C.J. McCollum - N. Batum - L. Aldridge - C. Kaman

Golden State Warriors
Additions: Lionel Davis (R)
Resigned: Klay Thompson
Notable Departures: Draymond Green
Starting 5: S. Curry - K. Thompson - H. Barnes - D. Lee - A. Bogut

Washington Wizards
Additions: Darius Thompson (R)
Resigned: None
Notable Departures: Kevin Seraphin
Starting 5: J. Wall - B. Beal - P. Pierce - Nene - M. Gortat

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Sacramento Kings 2015-16 Season Preview


The success of the Kings will be significantly affected by the performance of new addition Derrick Favors

2014-15 Season: 41-41
Notable Additions: Derrick Favors, Jeff Taylor, Jonas Jerebko, Carrick Felix, Julio Martin (R), Kostas Lekic (R)
Notable Departures: John Henson, Nik Stauskas, Carl Landry, Omri Casspi

The Kings were not shy about retooling the roster around Demarcus Cousins and a resigned Rudy Gay. They traded two of their top 3 bigs and last summer's lottery pick in exchange for Derrick Favors. Favors clearly has talent and on paper his fit with Cousins seems workable, but it isn't without risk.

Will the frontcourt trio unite together or crash and burn? Many will remember when the Knicks formed a frontline of Melo, Amare, and Tyson Chandler. Others mention Detroit's struggles after playing Josh Smith at the 3 next to Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond. Those frontcourt trios were at best disappointments and at worst complete failures, frequently due to a lack of floor spacing. For his career, Rudy Gay is a worse perimeter shooter than Melo and arguably as inconsistent as Smith, though he did shoot 39% from downtown last season. Favors doesn't space the floor much, and even though Cousins can step out to 16-20 feet, a frontline of Gay, Favors, and Cousins has a risk of clogging the paint offensively. They all make over $10M a year for the next 3 seasons and the Kings will have to ride with their new trio for better or worse. But they are certainly adequate defensively and have the skills to shine in a post-up halfcourt game as long as there is enough shooting to keep defenses honest.

Can McLemore continue his improvement? With that said, Ben McLemore will be the key in spacing the floor around the paint dominance of Favors and Cousins. He was in the discussion for Most Improved Player last season as he bounced back from a difficult rookie year. McLemore shot 42% from 3PT range last year. The Kings will depend on him to post a similar percentage this season. If he doesn't, the risks of the frontcourt trio failing go up significantly. But aside from providing floor spacing, McLemore showed the potential to be an excellent player in his own right last season and the Kings will want to see him continue his development. McLemore is certainly deserving of more touches offensively and the team will have to make him a focus, especially now that a low-usage player in Henson was replaced with Favors.

Who is part of the future in the Kings' backcourt? McLemore is clearly the 2 guard of the future, but there are plenty of questions about the rest of the backcourt rotation. Reggie Jackson didn't get the kind of attention in free agency that he was expecting despite decent statistical numbers. His score-first mentality might not fit as a starter in a lineup featuring 4 other capable scorers, including a frontcourt trio that demand the ball in a half-court game. But even if many see him as a 6th man, Sacramento doesn't really have another option at PG that is clearly better than Jackson. Ray McCallum is a solid defender and all-around guard, but his shooting percentages have been very poor in his first two seasons. Rookie Julio Martin is at least a season or two of development away from being a starter in the NBA, especially as he hasn't even played a minute in the league yet. Jackson's perimeter shooting, clearly superior to both McCallum and Martin, is needed to space the floor and likely ensures Jackson is the starter.

A question about the backup 2-guard minutes exists as well. Nik Stauskas was traded in the Favors deal, and in return Carrick Felix came to Sacramento. Felix only played in 6 games last season and 7 in his rookie year. The Kings are his third team already and he will likely need to find consistency in his production and his playing time here in Sacramento in order to establish himself in the NBA. Kostas Lekic was drafted in the 2nd round by the Kings and is expected to come straight to the NBA from Lithuania. He has a solid jumpshot but, like a lot of international players, is criticized for being a poor defender and somewhat soft. The Kings are hoping one of the two can step up to support McLemore both now and down the road.

Kings' new starting 5 plays heavy minutes on opening night
Rudy Gay remained focused and effective down the stretch despite his workload of 45 minutes


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Kings let Suns hang around, but hold on for road win
Kings: 104
Suns: 96

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 23 PTS - 6 REB - 3 AST - 3 STL - 10/16 FG - 3/3 FT
Ben McLemore: 21 PTS - 5 REB - 6 AST - 7/14 FG - 2/6 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 18 PTS - 14 REB - 7/14 FG - 4/6 FT
Derrick Favors: 15 PTS - 18 REB - 5/14 FG - 5/8 FT - 7 OFF REB
Jonas Jerebko: 10 PTS - 4 REB - 4/8 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 20 MIN

Phoenix Suns Top Performers
Markieff Morris: 21 PTS - 8 REB - 9/16 FG - 3/3 FT
Eric Bledsoe: 19 PTS - 4 AST - 7/11 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Zoran Dragic: 18 PTS - 7 AST - 7/14 FG - 4/5 FT
Miles Plumlee: 8 PTS - 13 REB - 3/5 FG - 2/2 FT
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Kings fall despite slowing high-scoring Warriors
Warriors: 88
Kings: 82

Golden State Warriors Top Performers
Stephen Curry: 21 PTS - 6 REB - 7 AST - 8/17 FG - 5/11 3PT FG
David Lee: 13 PTS - 8 REB - 6/14 FG - 1/2 FT
Klay Thompson: 12 PTS - 4 REB - 3 AST - 5/12 FG - 0/4 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Andrew Bogut: 6 PTS - 17 REB - 3/6 FG

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 18 PTS - 14 REB - 7/14 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Derrick Favors: 12 PTS - 5 REB - 4/13 FG - 4/7 FT
Ray McCallum: 11 PTS - 6 AST - 3/6 FG - 5/8 FT - 20 MIN
Rudy Gay: 10 PTS - 8 REB - 3/8 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Ben McLemore: 8 PTS - 7 REB - 5 AST - 3/8 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
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Boogie shines in solid win
Kings: 92
Jazz: 87


Neither John Henson or Derrick Favors performed well against their former teams

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 25 PTS - 12 REB - 10/15 FG - 5/7 FT
Reggie Jackson: 17 PTS - 4 AST - 5/8 FG - 3/3 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Rudy Gay: 16 PTS - 5 REB - 4 AST - 4 STL - 7/13 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Derrick Favors: 10 PTS - 8 REB - 3/11 FG - 4/7 FT

Utah Jazz Top Performers
Gordon Hayward: 16 PTS - 2 REB - 4 AST - 6/13 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 3/3 FT
Nik Stauskas: 15 PTS - 5/8 FG - 4/5 3PT FG - 1/2 FT - 19 MIN
Dante Exum: 11 PTS - 5 REB - 3 AST - 5/9 FG - 1/3 3PT FG
Alec Burks: 11 PTS - 5 REB - 3 AST - 5/8 FG - 1/1 3PT FG
John Henson: 2 PTS - 8 REB - 0/8 FG - 2/2 FT
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NBA Notes:

NBA Injury Updates:

NBA Transactions:
Nets sign G Marcus Thornton to 1yr/$2.71M deal.
Heat extend F Luol Deng with 2yr/$6.22M deal.
Pistons extend C Andre Drummond with 2yr/$32.34M deal.
Wizards extend G Bradley Beal with 3yr/$40.69M deal.
Pelicans extend F Anthony Davis with 2yr/$32.17M deal.
Raptors extend C Jonas Valanciunas with 2yr/$25.26M deal.

Kings embarrassed in one of the worst performances under new regime
Clippers: 124
Kings: 81


If any positive could be taken from such a terrible effort, the Kings got to see their rookie point guard make his NBA debut in garbage time

Los Angeles Clippers Top Performers
Blake Griffin: 25 PTS - 18 REB - 11/14 FG - 3/3 FT
Carlos Boozer: 23 PTS - 7 REB - 9/13 FG - 5/6 FT
Jamal Crawford: 16 PTS - 6 REB - 3 AST - 6/16 FG - 1/6 3PT FG - 2/3 FT
J.J. Redick: 15 PTS - 5 REB - 5 AST - 5/11 FG - 3/6 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Chris Paul: 7 PTS - 7 AST - 3/8 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 24 MIN

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 18 PTS - 6 REB - 8/14 FG - 2/3 FT
Reggie Jackson: 14 PTS - 4 AST - 6/16 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Ben McLemore: 9 PTS - 4 REB - 2/11 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Derrick Favors: 8 PTS - 15 REB - 3/11 FG - 2/5 FT
Julio Martin: 8 PTS - 1 AST - 2/5 FG - 4/6 FT - 11 MIN (NBA Debut)
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NBA Notes:

NBA Injury Updates:

NBA Transactions:
Trailblazers extend G Damian Lillard with 2yr/$32.15M deal.
Trailblazers extend F Thomas Robinson with 2yr/$14.13M deal.
Grizzlies extend F Jon Leuer with 3yr/$8.82M deal.

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Kings bring back Cisco after poor bench performance



The Sacramento Kings have announced an agreement with G/F Francisco Garcia on a 1yr/$720K contract. Garcia, 34, was drafted 23rd overall by Sacramento in 2005 and spend his first 7 1/2 seasons with the Kings. He was traded to Houston along with Thomas Robinson in the 2012-13 season. Garcia has appeared in 543 games and holds career averages of 7.9 PPG and 2.5 RPG in 21.5 minutes.

The signing comes two days after the Kings' 124-81 loss to the Clippers in L.A., a loss in which the team shot just 2/14 from the 3PT arc and mustered just 16 bench points, with the vast majority coming in garbage time. Through the first 5 games of the year the Kings' starters have played heavy minutes due to a lack of quality depth, with Ray McCallum and Jonas Jerebko being the only consistent bench producers. Even with that said, McCallum is shooting 32% overall and Jerebko's small sample size from downtown is just 22% (2/9) so far. Jeff Taylor's defense has been average at best, and little better than that of Derrick Williams. Both perimeter defense and 3PT shooting are things that the 34 year old Garcia can provide for the Kings' reserves.

The Kings waived G Carrick Felix to open a roster spot for the signing. Felix was included in the Derrick Favors trade and appeared in 4 of the team's games, averaging 1.7 PPG in 8.0 MPG.

Kings hang around, but Durant and Westbrook too much in playoff rematch
Thunder: 115
Kings: 108


Even in the loss, Francisco Garcia's reliable leadership off the bench was a welcome sight

Oklahoma City Thunder Top Performers
Russell Westbrook: 30 PTS - 6 REB - 7 AST - 12/24 FG - 4/8 3PT FG - 2/4 FT
Kevin Durant: 24 PTS - 8 REB - 9/27 FG - 2/11 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Jeremy Lamb: 17 PTS - 3 REB - 3/11 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 10/12 FT
Isaiah Thomas: 13 PTS - 3 AST - 6/11 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 19 MIN
Serge Ibaka: 11 PTS - 13 REB - 4/5 FG - 3/5 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 26 PTS - 21 REB - 9/13 FG - 8/9 FT
Derrick Favors: 16 PTS - 9 REB - 7/16 FG - 2/3 FT
Rudy Gay: 14 PTS - 5 REB - 5/15 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Ben McLemore: 14 PTS - 4 REB - 2 AST - 4/11 FG - 2/7 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Francisco Garcia: 10 PTS - 2 REB - 3/5 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 2/2 FT - 18 MIN
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Rudy, Cousins garner 24 FTs as Kings top Pelicans
Kings: 105
Pelicans: 97


Still searching for the best bench unit, the Kings saw Derrick Williams post a strong 15-8 performance

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 23 PTS - 8 REB - 5/9 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 11/12 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 19 PTS - 11 REB - 5/17 FG - 9/12 FT
Ben McLemore: 17 PTS - 2 REB - 3 AST - 6/8 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 4/6 FT
Derrick Williams: 15 PTS - 8 REB - 5/10 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 4/4 FT - 22 MIN
Derrick Favors: 15 PTS - 11 REB - 6/13 FG - 3/3 FT

New Orleans Pelicans Top Performers
Jrue Holiday: 19 PTS - 10 AST - 7/15 FG - 5/6 FT
Eric Gordon: 18 PTS - 3 REB - 2 AST - 8/13 FG - 2/4 3PT FG
Tyreke Evans: 18 PTS - 4 AST - 7/16 FG - 4/7 FT
Omer Asik: 15 PTS - 9 REB - 6/7 FG - 3/4 FT
Anthony Davis: 12 PTS - 6 REB - 3 BLK - 5/12 FG - 2/2 FT
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Kobe, Young unable to carry Lakers
Kings: 115
Lakers: 107


Despite a late Laker rally, there was enough garbage time to see Kostas Lekic make his NBA debut

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 28 PTS - 21 REB - 9/20 FG - 10/16 FT
Reggie Jackson: 16 PTS - 6 AST - 3/7 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 9/10 FT
Rudy Gay: 14 PTS - 11 REB - 5/13 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 2/4 FT
Derrick Favors: 13 PTS - 14 REB - 5/12 FG - 3/4 FT

Los Angeles Lakers Top Performers
Kobe Bryant: 34 PTS - 5 REB - 3 AST - 15/35 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Nick Young: 29 PTS - 3 REB - 3 AST - 12/27 FG - 3/7 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Jeremy Lin: 9 PTS - 13 AST - 3/8 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Wesley Johnson: 9 PTS - 3/9 FG - 1/6 3PT FG - 2/2 FT - 18 MIN
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Butler shines as Chicago keeps rolling
Bulls: 110
Kings: 99

Chicago Bulls Top Performers
Jimmy Butler: 31 PTS - 5 AST - 12/20 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 6/8 FT
Derrick Rose: 23 PTS - 14 AST - 10/21 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 2/4 FT
Tony Snell: 23 PTS - 4 REB - 4 AST - 10/15 FG - 3/6 3PT FG
Pau Gasol: 10 PTS - 9 REB - 4/5 FG - 2/2 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 21 PTS - 12 REB - 6/17 FG - 9/13 FT
Rudy Gay: 20 PTS - 5 REB - 3 AST - 7/13 FG - 6/6 FT
Reggie Jackson: 15 PTS - 4 AST - 6/11 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Jonas Jerebko: 12 PTS - 4 REB - 5/8 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 14 MIN
Derrick Favors: 6 PTS - 12 REB - 2/8 FG - 2/4 FT
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Kings' starters once again carry team, win in Orlando
Kings: 121
Magic: 113

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 25 PTS - 20 REB - 9/22 FG - 7/8 FT
Reggie Jackson: 24 PTS - 7 REB - 4 AST - 7/14 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 8/9 FT
Rudy Gay: 23 PTS - 2 REB - 7 AST - 8/13 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Derrick Favors: 19 PTS - 19 REB - 6/10 FG - 7/11 FT
Ben McLemore: 13 PTS - 2 REB - 4 AST - 4/10 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 4/4 FT

Orlando Magic Top Performers
Gerald Green: 31 PTS - 13/21 FG - 3/6 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Goran Dragic: 19 PTS - 14 AST - 8/14 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Victor Oladipo: 17 PTS - 4 AST - 7/19 FG - 1/7 3PT FG - 2/4 FT
Nikola Vucevic: 8 PTS - 21 REB - 3/7 FG - 2/3 FT
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Kings' 4th quarter defense continues to struggle, but saved by Cousins
Kings: 114
Wizards: 113


Demarcus Cousins got around Nene and delivered in the final 10 seconds of the game

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 30 PTS - 13 REB - 13/18 FG - 4/6 FT
Rudy Gay: 21 PTS - 5 REB - 4 AST - 9/12 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Reggie Jackson: 15 PTS - 4 REB - 6 AST - 4/6 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 6/8 FT
Derrick Favors: 12 PTS - 12 REB - 5/13 FG - 2/6 FT
Ray McCallum: 12 PTS - 2 REB - 4/8 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 2/2 FT

Washington Wizards Top Performers
John Wall: 32 PTS - 3 REB - 5 AST - 11/24 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 9/10 FT
Bradley Beal: 28 PTS - 3 AST - 11/18 FG - 3/7 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Darius Thompson: 11 PTS - 4 REB - 3 AST - 5/14 FG - 1/3 3PT FG
Aaron Brooks: 10 PTS - 3 AST - 4/9 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 1/2 FT - 20 MIN
--------------------------------------------------------------------

NBA Notes:
Thunder win 8th straight, now 10-1 overall.
Bulls win 8th straight, now 11-1 overall.

NBA Injury Updates:
Cavaliers G Kyrie Irving out 4-6 weeks with Pulled Back Muscle.

CP3 on the decline?

The Clippers will be without Chris Paul for the next 2-4 months after fracturing his ankle in 104-100 loss to the Suns on Sunday. This news comes on the heels of last season in which Paul played in just 9 games last season before tearing his Achilles. Paul did play in the team's first 10 games this season before the injury. The back-to-back injuries cause many to raise questions about Paul's long-term health going forward, who has logged over 23,000 minutes despite being only 30. The Clippers obviously hope that the injuries do not start a negative pattern for their star point guard, who was sorely missed in the team's first-round exit in the playoffs last year.

NBA Transactions:
Bulls sign C Samuel Dalembert with 1yr/$1.98M deal.
Wizards sign G Aaron Brooks with 1yr/$533K deal.
Clippers sign G/F Jared Dudley with 1yr/$533K deal.

Parker, Ginobli, Leonard keep carrying Spurs in Post-Duncan era
Spurs: 111
Kings: 107

San Antonio Spurs Top Performers
Manu Ginobli: 22 PTS - 4 REB - 7 AST - 6/10 FG - 3/4 3PT FG - 7/8 FT
Kawhi Leonard: 22 PTS - 4 REB - 2 AST - 9/19 FG - 0/5 3PT FG - 4/6 FT
Tony Parker: 21 PTS - 3 REB - 7 AST - 10/14 FG - 1/3 3PT FG
Boris Diaw: 11 PTS - 3 REB - 5/8 FG - 1/2 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 26 PTS - 16 REB - 10/14 FG - 6/9 FT
Rudy Gay: 16 PTS - 4 REB - 5/8 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Reggie Jackson: 14 PTS - 4 REB - 5 AST - 4/11 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 5/5 FT
Ben McLemore: 14 PTS - 2 REB - 5 AST - 4/8 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Derrick Favors: 14 PTS - 9 REB - 5/13 FG - 4/5 FT
--------------------------------------------------------------------

D-Wade struggles, Bosh fouls against Kings
Kings: 91
Heat: 79

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 29 PTS - 12 REB - 8/18 FG - 13/20 FT
Rudy Gay: 25 PTS - 4 REB - 4 AST - 8/19 FG - 4/6 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Ben McLemore: 18 PTS - 4 REB - 3 AST - 5/7 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 7/8 FT
Reggie Jackson: 7 PTS - 11 REB - 7 AST - 2/6 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 2/3 FT

Miami Heat Top Performers
Shabazz Napier: 17 PTS - 5 REB - 6 AST - 5/13 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 5/5 FT
Luol Deng: 15 PTS - 3 AST - 5/11 FG - 5/5 FT
Dwayne Wade: 13 PTS - 5 REB - 4 AST - 6/17 FG - 1/3 FT
Chris Bosh: 10 PTS - 5 REB - 5/8 FG - 6 FLS - 29 MIN
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Rare bench production helps Kings edge Pacers
Kings: 97
Pacers: 95

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 18 PTS - 10 REB - 5/14 FG - 8/10 FT
Reggie Jackson: 17 PTS - 4 REB - 3 AST - 7/10 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Rudy Gay: 16 PTS - 9 REB - 5/14 FG - 6/8 FT
Jonas Jerebko: 13 PTS - 3 REB - 5/5 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 2/2 FT - 18 MIN
Ray McCallum: 10 PTS - 3 AST - 3/5 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 3/4 FT - 19 MIN

Indiana Pacers Top Performers
Paul George: 29 PTS - 9 REB - 5 AST - 12/27 FG - 1/7 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
George Hill: 19 PTS - 5 REB - 8 AST - 5/9 FG - 3/3 3PT FG - 6/6 FT
Luis Scola: 13 PTS - 4 REB - 5/7 FG - 3/3 FT - 19 MIN
Roy Hibbert: 11 PTS - 6 REB - 3/7 FG - 5/6 FT
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Kings live at charity stripe in Houston
Kings: 107
Rockets: 102

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Reggie Jackson: 25 PTS - 7 AST - 7/15 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 9/9 FT
Rudy Gay: 22 PTS - 5 REB - 6/12 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 8/10 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 21 PTS - 18 REB - 5 AST - 7/18 FG - 7/12 FT
Ben McLemore: 14 PTS - 3 REB - 2 AST - 6/15 FG - 0/7 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Quincy Acy: 9 PTS - 9 REB - 3/5 FG - 3/4 FT - 21 MIN

Houston Rockets Top Performers
James Harden: 27 PTS - 4 REB - 8 AST - 9/22 FG - 2/10 3PT FG - 7/8 FT
Terrence Jones: 17 PTS - 18 REB - 8/12 FG - 1/1 3PT FG
Patrick Beverly: 13 PTS - 7 AST - 5/18 FG - 3/6 3PT FG
Dwight Howard: 9 PTS - 10 REB - 4/8 FG - 1/2 FT - 6 FLS - 28 MIN
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Kings offense struggles against Jazz
Jazz: 113
Kings: 96

Utah Jazz Top Performers
Gordon Hayward: 28 PTS - 8 REB - 5 AST - 10/15 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 6/7 FT
Dante Exum: 17 PTS - 3 REB - 5 AST - 7/13 FG - 3/5 3PT FG
Trey Burke: 16 PTS - 4 AST - 7/11 FG - 2/4 3PT FG
Danny Green: 13 PTS - 5 REB - 4 AST - 5/14 FG - 3/8 3PT FG

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 16 PTS - 7 REB - 8/17 FG
Derrick Favors: 16 PTS - 13 REB - 4 BLK - 6/12 FG - 4/7 FT
Ben McLemore: 16 PTS - 4 REB - 5 AST - 5/11 FG - 3/6 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Reggie Jackson: 13 PTS - 4 REB - 8 AST - 3/12 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 6/6 FT
Rudy Gay: 12 PTS - 6 REB - 5/9 FG - 2/3 FT
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Rudy bags first career triple-double in blowout win
Kings: 121
Timberwolves: 91


Rudy Gay's play as a facilitator has improved since arriving in Sacramento and showed it tonight

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 26 PTS - 14 REB - 10/23 FG - 6/9 FT
Rudy Gay: 22 PTS - 11 REB - 11 AST - 8/13 FG - 3/6 3PT FG - 3/4 FT (First Career Triple-Double)
Reggie Jackson: 17 PTS - 4 REB - 6 AST - 7/13 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Ben McLemore: 14 PTS - 3 AST - 7/9 FG
Derrick Favors: 12 PTS - 16 REB - 3 STL - 4/5 FG - 4/4 FT
Quincy Acy: 11 PTS - 5 REB - 3/5 FG - 5/9 FT - 18 MIN

Minnesota Timberwolves Top Performers
Monta Ellis: 20 PTS - 2 REB - 4 AST - 8/19 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Andrew Wiggins: 11 PTS - 4/11 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Thaddeus Young: 10 PTS - 7 REB - 4/11 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Gorgui Dieng: 10 PTS - 6 REB - 4/8 FG - 2/2 FT
Ricky Rubio: 9 PTS - 5 AST - 3/8 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 2/4 FT
--------------------------------------------------------------------

NBA Notes:
Sixers lose 5th straight, now 3-15 overall.
Rockets G Jason Terry announces plans to retire after this season.

NBA Injury Updates:

NBA Transactions:

Milwaukee Bucks trade: Ersan Illyasova
Atlanta Hawks trade: Mike Scott

Last edited by Vespasian92 on Sat Apr 11, 2015 9:17 am, edited 1 time in total.

November Summary
Lakers rebounding to respectability, Cavs struggling with lack of depth


After a terrible season last year, the Lakers weren't even rewarded with a lottery pick. Their pick went to the Suns and the Lakers were left with an aged Kobe and a select few unproven young players. Few were expecting the Lakers to be competitive this season but the Purple and Gold have shown a lot of pride despite a relative lack of talent. They are 10-8 right now. Kobe is putting up a relatively inefficient 18.7 PPG, but Nick Young is averaging 16.4 points on 50% shooting and 41% from downtown, and decent improvements from Ed Davis, Jordan Clarkson, and Julius Randle have helped as well. The Lakers might have cap room this summer as well, as Kobe's $25M contract expires and the Lakers' star might finally take a pay cut to help his team add talent around him.

The retirements of Shawn Marion and Mike Miller last offseason were relatively significant losses for the Cavaliers bench, as well as the team's inability to retain Nate Robinson. The team added Khris Middleton who has played very well in Cleveland but has little help in carrying the bench. The only other reserve of note they have is Timofey Mozgov, while the rest of the bench consists of players like aged veteran Hedo Turkoglu and undrafted free agents. The recent injury to Kyrie Irving doesn't help matters either. The Cavaliers are currently 6-11 and look like a team for which Lebron and Kevin Love are left to do everything, especially without Kyrie.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




For the latest Kings
news, blogs, interviews,
and highlights. Kings Month in Review

Positive early returns for revamped Kings


The Kings' offseason moves centered around utilizing Demarcus Cousins with a half-court gameplan and improved defense. The team has actually mustered more fast break points than expected, but otherwise have played close to expectations. Their defense spent the first part of last season near the bottom of the league before posting improved defensive numbers after the All-Star break. This season they are at least average in most defensive areas. Their rank of 18th in points allowed could be improved, but sit in the top 5 in rebounding. That is not a surprise considering the fact that they have two of the NBA's top 5 individual rebounders in their frontcourt.

But while their defense has been decent if not spectacular, their offense has shined after the first month of the season. They have found ways to pull out wins by feeding the post and taking care of the ball. The Kings average the 4th fewest turnovers in the league. Cousins has been impressive this season getting touches even more frequently than last season, putting up 23.3 PPG and 13.9 RPG and is playing a career-high 37.2 MPG. Rudy Gay's game has continued to improve as a compliment to Cousins. Gay posted a triple-double against the Timberwolves and is scoring 18 points every night on incredible percentages of 52% and 47%. The stats for new addition Derrick Favors have not been overwhelming, but very solid at 12-12 with an NBA-best 4.0 offensive rebounds. The main and probably only concern for the team is the lack of bench production with no reserve posting more than 5.6 PPG. Time will tell if the Kings will need to improve their bench with a roster move, but none can say their starters don't make an outstanding lineup.

Garcia, McLemore each add 16 in close win
Kings: 108
Magic: 106


Even without a consistent number of touches, Ben McLemore continues to put up consistent performances

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 27 PTS - 14 REB - 9/12 FG - 9/14 FT
Francisco Garcia: 16 PTS - 2 REB - 3 AST - 2 STL - 5/9 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Ben McLemore: 16 PTS - 2 REB - 4 AST - 4/10 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Derrick Favors: 16 PTS - 8 REB - 4 STL - 6/15 FG - 4/9 FT
Rudy Gay: 14 PTS - 3 REB - 4 AST - 4/10 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 5/6 FT

Orlando Magic Top Performers
Goran Dragic: 22 PTS - 11 AST - 6/15 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 8/8 FT
Gerald Green: 18 PTS - 4 REB - 7/15 FG - 2/7 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Victor Oladipo: 17 PTS - 5 REB - 7/20 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Nikola Vucevic: 6 PTS - 11 REB - 3/7 FG
--------------------------------------------------------------------

McLemore's 25 not enough to overcome Cousins' struggles
Grizzlies: 103
Kings: 92

Memphis Grizzlies Top Performers
Marc Gasol: 25 PTS - 12 REB - 8/18 FG - 8/9 FT
Zach Randolph: 19 PTS - 10 REB - 9/21 FG - 1/2 FT - 22 MIN
Mike Conley: 16 PTS - 9 AST - 5/14 FG - 0/3 3PT FG - 6/7 FT
Jarnell Stokes: 14 PTS - 11 REB - 7/10 FG - 28 MIN

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Ben McLemore: 25 PTS - 3 AST - 3 STL - 11/17 FG - 3/4 FT
Rudy Gay: 13 PTS - 7 REB - 4 AST - 6/8 FG - 1/1 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 12 PTS - 14 REB - 2/19 FG - 8/11 FT
Derrick Favors: 9 PTS - 7 REB - 4/5 FG - 1/4 FT
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Kings hold on despite big night for Randle
Kings: 113
Lakers: 110


On a night when Derrick Favors fouled out, Quincy Acy stepped up to help close the game

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 24 PTS - 13 REB - 8/13 FG - 8/9 FT
Reggie Jackson: 18 PTS - 7 AST - 5/10 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 7/7 FT
Rudy Gay: 15 PTS - 6 REB - 7/21 FG - 1/4 3PT FG
Quincy Acy: 12 PTS - 5 REB - 6/7 FG - 21 MIN
Derrick Favors: 9 PTS - 6 REB - 4/6 FG - 1/2 FT - 26 MIN - 6 FLS

Los Angeles Lakers Top Performers
Julius Randle: 27 PTS (Career-High) - 15 REB - 10/14 FG - 8/9 FT
Jeremy Lin: 22 PTS - 9 AST - 10/16 FG - 2/5 3PT FG
Kobe Bryant: 19 PTS - 6 AST - 7/20 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 3/3 FT
Nick Young: 13 PTS - 4 REB - 5/15 FG - 2/7 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Cavs rebound with rout of Kings
Cavaliers: 102
Kings: 85

Cleveland Cavaliers Top Performers
Kevin Love: 30 PTS - 19 REB - 9/20 FG - 3/7 3PT FG - 9/10 FT
Lebron James: 26 PTS - 6 REB - 7 AST - 9/24 FG - 2/6 3PT FG - 6/7 FT
Dion Waiters: 13 PTS - 4 AST - 4/9 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 4/5 FT
Khris Middleton: 9 PTS - 6 REB - 4 AST - 3/5 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 2/2 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 20 PTS - 9 REB - 8/15 FG - 4/8 FT
Rudy Gay: 19 PTS - 13 REB - 7/23 FG - 1/7 3PT FG - 4/5 FT
Derrick Favors: 13 PTS - 10 REB - 5/14 FG - 3/5 FT
Reggie Jackson: 8 PTS - 7 AST - 3 STL - 1/8 FG - 6/7 FT
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Kings get 7 double-figure scorers in Charlotte
Kings: 113
Magic: 105


Rookie guard Julio Martin's playing time has been inconsistent, but made the most of his minutes tonight

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 19 PTS - 13 REB - 5/15 FG - 9/9 FT
Rudy Gay: 17 PTS - 6 REB - 4 AST - 7/11 FG - 3/5 3PT FG
Reggie Jackson: 17 PTS - 7 AST - 5/16 FG - 3/10 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Ben McLemore: 17 PTS - 5 REB - 6 AST - 7/16 FG - 1/7 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Quincy Acy: 13 PTS - 5 REB - 5/8 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 2/3 FT- 24 MIN
Julio Martin: 10 PTS - 3 REB - 6 AST - 4/7 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 1/2 FT - 15 MIN

Charlotte Hornets Top Performers
Kemba Walker: 23 PTS - 8 AST - 6/20 FG - 2/6 3PT FG - 9/10 FT
Al Jefferson: 22 PTS - 7 REB - 10/15 FG - 2/6 FT
Gerald Henderson: 16 PTS - 8 REB - 6/14 FG - 2/6 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Cody Zeller: 12 PTS - 5 REB - 4/4 FG - 4/4 FT
--------------------------------------------------------------------

NBA Notes:
Pelicans win 7th straight, now 17-6 overall.
Trailblazers lose 6th straight, now 10-13 overall.
Sixers lose 6th straight, now 4-21 overall.

NBA Injury Updates:
Lakers F Ed Davis out 4-6 weeks with Concussion.

NBA Transactions:
Nuggets extend F Danilo Gallinari with 3yr/$21.33M deal.

Surprising trade partner helps Detroit dump Josh

Detroit Pistons trade: Josh Smith, Cartier Martin
San Antonio Spurs trade: Kyle Anderson, Paulo Garcia

In some not so surprising news, the Detroit Pistons were working hard to end the failed experiment with Josh Smith. What was surprising is who decided to take on the inefficient Smith and the two remaining years of his contact at $14M per. The San Antonio Spurs seem ready to move into a new era in the wake of Tim Duncan's retirement. Kawhi Leonard needs some support, and maybe the 30-year-old Smith can recover his game back at the power forward position. His contract, while still undesirable, is easier to swallow now that Detroit suffered through the first two seasons of the 4-year deal they signed him to. The players the Spurs gave up are what makes the trade a but of a head-scratcher from their perspective. Anderson is the kind of high IQ, unselfish, and versatile player who easily fits into the Spurs system, along with an international prospect with excellent fundamentals like Garcia. But the Spurs seem determined to stay competitive through this transition period and hope a core of Leonard, Parker, and Smith will keep them relevant.

Last edited by Vespasian92 on Sat Apr 11, 2015 9:17 am, edited 1 time in total.

For the latest Kings
news, blogs, interviews,
and highlights.

Blue Collar Bruiser
After spending a lot of time on his game last season, Quincy Acy has seized his opportunity with the Kings

When the Kings acquired Rudy Gay from the Raptors in the 2013-14 season, Quincy Acy was essentially a throw-in. But people who looked deeper knew that Acy had the potential to carve out a solid career for himself with his versatility, intangibles, and tireless motor. He quickly won over fans with his personality and hustle despite a limited offensive game. His effort made him a passable defender but a lack of strength and being undersized at the 4 limited him on that end as well. He needed to improve his skillset in order to secure a larger role with the team, but the Kings didn't seem to mind.

Acy played in just 45 games at 7.5 MPG last year but didn't stop working in practice. By all accounts, Quincy was always one of the first to be in the gym, working on his jumpshot. If he wasn't in the gym, he was in the weight room. Teammates and coaches raved about his team-first attitude while stuck behind John Henson and Carl Landry in the rotation.

The Kings traded both Henson and Landry in the offseason in exchange for Derrick Favors. Acy's chance for more minutes seemed to be short-lived however as the team signed Jonas Jerebko with the intention of a 3-big rotation of Cousins, Favors, and Jerebko. The former Piston's perimeter shooting was considered to be essential on a team with three star frontcourt players who are mediocre shooters at best. Except things didn't work out that way. Jerebko has struggled mightily this season, shooting below 26% (9-35) from behind the arc. His defense and rebounding also left things to be desired, and coach Mike Malone began searching for the best bench unit.

On November 27th, Acy played 21 minutes against the Rockets and nearly posted a double-double. His 9 point, 9 rebound effort carried over to the contest against the Timberwolves in which he scored 11 and secured 5 boards. Quincy has played at least 15 minutes in every game since. He had a 12-5 performance against the Clippers and a 13-5 effort in Charlotte, in which he shot a combined 73% (11/15) from the field. He made his first three of the season against the Hornets, showing off the potential he has from downtown.

With Jerebko struggling, it was an easy decision for the Kings to give Acy some well-earned minutes. Quincy's improved strength has made him a much more competent defender as well as a better rebounder. Some compared him to rebounding machine Reggie Evans, and he has taken steps to match Evans' tenacity, motor, and beard, with his athleticism and shooting potential to boot. His hard work on his shooting might start paying off with more attempts from the perimeter in the future. Whether Quincy will continue to develop a special combination as a potential stretch-4 and an intense rebounder or hit his ceiling now, he might be the Kings' best frontcourt option off the bench as-is. Getting those minutes won't hurt his chances to keep improving either.

Missed free throws haunt Kings in Milwaukee
Bucks: 103
Kings: 92

Milwaukee Bucks Top Performers
Jabari Parker: 26 PTS - 4 REB - 9/21 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 7/8 FT
O.J. Mayo: 19 PTS - 6/12 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Brandon Knight: 18 PTS - 13 AST - 7/13 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Paul Millsap: 13 PTS - 11 REB - 6/14 FG - 1/2 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 18 PTS - 6 REB - 4 AST - 6/15 FG - 1/7 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 18 PTS - 15 REB - 8/15 FG - 2/5 FT
Ben McLemore: 15 PTS - 4 REB - 4 AST - 6/13 FG - 3/7 3PT FG
Reggie Jackson: 12 PTS - 4 REB - 4 AST - 3/9 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 4/5 FT
Quincy Acy: 11 PTS - 10 REB - 4/9 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 2/5 FT - 28 MIN
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Favors, Cousins dominate interior
Kings: 86
Pacers: 76

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Derrick Favors: 19 PTS - 11 REB - 5 STL - 2 BLK - 8/15 FG - 3/5 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 19 PTS - 15 REB - 7/11 FG - 5/10 FT
Reggie Jackson: 13 PTS - 2 REB - 3 AST - 5/10 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Rudy Gay: 9 PTS - 8 REB - 3/9 FG - 3/4 FT

Indiana Pacers Top Performers
George Hill: 14 PTS - 5 AST - 7/9 FG
C.J. Miles: 14 PTS - 6/12 FG - 2/4 3PT FG
Roy Hibbert: 14 PTS - 4 REB - 6/11 FG - 2/2 FT
Paul George: 8 PTS - 5 REB - 5 AST - 4 STL - 1/12 FG - 0/5 3PT FG - 6/7 FT
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Cavs cruise past Kings once again
Cavaliers: 118
Kings: 93


Ben McLemore continues to be on the edge of a breakout, contributing on both ends of the court

Cleveland Cavaliers Top Performers
Lebron James: 27 PTS - 5 REB - 10 AST - 12/19 FG - 2/2 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Kyrie Irving: 22 PTS - 10 AST - 7/17 FG - 8/8 FT
Dion Waiters: 19 PTS - 3 REB - 4 AST - 8/17 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Timofey Mozgov: 16 PTS - 9 REB - 7/9 FG - 2/3 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Ben McLemore: 20 PTS - 4 STL (Career-High) - 8/14 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 2/3 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 17 PTS - 7 REB - 3 BLK - 5/14 FG - 7/7 FT
Derrick Williams: 12 PTS - 7 REB - 5/10 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 1/3 FT - 20 MIN
Rudy Gay: 12 PTS - 5 REB - 4 AST - 6/13 FG
Quincy Acy: 11 PTS - 5 REB - 2 BLK - 5/5 FT - 25 MIN
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Rudy scores 34 in Denver
Kings: 92
Nuggets: 85

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 34 PTS - 10 REB - 13/23 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 6/6 FT
Derrick Favors: 16 PTS - 17 REB - 4 BLK - 6/16 FG - 4/5 FT
Ben McLemore: 9 PTS - 5 REB - 6 AST - 3/10 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 6 PTS - 2 REB - 2/7 FG - 2/2 FT - 6 FLS - 17 MIN

Denver Nuggets Top Performers
Kenneth Faried: 17 PTS - 9 REB - 4/7 FG - 9/14 FT
Ty Lawson: 17 PTS - 10 AST - 6/16 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 4/6 FT
Aaron Afflalo: 9 PTS - 3/9 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
J.J. Hickson: 8 PTS - 11 REB - 2/6 FG - 4/11 FT
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Kings defense collapses, allows 60% shooting
Bucks: 114
Kings: 93

Milwaukee Bucks Top Performers
Brandon Knight: 22 PTS - 5 AST - 9/15 FG - 1/6 3PT FG - 3/3 FT
Paul Millsap: 21 PTS - 5 REB - 6/9 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 8/10 FT
O.J. Mayo: 18 PTS - 7/11 FG - 3/7 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Jabari Parker: 17 PTS - 6 REB - 6/11 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 4/4 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 18 PTS - 7 REB - 7/15 FG - 4/5 FT
Rudy Gay: 14 PTS - 7 REB - 6/12 FG - 2/2 FT
Ben McLemore: 13 PTS - 5 AST - 6/12 FG - 1/6 3PT FG
Derrick Favors: 11 PTS - 9 REB - 2/5 FG - 7/9 FT
--------------------------------------------------------------------

NBA Notes:
Lakers lose 6th straight, now 13-15 overall.
Magic lose 6th straight, now 6-23 overall.
Sixers lose 9th straight, now 4-25 overall.
Nuggets lose 9th straight, now 8-19 overall.

NBA Injury Updates:

NBA Transactions:

Durant to remain with Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed F Kevin Durant to a 3yr/$69.12M extension, keeping him through the 2018-19 season. The former MVP led the Thunder to the Finals last season before losing to the Cavaliers. Durant, 27, is averaging 26.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG, and 5.1 APG this season for the Thunder, who are tied with the Pelicans for the best record in the West.

Spurs continue aggressive overhaul

Phoenix Suns trade: P.J. Tucker, 2017 2nd Round Draft Selection
San Antonio Spurs trade: Caron Butler, 2016 1st Round Draft Selection

Barely a week after trading for Josh Smith, the Spurs continue to quickly reshape the team by trading away a first round pick to the Suns for P.J. Tucker. Tucker gives the Spurs another wing stopper next to Kawhi Leonard and most expect him to be a solid fit with the Spurs' defense and ball movement. He has developed a consistent perimeter shot since returning to the NBA in 2012. While he is 30, Tucker is the better player as well as being younger than the 35-year-old Butler.

The Suns continue to overhaul their own roster after trading Dragic to Orlando for picks last season. They can build around a core of Eric Bledsoe and Markieff Morris, and added three top-10 picks in last summer's draft. That draft exhausted their stockpile of extra first rounders aside from their own picks, so trading a middling player for a late first was a solid choice.

Last edited by Vespasian92 on Sat Apr 11, 2015 9:17 am, edited 1 time in total.

For the latest Kings
news, blogs, interviews,
and highlights.

Kings open roster space by trading Zaza and Taylor

Sacramento Kings trade: Zaza Pachulia (67) - Jeff Taylor (72)



Los Angeles Clippers trade: 2016 2nd Round Draft Selection (via BKN)

The Kings struggled during the first month of the year to find consistent bench production, especially because their main free agent signings of Jeff Taylor and Jonas Jerebko failed to meet expectations. Taylor in particular fell out of the rotation after playing in just 6 games. His defense on the perimeter was supposed to garner his playing time, but struggled so severely that even Derrick Williams was a defensive upgrade over him. Combined with the fact that Taylor was shooting below 40%, 50% from the stripe and just 25% from downtown, the Kings were suffering from buyer's remorse. His long-term prospects aren't nearly as bright as some once thought, as he posted terrible percentages of 38%-27%-55% in 26 games in 2013-14, only played in 2 games for Charlotte in 2014-15, and now didn't even appear in 10 games after signing in Sacramento.

With neither Taylor nor Pachulia in the regular rotation, Sacramento decided to offer them as bench depth for a contender and received interest from the Clippers. Los Angeles is incredibly thin on the wing and started the season with only a 35-year-old Matt Barnes as a natural 3. Even after signing Jared Dudley they still wanted more insurance at the small forward position. The Clippers can take a flyer on Taylor, whose athleticism and defensive potential are similar to a younger Matt Barnes. Playing with quality point guards like Darren Collison and Chris Paul when he returns might help Taylor's offensive production as well. Pachulia's reliability is a desired factor in a contender's 5th big and can help in case of any injuries. His $5M contract expires this summer so will not hinder the Clippers going forward. The Clippers only had 4 frontcourt players in Griffin, Jordan, Hawes, and Boozer before acquiring Pachulia.

In addition to shedding Taylor's two-year contract, the Kings now have a roster spot to sign a free agent if they wish. The team also has three second round picks in this summer's draft.

Last edited by Vespasian92 on Sat Apr 11, 2015 9:17 am, edited 1 time in total.

For the latest Kings
news, blogs, interviews,
and highlights.

Kings sign Derrick George with newfound roster space



The Sacramento Kings have announced an agreement with F Derrick George on a 1yr/$1.70M contract with a team option for a second year. George was drafted 36th overall out of Nebraska in last summer's draft by the Jazz but was waived prior to the season. The signing uses one of the two roster spots the Kings created with their recent trade of Zaza Pachulia and Jeff Taylor to the Clippers.

The Kings were reportedly very interested in him during the draft but traded an early 2nd round pick to Utah as part of the Derrick Favors trade. Ironically, it was that same selection that turned into George. The Jazz did not have the roster space or minutes available on the wing for him, considering the presence of Alec Burks, Nik Stauskas, Gordon Hayward, Danny Green, and promising young players Rodney Hood and Ian Clark. George performed well in the D-League and was starting to garner attention from NBA teams. His defensive potential is something the Kings liked on draft day and even more now considering their lack perimeter defenders, especially with the disappointment of Jeff Taylor's signing.

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Kings fall to West's best
Pelicans: 114
Kings: 101

New Orleans Pelicans Top Performers
Tyreke Evans: 27 PTS - 5 AST - 12/19 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Jrue Holiday: 18 PTS - 8 REB - 10 AST - 8/20 FG - 0/2 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Omer Asik: 16 PTS - 16 REB - 6/6 FG - 4/6 FT
Anthony Davis: 12 PTS - 11 REB - 4 STL - 4/5 FG - 4/4 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 22 PTS - 11 REB - 9/19 FG - 4/5 FT
Rudy Gay: 21 PTS - 2 REB - 3 AST - 8/14 FG - 5/6 FT
Ben McLemore: 17 PTS - 4 REB - 3 AST - 6/13 FG - 3/5 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Derrick Favors: 15 PTS - 13 REB - 4/10 FG - 7/8 FT
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Horford gets no help against Kings
Kings: 102
Hawks: 80

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 25 PTS - 12 REB - 10/16 FG - 5/5 FT
Derrick Favors: 19 PTS - 6 REB - 3 BLK - 9/15 FG - 1/2 FT
Rudy Gay: 18 PTS - 9 REB - 7/14 FG - 2/2 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Ben McLemore: 14 PTS - 5/8 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 3/4 FT

Atlanta Hawks Top Performers
Al Horford: 24 PTS - 10 REB - 11/22 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 1/4 FT
Kyle Korver: 10 PTS - 3/5 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Jeff Teague: 9 PTS - 5 AST - 3/10 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Jordan Sanders: 9 PTS - 6 REB - 4/8 FG - 1/1 3PT FG
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McLemore helps Kings hold off late rally
Kings: 121
Clippers: 111


Ben McLemore was in rhythm from everywhere on the court against the Clippers

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Ben McLemore: 29 PTS - 5 AST - 10/16 FG - 5/9 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Reggie Jackson: 18 PTS - 8 AST - 8/18 FG - 2/8 3PT FG
Demarcus Cousins: 18 PTS - 10 REB - 6 AST - 3 STL - 8/11 FG - 2/3 FT
Derrick Favors: 16 PTS - 8 REB - 3 AST - 7/11 FG - 2/3 FT
Rudy Gay: 16 PTS - 8 REB - 3 AST - 7/10 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 1/2 FT

Los Angeles Clippers Top Performers
J.J. Redick: 22 PTS - 10/17 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Blake Griffin: 21 PTS - 3 REB - 8/13 FG - 5/6 FT
Jamal Crawford: 19 PTS - 8/14 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Deandre Jordan: 12 PTS - 10 REB - 6/7 FG
Darren Collison: 11 PTS - 7 REB - 14 AST - 3/10 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
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Turner's 25 not enough for Celtics in OT
Kings: 113
Celtics: 107

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 24 PTS - 6 REB - 10/13 FG - 4/5 FT
Rudy Gay: 19 PTS - 6 REB - 5 AST - 5/14 FG - 2/8 3PT FG - 7/7 FT
Reggie Jackson: 18 PTS - 6 REB - 7 AST - 6/11 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 5/7 FT
Ben McLemore: 18 PTS - 6 REB - 3 AST - 6/13 FG - 2/6 3PT FG - 4/7 FT

Boston Celtics Top Performers
Evan Turner: 25 PTS - 7 REB - 9/14 FG - 3/4 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Avery Bradley: 18 PTS - 8/17 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Kelly Olynyk: 16 PTS - 10 REB - 8/12 FG
Marcus Smart: 15 PTS - 6 REB - 14 AST - 5/12 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 4/4 FT - 5 TO
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Williams, Martin step up against Utah
Kings: 101
Jazz: 97

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 20 PTS - 6 REB - 7/16 FG - 6/6 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 20 PTS - 15 REB - 8/17 FG - 4/6 FT
Derrick Williams: 17 PTS - 4 REB - 7/9 FG - 3/3 3PT FG - 17 MIN
Derrick Favors: 16 PTS - 9 REB - 8/14 FG
Julio Martin: 4 PTS - 12 AST (Career-High) - 1/3 FG - 2/2 FT - 19 MIN

Utah Jazz Top Performers
Gordon Hayward: 22 PTS - 4 REB - 3 AST - 8/19 FG - 2/7 3PT FG - 4/6 FT
Dante Exum: 14 PTS - 7 REB - 6 AST - 5/9 FG - 2/5 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Trevor Booker: 13 PTS - 4 REB - 6/9 FG - 1/2 FT - 17 MIN
Alec Burks: 13 PTS - 5 REB - 5/10 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
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Kings top Sixers, extend Philly's streak to 15
Kings: 101
Sixers: 94


Just one night after big performances against the Jazz, Derrick Williams and Julio Martin shined again

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 24 PTS - 14 REB - 10/17 FG - 4/6 FT
Derrick Williams: 18 PTS - 6 REB - 5/12 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 7/10 FG - 26 MIN
Reggie Jackson: 11 PTS - 6 AST - 5/9 FG - 1/1 FT
Rudy Gay: 10 PTS - 2 AST - 5/8 FG - 23 MIN
Julio Martin: 10 PTS - 7 AST - 4/8 FG - 2/3 FT - 19 MIN

Philadelphia 76ers Top Performers
Tony Wroten: 22 PTS - 8/17 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 5/5 FT
Byron Knight: 16 PTS - 2 AST - 7/19 FG - 0/5 3PT FG - 2/4 FT
Michael Carter-Williams: 14 PTS - 8 AST - 6/12 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Nerlens Noel: 11 PTS - 14 REB - 5/8 FG - 1/2 FT
--------------------------------------------------------------------


For the latest Kings
news, blogs, interviews,
and highlights.

RayMac suffers significant ankle sprain, will be shut down



The Sacramento Kings announced that G Ray McCallum suffered a severe ankle sprain during Saturday's contest against the Celtics and will be placed on the inactive list. He suffered the injury during the 4th quarter against Boston and did not return to the game. McCallum will be reevaluated in a month and his expected full recovery time is 4-6 weeks. He is averaging 4.6 PPG and 3.2 APG in 15.3 MPG this season.
--------------------------------------------------------------------

NBA Notes:
Kings win 5th straight, now 21-12 overall.
Cavaliers win 5th straight, now 18-15 overall.
Raptors win 5th straight, now 16-13 overall.
Rockets lose 5th straight, now 18-13 overall.
Sixers lose 15th straight, now 4-30 overall.

NBA Injury Updates:
Thunder F Serge Ibaka out 4-6 weeks with Broken Leg.
Pacers C Ian Mahinmi out 1-2 weeks with Sprained Knee.

NBA Transactions:
Grizzlies extend G Courtney Lee with 2yr/$6.57M deal.
Grizzlies extend G Mike Conley with 3yr/$35.05M deal.

Last edited by Vespasian92 on Sat Apr 11, 2015 9:18 am, edited 1 time in total.

December Summary
Not funny anymore


What once was a running joke and source of humor to all around the NBA has now become a pitiful story that few laugh at. It's not funny anymore. The Philadelphia 76ers have lost 15 straight games and are 4-30 on the year. 34 games in the books, the Sixers are mathematically on pace for a 9.6 win season. Winning 10 games would be an overachievement. The franchise takes criticism for supposedly tanking to get lottery picks (of which they still have plenty), and there is no way to deny it now. This losing culture certainly takes its toll on the fans in Philadelphia, but the effect on the players probably can't be understood. Take Michael Carter-Williams for example. A former ROY winner with a bright enough future, but now he seems doomed with the Sixers. 2nd overall selection Byron Knight is slowly taking away MCW's minutes and seems to be the PG of the future in the athletic Rose/Westbrook mold and Carter-Williams is being cast-off as too old for the Sixers' young core. Only in Philadelphia is a 24-year-old former ROY in his third season too old. But all the other core pieces are younger, like Embiid, Noel, and Grant (21), Wroten and McDaniels (22), and rookies Knight, Miller, and Washburn (22). With his minutes eroding and his value unappreciated, MCW would doubtless welcome a departure from the NBA hell that he is in right now.



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For the latest Kings
news, blogs, interviews,
and highlights. Kings Month in Review

Kings hoping newfound bench can help keep their hot start going
Julio Martin and Quincy Acy have developed a good chemistry with each other off the bench

The lack of consistent reserves has been as much of a story for the Kings as their hot start and quality starting unit. Free agent signings Jonas Jerebko and Jeff Taylor have been underwhelming, so much so that Taylor was traded away. With Ray McCallum shooting under 40% and now set to miss time with an ankle injury, the team has searched up and down their bench for production and just found some.

Derrick Williams was resigned by the team in the offseason specifically for his ability to break out for big games. But he failed to do so for most of the season so far, mustering just 4 double-figure scoring games in the first 29 games of the year. But in the last two against the Jazz and the Sixers, D-Thrill returned with a vengeance. Williams scored 17 points in just 17 minutes against Utah, including a perfect 3/3 from behind the arc. He followed it up with 18 more against Philadelphia and has Kings' fans believing in his abilities again.

Quincy Acy's game seems to be limited to hustle plays and rebounding, or so an outside perspective would tell you. But Quincy has improved his overall game by working to add a 3PT shot and developing his scoring touch inside. His motor and work ethic make him deserving of an increased role, and at the end of November he got his first extended minutes of the year against the Rockets and hasn't looked back. Since the 27th of November, Acy has played at least 15 minutes in every game. While he isn't a prolific scorer, Acy has 5 double-figure games in that span. He also secured at least 4 rebounds in all but one game. He sets good screens and is athletic enough to be a recipient on the roll or on the fast break when he runs the floor. He has developed a good on-court relationship with rookie guard Julio Martin and gives his point guard easy assists with his finishes inside or face-up jumpers on pick-and-pop plays.

Julio Martin didn't receive a lot of playing time during the first month of the season, considering he was playing behind Reggie Jackson and Ray McCallum. His lack of perimeter shooting was another liability on a team that lacks 3PT threats overall. But with the surprising success of Rudy Gay and Derrick Williams, along with Ben McLemore's improvement over his early-season shooting struggles, Martin began seeing the floor more often. But now the recent injury to Ray McCallum has swung the door wide open for the rookie, whether the team is ready for him to step into that role or not. Playing 19 minutes in each of the last two games in McCallum's absence, Martin answered with a 12-assist game against Utah and a 10-7 effort against the Sixers. His defense and playmaking are already average or above-average for an NBA lead guard and he played to his strengths while on the floor. In particular, he is effective in the pick-and-roll and has a high comfort level when running it with fellow reserve Quincy Acy. Another bonus is that he rarely turns it over. On the season, Martin has accumulated 40 assists and just 9 turnovers for an AST/TOratio of a very impressive 4.8. It's far too early to tell if Martin can develop into the next great playmaking guard in the league, but the Kings must be pleased with what they have seen from their rookie so far.

Deron's 27 helps Nets outgun Kings in 4th
Nets: 116
Kings: 113


Thanks to impressive per minute stats, Kostas Lekic earned more playing time and took advantage tonight, including this shot at the end of the 3rd

Brooklyn Nets Top Performers
Deron Williams: 27 PTS - 8 AST - 11/17 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 4/5 FT
Brook Lopez: 20 PTS - 9 REB - 9/15 FG - 2/2 FT
Bojan Bogdanovic: 18 PTS - 8 REB - 8/17 FG - 2/6 3PT FG
Mirza Teletovic: 14 PTS - 10 REB - 6 AST - 6/7 FG - 2/2 3PT FG

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Ben McLemore: 22 PTS - 9/18 FG - 4/9 3PT FG
Demarcus Cousins: 17 PTS - 15 REB - 4/11 FG - 9/11 FT
Rudy Gay: 16 PTS - 2 REB - 7/14 FG - 2/2 FT
Kostas Lekic: 16 PTS (Career-High) - 6/9 FG - 4/6 3PT FG - 14 MIN
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Hawks stifle Cousins, top Kings
Hawks: 92
Kings: 79

Atlanta Hawks Top Performers
Jeff Teague: 14 PTS - 5 REB - 2 AST - 7/15 FG
Kyle Korver: 13 PTS - 5 REB - 4/5 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 3/3 FT
Ersan Ilyasova: 13 PTS - 3 REB - 5/12 FG - 3/4 FT
Al Horford: 12 PTS - 15 REB - 4/12 FG - 4/8 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Derrick Favors: 14 PTS - 4 REB - 4 BLK - 5/11 FG - 4/4 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 13 PTS - 14 REB - 2/12 FG - 9/10 FT
Ben McLemore: 12 PTS - 3 REB - 2 AST - 5/11 FG - 2/5 3PT FG
Rudy Gay: 10 PTS - 6 REB - 4 AST - 4/11 FG - 2/4 3PT FG
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Bledsoe has 30 to give Kings 3rd straight loss
Suns: 113
Kings: 104

Phoenix Suns Top Performers
Eric Bledsoe: 30 PTS - 4 REB - 7 AST - 13/19 FG - 2/6 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Miles Plumlee: 19 PTS - 9 REB - 9/14 FG - 1/2 FT
Markieff Morris: 15 PTS - 7 REB - 7/13 FG - 1/1 3PT FG
Joel Richmond: 12 PTS - 2 REB - 5/9 FG - 2/2 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 20 PTS - 9 REB - 10/16 FG
Rudy Gay: 18 PTS - 5 REB - 3 AST - 5/9 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 7/10 FT
Reggie Jackson: 15 PTS - 10 AST - 5/10 FG - 3/4 3PT FG - 2/3 FT
Quincy Acy: 13 PTS - 8 REB - 6/10 FG - 1/2 3PT FG
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Kings dominate glass against Mavericks
Kings: 114
Mavericks: 97


Kostas Lekic followed up a 16-point game against Brooklyn with 14 points tonight

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 23 PTS - 13 REB - 10/15 FG - 3/3 FT
Ben McLemore: 21 PTS - 3 REB - 5 AST - 7/13 FG - 3/6 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Rudy Gay: 19 PTS - 5 REB - 4 AST - 7/11 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Kostas Lekic: 14 PTS - 5/8 FG - 4/6 3PT FG - 16 MIN

Dallas Mavericks Top Performers
Dirk Nowtizki: 19 PTS - 4 REB - 8/14 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Al-Farouq Aminu: 17 PTS - 3 REB - 8/13 FG - 1/4 3PT FG
Devin Harris: 15 PTS - 6 AST - 5/11 FG - 1/5 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Tyson Chandler: 8 PTS - 6 REB - 4/5 FG
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Beal helps Wizards to 37 points and comeback in 4th
Wizards: 113
Kings: 104

Washington Wizards Top Performers
Bradley Beal: 42 PTS - 3 REB - 3 AST - 16/25 FG - 4/6 3PT FG - 6/8 FT
Darius Thompson: 19 PTS - 8 REB - 8 AST - 7/12 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
John Wall: 16 PTS - 12 AST - 7/15 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Marcin Gortat: 6 PTS - 7 REB - 3/3 FG

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 25 PTS - 5 REB - 10/17 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 23 PTS - 14 REB - 9/15 FG - 5/7 FT
Ben McLemore: 14 PTS - 5/14 FG - 4/10 3PT FG
Reggie Jackson: 13 PTS - 18 AST - 5/9 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 2/4 FT
--------------------------------------------------------------------

NBA Notes:
Bulls win 8th straight, now 33-6 overall.
Mavericks lose 6th straight, now 13-26 overall.
76ers beat Rockets 131-101, end losing streak at 17 games.

NBA Injury Updates:

NBA Transactions:
Sixers dismiss Stan Van Gundy, hire Byron Scott as Head Coach.

Last edited by Vespasian92 on Sat Apr 11, 2015 9:18 am, edited 1 time in total.

Thunder fall to Kings in costly game
Kings: 116
Thunder: 113


All of OKC groaned as Durant went down after driving to the rim

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 27 PTS - 4 REB - 5 AST - 11/18 FG - 5/7 3PT FG
Ben McLemore: 25 PTS - 3 REB - 6 AST - 10/22 FG - 4/10 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 20 PTS - 19 REB - 8/14 FG - 4/4 FT
Derrick Favors: 12 PTS - 8 REB - 4 STL - 3 BLK - 4/5 FG - 4/6 FT

Oklahoma City Thunder Top Performers
Isaiah Thomas: 31 PTS - 5 AST - 13/23 FG - 4/6 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Russell Westbrook: 30 PTS - 4 REB - 4 AST - 12/22 FG - 1/6 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Jeremy Lamb: 18 PTS - 3 REB - 5 AST - 7/14 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 2/3 FT
Kevin Durant: 10 PTS - 4/6 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 9 MIN
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Jennings shines for Pistons in win
Pistons: 113
Kings: 116

Detroit Pistons Top Performers
Brandon Jennings: 34 PTS - 5 REB - 8 AST - 12/18 FG - 3/3 3PT FG - 7/8 FT
Greg Monroe: 22 PTS - 13 REB - 8/12 FG - 6/8 FT
Wesley Matthews: 16 PTS - 3 REB - 3 AST - 7/18 FG - 2/7 3PT FG
Andre Drummond: 5 PTS - 11 REB - 2/6 FG - 1/2 FT - 32 MIN - 6 FLS

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Rudy Gay: 19 PTS - 5 REB - 4 AST - 5/11 FG - 4/6 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Demarcus Cousins: 17 PTS - 16 REB - 5/16 FG - 7/8 FT
Ben McLemore: 16 PTS - 3 REB - 6/10 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Julio Martin: 14 PTS - 8 AST - 4/9 FG - 6/8 FT - 22 MIN
Kostas Lekic: 12 PTS - 4/6 3PT FG - 14 MIN
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Klay out-duels Cousins but Kings escape with win
Kings: 110
Warriors: 108


With Derrick Favors ineffective due to fouls, Quincy Acy stepped up down the stretch

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 25 PTS - 23 REB - 11/20 FG - 3/5 FT
Ben McLemore: 18 PTS - 7/12 FG - 4/6 3PT FG
Rudy Gay: 16 PTS - 10 REB - 5/9 FG - 6/6 FT
Quincy Acy: 14 PTS - 4 REB - 5/11 FG - 4/4 FT
Julio Martin: 10 PTS - 8 AST - 3/6 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 3/3 FT - 23 MIN

Golden State Warriors Top Performers
Klay Thompson: 38 PTS - 7 REB - 8 AST - 15/28 FG - 3/6 3PT FG - 5/5 FT
Stephen Curry: 26 PTS - 2 AST - 11/21 FG - 3/8 3PT FG - 1/1 FT
Andre Igoudala: 15 PTS - 6/8 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
David Lee: 12 PTS - 6 REB - 6/16 FG
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Kings defense continues to struggle in rout
Raptors: 131
Kings: 109

Toronto Raptors Top Performers
Demar Derozan: 33 PTS - 7 AST - 13/22 FG - 1/6 3PT FG - 6/6 FT
Terrence Ross: 29 PTS - 12/18 FG - 3/7 3PT FG - 2/3 FT
Kyle Lowry: 23 PTS - 7 REB - 13 AST - 8/18 FG - 3/3 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Patrick Patterson: 13 PTS - 10 REB - 6/9 FG - 1/3 3PT FG

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Ben McLemore: 14 PTS - 5/14 FG - 3/11 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Julio Martin: 14 PTS - 10 AST - 5/8 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 3/4 FT - 28 MIN
Demarcus Cousins: 13 PTS - 14 REB - 6/13 FG - 1/1 FT
Rudy Gay: 11 PTS - 4/10 FG - 1/4 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
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Dubious streak of 30+ scorers continues with Melo's 48
Knicks: 119
Kings: 110


Kostas Lekic led a 4th quarter rally for the Kings bench with 4 triples, all of which were assisted by Martin

New York Knicks Top Performers
Carmelo Anthony: 48 PTS - 4 REB - 22/38 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 3/3 FT - 6 TO
Tim Hardaway Jr.: 19 PTS - 6/8 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 5/6 FT
Shane Larkin: 10 PTS - 9 AST - 3/7 FG - 1/1 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Amare Stoudemire: 9 PTS - 15 REB - 4/6 FG - 1/1 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 23 PTS - 10 REB - 8/19 FG - 7/8 FT
Rudy Gay: 20 PTS - 3 REB - 7/9 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 5/5 FT
Ben McLemore: 19 PTS - 8/9 FG - 3/4 3PT FG
Kostas Lekic: 12 PTS - 2 REB - 3 AST - 2 STL - 4/6 3PT FG - 19 MIN
Julio Martin: 6 PTS - 10 AST - 3/8 FG - 25 MIN
Reggie Jackson: 6 PTS - 6 AST - 2/10 FG - 2/2 FT
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NBA Notes:
Grizzlies win 6th straight, now 25-18 overall.
Manu Ginobli announces plans to retire after this season.
Jason Richardson announces plans to retire after this season.

NBA Injury Updates:
Thunder F Kevin Durant out 2-4 weeks with Humerus Fracture.
Clippers F Blake Griffin out 4-6 weeks with Foot Stress Fracture.
Pelicans G Jimmer Fredette out 6-8 weeks with Broken Arm.

NBA Transactions:

Last edited by Vespasian92 on Sat Apr 11, 2015 9:18 am, edited 1 time in total.

For the latest Kings
news, blogs, interviews,
and highlights.

Martin expected to start against the Lakers in L.A.
On paper, many would say that replacing Jackson with a lower-usage playmaker is overdue for the Kings

Few can deny Reggie Jackson's ability to create offense for himself from the lead guard position. But many debate if such players can be starting NBA point guards. The fact is that the Russell Westbrooks, Damian Lillards, John Walls, and Derrick Roses of the league are beyond your usual athletic score-first point guards. Their teams are built around them and rely on their brash and fearless style to put up points. Jackson certainly fits that mold, but the Kings aren't build like the Thunder or Wizards. Portland has Aldridge and Rose has Gasol and Noah, but the rest of the teams don't have any elite low-post threats. The Wizards run pick-and-rolls with Wall, the Thunder space the floor for Westbrook, the Cavs let Kyrie run the show, and the Suns have given the keys back to Bledsoe after trading Dragic.

The presence of Demarcus Cousins and Derrick Favors suggest that a half-court game is the best option for the Kings, as would a steady pass-first floor general. Add Rudy Gay and a rapidly improving Ben McLemore, and the Kings have 4 players in their starting lineup who can put up points if called upon. Having the score-first Jackson as the 5th starter can make shots somewhat hard to come by. It has been Ben McLemore and Derrick Favors who sacrifice their touches, but McLemore especially deserves his fair share. In the past 14 games, McLemore has averaged 16.5 PPG and 43% from three. These are up from his season numbers of 14.0 PPG and 35%. So how has McLemore gotten more shots?

It was almost a perfect storm for change in the Kings backcourt when Ray McCallum went down with an ankle injury on December 26th. In the 12 games since, Reggie Jackson was asked to make a concerted effort to shoot less and pass more in order to help share the shot attempts. But surprisingly, his efficiency plummeted during that stretch. 9.2 PPG and 6.7 APG on just 39% FG and 21% 3PT FG. In all fairness, Jackson is at his best when he is looking to score. If he has shackles put on his aggressiveness, he isn't nearly the same player.

In those same 12 games, rookie Julio Martin absorbed McCallum's minutes off the bench and performed very well. 8.5 PPG and 7.7 APG on 41% shooting. The best part of Martin's contributions during this stretch might be just 1.9 TO every night and a AST/TO ratio of over 4. To compare, Jackson's ratio on the season is 2.56. The rookie's 41% mark from the field isn't inspiring on its own, but he knows his limitations and shoots less (5.5 FGA) than Reggie (9.65 FGA) does.

The Kings have struggled to find a reliable bench threat to provide firepower on a consistent basis for most of the year. Their production by committee approach has gotten a boost from Quincy Acy and Kostas Lekic, but neither are a go-to scoring option as a potential 6th man, at least not yet. Switching Martin and Jackson in the starting lineup makes perfect sense for both the starters and the bench. Martin can give the frontcourt trio and McLemore more shots, and Jackson can give the bench the spark it needs. Instead of being seen as a demotion, letting Jackson come off the bench simply removes the handcuffs the coaches put on him. Let Reggie be Reggie. The main question about the lineup change is if the rookie is ready to be a starting point guard after just 24 games in the NBA.

Last edited by Vespasian92 on Sat Apr 11, 2015 9:18 am, edited 1 time in total.

Cousins carries the load for Kings in L.A.
Kings: 107
Lakers: 99


Derrick Williams knew how to finish a lob pass from the team's new starting point guard

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 29 PTS - 11 REB - 5 STL - 12/19 FG - 5/5 FT
Rudy Gay: 15 PTS - 5/8 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Ben McLemore: 15 PTS - 3 REB - 3 AST - 3 STL - 5/11 FG - 3/6 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Reggie Jackson: 11 PTS - 3 AST - 3/9 FG - 5/5 FT - 16 MIN
Julio Martin: 10 PTS - 9 AST - 3/8 FG - 1/3 3PT FG - 3/4 FT - 32 MIN (1st Career Start)

Los Angeles Lakers Top Performers
Nick Young: 22 PTS - 3 REB - 8/16 FG - 3/5 3PT FG - 3/3 FT
Jordan Hill: 17 PTS - 8 REB - 8/11 FG - 1/2 FT
Kobe Bryant: 16 PTS - 5 REB - 6 AST - 8/12 FG
Ed Davis: 12 PTS - 9 REB - 6/11 FG
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Acy adds 15 and 7 in solid home win
Kings: 115
Nuggets: 98


Quincy's improving perimeter game showed tonight with two makes from downtown

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 21 PTS - 10 REB - 8/13 FG - 5/5 FT
Quincy Acy: 15 PTS - 7 REB - 6/9 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 1/1 FT - 19 MIN
Ben McLemore: 15 PTS - 6/12 FG - 3/5 3PT FG
Julio Martin: 15 PTS - 8 AST - 5/9 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Rudy Gay: 10 PTS - 3 REB - 4/7 FG - 2/2 3PT FG

Denver Nuggets Top Performers
Aaron Afflalo: 20 PTS - 8/20 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 2/3 FT
Ty Lawson: 12 PTS - 4 REB - 7 AST - 5/13 FG - 2/2 FT - 7 TO
Danilo Gallinari: 11 PTS - 8 REB - 4/10 FG - 3/4 FT
J.J. Hickson: 10 PTS - 7 REB - 5/7 FG
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Cousins' 20-20 falls short in Utah
Jazz: 92
Kings: 85

Utah Jazz Top Performers
Danny Green: 19 PTS - 4 REB - 7/14 FG - 5/9 3PT FG
Gordon Hayward: 16 PTS - 4 REB - 6/17 FG - 2/7 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Dante Exum: 15 PTS - 5 REB - 7 AST - 6/15 FG - 2/6 3PT FG - 1/3 FT
Alec Burks: 13 PTS - 6/13 FG - 1/3 3PT FG

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 20 PTS - 20 REB - 7/16 FG - 6/6 FT
Reggie Jackson: 17 PTS - 6 AST - 6/10 FG - 3/3 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Ben McLemore: 11 PTS - 2 REB - 5/10 FG - 1/3 3PT FG
Julio Martin: 8 PTS - 6 AST - 4/10 FG
Rudy Gay: 7 PTS - 8 REB - 3 AST - 3 STL - 2/5 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
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Kings let Conley drive Grizzlies to win
Grizzlies: 114
Kings: 100

Memphis Grizzlies Top Performers
Mike Conley: 31 PTS - 6 REB - 6 AST - 12/16 FG - 3/4 3PT FG - 4/4 FT
Zach Randolph: 23 PTS - 12 REB - 10/16 FG - 3/5 FT
Marc Gasol: 14 PTS - 11 REB - 5 AST - 6/17 FG - 2/2 FT
Courtney Lee: 13 PTS - 3/4 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 6/6 FT

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Ben McLemore: 23 PTS - 8/16 FG - 4/9 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Rudy Gay: 18 PTS - 3 AST - 8/12 FG - 2/5 3PT FG
Reggie Jackson: 11 PTS - 2/5 FG - 1/2 3PT FG - 6/7 FT - 16 MIN
Demarcus Cousins: 10 PTS - 13 REB - 5/13 FG
Julio Martin: 10 PTS - 7 AST - 5/8 FG
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Seven Kings score in double-figures in balanced win
Kings: 118
Pelicans: 105


Quincy Acy continues to prove he deserves his increased minutes

Sacramento Kings Top Performers
Demarcus Cousins: 18 PTS - 19 REB - 7/16 FG - 4/4 FT
Rudy Gay: 18 PTS - 2 REB - 7/13 FG - 2/3 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Quincy Acy: 16 PTS - 2 REB - 2 BLK - 5/10 FG - 3/6 3PT FG - 3/4 FT
Julio Martin: 15 PTS - 8 AST - 3 STL - 5/8 FG - 5/6 FT
Derrick Favors: 13 PTS - 13 REB - 3 BLK - 4/5 FG - 5/8 FT

New Orleans Pelicans Top Performers
Jrue Holiday: 27 PTS - 5 REB - 6 AST - 12/20 FG - 2/4 3PT FG - 1/2 FT
Anthony Davis: 20 PTS - 11 REB - 9/13 FG - 2/2 FT
Ryan Anderson: 13 PTS - 10 REB - 4/6 FG - 3/5 3PT FG - 2/2 FT
Eric Gordon: 11 PTS - 3/13 FG - 5/8 FT
-------------------------------------------------------------------

NBA Notes:
Grizzlies win 10th straight, now 29-18 overall.
Bulls win 7th straight, now 42-7 overall.
Warriors lose 6th straight, now 18-29 overall.

NBA Injury Updates:
Jazz G Toure Murray out for Season with Torn Achilles.

NBA Transactions:

Washington Wizards trade: Alvin Pope
New Orleans Pelicans trade: Patric Young

Last edited by Vespasian92 on Sat Apr 11, 2015 9:19 am, edited 1 time in total.