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The
Baseline Spin—By Bobby Gerould April
29, 2005 ...Just back from ARCO Arena where the Kings made it
a series with their first win vs. the Sonics’ two. Rick Adelman did not use a
true Center in his lineup except for a handful of Brian Skinner minutes. The
Kings prevailed anyhow. I didn’t think the Kings played well enough to win if
the game were in Seattle. Obviously to take the series Sacramento will need
to win on Seattle’s home floor. Jerome James hurt the Kings again tonight
with offensive rebounds, and ‘all you can eat’ post play. The Kings doubled
teamed him once and forced a miss. Critically, I thought Cuttino Mobley took
too many quick shots, although he did provide
a spark by making some bad shots. He played strong defense with the
exception of a case of just not putting a hand up in Ray Allen’s face (as if
it mattered). Ray Allen is nuts. He hits everything. ...Corliss Williamson
scrapped hard for the ball and I appreciated that. April 28, 2005 ...The Kings are down 2-0 in the
first round of the NBA Playoffs to the Sonics. My thoughts? No need to panic.
I believe you need to have a Center (shot blocker) on the floor in the NBA.
The Kings have two on their roster in Brian Skinner and Greg Ostertag. Brad
Miller is not a shot blocker, he is a FOUR. NBA teams know to go to the hoop
vs. Sacramento which is why it is imperative in my mind that the Kings must
have either Skinner or Ostertag on the floor. Miller should give way for a
few minutes to Darius Songaila or Kenny Thomas. Corliss Williamson is not a
small forward and therefore should be out of the mix because he is the fourth
PF on the Kings current roster. I think Mo Evans is a shooting guard - so
Peja Stojakovic at the Three really has no backup. Play Peja 48 minutes. I see Mike Bibby as
the only real point guard. I like Bobby Jackson as the best TWO guard
followed by Cuttino Mobley, Eddie House, then Evans. So to review...Bibby,
Bobby, and Mobley as a three guard rotation. Lots of Peja. Lots of Miller at
the FOUR, spelled by Songaila (or K. Thomas), and Skinner at Center, relieved
by Ostertag. That is a nine man rotation with House, Williamson, and either
K. Thomas or Songaila sitting. ...Also, I think Darius in the post is a good
thing. He either scores, draws a foul, or makes a good pass. ...Mobley
bringing the ball up is a bad idea. He was horrible in Game Two. ...The
Chicago Bulls look like NCAA runner-up Illinois with their three guard lineup
of Chris Duhon, Ben Gordon, and Kirk Hinrich. April 22, 2005 ...Greetings.
NBA Playoffs begin Saturday—and in the East, I see Miami, Philly, Boston, and
Washington as first round winners. I like Miami over Washington in round two.
I see Boston & Philly in a classic seven game series—with Boston getting
a slight edge because of their tremendous depth. Miami wacks Boston and wins
the Eastern Conference championship. ...Skinny, Tayshaun Prince played in all
82 games for the Pistons. Ben Wallace did not. In Denver it was Earl Boykins
who played all 82, not Kenyon Martin. ...Vince Carter and Jason Kidd form one
of the best back courts in NBA history but the Nets front line is not good
enough in my opinion. Jason Collins’ college efficiency has not translated to
the NBA yet—and Nened Kristic is still a few years away from impacting the
Association. ...In the West I see the Kings handling the Sonics as long as
Sacramento uses their depth. ...I like
Dallas over Houston, Phoenix to sweep Memphis. I give San Antonio a real
chance to be upset by Denver—but ultimately I believe the Spurs will prevail.
I see the Suns rolling over Dallas in round two. I think if Brad Miller is
healthy by round two—the Kings can take San Antonio to seven games. But again
I’ll take the Spurs. That sets up a Phoenix, San Antonio Western Final. I’ll
take Phoenix. I think Miami will win a game, but Phoenix cuts down the nets
at NBA champs! April 14, 2005 ...Bracey
Wright, Anthony Roberson, and Rashad McCants all declared for the NBA draft.
McCants is the best prospect amongst the three. But Roberson and Wright could
both be NBA players if they land in the right situation. Wright is a gifted
athlete that can score with anyone. NBA coaching I believe will make him
immediately more efficient. Also, Wright played as the primary scorer on an
Indiana team without an inside presence which may be why he only shot 40%
from the field for his career at IU.
...Roberson of Florida is a determined point guard that can score. I
like his toughness, and mid-range game. He has great quickness, and ball
handling skill. ...North Carolina’s McCants is just a cold blooded scorer. He
has explosion in his game. He can post up, or hit a three. He finishes
alley-oops and hits the offensive glass. McCants will be a good scoring guard
in the NBA. |