October 18, 2005 ...The Kings lost at home to Denver tonight. ...Still preseason so no biggie but there were some issues for Sacramento. Jason Hart was hurt in the closing seconds of the game. A hip pointer was the early diagnosis. I was also disappointed in the recognition by the Kings. Voshon Lenard is a poor defender—and I would also put rookie Linas Kleiza in that class until he proves otherwise. Yet the Kings did not go at those two nearly as many times as they could have. When they did post Bonzi Wells vs. Lenard the result was a bucket for Sac. Francisco Garcia took four shots that were way too quick. That is four possessions. ...The Kings inside defense is still very weak. Teams know to just take it right to the rim vs. Sacramento. Earl Boykins did just that to close the first quarter—although he missed an easy shot.  ...Mike Bibby rushed a shot at the close of the half that left way too much time on the clock. Ultimately it cost the Kings as Denver beat the clock for a basket that had to be reviewed.  ...Kleiza might be a player if he develops a consistent outside shot. I see him as a power forward at present but if he is to stick in the league he’ll need to be a three. ...I thought these Kings played well: Wells, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Brad Miller, Kenny Thomas, Brian Skinner, and Corliss Williamson. ...Kevin Martin was especially horrible tonight and I still think that backup shooting guard is a big question mark for Sacramento. I just don’t think you can play Martin any real NBA minutes given his present (non) efficiency. He is turnover prone. ...DerMarr Johnson was impressive tonight. He put the ball on the floor much more than he used to. He already has a buttery set shot—so imagine when this 6’9” guy gains some confidence. I like his upside. ...I love Andre Miller because even on a night when he shoots poorly—he doesn’t go in the tank and have a bad game. He led the Nuggs in rebounds and assists. ...I was impressed with Earl Watson’s defensive intensity. ...Carmelo Anthony was good. He carried the Nuggets offense on a night when Kenyon Martin, Nene, and Marcus Camby did not play. Lenard had a good offensive night as well. ...ARCO Arena has really become a soulless place when it comes to music. The hard rock guitar and drums irritates me. Basketball is a soulful game. There are brilliant upbeat soulful songs to choose from but we get the same tired anthem guitar riffs. The handful of hip-hop beats they play when the Kings are on offense are really the only signs of urban flavor.  ...Kudos to the Sacramento Bee for the new Marty Mac’s World column. I love it. Martin McNeal knows the NBA; making him one of a handful of NBA media members we really respect. ...I was saddened to hear of the passing of Bill King. The legendary play-by-play man represented the Bay Area for more than 20 years in the NBA, Major League Baseball, and the NFL. I have always worked in “Holy Toledo” when I’m doing my auto racing gigs. King was unquestionably an influence on my father Gary as well. As a kid I recall my Dad and his KCRA intern-turned-sportscaster John Malos would imitate King calling A’s and Raiders games. “The Ghost to the post!” they would exclaim after a Dave Casper touchdown. King’s enthusiasm and passion are two traits I think every good announcer must possess. Words like ‘bedlam’, and ‘pandemonium’ were a part of my vocabulary at a young age because of Bill King.

 

October 16, 2005 ...Preseason game #3 for Sacramento was tonight at ARCO. We watched the Kings roll the Warriors who were playing without Jason Richardson. Sacramento looked much stronger than they did five nights ago when they opened the exhibition campaign in a loss to Dallas. ...They played well: Bonzi Wells, Peja Stojakovic, Kenny Thomas, Francisco Garcia, Kevin Martin, Corliss Williamson, Brian Skinner, Jason Hart, and Brad Miller. ...Warriors that balled were Baron Davis, Adonal Foyle, and Ray Young. ...I like Andris Biedrins but his free throw stroke is going to be an issue for him. It was painful to watch. ...Corliss Williamson (I am stating the obvious) can really post-up. Along with his professionalism and toughness, his back-to-the-basket game is why he makes the big dough.

 

October 12, 2005 …Caught the Kings preseason opener tonight at ARCO Arena in Sacramento, CA. The Kings played poorly and were smacked by Dallas. Several thoughts. Dallas took the ball right to the rim against the Kings horrendous interior defense. ...Rookie Francisco Garcia made himself into a spot shooter for the night going against his own strengths. Which are? Playing defense with his great length, driving to the basket, creating, and running. Garcia can make plays, I am sure of that after watching him many times at Louisville. He looked like a raw rookie Tuesday night. ...Josh Howard and Marquis Daniels reinforced in my mind how tremendous their mid-range games are. ...Jason Hart applies good ball pressure. ...Bonzi Wells did not have a good Sac debut but he wasn’t the only one who struggled. Mike Bibby, Peja Stojakovic, Kevin Martin, and Corliss Williamson all had bad games. Martin had four steals but also four turnovers. Those who played well for the Kings were Kenny Thomas, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, and Brian Skinner. The Sacramento roster is in need of a Center. Sac’s best success came with Miller playing Power Forward while Vlade Divac was a Center. ...Parking at ARCO is now $10. The principle of having to pay to park at an already expensive event seems shady to me. I understand the bottom-line helps pay these NBA players but DAMN. $10 just to have the privilege to park on your grounds? Maybe it’s time for NBA players to take a pay cut.  Starting games at 7PM gives the average working person less time to eat dinner before the game.  The result is more folks buying food from the overpriced concession stands. ...The new Kings ‘Gold Standard’ color is hideous. The alternate uniform is easily the ugliest in the NBA and the worst jersey since the green Hawks throwbacks. ......Elsewhere in the NBA. Tyson Chandler looks like a man suddenly. Remember when Jermaine O’Neal went from high-school kid to a real NBA man? That is what is happening with the 21 year-old Chandler. He is a monster in the making. ...Baron Davis did a circus dribble, fast break , complete with an off the backboard pass to Jason Richardson for a dunk that was sicker than any play I saw last season. The Warriors have sold over 3,000 new season tickets for the 2005-06 season in Oakland.