December 31, 2005 ...Kevin Martin is playing the best basketball of his brief career. The Kings scorer has now proven to me that he DOES deserve quality time in the NBA. I had previously thought he was unfit for such minutes. ...The Kings beat Boston tonight at ARCO. If I were Doc Rivers—I would play Al Jefferson as many minutes as possible. The kid is a star and Doc doesn’t seem to know this yet. ...My present poster child for needing to be in the NBA is Spencer Nelson. The Utah State grad is setting records on his Euro League team. Playing for Bamberg (Germany), Nelson was the MVP for week 8 of their season. In his most recent game, a win over Benetton—Nelson busted 23 points and grabbed a Euro League season high 20 rebounds. He also had seven assists, and three steals. He is 25 years old and ready to help an NBA team.

 

December 11, 2005 ...Six weeks into the NBA season. Your BasslineSpin.com All-Stars: East Guards.  Dwyane Wade, Allen Iverson, Chauncey Billups, Vince Carter. Forwards: Paul Pierce, Lebron James, Chris Bosh, Drew Gooden, Dwight Howard, Richard Jefferson. Centers: Jermaine O’Neal, Zydrunas Ilgauskas. WEST Guards: Steve Nash, Manu Ginobili, Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul. Forwards: Tim Duncan, Elton Brand, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, Shawn Marion. Centers: Marcus Camby, Yao Ming, Brad Miller. ...

 

December 4, 2005 Only the words of the great philosopher Alf could sum up the Kings 7-10 record. “Me thinkith that stinkith”, the TV character once said. ...The Kings lost at home tonight to Minnesota. ...Rodney White is another free agent I thought of that could maybe help Sacramento. White has a suspect reputation but he can put the ball in the hole. He can handle the ball, and shoot. He plays no defense. ...Matt Barnes was waived by the Knicks. His athleticism and point-forward skills couldn’t hurt either.

 

 

December 2, 2005 ...Miami spanked the Kings at ARCO tonight. The Heat, without Shaquille O’Neal, beat Sac with the inside defensive presence of Alonzo Mourning. He had seven rejections and changed several shots. It was amazing to watch. `Zo, a couple years back, would get so tired he could barely raise his arms to play defense. Now, after a kidney transplant, Mourning seems to have energy to match his considerable heart. I am happy for him. ...I am starting to question my own analysis of Jason Hart. I thought he was at a point in his young career where he could provide enough offense to match his defensive intensity. Without some O from Jason, the Kings have stagnant stretches where the bench just doesn't score well. I am not giving up on Hart at all but it is imperative that he brings some scoring to the party. Tonight in eleven minutes he did not score. I thought Shareef struggled tonight. Mourning was a big part of that. Shots that are dunks or easy gimmes for Shareef were erased by Zo. ...Peja was extremely inefficient. Bibby struggled. The Kings are 7-9. ...The Kings might need to tighten up to a Bibby, Wells, Garcia, three-guard rotation. Peja could be backed up by Kenny Thomas. Shareef, Brad Miller, and Brian Skinner could be the three-man rotation at PF, and Center. ...Is there anyone who could help the Kings from the world of free agency? I believe in point guard Blake Stepp enough to think he could be helping the Kings. Kasib Powell as well. Spencer Nelson’s passing ability would fit the Kings offense perfectly. ...I have no problem admitting it when I screw up. I was too hard on the New Orleans Hornets. They also helped themselves greatly with a  good trade. Getting Desmond Mason for Jamal Magloire was a good deal for the backcourt productivity. Chris Paul—so far– has been better than I thought he would be, and finally I didn’t expect David West to suddenly show the form he did at Xavier. I have liked (borderline loved) West since his Musketeer days but a sprained knee last season had him playing like someone I didn’t recognize.