Scouting the Enemy: Sacramento Kings
By Eric He
Before every game, Blue Man Hoop will “scout the enemy” by doing Q&As with people familiar with the opposing team.
As the Warriors get set to play the Sacramento Kings to open up the NBA season in a little less than 12 hours, it’s time to preview the game by scouting the enemy. Our thanks to Vince Miracle of Golden Gate Sports, who was kind enough to answer five questions about the Kings and the upcoming game:
1) What major additions and subtractions did the Kings make this offseason?
If you are talking about major subtractions from this Kings team, then you are talking about losing the 5’9″ point guard who scored 20 points on a nightly basis: Isaiah Thomas. Losing Thomas could have a major impact on the play of Rudy Gay. With no one on Sacramento’s roster- other than DeMarcus Cousins– able to take shots aside from Rudy, Gay’s efficiency could take a major hit.
The biggest addition to this team would actually not be a player. The biggest addition to the Kings is new lead assistant coach Tyrone Corbin. Why? Corbin has a history of working with star big men and helping them develop their game. If you don’t believe me, then go look at how well Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson are playing for their new teams. The addition of Corbin gives the Kings a voice that carries weight in the locker room. Although the record he had as the head coach of the Utah Jazz was nothing to gloat about, he still helped lead that team into the playoffs, something in which this Kings franchise has not done for close to a decade.
2) What are you expecting out of Mike Malone (former Warriors’ assistant) this season?
In just a short but straight to the point answer: more wins. Last season was the season of relief; everyone in Sacramento was just they were able to fight and keep their team from moving. This year is completely different. This is the year for re-emergence. I am not saying the Kings need to make the playoffs, but my expectation for second year head coach Michael Malone is simple: 35-40 wins this season.
3) Name a couple key Kings’ players to watch for in this game.
The Shooting Guards: This Warriors team is going to be raining down three-pointers, especially when the “Splash Brothers” are on the court. The Kings are going to need someone who can help them knock down their open three-point opportunities. The two best suited to help the Kings with this are Ben McLemore and rookie Nik Stauskas. Watch for at least one of these players to come in and knock down his shots.
4) What do the Kings have to do to beat the Warriors?
As former Warriors head coach Marc Jackson would say: “Hand down, man down!” This Kings team needs to limit the open looks they give to this strong shooting Warriors team. The Kings were ranked at the bottom of the NBA for perimeter defense last season, which needs to be improved, especially if they want to have any chance of beating this Warriors team.
5) Final score prediction and why?
Kings 110 – Warriors 105: This is going to be a very high scoring game and more than anything, fun to watch. I think what propels this Kings team to victory is Sacramento. These fans are ready to see wins and the organization is ready to win now. Expect a playoff atmosphere during this game, and you can definitely expect to hear those cowbells waking up Sleep Train Arena.
Be sure to check out Vince’s podcast “The Kings Court” as well as his posts on Golden Gate Sports.