--The Kings have undergone quite the offseason makeover in terms of offensive philosophy, transitioning from a half-court plodding team to a squad that wants to run-and-gun.
The decision has everything to do with the departure of Ron Artest, who could score from inside and out and was no fan of the up-tempo game. Kings coach Reggie Theus has also installed an offense that shares much in common with the vaunted triangle used by coach Phil Jackson during his Chicago and Lakers days. The hope, for both Theus and Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie, is to improve ball movement and get contributions from more sources than before. --The Kings made a late-summer addition to their coaching staff, hiring Shareef Abdur-Rahim as an assistant.
After 12 seasons in the league, the forward announced his retirement in late September after suffering from arthritic knees. Abdur-Rahim had undergone two arthroscopic surgeries on his right knee in the last 18 months and been unable to fully recover. He will be charged with the task of developing the team's young big men.
Abdur-Rahim's contract still had two seasons and a combined $12.8 million remaining, although he will be paid through an insurance company because the contract was insured. The Kings will get his $6.6 million salary for the 2009-10 season taken off their salary cap, but it is unclear as yet whether they can successfully petition to have his $6.2 million for this season removed as well.
MAIN REASON THE KINGS CAN WIN: They're finally young and they want to run, meaning sheer energy and athleticism will push them past the league's lesser opponents on some nights. And if shooting guard Kevin Martin flourishes in his increased role, they will have the sort of go-to guy that is a must to avoid bottom feeder status.
MAIN REASON THE KINGS CAN LOSE: They were a bad defensive team when they had Ron Artest, so the natural inclination is to think they've taken a significant step backward. They have little resistance in the paint with Mikki Moore and Brad Miller, and two starters in Beno Udrih and Kevin Martin who have reputations as subpar defenders.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Coach has been doing a good job of really trying to get that in our heads at all times: pushing the ball, getting the ball off the rebound or off the basket and really taking it out and pushing it. He wants the point guard pushing the ball up, passing the ball up, trying to get in our offense early and get easy points." -- Kings swingman John Salmons, on the fast-break teachings of coach Reggie Theus.
