| Midway Through, Kings Seek Health And Consistency Authored by Bob Souza - February 7, 2005 - 4:01 pm
Okay, it’s been good. But can it be better?
Probably not, if all you are looking at is Mike Bibby’s recent performances. The Sacramento point guard is in one of those elusive treasured grooves – 27.6 points a game over the last five (featuring back-to-backers of 40 and 35). Maybe it’s his late push to get picked for an all-star game.
Whatever it is, he has positively hoisted it up a notch, maybe even two. Leading the team in minutes, he has a season average of 18.4 points, shooting 45.6%. He is also generating 6.4 assists a game, tailoring his performance to meet the specific need at hand. From clutch shooting to floor leadership, he is doing it all.
Despite their current won-loss record of 32-15, fifth best in the NBA, the Kings schedule tabulation spits out gross efforts against pathetic New Orleans on the road, and putrid Golden State at home. In a long season, a few clunkers are to be expected - best get them out of the way early.
Other bright spots, besides Bibby:
• Chris Webber - named Western Conference player of the month for January with 8 double-doubles, he is averaging 21.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. Sore knee absences have been a concern, but otherwise he has come back from surgery quite well. Often accused by fans of shooting too much, he is still the guy who needs to be on the floor.
• Brad Miller – he has taken it upon himself to be extra active, aggresive, and score more because of all the injuries. Per game averages of 15.7 points and 9.3 rebounds while shooting nearly 54%, have been a welcome contribution. He provides the interior muscle attitude others lack.
• Cuttino Mobley – his percentage has been slightly down (39.6) with the Kings, but he was still able to bring his 16 points a game to his new playground. Having another outside shooter has opened things up, and his initial presence introduced some needed passion.
• The Bench – injections of energy by youngsters Kevin Martin, Matt Barnes, and particularly Maurice Evans have provided a lift when the stars have been sitting in their street suits. Darius Songalia has also been a steady force, and Eddie House has added a little backcourt scoring.
Jury still out:
• Peja Stojakovic – some of it can be blamed on his back problems, but at times his erratic play smells of a guy who doesn’t totally have his heart in it. While still scoring 20.2 a game and shooting 44.5%, he misses way too many wide-open looks for a shooter of his ilk. Always reliable at the stripe (92.7%), he continues to be a “soft” player.
• Greg Ostertag – playing below expectations everyone had when he was acquired, he is not contributing much, getting only 9 minutes a game and averaging 2.7 rebounds. Still time to be a bigger factor.
• Michael Bradley – he came along in the Mobley deal, but is playing just 6 minutes a game with a couple of points.
Rick Adelman should not be forgotten and the owners haven’t, as they have picked up his option for next year. He has done a masterful job of juggling sweaty bodies, plugging the gaps when someone new goes down. It could be a little boring for him if he ever gets his full cast of gladiators for a protracted period.
With the trade deadline coming up, teams are always looking to produce a last-minute blockbuster, do some fine-tuning, or unload dead weight. The Mobley for Christie deal would seem to be this year’s blockbuster, and it’s tough to fine-tune a roster that has been quite productive, given all the injuries. Maybe better health is the only real solution.
There is a looming possibility however. Stojakovic, with his pre-season suggestions of going elsewhere, his chronic bad back, his disappearing act in the post-season, and his somewhat disappointing play so far this year, just might receive his ticket out. Not likely, but good shooters are always in demand, and if contract considerations can be equalized, well… who knows?
Speculation has also swirled around Chris Webber, and his longtime admiration for Isiah Thomas. He has indicated a desire to play for Thomas and the Knicks, but it seems doubtful it would happen this season. The thin-skinned Webber has had his difficulties in Sacramento – what would it be like for him in the Big Apple?
Veteran teams understand the brutal length of the season, and the importance of coming together in time for the playoffs. This team appears to have most of the ingredients it needs, when healthy. With nearly half the year to go, there’s plenty of time to work out some kinks.
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