Reggie Theus flashed Francisco Garcia not once, but twice.
The ploy only worked once, though, with Garcia distracted by the sight of his coach's bare chest and missing a three-pointer that left room for Chuck Person to take the lead in a post-practice shooting contest on Thursday in New Orleans.
It wasn't the only gimmick Theus pulled, either, as he tried every prank possible to help Person prevail. Not that he needed any help.
The coach formerly known as the "Rifleman" still has it, living up to the name given not only for his long-range accuracy during a 14-year playing career but because his first and middle name were identical to that of the starring actor of a TV series dubbed "The Rifleman," Chuck Connors. He hit five of five three-pointers from the left corner, although Garcia pushed him to a tie when he claimed Person's foot was on the line and there were no other witnesses to counter the claim. On Person's only miss, he yelled aloud in the New Orleans Arena, "I haven't 'missed this shot since '87!" Garcia was up for the challenge, burying five of six of his long-range looks despite the shenanigans and laughing hysterically at his head coach's antics.
So no, if you were wondering, the Kings weren't dragging their chins on the court after their brutal season-opening loss to the Hornets. At least not a day later.
"I have to be more up than my players," Theus said afterward. "I have to be up, I have to be positive, I have to …keep these guys on their Ps and Qs about being excited about playing. This is not life or death. It’s basketball, and we understand that we are under the gun personnel wise and we’ve got nothing to lose."
- Sam Amick
News, observations and reader questions about the Sacramento Kings and the NBA.
November 2, 2007
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