While waiting to hear from my colleague, Sam Amick, who was forced to watch the Kings' season opener from press row in Oklahoma City, I thought I would offer a few thoughts. Without leaping to conclusions - based on one regular season game, the preseason and observing a portion of practices these past several weeks - these are my initial observations:
• The defense can't be this bad. Seriously. No joke. After weeks and months of hearing players, coaches and executives TALKING about a renewed emphasis on defense and rebounding, the Kings' pathetic effort against the Thunder has to be an aberration. If it's not ... well, it has to be.
• Two points scored in transition? The Kings simply don't have the individual talent to rely on halfcourt execution against the league's better defenses. They have to play faster, create transition opportunities off steals and rebounds, and utilize their youth and athleticism. This was Tyreke Evans' debut, but he can't take seven or eight seconds - and I clocked it - to advance the ball on most possessions. He has to pick up the pace. More ball movement and less one-on-one would also be helpful. It would enhance the spacing and create openings for Evans to attack the basket - which he does well, even though he didn't finish against the Thunder. Teams have scouted the rookie. They know he's headed to the rim, and are there waiting for him, at times with multiple defenders. When he plays faster, gives up the ball, moves and gets it back. he will be much more effective.
• I understand Paul Westphal's concerns about his frontcourt players' tendency to get into foul trouble ... and his lack of frontcourt depth. But Spencer Hawes' confidence clearly has been shaken by his relegation to the second unit. He is, after all, still only 21 years old, and for all his loquaciousness, is still a young guy. (Maybe it's a guy thing, but most NBA clubs don't do a good job when it comes to nurturing the youngsters). Besides. When Nenad Krstic scores at will, basically strolls to the basket uncontested, it's time to re-evaluate the notion of starting the undersized Sean May at center ahead of Hawes.
• Where was Beno? The Kings desperately needed floor leadership and ball movement , yet Udrih never got off the bench. Very, very curious.
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