MIAMI - A lot of the chatter when this road trip began was about whether Tyreke Evans and Kevin Martin could play together,
Evans established himself as the Kings' go-to player during Martin's 32-game absence. But no one seemed to wonder how Donte' Greene, Omri Casspi, Jason Thompson or Beno Udrih might adjust to Martin's return.
They all had their moments to shine and gained confidence with Martin out. They also have to adjust their games as Martin is integrated back into the offense.
Watching the Kings last night it was apparent the players are still trying to learn what to do with Martin on the floor. There were times Martin looked like a decoy when his teammates took shots and either didn't see Martin or just didn't give up the ball.
Martin was most involved in the first quarter last night in Orlando. That's when he had four of his five assists. It's also when the Kings got some of their best looks and the game was still close.
Sure, there will be an adjustment for Evans. But he's the point guard so he's guaranteed to have the ball and will have plays called for him.
But everyone has to figure out how to let Martin make the game easier for them. And Martin has to get comfortable with teammates who play nothing like they did back in November.
What does that mean? There could be a lot more ugly outings in the near future. Consider this midseason training camp.
From The Bee
Cold-shooting Kings drop 6th in a row By Jason Jones
Kings notes: Evans likely is team's lone All-Star hope By Jason Jones
How do arena plans affect Sacramento loan to Kings? By Tony Bizjak
From The Miami Herald
Miami bounces back in big way following 39-point loss By Michael Wallace
From The South Florida Sun-Sentinel
In the wake of rout, Spoelstra plays pat hand By Ira Winderman
Gameplan (By Jason Jones)
KINGS (15-27) AT HEAT (22-20)
When: 4:30 p.m.
Where: American Airlines Arena.
TV: CSNCA.
Radio: KHTK (1140 AM).
Kings update: The Kings have gone 0-5 on a six-game trip that ends today. Sacramento has failed to reach 100 points in four of those five losses. The Kings have won once this season when failing to score 100 points.
Heat update: Looking to stabilize its play at point guard, Miami signed Rafer Alston, who has started nine games for the Heat after being waived by New Jersey. Like the Kings, Miami is in the second game of a back-to-back. The Heat won at Washington on Friday.
Probable starters
KINGS
No. Player Pos.
13 Tyreke Evans PG
23 Kevin Martin SG
20 Donté Greene SF
34 Jason Thompson F
40 Jon Brockman C
HEAT
No. Player Pos.
11 Rafer Alston PG
3 Dwyane Wade SG
5 Quentin Richardson SF
30 Michael Beasley PF
7 Jermaine O'Neal C
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