LAS VEGAS - Let's just say that DeMarcus Cousins' clunker of a finale in the NBA Summer League -- a 1-for-12 performance -- is a physical wake-up call. Of sorts.
The Kings prize rookie was visibly, undeniably, understandably, exhausted following an intense 10-day prep for the upcoming season. Fortunately, the 6-foot-11 center won't ever have to play six games in seven nights. But clearly, he has to improve his stamina and conditioning for an 82-game regular season.
He faded during the final three games, lacking llft on his shots and the energy to run the floor and challenge opposing centers underneath. And the more frustrated he became, the more impatient he was offensively. He forced shots, shanked chippies, and strayed farther from the basket than necessary.
Yet he is so, so, so skilled, and at the very least, already is an instinctive rebounder and passer, and a very tough self-critic. Coach Paul Westphal spent several minutes speaking privately with the super intense youngster after Sunday's finale, finally eliciting a grin from the overall No.5 draft pick.
"He has so much ability, and he's very smart," Westphal noted. "One thing that would help ... he can do so many things, but he needs to focus on doing a few things well (offensively)."
Evans' presence impresses
After a grueling rookie season, Tyreke Evans understandably opted not to play in the Summer League. But he participated in some of the practices, and along with teammate Jason Thompson, sat on the bench for all seven Kings games.
Pretty impressive. As my colleague, Jason Jones, noted in his feature on Evans in Sunday's Bee, the Rookie of the Year also seems more confident and outgoing, and probably a bit more independent.
I overheard him wisecracking with Kings publicist Troy Hansen after one game (something about a Sports Illustrated followup on potential NBA stars, and how the magazine was right on when it projected him among future best bets). Also, after Omri Casspi's three-pointer led to Saturday's comeback victory over Toronto, Evans trailed his teammates into the tunnel of the Thomas & Mack arena, joyfully serenading Casspi with the European chant of "Om-REE, OM-ree, OM-ree, OM-ree ... OM-ree, OM-ree ... ."
Can't wait to see how Tyreke's unique skills mesh with those of Cousins.
What about a lockout?
What happens if the parties fail to reach a new collective bargaining agreement and the league locks out its players next summer?
One high-ranking source insists the league will maintain a summer league presence here regardless of a work stoppage, perhaps involving D-League players, European stars and teams, or some combination thereof.
Ugh. Most of these games are unwatchable as it is unless one fixates on a specific player or team. Can't imagine a lot of interest in a competition that doesn't include the future stars. Then again, in a state with the nation's highest unemployment rate (14 percent), anything that employs workers is a plus.
That other rookie
While Cousins understandably received most of the attention, Kings second-round pick Hassan Whiteside is a wildly intriguing prospect.
Forget the fact he looks like he's 12 years old. And that he argues every single foul call -- as does Cousins. And that he has at least a few months of D-League seasoning written all over him.
He oozes, absolutely oozes, potential. He has length and agility, a nice touch from within 15 feet, and though obsessed with blocking every shot, clearly enjoys challenging opponents around the basket. Geoff Petrie may have come up with another second-round gem at No.33.
Yep, the Kings still need . . .
There was nothing to suggest that the Kings resolved either of their deficiencies - playmaking and perimeter shooting. Better spacing, offensive creativity, and outside shooting would accelerate Cousins' development considerably.
Who ya gonna call?
For those interested in the lighter moments, we offer this little moment from Thursday's game at the Cox Pavilion: While matriarch Colleen Maloof sat a few rows back, her grandsons Gavin (7) and twins Collin and Christian (4) pestered Kings co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof, who were seated courtside.
Popcorn. Pretzels. Sodas. The dark-haired youngsters demanded all the junk food trappings of a typical sports event. When I jokingly asked young Gavin -- who was sandwiched between the Kings co-owners -- to name his favorite uncle, he first pointed to Joe, then quickly pointed to his uncle Gavin.
The little guy is a real charmer. I was left thinking: How tough is that? You're 7 years old and seated between two millionaire uncles who still think they're in their 20s? And by they way: All four Maloof brothers remain bachelors. Their sister, Adrienne Maloof-Nassef, is the only sibling who is married, with children.
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