Carl Landry put in a lot of extra work after today's practice.
He's admittedly not playing well right now. Though coach Paul Westphal would tell you most of the Kings are struggling from the floor, Landry is clearly bothered by his slow start to training camp.
Westphal said Landry has looked "rusty" thus far.
"There's a lot going through my head right now," Landry said. "Individually I'm struggling but that's when you've got to come in here early. That's when you've got to stay late, that's when you've got to watch extra film. Me being one of the older guys on the team, I'm not doing it for myself, I'm doing it for my teammates to lead by example."
So there was Landry - the last player to leave the practice floor tonight - working with assistant coach Otis Hughley.
Landry worked on a variety of post moves and shoot free throws more than hour after practice had ended.
Landry is in position to be more of a leader this season. He played in 28 games with the Kings are being traded from Houston and took it easy in terms of being a leader last season.
Now he's consciously looking to set an example now that there a lot more new guys around him.
So even if his legs were killing him, Landry wasn't about to leave the court without putting in some more time.
"Everybody's legs are hurting from doing so much running," Landry said. "We're going through a lot of plays, a lot defensive sets, principles. A lot of new guys on the team, we're trying to gel with one another."
Landry working late isn't new, but tonight was unique in how long he stayed on the court. But at least Landry is proving to be a man of his word.
He said at the end of last season he'd be more of a leader in his own way.
So if Landry struggles during the season, I'll know where to find him. He'll probably be the last one leaving the practice court.
*Rookie center Hassan Whiteside didn't practice because of a strained left patellar tendon.
He was injured at the beginning of Thursday night's practice. He's officially listed as day-to-day, but Westphal didn't sound like he expected Whiteside back in the immediate future.
Center Samuel Dalembert is working his way back from a strained left adductor, but the team will continue to take things slow with him.
Swingman Antoine Wright (strained left quad) practiced today.
*Here are a couple of fan events to look out for this weekend:
Box Office Party at Arco Arena on Saturday
Kings players, dance team members and staff will be in attendance to mingle with fans on Saturday from 12-2 p.m. at the ARCO Arena Box Office when individual tickets go on sale. That will be the only time to buy them until 2 p.m., when they become available online. And "some food and drink will be provided."
Open Practice and scrimmage at Arco on Sunday
The open practice will be at 4 p.m. Doors open at 3 p.m. with general admission seating. Parking and admission are free. Click here to download your passes for the practice.
--Jason Jones
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.