By Jason Jones
jejones@sacbee.com
LOS ANGELES - With the All-Star break upon us, the lasting (positive) impression the Kings left was the play of Jermaine Taylor in Wednesday's loss at Dallas.
Taylor scored 12 points in the first quarter on his way to a career-high 17 points. Taylor made seven of 12 shots, including three of six from three-point range.
That led to the obvious question: Why hasn't Taylor been playing?
Well everyone knows if they've seen a glimpse of Taylor pregame is he's athletic, a high-flyer. His ability to get on the floor had been hurt largely by his joining the Kings Dec. 15 in a trade with Houston.
There wasn't much practice time. That left Taylor struggling to know what shots he could get in the Kings' offense and when to take them.
Taylor also didn't have much time to figure out where to be on defense.
Taylor said he's progressed in knowing which shots Kings coach Paul Westphal wants from him in the offense.
With no idea of when Tyreke Evans will be available there's a good chance Taylor will have the chance to prove he deserves more than spot duty at the end of blowouts.
The coaching staff likes Taylor's effort. And after Luther Head's 0-for-5, five-minute stint Tuesday in Oklahoma City, there's no hurry to turn back to Head.
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