One game into their 2012-13 season, here are a few quick-hits:
• The Kings still don't have anyone on the roster with conventional playmaking skills, but it was surprising to see Isaiah Thomas in the starting lineup instead of veteran Aaron Brooks for Wednesday's season opener. Everybody loves Isaiah, but Brooks is bigger, faster, more experienced, and as he demonstrated in the second-half rally, a better decision-maker. Just a guess here, but it won't be long before Brooks shares the backcourt with Tyreke Evans.
• Except for that late five-second call, Evans had an excellent opener. He was physical with Luol Deng and Richard Hamilton throughout the game, didn't dominate the ball, and was a contributor when the Kings made their run. I agree with my colleague Jason Jones; if this performance is characteristic of his season, he will own the two-guard spot and earn that large contract.
• Loved the defensive intensity, but what happened to that improved ball movement we keep hearing about? These Kings too often looked like the Kings of recent years - refusing to make the extra pass in the halfcourt offense. There was too little movement, too few hard screens and too much impatience (19 turnovers, 14 assists).
• DeMarcus Cousins still has to learn to make his move quicker in the low post, and when the defenders converge, to give up the ball. He has shown some nifty passing in the past, but he was a black hole in Chicago.
• Improved perimeter shooting would improve spacing and help Cousins, in particular. Jimmer Fredette should seize the opening.
• Rookie Thomas Robinson didn't shoot well (1-for-5), but he goes after the ball, and he threw a beautiful lead pass on the break that Marcus Thornton should have converted.
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