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Kings closing fast on Suns
By Ken Gimblin and Joseph Cronin January 24, 2005 |
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SACRAMENTO - The Kings are the only show in Sacramento and the fans got a tremendous break. The Phoenix Suns were almost running away with the division and at one time they had an eight-game lead. Unfortunately, the Suns lost Steve Nash, who seems to make that team go. Without Nash, they took a nosedive. So that really helped the Kings, who are now only 3 1/2 games behind. We would assume unless the Kings are really fortunate, they're playing well now the Phoenix Suns aren't. The Kings will run into a rough road, but they've been home for seven of the last eight games. It's a lot easier to win at home than it is on the road and Sacramento will be away from Arco for nine of the final 13 games before the All-Star break. It could make a difference, but overall the Kings have played well and the trade for Cuttino Mobley seems to look pretty good. February means trade deadline and we would be very surprised if the Kings make any more deals. Mobley for Doug Christie was the big trade and a lot of people were very unhappy to see it in Sacramento. The trade was for another reason, the salary cap. Christie was due for a new contract next year and the Kings were worried about matching it for an older player. Coaches corner: Could this be Rick Adleman's last year if things don't go the way Geoff Petrie wants them to go? There have been comments made in the Kings front office off the record with speculation on Adleman. General manager Geoff Petrie would make the call and the owners could make the decision. The Kings have good ownership and they're fortunate the owners stay out of the way and provide whatever Petrie needs. They do expect to win and be in the finals, but they really haven't been there. There's also a lot of criticism on Adleman. He's one of the better coaches in the NBA - maybe not in Phil Jackson's category - and there's a lot of feeling around that maybe he throws out the ball too much and is not that strong of a disciplinarian. Adleman wanted his contract extended before the season started, but the Kings did not oblige. Management may be reserving judgment for the season. This is something a lot of people in Sacramento are wondering. Ken Gimblin and Joe Cronin both cover the Sacramento Kings and write features and co-host Sportstalk on the Kings. Catch them both on KLIB 1110 Sacramento and KVVN 1430 San Jose. |
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