Jason Thompson

Katie Cracchiolo

Hall of Fame Coach Jerry Tarkanian, who led the University of Nevada Las Vegas Runnin’ Rebels to four NCAA Final Four berths and a 1990 National Championship, passed away on Wednesday.

Following the news, Kings legend Reggie Theus, who played under Coach Tarkanian for three years at UNLV, joined the Sacramento basketball family and more in remembering the impact of one of the game’s great leaders.

Kings TV Color Commentator Jerry Reynolds

“It’s certainly sad news about Coach Jerry Tarkanian. I met Tark years ago, back when he was a junior college coach. Obviously, he had just a great career, and he was one of those guys who was a rare motivator of athletes – I think one of the very best – (and) a great recruiter. My dealings with him personally were always very pleasant. He was a guy who would take time with coaches, whether college or professional – (he) never had too high of an opinion of himself. He will be greatly missed… Tark will be remembered as an all-time best.”

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Kings Honor Jerry Tarkanian

Steven Wilson

McLemore, JT and Coach Malone dish on their experience overseas, the new uniforms and the defending NBA Champions before matchup with San Antonio.

Sacramento improved to 2-0 at home this preseason after racing past Maccabi Haifa on Saturday night, 91-59. DeMarcus Cousins paced the offense with 15 points, while Darren Collison (12), Ramon Sessions (11), Nik Stauskas (10) and Derrick Williams (12) also finished in double-figures.

Sacramento’s defense shined in the second half holding Maccabi Haifa to 23-percent from the floor. Kings reserves entered in the fourth quarter and kept up the dominant performance combining for 39 points after intermission.

For the Kings, one of the added benefits of playing at home just two days after returning from their two-week long stay in China was sleeping in their own beds. With jam-packed flight schedules, tours and games overseas, the players are just now getting back into a home routine.

“It was a good game for us to get adjusted from our China trip,” stated forward Omri Casspi.

“I think the guys are still tired. I know I wake up at three in the morning, and I’m still adjusting, but it was a fun [trip].”

Casspi and Co. may still be recovering from the most recent flight back to the City of Trees, but for Sacramento’s star center, who has admitted recently he feels like he’s 45-years-old not 24, the preseason trip to Shanghai and Beijing was part of a grueling summer.

“I’m just trying to get my body right,” said DeMarcus Cousins after Saturday night’s game. “I have a lot of aches and pains right now, but I’ve been putting in the extra time to get my body right. I’ll be fine – I’ll tough it out.”

After meeting the team in Las Vegas for Mini-Camp in July, a full month-long stint with Team USA overseas and now two games in China in exhibition action, DMC is glad to be home for a few days before hitting the road again to face the Spurs.

Sixteen players saw action on the court this past weekend for the Kings, but fans can expect that to change as the team flies to San Antonio to face the defending NBA champions.

“We have to start narrowing it down and getting our normal group the minutes that they need to play well together,” said Head Coach Michael Malone. “And come up with a rotation that will give us the best chance at success to start this season.”

Sacramento’s coaching staff has employed four different starting lineups through the first five tune-up games resulting in a 2-3 record.

“I’m not concerned about the record at all because we have played a lot of different lineups,” said Malone. “But as we get down to the game in San Antonio and the game in Vegas versus LA, I want to tighten up our rotation, stop making the same mistakes, be a lot more disciplined on defense, talking to each other, covering for each other and executing our gameplan.”

After holding Maccabi Haifa to 59 total points on Saturday, the Kings defense is allowing just 98 points to opponents this preseason, while the offense is averaging 102 points per game.

“Offensively, I want to really stress the attack pace, if nothing is free early [use] great ball movement and pass up good shots to earn great shots,” continued the second-year head coach.

Following orders, the purple and black attacked the Greens at a blazing pace on Saturday night, which generated 19 fast-break points. Yet the team understands their attack plan may change against the Spurs – a team known for playing fundamental defense and selfless offense.

“They play well as a team,” said forward Jason Thompson. “Most of their core players have been around each other [for a while], so they know the ins and outs and if something isn’t going well, then they know how to adjust on the fly.”

The Spurs big-three have played together since 2004, with many players filtering in and out over the years. Thanks to its high level of consistency, San Antonio has reached the playoffs in each of the seventeen seasons that star forward Tim Duncan has been with the team.

“Things really don’t change [with that team],” admitted Thompson. “Sometimes you might have different guys come in, but it’s very few and they’re role players. It’s not a guy coming in there and doing their own thing – they have a gameplan and either you do it, or they get someone else to do it.”

Depending on the rotation, No. 34 may have the difficult task of guarding Duncan on Monday night. The longest-tenured player on the Kings roster is very familiar with his assignment given the fact these two have met 18 times over the past six seasons. JT knows No. 21 is the perfect portrayal of a team that relies on fundamental basketball schemes.

“At some point, you had to learn the fundamentals to make it to the NBA. They’ve got Mr. Fundamental himself [Duncan], who isn’t flashy, but he’s effective. We’ve seen that over the last ten years.”

The team’s recent flight to China was full of surprises.

As forward Eric Moreland found out, it’s best not to sleep on the first plane flight.

For those who didn’t get any shut-eye, the 12-hour trip gave newcomers and veterans alike a chance to bond, share stories and develop chemistry off the court.

“That was a great experience and I think it helped a lot,” stated second-year guard Ben McLemore. “I was just there by myself a month ago, but it’s different going over there by yourself. Just to be around your teammates, interact with each other and have fun was great and it helped a lot.”

Although the team dropped both of its contests to the Brooklyn Nets while in China, Kings players realize the importance of exhibition games and the impact they have on an 82-game regular season.

“Preseason is not all about wins and losses,” stated Thompson. “We could be undefeated, but those stats obviously don’t count. The stuff we learned about each other and how we play together [is much more important]. The team bonding was great – going to the Great Wall and Shanghai, trips like those can only help us get better.”

The Kings look like a brand new team in 2014.

With new uniforms, a handful of new faces and a shiny new playing surface, Sacramento fans may not automatically recognize their own team as the regular season approaches.  Yet, the changes have been welcomed with open arms, especially the new uniforms.

“They’re a little livelier,” said Thompson. “I like the fit of the jerseys and I like the warm-ups. Another thing I really like is the new court. I like how they changed it up and I know the fans appreciate it as well.

“I definitely like the color scheme and the new swag – it fits my personality.”

The road warm-ups consist of an all-black base, white Addidas trim and a purple crown on the pants. The home edition is white with purple cursive ‘Kings’ lettering on the back and the same purple crown on the pants.

Meanwhile, the new jerseys honored Sacramento's storied past with new lettering across the chest and a new secondary logo.

“The uniforms are way better – I like the material,” said Ben McLemore. “Especially because I got my number back – 23 is special. Everybody likes the warm-ups too. They changed it up and they’re pretty comfortable.”

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Kings (2-3) vs. San Antonio (1-3)

On his 21st birthday, the Kings rookie put on an impressive show for Sacramento fans as the home team earned a 113-106 victory.

The 2014 draftee tallied 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including a perfect 2-for-2 from long range.

DeMarcus Cousins (19), Omri Casspi (15), Ben McLemore (12) and Jason Thompson (11) joined Stauskas in double-figures scoring, as the purple and black earned their first preseason win. 

Despite a slow start to the game, the Kings ended the first quarter on a 7-0 run to pull within one, 25-24. Thompson helped keep Sacramento in reach as he tallied four points and four rebounds in the first frame.

Then, Stauskas and Co. kicked it up a notch.

Through six minutes of the second period, Sacramento shot 5-of-7 (71% FG). The offensive spurt gave the home team a 36-28 lead before the Raptors closed the gap.

Toronto responded with a 7-2 run to tie the game at 44-all with three minutes remaining before intermission.

Thanks to a four-point play by Stauskas, the Kings closed the first half on a 9-2 run to take a 56-50 lead into the break.

Cousins, who scored six points in the second period, was part of a dominant first half performance as the Kings outscored their guests, 32-18, in the paint and 12-5 in second-chance points.

DMC’s onslaught continued in the third period as the fifth-year pro added 13 points to propel the Kings to a 33-26 advantage in the quarter.

With an 89-76 lead in the fourth, McLemore helped the home team seal the win, as he scored six of his 12 points in the final period.

With a hand in his face, Nik Stauskas connected on a corner three for his first Sleep Train Arena basket with 7:41 left in the first period.

“I’m hitting shots right now, which is good,” stated Stauskas. “That’s what this team needs me to do – knock down shots and stretch the floor. I just need to stay aggressive and keep playing my role for this team.”

In the second half, Stauskas put his deceptive athleticism on display as he nailed a pair of step-back jumpers. The 6-foot-6 guard capped his 13-point night with a back-door cut that led to a two-handed jam off a dish from Cousins.

“I always feel like if I’m aggressive, good things are going to happen out there,” continued Stauskas. 

Despite playing less than 18 minutes, DeMarcus Cousins was in a groove. The Kings big man missed just one of seven shots against the Raptors and connected on seven free throws en route to 19 points. Recognizing his efficiency, teammates continually found him. 

While pushing the pace in the team’s rematch with the Raptors, Sacramento’s point guard duo posted solid numbers. Collison and Sessions combined to tally 16 points, 11 assists and just four turnovers.

The pair, who saw significant time on-court together, proved to be a dynamic tandem. While Sessions tallied six assists and zero turnovers, Collison stepped up on defense – forcing a pair of turnovers in the first quarter alone.

“I can play either one of those guys separately, they can back each other up or they can play together at times,” stated Coach Michael Malone. “They’re both having very good Training Camps… Ramon was effective. I loved how Darren came into the game off the bench and changed the whole complexion of the game.”

Despite holding a double-digit lead late in the fourth quarter, No. 7 kept attacking Toronto’s defense. The UCLA alum picked up his fifth assist of the night as he passed up a three-point attempt, drove through two defenders and found Ryan Hollins on a feed for the open dunk.

“I love DC,” said Cousins. “He’s a great floor leader, he’s always communicating and he’s always uplifting.”

Jason Thompson finished one rebound shy of a double-double on Tuesday night, registering 11 points and nine rebounds.

“Jason did a good job,” said Malone. “I started him the first night and brought him off the bench tonight, and he was effective.”

No. 34 also contributed two blocks and a steal in more than 25 minutes of work.

“The ball was moving,” said Thompson. “We didn’t turn the ball over as much as we did in Vancouver, so that was good. I am a fan of moving the ball and the faster pace – that’s more of my style.”

Always in the right place at the right time, Omri Casspi quietly put together a solid game. The sixth-year pro had eight points in his first eight minutes of action and finished the night with 15 on 4-of-7 shooting. Casspi aggressively drove to the basket, battled for rebounds and drained 6-of-8 freebies from the charity stripe.

“I was just trying to be ready and do what I need to help the team win,” said No. 18.

“We have a talented group – I feel like we could be a playoff team, but it’s going to take a lot of hard work and a lot of sacrifice from one another.” 

Toronto’s Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan seemed nearly unstoppable on Tuesday night. The backcourt mates combined for 48 points on 18-of-29 shooting, while Lowry also added a Raptors-high six assists.

Back-to-back buckets from Ben McLemore in the fourth period pushed the Kings past 100 points for the first time this season. Sacramento hit the 100-point plateau 46 times during the 2013-14 season.

“It’s always good to get a win, and we had a lot of positives tonight,” said Cousins. “We did pretty well on the offensive end, but it wasn’t so good on defense… We did a better job on turnovers, but defensively we have to pick it up.” 

The Kings head to Shanghai and Beijing to face the Brooklyn Nets in back-to-back games in China on Oct. 11 and 15, respectively.

Catch all the action of Sacramento’s participation in the Global Games on NBA TV.  

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DMC, Nik Lead Kings to W

The final whistle of Kings Training Camp blew at approximately 1:54 PDT on Saturday afternoon. The players iced, stretched, showered and got ready for the flight to Vancouver for Sunday’s preseason opener against the Toronto Raptors.

The weeklong conclusion signifies two things.

First, basketball is back at last. And second, we learned a few new things about our team this past week.

Entering his fifth season, the expectations are high for DeMarcus Cousins, and rightfully so. The Mobile, Alabama native is coming off a career year, a gold medal win and a summer in which he showed tremendous team leadership.

Displaying maturity and a passion for excellence, Boogie has led by example over the past three months. The 6-foot-11 big man participated in voluntary workouts in June, worked out with the Summer League team at mini-camp in Las Vegas, represented his team and his city overseas as part of Team USA and most recently met with fellow team captains this week to discuss goals.

“I know I’m not perfect and I probably never will be, but I’m aiming to be the best leader I can be for this team,” said Cousins.

No. 15 has taken newcomers under his arm, easing their transition into the NBA, while also setting personal and team goals with his peers. One goal, which was set by Reggie Evans, made headlines.

“He told me, ‘in order for me to be a better leader, I can’t get ejected and get technicals,” stated DMC. “Because without me on the floor, its hard for this team to win games.’”

No. 30 printed a sign with “5” and “Technical” on it before hanging it in his teammate’s locker.

“He challenged me and said no more than five this year,” said Cousins, “so I’m accepting the challenge.”

While Kings Head Coach Michael Malone is entering his second season, he has still had to build new relationships with a handful of his players. Although he worked with Darren Collison in New Orlean, Omri Casspi, Nik Stauskas, Ryan Hollins, Deonte Burton, Trey Johnson, Sim Bhullar, Eric Moreland and David Wear were all relatively fresh faces.

“[Training Camp] isn’t just about offense, defense and X’s and O’s,” said the Kings coach. “The more important thing is relationships and building a bond and a trust with each other. That’s what I look forward to. [Traveling to] China is a very long trip, but a great time to bond as a team and as individuals.”

With a full week of two-a-day practices in the books, Malone has been impressed with the team’s chemistry and work ethic thus far.

“This is a great group of guys,” he stated. “They are hardworking and they’re doing a much better job of policing each other and holding each other accountable – that’s a great sign of things to come.”

The first of seven preseason contests will give Sacramento’s fans insight into a deep point guard rotation. By adding Darren Collison and Ramon Sessions in free agency, the Kings backcourt now has three talented scorers and distributors – all of whom could carry the load if called upon.

“I think that Darren is more of a set-up, lead guard,” said Malone. “And Ramon… he’s an attack player – turn the corner, get downhill and put pressure on the rim and make a play or get to the free throw line.”

The duo made their impact felt this week, directing the offense, showing their leadership and establishing their offensive and defensive presence on the court. But as both know, there is a realistic chance they will be on the hardwood together.

“It’s a point guard’s League,” stated Sessions. “A lot of guys are playing in two-point guard systems. Just to have a true point guard is huge, especially for a team like this where you have a superstar that’s young, you have Rudy – who’s a veteran – and guys who have a lot of potential.”

Entering his second season, Ray McCallum adds depth and knowledge to the group as he continues his development in Sacramento’s backcourt. After a productive offseason, No. 3 enters preseason play with a better handle, a more developed stroke and a solid understanding of his team and the offense.

“I feel good out there – really comfortable,” stated the Detroit native. “Having all that experience from last year, having a year under my belt – it’s been fun and I feel like I am a much improved player from last year.”

A fan of position-less basketball tactics, the Kings front office has accumulated many hybrid players over the past year. All three small forwards on the current roster – Rudy Gay, Derrick Williams and Omri Casspi – are exactly that.

Each has the unique ability to play multiple positions on the court using their size – when matched up against smaller opponents – or speed – against bigger rosters – to their advantage.

“I know Coach Malone likes to play with different lineups – at the three and the four,” stated Casspi earlier this week. “So I had to make some adjustments from last time – I feel lean. I came in at about 230 and it’s the best I’ve ever felt.”

Returning to the Kings for his second stint, No. 18 is looking to make an impact from the perimeter, as well as, in the paint.

“[He] really has a high IQ and knows how to play,” said Malone. “You can play him at the three or the four – he’s out there and makes plays and makes people around him better, which is always nice as a coach. I’ve been impressed with his toughness – he’s battling with the bigger guys and he hasn’t shied down.”

Casspi isn’t the only one leaner this season. Williams and Gay also admit to losing weight prior to camp – each stating they now feel better and stronger.

“[Derrick’s] come into camp in great shape – probably the best I’ve seen him since he’s been with the Kings,” said Malone. “Since he’s lost weight and is in great shape, he’s playing with confidence and he’s very aggressive.”

While Gay has the starting three spot locked down, look for Williams and Casspi to see quality minutes in relief and when the Kings switch to a smaller lineup.

“Omri and Derrick have done a very good job in camp,” said Malone.

One of General Manager Pete D’Alessandro’s goals this offseason was to bring in talented players to compete for starting roles – mission accomplished.

According to Jason Thompson, who’s entering his seventh season, the competition has never been higher in Training Camp, “I think it’s sky-high at every position. Guys are trying to show their abilities and get as many minutes as possible.”

Not only did D’Alessandro add talent, but he also signed veterans who will play key roles in the locker room and on the court.

“There’s a lot of depth at every position,” continued Thompson. “That’s the one good thing, it’s not just a landslide.”

No. 34 is one of four true power forwards on the squad this year – making his position one of the deepest on the team – but has worked hard to stand out in camp.

He and Reggie Evans were both recognized for their hard work on Thursday.

“They have both come in with a great mindset and in unbelievable shape,” said Malone. “But more importantly, [they’ve shown great] leadership with the example they set. We have a lot of new guys, so for Reggie and Jason to come in and play and work as hard as they have has really lifted our camp.”

The addition of veterans, Ryan Collins and Darren Collison from the Clippers, Ramon Sessions from Charlotte and Omri Casspi from the Rockets has also been beneficial, especially in the locker room.

“We needed to bring some guys in here who have been around winning,” stated Sacramento’s coach on Monday. “Because the more you’re around winning, you understand the commitment and sacrifice that it takes.”

Less than 24 hours from now, Kings basketball is back in action. Sunday’s matchup with Toronto begins at 4 p.m. PDT and will be broadcasted on KHTK Sports 1140.

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Training Camp Notes: What We Learned

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2014 Kings Training Camp Day 7: Thompson

Despite boasting five highly efficient, talented and versatile big-men, the League has yet to witness the Kings new frontcourt combination working together in action. 

A series of trades, pick-ups and draft selections has led to Sacramento’s multi-talented power forward group, which gives Sacramento a litany of rotational choices as the 2014-15 regular season approaches. 

* Played 30 games with the Brooklyn Nets**Played the 2013-14 season with the Oregon State Beavers

Many bumps and bruises are accumulated throughout an 82-game NBA season and the Rider University product boasts an impressive two-year streak of consistency. After earning time on the court in every game each of the last two seasons and three times in his career, No. 34 has now played in 460 NBA games – making him the longest-tenured player on the current Kings roster and sixth-longest in Sacramento-era history. In those outings, J.T. has scored a total of 4,572 points, collected 3,216 rebounds, dished out 521 assists and blocked 337 shots. 

At 6-foot-11 and 250 pounds, Thompson boasts the added benefit of playing both positions in the paint and utilizing his physicality, lateral quickness and athleticism. Offensively, that combination produced eight double-doubles last year, while his tenacity led to a second-place finish on the team in rebounding with 527 boards. 

After season-ending knee surgery in 2013-14, Carl Landry is also looking to rebound from a self-admitted tough year.

“Being patient is probably the hardest part with the rehabilitation process,” stated the seventh-year pro recently. “And that’s what I’m going through right now – just being patient, but still trying to do the right things on the court.

“Right now, I’m trying to get back to 100-percent and I would say that I’m almost there – I’m very close.”

The former Purdue Boilermaker returned to The River City last season for his second stint with the team. In 81 games with the Kings from 2010 to midway through 2011, Landry averaged 14 points (.504 FG%, .729 FT%), 5.4 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game. 

Originally acquired as part of a three-team trade with Houston, No. 24 was dealt to New Orleans in February of 2011, where he worked with current Kings Coach Michael Malone. That next season, the duo simultaneously jumped to the west coast and flourished as part of the Warriors organization. With Golden State, Landry averaged 10.8 points (.540 FG%, .333 3pt%, .817 FT%), 6.0 rebounds and 0.8 assists per outing, while helping guide the team into the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs. While in Oakland, the 6-foot-9 forward took nearly half of his shot attempts (192-of-271) at the rim and finished those attempts 70-percent of the time, according to HoopData.com – an efficient streak that can only help the Kings moving forward. 

Thanks to a mid-season trade with Brooklyn last year, Sacramento added depth, versatility and a tenacious rebounder with the addition of Reggie Evans. The former University of Iowa Hawkeye – who is known for his excellent glass-cleaning abilities and who has accumulated more than 5,000 boards over his 12-year career – joined the Kings 30 games into the season, but still managed to make his presence felt. In 24 contests – 14 of which were starts at forward – No. 30 tallied 133 points, 185 rebounds, 24 steals and 16 assists.

"Reggie Evans embraces his role,” said Coach Malone to the media in March. “We don't call one play for him, but his best offense is a missed shot. Moses Malone [once said], ‘every shot taken is a pass to me,’ he goes and gets it. And then defensively, you know, Evans covers up for other people's mistakes."

Including last season, the Pensacola, Florida native has averaged more than 7 boards per contest in seven of his 12 years in the League. At 34 years of age, Evans’ experience should pay dividends on a young Sacramento squad, while his efficiency close to the rim will be counted on in key moments. 

Following a tremendous Summer League campaign and a highly productive collegiate career, the Kings added Eric Moreland to the roster in July. The hard-working forward impressed front office personnel by blocking more shots than any Beaver in Oregon State school history (184) and rebounding at a double-digit clip (10.3 rpg). The 22-year old went undrafted in June, but flourished with the purple and black Summer League squad in Las Vegas. In six games off the bench, he averaged 3.5 points (.444 FG%, .500 FT%), 8.8 rebounds, 0.7 assists and a team-high 2.7 blocks per game.

“Guys like him translate to almost any system because those are the guys who raise the energy of your team and the players around them,” said Pete D’Alessandro. “To me, you can insert a guy who’s 22-years-old and now it’s up to him. It’s up to Eric to step in and create a niche for himself.”

At 6-10, Moreland has the size and length to stretch the floor, run the pick-and-roll and protect the rim on the defensive end. He’s also a potential double-digit glass cleaner on any given night. Although he’s already one of the tallest players on the team, the Houston, Texas native has been trying to add weight to his frame this offseason. 

“I weighed 213 during the [collegiate] season and now I’m like 230,” he admitted. “I still have a lot more weight to add, but I made some progress.”

With three proven veterans and one young up-and-coming defensive prospect – all of whom have displayed relentless work ethic – Sacramento is deep and multi-faceted at the power forward position this year.

Jason Thompson

Kings Honor Jerry Tarkanian

Kings (2-3) vs. San Antonio (1-3)

DMC, Nik Lead Kings to W

Training Camp Notes: What We Learned

2014 Kings Training Camp Day 7: Thompson

Kings Positional Breakdown: PF

Through The Years: Kings Uniforms

Favorite 15: Jerry Reynolds