Kings' McCallum Makes His Point

LAS VEGAS, July 15 --The Kings' point guard job is up for grabs, and Ray McCallum is making his case here in Las Vegas.

McCallum, whom the Kings grabbed with the 36th pick in the draft, was more assertive in his second game, scoring 23 points in Sacramento's 80-66 loss to the Warriors.

"I'm just trying to be a little more aggressive," said McCallum, who played three seasons at Detroit before entering the draft. "I watched the film and a lot of times coming off the ball screen I could attack a little more and that's something I tried to do tonight was get in the paint."

McCallum -- who will be vying for playing time in a backcourt that features new addition Greivis Vasquez and returning guards Isaiah Thomas and Jimmer Fredette -- was crisp coming off screens and got to the foul line 12 times (making nine) with his aggressiveness.

"The thing about Ray is he's an extension of the coach on the floor," new coach Michael Malone said. "The second half he was much more efficient making plays and putting pressure on the defense."

Malone said, when asked about the crowded backcourt that "nothing is set in stone."

While No. 7 pick Ben McLemore has struggled through two games (8-for-35 from the field, 2-for-18 from three-point land), the Kings' second-round pick has shown a poise and confidence that could translate to playing time in the fall.

"The thing I loved about Ray McCallum tonight is that he became very aggressive," Malone added, saying that when it comes time to name a point guard, the "cream will rise to the top."

-- Drew Packham

Dropped out: Solomon Hill

Just missed the cut: Solomon Hill

Note: I'll be in Las Vegas to cover all the Summer League action there, updating the Ladder nightly and contributing to the Hang Time Blog as well.

As always, feel free to email me with any comments, questions or suggestions. I'm also on Twitter, if that's your thing.