Derrick Williams

Steven Wilson

Sacramento is a perfect 2-0 at home this preseason.

The Kings raced past Maccabi Haifa at home 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. 

Grueling travel schedules caught up with both teams early in the game as the squads combined for five turnovers in the first five minutes. Maccabi Haifa used that time to take an 8-4 lead, but the Kings quickly overcame the deficit. 

A timeout at the 6:39-mark in the first quarter ignited the home team.

On the inbounds, Darren Collison found Ben McLemore for a wide-open three to kick-start a 12-0 Sacramento run. Sessions, Omri Casspi and Stauskas all found the bottom of the net during the spurt as the Kings took control of the game.

Despite committing eight turnovers in the first quarter, the Kings connected on 50-percent from the floor (8-for-16) en route to an early 22-12 lead over the Greens.

Maccabi Haifa battled back in the second period pulling within four with 3:47 left before halftime. But thanks to four points apiece from Cousins, Collison and Williams, the Kings held onto their double-digit lead.  

Leading 39-28 at intermission, the purple and black hit their stride in the second half outscoring the Greens, 52-31. Collison led the way scoring eight points in 10-plus minutes of work in the third quarter. 

Sacramento’s defense also 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 propelling the home team to its second exhibition win at Sleep Train Arena this month.

After missing the NBA Global Games Finale, Cousins returned to action on Saturday night scoring 15 points and cleaning the glass 12 times. DMC’s plus-minus rating was a positive 14 as the fifth-year pro totaled 26-minutes. No. 15 joined teammate Reggie Evans in double-digit rebounds as he fell one shy of Evans’ team-high 13 boards.  

Kings small forward Rudy Gay (sore left ankle) sat out the game against Maccabi Haifa and is listed as day-to-day.

Collison kicked it into another gear on Saturday, oftentimes cruising past the Greens all the way to the hoop. The sixth-year pro totaled 8-of-12 points in the third period connecting on both of his field goal attempts and all four of his freebies

Playing without one of their stars, the Kings turned to backup small forwards Omri Casspi and Derrick Williams to fill the void. Both delivered as they combined for 19 points and seven rebounds. Casspi earned the start and tallied seven points and five boards in the first half, while Williams took over after intermission adding 6-of-12 points in the third period alone.

Sim Bhullar scored his first preseason points of his NBA career in the closing seconds of Saturday’s victory. Ray McCallum found the 7-foot-5 center on the block, before Bhullar pivoted and connected on a finger roll. After time expired, No. 32’s teammates stormed the court, hugging and congratulating him.

Sacramento travels to San Antonio to face the Spurs on Monday at 5:30 p.m. Tune-in to the action on KHTK Sports 1140 AM on the radio.

kings-defeat-maccabi-haifa

Kings Defeat Maccabi Haifa

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.

training-camp-notes-what-we-learned

Training Camp Notes: What We Learned

It wasn’t long after Team USA Managing Director Jerry Colangelo heard five-time NBA All-Star and reigning MVP Kevin Durant withdrew from World Cup competition that Rudy Gay’s number appeared on his phone. 

Sacramento’s veteran small forward reached out to him, hungry for another opportunity with the National Team. 

“I received a call last night indicating that Rudy was available to join the National Team if Coack K [Mike Kryzyzewski] and I felt he could help,” said Colangelo at the time of the transaction. “We both felt he would be a valuable addition because of his outstanding skills and the fact that he so familiar with USA Basketball and our National Team program.”

An integral member of USA Basketball since 2005 and a contributor on the 2010 USA World Championship Team, No. 8 worked hard to earn one of the final 12 spots on the team. Not wasting any time to mesh seamlessly with the coaching staff, and the current roster as World Cup play began. 

Thanks to a rare mix of agility, grace, size and power, Gay has been able to showcase his potent abilities on a national stage once again. Often called as the first reserve from the bench, further solidifying his equity in Sacramento’s lineup in the process. 

*Spent 18 games of the 2013-14 season with the Toronto Raptors**Spent 11 games of the 2013-14 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves

While the 28-year-old is making headlines in Spain, his time in Sacramento is what really put the nation on notice. In one of the most proficient stretches of his career, the Baltimore, Md. native totaled 1107 points over 55 games as a King – a clip of 20.1 per night, which tied his previous career-high from 2007-08 and was good for third-best on the team behind DeMarcus Cousins and Isaiah Thomas. 

A model of consistency, Gay has never averaged fewer than 17.8 points and 5.3 boards per 36 minutes over his last eight seasons in the League. Furthermore, he notched five double-doubles and connected on 48.2 percent of his field goals in a purple and black jersey last year. Atop his résumé is a career-high-tying 41-point performance on Jan. 21 against New Orleans thanks to 16-of-25 shooting including 5-of-8 from behind the arc.

After the game, Gay said, “If we want to win, I have to be aggressive, offensively and defensively.”

"He put on a show tonight,” added Kings Head Coach Michael Malone.

In addition, Derrick Williams – who played in 67 games at forward in 2013-14 – will look to add depth and versatility from both forward spots. Originally a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves after being drafted second-overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, the fourth-year pro was acquired by Sacramento in late November. 

No. 13 stepped in right away and performed his best when his name was in the starting lineup. In 15 starts, he shot 44-percent from the field and averaged 12.5 points per outing. He also cleaned the glass and found open teammates with 7.3 boards and 1.3 assists per game. 

Williams – whose 6-foot-8, 240-pound frame lends itself well to physical play, but still allows for quickness and agility – spent the majority of the summer improving his jump shot in Los Angeles. Yet, he also made an appearance in Las Vegas joining the team for mini-camp and three games in Summer League competition. 

“I told Coach [Malone], ‘I wanted to come out and play [in] Summer League,’” he said. “I think the main thing is just playing throughout the summer. You never want to play against the same competition over and over and over. So getting out here, playing against different guys every single day, [in] different games and having real refs – I think it’s good.”

The former Arizona Wildcat averaged 12.3 points and 2.7 rebounds in those three meetings, but posted his best offensive outing on July 14 against the D-League Select Team tallying 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting in just 26 minutes of action.

positional-breakdown-small-forward

Positional Breakdown: Small Forward

What did you learn during your time playing for Coach Doc Rivers?

“It had a huge impact on me. I got a chance to work with a guy who’s won championships in his career. As a coach, he was very hard on me last year – but the biggest thing I can take away from Doc is that he was always poised throughout the biggest moments. If you think about all the stuff he went through in the Playoffs last year, he was poised. He was a very competitive coach and that rubs off on everyone around him. There are a lot of things I can take away from that experience, but overall, I think it was very good for my career – just to be around a guy who has won championships.”

Are you looking forward to facing the Clippers this season?

“In this situation, I think everybody has to be circled on our calendar. I think we’re in a position right now where one game isn’t too big – every game is big for us and that’s how I’m looking at it.”

What aspect about working under Coach Michael Malone excites you most?

“We all know Coach Malone is one of the up-and-coming coaches in this league. I think everybody knows he’s a very strong defensive coach. Even though he’s young, he’s been around the game a long time. I feel like he presents his players with a lot of freedom and makes the game a lot easier to go out there and do a good job. When I was first hearing Sacramento’s pitch, one of the things I told them was, ‘Michael Malone was one of the biggest reasons why I wanted to come here.’ I’ve known him since New Orleans and we’ve developed a good relationship since then. He’s just one of those coaches who will make you run through a wall for him, so I’m excited to play for Coach this year.”

What kind of vision did the Kings front office share with you during your initial conversations?

“If you look at what Sacramento has been through – almost losing their team and having been a Playoff team, and an exciting Playoff team in the past – I think they’re trying to bring (the winning) feeling back. [General Manager] Pete [D’Alessandro] is trying to build a team that will win now and make improvement from last year. The fans definitely deserve it.”

D’Alessandro has mentioned how much he appreciates an up-tempo style of play – how does it fit your game?

“It fits right in with my style of play. Everybody knows I like to get up and down [the court] and that I’m fast and quick with the ball. I think it’s easier to play that way. When you do have to slow it up, I can do that too, but I think this team will like to play fast. Rudy [Gay] and Ben [McLemore], with both of them being so athletic, they’ll like to play like that along with some of the other young guys.”

Have you had a chance to talk with Kings Chairman and Majority Owner Vivek Ranadivé?

“Yeah, he’s a real cool, gentle, soft-spoken guy. He just told me he’s excited to have me onboard and he can’t wait for the season to start. He knows [outsiders] have had their doubts about us, but he’s a firm believer in us. He put this team together for a reason, so I’m just as excited about it as him.”

Have you had a chance to speak with some of your teammates, too?

“I spoke with [DeMarcus] Cousins a couple of times. Rudy – I tried to reach out to him. I spoke to Ray [McCallum] a little bit – not as much as I want to – and I had a chance to sit down and talk with Nik Stauskas. We all went out to dinner together. Another guy I’m looking forward to working out with is Ben, because I know he comes out to L.A. – him and Ray both. I’ve also spoken with [Derrick Williams] and Carl Landry, so almost the whole team.”

Are you looking forward to the team’s preseason games in China?

“I’m not a flight man, but I think it’s going to be a good experience for us to bond together. I think you can use trips to bond early in the season and we just have to take advantage of it. Regardless of how long the flight is going to be, we just have to take advantage of it. I think it’s going to be fun once we get there.”

kings-qa-collison-part-2

Kings Q&A: Collison Part 2

sacasingh

सैक्रामेंटो, सीए ---- लास वेगस में जुलाई 11-21 तक चलने वाले 2014 सैमसंग एनबीए समर लीग में प्रतिस्‍पर्धा करने से पहले सैक्रामेंटो किंग्‍स जुलाई 6-10 के बीच लास वेगस में टॉमस एंड मैक सेंटर और कॉक्‍स पैविलियन में एक मिनी-कैंप का आयोजन करेगा। सैक्रामेंटो ने पिछले आठ एनबीए समर लीग में हिस्‍सेदारी की है। टीम कम से कम पांच गेम खेलेगी, इसकी पहली स्‍पर्धा शुक्रवार 11 जुलाई को सैन एंटोनियो स्‍पर्स के खिलाफ होगी। क्रिस जेंट द्वारा प्रशिक्षित किंग्‍स की टीम में 2013-14 के नियमित सीज़न रोस्‍टर के उनके कई खिलाड़ी - क्विंसी एसी, जेयर्ड कनिंघम, बेन मैक्‍लीमोर, रे मैक्‍कलम और डेरिक विलियम्‍स - शामिल होंगे साथ ही साथ 2014 के ड्राफ़्ट सेलेक्‍शन निक स्���टाउस��‍कास (समग्रता में आठवें) शामिल होंगे।

लगातार दूसरे वर्ष, इस आयोजन में एक टूर्नामेंट-स्‍टाइल का कार्यक्रम होगा, जिसके अंत में जुलाई 21 को सैमसंग एनबीए समर लीग 2014 के चैंपियन की ताजपोशी होगी। जुलाई 11-15 के बीच 24 टीमों एक दूसरे के साथ तीन गेम खेलेंगी जिसके बाद उन्‍हें टूर्नामेंट में वरीयता प्रदान की जाएगी। सैमसंग एनबीए समर लीग में प्रत्‍येक टीम कम से कम पांच गेम खेलेगी।

Kings.com सैमसंग एनबीए समर लीग का व्‍यापक कवरेज करेगा। एनबीए टीवी सभी 67 गेम का प्रसारण करेगा, जिसमें 38 गेमों का इवेंट के दौरान लाइव प्रसारण किया जाएगा, जिसमें 21 जुलाई का चैंपियनशिप गेम भी शामिल है। इसके अलावा, प्रशंसक एक सब्‍सक्रिप्‍शन-आधारित पैकेज के जरिए https://nba.com/summerleague और एनबीए समर लीग ऐप्‍प पर सैमसंग एनबीए समर लीग गेम को लाइव देख सकेंगे।

2014 किंग्‍स समर लीग कार्यक्रम

2014 एनबीए समर लीग सैक्रामेंटो किंग्‍स मिनी-कैंप रोस्‍टर (16 खिलाड़ी)

समर लीग मुख्‍य प्रशिक्षक	क्रिस जेंट (कॉलेज - ओहायो स्‍टेट)
सहायक प्रशिक्षक	कॉर्लिस विलियम्‍सन (कॉलेज - अर्कांसस), मिका नोरी (कॉलेज - इंडियाना)
सहायक प्रशिक्षक/खिलाड़ी विकास के निदेशक	डी ब्राउन (कॉलेज - जैक्‍सनविले)
सहायक प्रशिक्षक/खिलाड़ी विकास के सहा. निदेशक	रायन बोवेन (कॉलेज - आयोवा)
मुख्‍य प्रशिक्षक	माइकल मैलोन (कॉलेज - लोयोला (एमडी))
खेल चिकित्‍सा के निदेशक	पीट यंगमैन (कॉलेज - इथाका)
मुख्‍य एथ्‍लेटिक प्रशिक्षक	मैनी रोमेरो (कॉलेज - लोयोल��� मेरीमोंट)
एथ्‍लेटिक प्रदर्शन के निदेशक	चिप शैफ़र (कॉलेज - यूटा)

2014-%e0%a4%b8%e0%a5%88%e0%a4%ae%e0%a4%b8%e0%a4%82%e0%a4%97-%e0%a4%8f%e0%a4%a8%e0%a4%ac%e0%a5%80%e0%a4%8f-%e0%a4%b8%e0%a4%ae%e0%a4%b0-%e0%a4%b2%e0%a5%80%e0%a4%97-%e0%a4%b8%e0%a5%87-%e0%a4%aa%e0%a4%b9

2014 सैमसंग एनबीए समर लीग से पहले किंग्‍स ने लॉस वेगस में मिनी-कैंप का आयोजन किया

SACRAMENTO, CA ---- The Sacramento Kings will hold a mini-camp July 6-10 in Las Vegas prior to competing in the 2014 Samsung NBA Summer League in Las Vegas from July 11-21 at the Thomas &amp; Mack Center and Cox Pavilion. Sacramento has participated in the last eight NBA Summer Leagues. The team will play at least five games, beginning with its first contest on Friday, July 11, against the San Antonio Spurs. Coached by Chris Jent, the Kings will feature several players from their 2013-14 regular season roster - Quincy Acy, Jared Cunningham, Ben McLemore, Ray McCallum and Derrick Williams – as well as 2014 draft selection Nik Stauskas (8th overall).

For the second consecutive year, the event will feature a tournament-style schedule, culminating in the crowning of the Samsung NBA Summer League 2014 Champion on July 21. The 24 teams will each play three games during July 11-15 before being seeded in the tournament. Each team will play no fewer than five games during the Samsung NBA Summer League.

Kings.com will provide comprehensive coverage of the Samsung NBA Summer League. NBA TV will televise all 67 games, including a total of 38 games live during the event, including the Championship Game on July 21. In addition, fans will again be able to watch, via a subscription-based package, every Samsung NBA Summer League game live at https://nba.com/summerleague and on the NBA Summer League app.

Tickets for the 2014 Samsung NBA Summer League are on sale now. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting NBATickets.com, or by calling 702-739-FANS.

2014 NBA SUMMER LEAGUE SACRAMENTO KINGS MINI-CAMP ROSTER (16 players)

SUMMER LEAGUE HEAD COACH - Chris Jent (College - Ohio State)
ASSISTANT COACH - Corliss Williamson (Arkansas), Micah Nori (College - Indiana)
ASST. COACH/DIR. OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT - Dee Brown (College – Jacksonville)
ASST. COACH/ASST. DIR. OF PLAYER DEV. - Ryan Bowen (College – Iowa)
HEAD COACH - Michael Malone (College – Loyola (MD))
DIRECTOR OF SPORTS MEDICINE - Pete Youngman (College - Ithaca)
HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER - Manny Romero (College – Loyola Marymount)
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE - Chip Schaefer (College – Utah)

kings-to-hold-mini-camp-in-las-vegas-prior-to-2014-samsung-nba-summer-league

Kings to Hold Mini-Camp in Las Vegas Prior to 2014 Samsung NBA Summer League

Alex Kramers

Get an inside look at how No. 8 has impressed teammates and coaches with a multitude of on- and off-court accolades.

Once described as “The Most Interesting Man in the NBA” in a comedic All-Star Game promotional campaign, Kings forward Rudy Gay’s list of accomplishments and pastimes may indeed make him worthy of the lofty title.

He was a highly-touted baseball player until a middle-school growth spurt led him on a path to basketball stardom.

A self-proclaimed thespian, he guest-starred on an episode of the hit TV show “The Game,” and enjoys watching reality programs including “Duck Dynasty” and “Pawn Stars.”

He’s the son of an R&amp;B singer – Rudy Gay, Sr. of Ace Spectrum – with an eclectic musical playlist that features hip-hop moguls Jay-Z and Kanye West, electronic music duo Daft Punk and alternative rock band The Black Ghost.

He has a weakness for sweets, incorporating gummy worms, Starburst, Swedish Fish, Skittles or an occasional chocolate bar into his otherwise nutritious diet.

“Life is hard – I like to stay young and enjoy it,” says Gay with a wide smile. “I like to have fun, I like to joke around and I like to lighten the mood.”

Whether it’s providing fashion tips1, relationship advice as a husband and soon-to-be father or doling out lessons he’s learned from his first eight years in the League, No. 8 has served as a role model to numerous Kings players.

“He’s a great player for us, but he’s also a good person, a good leader (and) he’s great with the young guys,” says center Aaron Gray, a close friend who also played alongside Gay with the Raptors. “He made it really easy for (Quincy Acy) and me when we were traded here just because we knew the three of us were going to be here together. He’s the type of guy (who when) we had a day off in Memphis, took us all over for a team meal.

“I knew him from UConn – when he used to play against Pitt – and he’s matured so much, not only as a basketball player, but also as a human being. It’s good to be a part of the team here (with him).”

As seamlessly as the easy-going forward has fit in and bonded with teammates off the court, Gay has thrived on the hardwood since being acquired on Dec. 9, 2013, averaging 20.8 points per game on 50 percent from the field to go along with 5.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 37 games with the Kings. A fluid athlete capable of gracefully gliding to the basket, finishing above the rim and elevating over defenders for smooth long-range jumpers, the Baltimore, Md. native2 poured in a career-high-tying 41 points on 16-of-25 from the field and 5-of-8 from behind the arc against the Pelicans on Jan. 21.

“I give Rudy a lot of credit,” says Kings Head Coach Michael Malone. “Everybody wanted to jump on the analytic bandwagon about Rudy as one of the most inefficient players in the NBA – he was taking over 19 shots per game, 38 percent from the field, (the Raptors) weren’t winning. We looked at Rudy as a whole picture. We looked back at his time in Memphis – when he played with a very talented frontline – and we felt the combination of he and DeMarcus (Cousins) playing inside and out would be a potent combination. It’s proven to be (effective) so far.”

Sacramento has won 16 of 32 games in which Nos. 8 and 15 have started together in the frontcourt, according to NBA.com/stats.

“We feel we’ve gotten a steal in that trade,” says Malone. “And we only hope that Rudy is a Sacramento King for many, many years upcoming.”

Kings TV Color Analyst Jerry Reynolds has been equally impressed by the 6-foot-8 forward’s unique skill set and unparalleled athleticism, foreseeing a bright basketball future in the City of Trees.

“I think, when you look at it fairly, once you get past three or four different small forwards in the League, he’s right there,” says Reynolds. “He’s that level of talent – upper-echelon.

“The thing that’s surprised me about him is he’s a better all-around player than I anticipated. He really sees the floor (well), can make plays for his teammates and is a better rebounder than I anticipated. So for me, the best is ahead.”

One of only eight players in the League averaging over 19 points, six rebounds and one steal per contest, Gay – who grew up admiring the two-way games of perennial All-Stars Scottie Pippen, Kevin Garnett and Tracy McGrady – has correspondingly embraced the challenge of guarding the opposing team’s biggest offensive threats.

In a road victory in N.Y. on Feb. 12, the UConn product admirably held Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony to 26.7 percent from the field in the second half and overtime, forcing the League’s second-leading scorer into a contested, missed jumpshot in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter.

“I asked him, going into that last possession of regulation, ‘Do we want to play Carmelo straight up here or do we want to double-team him (and) make somebody else make the play?’” revealed Malone postgame. “To Rudy’s credit, he said, ‘Coach, I got him. Let me play him straight up, one-on-one.’”

For Gay, the trust and playcalling from the coaching staff in Sacramento, as well as the opportunity to showcase every aspect of his multifaceted game has led to one of the most proficient stretches of his career.

“For the most part, Coach has put me in the right situation to be successful, and I’ve been trying to take advantage of it,” says Gay.

“I just needed a platform to show what I can do. I train hard. I honestly took maybe four days off this whole past summer.

Since entering the NBA in 2006, the Charm City native has worked diligently to refine his game and develop into one of the League’s premier scorers and playmakers, while earning the opportunity to not only travel across the country through the NBA, but explore numerous parts of the world.

“It’s a blessing for me,” he says, recalling recent tours of London and China. “I don’t think I would’ve even left Baltimore if it weren’t for basketball.”

In 2010, Gay helped lead the U.S. National Team to a gold medal in the FIBA World Championship, disclosing the experience played a pivotal role in shaping his basketball outlook and winning mentality, as well as allowed him to develop strong bonds with fellow rising stars.

“It was really fun and it showed me a lot – teamwork, sacrifice, hard work,” he says. “All those guys I played with, we all worked together and they’re like my brothers still. (Kevin Durant and I), we’ve always been close, (Derrick) Rose and I are cool, Andre Iguodala and I have always been close. (Russell Westbrook), Stephen (Curry) – we’re all pretty much cool still.”

Reflecting on his numerous on- and off-court accomplishments – from scoring more than 10,000 points as a pro to appearing in national TV commercials – the most interesting aspect for Gay has been the chance to put a smile on the faces of loved ones.

“At the end of the day, when my kids are born, (I can) just say those are some things their dad did,” he says. “(I’ll) have a little bit of a résumé.”

1 - Decked in gray slacks, a matching denim jacket and wingtips following a recent Kings win, Gay has not only embraced the role of on-court leader, but has become an instant locker-room trendsetter.

“I feel like I’m pretty fashionable. I know I am!” he says with a chuckle, disclosing the key to pulling off a great look is comfort. “(I tell younger teammates) all the time, they have to grow up. You can’t dress like you’re 16, back in wherever-you’re-from.”

2 - A die-hard fan of his hometown sports teams, Gay has been fortunate enough to follow Baltimore’s NFL team since inception and experience a pair of championships.

closer-look-rudy-gay

Closer Look: Rudy Gay

Kings Rocket Department

SACRAMENTO, CA ---- The Sacramento Kings announced today the acquisition of forward Derrick Williams from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for forward Luc Mbah a Moute (BAH-ah MOO-tay), according to Kings General Manager Pete D'Alessandro.

"We're excited to acquire a player with Derrick's skillset," said D'Alessandro. "He will add size, length and serve as a scoring threat in our frontcourt. We also want to thank Luc for his contributions during the short time he was a King. We wish him the best."

Williams, a 6-8, 240-pound forward, is averaging 4.9 points (35.2 FG%, 13.3 3pt%, 87.5 FT%), 2.4 rebounds and 14.7 minutes per game in 11 games off the bench this season. Selected by Minnesota with the second overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, Williams is averaging 10.1 points (42.0 FG%, 29.8 3pt%, 70.8 FT%), 4.9 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 22.6 minutes per game in 155 career games in three seasons, all with Minnesota.

Mbah a Moute was acquired by the Kings from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for two future second-round picks on July 12, 2013. This season, Mbah a Moute is posting 4.4 points (46.9 FG%, 33.3 3pt%, 69.2 FT%), 3.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.00 steals and 21.8 minutes per game in nine games of which five he started for the Kings this season. Mbah a Moute has career averages of 6.8 points (46.0 FG%, 29.2 3pt%, 67.9 FT%), 5.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 25.0 minutes per game in 344 contests over six NBA seasons with Milwaukee (2008-09 – 2012-13) and Sacramento (2013-14). The 6-8, 230-pound forward from Cameroon was selected by the Bucks in the second round (37th overall) of the 2008 NBA Draft.