Coach Westphal Making Mistake?

[SadKingsFan]

In my Honest opinion, our new coach is making his first mistake as our coach with Hawes not starting tonight. We need to put our BEST players on the floor at all times, and i think we can agree that May is not one of them, regardless of his performance in Preseason. Coach Westphal was quoted in the Sac Bee saying that 'Its not who starts, its who finishes' but shouldn't we start our best players?

[Nicky Nix Nook]

Let Hawes Start!

[KF10]

I'm indifferent about this. I need to see several games to fully evaluate the situation. We only have direct quotes only from Westphal and Hawes.

Ultimately, I think it is a gutsy move by Westphal and he would look like a genius if this will work out to the advantage of the Kings and Hawes. But if not, it can be very bad. Almost like a mini-implosion.

[SadKingsFan]

I just dont see the upside in the situation at all. He is a veteran coach so i will give him the benefit of the doubt, but i definitely dont like it at the moment...and im 100% sure that Hawes doesnt.

[KF10]

I still think it is a bit too early to say anything about the situation. At first glance, sure, it seems like Hawes should have been starting center for the Kings. But as of right now, I'm going to sit back and watch and read everything I know about this situation's progress.

That's my personal opinion.

[bflewis]

It may be a smart move. The only two people on our team that can play Center is Thompson & Hawes. So if we have them on the floor at the same time then when they both need rest, we are left with Sean May or Brockman or god forbid KT as our Center, and we give up 10 points in two minutes from our "Center" being posted up. So until we get a look at how this works or until we sign a backup big man, give Westphal a break.

[KingInExile]

A starting spot on a rebuilding team are earned, not bestowed. If Hawes has not earned a starting role, then he has to be the one to man up and do what it takes to earn it. Besides, the whole "starter" role is often overrated. What's important is working you're butt off within your role to help the team.

[longfellow44]

I honestly think that this is specifically because of the height issue. Our lack of Height in our reserves is a serious problem when one of Hawes or Thompson isn't on the floor. We get abused in the post by the weakest of 7 footers when we don't have atleast one of the two on the floor. Kings really need to get a decent reserve C. If the Knicks don't start to use Milicic maybe we should try to make a switch of KT and a 2nd for Darko atleast then we would have some height in the second unit and the coach could feel comfortable with Hawes starting.

[mitchweber]

A starting spot on a rebuilding team are earned, not bestowed. If Hawes has not earned a starting role, then he has to be the one to man up and do what it takes to earn it. Besides, the whole "starter" role is often overrated. What's important is working you're butt off within your role to help the team.

I basically agree with this. The only problem I have is that it's not as if May has been tearing it up either.

But Spencer really needs to get his butt in gear. He's better than this, and he needs to man up.

[SacKingZZZ]

I can totally see Westphals point in sending one of the bigger guys to the bench in fear of foul trouble, but he did make a mistake in choosing Hawes over Thompson. Hawes isn't the type of player that will come off the bench with the kind of energy Jason can. We could use Jason's hustle off the bench, and Hawes' skill in the starting lineup. I'd go with May/Hawes, actually, I'd consider Brockman/Hawes since they are both fundamental and know eachothers games, but Hawes needs to start IMO. Jason should come off the bench because I think he'd flourish in that role.

[xx_skaterdude_xx]

May/Hawes would be one of the worst frontcourts in the NBA...not that May/Thompson is a good one, but May and Hawes are both terrible post up players. Thompson at least tries to score some points in the paint.

[mitchweber]

May/Hawes would be one of the worst frontcourts in the NBA...not that May/Thompson is a good one, but May and Hawes are both terrible post up players. Thompson at least tries to score some points in the paint.

Spencer's good in the post when he actually tries to play down there and doesn't let himself get pushed around. At this point, I would be all for any situation that got Spencer in the post more.

[SacKingZZZ]

May/Hawes would be one of the worst frontcourts in the NBA...not that May/Thompson is a good one, but May and Hawes are both terrible post up players. Thompson at least tries to score some points in the paint.

Yeah but he does it moreso through hustle plays. He had a nice half hook in the post but other than that, Spencer still probably had a better move or two with limited touches.

[KF10]

I think all of Hawes points were in the post if I can recall. So, this isn't Hawes shooting perimeter jumpers like crazy last game.

Anyways, I think Hawes would have his hands full with Okafor in the next game. Okafor is a very good defender.

[xx_skaterdude_xx]

I think all of Hawes points were in the post if I can recall. So, this isn't Hawes shooting perimeter jumpers like crazy last game.

Anyways, I think Hawes would have his hands full with Okafor in the next game. Okafor is a very good defender.

And yet, Hawes still took two 3's that he BADLY missed. Especially the last one near the end of the game. He was wide open and yet it wasn't even close, apparently (didn't watch him shoot that one).