SB Nation User Blog: Carl

Ricky Rubio's Olympic Stats - per 36 minutes

Carl — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:49:28 -0000

Because we don't have enough to argue about as it is, I thought I would post Ricky Rubio's 2008 Olympic stats, per 36 minutes:

Rubio
9.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 3.9 turnovers, 4.1 steals on 28% from the field, 17% from three and 78% from the line. Rubio shot 5.6 free throws per 36 minutes.

For the sake of comparison, here are the stats from Rubio's teammate and fellow point guard Jose Calderon: (Calderon is 9 years older and averaged 12.8 points and 8.9 assists for the Raptors last season.)

Calderon
12.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.3 turnovers, .87 steals on 40% from the field, 33% from three and 100% from the line. Calderon shot 1.5 free throws per 36 minutes.

The obvious question is, what conclusions can we draw from these stats? I think we have to be careful about making blanket observations for a number of reasons. First, the sample is small. Rubio played 8 games and Calderon played 6. Second, international basketball is a different style from NBA basketball, so one doesn't necessarily translate to another. On the other hand, Olympic basketball talent is as close to NBA talent as you can get. There are a significant number of NBA and NBA-caliber players in the Olympics, so I think there is some value in looking at these statistics.

Having said all that, Rubio didn't score much, but had great rebounding numbers for his position. His steal numbers were off the charts and he drew a ton of fouls. On the negative side, his shooting was absolutely horrific and his turnovers were way too high.

There has been talk that Rubio's only real strength is passing, and that may be true. But these numbers suggest that rebounding and drawing fouls are also strengths - and those are extremely valuable qualities at the point guard position. Shooting and turnovers can be fixed with practice and experience.

Rubio doesn't remind me of Pistol Pete as much as he reminds me of a younger, more talented, more experienced and more stable Jason Williams. Williams was quick but not particularly athletic, couldn't shoot and threw the ball all over the arena when he came into the league at 23. What's not to like about an exciting, creative player who does the same things and more at 19?

It's official, Ron Artest is a Rocket

Carl — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:36:30 -0000

It's official, Ron Artest is a Rocket

The Rockets officially acquired the mercurial forward Thursday in a blockbuster deal with Sacramento, sending rookie Donté Greene, Bobby Jackson, a 2009 first round pick and cash considerations to the Kings in exchange for the 6-7, 248 pound Artest, along with 2008 draftees Patrick Ewing Jr. and Sean Singletary.

Geoff Petrie goes on vacation while Rome/Artest burns

Carl — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:23:00 -0000

Geoff Petrie goes on vacation while Rome/Artest burns

"Kings source tells me (Detroit) have not called Sacramento, and I wouldn't be shocked if no one else had recently either. I'm told it's quiet enough that Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie is heading out for a vacation..."

On the Luxury Tax Implications of Odom for Artest and K-9

Carl — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:28:42 -0000

Scott Howard-Cooper (can I just call him Scoop for short?) wrote a well-researched article about how much it will cost the Lakers to take on Kenny Thomas with Ron Artest. The jist of the article is that the Lakers would take an enormous luxury tax hit by including Kenny Thomas Thomas in the deal for Lamar Odom. Scoop notes that substituting Qunicy Douby and Shelden Williams for K9 would save the Lakers $25 million over the next two seasons.

Amick: Bass and Stackhouse offered for Artest

Carl — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:10:28 -0000

Sam Amick reports that the Mavericks offered Brandon Bass and Jerry Stackhouse for Ron Artest. Amick also notes that the Mavs are unlikely to offer Josh Howard and that he doesn't see Petrie doing the deal as offered.

Amick's post indicates that Lamar Odom is available, but the potential Artest and Kenny Thomas for Odom deal is on hold until the Lakers decide whether to match the Warriors offer for Ronny Turiaf this Friday.

Artest issues statement on his mistake in not opting out

Carl — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:51:48 -0000

Via Sam Amick:

I made the comment about making a mistake on my opt out clause because I really did make a mistake. I had wrong info about extension options and it could have cost me a new deal. I was informed that the kings had me in their long term plans so that's why I decided to stay in contract. I just wanted to show loyalty. However when I spoke to the kings that was not an option and I grew frustrated with my decision immediately. I do apologize for being mistakenly frustrated with the kings. It was a mistake that I made and I will move on from. I dont know my future but I'm still a King Haters:)

How do the Kings improve?

Carl — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:34:38 -0000

(From the FanPosts. Carl asks all the right questions. - TZ)

The current Kings roster is essentially the same as it was last season. The Kings won 38 games in a stacked Western Conference. How do they get better? Hawes will play better and get more minutes. Maybe Jason Thompson starts by December and puts up All-Rookie team numbers. Beno is more comfortable with the team and has training camp to prepare.

How many wins is that worth? Can this team contend for a playoff spot? Is Geoff Petrie in a position where he has to make a trade to improve the team, or will he go into the season with roster the Kings have now?

PG: Beno Udrih, Sean Singletary
SG: Kevin Martin, Francisco Garcia, Quincy Douby
C: Brad Miller, Spencer Hawes
PF: Mikki Moore, Jason Thompson, Shelden Williams
SF: Ron Artest, John Salmons

Others: Kenny Thomas, Shareef Abdur-Rahim

Bee: Kings to offer Beno full midlevel exception for five years

Carl — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:38:21 -0000

Bee: Kings to offer Beno full midlevel exception for five years

Numerous sources close to the team said the Kings were prepared to offer Udrih their full midlevel exception (approximately $6 million) in a five-year deal.

News 10's Brian May: Artest will not opt out

Carl — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:41:24 -0000

News 10's Brian May: Artest will not opt out

According to News10's Brian May, Ron Artest sent an e-mail today that says he will not opt out of his contract with the Kings. Read it and either weep or jump for joy.

Find the Kings a Point Guard

Carl — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:22:10 -0000

(From the FanPosts. -TZ)

The only point guard on the Kings roster is last night's second round draft pick Sean Singletary. What should the team do to get another point guard?

Do the Kings re-sign Beno for three to five years at mid level exception of $6 million per year? Is it better to save the $18 million to $30 million in salary to sign a less expensive point from the free agent market? Should the Kings look at trading with teams overloaded with point guards, like Memphis and Portland?

Since we know how well Petrie listens to our draft advice, let's help him find the Kings a point guard.