One of the highlights for the Lakers against the Kings last night was Kobe Bryant's dunk when he sped right past John Salmons for a one handed slam.  What made me interested in the play was Salmon's position.  He was defending on the side of Bryant opposite the baseline expecting another defender to be facing him.  That of course didn't happen, but what I can't understand is why this type of positioning is encouraged.  I've rarely seen this positioning work where it causes turnovers or tough shots.  Usually,  it results in a open shot or layup.  If anyone has been a coach or knows defensive schemes, I'd be really interested why this type of defensive position is used.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-sfUnz4Tn0

Play is at 3:29 mark.

Does anyone remember the 2003-2004 season?  Just to refreshen everyone's memory, the Kings had the best record 2/3 into the season with some of the best offensive teamwork I've ever seen.  Yeah, the Kings were always the best passing team in the league in their contender years but even then, they would get hunkered down with C-Webb iso's from time to time.  The 03/04 had a still crafty Vlade and the new guy Miller, both pass first centers who made everyone better.  Peja had his best season ever, even getting MVP consideration during the half way point.  Of course we know what happened next: Webb came back too early, the offense became too stagnant with Webber, playing on one leg and thinking he was still the 02 version of himself, and losing to the Timberwolves in seven.

Why is the 03 version of the Kings important?  because adding Hawes to the starting lineup will be the closest thing to that team.  Now, I'm not saying that the Kings would get the best record (at best, I think they can go .500) but I think they would be a immensily fun team to watch.  Hawes is ready anyways, he's been the best King these first three games and had been the Kings most complete player.  He is also the closest thing to Vlade cept without the smoking and flops.  I like Mikey, but is there anything that Moore is better at than Hawes other than taking charges and dunking screams? 

What I've seen from this team from the first few games is a team that wants to be a fluid passing offensive team but doesn't have the personel.  Hawes and Miller starting changes that.  All of a sudden K-Mart's offensive game becomes very easy instead of a challenge.  Beno has a abundant of options to pass to and has two guys he can pick and pop/roll with. 

One of the underrated things about the 1999-2003 Kings was that they had two of the greatest passing big men to ever play the game and one of the best today in Miller.  That's what made those teams special.  That's what would've have made them a Youtube senseatation if they'd played later in the decade.  It has been 5 years since then and I think it's time we see another great pair of passing big men.