I just don't buy this. We have Cousins and had Gay. We have Lawson who has been starter caliber in the past. We have solid pieces like Koufos, Collison and Temple. Afflalo and Toliver have been good additions also.
We had a 7 game home stand. Unfortunately we had Warriors and Cleveland. All the other games where winnable especially at home. We lost 6 of seven at home. Before the loss of Gay, we did not have a talent problem. There is something else going on. What I don't know. I'm not going to blame the coach.
it's certainly your right not to buy it, but take a good long look up and down the kings roster. there are, indeed, a few "solid pieces." there are even a couple names who have "been starter caliber
in the past." but even at 100% health, do you honestly believe that the kings are more talented than the nuggets, the blazers, the pelicans, or the timberwolves, all teams who are vying for the eighth seed in the west, all of whom sit below .500? i certainly do not, although i could probably be convinced that they're a wash with the pels.
talent is required to make the playoffs in the nba. very few teams sneak in on effort and discipline alone. that the kings lack talent
and remain undisciplined--particularly on the defensive side of the ball--explains why they aren't running away with an eighth seed that's completely up for grabs. it's that simple.