The Grant Napear Show - June 29, 2012
Today on the Grant Napear Show, it was all about the NBA Draft and the Kings fifth overall pick, Thomas Robinson. Grant took calls about what people thought of Robinson, what the Kings may do in free agency, and how the team benefits from selling its second round pick. Grant also talked about the San Francisco Giants' four-game shutout streak and took calls about the Giants as well. Grant interviewed Keith Smart, Jerry Reynolds and John Smoltz.
Sacramento Kings Head Coach Keith Smart joined Grant today to talk about the Kings' draft pick Thomas Robinson, and what the team is doing in the off-season. Coach Smart said that Robinson embodies what the Kings coaching staff preaches about working hard. Smart also said that Robinson rebounds well and can get out and run the floor. He noted that Robinson had to come off the bench for two years at Kansas, and understands the importance of hard work.
Grant and Coach Smart also discussed what the team is doing in the off-season. Smart said that Marcus Thornton has been talking with guys to get them to work out together in Sacramento. The Kings' coaching staff has always talked about getting together and bonding as a team, and the players are starting to buy in to that concept. Smart said that bonding is important because it helps guys relax and get along. The Kings teams in the early 2000s that were so successful did a lot of things together, and this team is trying to emulate that concept.
Coach Smart also talked about the importance of having a Summer League for developing players. He talked about how Jimmer Fredette, Hassan Whiteside and Thomas Robinson will all get a chance to play in the Summer League. He stressed the importance of getting minutes on the floor to help improving.
Grant and Smart also talked about all of the fans that greet players at the airport when they arrive in Sacramento. Coach Smart said that it is a great first impression for players and that it shows that this team is moving in the right direction.
Finally, Coach Smart talked about Tyreke Evans. Evans said that he wants the ball in his hands, and Smart said he wants the same thing. While Smart doesn't know what position Evans will play, he will explore all types of scenarios. He said he's looking for the best fit to help the team win.
Jerry Reynolds from the Sacramento Kings joined Grant today to talk about the NBA Draft. First, they discussed Thomas Robinson who the Kings were happy to take at number five in the draft. Jerry said that he would've been the Kings' selection if they had the 2nd pick in the draft. Robinson didn't work out for the team, but Jerry said that that isn't important, and game tape is the most important thing to watch when evaluating a player. Robinson isn't a perfect player though, and Jerry said he needs to improve his outside game.
The Kings were eyeing Dion Waiters, who went fourth overall. Jerry said that Waiters is terrific and a surprise at the number four spot, but is a good fit in Cleveland. He said that Harrison Barnes and Austin Rivers are two guys that might not live up to the expectations around them.
Next, they talked about draft grades that are given out after the draft. Jerry and Grant both think that draft grades are impossible to give because you don't know how guys will adjust to the league. Jerry said that some guys will become busts, while others will be better than expected.
Finally, Jerry talked about a possible duo of Jason Thompson and Thomas Robinson. He said that it would work great because they're both power guys that can run. They're both physical and tough and don't need the ball to affect the game. Jerry said that Robinson would fit in well because he played behind two lottery picks in his first two years at Kansas.
John Smoltz from MLB Network joined Grant today to talk about baseball. Grant and John talked about the MLB All-Star game and ways to change it. He said that tradition plays a big part of the All-Star game, but it should change.
Next, they discussed the San Francisco Giants and their dominant pitching staff. He said that their pitching staff has caught fire at the right time and they've caught the Dodgers at a good time while they're hurt. John said that the Dodgers were hot early on, and they had very hot 2 through 4 hitters. Once Kemp went down, the Dodgers started to struggle. While they were pitching a little over their heads, having Kemp back will help them.
They also talked about the Yankees. The Yankees have had a great run in June, but the injuries they've had will hurt them a little bit. The confidence they had in their pitching staff was lacking early, but it's there now and their offense can win ugly, high scoring games.
John also talked about the Pirates who have played better as of late. He said their pitching has been solid, however they won't contend with the inconsistency with their bats. If they can get a bat, they'll be able to make a postseason run, but until then, they won't strike fear in anyone.
Grant asked about possible replay in baseball. John said that there is a solution and a way to do it efficiently, they just need to work the system a little bit. He said that people are worried about time consumption of replays, but never talk about the arguments from managers and players that take up time following bad calls.
