The Kings used 11 players last night, with most minutes going to the newcomers. Our friend Tom Ziller noted his observations of Paul Westphal’s rotation in a post today at Sactown Royalty:
John Salmons played 30 minutes and Travis Outlaw picked up 18; between those two and some smallball minutes with Evans and even Thornton at small forward, last season’s threes were one possession from being shut out. Chuck Hayes played 27 minutes up front, (DeMarcus) Cousins had 25 and Hickson picked up 22; those three plus (Jason) Thompson’s nominal time and Outlaw’s power forward spells accounted for all of that. (Francisco) Garcia couldn’t get space in front of (Tyreke) Evans, (Marcus) Thornton, Jimmer Fredette (26 minutes) or Isaiah Thomas (13).
After last night’s game, I asked Coach Westphal if this is the rotation he hopes to continue using as the season moves forward:
As long as we’re healthy, I think this is the framework we’re trying to set. Players off the bench, sometimes their minutes will grow depending on foul trouble and the flow of the game. But I like the way our starters fit and I think as long as we’re healthy, this is the way we’ve always anticipated going, and I think it’s a real good way to play.
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