Bobby Jackson knew this was coming. So when asked earlier this week if the Kings' scrimmages had become heated, the veteran point guard said, just wait.
"Once we start going and battling, that's when it gets heated," Jackson said.
That competitive fire clearly was lit during Friday's scrimmage, which was the first opportunity for the media to view the full-contact practice. The intensity was evidenced by several players protesting calls, most notably Brad Miller yelling vehemently at a referee.
"It always gets like that," Kevin Martin said. "We're all competitive, especially Brad. If Brad doesn't get a couple calls, he is going to be pretty mad. When you are on the court, it's basketball, and you want to do what it takes to make your team win."
Mikki Moore, known as an emotional player, said Miller's outburst surprised him at first.
"Brad scared me," he said. "He was like, 'I'm just having fun.' I think (Kings coach) Reggie (Theus) was telling the refs to do that to see if we could take it. I'm trying to get it all out in practice."
Theus said he was impressed with the competitiveness of Friday's scrimmage, but the players' work must continue.
"There is still a lot of holding and clumsiness in terms of fouls," Theus said. "Early in training camp, they foul a lot.
"The highlight of the day for me was a couple fast breaks. (Also), a couple times when they caught the ball and swung it before looking at the rim first. And there were a couple defensive plays in there, too."
Jackson said he has been impressed by what he's seen during the first four days of practices.
"We're talented, and we take care of the ball," he said. "We're showing signs of defense, and everyone is talking. But we also have a lot to learn. We need to rely on each other."
Theus and several players said the scrimmage only increased their hunger to face an opponent, with their first chance Tuesday against the Portland Trail Blazers.
"These are your teammates, and they know your moves," Theus said. "I'm sure they are champing at the bit to play someone else already."
Douby hurt – Quincy Douby sprained his right ankle in Friday's scrimmage while landing after a jump shot. His prognosis is unknown. Theus said it appeared not to be severe, especially considering Douby eventually walked off the court for treatment. Douby was unavailable for comment following practice.
The timing of the injury could be a setback for the third-year guard. The Kings have until Oct. 31 to decide whether to pick up his $2.2 million team option for the 2009-10 season.
Douby had remained injury-free during this pivotal juncture, gaining momentum in summer-league competition. A back injury limited Douby to one summer-league game in 2007.
Call The Bee's Melody Gutierrez, (916) 326-5521.
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.