by Charlie O. Mallonee

George Karl met the press as the Head Coach of the Sacramento Kings for the first time on Tuesday. There were the usual “we are glad he is here” statements from Pete D’Alessandro. Karl gave the usual how great it is to be in a great market like Sacramento lines. Then, George Karl got down to business.

Karl’s main emphasis was on the number 30. The Kings have 30 games left to play this season and Karl wants those 30 games to count. He not only knew the number of games left to play – he knew that he had 22 practices remaining for the season. It became very clear that Karl knows situation in Sacramento and is ready to get to work to change it.

Karl also made it known that he understands what his new team has been through this season. He said he knew this team had been through “basketball hell” since the Malone firing in December. Karl demonstrated that he knows his team needs direction and stability.

Karl also made clear his feelings about DeMarcus Cousins. He made several references to Cousins being the best player on the team. He said that Cousins is not just a great big man. Karl said Cousins is a great basketball player. He went on to say that Cousins may be the best passer on the team. That could be a preview of the offense running through Cousins as a point of emphasis.

When asked about possible trades with the trade deadline on Thursday, Karl said, “You are always looking to get better.” The crafty veteran coach would not say anymore than that on the subject.

Karl indicated he planned to keep the current coaching staff together for the rest of the season. He mentioned he had some ideas on how to mold the staff for next year.

Karl was clear that he was ready to get back into the gym. He sounded excited to working as a coach again.

Karl gave another clue as to what fans should be looking for from his team. He said the one thing he learned at ESPN was that we over analyze the game of basketball. Karl said it is a simple game – find the open man and take the shot. It sounds like the “K.I.S.S.” principle will be in play as the Kings get back to work.

Karl’s first game with his new team will be on Friday in Sacramento versus the Boston Celtics. In the meantime, George Karl and his team have some work to do.