If the Warriors want to parlay this surprise season into a legit playoff run, it’s time to roll up their sleeves and get to work. And speaking of sleeves … 
SLEEVES!
Monday, the Warriors unveiled a new alternate jersey created by adidas featuring the unusual addition of sleeves. The top will be worn for the first time at home against the Spurs on February 22, then later at home dates against the Rockets (March 8) and Bulls (March 15).
Apparently, the shirt is lighter than the standard NBA jersey, with technology created to absorb moisture and allow full range of motion around the shoulder, The hope on adidas’ end is obviously to start a trend or at the very least, make a nice chunk of change off those who collect all things basketball gear.
Personally, I’m not a fan. Not because I’m old school when it comes to uniforms. In fact, I loved the NBA’s shift to “longer and baggier.” I just think this is an odd look for basketball. For lack of a better – or actual – adjective, the shirt strikes me as rather “soccer-y,” even acknowledging the sleeve’s presence in college basketball.
I won’t lose sleep over the garb, and should this jersey actually catch on, after enough repeated exposure I won’t even blink. But for the time being, not digging it.
In the meantime, here’s an interesting theory floated by Paul Lukas from ESPN: The sleeves could be the gateway for increased space to feature advertising patches. Hmmm. –AK
SACRAMENTO KINGS (19-34)
Believe it or not, the Kings have demonstrated some life of late. Over the last four games, they pushed the Jazz to overtime during an eventual loss in Salt Lake City, beat the Jazz and Rockets while playing host, then gave the Grizzlies a legitimate match in Tuesday’s loss in Memphis.
Has a breakthrough of sorts been discovered? According to James Ham from the excellent Cowbell Kingdom, perhaps. Ham reports that a recent four-day break from games was used by coach Keith Smart to retool the offense around second year point guard Isaiah Thomas’ style. Thus, a faster tempo, more shots and – based on the most recent sample size – more points.
Per Ham:
“Coach Keith Smart is running scrimmages with an 11-second clock to force his team to get up and down the floor and into their offensive sets quicker. Smart has a young team that can really fly, but Thomas is at the forefront of that effort.
“I think that’s how we need to play from here on out,” Thomas said of the new offensive approach. “That only works in our favor.”
If nothing else, the change will likely make the games more fun for the players. Considering how incredibly dispiriting this season has been, that wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.”
No, it wouldn’t. –AK
Brian and Andy Kamenetzky are sportswriters and radio hosts who have worked in sports media for over a decade. They have covered the Lakers and the NBA for eight seasons, for both the LATimes.com and ESPN.com, as well as ESPN The Magazine. Follow them on Twitter at @KamBrothers.
I’m not a huge fan of Ebanks. His DUI shows a level of immaturity – as does a noticeable loss of physique over the past 2 years; but his banishment by D’Antoni makes as much sense and Jamison’s banishment earlier this season. Ebanks can defend and is athletic enough to get to the rim. He should at least get a sniff every game given our depleted roster.