Understanding Keith Smart’s rotation

Suffering from back spasms, Tyreke Evans sat out the Sacramento Kings' final visit to Utah Friday.  Reserve Travis Outlaw started in his place at small forward. It was Outlaw's first start this year.  Fast forward just three days later and the veteran forward recorded his 24th "Did Not Play - Coach's Decision" of the season. Regardless of what you might think about Keith Smart's distribution of playing time, the head coach of the Sacramento Kings says he "keeps all guys...ready to play." "When you are a guy that’s not in the top eight," said Smart during media availability before Saturday's game against the New Jersey Nets.  "You have to always be ready to play. "So based on your rotation, he’s (Outlaw) on the fringe," he added when I asked him about the peculiarity of starting a player who appears to be on the periphery of his rotation.  "Based on my rotation, he is as close to the fire as any of our players." Smart's lineups have become the ire of some Jimmer Fredette fans, who complain about the rookie guard's inconsistent playing time.  But just like Outlaw, Fredette's minutes have fluctuated depending on a number of factors, including team injuries and match-ups presented by the opposition. "I look at the game, the situation," said Smart, who also noted that the condensed schedule hasn't played a role in deciding playing time.  "After the eighth man, I look at how the game is going to be played." ... More