DeMarcus Admitted to Hospital

[IfAt1st]

Actually, I should've never responded. This was one of the first boards I posted on as a teenager, and I still read all the time, though rarely post anymore.

For what it's worth, I'm glad whenever you posted through the years, even if it was part of a crapstorm.

At least then we hear YOUR voice and unfiltered opinions, instead of the brick wall of silence, or stultifying PR we have had to endure from the Maloof Inc. and now (at times) Vivek & Co media entities.

As a fan, I value any attempts at communication as better than taking the easy route : being silent and disrespecting your customer base as a result.

 

[IfAt1st]

I'm on the same page as Brick and Slim Citrus :
I don't think most KF's realize how big and bad this news is (if true).

This Kings team without Demarcus is one of the worst in the Western conference (if not the worst). They will likely not win 20% of their games.

If DMC is out a month, the playoff dream (and the attendant national attention, and Boogie getting All-Star and All-NBA honors, and free agents wanting to come to a winning small franchise) may be up in smoke for the time being. It will likely set the entire franchise back an entire year.
It's that big.

God, we are snakebit.

 

[The Hammer]

I like how you say this, as if the media does not decide who gets selected to the All-NBA teams, or the All-Defensive teams. This was supposed to be a big year for establishing DeMarcus Cousins as a superstar, in getting him the recognition and accolades that he's earned. Not to mention that it was supposed to be a big year in terms of rehabilitating Gay's image as an "inefficient chucker," and establishing him as a viable sidekick. Cousins should not only have been a lock for his first All-Star selection, he would have been a lock for his first All-NBA selection, and he and Thompson would have at least been "others receiving votes" in the All-Defensive consideration. We should have come out of this year with no less than a ten-game improvement over last season (and a 12-15 game improvement seemed more likely), and going into the offseason with a bonafide superstar, a legitimate second option, and some solid complimentary role players in Collison, McLemore, Thompson and Casspi. And now it looks like it's all gone to ****
That might not sound like a big deal to you but, in light of the fact that Sacramento is a small market, that kind of narrative could make the difference between free agents like Brandan Wright being willing to sign with us for eight million, and trying to hold us up for eleven million. Which, in turn, could be the difference between being able to re-sign Casspi or not. And so on, and so forth.

I guess I just have a different philosophy on how we'll end up successful. The way I see it, if we're going to build a winner, anything barring a career threatening/ending (a la Rose) injury to one of our core stars, there's nothing that should interrupt the focus of this team on our goals. There's an upside to this too. It does give some room for other guys to step up and spread their wings. We're seeing a bit of that from Nik tonight.

The way I think, is that the kind of success we need to create for ourselves is independent of this type of setback, and would need to learn how to overcome anyway. That's at least how I believe our coach should frame it.

I do give you the point that if we stumble too badly this year that it might deter some key free agents from signing with us, but I still don't see anything so make or break about this stretch. I just feel like Cousins, and our team, are like a tsunami, eventually nothing will be able to stop them. It didn't feel like that last year, because we had so much dead weight. Not the case this year. We win with these guys or we don't win at all. Look at the Rockets. And it's actually better that this happened now as opposed to at the first month of the season. There's still a good chance that we go into the new year over .500.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

I do give you the point that if we stumble too badly this year that it might deter some key free agents from signing with us, but I still don't see anything so make or break about this stretch.

You're not looking far enough down the schedule, then.

Look at the Rockets.

I'm growing weary of having to repeat why the two situations aren't comparable.

 

[The Hammer]

You're not looking far enough down the schedule, then.

I'm growing weary of having to repeat why the two situations aren't comparable.

For the first, I'll state it more strongly. Even if we only win 35 games this year, I don't see that as a make or break for this team. If a free agent doesn't want to sign with us because we didn't compete for the playoffs this year, and can't see our serious upward trajectory regardless of that fact, and that it was largely due to Cousins' virus, then I don't want that player anyway. He wouldn't be good for chemistry if they're that shortsighted.

Second, not saying they are comparable, but more so that we have to become like them anyway, no matter what befalls us. Might as wells start learning how to do that now.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

For the first, I'll state it more strongly. Even if we only win 35 games this year, I don't see that as a make or break for this team.

Well, you should.

Second, not saying they are comparable, but more so that we have to become like them anyway, no matter what befalls us. Might as wells start learning how to do that now.

We're already like them, that's the problem. The only difference is that we're built around our star center, and they're built around their star shooting guard. They're able to win without Beverly and Jones, and even Howard, because their system doesn't depend on those guys being there. As long as Harden is healthy, their system will work, at least during the regular season, no matter who else they put on the court. If Cousins were healthy, but Gay were out, we'd still be able to win, too.

 

[Larry David]

This is not a personal attack at Dave. It is not really a response to him, as we will not agree on the point. It is instead about what he said. I did not love his approach to the story, but it happens. But, I have a hard time with member of the media that reports on the Kings (at least from time to time) responding to criticism over his coverage with “Well I don’t hold myself out to be a journalist; I’m more of a fan.”

That is almost like your waiter bringing you the wrong dinner and responding, “The way I see it, Frank and John over there waiters. I consider myself a fan of this restaurant that brings you food the way that I think is best.”

Except that when you join the media, there are (or at least were) established duties and ethics that come with the job. You can choose not to live by that standard, but that will sometimes result in catching flack over the reporting. But over the past 20-30 years, the role of media, conflicts of interests, obligation to investigate and really know what you are talking about just keeps eroding. Media members have content to fill and they fill it the best they can to get the ratings. I do not think Dave’s a bad guy or a line stepper on this issue. I think the wave of reporters that blurred the lines has trained the next generation on the job, and the next wave can barely see the old line.

But, beyond that larger argument, which I will concede is very open to debate, I think there is the secondary issue. You can choose to sit on a story. That is always an option to every member of the media. But if you: (1) want to sit on a story and; (2) not catch flack about that, you probably shouldn’t announce shortly after the story breaks that you’ve known all along and elected to sit on the story. That is not always going to fly.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

I gotta push back on the first part of that; not everybody in the media is a journalist. Carmichael Dave isn't a journalist any more than Grant Napear is a journalist. Which is, to say, not at all. Dave is, essentially, an ascended fan; just because he's on the radio doesn't make him a journalist.

I do actually agree with the second part: we don't actually have the right to know, and he's not obligated to tell us. But, if you choose not to disclose what you know, when/if the information does become known, don't bother saying anything like, "Yeah, I've known all along, I just couldn't say anything." Nothing is going be achieved by saying that, except aggravating people.

 

[macadocious]

I find it amusing that you guys care so much what Dave says. I've met Dave (briefly) seems like a great guy. He's entertaining on the radio, he was awesome during the keep the Kings crusade. But as has been said above, he's a Kings fan that has ascended to being a media personality involved in and around the team. He is not a beat reporter. I feel like whatever info he gives us, assuming it's accurate, he's doing because he wants to not because it's his job to. Now if Amick or someone wrote and incorrect article on the situation, I could see getting upset.

 

[carmichaeldave]

I'll respond to this, as its a very interesting question.

In my case, although I can perceive how it would be taken that way, that was certainly lost in translation.

What I said was: it was a well-kept secret in camp circles for a few days. Go back and look.

The intent was not "hey I knew all along", which accomplishes absolutely nothing. Truth be told, I sit on a bunch of stuff, as do many. There are times where it's not appropriate. Also, "breaking news" can be fun, but it also brings pressure and worry to the news breaker as well.

The entire point of me saying that was to underline and illustrate that there was great care and concern in how it was reported, something I'm sure many teams could do better at. I didn't break it, nor did the Kings. If I recall, it was USA Today and/or Jason Jones, not the team itself.

You can take me at my word or not, but I assure you reporting stuff like this gives me no personal pleasure or fun. The Seattle stuff was fun, because we fought and won. This is a man's life.

And it's not like I woke up today and said "I'm a doctor, I'm just doing to report a timeline and risk an entire city not to mention franchise and an individual's wrath. C'Mon now.

I hope that at least clears that up. Probably not, but I'm trying.

 

[carmichaeldave]

Macadocious- I couldn't (and didn't) have said it better myself. Every line you wrote is 100% exactly how I feel and look at things.

Except the Sam part. Don't ever want anyone getting mad at my guy Sam

 

[macadocious]

Macadocious- I couldn't (and didn't) have said it better myself. Every line you wrote is 100% exactly how I feel and look at things.

Except the Sam part. Don't ever want anyone getting mad at my guy Sam

Well I may have exaggerated the entertaining part...

 

[The Hammer]

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=12002702

For those concerned with what people think of us.

Legler is making almost the exact same argument I am.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=12002702

For those concerned with what people think of us.

Legler is making almost the exact same argument I am.

Legler is wrong, too, and I get the sense that he may not be aware that there's better than a fifty percent chance that we lose our first round pick this year. We're not bad enough to tank, so there's no real reason not to shoot for the playoffs; it's a proposition where we have everything to gain, and the only thing we stand to lose is something we would have lost, anyway.

 

[The Hammer]

Legler is wrong, too, and I get the sense that he may not be aware that there's better than a fifty percent chance that we lose our first round pick this year. We're not bad enough to tank, so there's no real reason not to shoot for the playoffs; it's a proposition where we have everything to gain, and the only thing we stand to lose is something we would have lost, anyway.

We'll have to agree to disagree.

What he was saying is that it's not about the playoffs, it's not about a pick, it's not about those things. It's about this group of guys learning to play together, and continuing to get better, and that we can still do that with Demarcus out.

I'm a little concerned with this "THE ENTIRE FUTURE OF OUR FRANCHISE IS RIDING ON THE NEXT TWO WEEKS" mantra being pumped around here. It's not. What our future is riding on is our ability to steadily and continually get better, and that's something we can do with or without DMC. And there are some opportunities for improvement that are accentuated when he's out. Are you really arguing against that?

 

[Glenn]

I gotta push back on the first part of that; not everybody in the media is a journalist. Carmichael Dave isn't a journalist any more than Grant Napear is a journalist. Which is, to say, not at all. Dave is, essentially, an ascended fan; just because he's on the radio doesn't make him a journalist.

I do actually agree with the second part: we don't actually have the right to know, and he's not obligated to tell us. But, if you choose not to disclose what you know, when/if the information does become known, don't bother saying anything like, "Yeah, I've known all along, I just couldn't say anything." Nothing is going be achieved by saying that, except aggravating people.

The confusion is that some people think he is a journalist. Some people think he is an agent of the Kings. The notes written after he was quoted showed a lot of people thought he had a greater status than he has or at least says he has. He has more status than people on this forum no matter how much he denies it. He created unnecessary confusion. It bothered me a lot whether that's my problem or his or both.

 

[Glenn]

We'll have to agree to disagree.

What he was saying is that it's not about the playoffs, it's not about a pick, it's not about those things. It's about this group of guys learning to play together, and continuing to get better, and that we can still do that with Demarcus out.

I'm a little concerned with this "THE ENTIRE FUTURE OF OUR FRANCHISE IS RIDING ON THE NEXT TWO WEEKS" mantra being pumped around here. It's not. What our future is riding on is our ability to steadily and continually get better, and that's something we can do with or without DMC. And there are some opportunities for improvement that are accentuated when he's out. Are you really arguing against that?

I haven't read any of these notes. I think the franchise has already become a destination city. Rudy is staying and didn't need to. I will keep my opinion which I suspect is very much like yours. It's a little early for hysteria.

 

[IfAt1st]

What he was saying is that it's not about the playoffs, it's not about a pick, it's not about those things. It's about this group of guys learning to play together, and continuing to get better, and that we can still do that with Demarcus out.

I'm a little concerned with this "THE ENTIRE FUTURE OF OUR FRANCHISE IS RIDING ON THE NEXT TWO WEEKS" mantra being pumped around here. It's not. What our future is riding on is our ability to steadily and continually get better, and that's something we can do with or without DMC.

You seem to be under the (IMO misguided) belief that this group of Kings can be competitive in the playoffs (and if I'm right about your take) and contend for a championship.

I don't think this group of players (or this coach, without assistance from assistants) could get past the first round of the playoffs as constructed.
So if you agree with this assessment, then you must accept the reality that PDA needs to get better talent in here, both starters and bench. And he has to do it within the salary constraints and the reality that winning and successful franchises with national interest get sweetheart deals - the NBA salary cap is not a level playing field.

So if you are of the opinion that this year is not vital to be considered one of the up-and-coming franchises that "is chasing for a championship" (and therefore will attract the kind of talent it requires to succeed at that level), then how do you suggest that the Kings make that jump? Do they wait one more year to make the dent in the national NBA psyche that's required to take that step?
If so, maybe you're just a more patient fan than others, including myself.
I consider every year now vital, as I don't take Boogie's health and continued dominance for granted. One injury is all it takes.

 

[The Hammer]

You seem to be under the (IMO misguided) belief that this group of Kings can be competitive in the playoffs (and if I'm right about your take) and contend for a championship.

I don't think this group of players (or this coach, without assistance from assistants) could get past the first round of the playoffs as constructed.
So if you agree with this assessment, then you must accept the reality that PDA needs to get better talent in here, both starters and bench. And he has to do it within the salary constraints and the reality that winning and successful franchises with national interest get sweetheart deals - the NBA salary cap is not a level playing field.

So if you are of the opinion that this year is not vital to be considered one of the up-and-coming franchises that "is chasing for a championship" (and therefore will attract the kind of talent it requires to succeed at that level), then how do you suggest that the Kings make that jump? Do they wait one more year to make the dent in the national NBA psyche that's required to take that step?
If so, maybe you're just a more patient fan than others, including myself.
I consider every year now vital, as I don't take Boogie's health and continued dominance for granted. One injury is all it takes.

Not this exact group, but pieces of it at least, definitely.

 

[Bricklayer]

So much fussing over a single tweet.

 

[HereWeBoogie]

There are certainly times where a big player missing some time can really benefit the team because of guys who step up and get playing time/confidence and become a part of that teams rotation. Like in OKC earlier this year. But there are a few reasons i don't see how this situation can be spun into a positive for the Kings in any way.

1: Those teams are usually playoff teams who will make the playoffs regardless of someone missing some extended time (see Houston with Howard this year). And players step up and become crucial to their playoff run once everyone is healthy. That is not us.

2: Who is getting extra minutes with DMC out? Evans, Hollins, maybe Derrick Williams? Not exactly guys who have never had a chance before, and are going to blow up out of nowhere to become huge pieces of our future.

3: Things were looking promising for the first time in a LONG time here in Kings land. Playoffs were still probably not going to happen, but a realistic idea at least. We had a guy pretty much locked into being an All-Star and even getting national MVP attention. All of that is probably gone now unless he miraculously comes back in like a week.

4: The more losses we rack up without Cousins, the more the media forgets about us (oh look it's the same old Kings, at the bottom of the West again). People stop talking about DMC as an All-Star/MVP candidate. Rudy Gay, putting up amazing numbers at the SF position, gets completely ignored in the All-Star considerations. Fans lose interest. Free agents no longer notice us or the potential we might have. Basically we get pushed back a year in our development

 

[The Hammer]

There are certainly times where a big player missing some time can really benefit the team because of guys who step up and get playing time/confidence and become a part of that teams rotation. Like in OKC earlier this year. But there are a few reasons i don't see how this situation can be spun into a positive for the Kings in any way.

1: Those teams are usually playoff teams who will make the playoffs regardless of someone missing some extended time (see Houston with Howard this year). And players step up and become crucial to their playoff run once everyone is healthy. That is not us.

2: Who is getting extra minutes with DMC out? Evans, Hollins, maybe Derrick Williams? Not exactly guys who have never had a chance before, and are going to blow up out of nowhere to become huge pieces of our future.

3: Things were looking promising for the first time in a LONG time here in Kings land. Playoffs were still probably not going to happen, but a realistic idea at least. We had a guy pretty much locked into being an All-Star and even getting national MVP attention. All of that is probably gone now unless he miraculously comes back in like a week.

4: The more losses we rack up without Cousins, the more the media forgets about us (oh look it's the same old Kings, at the bottom of the West again). People stop talking about DMC as an All-Star/MVP candidate. Rudy Gay, putting up amazing numbers at the SF position, gets completely ignored in the All-Star considerations. Fans lose interest. Free agents no longer notice us or the potential we might have. Basically we get pushed back a year in our development

It's not about who takes his minutes. It's about who takes his scoring load, his leadership, and improved team D.

I'm honestly shocked about the negative-negative outlook of some fans around here. It's like you're all going straight to worst case scenarios, counting on all of them snowballing and having a multiplying effect, AND blocking out any possible silver lining or benefits, as well as completely disregarding any potential psychological resiliency that OUR PLAYERS MUST LEARN TO DEVELOP IN ANY CASE. Of course there are opportunities that arise when adversity hits! That is a universal law.

I'm also baffled at how many people have bought into the notion that DMC needs to become an All Star this year. If he misses it, it's obviously due to the bug. I think some people are still thinking of DMC as the volatile, emotionally fragile player our enemy sportswriters made him out to be, and needing the All Star thing for his own psyche, so he doesn't spiral down and skip town in a few years.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

Well, there's your disconnect. That's not a worst-case scenario. That **** not happening is the best-case scenario. The worst case is, in fact, much worse.

 

[Chubbs]

There are certainly times where a big player missing some time can really benefit the team because of guys who step up and get playing time/confidence and become a part of that teams rotation. Like in OKC earlier this year. But there are a few reasons i don't see how this situation can be spun into a positive for the Kings in any way.

1: Those teams are usually playoff teams who will make the playoffs regardless of someone missing some extended time (see Houston with Howard this year). And players step up and become crucial to their playoff run once everyone is healthy. That is not us.

2: Who is getting extra minutes with DMC out? Evans, Hollins, maybe Derrick Williams? Not exactly guys who have never had a chance before, and are going to blow up out of nowhere to become huge pieces of our future.

3: Things were looking promising for the first time in a LONG time here in Kings land. Playoffs were still probably not going to happen, but a realistic idea at least. We had a guy pretty much locked into being an All-Star and even getting national MVP attention. All of that is probably gone now unless he miraculously comes back in like a week.

4: The more losses we rack up without Cousins, the more the media forgets about us (oh look it's the same old Kings, at the bottom of the West again). People stop talking about DMC as an All-Star/MVP candidate. Rudy Gay, putting up amazing numbers at the SF position, gets completely ignored in the All-Star considerations. Fans lose interest. Free agents no longer notice us or the potential we might have. Basically we get pushed back a year in our development

5:Without Cousins around to hold the levees up, Sacramento becomes buried under 15 feet of water in the storm this week.

6:because downtown Sacramento is now underwater, the NBA forces the team to move to Virginia City, reinstalls the Maloofs as owners, brings Petrie back as GM, etc etc.

Just curl up in a fetal position the next three weeks. We are ****ed!

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

Virginia City? Is that located near California City?

 

[VF21]

We'll have to agree to disagree.

What he was saying is that it's not about the playoffs, it's not about a pick, it's not about those things. It's about this group of guys learning to play together, and continuing to get better, and that we can still do that with Demarcus out.

I'm a little concerned with this "THE ENTIRE FUTURE OF OUR FRANCHISE IS RIDING ON THE NEXT TWO WEEKS" mantra being pumped around here. It's not. What our future is riding on is our ability to steadily and continually get better, and that's something we can do with or without DMC. And there are some opportunities for improvement that are accentuated when he's out. Are you really arguing against that?

I totally and completely agree.

There is a certain segment of the fan base (both of the Kings and of all NBA teams) that has lost the ability to be patient, to wait and see, to watch while a team goes from bad to good. It's all about instant gratification and it's become a part of our society.

I personally just want to see improvement, cohesiveness and - of course - DMC back on the court. If the team plays the best they can and yet doesn't manage to make the playoffs, it will be more because we're in the West than anything else. We are exponentially better than we were last year already. I still believe the future is much, much brighter...and I personally am going to enjoy every single moment I can.

 

[Chubbs]

Virginia City? Is that located near California City?

It's right outside Reno. High elevation. Figured it'd be safe from the flooding Boogie won't be around to prevent.

 

[wazzups]

Illness can change a persons life completely....it is no ones fault...people are better when they are better then they can start recovery/training/therapy etc. Especially with a virus not everyone gets a specific virus and not everyone recovers the same way from that specific virus. Health issues and professional athletes are a doozy...although that is an understatement. This will come to pass and hopefully he can recover fully or at least to the point where he can again compete at a comparable level. Sometimes with recovery from a virus quite a bit of willpower is required to get back to a satisfactory place. It is hard to face but remember this...it is part of the challenges of life. Lets just hope he gets well and then see how far his training takes him.

 

[IfAt1st]

There is a certain segment of the fan base (both of the Kings and of all NBA teams) that has lost the ability to be patient, to wait and see, to watch while a team goes from bad to good. It's all about instant gratification and it's become a part of our society.

I'm offended at this insinuation / suggestion outright statement.
8 years+ of patience and support amid utter embarrassment and frustration is not long enough?

You negatively ascribe a youth's precocious impatience with the segment of the fanbase that sees the opportunity window now and understands the dangers of waiting another year for the required success to take the next step in this franchise?

You, of all people, should remember what happened with the Kings' window of opportunity.
I'll refresh your memory (and I won't ascribe a negative elderly characteristic):

The year is summer 2002 -
Many people (here included) decided to look at the bright side after the tragedy that was the Western Conference Finals of 2002 vs the Lakers. They said "We will grow stronger together from this loss and grow and get our championship next year" etc etc etc.
The next year, Chris Webber's knee happened. That was the end of the Kings getting better, moving forward.
It's been a painful slide of down for TWELVE years since then.

For some psychological reason, some fans want to assume that the good things will stay (or get better) and the bad things won't creep (back) in.
Who's to say (God forbid) Demarcus has another 3 years of excellence left in his body?
Who's to say the NBA is OK with Sacramento being an upstart and goes back to not giving them ANY fouls (the Kings are currently leading the league in FT attempts)? What if the media decide they want to go back to demonizing Demarcus? What if the refs decide to go back to persecuting him on the floor and make it so he can't play 20 minutes a game?
Who's to say good players continue to play hard here? Remember J.J. Hickson? Dude could play, but wouldn't play for us. Sat on his butt and collected money until we were forced to trade him, then proved he was good elsewhere. Oh, wait - that was also this year, with Jason Terry.

Your optimism and patience is simply (IMO) not warranted for a longtime Kings fan.
But I understand us longtime fans take different approaches with our fandom, and different ways of psychologically self-medicating the traumas we've endured. As long as one side does not dictate to the other how to approach their fandom, or stifle their voice/approach, our fan-ness may survive.

I personally just want to see improvement, cohesiveness and - of course - DMC back on the court. If the team plays the best they can and yet doesn't manage to make the playoffs, it will be more because we're in the West than anything else. We are exponentially better than we were last year already. I still believe the future is much, much brighter...and I personally am going to enjoy every single moment I can.

We are getting exponentially more calls, that's for sure.
I think Boogie's play on the court (not attitude) is on par with last year's.
DMC/Gay/IT were over .500 when they all played last year, as well, IIRC, so not exponentially different.

If you give this year's team the same number of free throws that last year's got, and I'll bet they're a .300 team.

Ruminate on that.
And take your time, and have patience. We wouldn't want to be impatient - because of course this Kings team has lots of time and can wait an entire year more to be competitive in the NBA. Nothing bad can creep in/happen.

 

[Glenn]

I'm offended at this insinuation / suggestion outright statement.
8 years+ of patience and support amid utter embarrassment and frustration is not long enough?

You negatively ascribe a youth's precocious impatience with the segment of the fanbase that sees the opportunity window now and understands the dangers of waiting another year for the required success to take the next step in this franchise?

You, of all people, should remember what happened with the Kings' window of opportunity.
I'll refresh your memory (and I won't ascribe a negative elderly characteristic):

The year is summer 2002 -
Many people (here included) decided to look at the bright side after the tragedy that was the Western Conference Finals of 2002 vs the Lakers. They said "We will grow stronger together from this loss and grow and get our championship next year" etc etc etc.
The next year, Chris Webber's knee happened. That was the end of the Kings getting better, moving forward.
It's been a painful slide of down for TWELVE years since then.

For some psychological reason, some fans want to assume that the good things will stay (or get better) and the bad things won't creep (back) in.
Who's to say (God forbid) Demarcus has another 3 years of excellence left in his body?
Who's to say the NBA is OK with Sacramento being an upstart and goes back to not giving them ANY fouls (the Kings are currently leading the league in FT attempts)? What if the media decide they want to go back to demonizing Demarcus? What if the refs decide to go back to persecuting him on the floor and make it so he can't play 20 minutes a game?
Who's to say good players continue to play hard here? Remember J.J. Hickson? Dude could play, but wouldn't play for us. Sat on his butt and collected money until we were forced to trade him, then proved he was good elsewhere. Oh, wait - that was also this year, with Jason Terry.

Your optimism and patience is simply (IMO) not warranted for a longtime Kings fan.
But I understand us longtime fans take different approaches with our fandom, and different ways of psychologically self-medicating the traumas we've endured. As long as one side does not dictate to the other how to approach their fandom, or stifle their voice/approach, our fan-ness may survive.
We are getting exponentially more calls, that's for sure.
I think Boogie's play on the court (not attitude) is on par with last year's.
DMC/Gay/IT were over .500 when they all played last year, as well, IIRC, so not exponentially different.

If you give this year's team the same number of free throws that last year's got, and I'll bet they're a .300 team.

Ruminate on that.
And take your time, and have patience. We wouldn't want to be impatient - because of course this Kings team has lots of time and can wait an entire year more to be competitive in the NBA. Nothing bad can creep in/happen.

Maybe you should calm down. Our only championship was in 1951. Some of us are in our 70's or older. I'll be 70 next month so have more reason to be impatient than you.