[Game] 66/82 Kings @ Suns 14 MAR 2025, 7pm PST/10pm EST

[midtowner]

The vibes are broken

 

[The_Jamal]

The only logical explanation for Monk's status is that he signed with the Kings at a discount with the understanding that he would be given starter status. Likely a handshake deal with Monte.

Now Coach Christie is saddled with this agreement and cannot even experiment with other options to the starting five. Likely, the only remedy is for Monk to recognize that he is not performing as expected as a point guard (with the team's construction) and he would voluntarily accept some other non-starting role. Somehow, DeRosan appears to be similarly untouchable as a starter as well although his total game does not mesh well with the other starters..

Nevertheless, the same starting lineup is trotted out each game and the results lately have been consistent. Coach Christie seems to make effective in-game adjustments. Perhaps it is appropriate now to make pre-game adjustments if he is permitted to do so..

That's the tricky part of all this. Fired Brown, traded Fox, lost a lead assistant mid season. How much of a leash does DC actually have? Does he have full control of lineup decisions?

Not a question we can really answer. I will say DC has the personality of a coach that really would value the "legend" status of a Deebo and the loyalty of coaching a Monk for 3 years. My lean is he does have control of the lineup decisions, because I think Monte as a big stats guy would 100% be gunning for Keon to start. Just indisputable now that we are a significantly better team with him on the floor. Especially considering how valuable and elite defender really becomes on a team that sucks on defense

 

[Joshyjosh31]

Y’all still against trading for Zion lmao

 

[gunks]

Y’all still against trading for Zion lmao

Yes. Haha

 

[Srzly]

I’m starting to side with the “blow it all up” folks. Get rid of DDR, LaVine, Monk (if he won’t come off the bench), and Domas.

Keep your young guys, try to get draft picks, and see if you can start over and actually construct a roster that makes sense this time.

 

[SLAB]

I still blame the refs for stealing those two games.

The Kings had two ways to respond to it… Enter this stretch with a massive chip on their shoulder, or roll over and die.

They chose to roll over and die, and honestly it’s totally acceptable.

 

[The_Jamal]

I’m starting to side with the “blow it all up” folks. Get rid of DDR, LaVine, Monk (if he won’t come off the bench), and Domas.

Keep your young guys, try to get draft picks, and see if you can start over and actually construct a roster that makes sense this time.

I'd honestly would have more fun watching a Carter-Keon-laravia-keegan team getting massive minutes and trying to figure it out

Idk, just really been feeling defeated rooting for this team this year. So many ups and downs, this is supposed to be fun

 

[SLAB]

I'd honestly would have more fun watching a Carter-Keon-laravia-keegan team getting massive minutes and trying to figure it out

Idk, just really been feeling defeated rooting for this team this year. So many ups and downs, this is supposed to be fun

Keon’s the only one of those dudes I actually enjoy watching. Keegan bores me, Devin hasn’t shown anything yet, and Laravia is a scrappy 7th/8th man.

Monk’s looking like he isn’t a starting PG but at least the chaos in losing is kind of entertaining before we lose, instead of being boring as hell then losing. Lol

 

[Folsomkingsfan]

I’m starting to side with the “blow it all up” folks. Get rid of DDR, LaVine, Monk (if he won’t come off the bench), and Domas.

Keep your young guys, try to get draft picks, and see if you can start over and actually construct a roster that makes sense this time.

I lean towards blow it up because I just don't see a way a team built around DDR, Lavine, and Monk ever amounts to anything meaningful. On the other hand Vivek has a very poor track record when it comes to the draft and team building so I'm not convinced in our ability to rebuild. Honestly as long as Vivek is the owner I don't see any light at the end of the tunnel no matter which direction we go in.

 

[Jdbraver137]

I just think it’s time for a starting li up change. Mo l has to go to the bench.
Keon needs to be in. Just like why the Celtics Jesus got them the chip. Let’s not waist Keon.

 

[Vinny Basketballerino]

The vibes are broken

Getting obviously screwed by the refs on games you should have won can do that to you. I was worried about this.

 

[ShastaKingsFan]

That's the tricky part of all this. Fired Brown, traded Fox, lost a lead assistant mid season. How much of a leash does DC actually have? Does he have full control of lineup decisions?

Not a question we can really answer. I will say DC has the personality of a coach that really would value the "legend" status of a Deebo and the loyalty of coaching a Monk for 3 years. My lean is he does have control of the lineup decisions, because I think Monte as a big stats guy would 100% be gunning for Keon to start. Just indisputable now that we are a significantly better team with him on the floor. Especially considering how valuable and elite defender really becomes on a team that sucks on defense

Brown seemed to create a domino effect that they can't/won't stop, when he decided at the last minute to start Huerter over Keon for game 1,.....which then lead to him or them saying "to hell with it" and starting Monk.

It would be interesting to see how things would have unfolded, had that unfortunate decision not been made

 

[Sherds]

Keon’s the only one of those dudes I actually enjoy watching. Keegan bores me, Devin hasn’t shown anything yet, and Laravia is a scrappy 7th/8th man.

Monk’s looking like he isn’t a starting PG but at least the chaos in losing is kind of entertaining before we lose, instead of being boring as hell then losing. Lol

This is kinda where I'm at. This season has taken a toll on my enthusiasm for this team an the NBA in general... I can't imagine getting re-excited by a team led by Keegan.

To me, despite the ability he flashes from time to time.. he has the mindset of a 4th or 5th option.

 

[est.1999]

The team needs to rank. Bench all key players so they can try and keep their pick

 

[Joshyjosh31]

What’s the goat Sam Hinkie up too these days

I’m starting to side with the “blow it all up” folks. Get rid of DDR, LaVine, Monk (if he won’t come off the bench), and Domas.

Keep your young guys, try to get draft picks, and see if you can start over and actually construct a roster that makes sense this time.

 

[sono]

... too late, isn't it?

 

[sactowndog]

I’m starting to side with the “blow it all up” folks. Get rid of DDR, LaVine, Monk (if he won’t come off the bench), and Domas.

Keep your young guys, try to get draft picks, and see if you can start over and actually construct a roster that makes sense this time.

Only after firing Monte. He has done enough damage

 

[Joshyjosh31]

Only after firing Monte. He has done enough damage

Dude really couldn’t get the spurs pick from this year the worst they’ll be barring injuries smh should’ve been mandatory considering we didn’t get a hawks pick but no

 

[Caccia]

The last three games were all blowout losses. I am not sure anyone has pointed out that the Kings only scored 104, 104, and 106 points. The overtime loss to the Clippers took the wind out of their sails. They look dispirited. And it's not just the defense--the offense has stagnated, especially three-point shooting, averaging only 31%. Murray was 1-6 against New York and 2-8 against both Golden State and Phoenix, while Monk was 0-5 vs. Golden State and 0-8 against Phoenix.

If the Kings want to get their season back on track, they have to defend the three-point line like maniacs, cut down the turnovers, and feed the hot hand. Monk may still not be 100% and Sabonis may have aggravated the hamstring injury. There is a lot of firepower on this team, but right now, the guys are either bricking it or not shooting enough.

 

[ShastaKingsFan]

The last three games were all blowout losses. I am not sure anyone has pointed out that the Kings only scored 104, 104, and 106 points. The overtime loss to the Clippers took the wind out of their sails. They look dispirited. And it's not just the defense--the offense has stagnated, especially three-point shooting, averaging only 31%. Murray was 1-6 against New York and 2-8 against both Golden State and Phoenix, while Monk was 0-5 vs. Golden State and 0-8 against Phoenix.

If the Kings want to get their season back on track, they have to defend the three-point line like maniacs, cut down the turnovers, and feed the hot hand. Monk may still not be 100% and Sabonis may have aggravated the hamstring injury. There is a lot of firepower on this team, but right now, the guys are either bricking it or not shooting enough.

The way to defend the 3 pt line with full unambiguous accountability, is tight man to man defense. No zones, no traps, no sagging to help, no doubles. If you get beat one on one to the rim, then so be it. It's just 2 points. Take your chances that their total score will be lower with this approach vs them hitting 20+ 3's a game within inevitable wide open holes in your zone.

There has to be a fully committed change in this team's defense, in order to limit 3 pt makes. I assume Christie knows this, but for whatever reason hasn't really tried it

 

[The_Jamal]

Only after firing Monte. He has done enough damage

You're a strange individual. You can't NOT avoid posting about Monte

 

[Vinny Basketballerino]

You're a strange individual. You can't NOT avoid posting about Monte

It's getting really weird isn't it.

 

[sactowndog]

You're a strange individual. You can't NOT avoid posting about Monte

Because going to the source of the problem before making more radical moves is such a bad thing…..

Besides the Haliburton for Domas trade….
Name one other Monte trade you would redo in hindsight?

 

[chief bromden]

Because going to the source of the problem before making more radical moves is such a bad thing…..

Besides the Haliburton for Domas trade….
Name one other Monte trade you would redo in hindsight?

I get confused with your line of reasoning when you point to Monte as bad at drafting, then say the Kings should have gotten picks and should tank this year to keep their pick. But if Monte sucks at drafting, what good would a draft pick do this off-season? Do you think Monte will get fired before the draft?

Regardless, I think you underestimate how much Vivek/Anjali are driving personnel decisions in the org.

 

[QWERTYLICIOUS]

The team needs to rank. Bench all key players so they can try and keep their pick

Ranking in the top 5 or 10 in the league across most categories would be ideal, yes...

 

[The_Jamal]

Because going to the source of the problem before making more radical moves is such a bad thing…..

Besides the Haliburton for Domas trade….
Name one other Monte trade you would redo in hindsight?

I've done this a million times with you, my stance is very clear

 

[gunks]

I get confused with your line of reasoning when you point to Monte as bad at drafting, then say the Kings should have gotten picks and should tank this year to keep their pick. But if Monte sucks at drafting, what good would a draft pick do this off-season? Do you think Monte will get fired before the draft?

Regardless, I think you underestimate how much Vivek/Anjali are driving personnel decisions in the org.

Yeah the fixation with Monte is strange considering **** roles downhill, and this franchise has been doing the same dumb **** since Vivek took over.

Ranadoofus has wanted Zach for 8 years. We really think Monte has full autonomy?

 

[sactowndog]

Yeah the fixation with Monte is strange considering **** roles downhill, and this franchise has been doing the same dumb **** since Vivek took over.

Ranadoofus has wanted Zach for 8 years. We really think Monte has full autonomy?

Yeah in this regard I agree but if a good employee also manages up who has a direct reporting relationship with Vivek?

 

[megapoxy]

Domas is not on injury report so he should be available tomorrow. Lyles is still questionable.

 

[iowamcnabb]

Suns 9-41 from three today. Nice!