[Grades] Grades v. Thunder 3/28/2014

[Chubbs]

If you watched Isaiah on the sidelines tonight, it was pretty clear he would have done just about anything to be out there playing. He isn't sitting out because he's afraid of getting hurt. That's the second time as a Kings fan I've heard someone make that allegation about a player who is all heart. The first time was about Bobby Jackson. It wasn't true then and it isn't true now.

Well, then he's not very smart.

 

[Chubbs]

Whoa whoa whoa whoa!

that was NOT what I intended to imply.

I was implying that DeMarcus Cousins might, MIGHT be willing to sit out a game for us, because he's the franchise, he will be here next year, and what is good for us is good for him. I was merely suggesting that in order for IT to take a similar bullet for us, he would have to feel pretty sure he too was going to be here next year to reap the rewards.

Ok, then it's my theory.

Isaiah has the numbers. He doesn't have a contract. The only thing between him and being set for life is just staying healthy. If I'm his agent, I'm urging him to take his time. I don't think his play over the last games is swaying anyone on here, nor GMs around the league. What he is has been established. The numbers are there. You believe or you don't.

Why would he play hurt? And I do think he's hurt, but I also think if these games meant anything he'd be out there. This isn't a knock on Isaiah. It's just smart by everyone involved, from the FO on down, whether he's in future plans or not (if he doesn't play, we will almost definitely lose every game). I'm not saying Isaiah doesn't want to play. He's a player, of course he wants to play. But from a long term perspective for team Isaiah, if he's not 100%, there's no reason to be out there. And the FO isn't losing sleep over losses at this point.

Someone will pay him. He has to be ready and healthy.

To vf21s point, he did show leadership on the bench. He hasn't "checked out" and I'm not suggesting that. But if he's not afraid of getting hurt, he should be. He's not getting signed to a mega contract if he blows out a knee compensating for the quad injury.

 

[VF21]

...To vf21s point, he did show leadership on the bench. He hasn't "checked out" and I'm not suggesting that. But if he's not afraid of getting hurt, he should be. He's not getting signed to a mega contract if he blows out a knee compensating for the quad injury.

Professional athletes who play with the fear of getting hurt need to get out of the business. Injuries happen, but you don't play as though you're afraid they might.

 

[pshn80]

I think it is very interesting seeing the team play several games without IT just as it was to see play without Cuz or Gay. We've commented on the fact we haven't won without Cuz and now we haven't won without IT. However, it seems to me that team play which wasn't too good without them, got better as the team adjusted and we got some real competitive games. Interesting. Teamwork is hard to describe, hard to mold, hard to define. Of course winning is the common denominator. A simple teamwork factor over the last part of the season has been the sacrifice the team has made to start Ben and give him heavy minutes - it's like working on teamwork for a 4 man team - not conducive of very good results. But we did it and I hope it pays off. The jury is still out and will be for a while.