Is this for real? "Bill Walton join's Kings Broadcast crew"
- Thread starter ReinadelosReys
- Start date
TTown Kings
Bench
Seriously? All this fuss over 5 games? It really isn't a big deal, to me anyway...
And about half of the LP games use the other teams announcers. And some of those guys are painful to listen to. The extreem responces make me laugh. I can't to buy LP and watch my team.
kennadog
Dog On It!
Yes, Mark Kreidler was talking about the LA article being read by the Maloofs and the fact that the Maloofs and Walton have been friends for quite a while. I think they just thought it would be fun to have him do a few games. Just sort of a spur of the moment thing.
Apparently, Walton has suffered such severe pain over the last couple of years he even contemplated suicide. If he feels better enough to do a few games, then good for him. Its certainly not going to make me stop rooting for or watching the Kings. There's always the mute button for a few minutes, if the situation gets unbearable.
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allrightythen
Starter
I have never been a fan of Bill Walton and prefer to avoid his broadcasts when possible so I don't like this decision at all. From reading what's been said by the Maloofs about this decision that they like Bill and wanted to give him the opportunity to get back into broadcasting at his pace and they had a team so they could. I'm hoping that after a short stint here he can move on to a more prestigious gig where I won't be conflicted about avoiding Walton and watching the Kings.
'89 Kings Fan
Bench
Even with Jim Grey I was on the fence about NBA league pass this year. So thanks Maloofs for saving me $150 this year. They better not replace Gerry Gerould, I don't think I could get used to listening to someone else after all these years.
Rookie
Starter
Personally I don't feel sorry for the guy.
He got more chances and done pretty well for himself. We have people in this world that are in a more worse scenario but yet strive to live happily till the end.
If the Kings organization want to help someone then go to the make a wish foundation and find a kid and make his/her dream comes true.
He got more chances and done pretty well for himself. We have people in this world that are in a more worse scenario but yet strive to live happily till the end.
If the Kings organization want to help someone then go to the make a wish foundation and find a kid and make his/her dream comes true.
I get that Walton cant be taken serious. But I dont watch the games for their comedic value. I do like that the Maloofs are looking to add some nationally known talent to their broadcasts.
But couldn't they do the same by hiring Chris Webber? His work on NBA TV hasn't been bad at all. And he has some pride in his Kings association. Instead they hire a guy who will likely make some enemies on the team in Grey and the other one makes a mockery of every game he's doing. And worse yet, neither one gives a bleep about being associated with the Kings. They might think the Maloof boys are cool. But it doesn't say Maloof on the jersey.
But couldn't they do the same by hiring Chris Webber? His work on NBA TV hasn't been bad at all. And he has some pride in his Kings association. Instead they hire a guy who will likely make some enemies on the team in Grey and the other one makes a mockery of every game he's doing. And worse yet, neither one gives a bleep about being associated with the Kings. They might think the Maloof boys are cool. But it doesn't say Maloof on the jersey.
Yet...
In all seriousness, though, this isn't a big deal. I don't like Bill Walton in the least, but for five games, it's a minor point of contention. And seeing as how the Maloofs have seemingly been taking a back seat to Petrie on basketball decisions, I don't care if they hire who they want to hire for broadcasts. Jim Gray is a ... well, I can't call him what I want to call him, but let's just say that I don't have a high opinion of him either. Already mentioned how I feel about Bill Walton. Sucks that Kayte was shown the door. But in reality, none of those decisions have an impact on the product we see on the floor. So as long as we keep making sound decisions and take some positive steps forward, I'm good. Even if some of the worst NBA broadcasters of all time are going to do a few games here and there.
Tmassfan4life
G-League
If it's true, I like this move. I wasn't even aware Walton was working due to his back....
You have to admit Bill Walton is a heck of alot of fun to listen to.
But yeah, isn't he Laker fan?
You have to admit Bill Walton is a heck of alot of fun to listen to.
But yeah, isn't he Laker fan?
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kennadog
Dog On It!
The Maloofs do far more of that, than ever appears in the press. Their charitable giving is quite good. You can hate Walton and this move by the Maloofs, but you really don't have much room to criticize the Maloof family's commitment to giving to help those in need.
Tmassfan4life
G-League
"Tmassfan4life"?
Tony Massenburg? I think it's funny at least.
Rookie
Starter
I'm not criticizing what the Maloofs have done...they're good people and I'm happy they're here in Sac. They've done more for people than I have so I'm in no way of criticizing them on helping people. It was more of a criticism on the people here that is all for helping BW out because of his back problem. I hardly would call Bill Walton situation as giving to help those in need.
Plus I don't like Celtics/Lakers fans representing the Kings even if it's just one game. Will I be unhappy for the whole season...no. Just voicing my opinion as this is the current topic.
Yeah, I figured it was that Tmass. Just was curious about whether it was a serious name or not. Glad to know that it's a joke.
kennadog
Dog On It!
Fair enough. The Maloofs are friends with Waltons, so if they want to throw a few games his way to cheer him up, I can't get to upset. Walton's pain has been severe enough that he apparently considered suicide. Further proof that money isn't the most vaulable thing to have, if a person doesn't already know that.
SacTownKid
Hall of Famer
No, if you did the previously described reaction would have occurred. "Get it".
SacTownKid
Hall of Famer
Yeah it's an act! I used to love the back and forth banter between he and Tom Tolbert. Comedic gold!!!
SacTownKid
Hall of Famer
Thank goodness I don't have it but back pain can literally make life not worth living. I've known people that have had these issues and it can be crippling.
And I'm sure they have done and will continue to do these sorts of things, but hiring a make a wish kid to do commentary just isn't fiscally responsible.
Widowmaker2k
Bench
If nothing else, Walton's superlatives will make his coverage of Tyreke interesting. I'm not really sure what he'll have to say about Evans, but it's certain to be entertaining.
ArcoKings
Starter
Thank goodness BW will only work in a handful of games. I understand the gesture by the Maloof brothers. Hopefully this stint is for this coming season ONLY. The guy just doesn't fit with the Kings. As Jim Gray goes I also hope he's gone after this coming season. The guy probably hates Sac-town and the Kings anyway. Its just a paycheck for him. The guy wears a Kobe jersey under his suite for crying out loud. As such I'll still buy my NBA pass.
Horse****.
And, by the way, way to imply that every body who doesn't think Walton is funny is stupid, or otherwise incapable of discerning humor.
Variant
Starter
Or flat out embarrassing. I don't think I know any other NBA fan out there short of nostalgic Blazers fans who take Walton seriously.
Yeah, fortunately it's only a few games...
Rookie
Starter
hiring a make a wish kid to do commentary just isn't fiscally responsible.
At least they're Kings fans...plus if anything you would get nation attention more than you would of get out of BW.
shockdoc
Prospect
I like this move too. It gives the Kings some feel good exposure, and geez Walton admits he contemplated suicide because of his excruciating back pain. Maybe Jim Gray and BW are excited to be part of an organization that is up and coming and bringing in exciting talent? These are small moves so far, but maybe it leads to bigger ones to attract a high-prized free agent. One can only hope...
TheFifthMookie
Bench
I generally agree with this sentiment, though I think it's more of cronyism than the hedge bet. I remember reading somewhere that Jim Gray was the connection between the Maloofs and Walton.
I don't despise Walton as a person, and his struggles with back pain strike a chord with me (I have a ruptured disk), but Sacramento is absolutely the wrong market for him to make a comeback. He's most famous here for being a Lakers homer on a national broadcast during the Kings playoff runs. I used to turn off the sound just so I didn't have to hear him. Seriously, that's my main memory of the guy as an announcer, the mute button.
This is the wrong fit. Were Walton making that comeback in say Miami, or Charlotte or something, it would make more sense.
TheFifthMookie
Bench
Having thought about it a little more:
If Walton's first night on TV, he shows up wearing a purple tie and spends the game talking about how Tyreke Evans gets the most layups in the history of western civilization, I'll enjoy the telecast immensely.
If Walton's first night on TV, he shows up wearing a purple tie and spends the game talking about how Tyreke Evans gets the most layups in the history of western civilization, I'll enjoy the telecast immensely.
And people have every right to quit being a fan if they are ignored as a customer base.
I'm about ready to and I've been following the team from the start, much like many others here. Bad, great, good and laughable, the Kings were Sacramento's team at the very least. These recent moves are erasing that basic identity. Such a trend is highly alarming considering the overall situation.
So let me get this straight. You suffered through:
13 consecutive losing seasons
8 consecutive seasons under .360
9 consecutive seasons without a playoff berth
Pervis Ellison
Rupe the Hoop
Angela Tsai
Gold Lame uniforms
$6000 Cheeseburger commercials
The retirement of (and statue of) the number 6
Kenny Natt
An endless inability to secure a new arena amidst rumblings that the team might move elsewhere
only to let the release of Kayte Christensen and the hiring of Jim Gray (sideline reporting for 20 games) and Bill Walton (commentary for 5-10 games) be the straw that broke the camel's back? You're welcome to do so, but it would seem like a bit of an overreaction.
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