Just a little sour grapes?

VF21

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
In her blog today, Ailene Voisin mentions the apparent end to the hunt for a big-man coach (???), an upcoming hunting trip for Reggie Theus and his sons (also ???), and then this somewhat puzzling little tidbit:

Bobby, Bobby, Bobby ...

Theus is quickly gaining a sense of Bobby Jackson's popularity within the community. Virtually everywhere he goes, people approach and express their excitement about the veteran guard's return. "Bobby Jackson, Bobby Jackson, Bobby Jackson," Theus said. "I say, 'guys, that was eight years ago. He can still play. But that was a long time ago.' The good thing is, I've talked to Bobby, and explained to him how important his presence is going to be in the locker room. It's going to be enormous. It's important to mentor the young guys the right way, and a lot of our success is going to depend on how quickly the young guys develop."
Click to expand...

Okay...

No offense meant whatsoever, Coach Theus, but it WASN'T eight years ago AND I think most of the fans who are glad to see Bobby back are well aware he's going to have a different role.

I can't help but wonder if our Coach is just a tad jealous of the love being shown to the OTHER #24.
 
VF21 said:
No offense meant whatsoever, Coach Theus, but it WASN'T eight years ago AND I think most of the fans who are glad to see Bobby back are well aware he's going to have a different role.

I can't help but wonder if our Coach is just a tad jealous of the love being shown to the OTHER #24.
Click to expand...

Well, it is eight years from the first time we acquired him (summer '00) and six years from the start of his best statistical campaign ('02-'03).

I would guess that rather than it being a jealousy issue, that Theus just doesn't want anybody to get high expectations. Sure, devoted Kings fans know that Bobby is way past his prime and was a salary throw-in in a deal unloading Artest for Greene and a first rounder. But if the casual fan gets caught up in the hype of Bobby returning without realizing that he's going to be a 10-15 minute bench player at best, well, there might be a bit of a backlash. Best to just nip that in the bud.
 
Sometimes Theus just needs to shut the F up! He could have taken that a whole different direction. It's like when Theus commented on how Artest was our only go-to guy and Martin got upset. He basically called BJAX an 8-yr wash up.

While I acknowledge BJAX is on the downward slope of his career, I think a simple "Bobby is going to have a great influence on this team and we can't wait to have him around some of our younger guys." would have been fine.
 
Bobby wont be backing up anyone. He wants to play, but the kings need to develope other people. Unless Bobby starts draining threes, he wont be seeing much more than 5 minutes a game. Francisco plays the 1, BobbyBRown is definately going to be looked at, and Douby once again will be the first pg off the bench untill he proves otherwise, again.
 
I'm not sure why Theus thinks that fans can't be excited over the coming home of a fan favorite. We all know that he's past his prime because he even said it himself. Bobby plans on only playing a couple more years in this league before pursuing a coaching job. I think it's exciting that he gets to possibly end his career where he's had his best years.

And from what I've seen, though admittedly it hasn't been too much, he can still play. He still brings energy and a veteran's presence on the court and I think he will be a valid backup for the 1 and 2 spots. Sure, Bobby is going to bring a great and much needed leadership to the locker room, but I don't think his role on the team should be limited just to that.
 
FakeInjury said:
Bobby wont be backing up anyone. He wants to play, but the kings need to develope other people. Unless Bobby starts draining threes, he wont be seeing much more than 5 minutes a game. Francisco plays the 1, BobbyBRown is definately going to be looked at, and Douby once again will be the first pg off the bench untill he proves otherwise, again.
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Not sure if you're from the Sacramento area or not, but I'll bet you 5 bucks right now that BJax is the 1st pg off the bench to back up Beno Udrih.

Quincy has shown he isn't a point guard, and I think the coaching staff has shown they know that by how little he played.

Bobby Brown is young and can develop after this year. Right now BJax is the best option to keep the team running with the 2nd string in.
 
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Theus has absolutely nothing to be jealous about, its clear he just doesnt people to get their hopes up IMHO. Good god i cant wait for TDOS to be over...
 
Who isn't jealous of Bobby Jackson? What an awesome position to be in; back in the city that loves you the most; where people hung their heads when you left and jumped for joy when you returned. Can you imagine how exciting things must be for Bobby Jackson right now?
 
I think it was a little bit rude ... I do not think that Reggy wanna hear something similar from the Maloofs ..

let's say ... "Theus, Theus, Theus," Gavin said. "I say, 'guys, he has no real expirience and can not coach our young players. But he can be a coach. May be.' The good thing is, I've talked to Reggy, and explained to him how important his presence is going to be on the bench. It's going to be enormous."
 
1) Theus is exactly the type of personality who could see Bobby as threat, as somebody with more leagcy than he has and a popular following entirely out of Reggie's control;

but

2) I think he's generally right -- Bobby has often looked like he had a fork sticking out of his back the last few years, and this could just be managing expectations. If it were somebody less prone to ego issues and saying stupid stuff I would pretty much bet that's all it was.
 
Theus is in danger of becoming a watered-down Ron Ron with his apparent lack of media savvy.

Bad mouth a returning fan favorite and hustle guy to lower expectations? While I understand and appreciate his intent, just an unnecessary and inappropriate comment and one I doubt a seasoned veteran coach would say.

Probably a more appropriate quote to get the same message across would be:

"I'm glad to see the excitment Bobby's return to Sacramento has given the fans, but it'd be unfair to Bobby to lump such extreme expectations on him. A lot of our success this season is going to depend on how quickly our young guys develop and having Bobby in our locker room to mentor them is going to be a tremendous advantage. I've spoken to Bobby and he understands his role off the court is going to be just as, if not more important than his role on the court this season."

Says the same thing, but without suggesting Bobby is over the hill and useless on the court and Kings fans are uneducated, mindless fanatics living in the past.

'Course, I had the benefit of typing that in the comfort of my own home without a microphone in my face. But Theus has to learn to speak more eloquently on his feet in that situation.
 
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I notice that when Reggie opens his mouth, it rarely does anything positive for my confidence in him.

However, at least buried in there is the implication that the young guys will be given an opportunity and the rare downplaying of a veteran's role. Now if Reggie would just say not to expect to see Moore, Miller, or Salmons. ;)
 
Bricklayer said:
1) ..... -- Bobby has often looked like he had a fork sticking out of his back the last few years, and this could just be managing expectations. If it were somebody less prone to ego issues and saying stupid stuff I would pretty much bet that's all it was.
Click to expand...

But it's not I'm sure. Reggie has a huge ego and it pops up whenever someone threatens his position on the pedestal. But true too is the proviso that we don't want to get our hopes up because BJax has returned.

But BJax's presence in the locker room and on the practice court will be a very big thing. BJax can end up being that leader the Kings so desperately need even tho' he would lead from the bench most of the time. I'm glad he is back and no false expectations from this coastal site.
 
LOL are you serious VF21? I don't think Reggie meant anything by the comment. Its clear Bobby is not the same player he once used to be, but hes still a good player.
 
I like Theus comment, tell it straight up. Don't beat around the bush and cut the BS.

Bad mouthing?
Ego?

Lets get real here. Bobby isn't the same player. Tell it like it is.

The only thing Theus doesn't get is that we're from Sacramento and not from New York. We could chant just because we love the guy and not so much as making the Kings better.
 
Rookie said:
I like Theus comment, tell it straight up. Don't beat around the bush and cut the BS.
Click to expand...
You can do that without verging on being a little bit rude and insulting to Bobby and the fans. Hello Reggie...we're not stupid. We know Bobby is older and can't do what he once did. Thanks for stating the obvious. :rolleyes:
 
Löwenherz said:
Theus is in danger of becoming a watered-down Ron Ron with his apparent lack of media savvy.

Bad mouth a returning fan favorite and hustle guy to lower expectations? While I understand and appreciate his intent, just an unnecessary and inappropriate comment and one I doubt a seasoned veteran coach would say.

Probably a more appropriate quote to get the same message across would be:

"I'm glad to see the excitment Bobby's return to Sacramento has given the fans, but it'd be unfair to Bobby to lump such extreme expectations on him. A lot of our success this season is going to depend on how quickly our young guys develop and having Bobby in our locker room to mentor them is going to be a tremendous advantage. I've spoken to Bobby and he understands his role off the court is going to be just as, if not more important than his role on the court this season."

Says the same thing, but without suggesting Bobby is over the hill and useless on the court and Kings fans are uneducated, mindless fanatics living in the past.

'Course, I had the benefit of typing that in the comfort of my own home without a microphone in my face. But Theus has to learn to speak more eloquently on his feet in that situation.
Click to expand...

I think you said it pretty darn well. He is, after all being paid the big bucks to do and say the right things. Unfortunately, Reggie's ego gets in the way of his brain sometimes. I think he graduated from the same dipomatic school as Gen. George Patten.
 
Rookie said:
I like Theus comment, tell it straight up. Don't beat around the bush and cut the BS.

Bad mouthing?
Ego?

Lets get real here. Bobby isn't the same player. Tell it like it is.

The only thing Theus doesn't get is that we're from Sacramento and not from New York. We could chant just because we love the guy and not so much as making the Kings better.
Click to expand...

Its one thing to tell it like it is to a player or another coach. Its quite another thing to do it in the press, and thats been Reggie's problem. There are some things that need to be kept in the house, and thats what Reggie needs to learn. Aside from that, anything that Bobby gives us in a positive way, is just a bonus as far as I'm concerned. I'm glad to have him back.
 
I like that side of Theus. He speak his mind, so there is no confusion. He is sour grapes, because he lost his franchise player. This means a few things, most of all it means he is not being looked at as a championship caliber coach. If he could coach a decent team to the playoffs, I'm sure petrie would give Theus another wack at it. The point is, he was a great player, a decent coach, and a poor actor.
 
its probably a way for theus to condition fans that bobby isnt as athletic as he was in the days past. jealousy or being logical its something we will be looking forward to for the next season.

as for Bjax.... i see him as a threat to REggies job in the future.. maloofs always want that guy who can connect with the fans and is loved by the fans... if bobby does prove he can be a good leader, vocal and can coach the young team too.... expect him to be in the staff once he retires :D
 
I don't think it's sour grapes. Moreso the entire organization letting people know that there most likely won't be some miracle fix here. Bobby himself has said he isn't Superman. It's them just trying to temper some of the excitement before it gets out of hand.
 
Yeah I don't think Reggie meant it that way, our that it has much to do with his ego. Just came out the wrong way
 
Some people are just looking for a fight, gripe or something to whine and complain about. How could ANYONE construe Reggie's comments as 'SOUR GRAPES'. I love Bobby. He's my all-time favorite King. But Reggie was telling it the way it is, RIGHT NOW.
 
I think Coach Theus was just saying, BJax can still play, but he can't now be expected to the ultimate Kings bench savior, six man of the year, or anything close to it at age 35. Valuable in the locker room and an occasional spark plug will be just fine. Sort of a gentle warning to fans that coach won't be influenced at games by the "know it all crowd" screaming relentlessly "BOBBY! BOBBY! BOBBY!" as he inserts other players (like another Bobby named Brown) into a rotation that fits the rebuilding Kings now, not 8 years ago.
 
Fans don't need "gentle warnings" from the head coach. And sorry, but if I feel like chanting "Bobby! Bobby! Bobby!" I'm going to do so. I also chanted "Corliss! Corliss! Corliss!" along with about 16,000 other people. It wasn't because I was delusional about his ability. It was to recognize his contributions over the years to the team I love.

Sorry, PH, but I still think Reggie's ego sometimes drives him to say things he would be better off simply not saying.
 
I don't think the question here is what Reggie meant. Its about him opening his mouth without thinking about how he's going to say something. This is not the first time he's done this, so he has a track record of blurting things out.

At first to me it was refreshing, but now its starting to wear on me a little. I just think he needs to develop a little tact.
 
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