Kings Notes: Fortson, Corliss bang for the buck

[BigWaxer]

I think your last comment has more to do with Peja's drop off then the above... He did this year lose 3 people that were willing to pass him the ball. DC, Vlade and Webb.

You said it above that he can be a good #3 guy. I still don't see any reason that him being the #3 option cannot be reality. As Venom pointed out in not so many words we need Peja for trade bait to get us an elite caliber player.

However I agree with what your saying Brick. I am kinda torn on both sides of this issue right now. I love Peja but If he is not committed to the team he needs to go. If he is commited then I am willing to give him a chance but I don't want to hear talk I want to see it in his on the court performance.

 

[bozzwell]

Not worth it. If Peja really is so weak willed and unprofessional that he cannot excel without a designated babysitter to hold his hand, then I want no part of him and wouldn't be caught dead wearing his jersey. I mean, how humiliating. This isn't pee wee. If the guy does not have it inside himself, then sorry, bye bye.

I was actually one of the people who first (so far as I know) forwarded the "Vlade theory". That Vlade was really the heart of the automaton. But it was in no way shape or form a complimentary theory. It was a worst case you have to be kidding me scenario.

Still not sure on that front however. Thankfully. I absolutely think Peja has suffered mightily from the loss of our great passers ON the court. But the implication that he is still operating at some sort of grade school level of maturity and toughness and cannot function without a nursemaid is just a terribly terribly insulting one to him. Just weak. Fortunately or unfortunately he remains as inscutable as ever.

It's not a bad theory. If you look at it this way, he started playing bball at age 15 when he was snapped up by Red Star Belgrade. War is on and few years later his father engineers for him to break out of his Red Star contract and go over to Greece, where he cannot dislodge Skiles or Funderburke from roster outright (maximum two foreign players per team) so elaborate scheme is designed for a Greek citizen to adopt him. Few years later he learns enough about ways of the World and enough Greek to read his contract and he is suing his employer and his adoptive father for taking advantage of him. He gets a bona fide, long term your-weight-in-the-gold offer from Benetton in Italy (4 mil a year for 4 years - mega money in Euro terms) when GP shows up and convinces him to come to US (I belive that at that time GP even identified specialists and drove him to appointments in US to fix his leg). Once he is with the Kings, Vlade takes him under his wing and creates a comfort zone in which to operate and build his career. Then poof.

I know I am stretching it now, but it is entirely possible that he has never had a chance at growing up and maturing himself and it is kind of difficult to start doing it at 27. So, your theory may hold, but the question then becomes how will he emerge on the other end of this process?

 

[VF21]

Not worth it. If Peja really is so weak willed and unprofessional that he cannot excel without a designated babysitter to hold his hand, then I want no part of him and wouldn't be caught dead wearing his jersey. I mean, how humiliating. This isn't pee wee. If the guy does not have it inside himself, then sorry, bye bye.

I was actually one of the people who first (so far as I know) forwarded the "Vlade theory". That Vlade was really the heart of the automaton. But it was in no way shape or form a complimentary theory. It was a worst case you have to be kidding me scenario.

Still not sure on that front however. Thankfully. I absolutely think Peja has suffered mightily from the loss of our great passers ON the court. But the implication that he is still operating at some sort of grade school level of maturity and toughness and cannot function without a nursemaid is just a terribly terribly insulting one to him. Just weak. Fortunately or unfortunately he remains as inscutable as ever.

Well, so much for the caring and nurturing thoughts...

I have never vacillated this widely on a player on the Kings before.

I suppose the idea of a big group hug before every quarter is totally out of the picture, too?

 

[VF21]

It's not a bad theory. If you look at it this way, he started playing bball at age 15 when he was snapped up by Red Star Belgrade. War is on and few years later his father engineers for him to break out of his Red Star contract and go over to Greece, where he cannot dislodge Skiles or Funderburke from roster outright (maximum two foreign players per team) so elaborate scheme is designed for a Greek citizen to adopt him. Few years later he learns enough about ways of the World and enough Greek to read his contract and he is suing his employer and his adoptive father for taking advantage of him. He gets a bona fide, long term your-weight-in-the-gold offer from Benetton in Italy (4 mil a year for 4 years - mega money in Euro terms) when GP shows up and convinces him to come to US (I belive that at that time GP even identified specialists and drove him to appointments in US to fix his leg). Once he is with the Kings, Vlade takes him under his wing and creates a comfort zone in which to operate and build his career. Then poof.

I know I am stretching it now, but it is entirely possible that he has never had a chance at growing up and maturing himself and it is kind of difficult to start doing it at 27. So, your theory may hold, but the question then becomes how will he emerge on the other end of this process?

I know Bricklayer most likely won't agree, but I can see some validity in your comments ... and it certainly makes sense that he's just never had to grow up and make his own decisiions. It may not be something we're used to but it's certainly possible. It does go a way towards explaining his desire for a trade, etc.

He is an enigma. And as often as we try and figure him out, I don't think we'll ever know the real Predrag Stojakovic.

Perhaps Petrie knows more than we possibly could and that's why he's willing to go the extra distance. If fan hopes could help, Peja would be the strongest player in the universe.

 

[mr. moustache]

Am I the only one who has a REAL problem with that attitude?

I think it's reasonable to have time away from your work. They say Peja puts as much work into his shot than anyone. THat's enough for me. WIth peja, it doesn't seem like he needs more training. He just needs a different attitude. I really can't blame him. He's making 6mil a year playing ball. So what if you don't win a championship, you're still a millionaire playing a game. Tough life.

 

[VF21]

mr. moustache - Did you read the whole thread?

I suspect you didn't because if you had, you'd realize it's not about "time away from your work." And it's not about Peja putting time into his shot...

Read on. I think it will become clearer if you do.

 

[Bricklayer]

I suppose the idea of a big group hug before every quarter is totally out of the picture, too?

To quote a prominent poster, AAACCKK!!

Just AACCKK!!!

 

[BigWaxer]

I think it's reasonable to have time away from your work. They say Peja puts as much work into his shot than anyone. THat's enough for me. WIth peja, it doesn't seem like he needs more training. He just needs a different attitude. I really can't blame him. He's making 6mil a year playing ball. So what if you don't win a championship, you're still a millionaire playing a game. Tough life.

Well also we need to take into consideration that Peja is well underpaid.

When I actually worked at a job and not for myself I was upset when I didn't get a raise that I expected.

 

[bozzwell]

I know Bricklayer most likely won't agree, but I can see some validity in your comments ... and it certainly makes sense that he's just never had to grow up and make his own decisiions. It may not be something we're used to but it's certainly possible. It does go a way towards explaining his desire for a trade, etc.

He is an enigma. And as often as we try and figure him out, I don't think we'll ever know the real Predrag Stojakovic.

Perhaps Petrie knows more than we possibly could and that's why he's willing to go the extra distance. If fan hopes could help, Peja would be the strongest player in the universe.

But we both must admit how uncanny Brick's read would be if that is the case. Even by suggesting that GP staying firm in Pedja camp no matter what, Brick is implying Father-Son relationship there. If that is the case, then this is real drama! So, Brick would "get him" on both accounts: as a boy in man's body who is been taken care of by a string of father-figures.

I hate myself for even saying this, but the rumour mills in Serbian-American community are abuzz with alegations that not everything is coming up roses in Stojakovic household. That Papa Stojakovic is controlling and manipulative father (Tennis dad really) who is behind even the latest trade demand. That Aleka is none too happy about Papa moving to Sacramento to exert his influence from closer distance and that is why she is taking extra lenghty vacations in Greece. That would leave Pedja in the middle, with Vlade in LA and GP, Maloofs and RA's eyes on him, Webber fallout for which he will always be shouldering some blame for some people (maybe even teammates). And he is miserable.

I cannot attest to veracity of anything I wrote in that paragraph and like Brick I would hate it to be true. But maybe, just maybe, the dude is yet to step out of his shell on or off the court.

 

[ImaKingsFan]

But we both must admit how uncanny Brick's read would be if that is the case. Even by suggesting that GP staying firm in Pedja camp no matter what, Brick is implying Father-Son relationship there. If that is the case, then this is real drama! So, Brick would "get him" on both accounts: as a boy in man's body who is been taken care of by a string of father-figures.

I hate myself for even saying this, but the rumour mills in Serbian-American community are abuzz with alegations that not everything is coming up roses in Stojakovic household. That Papa Stojakovic is controlling and manipulative father (Tennis dad really) who is behind even the latest trade demand. That Aleka is none too happy about Papa moving to Sacramento to exert his influence from closer distance and that is why she is taking extra lenghty vacations in Greece. That would leave Pedja in the middle, with Vlade in LA and GP, Maloofs and RA's eyes on him, Webber fallout for which he will always be shouldering some blame for some people (maybe even teammates). And he is miserable.

I cannot attest to veracity of anything I wrote in that paragraph and like Brick I would hate it to be true. But maybe, just maybe, the dude is yet to step out of his shell on or off the court.

Where is Dr. Phil when you need him? Oh wait, he is a Texan..I bet
he has his hands full with Cuban and the Mavs.

 

[VF21]

bozzwell - Intrestingly enough I have heard parts of the story you just related - from a Serbian friend of mine living in Europe. So, if they are rumors, they are wide-spread rumors. Talk around Sacramento was that Aleka had been gone for quite a while to Greece, which was also a possible contributory factor in Peja's unhappiness. I know when she got back shortly before the charity bowling event, Peja's mood appeared to improve exponentially. He had them both at the bowling event, and a lot of pictures were taken of he and his son.

I wish him happiness and I hope that he can find what will really make him happy, whether it's here or not.

 

[bozzwell]

Where is Dr. Phil when you need him? Oh wait, he is a Texan..I bet
he has his hands full with Cuban and the Mavs.

lol. Well, Cuban needs it more.

 

[bozzwell]

bozzwell - Intrestingly enough I have heard parts of the story you just related - from a Serbian friend of mine living in Europe. So, if they are rumors, they are wide-spread rumors. Talk around Sacramento was that Aleka had been gone for quite a while to Greece, which was also a possible contributory factor in Peja's unhappiness. I know when she got back shortly before the charity bowling event, Peja's mood appeared to improve exponentially. He had them both at the bowling event, and a lot of pictures were taken of he and his son.

I wish him happiness and I hope that he can find what will really make him happy, whether it's here or not.

Well, of course the rumours would appear in Sacramento first. Doh!

Now, how long before Voisin proclaims that Webber is the cause for Aleka's frequent trips to Greece and that's why Pedja cannot buy a basket in the 4th.

I'm sorry, I had to do it.

 

[Bricklayer]

But we both must admit how uncanny Brick's read would be if that is the case. Even by suggesting that GP staying firm in Pedja camp no matter what, Brick is implying Father-Son relationship there. If that is the case, then this is real drama! So, Brick would "get him" on both accounts: as a boy in man's body who is been taken care of by a string of father-figures.

I hate myself for even saying this, but the rumour mills in Serbian-American community are abuzz with alegations that not everything is coming up roses in Stojakovic household. That Papa Stojakovic is controlling and manipulative father (Tennis dad really) who is behind even the latest trade demand. That Aleka is none too happy about Papa moving to Sacramento to exert his influence from closer distance and that is why she is taking extra lenghty vacations in Greece. That would leave Pedja in the middle, with Vlade in LA and GP, Maloofs and RA's eyes on him, Webber fallout for which he will always be shouldering some blame for some people (maybe even teammates). And he is miserable.

I cannot attest to veracity of anything I wrote in that paragraph and like Brick I would hate it to be true. But maybe, just maybe, the dude is yet to step out of his shell on or off the court.

Heh -- amazing how deep we're into it without ever having even met the man.

I also think his favorite color is maroon, and he is afraid of spiders.

In any case, given the nature of guesses I don't want to "get him" in this situation. I would much rather be wrong about him. Of course I'm NEVER wrong, so guess we're screwed.

 

[BigWaxer]

I am not a fan of rumors... Especially family type rumors this is hollywood ET stuff.

 

[Bricklayer]

Peja's mood appeared to improve exponentially.

Would brighten my mood right up too:

 

[Bricklayer]

In fact already is.

 

[bozzwell]

I am not a fan of rumors... Especially family type rumors this is hollywood ET stuff.

Absolutely agreed. I hate myself for doing it, but Brick's read was (potentially) so good it made me believe the rumours for a moment.

I am trying to shake of that thought right now.

 

[AleksandarN]

I guess I would be happy too

 

[bozzwell]

In fact already is.

It works every time.

 

[VF21]

...sigh...

I had a bet with myself once Aleka's name was brought up that this thread would make it past 80 posts before someone found a picture of her to totally derail the discussion.

I was wrong...

 

[Bricklayer]

...sigh...

I had a bet with myself once Aleka's name was brought up that this thread would make it past 80 posts before someone found a picture of her to totally derail the discussion.

I was wrong...

What discussion...?

Wait, we were discussing something?

 

[AleksandarN]

What discussion...?

Wait, we were discussing something?

You remember the discussion of how we would miss Aleka too

 

[loopymitch]

Brick, it took you 76 posts to put her picture up, such restraint, I'm impressed or are you just getting slow in your old age. lol

 

[PejaFanatic]

I thought this thread was on Fortson and Corliss's battling on the floor. So off... LOL

The messages were very insightful.

If the rumors were true, I hope Peja could put it aside and focus on bball. It's never that easy though...

 

[PejaFanatic]

I am not a fan of rumors... Especially family type rumors this is hollywood ET stuff.

I guess you don't subscribe to US Magazine. =P

Not that anyone would care: I hear that Shaq is a fan of that particular magazine. His wife said so herself.

 

[GoGoGadget]

But maybe, just maybe, the dude is yet to step out of his shell on or off the court.

The question then becomes, again, how long do we want to wait on blind faith that he will, someday, come out of this shell that he may, or may not, be hiding in?

 

[6th]

Man, this has been one of the best threads I have read in a long time. Thanks, everyone, for the insight and the discussion (while still showing respect for one another).

I have vascillated on my opinion of Peja for quite some time. It really is a shame for one of the purest shooters to struggle when he is needed most. I think that I have reached a point where I just accept what he gives us. I try very hard not to have high expectations, although I did at one time. Now, I will just enjoy watching his shot and marveling at how beautiful it is (when it is successful). If he grabs us a couple of boards.....fine. If he stays in front of the man he is defending.....fine. If he gets us 20+ points and nothing else.....fine. If GP trades him or not.....fine.

While Peja is wearing the Kings uniform, I will scream wildly in my support for him, as I do for everyone who wears that jersey. When Peja moves on, I will wish him well. I have sadness for him because I really do see him as an unhappy man. I hope that one day he finds the happiness he seeks.

 

[Team Dime]

bozzwell - Intrestingly enough I have heard parts of the story you just related - from a Serbian friend of mine living in Europe. So, if they are rumors, they are wide-spread rumors. Talk around Sacramento was that Aleka had been gone for quite a while to Greece, which was also a possible contributory factor in Peja's unhappiness. I know when she got back shortly before the charity bowling event, Peja's mood appeared to improve exponentially. He had them both at the bowling event, and a lot of pictures were taken of he and his son.

I wish him happiness and I hope that he can find what will really make him happy, whether it's here or not.

What's happening here guys? Looks like we're turning into the Enquirer!

No complaints about the pictures though

 

[bozzwell]

The question then becomes, again, how long do we want to wait on blind faith that he will, someday, come out of this shell that he may, or may not, be hiding in?

Short answer: I have no idea.

Long answer: If you look at this last off season and his trade demands, it appears that Maloofs didn't want even to entertain the idea, GP told him no way, Webber (by all accounts) went out of his way to be friendly with him. More recently (before game 4) Bibbster said that we must get Pedja involved early then promtly went on to pass up open shots in order to get early shots for Pedja. If I was asking him for a job reference, the attitudes and patience displayed by his employers and teammates in his first down year in NBA would be a very powerfull argument in his favor. Then again, if I am GP and I get a call from someone who think they can do better job with Pedja and who is willing to part with a bona-fide star and PO performer or a high lottery pick I'd prepare my goodbye Pedja speech. I just wouldn't do it for the sake of doing it.