Kings Practice Quotes-02/22/05

[LMM]

http://www.nba.com/kings/news/Kings_Practice_Quotes022205-133081-58.html

Kings Practice Quotes-02/22/05
February 22, 2005

Kings Coach Rick Adelman
On returning back from the All-Star break:
“We tried to work on things that we needed to work on, but it’s been a while since we’ve been able to practice. This is not something new, we’ve been talking about it for three weeks. This is going to be a tough stretch and we’ve got to step up. We’ve lost some close games but there are no excuses. They’re not going to rewrite the schedule or change things for us, we just need to go out and play and get a win tomorrow and try to build each game. We could have won those last two on the road we just didn’t play well enough. It’s a difficult stretch right now and we’re going to find out about who we are.”

Will this help Cuttino, since he really hasn't been able to practice with the team until now?
“It’s going to help. Today we were able to walk through a lot of stuff and talk about what we were looking for. He hasn’t really had the opportunity to be on the floor with those guys really. I think the more he’s on the floor, he hears the calls, he sees the options that he has—it’s got to help. I think the one thing that has hurt him a lot is that you’ve had Webb out—and I don’t know how many games (Cuttino) has played with Peja. Mike’s been out, so we’ve had to put the ball in his hands and I think it’s been really hard on him to try and figure it all out. So today was good in that regard. He was able to handle and play off the ball and see what we can expect from him.”

On the trade rumors swirling around the NBA:
“Yeah. I didn’t even know what they were to tell you the truth until I got back here and someone started telling me about them. There is going to be something—something always happens, and I think there will be some movement somewhere. But six of the last seven games, I’ve got more to worry about. We have to get this team back on track. We’ve got to win tomorrow, go on a trip, and then we come back for a lot of home games. We’ve got to start turning things in the right direction. Whatever happens Thursday happens, but I haven’t paid more attention to it nor have I really cared.”

Can they be a distraction?
“I think it’a part of the business. I don’t think it’s any different than coaches hearing that they’re going to be fired in the next day or two. You just have to allow them to do their job. Trading is part of it. Most of it’s just talk. One writer says something and the rest think it’s gospel. Players have to be smarter than that than to be affected. If they’re here Thursday than have to play the rest of the year with the team.”

Peja Stojakovic
On the trade rumors:
“I told you this summer that I’m a Kings player and I’m going to do my job. Whether or not I’m going to be here is not up to me. I’m doing my job, playing basketball, and I’m loving what I’m doing. I’m happy here. (Getting traded) is not in my hands. We can keep going back and forth. What have I told you guys? You guys keep drilling and drilling, what are you trying to find out?”

 

[KingKong]

http://www.nba.com/kings/news/Kings_Practice_Quotes022205-133081-58.html

Kings Practice Quotes-02/22/05
February 22, 2005

Peja Stojakovic
On the trade rumors:
“I told you this summer that I’m a Kings player and I’m going to do my job. Whether or not I’m going to be here is not up to me. I’m doing my job, playing basketball, and I’m loving what I’m doing. I’m happy here. (Getting traded) is not in my hands. We can keep going back and forth. What have I told you guys? You guys keep drilling and drilling, what are you trying to find out?”

Did Peja actually say he was happy here? I think this is the first time he hasn't been so elusive since the season began. I hope happy means a more productive Peja.

 

[piksi]

Did Peja actually say he was happy here? I think this is the first time he hasn't been so elusive since the season began. I hope happy means a more productive Peja.

he was being "politically correct"

 

[bdouble013]

Of course he was piksi. I forgot you know Peja so well you are keenly aware of what he is feeling all the time.

 

[piksi]

Of course he was piksi. I forgot you know Peja so well you are keenly aware of what he is feeling all the time.

whatever - just read his quote carefully and eventually You will realize that this statement was "rehearsed"

Typpical Pedja statement - pure volume and no real insight

 

[uolj]

I agree. He was being "politically correct", in my opinion.

 

[bigbadred00]

Does anyone in the limelight really say anything? When they do open there mouths and say something interesting they are either held in the light or bashed. Most tend to be quiet. Do you ever remember MJ saying anything of interest? Not really. When Kobe open his fat mouth repeated? Was he scorned? Yup. When Webber says something of interesting you guys either say he's saying nothing or bash him. Obviously you'd rather him say nothing as well. But your also not happy with those answers. Most people are never happy.


It's a lose-lose situation for players and people in the media.

 

[piksi]

Obviously you'd rather him say nothing as well.

yes please!

 

[bigbadred00]

Interesting=Controversial Usually. Politically Correct = Boring.

 

[iheartBrad]

if he were just soley being politically correct he would have left out the "I am happy here" part...and would have just continued on with "...getting traded is not in my hands"

 

[uolj]

Not necessarily, because he could be happy here and still want to leave. It's all about the nuances of "truth". It is easy to say something that is accurate but that hides your true feelings.

Stojakovic can say, "I am happy here," because he is generally a happy person, he likes playing basketball, and the situation in Sacramento doesn't drive him insane.

He can also say, "I am unhappy here," because he doesn't have anything in common with other players or coaches, doesn't enjoy playing in the scheme the team is playing, and is frustrated by all the tension and disappointment.

Both statements can be true at the same time. Even if they are, you only say the first one because you don't want to start a firestorm of controversy. You aren't lying to the reporter, but you aren't stirring things up either.

 

[bdouble013]

Omg, will you EVER stop? The fact is you don't know Peja any better than I do, but insist that he goes home at night and cries about how bad his situtation is here. Give it a fricking rest.

 

[sloter]

Well, to be honest, Pedja doesn't sound that convincing...

 

[bdouble013]

Did you hear him say it sloter? I mean actually, physically hear it.

 

[LMM]

^^ yeah. i hate to admit it, but he doesn't sound convincing to me, either.

if he was smiling when he said "i'm happy here," then maybe i'd buy into what he just said. it's so hard when you're just reading quotes. you don't know how sincere a quote can be.

i don't believe in the webber vs peja chemistry issue, though. i'm just not so sure that he's really happy here. i hope he is.

edit: also, i read reina's transcript of the interview. peja was asked if he was happy here. what else would he say?

 

[ReinadelosReys]

I saw it and for what its worth, from my vantage point, Peja was Peja when he said it-not over joyous but not compeltely down either. I've seen Peja really happy, and then really angry, this like most other times, was somewhere in the middle.

 

[iheartBrad]

ive never really seen Peja over joyous..lol...

 

[bibbyweb]

Well it might also be that he is actually happy in Sacramento and has got over whatever happened during the summer. And realized he wants to stay here itself. Now he might just be saying that he will stay here itself.

 

[Bricklayer]

Well it might also be that he is actually happy in Sacramento and has got over whatever happened during the summer. And realized he wants to stay here itself. Now he might just be saying that he will stay here itself.

That's a lot to draw from one throwaway line in an interview like that. I don't know what it means or doesn't mean, but it absolutely was the politically correct thing to say regardless of whether he meant it or not, and that makes it pretty suspect in the absence of anything else from him.

Let's put it this way, if you had asked out of a city, and knew that there was rampant speculation that you still wanted out of the city, and wanted to assure everybody that no, you really loved bieng in the city and had completely changed your mind, would one throwaway line (4 words) in an interview about whether you were going to be traded or not REALLY be the best you would do?

 

[KP]

That's a lot to draw from one throwaway line in an interview like that. I don't know what it means or doesn't mean, but it absolutely was the politically correct thing to say regardless of whether he meant it or not, and that makes it pretty suspect in the absence of anything else from him.

Let's put it this way, if you had asked out of a city, and knew that there was rampant speculation that you still wanted out of the city, and wanted to assure everybody that no, you really loved bieng in the city and had completely changed your mind, would one throwaway line (4 words) in an interview about whether you were going to be traded or not REALLY be the best you would do?

Everyone should read this post and think very clearly about it.^

 

[love_them_kings]

That's a lot to draw from one throwaway line in an interview like that. I don't know what it means or doesn't mean, but it absolutely was the politically correct thing to say regardless of whether he meant it or not, and that makes it pretty suspect in the absence of anything else from him.

Let's put it this way, if you had asked out of a city, and knew that there was rampant speculation that you still wanted out of the city, and wanted to assure everybody that no, you really loved bieng in the city and had completely changed your mind, would one throwaway line (4 words) in an interview about whether you were going to be traded or not REALLY be the best you would do?

Yeah, I didn't think Peja was putting much out there. I don't know what he is thinking, and I always hope for the best, but I was disappointed in the interview. I think Peja was going out of his way not to be disagreeable, but not to give anyone the overwhelming idea that this is where he really wants to be. And, as the questions went on, (and on, and on) he had many opportunities to make it clear that he wants to be here, if that was the case. Saying "it's out of my hands" over and over is hardly the same as saying "I would do anything in my power to stay here."

 

[BullKing]

yep, i agree with piksi and sloter, i don't believe that it's an honest response, and quite frankly it donesn't sound very convincing...they put him on the spot what else was he going to say...that he is not happy here, Peja is not that kind of a guy...

 

[VF21]

yep, i agree with piksi and sloter, i don't believe that it's an honest response, and quite frankly it donesn't sound very convincing...they put him on the spot what else was he going to say...that he is not happy here, Peja is not that kind of a guy...

Yeah, like he didn't come out in a public statement to the media and make his request/demand/plea for a trade?

WHY, why, why, why, why is it that when that came out, everyone bought it lock, stock and barrel as being irrefutable and carved in stone but in subsequent articles or statements where he's either said he's happy OR NOT ADDRESSED the trade issue, it's because he's being politically correct?

Whatever. I think you guys are all assuming way too much about Pedja. You're making him out to be conniving, full of intrigue, duplicitous, etc. I don't think he's any of those things. I think he's a young man facing a lot of life decisions. He was upset over things that happened and felt his career and place on the team was threatened. I think those issues have been addressed. I think I saw a much more mature Pedja stating the obvious when asked about a trade, "You're asking the wrong person. It's not up to me. I have a contract. I am a SACRAMENTO KING. Yes, I'm happy."

If anything, it shows Pedja is maturing and learning the ropes.

 

[uolj]

VF, read my post above. I don't think it is that hard to imagine that Stojakovic is just trying to answer the questions without rocking the boat, even if those aren't truly reflective of his feelings. Of course, I live a couple hundred miles away, so I'm probably wrong.

 

[KP]

Vf, I don't think he owes us anything. Especially considering how people have been talking about him lately(not just here but all over Sacramento), but I just think if Peja is the type of guy that if he really wanted to stay, when he was asked he would have said, "I don't want to be traded." Instead of... "it's outta my hands." None of us know what he's really thinking, but it would be a whole lot easier for us to know if he just told us whether or not he wants to be traded.

 

[bibbyweb]

That's a lot to draw from one throwaway line in an interview like that. I don't know what it means or doesn't mean, but it absolutely was the politically correct thing to say regardless of whether he meant it or not, and that makes it pretty suspect in the absence of anything else from him.

Let's put it this way, if you had asked out of a city, and knew that there was rampant speculation that you still wanted out of the city, and wanted to assure everybody that no, you really loved bieng in the city and had completely changed your mind, would one throwaway line (4 words) in an interview about whether you were going to be traded or not REALLY be the best you would do?

Thats where "might" comes into picture.

 

[iheartBrad]

I stil find it incredibly interesting that the people who seem to be the most adamant about how THEY THINK Pedja feels are those who seem to live the furthest away from Sacramento.

::looks around at surroundings::

i really hope you weren't refering to me as one of these people

 

[Odoylerules]

Yeah, like he didn't come out in a public statement to the media and make his request/demand/plea for a trade?

WHY, why, why, why, why is it that when that came out, everyone bought it lock, stock and barrel as being irrefutable and carved in stone but in subsequent articles or statements where he's either said he's happy OR NOT ADDRESSED the trade issue, it's because he's being politically correct?

Whatever. I think you guys are all assuming way too much about Pedja. You're making him out to be conniving, full of intrigue, duplicitous, etc. I don't think he's any of those things. I think he's a young man facing a lot of life decisions. He was upset over things that happened and felt his career and place on the team was threatened. I think those issues have been addressed. I think I saw a much more mature Pedja stating the obvious when asked about a trade, "You're asking the wrong person. It's not up to me. I have a contract. I am a SACRAMENTO KING. Yes, I'm happy."

If anything, it shows Pedja is maturing and learning the ropes.

Nothing has changed. Peja still wants to be traded. Whether or not he threw out the "I'm happy" quote, he still instructed Geoff Petrie (both personally and through his agent) to trade him as soon as possible.

He made the trade statement in the preseason, and he has reiterated it throughout the year. His generic quote is usually something like "The team knows how I feel, but I am a professional and will play out my contract. Nothing has changed with me since the summer"....nothing has changed meaning "I still want out, but I don't want to go over this in the media every day and become a further distraction".....

Going into the allstar break, the guy had "back problems, the "flu", and then last night, after trainer Pete Youngman had already declared him healthy and ready to go, he came down with a "bum hamstring".......

The Kings want to oblige Peja and move him, but Geoff will NOT be hijacked by a demand from his prize possession. If he can be moved to a team that can give back equitable value (i.e. Paul Pierce) than it will be done, but GP has no qualms about waiting till the off season, and seeing where the chips fall over the summer (and when Ron Artest is cleared to play).....

 

[VF21]

::looks around at surroundings::

i really hope you weren't refering to me as one of these people

Oh, geez.

No, the people I was referring to ARE piksi, sloter and bullking - who all seem to profess inside knowledge of every little thing going through Pedja's head yet are so far away they can't see the news reports, the snippets of him with the team, etc. that those of us lucky enough to get local media clips ARE able to see.

I give up...

Either I've lost the art of communication or people are trying to read WAY TOO MUCH into my statements.

 

[VF21]

Nothing has changed. Peja still wants to be traded. Whether or not he threw out the "I'm happy" quote, he still instructed Geoff Petrie (both personally and through his agent) to trade him as soon as possible.

He made the trade statement in the preseason, and he has reiterated it throughout the year. His generic quote is usually something like "The team knows how I feel, but I am a professional and will play out my contract. Nothing has changed with me since the summer"....nothing has changed meaning "I still want out, but I don't want to go over this in the media every day and become a further distraction".....

Going into the allstar break, the guy had "back problems, the "flu", and then last night, after trainer Pete Youngman had already declared him healthy and ready to go, he came down with a "bum hamstring".......

The Kings want to oblige Peja and move him, but Geoff will NOT be hijacked by a demand from his prize possession. If he can be moved to a team that can give back equitable value (i.e. Paul Pierce) than it will be done, but GP has no qualms about waiting till the off season, and seeing where the chips fall over the summer (and when Ron Artest is cleared to play).....

The "bum hamstring" didn't just pop out of thin air. I was watching the game when it popped. You could actually see it...