[Game] Kings @ Warriors 28 DEC 2015, 22:30 ET/19:30 PT

[peacelate]

The team is playing .500 ball with Cousins.

And he hasn't been tossed from a game in nearly a year.

It is you, the fans, who are perpetuating a nightmare of your own making.


The bad year is on Karl, but if there is a silver lining its that with more rational coaching there is room for improvement and hence another gear for the team.

Right, the team is playing .500 ball with Cousins and his behavior still isn't changing much on the court. Getting ejected, confronting players in the tunnel, throwing elbows...etc. It doesn't matter that players could get away with that in the past because everything is scrutinized in a different light by the NBA. You have to use your head because you know full well that type of behavior won't be tolerated, and you will be looking at a suspension. Because the greats today don't play like past players, does that make them wimps in your book?

 

[jcwkings]

The team is playing .500 ball with Cousins.

And he hasn't been tossed from a game in nearly a year.

It is you, the fans, who are perpetuating a nightmare of your own making.


The bad year is on Karl, but if there is a silver lining its that with more rational coaching there is room for improvement and hence another gear for the team.

Cousins is having his worst year in a while. His effort on a nightly basis is back to pre Malone era Cousins. He looks to be in the worst shape he has been in since pre Malone(injuries have some to do with that, but not all). He is back to letting guys like Gortat and a 19 year old rookie outplay him, while Bogut continues to send him into downward spirals. All we need is Nikola Pekovic to have a career game against him. Its sad to think that a player might only play hard because he likes Michael Malone, and dogs it for any coach he doesnt like. You are getting paid 15 million, play hard every night no matter what your opinion is on the coach!

 

[Glenn]

So reading through these posts, well, not surprising.

The comments about Cuz playing no defense are pure fantasy. Cuz is the only player on this team that plays any defense. Please, folks, try to keep up with what is actually happening, not the voices in your heads. Especially if that voice is the red head who is actively pushing his trade Cousins narrative. He also pushed along the venom by stating the foul that led to the ejection was a clear foul on Cuz. No, it was on Mclemore first. Even Napear thought so initially. Then the ejection and he changed his mind setting up the next week on his toxic embarrassing radio show (let's hear Grant yell at callers for 4 hours!). But whatever. Doesn't justify the reaction but it also means he had a legit gripe. It wasn't a clear foul on Demarcus. The foul was on McLemore. But that's hardly the point anymore. It was just the excuse to get the narrative right where Grant wanted to lead it.

Some throw away ramblings by Barkley about being out of shape, Grant's endless vendetta (he really has no shame anymore) and most of the fan base decides Boogie's first ejection of the year is the final straw. Stop listening to Grant folks! He knows nothing. He's supposed to be the voice of the King's and he lets his own bitter personal feelings toward Boogie completely make his analysis pointless. He's a ****ing joke, an embarassment to the franchise. He's not supposed to be a fan, but he's also not supposed to let personal grudges affect his ability to do his job. And that's what he's doing. He has a rather huge grudge. If you miss the absolute delight he's taking in this you're not paying attention.

Let the overreactions continue!

My impression here, folks. Don't get too excited but I hope you give consideration to my words.

I think Cuz has been, over the years, gradually improving. This includes his on the court game and also some of the dumb stuff that continues. At the beginning of his career, he couldn't last in the game because of his penchant to foul. Much of it was a retaliatory reach in foul as he flailed at the ball after he lost it. Remember that? The reach in was a major problem. Now he doesn't reach in but slaps at the ball and with that technique he is less likely to be called for a foul. In any case, he is fouling less and is on the court more which most people have considered a good thing.

I think he is getting the star treatment. I think thast changed rather abruptly after he made the national team. The star treatment is where the officials swallow their whistles when it comes to stars in order to ensure the star is on the court as much as possible. It was started by Stein and was meant to maximize customer's enjoyment of the game as many came to watch a specific star or stars. This is my interpretation of what I have been seeing. It's abig deal as Boogie can now get star minutes, also.

He is arguing less. Please try to to be unbiased in watching how much he argues. He has surprised me by having no visible reaction to calls that in the past would have sent him into a tizzy. He now frequently approaches officials in time outs which is appropriate.

People are saying he doesn't get down the court because he is hung up arguing a call. He IS the last down the court. That is undeniable. The question is "why?" I think it is part of how our offense is set up that he trails on the play. Perhaps it is to keep him from running out of energy as it is not possible for a 270 pounder to exist in the offense Karl is pushing. Don't mistake the fact that he is the last down the court with the idea he is arguing and that's the cause.

I could go on and won't as given my note above, I know people have already made up their minds.

I think Cuz is improving. Let us not ignore that unless there is real proof that he has not improved. I know very well how difficult it is to change. It's 30 games into the season. I'm going to enjoy the season as best I can and hope very much we cream the Sixers.

 

[Glenn]

How are things people are writing personal? Nobody here knows Cousins or just about any NBA player in history on a personal level, I would guess. Most of us will probably only ever shake the hand and get an autograph of an NBA player let alone a star. My negative towards Cousins is based on 6 years episode after episode and knowing what wins in the NBA and what doesnt. You can provide all the stats you want but a guy that loses his mind at the first hint of adversity is not a buliding block you want as your best player. Chemistry, morale, heart and hard work trump talent in this league until you reach the very pinnacle, at which point yes the team with the most talented player usually wins because both teams are playing with heart and have great chemistry and the special player is the difference maker. You will never get to that pinnacle with Cousins though because he disrupts all those aspects to a team that are important, you will never get to the point where his talent gets you over the top unless he changes dramatically. At what point do you keep hoping for change and realize maybe this is how he will always be?

Personal to me. Personal to you.

 

[New Era]

The team is playing .500 ball with Cousins.

And he hasn't been tossed from a game in nearly a year.

It is you, the fans, who are perpetuating a nightmare of your own making.


The bad year is on Karl, but if there is a silver lining its that with more rational coaching there is room for improvement and hence another gear for the team.

But they aren't winning .500 with Cousins and they certainly didn't come close to .500 in the previous seasons with him. Also, you can't just discount the losses they have without him. The fact that he has been somewhat injury prone as well as having missed some games due to suspensions is all part of his makeup and is a negative. Imagine how much worse the Jazz would have been without Karl Malone being as durable as he was.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

Where is VF21???

:: shrugs ::

Well, it is the holiday season; she's probably enjoying spending time with her granddaughters right about now... Either that, or she shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die, and now she's on the run from the law.

 

[Glenn]

But they aren't winning .500 with Cousins and they certainly didn't come close to .500 in the previous seasons with him. Also, you can't just discount the losses they have without him. The fact that he has been somewhat injury prone as well as having missed some games due to suspensions is all part of his makeup and is a negative. Imagine how much worse the Jazz would have been without Karl Malone being as durable as he was.

How many times has he been suspended this year?

 

[New Era]

How many times has he been suspended this year?

I believe once, correct?

 

[Bricklayer]

But they aren't winning .500 with Cousins and they certainly didn't come close to .500 in the previous seasons with him. Also, you can't just discount the losses they have without him. The fact that he has been somewhat injury prone as well as having missed some games due to suspensions is all part of his makeup and is a negative. Imagine how much worse the Jazz would have been without Karl Malone being as durable as he was.

Ah, now we are shifting the goalposts and blaming him for injuries too.

Swell.

Durant and Paul George missed an entire season, they must be huge problems.

Anthony Davis is an injury prone skinny little twit. Problem.

Chris Paul has only played in more than 70 games 1 time in his Clippers career. Problem.

Blake Griffin not only took his entire rookie year off, probably due to laziness, but he missed 15 more last year.

Russel Westbrook has missed 56 games the last two years. Cancer.


I'm not sure who has been selling the Sacto fanbase on the childish fantasy that having a franchise player is this wonderfully smooth ride where the player is kissing babies and putting flowers in his hair while playing 48 minutes of every game every season, never getting upset and never having a mean word for anybody, but its something that should have gone out along with popup books.

The greatest franchise players in history have lived in different cities while sleeping with thousands of women, been accused of rape, gotten underage women pregnant, gotten AIDS for all the hookers they banged, beaten up their own teammates, had gambling addictions, racked up literally HUNDREDS of technical fouls while getting in multiple brawls every season, fired coaches...this is the NBA people. This is real life with the greatest at what they do. Its not some sugar plum fairy land. You've got one who bizarrely seems to want to stay in a little city with fans ragging on him incessantly, and who does a crapload of good around the little berg. And all you can do is complain at this awful man because we just know the grass is greener over on the other side of our technicolor rainbow.

 

[New Era]

Ah, now we are shifting the goalposts and blaming him for injuries too.

Swell.

Durant and Paul George missed an entire season, they must be huge problems.

Anthony Davis is an injury prone skinny little twit. Problem.

Chris Paul has only played in more than 70 games 1 time in his Clippers career. Problem.

Blake Griffin not only took his entire rookie year off, probably due to laziness, but he missed 15 more last year.

Russel Westbrook has missed 56 games the last two years. Cancer.


I'm not sure who has been selling the Sacto fanbase on the childish fantasy that having a franchise player is this wonderfully smooth ride where the player is kissing babies and putting flowers in his hair while playing 48 minutes of every game every season, never getting upset and never having a mean word for anybody, but its something that should have gone out along with popup books.

The greatest franchise players in history have lived in different cities while sleeping with thousands of women, been accused of rape, gotten underage women pregnant, gotten AIDS for all the hookers they banged, beaten up their own teammates, had gambling addictions, racked up literally HUNDREDS of technical fouls while getting in multiple brawls every season, fired coaches...this is the NBA people. This is real life with the greatest at what they do. Its not some sugar plum fairy land. You've got one who bizarrely seems to want to stay in a little city with fans ragging on him incessantly, and who does a poopooload of good around the little berg. And all you can do is complain at this awful man because we just know the grass is greener over on the other side of our technicolor rainbow.

You should probably hope he gets traded! This is beginning to be like a full-time job for you defending him!

 

[Amit149]

How many times has he been suspended this year?

It's not about this year alone but:

"According to Stats & Information, Cousins has been ejected 10 times, assessed 77 technical fouls and issued six suspensions (five by league/one by team). The 10 ejections and 77 techs are most in the league since Cousins' rookie season in 2010. The only other player to be suspended at least six times in that span is current Kings teammate Rajon Rondo (five league/one team)."

 

[Glenn]

I believe once, correct?

I don't recall him being suspended but I sure could be wrong. Rondo was suspended.

 

[Glenn]

It's not about this year alone but:

"According to Stats & Information, Cousins has been ejected 10 times, assessed 77 technical fouls and issued six suspensions (five by league/one by team). The 10 ejections and 77 techs are most in the league since Cousins' rookie season in 2010. The only other player to be suspended at least six times in that span is current Kings teammate Rajon Rondo (five league/one team)."

I am trying to make a point that Cousins is improving. You don't seem to care. Once bad always bad.

 

[bajaden]

I don't think you got what I meant. There is nothing that we can do here on the forum that has any impact whether it is in a positive situation or negative. I was hoping we could move on as I don't know what else can be said.

My personal feelings are different than yours but they ARE personal. In fact as I think about it, you may have exposed one part of the back and forth that is unspoken yet has a major effect on what is written. The personal feelings, sets of principles, or whatever we wish to call them, are fueling what people are writing. As the principles are personal, they will not change. Let us not be naive and think that logic is the only factor involved in this discussion.

I think when you accept bad behavior, which is not the same thing as condoning it, you first have to decide what is bad behavior? In general, bad behavior is based on societies accepted principles, or in this case, the NBA's accepted principles or rules. Not much logic is required. You either abide by them, or you don't. Of course as fans, we may have different principles that we go by. Hitler certainly had different principles, which eventually he imposed on the people of Germany, and tried to impose on the world. But I digress! And by the way, for the extremists out there, I'm not comparing Cousins to Hitler.

My point is, for a time, Hitler was a winner, and as a result, the people of Germany looked the other way. Winning at any cost isn't necessarily a good thing. It depends on what your willing to give up besides the price of a ticket. The people of Germany were willing to give up a huge piece of their humanity, which didn't work out so well for them in the end. Once again, I'm not comparing Kings fans to the people of Germany, I'm using an extreme example to compare how loosely we hang on to our personal principles.

There's nothing more frustrating than a bait and switch. And that's what Cousins is, and has been for a long time. I, like many others, have hoped that with time, those things would correct themselves. However, I've come to believe that Cousins has manipulated us beautifully. He has us to a point where were willing to excuse anything he does for fear of losing him. We worry about trading Gay, because if might upset Cousins. Or losing Rondo to free agency next year because it might upset Cousins. We need to get rid of Karl, because Cousins doesn't like him. People are upset because Cousins doesn't get enough touches. There's probably someone that's upset with Casspi for taking as many shots as he did, because those are shots Cousins should have taken. When everything on a team is about just one player, you no longer have a team. Tyreke didn't fit with Cousins, Tyreke is gone. IT didn't fit with Cousins, IT's is gone.

Believe me, I get it. You try and do everything possible to bring out the best in your star player. But as a result, you expect that player to reward with great play, and hopefully good conduct. Otherwise, what's the point? Personally, and I have nothing to base it on other than obversation, I think Cousins is trying to be a good boy and play in Karls system, but his heart isn't in it. You can't on one hand complain about the teams poor defense, and on the other hand jog back on defense. If you really want to win, you can't stand and argue with a ref, while play is going on. Not if you really care about winning and about the team. You do that when you only care about yourself. Sorry, but I'm a team guy. When you quit because everything isn't going your way, you lose me.

 

[New Era]

I don't recall him being suspended but I sure could be wrong. Rondo was suspended.

He got suspended for the hit to Al Horford in the Atlanta game and sat out against Miami. We only lost that one by 7. Would have been nice to have him in that game.

 

[Amit149]

I am trying to make a point that Cousins is improving. You don't seem to care. Once bad always bad.

I got that, I just thought it was something worth noting in this discussion.

About him improving, I saw a lot of improvement last season but I don't see the same progression this year.

 

[Glenn]

I got that, I just thought it was something worth noting in this discussion.

About him improving, I saw a lot of improvement last season but I don't see the same progression this year.

Perhaps this is an excuse but he has been injured almost from day one. He may be OK by now but there is no guarantee of that as he hasn't been given the rest you or I might get. He, as with all pro athletes, is expected to play injured.

He hasn't been playing well at all. It looks like a different guy out there. "Why?" is the question.

 

[jcwkings]

How many times has he been suspended this year?

Dumb, unnecessary elbow/forearm to Horford which led to one game suspension vs Heat(which was a very winnable game). His effort has been anywhere from mediocre to pee poor for the majority of games he has played in as well. Just a very poor season for Cousins no matter how you look at it, its almost as if the last two season never happend and we are seeing a continuation of what we saw from Cousins years 1-3.

 

[Kingster]

I think when you accept bad behavior, which is not the same thing as condoning it, you first have to decide what is bad behavior? In general, bad behavior is based on societies accepted principles, or in this case, the NBA's accepted principles or rules. Not much logic is required. You either abide by them, or you don't. Of course as fans, we may have different principles that we go by. Hitler certainly had different principles, which eventually he imposed on the people of Germany, and tried to impose on the world. But I digress! And by the way, for the extremists out there, I'm not comparing Cousins to Hitler.

My point is, for a time, Hitler was a winner, and as a result, the people of Germany looked the other way. Winning at any cost isn't necessarily a good thing. It depends on what your willing to give up besides the price of a ticket. The people of Germany were willing to give up a huge piece of their humanity, which didn't work out so well for them in the end. Once again, I'm not comparing Kings fans to the people of Germany, I'm using an extreme example to compare how loosely we hang on to our personal principles.

There's nothing more frustrating than a bait and switch. And that's what Cousins is, and has been for a long time. I, like many others, have hoped that with time, those things would correct themselves. However, I've come to believe that Cousins has manipulated us beautifully. He has us to a point where were willing to excuse anything he does for fear of losing him. We worry about trading Gay, because if might upset Cousins. Or losing Rondo to free agency next year because it might upset Cousins. We need to get rid of Karl, because Cousins doesn't like him. People are upset because Cousins doesn't get enough touches. There's probably someone that's upset with Casspi for taking as many shots as he did, because those are shots Cousins should have taken. When everything on a team is about just one player, you no longer have a team. Tyreke didn't fit with Cousins, Tyreke is gone. IT didn't fit with Cousins, IT's is gone.

Believe me, I get it. You try and do everything possible to bring out the best in your star player. But as a result, you expect that player to reward with great play, and hopefully good conduct. Otherwise, what's the point? Personally, and I have nothing to base it on other than obversation, I think Cousins is trying to be a good boy and play in Karls system, but his heart isn't in it. You can't on one hand complain about the teams poor defense, and on the other hand jog back on defense. If you really want to win, you can't stand and argue with a ref, while play is going on. Not if you really care about winning and about the team. You do that when you only care about yourself. Sorry, but I'm a team guy. When you quit because everything isn't going your way, you lose me.

VERY interesting post, Baja. I enjoyed it tremendously. I think we could have some pretty interesting side discussions on this one, especially on winning vs principle. I think the above part that I bolded is an intelligent conjecture. Vlade has now seen Cousins first-hand for several months. Is he going to continue be seduced by the talent, or is he going to go with principle?

 

[dude12]

So reading through these posts, well, not surprising.

The comments about Cuz playing no defense are pure fantasy. Cuz is the only player on this team that plays any defense. Please, folks, try to keep up with what is actually happening, not the voices in your heads. Especially if that voice is the red head who is actively pushing his trade Cousins narrative. He also pushed along the venom by stating the foul that led to the ejection was a clear foul on Cuz. No, it was on Mclemore first. Even Napear thought so initially. Then the ejection and he changed his mind setting up the next week on his toxic embarrassing radio show (let's hear Grant yell at callers for 4 hours!). But whatever. Doesn't justify the reaction but it also means he had a legit gripe. It wasn't a clear foul on Demarcus. The foul was on McLemore. But that's hardly the point anymore. It was just the excuse to get the narrative right where Grant wanted to lead it.

Some throw away ramblings by Barkley about being out of shape, Grant's endless vendetta (he really has no shame anymore) and most of the fan base decides Boogie's first ejection of the year is the final straw. Stop listening to Grant folks! He knows nothing. He's supposed to be the voice of the King's and he lets his own bitter personal feelings toward Boogie completely make his analysis pointless. He's a ****ing joke, an embarassment to the franchise. He's not supposed to be a fan, but he's also not supposed to let personal grudges affect his ability to do his job. And that's what he's doing. He has a rather huge grudge. If you miss the absolute delight he's taking in this you're not paying attention.

Let the overreactions continue!

I don't always agree with Chubbs but your spot on right here....it's one things for the forum members to disagree...it's another for Napear to push his hate agenda....and add to that Voison's article about Cousins also......it's sick....damn sick.

 

[New Era]

I don't always agree with Chubbs but your spot on right here....it's one things for the forum members to disagree...it's another for Napear to push his hate agenda....and add to that Voison's article about Cousins also......it's sick....damn sick.

I can't stand that phrase "hate agenda." Just because Napear doesn't agree with your position on DMC doesn't mean he "hates" anybody.

 

[Glenn]

I can't stand that phrase "hate agenda." Just because Napear doesn't agree with your position on DMC doesn't mean he "hates" anybody.

Dislikes intensely?

 

[Bricklayer]

VERY interesting post, Baja. I enjoyed it tremendously. I think we could have some pretty interesting side discussions on this one, especially on winning vs principle. I think the above part that I bolded is an intelligent conjecture. Vlade has now seen Cousins first-hand for several months. Is he going to continue be seduced by the talent, or is he going to go with principle?

In general the first arrival of Hitler references in a thread is nothing to be celebrated.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

In general the first arrival of Hitler references in a thread is nothing to be celebrated.

And here I was trying to be good, for a change...

 

[Blob]

People need to chill, step back, and look at the actual situation as it appears on the ground. Not just run around spewing bile in the twisted hope it takes root and destroys things.

I am a chill and I can look at the actual situation objectively and Cousins is failing his team around a time we should be rallying near .500. He's having his worst month in 2 1/2 years. Not my opinion. Fact.

He's forcing crap shots. He's loose with his handles. His position defense is good but he defends by swiping at the ball and vs GSW it caught up with him. He has been getting away with swiping instead of moving his feet but that is not a viable long term strategy. In GSW the chickens came home to roost and his lazy defense effort was not rewarded or excused by that ref crew.

Here are 6 losses this month with all (except BOS) we could have easily won if Boogie was not playing about to 60% to 70% of his potential.

L vs. POR 14 missed shots and 5 TOs
L @ WSH 14 missed shots and 3 TOs
L @ MIN 14 missed shots and 5 TOs
L @ OKC 15 missed shots (5-20) and 0 assists
L @ HOU 4-16 FGs and fouled out
L vs BOS 4-17 FGs and 4 TOs

 

[Blob]

I think Cuz is improving. Let us not ignore that unless there is real proof that he has not improved. I know very well how difficult it is to change. It's 30 games into the season. I'm going to enjoy the season as best I can and hope very much we cream the Sixers.

Cousins is having the worst month in 2 1/2 seasons. Whether due to injury system or other variables he has not performed this poorly since 2012-13.

 

[Chubbs]

Cousins is having the worst month in 2 1/2 seasons. Whether due to injury system or other variables he has not performed this poorly since 2012-13.

He's talking mentally, not on the court.

Yes, Karl's system has given us the worst Boogie we've seen in awhile. No denying that.

 

[Glenn]

Cousins is having the worst month in 2 1/2 seasons. Whether due to injury system or other variables he has not performed this poorly since 2012-13.

I have even contradicted myself on this. To be clear, I think he has improved his behavior. His fouling has diminished which I largely attribute to him getting the star treatment since being on the national team.

I definitely think that he is having a poor year as far as the typical basketball achievements go. I hope no one is taking pleasure in this.

 

[Glenn]

He's talking mentally, not on the court.

Yes, Karl's system has given us the worst Boogie we've seen in awhile. No denying that.

Thank you.

 

[Blob]

I have even contradicted myself on this. To be clear, I think he has improved his behavior. His fouling has diminished which I largely attribute to him getting the star treatment since being on the national team.

I definitely think that he is having a poor year as far as the typical basketball achievements go. I hope no one is taking pleasure in this.

How has he improved his behavior when he spends more time than ever arguing with refs and little if any indication he is providing positive leadership to this team? His words were he wanted to be a leader this summer. He has shown zero leadership ability. Sorry I don't equate this with improved behavior.

 

[Glenn]

How has he improved his behavior when he spends more time than ever arguing with refs and little if any indication he is providing positive leadership to this team? His words were he wanted to be a leader this summer. He has shown zero leadership ability. Sorry I don't equate this with improved behavior.

I think it is a huge mistake to anoint him as leader. He doesn't have the capacity. I don't think he is spending a lot of time arguing with refs but I will pay more attention to that tonight. I know people think the reason he is the last person down the court is because he is busy arguing. I don't think so. What I have seen is that he will approach refs during a time out. I think there has been a significant improvement in this.