Maloofs' PR disaster increases their urgency to resign Bonzi?

[Kings Fan]

With the outcry from many fans toward the Maloofs concerning the manner in which they handle their recent transactions, the Maloofs may make resigning Bonzi an even higher priority to avert a 2nd public relations (PR) disaster of the summer.

Given that the Maloofs 1) are a Vegas-Beverly Hills family built on image and public opinion (as evidenced by Joe's need to call KHTK to clear the air last night), 2) need continual support for a new arena, 3) emphasize and covet defense, the urgency to resign a popular player in Bonzi once FA starts this summer has elevated to another level.

While people may differ in their opinions, I feel that the loss of Adelman and Bonzi (both of whom Artest publically support) would mean we lose all the momentum we built going 26-12 in the last 38 and giving the Spurs all they can handle in the playoffs. Can't imagine the Maloofs allowing this to happen...for our sake...for Ron's sake. While the Maloofs may not want to overpay Bonzi before, now they may not have any other choice if they want to salvage public opinion and keep both the fans and Artest happy.

 

[skillet]

that's my concern.....keeping Ron Artest happy!!! I mean when he's happy, he's productive and he stated how much he wanted to have Rick and Bonzi back.....

 

[Kings113]

Remember we played well without Bonzi up until the Atlanta game, which he came back in.

Sure you can't replace him, but we'd get someone with experience who brings hustle/scoring.

I kind of expect Bonzi to be re-signed.

 

[Troy]

If the Doofs don't put a good effort into signing Bonzi, Kings fans will demand blood. Are the Maloofs really doing all this crap to make it easier to move the Kings out of Sacramento? It seems that way.

 

[Venom]

I hope not. I think they really need to keep an open mind on Bonzi. If Bonzi somehow signs a contract here for his true value, and not his new market value, then that would be fantastic. But I just don't see how Bonzi could come back without the Kings overpaying dramatically. In which case, I would like to see a S&T if possible.

 

[Bricklayer]

With the outcry from many fans toward the Maloofs concerning the manner in which they handle their recent transactions, the Maloofs may make resigning Bonzi an even higher priority to avert a 2nd public relations (PR) disaster of the summer.

Given that the Maloofs 1) are a Vegas-Beverly Hills family built on image and public opinion (as demonstrated by Joe's need to call KHTK to clear the air last night), 2) need continual support for a new arena, 3) emphasize and covet defense, the urgency to resign a popular player in Bonzi once FA starts this summer has elevated to another level.

While people may differ in their opinions, I feel that the loss of Adelman and Bonzi (both of whom Artest publically support) would mean we lose all the momentum we built going 26-12 in the last 38 and giving the Spurs all they can handle in the playoffs. Can't imagine the Maloofs allowing this to happen but only time will tell...

Its an interesting theory, and I certainly think losing Bonzi as well could have a negative effect on Artest's state of mind, which would be more critical still. But I think the Maloofs already really wanted to resign Bonzi even without this ugliness.

I will say this though -- in some ways I would want to hold off on Bonzi until I saw who they bring in as coach. If the Maloofs overreact and bring in a egomaniacal taskmaster type...you know what? Bonzi Wells is not going to take that. Neither will Ron in all liklihood, but obviously he's back regardless.

I agree that it would another PR disaster, PARTICULARLY for an ownership once again talking defense, toughness, title -- then your first move is to let one of your greatest exemplars of that go? But depending on what they do with the coach it may not be the same slam dunk that most of us thought it was a week ago (not that that will likely slow the Maloofs down, just that it may either cool Bonzi to resigning, or he may resign and there could be problems).

 

[LA King Fan II]

Seems to me that a guy like Michael Cooper would have the right responsibility. He had probs at Denver but that wasn't much of a shot, and the team wasn't too solid.

Artest and Wells would respect him. He was a winner. An athlete. A great defensive player, too.

Good PR IMO.

 

[TCH]

With all these things happening so soon, now I really can't wait for the new season. It's obvious that Ron and Bonzi is a great combo (a nightmare for many teams), and the Maloof's know it. I expect Bonzi back.

 

[LA King Fan II]

I don't know why I typed "responsibility". I meant cooper would have the right reputation and demeanor to gain respect.

 

[Warhawk]

With all these things happening so soon, now I really can't wait for the new season. It's obvious that Ron and Bonzi is a great combo (a nightmare for many teams), and the Maloof's know it. I expect Bonzi back.

Ditto, unless some kind of offer "too good to be true" comes along, say, with a team located somewhere between Chicago and Winnipeg?

 

[grin]

With the outcry from many fans toward the Maloofs concerning the manner in which they handle their recent transactions, the Maloofs may make resigning Bonzi an even higher priority to avert a 2nd public relations (PR) disaster of the summer.

I don't think it was such a PR disaster. The GM did what he was asked to do and it's his job to do it.

 

[Sac.Kings]

With all these things happening so soon, now I really can't wait for the new season. It's obvious that Ron and Bonzi is a great combo (a nightmare for many teams), and the Maloof's know it. I expect Bonzi back.

That is what i think. The Maloofs aren't that stupid that they dont realize that there are hardly any teams in the League that can match the strength of our 2 and 3 with their 2 and 3 positions. Its a nightmare and Bonzi HAS to be resigned.

 

[KingsChick]

I will be speechless and aggrivated (which I already am) if the Maloofs do not resign Bonzi. Its a must.

 

[Ryle]

This is only a "PR Disaster" in the minds of the people who think Adelman should have been brought back. It's king of funny how Adelman continued to whine on the radio about this and that.......just like people on this board are continuing to whine about. Move on THERE WILL BE A NEW COACH NEXT YEAR.

And, by the way, I think it would be a bad move if they don't resign Bonzi next year.

 

[Bricklayer]

This is only a "PR Disaster" in the minds of the people who think Adelman should have been brought back. It's king of funny how Adelman continued to whine on the radio about this and that.......just like people on this board are continuing to whine about. Move on THERE WILL BE A NEW COACH NEXT YEAR.

And, by the way, I think it would be a bad move if they don't resign Bonzi next year.

No Riley it is a PR disaster IN SPITE of what your little minority would like to argue. It is you who are sitting around willing to accept anything just to get rid of Adelman. The PR disaster on the other hand is FACT. As in called out in the papers, bashed on the radio, overwhelmingly negative FACT. Doesn't matter who is right or wrong about Adelman, it still has been a public relations NIGHTMARE that has given the Maloofs another major blackeye.

 

[Kings113]

I am of the public, and relate to it pretty solidly.

Michael Cooper I doubt gets brought in, but you never know.

 

[shaka zulu]

How do we know Resigning Bonzi Wells is the key to the puzzle, Bonzi Was Resigned Before in Portland and As soon as He was Resigned his performance Dropped significantly, He wasn't the same player after his Extension, He was lazy, He played when he wanted to play and was very inconsistent. I believe his Recent surge had to do with him being healthy as the season wore on, Kevin got hurt in the last laker Game at staples Center,Before this time, The Team was winning with Bonzi coming off the Bench, when kevin got hurt bonzi was thrusted back into the starting lineup and as a Result he played Well.


Bonzi playing well wasn't just all because he was healthy or the injury to kevin martin, I feel alot of it was because Adleman Trusted bonzi to get the job done at the same time still being Bonzi wells, Even with his turnovers and poor Ball control skills. Bonzi doesn't make alot of Cerebral plays and Rick allowed bonzi the freedom to make mistakes, Turn the ball over here and there, But at the End of the day, He still had confidence in bonzi, which inturn brought the most out of his game. Coaches like Fratello and Popovich, larry Brown even Don nelson wouldn't allow bonzi wells to make those gamble mistakes on Defense, They wouldn't allow bonzi to turn the ball over in high volumes, These coaches would give up on Bonzi quickly by sitting him down and Try to make him think about his mistakes which isn't a Good strategy for a player like Bonzi. It's going to be a Big crap shoot Dealing with bonzi, He may want more than 2 seasons on a Contract, He may want a 5 year Deal,Will he hold up that long physically, Will he get the money and Decrease his play, How will he and the new coach see eye to eye on Basketball matters.

 

[Kings Fan]

This is only a "PR Disaster" in the minds of the people who think Adelman should have been brought back. It's king of funny how Adelman continued to whine on the radio about this and that.......just like people on this board are continuing to whine about. Move on THERE WILL BE A NEW COACH NEXT YEAR.

And, by the way, I think it would be a bad move if they don't resign Bonzi next year.

Check out Kings' official website (www.kings.com). Currently, Joe Maloof's audio file explaining his family's position on the Adelman dismissal headlines the webpage...front and center. Apparently, this is a PR disaster in the minds of the Maloof family or else they wouldn't be trying so hard to explain themselves in every media outlet possible (radio, internet, etc.).

 

[HndsmCelt]

And here in lies the rub... Keeping Bonzi seems like a no brainer given his outstanding play in the play offs, and yes he and Artest DO create a nightmare for match ups, BUT there are very few coaches who have the ablity to work productivly with hot headed problem athleets, and Rick was one of the best. There are also very few coaches who are creative enough to really make the most of the match up problems Ron and Bonzi create, and yes Rick was one of these as well. So fireing Rick in many ways makes Bringing Bonzi back more of a gamble. The purely logical thing to do is wait to see who the new coach is and what what his needs will be. But this is not about logic.

This is about the Maloofs taking controll of the team and yes resinging Bonzi willmake fans happy so go for it!

 

[kennadog]

This is only a "PR Disaster" in the minds of the people who think Adelman should have been brought back. It's king of funny how Adelman continued to whine on the radio about this and that.......just like people on this board are continuing to whine about. Move on THERE WILL BE A NEW COACH NEXT YEAR.

And, by the way, I think it would be a bad move if they don't resign Bonzi next year.

While I would like Adelman to have had a chance with this group of players, I totally understand that this is the Maloof's call. It may turn out to be a good call, but only time will tell.

The PR nightmare for many of us, does NOT have to do with not signing Rick to a new contract, but rather the shabby way the Maloofs handeled it. I'm sorry, I don't see why they couldn't have thanked him for what he did for the franchise and then say, we've decided to go in a different direction with this team and will be selecting a new coach. Would that have been so hard?

 

[thesanityannex]

Off Topic:


Shaka Zulu, after seeing more of your posts recently, I have a question.

Is there a meaning to your capitalization of certain words throughout your posts, or is that just how you type?

 

[whozit]

While I would like Adelman to have had a chance with this group of players, I totally understand that this is the Maloof's call. It may turn out to be a good call, but only time will tell.

The PR nightmare for many of us, does NOT have to do with not signing Rick to a new contract, but rather the shabby way the Maloofs handeled it. I'm sorry, I don't see why they couldn't have thanked him for what he did for the franchise and then say, we've decided to go in a different direction with this team and will be selecting a new coach. Would that have been so hard?

I agree and it shouldn't have been that hard to do. While they are in the canning mood maybe the should do a hard and good long look at their PR staff.

 

[shaka zulu]

Off Topic:


Shaka Zulu, after seeing more of your posts recently, I have a question.

Is there a meaning to your capitalization of certain words throughout your posts, or is that just how you type?

Don't trip probably the way I type the words

 

[thesanityannex]

Don't trip probably the way I type the words

Cool. I was reading your posts and trying to figure out it the capitalized words had more meaning and what not.

 

[R1LOVER]

No Riley it is a PR disaster IN SPITE of what your little minority would like to argue. It is you who are sitting around willing to accept anything just to get rid of Adelman. The PR disaster on the other hand is FACT. As in called out in the papers, bashed on the radio, overwhelmingly negative FACT. Doesn't matter who is right or wrong about Adelman, it still has been a public relations NIGHTMARE that has given the Maloofs another major blackeye.

Well I think the majority of the people calling them out are Rick supporters. I agree Rick was a great coach, but I also agree it's time to move on. The majority of people have a hard time with change. If you have been in business or worked for larger companies, than you know this is how things go down. They pay Jeff to do his job and this was part of his job. It's pretty simple really.

I do have to add that I would have liked to see the Maloof's call Rick themselves, but as we saw with Peja and Webber, it doesn't happen that way.

 

[GoGoGadget]

Firstly, I am of the opinion that this is just the latest example of the Maloofs handling their business in a rather questionable manner. Either they've horribly misjudged a few things over the last couple seasons, or they need to hire a new handler.

Secondly, I am of the opinion that the NBA is not in any way, shape or form comparable to any type of "normal" business, company or workplace. Not having your contract extended as the coach of an NBA team is not now, nor will it ever be, even remotely the same as getting fired from Denny's or laid off by GM. Not even close.

Now, that being said, I'm more than a little confused by some of the arguments in this thread.

Maybe you think that this situation is the same as that one time you were fired and a little bit humiliated way back whenever... fine. I don't agree, but let's go with that for the sake of example. Does it make it any less ****ed up?

 

[Bricklayer]

Well I think the majority of the people calling them out are Rick supporters. I agree Rick was a great coach, but I also agree it's time to move on. The majority of people have a hard time with change. If you have been in business or worked for larger companies, than you know this is how things go down. They pay Jeff to do his job and this was part of his job. It's pretty simple really.

I do have to add that I would have liked to see the Maloof's call Rick themselves, but as we saw with Peja and Webber, it doesn't happen that way.

Rick must have had far more supporters than anyone ever knew if that is the case.

There are at least 3 levels of problem here:

1) whether letting Rick go was right, obviously split by opinion on Rick
2) whether the MANNER in which they let Rick go was right (tweaked many who might have been ok with the move itself, and part of a patetrn with the Maloofs)
3) whether their justifications, and deceptions SINCE letting Rick go were right (makes Maloofs look worse still).

This ABSOLUTELY could have been handled with class and dignity and people would be moving on much quicker by this point.

 

[thesanityannex]

Maybe you think that this situation is the same as that one time you were fired and a little bit humiliated way back whenever... fine. I don't agree, but let's go with that for the sake of example. Does it make it any less ****ed up?

No, it doesn't make it any less ****ed up, but then, what difference does it really make in the end? Rick is gone either way.


I think people would have complained either way he was let go, be it the "kick in the arse there is the door", or the "pat on the back we wish you well" dismissal.

With the way the Maloofs did it though, it just gives the Adelman fans more to complain about.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

No Riley it is a PR disaster IN SPITE of what your little minority would like to argue. It is you who are sitting around willing to accept anything just to get rid of Adelman. The PR disaster on the other hand is FACT. As in called out in the papers, bashed on the radio, overwhelmingly negative FACT. Doesn't matter who is right or wrong about Adelman, it still has been a public relations NIGHTMARE that has given the Maloofs another major blackeye.

Understood, and when Bonzi probably signs elsewhere, its going to look even worse, but I think that they sign Bobby Jackson(hopefully) and win alot of fans back, he wants to come back, he still lives here too, saw him driving his gold Hummer in Old Sac this afternoon, as a matter of fact. So I think that THAT will save alot of face with the locals if they do that.

 

[VF21]

No, it doesn't make it any less ****ed up, but then, what difference does it really make in the end? Rick is gone either way.


I think people would have complained either way he was let go, be it the "kick in the arse there is the door", or the "pat on the back we wish you well" dismissal.

With the way the Maloofs did it though, it just gives the Adelman fans more to complain about.

Sorry, but you're way off base. Had they done this with just a modicum of tact and finesse and shown at least borderline respect for Rick Adelman, you wouldn't see me complaining. I was pretty much expecting him to be gone...and said so numerous times during the season. I respect Adelman and what he did but if they want to go in a different direction, have a change of focus, etc. it is - bottom line - their team. It was entirely the shoddy manner in which he was treated AND The obvious duplicity of the Maloofs that has sparked my comments.

But you know what? I'm getting over it. The only ones who seem to be bent on whipping the horse are the people who are glad Adelman is gone. They're gonna ride this as long as they can in their glee.

Hey, whatever floats their boat.

Peace.