Actually, this article was more depressing than Henry's. For one, it comes from someone who is likely much more aware of the King's situation. Plus, unlike Henry, who gives a negative twist to every move (e.g., not mentioning that Hickson was also on a rookie contract, or that the difference in performance of the two guys was pretty considerable when the trade happened), this article is more balanced.
The main reason I found this more depressing was that it showed a light on non-basketball related issues. Some were discussed in some ways (like PW's handling of Boogie), while I at least, was unaware of some others (e.g., him not putting adequate amount of time on the job).
I was a huge Petrie supporter, but have cooled down quite a lot recently (no surprise there). I do believe that in some cases, his hands were tied or controlled by the owners. Even if it's not an excuse, it's at least an explanation to some extent. I won't mind if he is extended, but I would hope to see some of the following
- Focus on defense. Either get personnel, or necessary coaching staff, or a combination of the two. But please, no layup drills or wide open 3 pointers
- Fix Reke's status. I think if you believe he should play at 3, please trade him. We are taking the ball out of his hands, and taking away his physical dominance at the PG spot.
- On the same note, if the coaching staff continues to treat him as a 4th or 5th option, and even leave him off the floor for long stretchs, he's going to ask for a trade. If so, please trade him before killing his value.
On another note, I do agree with people saying SA and OKC got very lucky, and are not really good models. I do think though, that we are discounting some of the excellent moves they made, that allowed them to go to the top (SA in particular), and stay there for such long periods.
Yes, SA got DR and TD as first picks. Not only great players, but great teammates and leaders, who played in a small market city their entire career. However, they also picked Manu with a second round pick, Parker with 27th or so, Splitter with a late pick, Blair with a second round, got Leonard on draft day. In fact, they gave away Scola to save some dough; else, they would have been even better now.
As for OKC, they too got very very lucky, that Portland took Oden. Had they picked Durant, OKC would be way back now. Plus, they also had #5 in the same draft, #4 next year, and #3 after that. They fall a couple of spots each time, and they look much worse.
But they also picked Ibaka with a late pick, got Perkins for a player they weren't using that much, got Collison and Maynor virtually for free.
It's easy to focus on their luck. But their genius in keeping the team competitive despite continuously picking low in the draft and playing in small markets has to be acknowledged.
