No Expectations of Playoffs Next Year, Good Thing?

[uptempo-kings]

i disagree. tell me one sucessful team that has rebuild through the draft? none of you can name 1. i refuse to watch this team suck for the 3rd year in a row. make a few moves and get this team back into the playoffs.

hey im with you i really would like to see us in the playoffs, even if its a 8th seed, i hate watching teams in the playoffs none of which are the sacramento kings!!! we need to make the playoffs period.

 

[VF21]

the point is this, and its simple. bring in a quality player and make a good draft selection. im not saying i expect the kings to win the finals next year, but at least get into the playoffs and keep the loyalty of the fans. i couldnt look through the same pair of glasses as some of you that post on this board. because i would go blind. if some of you are ok with this team not making the playoffs next year then you dont like competitive basketball

If the Kings bring some fun and excitement to the court, the fans will remain loyal. If the front office makes some acquisitions that show they're actually serious about rebuilding, the fans will remain loyal.

I love competitive basketball. Have for over 40 years. And I'm more than okay with this team not making the playoffs for a year or two - especially if it means putting together a squad that will, once again, compete at an elite level.

If you refuse to watch, that's your choice, isn't it?

 

[tyrant]

the spurs drafted 1 big man and became contenders. they were already apart of the NBA elite before manu and tony were even drafted.

 

[Bricklayer]

hey im with you i really would like to see us in the playoffs, even if its a 8th seed, i hate watching teams in the playoffs none of which are the sacramento kings!!! we need to make the playoffs period.

Little hint for you: unless we take some time here to fully rebuild, then after the 2nd week of the playoffs you are going to be right back to watching teams not named the Kings, year after year after year.

 

[TaxMan]

the spurs drafted 1 big man and became contenders. they were already apart of the NBA elite before manu and tony were even drafted.

I don't get your point. I don't think anyone said "we need to suck 3 or 4 years in a row so we can get 3 or 4 top draft picks." I don't think anyone in the rebuild camp would be upset if somehow we found an uber-stud at the 10 this year who is a franchise changer (I know, I know...I'm just trying to prove a point.) What people want to see is a new positive chapter in the Kings story. We had the crap, then the glory, then the crap again. If it can happen overnight with one draft pick (ala Duncan, James, Magic, Bird, etc.) all the better. But the point is we want the page to be turned.

I think the more realistic view is the 10 pick this year, top 5 next year, late lottery the year after, add a key FA and you're in the playoffs season 3 from now. I can live with that if we're exciting and begin to generate buzz around the league again.

 

[Kingster]

At first I thought the Maloof comments were great, but they've come out with some new comments in which they talk about Theus coaching Artest and Bibby. Theus also said, in referring to Bibby and Artest, "it's their team." So, you can't have it both ways. You either get rid of 'em and rebuild or don't and don't rebuild. Take your pick - one of their statements is BS.

 

[Gary]

Not true.. We are talkign about building a championship THROUGH the draft... Miami wouldn't have won it if they didn't have Wade... San Antonio wouldn't have won w/o Duncan, and LA wouldn't have won w/o Kobe.. I am not saying they got ALL their pieces through the draft, but without the "DRAFTED" piece there wouldn't ahve been a championship.

Please prove me wrong.

wrong. when wade was drafted the heat got better, but they brought in shaq and pat riley became coach again. thats not rebuilding through the draft. duncan put the spurs over the top in 99, but that was 1 player that came in and made difference. they went from winning just 20 games in 98 to winning 37 in just 50 games the following year. you cant even mention detroit. every player on that team was a veteran. mention 1 championship team (within the last 2 mileniums) that has sucked for more than 2 years?

 

[Warhawk]

At first I thought the Maloof comments were great, but they've come out with some new comments in which they talk about Theus coaching Artest and Bibby. Theus also said, in referring to Bibby and Artest, "it's their team." So, you can't have it both ways. You either get rid of 'em and rebuild or don't and don't rebuild. Take your pick - one of their statements is BS.

Again, everyone think about this for a minute.


There is absolutely NO reason to say anything different at this point.

They are still on the team.
They are the two "leaders" (such as they are).
They need to work together if for some reason trades don't work out.
Their trade value goes up if you are not waving a huge "Clearance Sale" sign over their heads.

Just chill out about the comments unless camp is opening and they are still members of the Kings. Then it's time to start getting concerned. These things can take lots of time and we have all summer.

 

[Sac.Kings]

^agreed. As long as both players are here, then you have to include them in your plans until one/both are traded.

 

[tyrant]

again my point is this. with this current roster we are not good enough to make the playoffs. also, we dont suck good enough to get a top pick. we've been through 4 drafts (including this year). martin, ricky minyard, williams, garcia, price, douby. none of these players have the potential to be better than kevin martin. he was a diamond in the rough. its time to stop relying on the draft and bring in a veteran that can help carry this team.

 

[Sac.Kings]

^ But the veteran that you want to carry this team needs something to carry. As of right now the only players not going anywhere are Kevin Martin, Cisco, Price and Williams (im assuming), Douby, and Kenny thomas simply because he is untradable. Bibby and Artest are in limbo, Brad somewhat, SAR has a solid deal he could be dealt and Salmons is a pretty good role player teams might want him. The vet that you want has nothing to carry but unexperienced players (except for Martin and Thomas). We first have to form a solid roster and then think about getting a vet but seeing as we are rebuilding i doubt we will go after one.

 

[HndsmCelt]

again my point is this. with this current roster we are not good enough to make the playoffs. also, we dont suck good enough to get a top pick. we've been through 4 drafts (including this year). martin, ricky minyard, williams, garcia, price, douby. none of these players have the potential to be better than kevin martin. he was a diamond in the rough. its time to stop relying on the draft and bring in a veteran that can help carry this team.

Which is EXACTLY why many of us have cried out to trade for expiring contracts on old vets, play the kids and then vola... You have cap space AND you in all likelyhood will suck enough to nap a top pick. The history is clear. Portlad did it right, a few years back Kiki did it right in Denver and Cleveland is reaping big from doing it right. The Cavs may not have a Championship THIS season but they got close and are positioned well to make a STRONG run again next year.

 

[TaxMan]

again my point is this. with this current roster we are not good enough to make the playoffs. also, we dont suck good enough to get a top pick. we've been through 4 drafts (including this year). martin, ricky minyard, williams, garcia, price, douby. none of these players have the potential to be better than kevin martin. he was a diamond in the rough. its time to stop relying on the draft and bring in a veteran that can help carry this team.

How often do teams get a franchise changer when they are drafting out of the lottery (heck out of the top 8). Very seldom. The point is you need at least one crap year to get a top 5 pick and you can nab a superstar in the making. It's not rocket science.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

ok. Nobody here has any idea what the roster will look like when the season begins, and nobody has any idea what are record will be when the seasons finished. I give theus a chance because it makes the basketball season fun to sit threw when your hoping for good results rather than "knowing" your teams gunna suck, so im gunna get league pass again, watch as many kings games as possible, root for them to make the playoffs with whatever players we got. Im gunna continue to be positive..

Bibby, Martin, Artest. Probly one of the best 3 combination of PG, SG, and SF in the lg. I LOVE watching garcia play, and im starting to like watching williams to .. Im pumped to see what we'll do in the draft.. just have fun with it

 

[Kingster]

Again, everyone think about this for a minute.


There is absolutely NO reason to say anything different at this point.

They are still on the team.
They are the two "leaders" (such as they are).
They need to work together if for some reason trades don't work out.
Their trade value goes up if you are not waving a huge "Clearance Sale" sign over their heads.

Just chill out about the comments unless camp is opening and they are still members of the Kings. Then it's time to start getting concerned. These things can take lots of time and we have all summer.

Nobody is pulling the wool over the NBA GMs on this one. They know we want to trade Artest and Bibby. EVERYONE KNOWS IT. So the idea that we are going to pull this ruse in order to garner more value for them is absurd in my opinion. Do you really think that the Maloof comments are going to affect the negotiation stance of other GMs? Other GMs are going to be competing with other GMs in bidding for the services of Artest and Bibby. They aren't going to be competing with themselves due to the stance of the Maloofs, or Petrie for that matter.

 

[TaxMan]

Nobody is pulling the wool over the NBA GMs on this one. They know we want to trade Artest and Bibby. EVERYONE KNOWS IT. So the idea that we are going to pull this ruse in order to garner more value for them is absurd in my opinion. Do you really think that the Maloof comments are going to affect the negotiation stance of other GMs? Other GMs are going to be competing with other GMs in bidding for the services of Artest and Bibby. They aren't going to be competing with themselves due to the stance of the Maloofs, or Petrie for that matter.

I think the point is there's no reason to come out and say "we're going to trade Ron and/or Mike" and then wait to have Reggie talk to them. While I agree no other GM is going to be tricked into anything with these two players (well, at least in Ron's case), why decrease their value by announcing you'll be having a fire sale. I'm not sure why this upsets some people so much. I understand the frustration of last year, and the push for change, but it can't happen overnight.

 

[Warhawk]

Nobody is pulling the wool over the NBA GMs on this one. They know we want to trade Artest and Bibby. EVERYONE KNOWS IT. So the idea that we are going to pull this ruse in order to garner more value for them is absurd in my opinion. Do you really think that the Maloof comments are going to affect the negotiation stance of other GMs? Other GMs are going to be competing with other GMs in bidding for the services of Artest and Bibby. They aren't going to be competing with themselves due to the stance of the Maloofs, or Petrie for that matter.

Yes, but there are always guys on the trading block. That's a big difference from a fire sale.

Publically proclaiming that someone isn't coming back turns it into a fire sale. Big difference from that to "Hey, we would listen to offers in trade for him, but we are prepared to go forward with him, too."

No need to act like we need to move them by tomorrow. Lots of time remaining this summer. And no reason to call them out like that. Treat them with respect. You want Sacramento to be a spot for others to want to play, not a place they think you dump on your players at the drop of a hat. Show some respect and they will appreciate it, on the trading block or not.

 

[TaxMan]

No need to act like we need to move them by tomorrow. Lots of time remaining this summer. And no reason to call them out like that. Treat them with respect. You want Sacramento to be a spot for others to want to play, not a place they think you dump on your players at the drop of a hat. Show some respect and they will appreciate it, on the trading block or not.

That's a great point, particularily in Mike's case. He was a key member of the great Kings run. While I think the rest of the NBA can see the writing on the wall, I'm sure other players will notice HOW the Kings' management handles the Bibby situation (if in fact he is to be traded.) Do it with class and don't turn this into a circus.

 

[kupman]

ok. Nobody here has any idea what the roster will look like when the season begins, and nobody has any idea what are record will be when the seasons finished. I give theus a chance because it makes the basketball season fun to sit threw when your hoping for good results rather than "knowing" your teams gunna suck, so im gunna get league pass again, watch as many kings games as possible, root for them to make the playoffs with whatever players we got. Im gunna continue to be positive..

Bibby, Martin, Artest. Probly one of the best 3 combination of PG, SG, and SF in the lg. I LOVE watching garcia play, and im starting to like watching williams to .. Im pumped to see what we'll do in the draft.. just have fun with it

That's what I'm talkin' about!

Man, I wish we had more people like this around here.

 

[TaxMan]

That's what I'm talkin' about!

Man, I wish we had more people like this around here.

Ditto. To me, I think my favorite of all the Kings teams was the 1998 team. The excitement created when a team FINALLY breaks on through and becomes decent (not to mention the showmanship of that team) is hard to beat. The 1998 team may not have been the best of the era, but just finally seeing a winner was unbelievable. That feeling only happens once in a team's "cycle". Had the same feeling in the Bay Area this year (I'll always be a Kings fan, but I love the NBA and get all the Warriors games on local cable...so they're hard to ignore.) Lightening in a bottle, so they say.

My point being -- Let's start to look on the positive side. Only when you go through the droughts and pains of a mess of a team can you truly feel that euphoria when they break on through to the playoffs for the first time. We've had one stinker of a year, and clearly we've now broken away from the previous era. Let's enjoy the PROCESS of getting that magic back - hopefully just a few years away.

 

[VF21]

Ditto. To me, I think my favorite of all the Kings teams was the 1998 team. The excitement created when a team FINALLY breaks on through and becomes decent (not to mention the showmanship of that team) is hard to beat. The 1998 team may not have been the best of the era, but just finally seeing a winner was unbelievable. That feeling only happens once in a team's "cycle". Had the same feeling in the Bay Area this year (I'll always be a Kings fan, but I love the NBA and get all the Warriors games on local cable...so they're hard to ignore.) Lightening in a bottle, so they say.

My point being -- Let's start to look on the positive side. Only when you go through the droughts and pains of a mess of a team can you truly feel that euphoria when they break on through to the playoffs for the first time. We've had one stinker of a year, and clearly we've now broken away from the previous era. Let's enjoy the PROCESS of getting that magic back - hopefully just a few years away.

Exactly!

BTW, welcome to the board. Be sure and sign in at the Lounge's "welcome" thread.

 

[Kingster]

Yes, but there are always guys on the trading block. That's a big difference from a fire sale.

Publically proclaiming that someone isn't coming back turns it into a fire sale. Big difference from that to "Hey, we would listen to offers in trade for him, but we are prepared to go forward with him, too."

No need to act like we need to move them by tomorrow. Lots of time remaining this summer. And no reason to call them out like that. Treat them with respect. You want Sacramento to be a spot for others to want to play, not a place they think you dump on your players at the drop of a hat. Show some respect and they will appreciate it, on the trading block or not.

Who said anything about a fire sale? Who said the Maloofs should come out and say that Bibby and Artest are on the block and they are desperate? How about this: the Maloofs SHUT THEIR TRAPS about both Artest and Bibby. Is that too tough for them? Is it too rough mentally and emotionally for their adolescent brains to NOT vocalize Bibby's and Artest's names in the same sentence as Theus? Is it really too tough for them? And now I'm assuming that their previous statements were just BS. But with the Maloofs, who the heck knows? Maybe they do think Theus can "handle" Artest. Maybe Bibby isn't going to be traded. In which case, the talk about the "rebuild" that everybody is hoping for is the real BS.

 

[VF21]

Who said anything about a fire sale? Who said the Maloofs should come out and say that Bibby and Artest are on the block and they are desperate? How about this: the Maloofs SHUT THEIR TRAPS about both Artest and Bibby. Is that too tough for them? Is it too rough mentally and emotionally for their adolescent brains to NOT vocalize Bibby's and Artest's names in the same sentence as Theus? Is it really too tough for them? And now I'm assuming that their previous statements were just BS. But with the Maloofs, who the heck knows? Maybe they do think Theus can "handle" Artest. Maybe Bibby isn't going to be traded. In which case, the talk about the "rebuild" that everybody is hoping for is the real BS.

This is just getting ridiculous IMHO.

I don't understand the need to resort to insults and name-calling when referring to the Maloofs. You can disagree with them and how they handle THEIR TEAM without always acting as though you could do a better job.

The insults just don't add a thing to the discussion AFAIC.

I, for one, am glad we have the Maloofs as owners. Yes, they may occasionally make a comment or two I would not have made but they're GOOD owners. They're passionate about THEIR team, they're very generous with the Sacramento community (even though you have to look long and hard to find any kind of mention of it in the Sacramento Bee), and they're not absentee owners. They come to the games and they talk to the fans. Maybe not as much as before but they still try and find some time to relate to the people who pony up the bucks to see their team play.

It seems personally insulting the Maloofs and Geoff Petrie has become a pastime around here and in my most humble opinion it just takes away from the excellent discussions we've always had around here.

Just my two cents, of course...

 

[Bricklayer]

The Maloofs were part of the Sacto resurgence...and they have been part of its demise. Frankly we'd be better off we new ones, but these are the ones we've got.

And the Maloofs have nobody to blame but themselves for being dumped on. They are idiots. Just because they are OUR idiots, does not in any way make them less idiotic. If they were the Lakers owners we'd be rolling on the floor. Hell, there are Lakers fans who have more respect for what we were than our own owners.

 

[TaxMan]

Who said anything about a fire sale? Who said the Maloofs should come out and say that Bibby and Artest are on the block and they are desperate? How about this: the Maloofs SHUT THEIR TRAPS about both Artest and Bibby. Is that too tough for them? Is it too rough mentally and emotionally for their adolescent brains to NOT vocalize Bibby's and Artest's names in the same sentence as Theus? Is it really too tough for them? And now I'm assuming that their previous statements were just BS. But with the Maloofs, who the heck knows? Maybe they do think Theus can "handle" Artest. Maybe Bibby isn't going to be traded. In which case, the talk about the "rebuild" that everybody is hoping for is the real BS.

I'm still confused why you're so worked up about the team making public statements that Theus will talk with Bibby and Artest to make sure everyone's on the same wave-length. You act as if the Maloofs have come out and said "We are not trading either one of them. We're gunning for a championship this year." You may think they are annoying, meddling, and dilusional, but in this instance there's nothing there. Just let it all play out before you drive yourself nuts.

 

[chelle]

It seems personally insulting the Maloofs and Geoff Petrie has become a pastime around here and in my most humble opinion it just takes away from the excellent discussions we've always had around here.

VF, I'm with you on this. I don't always agree with them and have been disappointed with them over the past couple of seasons, but overall, they are among the better owners in the league.

 

[VF21]

After all is said and done (in an attempt to get back to the topic at hand ), I don't have any expectations of making the playoffs next season but I do fully expect to see a return to a style of basketball that was fun to watch, with a coach who is more communicative with the players. In addition, I fully expect to see more youth on the team - and on the court - and I fully expect to attend as many games as possible because I believe it's gonna be a whole lot of fun.

I wouldn't be upset, of course, if a young Kings team managed to get into the playoffs. I wasn't upset in 1999. But, by extension, I won't be upset if a young Kings team gets to the playoffs and is eliminated in the first round, either.

I'm excited about the coming season and I'm enjoying the feeling. It's been a while...

 

[Kingster]

I'm still confused why you're so worked up about the team making public statements that Theus will talk with Bibby and Artest to make sure everyone's on the same wave-length. You act as if the Maloofs have come out and said "We are not trading either one of them. We're gunning for a championship this year." You may think they are annoying, meddling, and dilusional, but in this instance there's nothing there. Just let it all play out before you drive yourself nuts.

I think you have to get it straight. There is a lot of hope on this board that the Maloofs are now using the "rebuilding" word in referring to the Kings. Up until now, they haven't. Well, the Maloofs' and Theus's statements inferring the status quo - keeping Artest and Bibby - directly contradict those statements. So tell me, what do you believe? Do you believe the Maloofs that are saying we're going to rebuild, or do you believe the Maloofs who talk about Theus coaching Artest and Bibby?

 

[VF21]

I think you need to get it straight. RIGHT NOW our team includes Bibby and Artest. I personally think you're reading WAY too much into a comment about Theus working with them. Of course they're going to say he'll work with them because they're part of the team at this point in time.

I have yet to see ANY owner or GM make a comment about future players when they don't know who they are, or even if they have an idea but haven't finalized a deal.

 

[TaxMan]

I think you have to get it straight. There is a lot of hope on this board that the Maloofs are now using the "rebuilding" word in referring to the Kings. Up until now, they haven't. Well, the Maloofs' and Theus's statements inferring the status quo - keeping Artest and Bibby - directly contradict those statements. So tell me, what do you believe? Do you believe the Maloofs that are saying we're going to rebuild, or do you believe the Maloofs who talk about Theus coaching Artest and Bibby?

I believe they have a plan to trade one or both. I also think it would be foolish to announce to the world that is their plan. But - whatever....hope you can keep the faith. Peace.