I am more conflicted about Peja than I have been about any player in the 20 year history of the Kings.
One night he's doing it all, grabbing boards, making shots, driving the lane, and actually looking like the All-Star player we so need him to be...
Then, the next night, he virtually phones his performance in. He watches rebounds that he could easily have grabbed be taken by shorter guys in worse position on the court simply because he doesn't try for them - for whatever reason. He puts up airballs, he bounces shots off the side of the backboard, he doesn't want to take the ball inside, and he generally acts like he really doesn't want to be out there.
I have, for the past 4 years, had VF21's Rule of Peja Basketball. It basically says that on any given night, the best you can hope for from Peja is TWO good quarters. And, for the most part, the rule has unfortunately proven to be true much more often than not.
When Peja is playing to the best of his ability, he is a true joy to watch. I have said many times that his rainbow three from about three feet beyond the arc is one of the prettiest things I can remember seeing. Up, up and away...and nothing but net on the other end. Something to warm the heart of any Kings fan.
Peja is an enigma. IF - and that's a big if - he could consistently live up to his potential, I would have no problem with the Maloofs offering him a really GOOD contract because he would be worth it.
Right now, however, 6 years after he first came to the Kings, we're still hoping he'll eventually live up to his potential. Think about it.
If you're breeding horses for the Kentucky Derby, you look first at potential. Then, however, you have to start considering results. If a horse does well in some of the qualifying races, you think about actually getting him in shape for the Triple Crown series. One you get him to the big show, however, it all changes. If he doesn't do well in the pressure of the Derby, you might or might not enter him in the Preakness. If he also disappears in the Preakness, you really have to think long and hard - potential or not - about entering him in the Belmont. If you do, and he still fails to perform adequately, then you really have to start understanding that potential or not, this horse just might not be the winner you were hoping he could be.
Peja just might end up being like that horse. He has a lot of potential, he does one thing VERY WELL but he cannot go the distance. At what point do you decide to sell the horse and cut your losses?
One night he's doing it all, grabbing boards, making shots, driving the lane, and actually looking like the All-Star player we so need him to be...
Then, the next night, he virtually phones his performance in. He watches rebounds that he could easily have grabbed be taken by shorter guys in worse position on the court simply because he doesn't try for them - for whatever reason. He puts up airballs, he bounces shots off the side of the backboard, he doesn't want to take the ball inside, and he generally acts like he really doesn't want to be out there.
I have, for the past 4 years, had VF21's Rule of Peja Basketball. It basically says that on any given night, the best you can hope for from Peja is TWO good quarters. And, for the most part, the rule has unfortunately proven to be true much more often than not.
When Peja is playing to the best of his ability, he is a true joy to watch. I have said many times that his rainbow three from about three feet beyond the arc is one of the prettiest things I can remember seeing. Up, up and away...and nothing but net on the other end. Something to warm the heart of any Kings fan.
Peja is an enigma. IF - and that's a big if - he could consistently live up to his potential, I would have no problem with the Maloofs offering him a really GOOD contract because he would be worth it.
Right now, however, 6 years after he first came to the Kings, we're still hoping he'll eventually live up to his potential. Think about it.
If you're breeding horses for the Kentucky Derby, you look first at potential. Then, however, you have to start considering results. If a horse does well in some of the qualifying races, you think about actually getting him in shape for the Triple Crown series. One you get him to the big show, however, it all changes. If he doesn't do well in the pressure of the Derby, you might or might not enter him in the Preakness. If he also disappears in the Preakness, you really have to think long and hard - potential or not - about entering him in the Belmont. If you do, and he still fails to perform adequately, then you really have to start understanding that potential or not, this horse just might not be the winner you were hoping he could be.
Peja just might end up being like that horse. He has a lot of potential, he does one thing VERY WELL but he cannot go the distance. At what point do you decide to sell the horse and cut your losses?
