Suns @ Kings Game Thread - March 25

[Circa_1985_Fan]

all we did today is let Blazers get our 8th lottery spot back

have no fear, we still have 12 games to screw up...and will...I say we finish 7th. we'll probably go 5-7 the rest of the way...probably good enough for at least 8th lottery spot, but there's always a chance we wose one or two of those games that we should win, so we definetely have a shot at 7th...possibly 6th, if we're lucky and REALLY suck.

 

[Jer]

And another thing; how many good players are actually gonna be in the next draft?

A lot

 

[Vlade4GM]

nothing good about this woss.

 

[Big Cuz 15]

I don't think there are a lot guys that can help the kings immediately.

so what is your recommendation? keep the same squad? pick some elite players w/ our MLE? cmon, give us some hope here!

 

[fnordius]

For all the pessimism, I have to say that ronnie p. and cisco played awesome tonight. You can't say a win like this is not good for the team...any big game experience like that is good for those guys. And another thing; how many good players are actually gonna be in the next draft? I don't think there are a lot guys that can help the kings immediately.

Guess it depends on what you mean by "good." There are going to be at least several who could be very significant help immediately, it's the best draft in nearly a decade. One of the reasons last year's draft was so weak was that the NBA had just changed the rules, and guys who were so stellar that they were sure to get drafted straight out of high school, suddenly couldn't be. This year's draft would have been good anyway, but when you add in those guys held over from before, it's going to be amazing.

For more on the topic, check the personnel threads.

 

[BudWright]

Regardless of how some of you spell win, this was a W I N! Don't live in lala land and understand it was one game, but being there was great, it was how you want the team to play and it was a WIN and we enjoyed it! Just take it for what it was and enjoy the moment, we did. And now back to reality......Annie.

 

[migibizzle]

Too bad every game counts as the bad teams begin to be eliminated from the playoffs and begin to tank for the draft. It does not matter how many we loose it matters how many everyone else wins. And they will only put in a winning effort if there is a slight hope of the playoffs. Come 5 or 6 more games and the bad teams will begin to battle for lottery spots and our loosing efforts will be for nothing as ground wont be made up. Realisticly a team needs to be in the top 5 to land a top 3 pick. Winning games that mean nothing wont get us there.

 

[VF21]

I cannot even begin to express how depressing this talk of teams only putting in a winning effort if there is a slight hope of the playoffs is. That's not what this game is supposed to be about.

I'm very glad the Kings won tonight. It did a lot for the morale of the team AND the fans. And yes, I'm fully aware of the big picture and the long-term plans for the franchise.

Once in a while, however, you have to remember that too much strategy can just suck all the fun out of a game. And I think that is what's on the horizon for basketball fans if this whole stupid idea of playing poorly to get a better draft pick continues...

This isn't a good team as currently constructed. They're not going to pull a miracle out and go on a impressive win streak. It's not going to happen. So all this talk of wins not being any good is just way too depressing for me. I've rooted for this team to win for years and I'm going to continue to do so. They won't win too many more times this season with the schedule they face ahead of them, but I'm going to be cheering for every single win.

GO KINGS!!!!

Winning does mean something.

 

[Mateo]

so what is your recommendation? keep the same squad? pick some elite players w/ our MLE? cmon, give us some hope here!

I believe the squad the kings have is a very talented group. I have heard and seen it stated in countless quotes from other coaches and players. As is well known, they lack a consistent athletic rebounding/shot blocking big man...which they might possibly find in the draft. They have proven they can score against anybody. They should continue to develop ron ron jr., cisco, and especially J Dub II. My vote is still out on Douby, but once he gets bigger, he'll start getting some better shots off.

 

[Vlade4GM]

fun for me is the kings getting back on top and they're not going to do that by winning games now. with every woss we very well could be significantly hurting our future.

 

[Mateo]

you've already said that

 

[VF21]

fun for me is the kings getting back on top and they're not going to do that by winning games now. with every woss we very well could be significantly hurting our future.

So here's the deal. Those of us who enjoyed the game will celebrate and you can mope about it in the corner.

 

[Vlade4GM]

That sounds fair

 

[VarianSyn]

fun for me is the kings getting back on top and they're not going to do that by winning games now. with every woss we very well could be significantly hurting our future.

Looking towards a draft with a lot of potential hopefuls, who aren't definite, nor assured franchise or great player status, and letting it get in the way of your current teams goal and attempt at winning some games is completely insane. But keep on by all means, it's your right.


On topic : Damn good game, hearing the noise at arco, and seeing the reactions almost brought a tear to my eye.

 

[Bricklayer]

Looking towards a draft with a lot of potential hopefuls, who aren't definite, nor assured franchise or great player status, and letting it get in the way of your current teams goal and attempt at winning some games is completely insane. But keep on by all means, it's your right.

Actually, cheering on doggedly while your own team's future grows dimmer is insane. We are careening toward bankruptcy with credit card debt piled up to our eyeballs, and we've got a healthy contingent cheering on the purchase of that pretty new dress at the mall.

The real mistake is people think they are watching the Kings. There are very few Kings out on the court at this point. Ron is almost surely gone, by his own choice of ours. We tried to jettison Bibby at the deadline, and he's got an opt out clause. Corliss, Price, Justin and Pot are free agents with uncertain futures. The clamor to move some or all of the Brad/Kenny/Reef trifecta of doom has to have even reached Geoff's ears at this point. And the coach is in hot water so deep he's dog paddling. That oft-derided draft pick is a MUCH more real and long term part of the Kings franchise at this point than are all but a handful of the bodies out on the court screwing around with our future. Their interests and ours no longer coincide.

 

[OptimusRhyme]

http://www.nba.com/video/

Bibby and Garcia are on the highlights, that Garcia pass pumped me up.

 

[VF21]

The real mistake is people think they are watching the Kings.

And yet, oddly enough, they're all wearing the uniform of the Sacramento Kings.

I know you think the franchise is in a downward spiral that might end up disastrously. That's fine ... for you. But I don't think it's fair to keep telling people who manage to cheer the occasional win of the team that they're insane or making a mistake.

Sports fans are, for the most part, about the now. People who attend the games aren't there to watch their team lose. If they put up a decent effort and lose, most fans walk away happy. Last night's game was a bonus. It was fun, it was entertaining and all they managed - on one night - to beat one of the top teams. I remember when the Sacramento Kings beat the unbeatable Chicago Bulls, too.

I think most of us know enough about our team to realize this isn't going to signal some kind of miraculous comeback that results in us sweeping into the playoffs in a blaze of glory. We're still going to lose more games than we win - especially with the schedule we have left.

I'm pretty sure Geoff Petrie and the Maloofs have already come to the conclusion that there are going to be significant changes in the off-season. Until that happens, we're still in the midst of a downward spiral. It's inevitable and fans cheering about the occasional win isn't going to change it.

 

[tyrant]

And yet, oddly enough, they're all wearing the uniform of the Sacramento Kings.

I know you think the franchise is in a downward spiral that might end up disastrously. That's fine ... for you. But I don't think it's fair to keep telling people who manage to cheer the occasional win of the team that they're insane or making a mistake.

Sports fans are, for the most part, about the now. People who attend the games aren't there to watch their team lose. If they put up a decent effort and lose, most fans walk away happy. Last night's game was a bonus. It was fun, it was entertaining and all they managed - on one night - to beat one of the top teams. I remember when the Sacramento Kings beat the unbeatable Chicago Bulls, too.

I think most of us know enough about our team to realize this isn't going to signal some kind of miraculous comeback that results in us sweeping into the playoffs in a blaze of glory. We're still going to lose more games than we win - especially with the schedule we have left.

I'm pretty sure Geoff Petrie and the Maloofs have already come to the conclusion that there are going to be significant changes in the off-season. Until that happens, we're still in the midst of a downward spiral. It's inevitable and fans cheering about the occasional win isn't going to change it.

great post VF21. I, on the other hand was hoping for that blaze of glory sweeping into the playoffs. lol. but good win by the kings.

 

[VarianSyn]

And yet, oddly enough, they're all wearing the uniform of the Sacramento Kings.

I know you think the franchise is in a downward spiral that might end up disastrously. That's fine ... for you. But I don't think it's fair to keep telling people who manage to cheer the occasional win of the team that they're insane or making a mistake.

Sports fans are, for the most part, about the now. People who attend the games aren't there to watch their team lose. If they put up a decent effort and lose, most fans walk away happy. Last night's game was a bonus. It was fun, it was entertaining and all they managed - on one night - to beat one of the top teams. I remember when the Sacramento Kings beat the unbeatable Chicago Bulls, too.

I think most of us know enough about our team to realize this isn't going to signal some kind of miraculous comeback that results in us sweeping into the playoffs in a blaze of glory. We're still going to lose more games than we win - especially with the schedule we have left.

I'm pretty sure Geoff Petrie and the Maloofs have already come to the conclusion that there are going to be significant changes in the off-season. Until that happens, we're still in the midst of a downward spiral. It's inevitable and fans cheering about the occasional win isn't going to change it.

Excellent post.

On top of that, I'd also like to add - I'm not one of the fans Brick that sees an easy fix in the draft or rebuilding as an option. That's something I can worry about and lend my ear too in the off-season.

The team out there playing, is indeed the Sacramento Kings. There's no question about that, I think it's the reverse watching in who have changed uniforms in a quest for some oh so holy grail of a draft - that will bring about much more pain, than many seem to let on. But you go on with your path, as it's yours. I'll keep watching and cheering my team, even in the event of an 0-82 season.

 

[Bricklayer]

And yet, oddly enough, they're all wearing the uniform of the Sacramento Kings.

I know you think the franchise is in a downward spiral that might end up disastrously. That's fine ... for you. But I don't think it's fair to keep telling people who manage to cheer the occasional win of the team that they're insane or making a mistake.

Sports fans are, for the most part, about the now. People who attend the games aren't there to watch their team lose. If they put up a decent effort and lose, most fans walk away happy. Last night's game was a bonus. It was fun, it was entertaining and all they managed - on one night - to beat one of the top teams. I remember when the Sacramento Kings beat the unbeatable Chicago Bulls, too.

I think most of us know enough about our team to realize this isn't going to signal some kind of miraculous comeback that results in us sweeping into the playoffs in a blaze of glory. We're still going to lose more games than we win - especially with the schedule we have left.

I'm pretty sure Geoff Petrie and the Maloofs have already come to the conclusion that there are going to be significant changes in the off-season. Until that happens, we're still in the midst of a downward spiral. It's inevitable and fans cheering about the occasional win isn't going to change it.

You are aware, are you not, of the post I was responding to?:

Looking towards a draft with a lot of potential hopefuls, who aren't definite, nor assured franchise or great player status, and letting it get in the way of your current teams goal and attempt at winning some games is completely insane. But keep on by all means, it's your right.

Or were you just choosing to ignore that?

While lecturing on my conduct perhaps you should consider:

So here's the deal. Those of us who enjoyed the game will celebrate and you can mope about it in the corner.

I remain even remotely civil on this subject purely out of understanding for how difficult it is for fans to disengage and think stategically. It IS painful. That does not mean for a MOMENT that I cede the moral high ground to fans who are essentially sharing rooting interests with the more intelligent Lakers fans out there. I know if the roles were reversed I would be getting a nice little chuckle out of every Lakers win as they chased their prospects of a Kobe/Oden combo further and further away.


1) we played a good game, played hard
2) by doing so we hurt at some minor level our future prospects

Should be some way for people to acknowlege both.

 

[GoGoGadget]

And yet, oddly enough, they're all wearing the uniform of the Sacramento Kings.

I know you think the franchise is in a downward spiral that might end up disastrously. That's fine ... for you. But I don't think it's fair to keep telling people who manage to cheer the occasional win of the team that they're insane or making a mistake.

Sports fans are, for the most part, about the now. People who attend the games aren't there to watch their team lose. If they put up a decent effort and lose, most fans walk away happy. Last night's game was a bonus. It was fun, it was entertaining and all they managed - on one night - to beat one of the top teams. I remember when the Sacramento Kings beat the unbeatable Chicago Bulls, too.

I think most of us know enough about our team to realize this isn't going to signal some kind of miraculous comeback that results in us sweeping into the playoffs in a blaze of glory. We're still going to lose more games than we win - especially with the schedule we have left.

I'm pretty sure Geoff Petrie and the Maloofs have already come to the conclusion that there are going to be significant changes in the off-season. Until that happens, we're still in the midst of a downward spiral. It's inevitable and fans cheering about the occasional win isn't going to change it.

I'm sorry, but... what?

To start off pleading for civility and then immediately launch into three incredibly condescending paragraphs is just... I'm befuddled. There's no right way to be a fan of this or any other sport, and suggestions to the contrary are just as silly and, frankly, insulting coming from you as they are from anyone else.

 

[VF21]

My main point was that it just seems as though every time someone actually enjoys a game they get derided about it because it's not in the long-term best interests of the franchise or whatever.

I didn't mean it to be condescending but if Bricklayer took it that way, I apologize...to him.

I'm not here to lecture anyone. I'm here because I'm a Kings fan. I don't understand all this heated rhetoric about not being able to enjoy games because it's dooming the franchise. NONE of us know what it's going to do to the franchise.

I like to come here after a win because there are other people here to celebrate - if even for a moment. It reminds me a lot of the good ol' days when Kings fans used to pass each other on the street and almost hug if the team had won the night before. And yes, I know it's not the same now, but to grab a little bit of joy after a hard-fought win doesn't seem wrong.

I haven't suggested anyone HAS to be anything. I'm just stating my opinion which happens to be contrary to Bricklayer's.

 

[GoGoGadget]

My main point was that it just seems as though every time someone actually enjoys a game they get derided about it because it's not in the long-term best interests of the franchise or whatever.

And every time someone mentions that a particular win, or a collection of wins, may not be the best thing for the future of the franchise it seems they get derided about it because it's too negative and they're harshing everyone else's mellow. Why is one attitude/opinion more valid or more worthy of respect than the other?

I didn't mean it to be condescending but if Bricklayer took it that way, I apologize...to him.

I'm not here to lecture anyone. I'm here because I'm a Kings fan. I don't understand all this heated rhetoric about not being able to enjoy games because it's dooming the franchise. NONE of us know what it's going to do to the franchise.

I like to come here after a win because there are other people here to celebrate - if even for a moment. It reminds me a lot of the good ol' days when Kings fans used to pass each other on the street and almost hug if the team had won the night before. And yes, I know it's not the same now, but to grab a little bit of joy after a hard-fought win doesn't seem wrong.

I haven't suggested anyone HAS to be anything. I'm just stating my opinion which happens to be contrary to Bricklayer's.

My response didn't really have anything to do with Bricklayer's post. I felt your tone was condescending all on my own. And still do.

 

[VF21]

Your interpretation is incorrect, but that's your choice to make. Have a nice evening.

 

[tyrant]

And every time someone mentions that a particular win, or a collection of wins, may not be the best thing for the future of the franchise it seems they get derided about it because it's too negative and they're harshing everyone else's mellow. Why is one attitude/opinion more valid or more worthy of respect than the other?

fan-an enthusiastic devotee, follower, or admirer of a sport, pastime, celebrity
supporter, enthusiast, partisan, booster, addict.

hate to break out the dictionary, but alot of posters on here just dont see the big picture. in my opinion. and everyone is entitled to their own, but wishing failiure on this team isnt a good thing. there was maybe one or two times where i was upset and said "just toss all the games and get the #5 draft pick". but i said that out of anger. too much inconsistancy on this team. but deep down inside i want this team to win as many games as possible. i know the chances of us landing another tim duncan and trust me, those chances aren't likely.

 

[Vlade4GM]

fan-an enthusiastic devotee, follower, or admirer of a sport, pastime, celebrity
supporter, enthusiast, partisan, booster, addict.

hate to break out the dictionary, but alot of posters on here just dont see the big picture. in my opinion. and everyone is entitled to their own, but wishing failiure on this team isnt a good thing. there was maybe one or two times where i was upset and said "just toss all the games and get the #5 draft pick". but i said that out of anger. too much inconsistancy on this team. but deep down inside i want this team to win as many games as possible. i know the chances of us landing another tim duncan and trust me, those chances aren't likely.

"failure" for this team is completely subjective.

 

[tyrant]

"failure" for this team is completely subjective.

is it

 

[HndsmCelt]

I think part of the problem for us as collective fans may well be the same dichotomy many of us feel as individuals. I KNOW this team needs help AND that the best hope for the teams future is a high draft pick in a good draft year. Therefore I KNOW that lots of losses TOTAL is not necessarly a bad thing, indeed it is in my opinoin the BEST thing, but during each game I can't help but want to see my team do well, and when they do I get excited. Sunday I was in ARCO and the place was a toomb during the first quarter. We had low expectations and yet as the game wore on and the Kings played D, filled in for the missing starters with energy I could not HELP but get excited. Watching Ronnie Price heard Nash like a border collie was pure joy! The 4th quarter is was like the ARCO of old... noisy and exciting.

Sure with absolute cold detachment a fan can look at the game and say a loss would be prefered but for me the game is more than W and L's for one afternoon I had something to root for. Like I said it is dichomatous situation where I want to see the team pick high in the loto but every single game I can't help but root for my team... This is the kind of season where you just know that with all this crap there has to be a poney some where!

 

[tyrant]

I think part of the problem for us as collective fans may well be the same dichotomy many of us feel as individuals. I KNOW this team needs help AND that the best hope for the teams future is a high draft pick in a good draft year. Therefore I KNOW that lots of losses TOTAL is not necessarly a bad thing, indeed it is in my opinoin the BEST thing, but during each game I can't help but want to see my team do well, and when they do I get excited. Sunday I was in ARCO and the place was a toomb during the first quarter. We had low expectations and yet as the game wore on and the Kings played D, filled in for the missing starters with energy I could not HELP but get excited. Watching Ronnie Price heard Nash like a border collie was pure joy! The 4th quarter is was like the ARCO of old... noisy and exciting.

Sure with absolute cold detachment a fan can look at the game and say a loss would be prefered but for me the game is more than W and L's for one afternoon I had something to root for. Like I said it is dichomatous situation where I want to see the team pick high in the loto but every single game I can't help but root for my team... This is the kind of season where you just know that with all this crap there has to be a poney some where!

i'm not going to pretend i know what that means.

 

[HndsmCelt]

divided or split... not necessaryly two seperate opinions usually wanting two mutually exclusive things... I probably mispelled it anyway.