The show MUST go on

[6th]

I am angry and I am sad and I almost cancelled the KingsFans.com "get-together" that is scheduled for this Sunday at Players. *See the thread in the Lounge* But, after much sadness and many tears I realized something. I have been a Sacramento Kings fan for 20 years. Long before Chris Webber, or Peja, or Geoff Petrie, or anyone else currently associated with this team...yep, even the Maloofs.

It is the TEAM that I love. And, there are a lot of guys on our TEAM that are probably angry and sad too. Well, they are still members of the Sacramento Kings. They will still suit up for us and try to entertain us. They will still give their all for us. We need to give our all back to them. They deserve the same marvelous fan support that has always been associated with the Sacramento Kings.

So, the "get-together" will take place this Sunday at Players. It may not be a "party" because many of us won't feel much like celebrating. If nothing else, we can all get together and commiserate the loss of an era. An era when, for the 1st time, the Sacramento Kings were placed on the map. We have much for which to thank Chris Webber. I intend to be at Players. I hope you will be, as well.

 

[sloter]

Go Kings!!!!!!

 

[LMM]

the thing right now is that i don't even know what to think or what to feel. i know that i am devastated, shocked, and mad.

i know i will still be a kingsfan. but because they took away the heart and soul of the team, i think they took away my heart and soul as a fan, too.

i am a very passionate fan, and i love the kings so much. i'd save up money every year just to go to the one game they play here in NJ. i consider that day my xmas+bday+(whatever holiday). i am sincerely so much happier when they're in town rather than when it's my birthday or it's christmas.

they truly make me happy. i can honestly say right now that i'm doing very very well in school because of them. i strive hard because i want to support them every game and i don't want my parents to think that i can't do well in school because of focusing on them too much.

i don't know. right now, i feel emotionless. i feel that i will root for the team no matter what but without the passion, drive, and desire i once had. how do i get that back?

anyone feel the same way?

 

[ReinadelosReys]

Yeah, LMM. A whole lot.

Of couse, we are still going to be Kings fans. I woudln't know what else to be. I'm sorry to sound repetitive but, it just hurts-a lot.

 

[QueensFan]

Leave it up to 6th to put it in perspective!

Just like old times on KF! I love this team and i love this board!

 

[VF21]

You've made some very good points, my dear 6th. Kingsgurl and I have cried on the phone to each other until we had to hang up because simply sobbing on the phone didn't seem quite right for people our age.

It's the incredible inequity that stuns me. Thomas is capable of mediocrity; Skinner is a backup center. Corliss has been here before.

I have to take a while to mourn the passing of what was a very good team. I WILL support the remaining players because they had no choice in this either. I will not, however, give Petrie any credit for this and my attitude about the Maloofs has changed forever.

Had we gotten back equal value it would have been one thing. Now all that will happen is the crowds will get even more morose or uglier at Arco than they've already been. I truly feel sorry for Mike and Cat and Brad, because they're going out there without their warrior leader.

I truly envy you right now. I am sad to admit that for once I cannot be the optimist I always try to be.

Over the summer would have been one thing, but the trade today just took us out of any contention. We are not going to beat the Spurs with the team we have now.

Good-bye, too, to Matt Barnes. A truly wonderful young man who wore his heart on his sleeve, as well as his dream to be a King. At least it came true, if only for a little while.

I really wish I could quit crying...

 

[iheartBrad]

yeah im starting to get back to my old self again...

this would be much easier for me anyway if it happened during the summer...but then again knowing how little a pay attention to anything over the summer besides baseball id prolly not even know until preseason..heh...what hurts is that its right smack in the middle of the season...right when we are about to go through a crucial stretch....

but im still a Kings fan (and i can thank Chris Webber for that)

 

[Vlad]

You've made some very good points, my dear 6th. Kingsgurl and I have cried on the phone to each other until we had to hang up because simply sobbing on the phone didn't seem quite right for people our age.

It's the incredible inequity that stuns me. Thomas is capable of mediocrity; Skinner is a backup center. Corliss has been here before.

I have to take a while to mourn the passing of what was a very good team. I WILL support the remaining players because they had no choice in this either. I will not, however, give Petrie any credit for this and my attitude about the Maloofs has changed forever.

Had we gotten back equal value it would have been one thing. Now all that will happen is the crowds will get even more morose or uglier at Arco than they've already been. I truly feel sorry for Mike and Cat and Brad, because they're going out there without their warrior leader.

I truly envy you right now. I am sad to admit that for once I cannot be the optimist I always try to be.

Over the summer would have been one thing, but the trade today just took us out of any contention. We are not going to beat the Spurs with the team we have now.

Good-bye, too, to Matt Barnes. A truly wonderful young man who wore his heart on his sleeve, as well as his dream to be a King. At least it came true, if only for a little while.

I really wish I could quit crying...

Nemoj plakati

The Kings will still be great, I promise.

 

[GoGoGadget]

My sentiments echo VF's.

I am STILL a Kings fan. I have grown to love the players on the team more than I thought I could -- tonight has proven that, more than I even knew.

However, tonight has forever changed the way I view the Kings front office.

Even if Chris didn't deserve to retire a King (which, I think he did) he deserved respect. He deserved to be sent off with dignity. He deserved a deal that said "we hate to see you go, but its for the good of the team."

Instead, he got a big kick out the door. A deal that says "we were so desperate to get rid of you, that this is all it took."

Chris Webber put this team on the map. Chris Webber made people give a damn about this team. Chris Webber deserved better.

So, yes, I still support the Kings.

Yes, I will be rooting for a win tomorrow night.

Yes, I will cheer just as loudly next time I am lucky enough to go to a game.

I may even learn to love the things that Corliss Williamson, Brian Skinner and Kenny Thomas can bring to this team.

But I will not, today, tomorrow or five years from now, be okay with the way this happened.

 

[Bricklayer]

Look at it this way -- Petrie got destroyed so badly on this trade that he inadvertently put Chris in prime position to make some noise in Philly -- they still ahve ALL of their major pieces, and now 20-10-5 PF too. Don't think ANYBODY's going to want to see them in the postseason.

 

[slugking50]

I am angry and I am sad and I almost cancelled the KingsFans.com "get-together" that is scheduled for this Sunday at Players. *See the thread in the Lounge* But, after much sadness and many tears I realized something. I have been a Sacramento Kings fan for 20 years. Long before Chris Webber, or Peja, or Geoff Petrie, or anyone else currently associated with this team...yep, even the Maloofs.

It is the TEAM that I love. And, there are a lot of guys on our TEAM that are probably angry and sad too. Well, they are still members of the Sacramento Kings. They will still suit up for us and try to entertain us. They will still give their all for us. We need to give our all back to them. They deserve the same marvelous fan support that has always been associated with the Sacramento Kings.

So, the "get-together" will take place this Sunday at Players. It may not be a "party" because many of us won't feel much like celebrating. If nothing else, we can all get together and commiserate the loss of an era. An era when, for the 1st time, the Sacramento Kings were placed on the map. We have much for which to thank Chris Webber. I intend to be at Players. I hope you will be, as well.

Thank you 6th! Agreed.


Still a Kings fan through and through!

 

[Biggie Hitzzz]

I really wish I could quit crying...

You have to be kidding me. Unbelievable. I'm sure Webber will be crying as he takes that $60+ mill over the next three seasons. This is business lady. Some of you people need to look at the big picture. The Kings added three players whose contracts will be much easier to move when they start making deals in the summer. You people act like the Kings just gave up a shot at the ring. The Kings weren't going to win anything with Webber this year.

 

[bigbadred00]

So what are the deals? Who is available and who are we going to get?

Players we would like to get that are plausible

Artest
Brand
Maggette
PP
Kidd
Allen
Baron Davis
Walker
Harrington

Who exactly is readily available that we can deal for?

Biggie-Atleast we had a shot at doing something. I'm not saying title but we had a shot and healthy we definitely had a good shot albeit a small one. I'd rather take a shot then give up. Why couldn't this trade be done in the offseason? You act like Philly was dying to keep these guys. This trade could have easily been made after the playoffs.

 

[bigbadred00]

Mobley and Peja for Paul Pierce Jefferson and Filler? Sign and trade the both of them? I don't see many plausible trades to get a player that could help our team.

it's not like KG, TD, or any top flight player will be available this summer other than Allen who we don't need.

 

[Biggie Hitzzz]

Why couldn't this trade be done in the offseason? You act like Philly was dying to keep these guys. This trade could have easily been made after the playoffs.

The Kings finally found a team willing to take on a HUGE contract of a player with a bum knee. The Kings weren't going to wait to unload Webb's contract. What if they waited, and he messed up his knee before this year was over? What if he couldn't play again after reinjuring it? The Kings would be stuck with his contract. Look at Vlade. Petrie let him go and the guy can't play anymore. Getting rid of Webber was a great move, and it cracks me up to hear fans saying the were crying over the trade.

 

[t5chris]

So what are the deals? Who is available and who are we going to get?

Players we would like to get that are plausible

Artest
Brand
Maggette
PP
Kidd
Allen
Baron Davis
Walker
Harrington

Who exactly is readily available that we can deal for?

Biggie-Atleast we had a shot at doing something. I'm not saying title but we had a shot and healthy we definitely had a good shot albeit a small one. I'd rather take a shot then give up. Why couldn't this trade be done in the offseason? You act like Philly was dying to keep these guys. This trade could have easily been made after the playoffs.

Harrington, Magette would be a good fit. Walker is a ballhog so that's a no go. Baron Davis, Kidd, not needed if you have bibby. Artest= baggage. PP, Allen, expensive. Brand, not gonna happen, he's the best player in Clippers's franchise.

 

[t5chris]

The Kings finally found a team willing to take on a HUGE contract of a player with a bum knee. The Kings weren't going to wait to unload Webb's contract. What if they waited, and he messed up his knee before this year was over? What if he couldn't play again after reinjuring it? The Kings would be stuck with his contract. Look at Vlade. Petrie let him go and the guy can't play anymore. Getting rid of Webber was a great move, and it cracks me up to hear fans saying the were crying over the trade.

What if he stays healthy for the rest of his career?

GO AWAY HATER.

 

[Biggie Hitzzz]

What if he stays healthy for the rest of his career?

GO AWAY HATER.

Why don't you wait and see what moves Petrie makes before next season. You really have no clue.

 

[Bballkingsrock]

I will always be a Kings fan no matter what.

 

[VF21]

Someone sent me this as part of a PM. I don't know if they're posting it elsewhere but I thought it was worth sharing. If it's duplicated elsewhere, I apologize:

It comes down to this. Not to compare Geoff Petrie to God, but you either have faith in the man or you don't.

There is no understanding this trade. None. Especially when you look at the Knicks taking on salary, but giving Mohammed to the Spurs, or the fact that Dalembert is still on the sixers. You cannot justify this trade.

But I challenge anyone to give me a Geoff Petrie trade (over 6 months old) that hasn't worked out for the better. Give me ONE. Nick Anderson for Tariq abdul-wahad was a wash. Everything else was beautiful for the franchise.

He has never let us down. NEVER. Are the Kings going to win a title this year? No. But they may actually be better, as funny as it sounds.

We now have better defense, rebounding, and frontline depth. Plus, we have a ton of maneuverability this summer, something we didn't have with Webber on the books.

What if next year's roster sports a lineup of Bibby, Mobley, Artest, Boozer, and Miller?? Will it have been worth it then??

Kings fans need to trust the man that SINGLEHANDEDLY resurrected this franchise. Kings fans also need to get off their ASSES and get an arena deal done, or this is all pointless.

This trade hurts as a fan, but I WILL NOT doubt Geoff Petrie until he gives me reason to do so.

With not ONE game played after this deal, and a whole season and off season to go, no one can judge this deal yet.

Is it sad to see Chris go? Without a doubt! Was this a bad trade for the Kings? Not ONE SINGLE PERSON can say that.

I cannot argue with any of it. It is arguably one of the best summaries of the whole situation I've seen so far.

I've talked the talk a long time about being a KINGS fan first and foremost. And now I have to walk the walk. It IS the name on the front, and not the name on the back, at the end of it all that is why I LOVE THIS TEAM!

GO KINGS!!!

 

[sloter]

VF21, I agree with everything you copied!!!

 

[ReinadelosReys]

A State of the Kings fan address

I can only speak for my self, but here it goes:

Boy. I couldn't go anywhere today without hear people talk about this trade or joining in the conversation myself. And yet, every time I hear it mentioned or read about it, it still seems surreal. I guess tonight, moreover, Saturday, will wipe those thoughts out of my mind.

For as long as I can remember, I have been a Kings fan. I've followed them, gone to games, bought memorabilia etc...Then one day it all changed. One day, a savvy veteran willing to take risk on franchise others wouldn't dare, gave us a shot, a wild and insanely exciting rookie got his draft rights and finally one stubborn, misunderstood, a little bit on the wild side forward got traded, here-to Sacramento. Basketball as we knew it in Sacramento, changed forever. It rejuvenated a fan base, gave us all hope and showed us whole new levels of being fan. I had never been so excited to be a Kings fan. The love affair between the city and the team grew stronger and the passion wilder.

It would be naive for us to say that yesterday changed that all. In reality, Vlade leaving was the beginning (no offense to Jason), yesterday was just the culmination of it all. If them coming here taught me new levels of fanship, yesterday was a 180. It will never be as fun as it once was, or as exiciting, or as Kings-fever infecting as it once was.

But we'll all still go on being what we are--Kings fans. I said yesterday, I just wouldn't know what else to be. And I'll get criticized for my perceived giving up on the team, but I say its hard to keep the faith when management thinks otherwise. They gave up on this team before any of us were ready to. Perhaps it might just all work out in the end. However, right now, all I can do is enjoy the games for what they are worth and nothing more. This team's potential is at an all time low not seen before in the now Rick Adelman-only era. Win what they can, anything else is gravy.

I am done lamenting over the trade itself. No use crying over spilled milk, what's done is done and unless someone fails a physical (which would be even more drama-filled then what's going on or will gone on right now) there is nothing that we can do about it. I still love Mike Bibby, Brad Miller, Cuttino and the rest of the guys. On with the show...

 

[sloter]

Then one day it all changed. One day, a savvy veteran willing to take risk on franchise others wouldn't dare, gave us a shot, a wild and insanely exciting rookie got his draft rights ...

Are you talking about Pedja ? Cause if you're not you're forgetting about him, and he was a huge part in Kings success all those years. In any case, a lot more than that psycho pointguard.

 

[ReinadelosReys]

Are you talking about Pedja ? Cause if you're not you're forgetting about him, and he was a huge part in Kings success all those years. In any case, a lot more than that psycho pointguard.

Not in the begning. Those three were the one's who started it all. Peja came into to the mix later.

 

[sloter]

Reinadelos, um ... Pedja showed his talent right away. He was contributing as a key memeber of "the bench mob" (if you remember that term was no more in use once he moved into starting lineup, coincidence?). In his second season, he averaged more PPG than some starters.
From day one he was more useful and contributing more than let's say that pg whose name I don't want to mention.

Reina, a personal question ... do you like And 1 ?

 

[VF21]

sloter - Peja wasn't a starter. I KNOW exactly where Reina is coming from and this isn't about Peja. It's about Jason Williams and Vlade Divac and Chris Webber and how it felt to watch them do things we had only seen other teams do in our arena. Peja was on the bench, coming off to occasionally spell Corliss. Please do not make this about Peja, because it's not - at all. It's about the shortened 1998-99 season, especially at the beginning when - as I've mentioned in my PBP thread, we first got the glimpse of what was yet to be. If you want to argue about Peja and his contributions at the beginning, why not start another thread about it? Let's not hijack this one, okay?

Thanks...

 

[ReinadelosReys]

A: Reinadelos, um ... Pedja showed his talent right away. He was contributing as a key memeber of "the bench mob" (if you remember that term was no more in use once he moved into starting lineup, coincidence?). In his second season, he averaged more PPG than some starters.
From day one he was more useful and contributing more than let's say that pg whose name I don't want to mention.

B:Reina, a personal question ... do you like And 1 ?

A:I'm not saying that Peja was a stiff his rookie year, but you cannot say Peja had the same impact that those three guys did.

B: What?

 

[RoyalDiva]

I agree with the beautifully-put PM VF21 posted. To be honest, I'm sad, but not crying and unable to go about my day normally. It's just basketball.

 

[Odoylerules]

I agree with the beautifully-put PM VF21 posted. To be honest, I'm sad, but not crying and unable to go about my day normally. It's just basketball.

Oh God. The dreaded "its just basketball" statement.

I wish to God I could turn on a switch in my head and have the "soccer mom" mentality. I guess men and women differ in that ability.

I guess that's why men run the world, and also why men usually develop blood pressure problems.

I cannot go on with my day normally, and its not just basketball, its a way of life.

 

[MrBiggs]

Oh God. The dreaded "its just basketball" statement.

I wish to God I could turn on a switch in my head and have the "soccer mom" mentality. I guess men and women differ in that ability.

I guess that's why men run the world, and also why men usually develop blood pressure problems.

I cannot go on with my day normally, and its not just basketball, its a way of life.

No lie dude. "It's just basketball?"

C'mon! Is it JUST air we breathe? Is it just food we eat? Is it just steroids we inject?

Basketball is a huge part of life and the pride of Sacramento.