The way I see it...

[Kings241]

Why do we keep bringing up the alternate jerseys, IMO i think we should all just deal with it and forget the point that it may look like a Lakers' jersey or a gold jersey. Its about the product that we have on the floor. Im ready for some Kings basketball and i dont want to ruin it by being reminded how awful the Kings uniforms look.

 

[Coach]

Okay VF.

I agree that they tend to go overboard sometimes. The clap machines that get us to clap. The charge song to get us to yell charge. The Royal Court Dancers, Slamson, and that moron that runs around the stands in his fake tux and tennis shoes. That stuff does get annoying. I liked the way it was in the Boston Garden years ago -- just basketball.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

And my question is -- what is your complaint about the current product on the floor?

Uhm...

Is there some free agent you thought they should have acquired?

One or two. Or three. Or maybe more. And I haven't even gotten to the guards that I'd have rather had than Gawen Wells. And there's certainly no rule that says you can only acquire new players via free agency...

Are you upset with the acquisitions of Wells and Abdur Rahim?

A little. Wells not so much as with Abdur-Rahim, although I probably wouldn't be as bothered by Abdur-Rahim if he didn't insist on trying to be a Power Forward. He should go back to being a first-rate 3, like he was in Vancouver, instead of the second-rate 4 that he is now.

In my eyes, they have put together a tremendous product...

I can honestly say that "tremendous" was not a word that came to my mind; I believe that "adequate" is more like it.

Or are you saying that they have put an excellent product on the floor, but you do not like their other efforts to make the fans happy?

I am saying that they have not put an excellent product on the floor, AND that they haven't done enough to make the fans happy. However, to be fair, I live nearly three thousand miles from ARCO Arena, so I don't see any tangible effects of what the Maloofs are doing in town; to me, "making the fans happy" consists of putting out a winning product, and I have a lot of question marks about the team they intend to put on the floor.

 

[hoopsfan]

Okay VF.

I agree that they tend to go overboard sometimes. The clap machines that get us to clap. The charge song to get us to yell charge. The Royal Court Dancers, Slamson, and that moron that runs around the stands in his fake tux and tennis shoes. That stuff does get annoying. I liked the way it was in the Boston Garden years ago -- just basketball.

Don't you mean the Sacramento Kings Dance Team??

 

[IVote4Replay]

I have no problem with the appreciation. The more the Kings organization is putting out to the world that they have the "best fans," the more recognition Sacramento has. There's no wrong in that, is there?

As for the "product" on the floor, GP has put all his efforts on assembling the best possible group for this upcoming year, IMO. I like the Wells trade as much as I hate to see Bobby go. Its always good to get a starter by trading a bench player; even a super sub.

And Rahim is still good depsite being an undersized 4. This also strengthens the bench by adding KT- How is this not good? I think i'm most excited about our bench- Hart, KT, Corliss, KMart and Skinner are going to be a wonderful 2nd unit. Most of these guys were starters last year!

The Kings look TIRED against the Sonics. With a strong bench like this, there's no telling how far they can go.

All I can say is that I'm excited!! Why can't we all just be excited that the seasons going to start soon?

 

[bye_bye_bjax24]

I think the Maloofs genuinely appreciate the fans and the support they have received. But to tell you the truth in countless interviews they do sound a little whiny and contrived when they talk about the "wonderful terrific fans we love you....you are so special....you are best you are the best....blah blah..." Ick!!! Don't use all the hot water VF21....I need a shower after you.

They say you are soooo special while they raise the parking prices and ticket prices at the same time....so you get patted on the back with one hand while they take money out of your pocket with the other.

If they really want to show their appreciation they should give out ticket vouchers for a 10-15% on future ticket price or give out cash credit to the Kings team store if the noise meter stayed consistently over a set decibel level over the course of a game.....do something truly innovative and unique instead of a silly statue that has to be the stupidest thing I have ever heard of!!!! They have spent too much time in Vegas pasing by the MGM Grand or Caesars or something....Very uninspired.

Anyway....don't you erect a statue when someone dies....and for a specific indiividual....not a collection of individuals still alive and breathing....very stupid. I mean, I think their hearts are in the right place....but who OK'd this idea? Every game they should give out a weekend getaway trip to the Palms....or bring in Mariah Carey or Kelly Clarkson to sing the National Anthem....I would rather see that than a statue the pigeons are going poop all over anyway.

 

[Rockin' in the Free World]

I see this move in a few different lights. I agree with VF21's semi-cynical standpoint to a degree, but I don't think desperation is the right word. The Kings seem poised for another 50+ win season, these are not desperate times and the product on the floor is better than many of us expected. These are not desperate times, and the Kings don't appear to be moving any time soon, no matter the conspiracy theories we come up with.

However, I can see this as a sort of apology to the fans. Part of the Kings identity has been its uber-rabid fan base. The Kings do not have a large national following, never did, even at their zenith. Sacramento is one of the smallest media-markets in the NBA, and the only player with any form of national appeal with endorsements/jersey sales just got traded to Philadelphia. As was ground into the dirt earlier, the Kings are a business. From a business standpoint, I do not envy the Maloofs. We want a better product on the floor? Don't expect to see any discounts on Kings goods/tickets any time soon. Arco Arena is an economic liability, easily the least profitable sell-out in the NBA. How are they supposed to make money? Their only asset is us, the kings hard-core fan base that has been a trademark of the franchise since its inception. I think they are trying to solidify the only asset they have by reminding us how "great" we are, cultivating a pride in being a hardcore Kings fan, hence more $$ spent by us.

Also, I really think there is a apologetic subtext to this whole fan focus. We pay higher prices every year, we give the Kings the highest media percentages in the league, we are the most rabid fans in the NBA and we have no title to show for it, and the past two seasons have been chaotic to say the least. With all the changes made the team runs a real risk of alienating some fans, and if those media shares fall or (God forbid) Arco starts to not sell-out every game the Kings branch of Maloof Entertainment Inc. is in a world of hurt, especially with Mike, Brad, Kenny and after this year (probably anyway) Peja making serious $$ on guaranteed contracts.

Do I like it? No, I think its a little back-handed and pathetic. Can I blame them? No. I'd probably do the same thing. Can you imagine what would happen if they hyped the team up and the team tanked? There is a very real chance for that to happen this year, there are NO guarantees with this much of a roster overhaul. The backlash against the Maloofs would be tremendous. We Kings fans are some of the most vicious in the NBA, and NBA media person would tell you the same. It would be hellacious, a "stab in the back" to quote one of my history classes. Why not take the safer road and maybe even attract some new fans or push a few border-liners into the hardcore fandom realm? The Maloofs are not desperate, they are trying to protect an investment. If the fans know they are truely appreciated, who knows? Maybe the city stops bitching and we get an arena built. If for whatever reason the Kings local popularity wanes, then we'll see some desperation and I'll be glad I'm in Chico or farther away when that happens.

Sorry about the novel. Putting of HW. Hopefuly my paper tonight is as long as this post!

 

[VF21]

I see this move in a few different lights. I agree with VF21's semi-cynical standpoint to a degree, but I don't think desperation is the right word. The Kings seem poised for another 50+ win season, these are not desperate times and the product on the floor is better than many of us expected. These are not desperate times, and the Kings don't appear to be moving any time soon, no matter the conspiracy theories we come up with.

However, I can see this as a sort of apology to the fans. Part of the Kings identity has been its uber-rapid fan base. The Kings do not have a large national following, never did, even at their zenith. Sacramento is one of the smallest media-markets in the NBA, and the only player with any form of national appeal with endorsements/jersey sales just got traded to Philadelphia. As was ground into the dirt earlier, the Kings are a business. From a business standpoint, I do not envy the Maloofs. We want a better product on the floor? Don't expect to see any discounts on Kings goods/tickets any time soon. Arco Arena is an economic liability, easily the least profitable sell-out in the NBA. How are they supposed to make money? Their only asset is us, the kings hard-core fan base that has been a trademark of the franchise since its inception. I think they are trying to solidify the only asset they have by reminding us how "great" we are, cultivating a pride in being a hardcore Kings fan, hence more $$ spent by us.

Also, I really think there is a apologetic subtext to this whole fan focus. We pay higher prices every year, we give the Kings the highest media percentages in the league, we are the most rabid fans in the NBA and we have no title to show for it, and the past two seasons have been chaotic to say the least. With all the changes made the team runs a real risk of alienating some fans, and if those media shares fall or (God forbid) Arco starts to not sell-out every game the Kings branch of Maloof Entertainment Inc. is in a world of hurt, especially with Mike, Brad, Kenny and after this year (probably anyway) Peja making serious $$ on guaranteed contracts.

Do I like it? No, I think its a little back-handed and pathetic. Can I blame them? No. I'd proabably do the same thing. Can you imagine what would happen if they hyped the team up and the team tanked? There is a very real chance for that to happen this year, there are NO guarantees with this much of a roster overhaul. The backlash against the Maloofs would be tremendous. We Kings fans are some of the most vicious in the NBA, and NBA media person would tell you the same. It would be hellacious, a "stab in the back" to quote one of my history classes. Why not take the safer road and maybe even attract some new fans or push a few border-liners into the hardcore fandom realm? The Maloofs are not desperate, they are trying to protect an investment. If the fans know they are truely appreciated, who knows? Maybe the city stops bitching and we get an arena built. If for whatever reason the Kings local popularity wanes, then we'll see some desperation and I'll be glad I'm in Chico or farther away when that happens.

Sorry about the novel. Putting of HW. Hopefuly my paper tonight is as long as this post!

I think you made some excellent points. Perhaps desperation wasn't the right word; regardless of the verbage, I think you understood what I was trying to say. And I agree that there was a note of pathos to the whole thing; and - now that you mention it - perhaps a bit of an apology and a implied promise to earn back or keep our loyalty.

Thanks for taking the time to write this - now go get your homework done!!

 

[R1LOVER]

Uh oh, something is wrong with me then. I've seen lot's of plays that 'took my breath away' Not in a romantic way, of course. Watching the old Kings slice apart a defense with exquisite passing was quite often, IMO, breathtaking.

I agree with you here, three years ago, it didn't matter to me if the Kings won or not (not really) because they still put on a show. That is why we shell 300 bucks a game to go see them..... The kings of old put on a show 99% of the time and it didn't matter if they won or not... the show was still there and they amazed you with every move.

This is what I want as a fan....................

oh ya. that and COLD BEER!!!! and the Garlic Fries.. can't forget those...

 

[R1LOVER]

They say you are soooo special while they raise the parking prices and ticket prices at the same time....so you get patted on the back with one hand while they take money out of your pocket with the other.

DING DING........... We have a winner here......

Maybe they should balance the ticket price with there standings the year before.... That might get us somewhere...

 

[SacTownKid]

DING DING........... We have a winner here......

Maybe they should balance the ticket price with there standings the year before.... That might get us somewhere...

Hey! They had to pay for that big "6" statue somehow.

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

Well, the cynic in me says that the organization is trying too hard because they know arena negotiations are going nowhere and eventually the team will be moved.

By appealing to the fans, they think that they can make the city look like the bad guys when things fall apart and therefore not lose TOO much money in the transition year as they prepare to leave town.

The optimist in me says that the Maloofs are just trying to improve marketing but their sensibilities are clouded by the glitz and gaudiness of Vegas, leaving us with an ugly, overly flashy uniform/media campaign in an unfortunate color scheme.

The realist in me says that we live in a cynical world.

True, true...just please people, dont think for a second that they will be moved to Vegas, as is the belief because people think it will be SOOOO easy to do this...as long as there is legalized gambling and money to be made of the NBA, and there always will be...it will NEVER happen unless the entire city abolishes betting on the NBA...and that is BILLIONS and BILLIONS! The city, nor anyone else will ever get rid of that...thats why there has never been ANY pro sports teams in Vegas, because whatever sport moves there, they will have to abolish betting on that sport. BTW, I do believe that a more realistic move for the team is back to Kansas City where they are getting a beautiful new 19,000 seat arena that would definetely house the Kings just fine. We need a financial miracle to save the team's existance in Sacramento.

 

[VF21]

And I still have faith that the arena deal will get done, perhaps with private funding or perhaps with a compromise deal with the city.

I honestly believe the Maloofs were attempting to reach out to the fans, to reassure them or whatever. I just don't think it was thought through and I don't think they - the Maloofs - understand that telling us how great we are isn't what we want or need to hear.

I know they can't and shouldn't divulge ongoing discussions of a financial nature, including the talks about the arena. I know we'd all like to know the details, but some business transactions are critical and deserve to be completed without the interference that could defeat them before they even got started.

I won't think the team is going to move until all other avenues are exhausted. Unfortunately, until the situation is resolved and the ground has been broken on the new Arco, there's always going to be that nagging doubt in the back of our minds, no matter how hard we try and ignore it.

 

[hoopsfan]

Hey! They had to pay for that big "6" statue somehow.

Anyone have a picture of that? Just curious.

 

[VF21]

There are a couple of pictures of it in the Fandemonium thread...

 

[6th]

Anyone have a picture of that? Just curious.

There was a picture of it in the Fandemonium pics thread.

 

[VF21]

Hah! Beat you!!!!!

 

[6th]

Hah! Beat you!!!!!

What else is new? You type much faster.

 

[hoopsfan]

Guess I missed it..I'll go back and check. Thanks you two.

 

[KingKong]

Okay, that's it. Enough is enough. YOu were banned from this board previously because you continually made it personal between you and me, you caused major problems AND you simply put yourself above this forum and its members. I was more than willing to give you a second chance. Unfortunately, you've blown it. Wave goodbye to all the nice people.

VF21, If I ever get banned from Kingsfans (not likely that I would put my self in that postion), I give you permission to say "KingKong has left the building" .

 

[tyrant]

great post VF21. i agree. my eyebrows slanted sideways when i saw the gold standard theme on kings.com. if they really wanna do us a favor, advance to the WCF again and go back to the black jersey's.

 

[loopymitch]

What is a PBP? I thought that was play by play!

 

[Bricklayer]

What is a PBP? I thought that was play by play!

"Previously Banned Person", and I think that acronym was invented right here in this thread because I'd never heard it before either and had to figure it out by context before I could respond.

 

[loopymitch]

^Thanks brick.

 

[Diabeticwonder]

Hey! They had to pay for that big "6" statue somehow.

Did they pay for it? Take a close look at the picture and you can see a "Bud Light" logo on the statue (bottom right corner of the plaque) which would only have been put there if Budweiser helped pay or paid for all of it. If true, which I'm sure it is (why else would the logo be there) then that is a pretty disengenuous gesture on the Maloofs part to not even open their own pockets for such a statue.

 

[6th]

When they had the unveiling, they announced that this tribute was from Maloofs Sports and Entertainment and Budweiser (or Bud Light...I can't remember verbatim). At any rate, I got the impression from what was said that they shared in the cost.

 

[Londonking]

"Previously Banned Person", and I think that acronym was invented right here in this thread because I'd never heard it before either and had to figure it out by context before I could respond.

ah ha, or possibly.......'Persistantly Bad Poster'

 

[Diabeticwonder]

Come on Maloofs...just pay for the stupid statue with your own funds. I don't see too many sponsor logos on other statues in front of arenas. IMO, the sponsor logo on the statue cheapens the whole thing.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

"Previously Banned Person", and I think that acronym was invented right here in this thread because I'd never heard it before either and had to figure it out by context before I could respond.

Actually, no. That acronym has been used on other message boards that I frequent for years now; it never crossed my mind that nobody else here would know what I was talking about... And it's Previously Banned Poster.

 

[Kingsgurl]

YES!!!! I guessed it right! I want a prize dammit.