This is why we love the Kings

King Baller

All-Star
It's been a tough season to be a Kings Fan. No need to rehash it. Back in the day I was a fan of the Warriors. The Ship in 75 correlated with my Senior year of High School. Then they traded my favorite player because he did not get along with the guy running the Team. Tom Gugliotta and 3 picks did not make up for the Loss of CWebb. I quit following the W's and almost quit the NBA.

But there was a new team in Nocal. I noticed when they hired Geoff Petrie to get them out of "Salary Cap Hell". Drafted the "Poor Mans Larry Bird" from Europe. Traded the Teams Star for a Troubled Washington Bullet who was once a "Fab Five" member. Drafted a troubled Florida Kid who reportedly was a bit of a showboat. Signed the Guy who was traded for Kobe Bryant. This became "The Greatest Show on Earth." These and a couple of later nifty trades rounded out a squad that included Bibby and Christie. I was hooked by then.

Next thing you know we are watching this and we have loved them every since:


Hell, I can't quit now:)

Take note in the video. After the tussel started in the tunnel, The ALL went in the tunnel to assist Christie. What a TEAM.
 
I love the Kings because, when Jordan retired the 2nd time around, I found no other reason to continue to follow the Chicago Bulls (I was not so much a CHICAGO BULLS fan as I was a MICHAEL JORDAN fan). And, at the time, Roseville was my home (and will always be my home), and the Kings kind of already were my 2nd team. So, when MJ left, the decision was pretty much already made for me, and I haven't moved an inch ever since. And, as difficult as these times are proving to be, I do not intend to move an inch. I'm in it for the long haul, even if I have to survive through a handful of bruises and scrapes along the way.
 
Yes, Kings are lovable losers. I won't EVER forget, still pissed, how our team melted down in that final 7th game at home against LAL after ref Donaghy fix Game 6 Western Conf Final. Kings losing both games to end almost certain NBA Championship 2002 season. LAL going on to sweep New Jersey Nets 4-0 to win the title. Nightmare still reminds Christie and Stojakovic missing critical free throws last seconds OT game to seal Kings bumbling fate - at home! Not to mention in Game 7 going 2-20 from behind the arc. Or only reason still in the game Mike Bibby clutch shooting as rest of the team looked frightened to take open shots or when they did Stojakovic air-balled wide-open 3 near the choking end. Sickening to realize that debacle over two decades ago and the Kings franchise still bumbling, seemingly hopeless mess.
 
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I started loving the Kings back in the 90's for a variety of reasons. I loved that they were a group of misfits that got banished to the armpit of the NBA, and freed from the yoke of high expectations they did something crazy....they had fun and shared the ball! They played for each other. They brought in players from other countries (not yet the norm) and embraced everyone's uniqueness (and booyyy were they unique). They flew up and down the court at breakneck speeds, a bunch of misfits cheering for each other as we cheered for them. The Harlem Globetrotters had nothing on these guys.

I am mad that the credit they deserve for their influence on the way the game is played today (GSW? Really???) and still despise the Lakers, though I hate them quite a bit less with the greatness of LeBron, the passing of Kobe, and the perspective of life experience. Today, my love for the Kings is mostly a habit but I'm no less invested. I hold on tight, waiting for that day we will find consistency, get that long overdue recognition, and avenge Game 7. And I'll continue to cheer for our 90's guys, in whatever roles they're in, who are just as locked in on these things as I am.
 
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