Tonight's rant by Darth Vlade

[VF21]

What embarrasses me

You know what embarrasses me? Kings fans who, after a close game where it's clear our players were out there doing their best, actually make comments about being embarrassed.

I am NOT embarrassed by the effort I saw tonight. We were playing a team that could well end up winning the Western Conference. I repeat - A TEAM. That means more than just the starters, it means a good cohesive bench that steps up because they want to show their teammates they can get the job done if needs be.

Tyreke Evans, Jason Thompson, Demarcus Cousins, Isaiah Thomas and Travis Outlaw actually put up a helluva fight. They were playing LIKE A TEAM, something we simply have not seen much this season. And that's in spite of some of the usual "Smart" substitutions we've all come to know and love. And what do they get for their efforts? Comments by some fans that totally insult them.

We are NOT a good team...yet...but we have some good pieces. Tonight those pieces put forth a good effort. That should be the focus. When you see players deferring to others for a better shot, that's good. When you see players moving without the ball, that's good. When you see Cisco come onto the court, that's ... well, we'll just say that my HD TV was in real danger whenever that happened, but that's a different story.

It was an entertaining game and for those wishing for the best lottery pick possible, it was good for them too.

Embarrassed? Oh hell no.

 

[Tetsujin]

What embarrasses me

You know what embarrasses me? Kings fans who, after a close game where it's clear our players were out there doing their best, actually make comments about being embarrassed.

I am NOT embarrassed by the effort I saw tonight. We were playing a team that could well end up winning the Western Conference. I repeat - A TEAM. That means more than just the starters, it means a good cohesive bench that steps up because they want to show their teammates they can get the job done if needs be.

Tyreke Evans, Jason Thompson, Demarcus Cousins, Isaiah Thomas and Travis Outlaw actually put up a helluva fight. They were playing LIKE A TEAM, something we simply have not seen much this season. And that's in spite of some of the usual "Smart" substitutions we've all come to know and love. And what do they get for their efforts? Comments by some fans that totally insult them.

We are NOT a good team...yet...but we have some good pieces. Tonight those pieces put forth a good effort. That should be the focus. When you see players deferring to others for a better shot, that's good. When you see players moving without the ball, that's good. When you see Cisco come onto the court, that's ... well, we'll just say that my HD TV was in real danger whenever that happened, but that's a different story.

It was an entertaining game and for those wishing for the best lottery pick possible, it was good for them too.

Embarrassed? Oh hell no.

I miss the "Any questions?" threads.

 

[rainmaker]

I think your anger is misplaced. Not a single poster said any player effort was embarrassing. Any player criticism tonight was quite tame compared to most nights imo. Can't speak for others, but I think most we embarrassed by how our coach handled such a winnable game, and his use of players which were hot/clicking, by going away from them.

I'll say this respectfully as you're an MOD, and one I've known a while. But the worst player criticism I saw tonight was from you, towards Cisco. What I find a little hypocritical, and again I say this respectfully, is that if and when others posted similar posts regarding a guy like Jimmer earlier this year, you jumped on them. Same if someone said something you perceived negative about Cisco previously, or KMart. Now you've gone off on Smart, and Cisco, and then blasted others for doing what you yourself have done lately. Comes across as some criticism isn't ok until you decide it is.

Going back to your point though, I do think Smart trying to win with his starters against the OKC bench, and mismanaging our talent to the point we lose against their bench, minus Harden, is a bit embarrassing. But that isn't a criticism of our players or their effort.

 

[pshn80]

I'm sorry I can't push the buttons here very well, rainmaker. I tried to post an appropriate thumbs down on your post but I blew it. Well, a big thumbs down to your post.

 

[rainmaker]

I'm sorry I can't push the buttons here very well, rainmaker. I tried to post an appropriate thumbs down on your post but I blew it. Well, a big thumbs down to your post.

Well, what can I say? It was honest from my perspective, I used examples as to why I feel a certain way, why it comes across a certain way, and did it as respectfully as possible. We don't have to always agree here, and when disagreeing, what more can one ask than to be respectful, use examples so it isn't misconstrued as rhetoric, and explain why it's perceived this way in my opinion?

You can give me a thumbs down. Not bothered by it. But I will point out I at least approached, or did my best to approach VF in a respectful manner and explain my view, which is more than I can say about your post towards me. And if butting into a conversation, it's advisable to know where the two parties stand, and what the conversation consists of, so one can show they have enough of an understanding to form an actual opinion they can put into print. Just saying thumbs down reminds me of playing in a sandbox as a toddler. Those were the days, not a worry in the world.

 

[Kings Faithful]

The effort wasn't embarrassing. Its better that we lost in the long run and alot of guys were able to put together some great games. It was a little discouraging to see the Thunder B team score on us at will though.

 

[rhythmless]

You can say good effort while saying the circumstances of the given effort are embarrassing.

It boils down to this: our varsity played their JV and lost. If any of you guys had a big sports program in High school, that scenario would be embarrassing, regardless of the effort. They aren't mutually exclusive imo. We tried. We played. We competed. But these are all asterisked with "against their bench."