http://www.sacbee.com/351/story/115068.html
Fixing the Kings
Kingdom's people have their say
Last Updated 6:17 am PST Monday, January 29, 2007
by Ailene Voisin
It may be sad to say goodbye to favorites, but the time has come. So keep the more talented youth, shop around for others, and work through the NBA draft. Build a dynasty from the ground up. And for the love of the basketball gods, the city and the Maloofs need to get with the program and agree upon a new arena. The uncertainties are not good for the psyche of the coaches, players and fans. -- Sally Wilson, Sacramento
Starting over is inevitable, and free agency and trades are equally valuable tools. -- A.V.
I say fire the guy (Eric Musselman) now. (He) inherited the same team minus Bonzi Wells, but Bonzi was out a good part of the season last year because of a groin injury. Bonzi was amazing in the playoffs but not essential to the team's playoff run. The Ron Artest Kings last season had energy and hustle. Musselman was brought in to add defense. Now they have no defense, no offense, no energy and no execution. -- Cliff Berg
Aw, c'mon. Rick Adelman had eight years and terrific talent. Musselman deserves a chance with players whose skills are complementary. -- A.V.
The portion suggesting a Draconian makeover has merit from my perspective and that's said as a partial season-ticket holder since the beginning (1985). OK, I'm stupid. Most regular trades involve shuffling journeymen; it is not going to make the Kings contenders. Draft picks have a low probability of producing an impact player, but in conjunction with salary cap room, there is a chance. The frontcourt is where they are exceptionally weak. Packaging a group is most likely to get something of value in return. Additionally, most of the fan base will tolerate a rebuilding period if there are assurances the franchise will stay put. -- Rick Tibbetts, Sacramento
Geoff Petrie is a restless sort, so expect dramatic changes by the trade deadline or definitely during the offseason. As for the arena matter, NBA Commissioner David Stern's consultants quietly are crafting various proposals. -- A.V.
My conclusion is the Monarchs should change their name to the Sacramento Queens as they -- the Monarchs -- are the true royalty of our city. -- Stanley Brown, Sacramento
I couldn't agree more. Until the Kings grab a ring, the chicks rule. -- A.V.
Why all the glum faces? So the Kings have their first seven-game losing streak since 1998. So they probably won't make the playoffs. As I recall, 1998 turned out to be the year of rebirth for the Kings. We got Vlade (Divac) in free agency and (Chris) Webber in a trade, and brought in Rick Adelman. So the planets are aligning again for the Kings to have another year like 1998. Let's tank the season, keep (Mike) Bibby, (Brad) Miller, (Ron) Artest, (Kevin) Martin and maybe (John) Salmons and Corliss (Williamson), and let (Geoff) Petrie work his magic and atone for this mess he got us into. We are only three games from having one of the three worst records in the league with a very good chance of landing Greg Oden or Kevin Durant in the draft. I say let's go for it. -- Sean Wong, Sacramento
What planet are you on? Just kidding. You make good points. -- A.V.
The young players on the team seem to be the ones wanting to win and to play aggressively. (Mike) Bibby, (Brad) Miller, (Kenny) Thomas, etc., play like they're going through the motions. Even (Ron) Artest isn't playing like his old self. A starter should earn the right to start. Who cares if they get mad? However, (Eric) Musselman has to go. The Kings play like they're confused and don't know what they're trying to accomplish on the court. (Rick) Adelman at least had offense. Musselman has neither offense nor defense. -- Greg W., Sacramento
You are hinting at the fact that the Kings lack an identity. No argument there. -- A.V.
1. Mike Bibby can't play defense. As much as I hate to say it, trade him.
2. Ron Artest can play defense, but he seems to have a knack for disrupting the flow of the offense at crucial times. Trade him.
3. The offense is stagnant. You have players running to a point on the floor and standing there.
4. Everybody should be touching the ball more.
5. Finally, if you watch Dallas and Phoenix, you can tell they have a different attitude. I don't know the answer to this problem, unless it is to play the young guys. They seem to want to play as a team. Give them the opportunity. -- Glen Bigelow, Sacramento
I agree about the Mavericks and Suns, but keep in mind that both teams feature MVP candidates. -- A.V.
I wouldn't trade anyone except (Brad) Miller. The talent is present and I don't think it can be said of anyone that they don't care if they win. Make them work it out. I also agree that (Francisco García), Ronnie (Price) and Quincy (Douby) should get more playing time. We're not winning anyway, and it'll pay off later. -- Donna Turcot, Davis
I would be reluctant to trade Miller because of his size and skill, but he absolutely has to get in better shape and play harder. And I hate to break this to you, but the Kings have to deal some players to improve their frontcourt size and athleticism -- their most glaring weaknesses. -- A.V.
I was glad they let (Rick) Adelman go, but I don't think (Eric) Musselman is the answer. He doesn't make sense, some of the combinations of players, and the fact that he plays (Mike) Bibby when he isn't making a shot, but doesn't play others. Bibby has outlived his usefulness to the Kings. Ron Artest is still playing hard and wants to win. Kevin Martin was doing great, but at times, it is as if Musselman is telling him not to take so many shots. If I were Geoff Petrie, I'd get rid of Musselman and Bibby, keep Ron, Kevin, Corliss (Williamson) and (John) Salmons, and most of the rest of the team and fight for the rest of the season. -- Rosemarie Dunbarr
Sorry, Rosemarie, but it's time to start fighting for lottery positioning. -- A.V.
As a season-ticket holder, I don't understand when a young guy comes in and sparks the team, the coaches then bench them the next game. Quincy Douby sparked the arena one night and it felt like the old days -- people were on their feet -- as was the case with Ronnie Price one night at Arco. They are losing now consistently, so what does the coach have to lose by playing the young, exciting, energetic players? They can run and jump and are team players -- isn't that what basketball and effort are all about? -- Marcia Tucker, Roseville
Most coaches live for the day, not for the future, so routinely favor the more established players. But my theory is, what's wrong with a few dunks and alley oops en route to the lottery? -- A.V.
I'm not sure anything's going to fix this roster. The big guys, what there is of them, aren't tough and don't bang the boards. The backcourt is absolutely horrible in transition defense. Mike Bibby cannot guard anybody, which puts his non-athletic, non-shot-blocking forwards and centers in a horrible position. I believe the only way to save this season is to bench Bibby to wake him up and get him playing like the leader he should be. -- B. Jones, Fair Oaks
It's fashionable these days to bag on Bibby, but his weaknesses have been magnified because he is no longer paired with a bigger two-guard, like Doug Christie, who serves as primary playmaker and backcourt defender. In another situation, Bibby's flaws would be minimized and his shooting ability celebrated. -- A.V.
Why is everyone so discontented now? Sac has seen losing teams before. The Kings show no effort. They are highly paid and give lackluster performances. They exude an attitude of arrogance. Lastly, the price tag that comes with the Kings unfortunately puts their most ardent supporters out of the picture. Why would 80 percent of the community want to pay for a team that only 5 percent can enjoy? If they play a fun game and give 100 percent, the fans will be there, win or lose. -- Alan Jang
More smiles and fewer scowls and the Kings might actually become embraceable again. This is supposed to be fun, right? -- A.V.
I want to wake up and discover I had a bad dream. Rick Adelman is back coaching the Kings. Bonzi Wells is traded back to the Kings. Ron Artest drops some money along with his hair. Artest guarantees the Kings will be in the playoffs again. I'm going back to bed. -- Gary Burkhart, Folsom
One conference finals appearance during the Adelman era. Is that all you want? Houston would love to help you out with Wells, though. -- A.V.
1. Trade either Mike Bibby or Brad Miller. Their strength is scoring, and neither is contributing offensively as they should.
2. Find a big man who can play defense and rebound. Remind Brad Miller that he is 7 feet tall even when he doesn't jump.
3. Hire Pete Carril as an assistant coach or consultant.
4. Bring back the motion offense.
5. Make Ron Artest learn the motion offense.
6. Start Corliss (Williamson).
7. Dump the boring East Coast half-court game. I don't pay $125 a seat to watch boring basketball.
8. Play the youngsters.
9. Let them run!
10. Tell Eric Musselman to smile. After all, he's a millionaire!
11. Have the Maloof brothers call Mark Cuban for advice on how to buy talent. -- Melinda Dutton, Sacramento
You certainly got your money's worth today. Anything else you want to add? -- A.V.
From a coaching standpoint, (Eric) Musselman needs to stop letting his players careen out of control at critical junctures. He suffers from the same malady as (Rick) Adelman -- he lets his leaders (Mike Bibby and Ron Artest) take over, which often results in selfish, counterproductive play. When Bibby and Artest consistently demonstrate they are ready and able to take over in crunch time, then coach should let them off the leash. Until then, fourth quarters must have more structure, crisper ball movement, and full-team involvement. -- Peter Castles
Don't be shy, Peter. One-on-one offense is deadly during the first three quarters as well. Clearly, the Kings lack a sense of style. -- A.V.
I love it when the Kings win, but more importantly, I want to see the players playing tough and with a desire to do what it takes to win. I believe that is why the fans are booing. Not because of the many losses, but because the starters are just going through the motions and not playing with energy or the desire to do what it takes to win. How to fix it? I don't know. Give them Red Bull before the game? -- Justin Kennedy
I opt for the coffee cure. It has less sugar than energy drinks. -- A.V.
The entire Kings component -- from (Geoff) Petrie to the Maloofs, (Eric) Musselman, and the players -- needs a sports counselor to help them work as a cohesive unit. Is there such a thing? -- Sue C. Bear, Citrus Heights
Several teams employ shrinks on staff. Sounds like a great idea. -- A.V.
The Kings have a serious morale problem. No cheering on the bench. No will to win. A morale problem in the city with the best NBA fans is absurd. What's wrong with these guys? Until we get to the bottom of the morale problem, all the trades and youth movement in the world will not make a bit of difference. -- Howard Figler, Orangevale
See the previous two letters. A package deal featuring energy drinks and sessions with a shrink sounds like a winner. -- A.V.
I suggest that you have the team practice between games! -- Bette Liberty
That might further exhaust the players, and as others have mentioned, their energy supply is already thin. -- A.V.
About the writer: Reach Ailene Voisin at (916) 321-1208 or avoisin@sacbee.com.
Fixing the Kings
Kingdom's people have their say
Last Updated 6:17 am PST Monday, January 29, 2007
by Ailene Voisin
It may be sad to say goodbye to favorites, but the time has come. So keep the more talented youth, shop around for others, and work through the NBA draft. Build a dynasty from the ground up. And for the love of the basketball gods, the city and the Maloofs need to get with the program and agree upon a new arena. The uncertainties are not good for the psyche of the coaches, players and fans. -- Sally Wilson, Sacramento
Starting over is inevitable, and free agency and trades are equally valuable tools. -- A.V.
I say fire the guy (Eric Musselman) now. (He) inherited the same team minus Bonzi Wells, but Bonzi was out a good part of the season last year because of a groin injury. Bonzi was amazing in the playoffs but not essential to the team's playoff run. The Ron Artest Kings last season had energy and hustle. Musselman was brought in to add defense. Now they have no defense, no offense, no energy and no execution. -- Cliff Berg
Aw, c'mon. Rick Adelman had eight years and terrific talent. Musselman deserves a chance with players whose skills are complementary. -- A.V.
The portion suggesting a Draconian makeover has merit from my perspective and that's said as a partial season-ticket holder since the beginning (1985). OK, I'm stupid. Most regular trades involve shuffling journeymen; it is not going to make the Kings contenders. Draft picks have a low probability of producing an impact player, but in conjunction with salary cap room, there is a chance. The frontcourt is where they are exceptionally weak. Packaging a group is most likely to get something of value in return. Additionally, most of the fan base will tolerate a rebuilding period if there are assurances the franchise will stay put. -- Rick Tibbetts, Sacramento
Geoff Petrie is a restless sort, so expect dramatic changes by the trade deadline or definitely during the offseason. As for the arena matter, NBA Commissioner David Stern's consultants quietly are crafting various proposals. -- A.V.
My conclusion is the Monarchs should change their name to the Sacramento Queens as they -- the Monarchs -- are the true royalty of our city. -- Stanley Brown, Sacramento
I couldn't agree more. Until the Kings grab a ring, the chicks rule. -- A.V.
Why all the glum faces? So the Kings have their first seven-game losing streak since 1998. So they probably won't make the playoffs. As I recall, 1998 turned out to be the year of rebirth for the Kings. We got Vlade (Divac) in free agency and (Chris) Webber in a trade, and brought in Rick Adelman. So the planets are aligning again for the Kings to have another year like 1998. Let's tank the season, keep (Mike) Bibby, (Brad) Miller, (Ron) Artest, (Kevin) Martin and maybe (John) Salmons and Corliss (Williamson), and let (Geoff) Petrie work his magic and atone for this mess he got us into. We are only three games from having one of the three worst records in the league with a very good chance of landing Greg Oden or Kevin Durant in the draft. I say let's go for it. -- Sean Wong, Sacramento
What planet are you on? Just kidding. You make good points. -- A.V.
The young players on the team seem to be the ones wanting to win and to play aggressively. (Mike) Bibby, (Brad) Miller, (Kenny) Thomas, etc., play like they're going through the motions. Even (Ron) Artest isn't playing like his old self. A starter should earn the right to start. Who cares if they get mad? However, (Eric) Musselman has to go. The Kings play like they're confused and don't know what they're trying to accomplish on the court. (Rick) Adelman at least had offense. Musselman has neither offense nor defense. -- Greg W., Sacramento
You are hinting at the fact that the Kings lack an identity. No argument there. -- A.V.
1. Mike Bibby can't play defense. As much as I hate to say it, trade him.
2. Ron Artest can play defense, but he seems to have a knack for disrupting the flow of the offense at crucial times. Trade him.
3. The offense is stagnant. You have players running to a point on the floor and standing there.
4. Everybody should be touching the ball more.
5. Finally, if you watch Dallas and Phoenix, you can tell they have a different attitude. I don't know the answer to this problem, unless it is to play the young guys. They seem to want to play as a team. Give them the opportunity. -- Glen Bigelow, Sacramento
I agree about the Mavericks and Suns, but keep in mind that both teams feature MVP candidates. -- A.V.
I wouldn't trade anyone except (Brad) Miller. The talent is present and I don't think it can be said of anyone that they don't care if they win. Make them work it out. I also agree that (Francisco García), Ronnie (Price) and Quincy (Douby) should get more playing time. We're not winning anyway, and it'll pay off later. -- Donna Turcot, Davis
I would be reluctant to trade Miller because of his size and skill, but he absolutely has to get in better shape and play harder. And I hate to break this to you, but the Kings have to deal some players to improve their frontcourt size and athleticism -- their most glaring weaknesses. -- A.V.
I was glad they let (Rick) Adelman go, but I don't think (Eric) Musselman is the answer. He doesn't make sense, some of the combinations of players, and the fact that he plays (Mike) Bibby when he isn't making a shot, but doesn't play others. Bibby has outlived his usefulness to the Kings. Ron Artest is still playing hard and wants to win. Kevin Martin was doing great, but at times, it is as if Musselman is telling him not to take so many shots. If I were Geoff Petrie, I'd get rid of Musselman and Bibby, keep Ron, Kevin, Corliss (Williamson) and (John) Salmons, and most of the rest of the team and fight for the rest of the season. -- Rosemarie Dunbarr
Sorry, Rosemarie, but it's time to start fighting for lottery positioning. -- A.V.
As a season-ticket holder, I don't understand when a young guy comes in and sparks the team, the coaches then bench them the next game. Quincy Douby sparked the arena one night and it felt like the old days -- people were on their feet -- as was the case with Ronnie Price one night at Arco. They are losing now consistently, so what does the coach have to lose by playing the young, exciting, energetic players? They can run and jump and are team players -- isn't that what basketball and effort are all about? -- Marcia Tucker, Roseville
Most coaches live for the day, not for the future, so routinely favor the more established players. But my theory is, what's wrong with a few dunks and alley oops en route to the lottery? -- A.V.
I'm not sure anything's going to fix this roster. The big guys, what there is of them, aren't tough and don't bang the boards. The backcourt is absolutely horrible in transition defense. Mike Bibby cannot guard anybody, which puts his non-athletic, non-shot-blocking forwards and centers in a horrible position. I believe the only way to save this season is to bench Bibby to wake him up and get him playing like the leader he should be. -- B. Jones, Fair Oaks
It's fashionable these days to bag on Bibby, but his weaknesses have been magnified because he is no longer paired with a bigger two-guard, like Doug Christie, who serves as primary playmaker and backcourt defender. In another situation, Bibby's flaws would be minimized and his shooting ability celebrated. -- A.V.
Why is everyone so discontented now? Sac has seen losing teams before. The Kings show no effort. They are highly paid and give lackluster performances. They exude an attitude of arrogance. Lastly, the price tag that comes with the Kings unfortunately puts their most ardent supporters out of the picture. Why would 80 percent of the community want to pay for a team that only 5 percent can enjoy? If they play a fun game and give 100 percent, the fans will be there, win or lose. -- Alan Jang
More smiles and fewer scowls and the Kings might actually become embraceable again. This is supposed to be fun, right? -- A.V.
I want to wake up and discover I had a bad dream. Rick Adelman is back coaching the Kings. Bonzi Wells is traded back to the Kings. Ron Artest drops some money along with his hair. Artest guarantees the Kings will be in the playoffs again. I'm going back to bed. -- Gary Burkhart, Folsom
One conference finals appearance during the Adelman era. Is that all you want? Houston would love to help you out with Wells, though. -- A.V.
1. Trade either Mike Bibby or Brad Miller. Their strength is scoring, and neither is contributing offensively as they should.
2. Find a big man who can play defense and rebound. Remind Brad Miller that he is 7 feet tall even when he doesn't jump.
3. Hire Pete Carril as an assistant coach or consultant.
4. Bring back the motion offense.
5. Make Ron Artest learn the motion offense.
6. Start Corliss (Williamson).
7. Dump the boring East Coast half-court game. I don't pay $125 a seat to watch boring basketball.
8. Play the youngsters.
9. Let them run!
10. Tell Eric Musselman to smile. After all, he's a millionaire!
11. Have the Maloof brothers call Mark Cuban for advice on how to buy talent. -- Melinda Dutton, Sacramento
You certainly got your money's worth today. Anything else you want to add? -- A.V.
From a coaching standpoint, (Eric) Musselman needs to stop letting his players careen out of control at critical junctures. He suffers from the same malady as (Rick) Adelman -- he lets his leaders (Mike Bibby and Ron Artest) take over, which often results in selfish, counterproductive play. When Bibby and Artest consistently demonstrate they are ready and able to take over in crunch time, then coach should let them off the leash. Until then, fourth quarters must have more structure, crisper ball movement, and full-team involvement. -- Peter Castles
Don't be shy, Peter. One-on-one offense is deadly during the first three quarters as well. Clearly, the Kings lack a sense of style. -- A.V.
I love it when the Kings win, but more importantly, I want to see the players playing tough and with a desire to do what it takes to win. I believe that is why the fans are booing. Not because of the many losses, but because the starters are just going through the motions and not playing with energy or the desire to do what it takes to win. How to fix it? I don't know. Give them Red Bull before the game? -- Justin Kennedy
I opt for the coffee cure. It has less sugar than energy drinks. -- A.V.
The entire Kings component -- from (Geoff) Petrie to the Maloofs, (Eric) Musselman, and the players -- needs a sports counselor to help them work as a cohesive unit. Is there such a thing? -- Sue C. Bear, Citrus Heights
Several teams employ shrinks on staff. Sounds like a great idea. -- A.V.
The Kings have a serious morale problem. No cheering on the bench. No will to win. A morale problem in the city with the best NBA fans is absurd. What's wrong with these guys? Until we get to the bottom of the morale problem, all the trades and youth movement in the world will not make a bit of difference. -- Howard Figler, Orangevale
See the previous two letters. A package deal featuring energy drinks and sessions with a shrink sounds like a winner. -- A.V.
I suggest that you have the team practice between games! -- Bette Liberty
That might further exhaust the players, and as others have mentioned, their energy supply is already thin. -- A.V.
About the writer: Reach Ailene Voisin at (916) 321-1208 or avoisin@sacbee.com.
