What we have here is two different conversations. One is to look at the current team, judge its talent level, and decide what needs to be done going forward. Is the talent there good enough, that with a couple of key aquisitions, the team could compete for the playoffs? I think the answer to that question is Yes!..
That leads us to the second part of the conversation. Are the Maloof's, Petrie, or whoever is in charge of making the decisions, willing to bite the bullet, and spend the money necessary? The answer to that question is unkown. Based on recent history, one would think the answer is NO! With the Maloof's, its hard to predict what they'll do next. They've just created one of the biggest PR disastors in the history of the NBA. Certainlly not the way to up ticket sales.
If I'm the Maloof's, and I want to do whatever I can to repair the damage I've just done, then I lay low, say nothing for a while, and give Petrie the green light. Fans are, well, fans! Give them something to cheer about, and they ususally respond. Realize that I'm not talking about those of us on this fourm. There are a lot of very bright people on this fourm that supply as much information, and opinion as you'll get anywhere else. In other words, most of us are very informed on the current events relating to the team. Most of us are here because we're birds of a feather. Doesn't mean we don't have our differences, but there's a common bond between all of us.
However, I doubt you'll find that same bond among the people at the arena. Most just want to see an intertaining game, and hopefully a win. I would bet there are people there, that don't even know about the arena deal. And if so, don't care. And thats the audience the Maloof's have to play to. But are they intelligent enough to know that? Once again, judging on recent history, I would say the answer is no! But I guess we'll see.. In short, I agree with Bricky. This team could be very good with a couple of key moves. And, not only would those moves help the team, it would also help the Maloof's reshape their image to some extent. Don't get me wrong, I'll still think they're dirt bags. But then I'm in Ensenada, so I doubt they'll care what I think.