I may have been ... wrong

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Tetsujin

The Game Thread Dude
#31
If the agent and Cousins thought the Kings would keep Cousins because they ruined his trade value, they thought wrong. Obviously the Kings where going to trade him come what may. I take my hat off the Vlade for doing the brave thing. What needed to be done.
Trading your star player during the all-star game is like telling your kid that you and your wife are getting divorced right before he blows out the candles at his birthday party. There's an unwritten code and Vlade just sorta violated it.

Let's not ascribe adjectives usually reserved for war heroes and cancer patients to a guy who hurriedly pushed a trade through before his Warriors fan boss could change his mind.
 
#32
Trading your star player during the all-star game is like telling your kid that you and your wife are getting divorced right before he blows out the candles at his birthday party. There's an unwritten code and Vlade just sorta violated it.

Let's not ascribe adjectives usually reserved for war heroes and cancer patients to a guy who hurriedly pushed a trade through before his Warriors fan boss could change his mind.
I'm sure glad ho did.
 
#33
Tiresome, that we never talk about basketball but always about the character of a guy nobody knows in person here.

I personally wasn't expecting a performance like this. I had some fun watching the game. Nevertheless I was extremely dissapointed with the SAC fans, but that's probably just me coming from another cultural background, where it's not all smiles and claps when somebody ****s up.

1. The players knew they needed to show incredible hustle and fight to get the crowd going and showed up. That was very encouraging.
2. The team is able to play a lot faster now and is able to cover lots of ground in the pick&roll. The defensive potential is there. That is without a doubt a very good thing.
3. We have the potential to become a team, that can turn defense into offense incredibly well.
4. As soon as Denver forced us into the halfcourt, things became very difficult.
5. Skal showed up tonight and showed, that he isn't afraid. I hope he keeps it going.
6. Buddy Hield looked decent, with a very quick release and good touch.
7. We won the game, which is nice and probably needed for Vlade not to get roasted by the fans, but ultimately is a bad thing for the franchise going forward. I hope the FO and coaching staff knows that.

So in the end the way we play basketball has changed completely. We suprised the Nuggets and got what we wanted - turnovers and fast break points. Willie was able to exploit the much slower Jokic.
As with every team dependent on fast breaks, it remains to be seen, what happens, when an opponent is able to control the tempo and to take care of the ball. The limited amout of half court possessions in this game showed, that players like Willie or Hield aren't ready for the defense adjusting to them yet. So all those stupid talk about character and antics aside, at least when you are not Grant Napear and actually know something about basketball and not only about being a lickspit, we certainly can be a good team, when the opponent can't adjust to our defensive pressure and isn't forcing us into the halfcourt.
I wouldn't count on that versus the better teams in the league, but this was the foundation of some very good teams like GS or Boston. And no I don't think we will see the same kind of improvement those teams had with the Kings.
 
#34
I think any other player on the team other than Barnes gets treated differently. There is no telling what Cousins might do if he knew he was traded. He already screwed up the better deal we had by having his agent be uncooperative with the trade. You have to consider who you are dealing with. Cousins is not nice.
Cousins is not nice? Maybe not on the court. He was a perfect gentleman when he came to both my daughter and wife's Schools. And no it was not done with a lot of publicity.

There is plenty of room to criticize Vlade and the Kings in how they handled the business AND at the same time realize Cousins' agent IS NOT nice either. Fegan is an ASS and I sort of recall him and Sacramento having a history (I just don't remember the details, Bibby?).
 
#35
I couldn't find a Grades thread to put this in,
but WCS really got me in DIRE need for a Dire Straits clip to speak for me... :D

PLEASE, can anyone cut and add that part of the immortal "Walk of Life"?

He got the action, he got the motion,
Oh yeah, the boy can play!

♫♪

 
#36
No way will this keep up.

This was a dog and pony show - Denver barely tried.
They repeatedly quick-shot bad 3's, barely tried on defense, and if the refs allowed the Kings to play handsy defense like this when Demarcus was here, they would have been a top 4 seed in the West.

Did anyone notice the refs, the clock-keeper, and Michael Malone all allowed the ball to be resting on the ground in the backcourt in front of Lawson, with the game clock running down, yet the shot clock was staying at 24, and noone said anything?!
I've never witnessed that in all my years of watching the NBA -
this was a gift game from the league to the Kings, because the Kings org probably whined to the league, saying their bottom line was in danger, blah blah.

I know we all see what we want to see, but it's games like this that reveal the inner-workings of the NBA to me - showing how much the league can dictate who wins a game, IMO.
Sorry Brother, I'm calling BS. And that is all I have to say about that.
 
#37
It is very encouraging to see the high moral of the team (that lifted the moral of fans). Pleasantly surprised.

I will wait a few more games to eat the full plate of crows for underestimating the talent left, but if kids pull the same stuff the next three games against similar level opponents (Charlote, Minny, Nets on the road)... yum yum
 
#38
It was a fun game, but it was just one game. I think we caught Denver off guard, but what I enjoyed, was that once we got them down, we didn't let them back up. Lots of hustle and most of our shots were falling. I think this team could be effective against teams that like to go small. If Willie can keep improving on offense, his quickness will be a problem for other teams. I thought Skal played fairly well tonight. Obviously he still needs to get stronger, but I liked that he wasn't afraid to get into the paint and bang a little. Hield was as advertised.

Either Joerger did a beautiful job of managing the rotations tonight, or he got real lucky. Can't wait to see what saturday brings.
Yep Baja it was one game, Denver hit a buzz saw of pent up emotion. That said those Kings players were busting there azzes and sprinting back on defense. Joerger did a masterful job of blending the talent he has.

VF21 were you wrong? I'm not going to judge how others dealt with this trade. I went through a period of mourning which I have a lot of experience with. For me it is a private experience in this case. So I refuse to draw comparisons or dwell in the past. It is what it is and at least for this one game the Kings were a heck of a lot of FUN to watch. And in the end that is why I watch Basketball,
 
#39
To me, the way they approached this game is an indication of how the team collectively felt about the trade. The anti-DMC crowd has been saying that nobody liked playing with him and that he had a negative effect on his teammates. Who knows if we will ever know that for sure but it really is interesting how much fire this team came out with.

If nothing else, I think a lot of guys now know they are going to get opportunities and they are going to make the most of it. The past 7 seasons there has been SO much attention on DMC, both positive and negative, which had to get old for some players especially considering we have been losing. I think winning cures everything and would have masked what has been going on but we never got there with DMC.
 
#41
It was a fun game, but it was just one game. I think we caught Denver off guard, but what I enjoyed, was that once we got them down, we didn't let them back up. Lots of hustle and most of our shots were falling. I think this team could be effective against teams that like to go small. If Willie can keep improving on offense, his quickness will be a problem for other teams. I thought Skal played fairly well tonight. Obviously he still needs to get stronger, but I liked that he wasn't afraid to get into the paint and bang a little. Hield was as advertised.

Either Joerger did a beautiful job of managing the rotations tonight, or he got real lucky. Can't wait to see what saturday brings.
Baja, you're probably the biggest WCS supporter, but I don't even know if you knew what he could do on offense. His offensive improvements have been remarkable. His ability to put the ball on the floor is a lot better than any of us would've thought. Skal's bball IQ skyrocketed.

Are we seeing something called.... *gasp
player development???
 
#42
I was wrong about Skal. He's showing that he can play in the NBA. He just needs to get stronger.
WCS has been extremely active. His offensive skillset came completely out of nowhere. Such a different Willie we saw from the beginning of the year.

Hield is looking really nice. I think if he's able to get space, then his jumper can be deadly. I'd like to see more ball screens for him, and see how he does.
 
#43
Baja, you're probably the biggest WCS supporter, but I don't even know if you knew what he could do on offense. His offensive improvements have been remarkable. His ability to put the ball on the floor is a lot better than any of us would've thought. Skal's bball IQ skyrocketed.

Are we seeing something called.... *gasp
player development???
Lol when he pulled that cross over & spin move off I jumped outa my chair like "where the hell did that come from!"
 
#45
Well, I for one hope I'm damn wrong. I will buy a Vlade-sized Hallmark 'I'm sorry card' and pass it around for anyone who wants to sign it if we continue this type of play and make the playoffs.

My frustrations were two-folds: 1. The way we treated DMC; 2. The lack of vision for this team.

In the press conference, Vlade stated that we were not a better/talented team after the trade. I took this that we were tanking. The TDL passes and we did not get any value for our expiring assets. This was frustrating. Are we tanking and rebuilding? Are we trying to make the playoffs? What the hell are we trying to do? Both? Come out and be direct. Give us YOUR vision for our team. I'm an irrational fan; a well-versed fanatic. I'm a part of the glorious 'lunatic fringe'.

The team played FAST and fluid last night. I enjoyed it a lot. It did seem like they were having fun, which is what Vlade did state he wanted our team to play like. I was not adverse to change. I just wanted a clear vision. And after years of inept decisions and direction changes, the Kings FO has a short leash with their fanbase, and they earned every bit of it. Perhaps Vlade did not deserve the out-lash he received (being semi-new), but the Kings organization as a whole did.
 
#46
One game doesn't change anything, you were not wrong.
Of course one game changes things. It just doesn't predict a trend. Like changing a personal behavior, it starts with doing it anew the first day. And the importance of that first day's success shouldn't be underestimated. But it does take a whole bunch of those days before you know you've truly corrected the behavior.

Good ball movement throughout each and every game, aggressive defense without lazy fouls, not being entirely dependent on any one player, always protecting the ball and valuing every posession, young players developing to their potential, and minimal complaining to the referees - these are all the things that will make this team fun to watch, even it doesn't get us into the playoffs (this year).
 
#48
No way will this keep up.

This was a dog and pony show - Denver barely tried.
They repeatedly quick-shot bad 3's, barely tried on defense, and if the refs allowed the Kings to play handsy defense like this when Demarcus was here, they would have been a top 4 seed in the West.

Did anyone notice the refs, the clock-keeper, and Michael Malone all allowed the ball to be resting on the ground in the backcourt in front of Lawson, with the game clock running down, yet the shot clock was staying at 24, and noone said anything?!
I've never witnessed that in all my years of watching the NBA -
this was a gift game from the league to the Kings, because the Kings org probably whined to the league, saying their bottom line was in danger, blah blah.

I know we all see what we want to see, but it's games like this that reveal the inner-workings of the NBA to me - showing how much the league can dictate who wins a game, IMO.
Excuse me but are you the mayor of Trollsville, USA? Willie Cauley Franken Stein terrorized the opposition and will give them bone chilling nightmares for weeks. But this flies in contrast with your limited perception of Trill Dollar Bill, what he can do when he gets comfortable and confident, so you refuse to deny his dominant potential rising to the surface and soaring high like a purple feathered eagle reaching for the stars!

No one is game planning for Buddy (rookie 9 PER), Skal (who? says the NBA), Willie (6 PPG) and Tyreke (damaged goods) who amassed 72 points on 62% FGs. But the play sets the team is running is not calling their numbers. We run the plays for the best shot. Can't game plan too much against that! With Boogie cast aside with callous disregard, the team is going to increase its pace per game by 5 to 10 possessions and spread the wealth. They are going to abandon low post offense (about 30-35%) with Boogie and run high pick and roll.

This is a pick and roll league with guards turning the corner and bigs diving to the rim and catching lobs. We have the personnel to do it well. With Ty, Collison and now Reke who can see over the top, we have guards who can break down the defense and throw it at the rim. And with Willie and Skal we have guys who can get it. Plumlee looked like he was playing with marbles in his pockets the way Willie was jumping over him.

Why would more of this meal of speed (guards) length (bigs) and execution (Joerger way) not be on the menu for the rest of the year? Only a cynic would deny the effort hustle and execution witnessed last night in most exciting game of the year! We kicked their butt without Malachi and Temple. Barnes is addition by subtraction. Affalo needs to never see another minute of court time as a Sacramento King. I will miss the dominance of Boogie, but I am excited by his massive usage rate being dispersed among other thirsty guys.

I am excited by the oxygen Boogie sucked out of the room with chronic griping being circulated and breathed again. This does not change the fact that Vlade made a terrible impulsive trade, and if he would not have panicked I think he could have had 2019 pick from the Pelicans by the deadline or better deal from the Lakers (Ingram, Clarkson). But it does mean Vlade can be vindicated and his muddied name washed clean if the assets he is betting upon grow as one.

One of my initial reactions to the trade was to be deemed success Buddy has to be a star. I said before the draft and say again now Buddy has star potential. He changes ends really well at OSU and did so last night. This means he's gonna fill lanes for early offense to shoot the three. Buddy also has fantastic footwork, a quick release on a set shot from deep like Curry and Klay. Buddy also can go left, finish with his left hand and maintain his dribble in traffic. He's not afraid of contact and gets after it defensively.

None of the aforementioned traits could you assign to Stauskas or Ben early on or maybe even today. So Buddy needs to turn into a 15-20 PPG scorer hopefully the rest of this season and build on that. Willie and Skal need to rely on their guards and continue to take high percentage looks and make hustle plays. As long as this occurs we are not going to have games like last night every time, but there will be a respectability to collective performance to make the fans proud.
 
#49
Excellent post Blob, that was just too much freaking fun. Cant wait to get the kids out to another game. Willie Cauley Franken-Stein!!!

Excuse me but are you the mayor of Trollsville, USA? Willie Cauley Franken Stein terrorized the opposition and will give them bone chilling nightmares for weeks. But this flies in contrast with your limited perception of Trill Dollar Bill, what he can do when he gets comfortable and confident, so you refuse to deny his dominant potential rising to the surface and soaring high like a purple feathered eagle reaching for the stars!
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origkds

What- Me Worry?
#50
One game doesn't change anything, you were not wrong. That said, if I've learned anything from Star Wars, hope is good.

This team will struggle against teams with high defense, high IQ. They will compete against your Portlands, Denvers, Suns, *akers, etc.
Yes, I'm hoping that we struggle to 5 point wins against better teams instead of 16.
 
#51
Such a small sample but Buddy's shot is the smoothest most solid looking shot since Bibby imho. I don't know why he can't be our long lost (ain't never had) 20ppg SG (edit - I forgot KMart my bad).
 
#52
I think any other player on the team other than Barnes gets treated differently. There is no telling what Cousins might do if he knew he was traded. He already screwed up the better deal we had by having his agent be uncooperative with the trade. You have to consider who you are dealing with. Cousins is not nice.

You are sounding like Vlade being surprised that agents will look out for their client's interest. Why would his agent be cooperative when Vlade himself held a meeting with him and Cousins and told them that he'll be offering the max $209 million extension and wants Boogie here for a long long time?

Vlade lied and then tried to trade Cousins and go back on his word. Any agent worth a bag of beans would do all they can protect their client. Whether you liked Cousins or not should have no bearing on whether this trade was poorly handled by the FO.
 
#55
You are sounding like Vlade being surprised that agents will look out for their client's interest. Why would his agent be cooperative when Vlade himself held a meeting with him and Cousins and told them that he'll be offering the max $209 million extension and wants Boogie here for a long long time?

Vlade lied and then tried to trade Cousins and go back on his word. Any agent worth a bag of beans would do all they can protect their client. Whether you liked Cousins or not should have no bearing on whether this trade was poorly handled by the FO.
It was handled poorly. However, in the article where was quoted that him and his agent met Divac at Cousins' home listed the gentleman that is usually listed as his agent.

However, that is not the same person as Dan Fagen. Cousins' is a client of Dan Fagen (according to Fagen's client list). Fagen has a history of being/playing hardball. Was there stuff going in the background that Cousins was unaware of? Don't know. But would not be surprised.

A half-truth is a whole lie. It is quite possible that Vlade was sincere when he told Cousins he wouldn't be traded. But then he did. I suspect if Cousins took a good hard look at Fagen's tactics in the past he might find him not so trustworthy and respectable as the standards he wants to be dealt with. And two wrongs do not make a right.
 
#56
So should every GM always tell the truth? I can't put my finger on exact quotes but I'm thinking other GM's may have stretched the truth on occasion?

And beyond the discussion of truth, can we allow that a GM can have a change of heart?
 
#59
I thought Skal played fairly well tonight.
A great question would be why coach hadn't played him much until tonight. Sure, he has developing to do, but he can obviously play a bit and help the team. The first few months, I get it. But Skal should have been getting at least a little bit of time in games (not just garbage time) well before last night.

Either Joerger did a beautiful job of managing the rotations tonight, or he got real lucky. Can't wait to see what saturday brings.
Not sure what Joerger was thinking with McLemore on Gallinari. Good coach, but that one perplexed me.
 
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