Stupid but obligatory "Are we better without DMC?" thread
- Thread starter VF21
- Start date
First off, thanks for listening. I know I always say that to people, but you have many options for your entertainment (or whatever you can call it) in the morning, I never take for granted someone taking the time to tune in. So thank you!
I'm glad you brought that up. I don't say stuff like that lightly. Its a very sensitive subject, and a very strong accusation when you call into question someone's "fandom". I guess the better turn of phrase would've been "to ME, you're not........."
Example:
1. bandwagon fan
2. person who wears split jerseys (i.e. Kings and Warriors from the other night)
There's a bunch of examples. Is it condescending for me to think that way? Yes. Am I the arbiter of who is and isn't a "true fan"? Absolutely not. I'm as full of crap (or more) than the next guy. But that's how I view them in my brain, and I express it and am honest.
I was not saying if you dislike DMC you aren't a true fan. If you think the game is more enjoyable. If you hate the bitching at the refs. Etc. I get it, I really do. And I also agree to a certain extent.
I interact on boards and social media as much as I possibly can. I think its vital to not be in the proverbial "ivory tower" and always remember my roots, which came from commenting on the old Bleachermob.com forums etc. I think the discourse on social media and message boards can be as good and sometimes better than anything you hear in "traditional media". That said, my timeline last night was garbage. I am seen (and rightfully so) as perhaps the most public defender of DMC. I get it. So when good/bad stuff happens, I get the crapstorm. Multiple, MULTIPLE people last night were telling me the team was better without him. I disagree, but whatever. But when multiple people tell me "FANS are over him, FANS think this way, NO ONE likes him", I hit the roof. Because one person does not speak for "fans", because "fans" are not one collective.
One phenomena I experience are the prairie dogs. The ones that only pop their heads out at opportune times. I never see them during the good DMC times, but lo and behold if he screws up, its the inevitable "SEE SEE SEE I TOLD YOU HE'S GARBAGE".
Now- If I recognize that you also pop your head out in the good times, and can see both bad and good, I'll respect you. But if you just pop up to hate on the guy when its convenient, I have no respect. TO ME.....you're not a Kings fan. You're a fan of being right. You put your ego ahead of what's best for the team, and any counter or proof against your agenda is a slap in the face, even if its best for the team. You're not a Kings fan, you're an agenda fan, and your opinions are biased. I can't respect that or take it seriously.
Example (and oh boy I'll try to be careful here): politics. There is so much inflammatory garbage out there, and for good reason involving our president. That's fine. I get it. But to some, he could literally cure cancer on PPV and simultaneously save a burning kitten from a car fire, and some would question his motives, talk about his hair, and god knows what else. Because they are so against, him, to admit he did ANYTHING right would be a blow to their ego. Those aren't patriots, those are egotists.
On the other hand, he could burn a kitten and throw it into a car fire on PPV, while simultaneously GIVING 1000000 people a terminal illness intravenously, and some would applaud him for being direct and showing everyone who's boss and making kitties great again. Those people aren't patriots, they are egotists. And I cannot respect their opinions.
I apologize for invoking politics, and I really tried to keep in as even-keeled as possible, but its the best example I could think of to illustrate my points. I am not the arbiter of patriotism either, but that's how I view things in my brain.
And to be sure, what I said about DMC applies to the ones in his camp too. I am a huge cheerleader of his, but I have called into question his attitude, decision making, and constant harping on the refs. I said on air the other day that I would sit down with him if I were Vlade BEFORE the extension and ask him what steps he would take to eliminate (or at least minimize) the issues, and if his response was "that's just me", I'd have him on the next plane out of town. I have asked him repeatedly to his face why he won't stop bitching at the refs, and have asked him if he realizes how much it costs his team. I think he appreciates honestly and being direct. My point being- If you are blind to EITHER the good or bad, same rules apply in my mind.
Slim, I respect your opinions enough to write this book, and I get how sensitive the "real fan" talk is. Whether you agree with me or not, I hope that expands and at least explains my thought process. I can't determine levels of fandom, its undeterminable. But in my brain, I have my own process. And I think that's ok.
Again, I appreciate you listening, even if its mainly for Kayte
I'm glad you brought that up. I don't say stuff like that lightly. Its a very sensitive subject, and a very strong accusation when you call into question someone's "fandom". I guess the better turn of phrase would've been "to ME, you're not........."
Example:
1. bandwagon fan
2. person who wears split jerseys (i.e. Kings and Warriors from the other night)
There's a bunch of examples. Is it condescending for me to think that way? Yes. Am I the arbiter of who is and isn't a "true fan"? Absolutely not. I'm as full of crap (or more) than the next guy. But that's how I view them in my brain, and I express it and am honest.
I was not saying if you dislike DMC you aren't a true fan. If you think the game is more enjoyable. If you hate the bitching at the refs. Etc. I get it, I really do. And I also agree to a certain extent.
I interact on boards and social media as much as I possibly can. I think its vital to not be in the proverbial "ivory tower" and always remember my roots, which came from commenting on the old Bleachermob.com forums etc. I think the discourse on social media and message boards can be as good and sometimes better than anything you hear in "traditional media". That said, my timeline last night was garbage. I am seen (and rightfully so) as perhaps the most public defender of DMC. I get it. So when good/bad stuff happens, I get the crapstorm. Multiple, MULTIPLE people last night were telling me the team was better without him. I disagree, but whatever. But when multiple people tell me "FANS are over him, FANS think this way, NO ONE likes him", I hit the roof. Because one person does not speak for "fans", because "fans" are not one collective.
One phenomena I experience are the prairie dogs. The ones that only pop their heads out at opportune times. I never see them during the good DMC times, but lo and behold if he screws up, its the inevitable "SEE SEE SEE I TOLD YOU HE'S GARBAGE".
Now- If I recognize that you also pop your head out in the good times, and can see both bad and good, I'll respect you. But if you just pop up to hate on the guy when its convenient, I have no respect. TO ME.....you're not a Kings fan. You're a fan of being right. You put your ego ahead of what's best for the team, and any counter or proof against your agenda is a slap in the face, even if its best for the team. You're not a Kings fan, you're an agenda fan, and your opinions are biased. I can't respect that or take it seriously.
Example (and oh boy I'll try to be careful here): politics. There is so much inflammatory garbage out there, and for good reason involving our president. That's fine. I get it. But to some, he could literally cure cancer on PPV and simultaneously save a burning kitten from a car fire, and some would question his motives, talk about his hair, and god knows what else. Because they are so against, him, to admit he did ANYTHING right would be a blow to their ego. Those aren't patriots, those are egotists.
On the other hand, he could burn a kitten and throw it into a car fire on PPV, while simultaneously GIVING 1000000 people a terminal illness intravenously, and some would applaud him for being direct and showing everyone who's boss and making kitties great again. Those people aren't patriots, they are egotists. And I cannot respect their opinions.
I apologize for invoking politics, and I really tried to keep in as even-keeled as possible, but its the best example I could think of to illustrate my points. I am not the arbiter of patriotism either, but that's how I view things in my brain.
And to be sure, what I said about DMC applies to the ones in his camp too. I am a huge cheerleader of his, but I have called into question his attitude, decision making, and constant harping on the refs. I said on air the other day that I would sit down with him if I were Vlade BEFORE the extension and ask him what steps he would take to eliminate (or at least minimize) the issues, and if his response was "that's just me", I'd have him on the next plane out of town. I have asked him repeatedly to his face why he won't stop bitching at the refs, and have asked him if he realizes how much it costs his team. I think he appreciates honestly and being direct. My point being- If you are blind to EITHER the good or bad, same rules apply in my mind.
Slim, I respect your opinions enough to write this book, and I get how sensitive the "real fan" talk is. Whether you agree with me or not, I hope that expands and at least explains my thought process. I can't determine levels of fandom, its undeterminable. But in my brain, I have my own process. And I think that's ok.
Again, I appreciate you listening, even if its mainly for Kayte
I generally agree with the sentiment of bandwagon/agenda/whatever fans, but I have to object to the notion that someone can designate themselves as the arbiter of "true" fandom. And, as a moderator on a message board, I tend to be very cognizant of the fact that such accusations quickly descend into the sort of flame wars that we try (with varying degrees of success) to avoid around here.
I agree one hundred percent about the fans who only show up whenever what's happening supports their narrative, and it's crickets otherwise, unless it's to go, "Yeah, but..." People who go full-Iraqi Information Minister the other way, in dismissal/denial about Cousins' flaws are also annoying, although I would vehemently oppose any suggestion that they are equally annoying.
But yeah, there does definitely appear to be some subsection of Kings Fans who comport themselves like they're bigger fans of being right than they are of the team; it is very hard not to give in to the temptation to ban them on principle.
What can I say? The listen-ability of the show increases by a few hundred fold, once football season is over.
I agree one hundred percent about the fans who only show up whenever what's happening supports their narrative, and it's crickets otherwise, unless it's to go, "Yeah, but..." People who go full-Iraqi Information Minister the other way, in dismissal/denial about Cousins' flaws are also annoying, although I would vehemently oppose any suggestion that they are equally annoying.
But yeah, there does definitely appear to be some subsection of Kings Fans who comport themselves like they're bigger fans of being right than they are of the team; it is very hard not to give in to the temptation to ban them on principle.
Again, I appreciate you listening, even if its mainly for Kayte
Our team play with Cuz has mproved over the last 10 games or so. In my view it has been Cuz who has changed the most. Last night's result didn't really surprise me because I believe the rest of the team has been there more than Cuz. Also last night's game didn't have to put up with the distraction of temper tantrums and running conversations with refs. Also Cuz effects the pace and ntensity of play more than he rest f the team, both for the better and for the worse.
All that being sad Cz is a special asset for this team and with his continued improvement this team really needs him.
All that being sad Cz is a special asset for this team and with his continued improvement this team really needs him.
As I do not need a radio audience I can freely express my dripping disdain for the anti-Cuzzes. I could do it very colorfully and in emasculating fashion (or the female equivalent), but its not necessary here.
What is necessary is to note that ANYONE pointing to last night's game as an example of why we are better without Cuz is being a dishonest twerp. Last night was the culmination of exactly the culture we have been building up with Cuz. We have fought all year long. We lead the entire league in close games. Our surge back into games we appear out of is so routine at this point I just count on it and refrain from haranguing the team until we kick it into gear.
This is the culture we have been building this year. We fight and we battle and we hang on. And DeMarcus Cousins has been right in the thick of that from the beginning. Last night was the first time in a long long time the team showed it would do that even without him. Its a very good thing. We are forming up a scrappy battling crew behind not only, you asshats, one of the greatest centers to ever play the bleeping game, but also one of most over the top competitors we have in the NBA. You can't form a culture like this with a Kevin Martin or Peja or whichever softy it is who's poster the anti-Cuzzes shed their gentle tears over.
What is necessary is to note that ANYONE pointing to last night's game as an example of why we are better without Cuz is being a dishonest twerp. Last night was the culmination of exactly the culture we have been building up with Cuz. We have fought all year long. We lead the entire league in close games. Our surge back into games we appear out of is so routine at this point I just count on it and refrain from haranguing the team until we kick it into gear.
This is the culture we have been building this year. We fight and we battle and we hang on. And DeMarcus Cousins has been right in the thick of that from the beginning. Last night was the first time in a long long time the team showed it would do that even without him. Its a very good thing. We are forming up a scrappy battling crew behind not only, you asshats, one of the greatest centers to ever play the bleeping game, but also one of most over the top competitors we have in the NBA. You can't form a culture like this with a Kevin Martin or Peja or whichever softy it is who's poster the anti-Cuzzes shed their gentle tears over.
First off, thanks for listening. I know I always say that to people, but you have many options for your entertainment (or whatever you can call it) in the morning, I never take for granted someone taking the time to tune in. So thank you!
I'm glad you brought that up. I don't say stuff like that lightly. Its a very sensitive subject, and a very strong accusation when you call into question someone's "fandom". I guess the better turn of phrase would've been "to ME, you're not........."
Example:
1. bandwagon fan
2. person who wears split jerseys (i.e. Kings and Warriors from the other night)
There's a bunch of examples. Is it condescending for me to think that way? Yes. Am I the arbiter of who is and isn't a "true fan"? Absolutely not. I'm as full of crap (or more) than the next guy. But that's how I view them in my brain, and I express it and am honest.
I was not saying if you dislike DMC you aren't a true fan. If you think the game is more enjoyable. If you hate the bitching at the refs. Etc. I get it, I really do. And I also agree to a certain extent.
I interact on boards and social media as much as I possibly can. I think its vital to not be in the proverbial "ivory tower" and always remember my roots, which came from commenting on the old Bleachermob.com forums etc. I think the discourse on social media and message boards can be as good and sometimes better than anything you hear in "traditional media". That said, my timeline last night was garbage. I am seen (and rightfully so) as perhaps the most public defender of DMC. I get it. So when good/bad stuff happens, I get the crapstorm. Multiple, MULTIPLE people last night were telling me the team was better without him. I disagree, but whatever. But when multiple people tell me "FANS are over him, FANS think this way, NO ONE likes him", I hit the roof. Because one person does not speak for "fans", because "fans" are not one collective.
One phenomena I experience are the prairie dogs. The ones that only pop their heads out at opportune times. I never see them during the good DMC times, but lo and behold if he screws up, its the inevitable "SEE SEE SEE I TOLD YOU HE'S GARBAGE".
Now- If I recognize that you also pop your head out in the good times, and can see both bad and good, I'll respect you. But if you just pop up to hate on the guy when its convenient, I have no respect. TO ME.....you're not a Kings fan. You're a fan of being right. You put your ego ahead of what's best for the team, and any counter or proof against your agenda is a slap in the face, even if its best for the team. You're not a Kings fan, you're an agenda fan, and your opinions are biased. I can't respect that or take it seriously.
Example (and oh boy I'll try to be careful here): politics. There is so much inflammatory garbage out there, and for good reason involving our president. That's fine. I get it. But to some, he could literally cure cancer on PPV and simultaneously save a burning kitten from a car fire, and some would question his motives, talk about his hair, and god knows what else. Because they are so against, him, to admit he did ANYTHING right would be a blow to their ego. Those aren't patriots, those are egotists.
On the other hand, he could burn a kitten and throw it into a car fire on PPV, while simultaneously GIVING 1000000 people a terminal illness intravenously, and some would applaud him for being direct and showing everyone who's boss and making kitties great again. Those people aren't patriots, they are egotists. And I cannot respect their opinions.
I apologize for invoking politics, and I really tried to keep in as even-keeled as possible, but its the best example I could think of to illustrate my points. I am not the arbiter of patriotism either, but that's how I view things in my brain.
And to be sure, what I said about DMC applies to the ones in his camp too. I am a huge cheerleader of his, but I have called into question his attitude, decision making, and constant harping on the refs. I said on air the other day that I would sit down with him if I were Vlade BEFORE the extension and ask him what steps he would take to eliminate (or at least minimize) the issues, and if his response was "that's just me", I'd have him on the next plane out of town. I have asked him repeatedly to his face why he won't stop bitching at the refs, and have asked him if he realizes how much it costs his team. I think he appreciates honestly and being direct. My point being- If you are blind to EITHER the good or bad, same rules apply in my mind.
Slim, I respect your opinions enough to write this book, and I get how sensitive the "real fan" talk is. Whether you agree with me or not, I hope that expands and at least explains my thought process. I can't determine levels of fandom, its undeterminable. But in my brain, I have my own process. And I think that's ok.
Again, I appreciate you listening, even if its mainly for Kayte
I'm glad you brought that up. I don't say stuff like that lightly. Its a very sensitive subject, and a very strong accusation when you call into question someone's "fandom". I guess the better turn of phrase would've been "to ME, you're not........."
Example:
1. bandwagon fan
2. person who wears split jerseys (i.e. Kings and Warriors from the other night)
There's a bunch of examples. Is it condescending for me to think that way? Yes. Am I the arbiter of who is and isn't a "true fan"? Absolutely not. I'm as full of crap (or more) than the next guy. But that's how I view them in my brain, and I express it and am honest.
I was not saying if you dislike DMC you aren't a true fan. If you think the game is more enjoyable. If you hate the bitching at the refs. Etc. I get it, I really do. And I also agree to a certain extent.
I interact on boards and social media as much as I possibly can. I think its vital to not be in the proverbial "ivory tower" and always remember my roots, which came from commenting on the old Bleachermob.com forums etc. I think the discourse on social media and message boards can be as good and sometimes better than anything you hear in "traditional media". That said, my timeline last night was garbage. I am seen (and rightfully so) as perhaps the most public defender of DMC. I get it. So when good/bad stuff happens, I get the crapstorm. Multiple, MULTIPLE people last night were telling me the team was better without him. I disagree, but whatever. But when multiple people tell me "FANS are over him, FANS think this way, NO ONE likes him", I hit the roof. Because one person does not speak for "fans", because "fans" are not one collective.
One phenomena I experience are the prairie dogs. The ones that only pop their heads out at opportune times. I never see them during the good DMC times, but lo and behold if he screws up, its the inevitable "SEE SEE SEE I TOLD YOU HE'S GARBAGE".
Now- If I recognize that you also pop your head out in the good times, and can see both bad and good, I'll respect you. But if you just pop up to hate on the guy when its convenient, I have no respect. TO ME.....you're not a Kings fan. You're a fan of being right. You put your ego ahead of what's best for the team, and any counter or proof against your agenda is a slap in the face, even if its best for the team. You're not a Kings fan, you're an agenda fan, and your opinions are biased. I can't respect that or take it seriously.
Example (and oh boy I'll try to be careful here): politics. There is so much inflammatory garbage out there, and for good reason involving our president. That's fine. I get it. But to some, he could literally cure cancer on PPV and simultaneously save a burning kitten from a car fire, and some would question his motives, talk about his hair, and god knows what else. Because they are so against, him, to admit he did ANYTHING right would be a blow to their ego. Those aren't patriots, those are egotists.
On the other hand, he could burn a kitten and throw it into a car fire on PPV, while simultaneously GIVING 1000000 people a terminal illness intravenously, and some would applaud him for being direct and showing everyone who's boss and making kitties great again. Those people aren't patriots, they are egotists. And I cannot respect their opinions.
I apologize for invoking politics, and I really tried to keep in as even-keeled as possible, but its the best example I could think of to illustrate my points. I am not the arbiter of patriotism either, but that's how I view things in my brain.
And to be sure, what I said about DMC applies to the ones in his camp too. I am a huge cheerleader of his, but I have called into question his attitude, decision making, and constant harping on the refs. I said on air the other day that I would sit down with him if I were Vlade BEFORE the extension and ask him what steps he would take to eliminate (or at least minimize) the issues, and if his response was "that's just me", I'd have him on the next plane out of town. I have asked him repeatedly to his face why he won't stop bitching at the refs, and have asked him if he realizes how much it costs his team. I think he appreciates honestly and being direct. My point being- If you are blind to EITHER the good or bad, same rules apply in my mind.
Slim, I respect your opinions enough to write this book, and I get how sensitive the "real fan" talk is. Whether you agree with me or not, I hope that expands and at least explains my thought process. I can't determine levels of fandom, its undeterminable. But in my brain, I have my own process. And I think that's ok.
Again, I appreciate you listening, even if its mainly for Kayte
On this point and speaking only for myself:
I am a huge fan of DMC. Don't think for a minute it is lost on me the potential that trading him this season for the 2 Nets picks and change ( both kinds) would bring. It is very tempting. It could be the better route in the long run. We just dont have the luxury or knowing the long term outcome of both scenarios.
I guess for me , with the path I've traveled thus far in life, it comes down to the ride-or-die mentality I have with people sometimes. And with Demarcus, I will ride-or-die.
I am a huge fan of DMC. Don't think for a minute it is lost on me the potential that trading him this season for the 2 Nets picks and change ( both kinds) would bring. It is very tempting. It could be the better route in the long run. We just dont have the luxury or knowing the long term outcome of both scenarios.
I guess for me , with the path I've traveled thus far in life, it comes down to the ride-or-die mentality I have with people sometimes. And with Demarcus, I will ride-or-die.
The Kings play better old school share the ball style. Everyone knows they have to contribute. They don't pass to the post and wait. There is no complaining and working the officials for the most part. They are some advantages without him, but more disadvantages.
To be objective about it, trading Cousins should be considered but only if it means two or more players that can really help the team.
To be objective about it, trading Cousins should be considered but only if it means two or more players that can really help the team.
First off, thanks for listening. I know I always say that to people, but you have many options for your entertainment (or whatever you can call it) in the morning, I never take for granted someone taking the time to tune in. So thank you!
I'm glad you brought that up. I don't say stuff like that lightly. Its a very sensitive subject, and a very strong accusation when you call into question someone's "fandom". I guess the better turn of phrase would've been "to ME, you're not........."
Example:
1. bandwagon fan
2. person who wears split jerseys (i.e. Kings and Warriors from the other night)
There's a bunch of examples. Is it condescending for me to think that way? Yes. Am I the arbiter of who is and isn't a "true fan"? Absolutely not. I'm as full of crap (or more) than the next guy. But that's how I view them in my brain, and I express it and am honest.
I was not saying if you dislike DMC you aren't a true fan. If you think the game is more enjoyable. If you hate the bitching at the refs. Etc. I get it, I really do. And I also agree to a certain extent.
I interact on boards and social media as much as I possibly can. I think its vital to not be in the proverbial "ivory tower" and always remember my roots, which came from commenting on the old Bleachermob.com forums etc. I think the discourse on social media and message boards can be as good and sometimes better than anything you hear in "traditional media". That said, my timeline last night was garbage. I am seen (and rightfully so) as perhaps the most public defender of DMC. I get it. So when good/bad stuff happens, I get the crapstorm. Multiple, MULTIPLE people last night were telling me the team was better without him. I disagree, but whatever. But when multiple people tell me "FANS are over him, FANS think this way, NO ONE likes him", I hit the roof. Because one person does not speak for "fans", because "fans" are not one collective.
One phenomena I experience are the prairie dogs. The ones that only pop their heads out at opportune times. I never see them during the good DMC times, but lo and behold if he screws up, its the inevitable "SEE SEE SEE I TOLD YOU HE'S GARBAGE".
Now- If I recognize that you also pop your head out in the good times, and can see both bad and good, I'll respect you. But if you just pop up to hate on the guy when its convenient, I have no respect. TO ME.....you're not a Kings fan. You're a fan of being right. You put your ego ahead of what's best for the team, and any counter or proof against your agenda is a slap in the face, even if its best for the team. You're not a Kings fan, you're an agenda fan, and your opinions are biased. I can't respect that or take it seriously.
Example (and oh boy I'll try to be careful here): politics. There is so much inflammatory garbage out there, and for good reason involving our president. That's fine. I get it. But to some, he could literally cure cancer on PPV and simultaneously save a burning kitten from a car fire, and some would question his motives, talk about his hair, and god knows what else. Because they are so against, him, to admit he did ANYTHING right would be a blow to their ego. Those aren't patriots, those are egotists.
On the other hand, he could burn a kitten and throw it into a car fire on PPV, while simultaneously GIVING 1000000 people a terminal illness intravenously, and some would applaud him for being direct and showing everyone who's boss and making kitties great again. Those people aren't patriots, they are egotists. And I cannot respect their opinions.
I apologize for invoking politics, and I really tried to keep in as even-keeled as possible, but its the best example I could think of to illustrate my points. I am not the arbiter of patriotism either, but that's how I view things in my brain.
And to be sure, what I said about DMC applies to the ones in his camp too. I am a huge cheerleader of his, but I have called into question his attitude, decision making, and constant harping on the refs. I said on air the other day that I would sit down with him if I were Vlade BEFORE the extension and ask him what steps he would take to eliminate (or at least minimize) the issues, and if his response was "that's just me", I'd have him on the next plane out of town. I have asked him repeatedly to his face why he won't stop bitching at the refs, and have asked him if he realizes how much it costs his team. I think he appreciates honestly and being direct. My point being- If you are blind to EITHER the good or bad, same rules apply in my mind.
Slim, I respect your opinions enough to write this book, and I get how sensitive the "real fan" talk is. Whether you agree with me or not, I hope that expands and at least explains my thought process. I can't determine levels of fandom, its undeterminable. But in my brain, I have my own process. And I think that's ok.
Again, I appreciate you listening, even if its mainly for Kayte
I'm glad you brought that up. I don't say stuff like that lightly. Its a very sensitive subject, and a very strong accusation when you call into question someone's "fandom". I guess the better turn of phrase would've been "to ME, you're not........."
Example:
1. bandwagon fan
2. person who wears split jerseys (i.e. Kings and Warriors from the other night)
There's a bunch of examples. Is it condescending for me to think that way? Yes. Am I the arbiter of who is and isn't a "true fan"? Absolutely not. I'm as full of crap (or more) than the next guy. But that's how I view them in my brain, and I express it and am honest.
I was not saying if you dislike DMC you aren't a true fan. If you think the game is more enjoyable. If you hate the bitching at the refs. Etc. I get it, I really do. And I also agree to a certain extent.
I interact on boards and social media as much as I possibly can. I think its vital to not be in the proverbial "ivory tower" and always remember my roots, which came from commenting on the old Bleachermob.com forums etc. I think the discourse on social media and message boards can be as good and sometimes better than anything you hear in "traditional media". That said, my timeline last night was garbage. I am seen (and rightfully so) as perhaps the most public defender of DMC. I get it. So when good/bad stuff happens, I get the crapstorm. Multiple, MULTIPLE people last night were telling me the team was better without him. I disagree, but whatever. But when multiple people tell me "FANS are over him, FANS think this way, NO ONE likes him", I hit the roof. Because one person does not speak for "fans", because "fans" are not one collective.
One phenomena I experience are the prairie dogs. The ones that only pop their heads out at opportune times. I never see them during the good DMC times, but lo and behold if he screws up, its the inevitable "SEE SEE SEE I TOLD YOU HE'S GARBAGE".
Now- If I recognize that you also pop your head out in the good times, and can see both bad and good, I'll respect you. But if you just pop up to hate on the guy when its convenient, I have no respect. TO ME.....you're not a Kings fan. You're a fan of being right. You put your ego ahead of what's best for the team, and any counter or proof against your agenda is a slap in the face, even if its best for the team. You're not a Kings fan, you're an agenda fan, and your opinions are biased. I can't respect that or take it seriously.
Example (and oh boy I'll try to be careful here): politics. There is so much inflammatory garbage out there, and for good reason involving our president. That's fine. I get it. But to some, he could literally cure cancer on PPV and simultaneously save a burning kitten from a car fire, and some would question his motives, talk about his hair, and god knows what else. Because they are so against, him, to admit he did ANYTHING right would be a blow to their ego. Those aren't patriots, those are egotists.
On the other hand, he could burn a kitten and throw it into a car fire on PPV, while simultaneously GIVING 1000000 people a terminal illness intravenously, and some would applaud him for being direct and showing everyone who's boss and making kitties great again. Those people aren't patriots, they are egotists. And I cannot respect their opinions.
I apologize for invoking politics, and I really tried to keep in as even-keeled as possible, but its the best example I could think of to illustrate my points. I am not the arbiter of patriotism either, but that's how I view things in my brain.
And to be sure, what I said about DMC applies to the ones in his camp too. I am a huge cheerleader of his, but I have called into question his attitude, decision making, and constant harping on the refs. I said on air the other day that I would sit down with him if I were Vlade BEFORE the extension and ask him what steps he would take to eliminate (or at least minimize) the issues, and if his response was "that's just me", I'd have him on the next plane out of town. I have asked him repeatedly to his face why he won't stop bitching at the refs, and have asked him if he realizes how much it costs his team. I think he appreciates honestly and being direct. My point being- If you are blind to EITHER the good or bad, same rules apply in my mind.
Slim, I respect your opinions enough to write this book, and I get how sensitive the "real fan" talk is. Whether you agree with me or not, I hope that expands and at least explains my thought process. I can't determine levels of fandom, its undeterminable. But in my brain, I have my own process. And I think that's ok.
Again, I appreciate you listening, even if its mainly for Kayte
I found that there was two sides to almost every story, and for some reason Cousins was getting the worse of it. At that time I was painted as a drinker of the Kool Aid where Cousins was concerned. More recently though, when I criticized Cousins for failing to get back on defense because he arguing with ref's, I was called a Cousins hater by one person and another took umbrage with me for being so critical of Cousins. Well, because I'm critical doesn't mean I hate Cousins, or want him traded. Everything isn't either/or. But that seems to be the world today. You have to pick one side or the other. Which is nonsense!!!
As far as the question, would we be better without him, I don't know how you answer an abstract question. The only fact in that question would be that Cousins is gone. How? Did we trade him, and for who or what? Are we better in the immediate, or in the long term? If the question is a simple, would we be better right now if Cousins dropped dead, or disappeared into thin air, and we got nothing in return for him, the answer is hell no! If the question is would we be better if we traded Cousins for Lebron and Durant, the answer is yes. Any questions?
This quote is pointless. First if we did not have Cousins we would have traded for other players. Also the team practices with Cousins daily. I would love to see a season without him so the team could gel with someone else.
This year there have been several times our bench looked better than the starters. That included last night. We have some better players now and a better coach.
In previous years, all we had was Cousins. I don't think that is the case any more.
This year there have been several times our bench looked better than the starters. That included last night. We have some better players now and a better coach.
In previous years, all we had was Cousins. I don't think that is the case any more.
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I am not anti-Cuzz, but I am anti losing. As long as he is the best player on a very losing team, he will be criticized. Honestly, his antics could not change at all and I would be far less critical of him if we won at least %50 of our games. I am also not going to play the "it's everyone else's fault," game. When he has the ball in his hands as much as he does and takes as many shots as he does, he will bear much of the responsibility for the wins and losses.
Such a good post.
I wish I could Like it twice.
To me it is absurd that posters who were the most vocal Cousins supporters for YEARS, are now being viewed/accused as Anti-Cousins simply because we point out where he is still making significant mistakes and we may be getting sick of his crapty attitude, entitled behavior which costs his team many points a game and makes it so he is suspended multiple games, etc etc etc.
The addiction that society has with false equivalency, and the inability to see any nuance in positions is maddening.
Everything is so superficial, "are they with me or against me?" nowadays.....
I wish I could Like it twice.
To me it is absurd that posters who were the most vocal Cousins supporters for YEARS, are now being viewed/accused as Anti-Cousins simply because we point out where he is still making significant mistakes and we may be getting sick of his crapty attitude, entitled behavior which costs his team many points a game and makes it so he is suspended multiple games, etc etc etc.
The addiction that society has with false equivalency, and the inability to see any nuance in positions is maddening.
Everything is so superficial, "are they with me or against me?" nowadays.....
Do those members of the "Get rid of Cousins" brigade EVER ask themselves what might be his trigger points for the behavior they cannot seem to stand?
I am in no way making excuses here. Cousins should be handling his the situations MUCH better and he has gotten better but not good enough in that aspect of his make up. We are all different and should not be judging someone because they do not behave like we would. It's small minded.
To those blinded by the hate for him, this will sound like yet another excuse but judge him on the symptoms, look at the cause and try to fix that and the symptoms will take care of themselves.
I am in no way making excuses here. Cousins should be handling his the situations MUCH better and he has gotten better but not good enough in that aspect of his make up. We are all different and should not be judging someone because they do not behave like we would. It's small minded.
To those blinded by the hate for him, this will sound like yet another excuse but judge him on the symptoms, look at the cause and try to fix that and the symptoms will take care of themselves.
Every year people say Cousins would be great if only we had x, y, and z. There is always some problem getting in the way (Cousins does not count as a problem). This year we are about as close as we ever will be. We have a great coach. We have some motivated players and some talented players. Yet the wins and losses trend exactly the same. We are disappointed time and again with the personality of this team. A team that almost never wins the games they are supposed to but give us hope by beating the top teams in the league. When they aren't taking other teams seriously enough, Cousins is having personality issues and getting techs. They almost never play for four quarters. This has been going on indefinitely. I'm tired of it. I have been tired of it for two and a half seasons. It is not going to change. This is who the Kings are with Cousins.
I wouldn't trust this one...
It seems to indicate Kawhi is a much worse defender than Harden...
It seems to indicate Kawhi is a much worse defender than Harden...
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