SB Nation User Blog: 27freethrows

It's been a while...

27freethrows — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 01:31:36 -0000

...I know its been a while since I've posted. Pretty much since the season ended. While I still read the site every day, I wasn't going to post until after the Finals. I needed to detox. And then this story broke, so much for that idea.

(I have TONS of thoughts on so many posts, which I will respond to over the next bottle of wine...I mean few hours. First, I want to get to some of my thoughts).

After I got past the above initial reaction, I felt something that I did not expect; vindication. I always felt that we got cheated in that game. It wasn't just bad calls, it was something bigger. As my seemingly infinite rants have shown, I hate Laker fans. I often hate Laker fans more than the Lakers themselves. Moving to SoCal will do that to a person. Today was a little different though. The Game 6 argument is over. Several Laker fans actually approached me today with an apologetic tone. They always knew it too, but now they cant avoid it.

People down here had previously admitted that Game 6 consisted of possibly the worst officiating the NBA had ever seen. Now there is a reason. Greed. I dont think the NBA cared who eventually won the series, they just wanted the extra $ a game 7 would bring. No matter how either team played, the Kings were not going to win that game. The fix was in.

I actually thought this to myself hundreds of times, but wouldnt admit it could actually be true. Now I have zero doubt. None. Bill Simmons touched on the situation a little in his article today, and I think it deserves some attention:

I have decided to ignore Tim Donaghy's "accusations" about chicanery with NBA officiating for the same reason I argued we should have ignored Matt Walsh during SpyGate -- if someone's a complete scumbag, then anything he says should be taken with the caveat that a complete scumbag is saying it. Besides, we didn't need Donaghy to tell us something horribly unsettling happened with the officiating for Game 6 of the 2002 Kings-Lakers series. We all watched it and I have written about it at least 10 different times -- along with Game 7 of the Sonics-Suns series in '93, LJ's Four-Point Play in '99 and the Hubert Davis Game, it was one of the four fishiest NBA games since I graduated college. Actually, "fishiest" isn't a strong enough word. The credibility of the sport was briefly compromised.

I will differ with Bill, and many of you here (including the great section214) on one point. Donaghy is a perfect source for this. information Who better to talk about a fixed game, than a referee from the same sport that has admitted to gambling on, and fixing several games. He is the Jose Canseco of the subject. Dirtbag, hell yes. But also the person that I would listen to in this situation. The man really has nothing to gain from these allegations. The situation reminds me of McNamee. When the Clemens story broke, he held many details back, and actually lied to make Clemens seem less guilty. Then Clemens went after him, and McNamee let the truth come out. Why would Donaghy bring this up during his gambling allegations? Now that the NBA is going after him for $1 million, the gloves are off. I for one, am listening.

Another interesting note I dug up online today.

NBA referee Bob Delaney, one of three referees to work Game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference finals, told Bob Ley in an interview for ESPN's "Outside The Lines First Report" that he has never been contacted by NBA or federal investigators concerning allegations by former referee Tim Donaghy that two referees in that game intended to assure that series went seven games.

Wouldn't at least talking to the referees from Game 6 be an important part of investigating the situation? David Stern and the NBA want nothing more than for this story to go away. They dont want to get to the bottom of anything, they just want it to go away. Hell, can you imagine in they could prove that the game was fixed? What then? The past cannot be changed, so they just want to pretend it never happened.

This really is a situation that cannot be fixed. There are only losers here; the Kings were robbed of a championship, and Kings fans had their hearts ripped out. Hell, I would argue even the Lakers have been hurt by this. Sure, they got to 3-peat, but a dishonest win just doesnt feel as good. Plus, if this has happened once, I am sure it has happened other times. The Suns getting screwed last year also comes to mind. This really hurts every NBA fan, the honesty of the game is at stake.

All of that said, will I still watch the games? You better believe it. Sports are a part of my life, and the Kings (and yes, fellow Kings fans) are part of "sport family". Things may not be perfect, and bad things happen, but we stick together. Like I have told seemingly hundreds of people before, "I would rather be a Kings fan and lose, then a Laker fan and win."

Oh yah, the entire 4th quarter of the game can be seen on YouTube, it is broken down over several segments. Some of you sadists out there might want to give it a try. It's not easy.

Lastly, I've missed talking with all you guys (girls too). Hell, I even missed coolcat. Something is wrong with me.

Will Beno re-sign?

27freethrows — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:52:03 -0000

This is from the Yahoo Fantasy Sports news page, but is references the Bee. I for one really hope he re-signs.

Mar 26 Udrih, questionable with back spasms Wednesday versus Memphis, recently said he isn't sure whether he will sign with Sacramento beyond this season, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Recommendation: "We'll see," said Udrih, who signed a one-year contract with the Kings in 2007-08. "It's too early to say ... I have seriously no clue. The season is still going, so we'll talk about it later." The fourth-year point guard will be a hot commodity on the free agent market this summer. He wants to know his future before July 7, so he can play for the Slovenian national squad. Teams can begin negotiating with free agents July 1.

A divisive subject at StR

27freethrows — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 06:46:12 -0000

Anyone that reads Sactown Royatly on a semi-often basis has surely noticed a recent split among the commons; basically the "pro" and "anti" Artest camps.

I will begin my diary with the following discalimer. I truly believe we all want nothing but whats best for the Kings; whether it be short term or long term, we all want to see our team succeed.

That being said, there is a clear line in the sand. Those that like Ron and all the talents he brings to the table, and those that belive his minuses outwy his plusses. Anyone that belive he has no talent or no flaws are simply going to be ignored here. Welcome to the real world of blogging (wow, next I'll defend Wikipediea's accuracy).

Ron Artest can f*cking play. Period. And he plays both ways. And he plays hard. If you dont like that, you dont like Kings basketball. However, Ron loves Ron. In his own mind he should go for 40 and 15 every night. Here's the thing, I think he could too. However, for him to get that kind of production, he has to look for himself first, second and third. The rest of the team would truly become a second thought.

On the flip side, this team is weak defensively without him. You cant argue with that fact, you just cant. Look at his +/- numbers. While his help defense isnt stellar, his one-on-one defense is. His intensity and tenacity bring a lot to the floor every night.

Since the "we should/shouldnt have traded him at the deadline" argument has been beaten to death, I wont go there. Also, no matter what the most recent quote or interview says, we have no way of knowing if Artest will be with the team next year.

All of this being said, lets get past the personal bickering around him. It's sad that on a site built to bring Kings fans together, we have resorted to attacking eachother personally based on our opinion of one individual player. I am not saying we should not debate his, or any other players, place in our future. Butlets not make our opinions on him a subject of hatred. Its sad to see the sixth post of an open game thread attack the opinions of others (that hadnt said a thing) instead of discusing the game in any way.

We are all Kings fan first, right? Plus, our next game is against the Lakers, so lets start to band together.

Sonic fans bring me clarity

27freethrows — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 06:22:09 -0000

I have purposely avoided all things Kings since the loss to the Heat. The lack of effort killed me. Learning that much of it was due to partying too much the night before made it even worse. I didnt watch the Kings-Hawks game by choice. That is the first game I have missed all year that I was available to watch. I did not follow online either. I just read the game thread this morning, snd I am glad I did not watch.

I hated last years team more than any team in the last 15 years, becuase they never looked like they cared. I loved the team early this year mostly becuase of its balls-to-the-wall effort. And thats the thing, I care. I dont get paid to play, I pay $179 to watch on league pass.

Bill Simmons currently has a mailbag dedicated to Sonic fans, allowing them to vent their frustration with the new owners. While the idea of their team abandoming them is depressing, the passion in their words ended up being very uplifting. I read the entire article, which took me well over an hour, because it is over 15,000 words long. I highly recommend the read, but dont print it (paper comes from trees!).

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/080228&sportCat=nba

Any way, I am not sure if this diary even has a point, but I had some feelings I wanted to get out, and I already feel bad for my wife having to listen to my never ending Kings rants.

This off season, I look forward to not even trying to re-sign Artest, and building for the future. I sure wish we had gotten an extra draft pick or something for him at the deadline, because some young, excited kids playing their hearts out will be refreshing. I dont think Ron doesnt play hard, quite the contrary actually. I do however think that his blackhole-idness (my diary, my words) brings everyone else down. Even coolcat now wants to start this kids instead of Artest. Good thing he didnt get traded.

Sorry to be such a downer, I just love this team, and think if we as fans deserve anything, its effort.

Some how, a drunken Nash-Dirk combo makes me feel better.

Artest's thought on being a King

27freethrows — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 03:33:44 -0000

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3259681

Hhhmmmm... which way do I want to take this? Part of me thinks he is just giving a non-answer because he doesnt want to talk about it. ANother part of me thinks he KNOWS he wont be a Kings next year. And probably the smartest part of me just thinks Ron is crazy.

Poll

Will Ron Artest be a King next year?

Help a brotha out!

27freethrows — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 18:27:55 -0000

Hey everyone, this isnt Kings related persay, but it is StR related, and I need your help.

Could somebody explain how to do a few things in the diary entries and posts?

How to make statements in bold and italics?

How do I quote somebody in those nifty shaded boxes?

How can I created a clickable hyperlink?

And importantly, how can I include an image in my post?

Thanks for everyone's help. Know how to do all of the above will lead to more interesting and understandable posts. Thanks.

Ka-razy trade rumor

27freethrows — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 23:53:18 -0000

This is a little off topic, but it could open the door for new Bibby or Artest to the heat talks. Either way, this cant be based in any truth, can it?

The Miami Heat have told Shaquille O'Neal and his representation that they should be prepared for him to be traded in the near future.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that Phoenix has discussed sending forward Shawn Marion and point guard Marcus Banks to the Heat in return for O'Neal. Shaq's representatives said they have been made aware that discussions with Phoenix are serious and ongoing, but that a deal was not definite. Marion can opt out of his contract worth $17.1 million at the end of the season. And if he opts out, the Heat would then have substantial salary cap space this offseason, when potential free agents include Gilbert Arenas, Baron Davis, Elton Brand, Marion, Antawn Jamison, Ron Artest and Corey Maggette. Stay tuned.

Poll

What are your thoughts on this trade

TNT - Kenny is right?!?

27freethrows — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 06:54:35 -0000

Ok, hate all you want, but TNT has the best pre, halftime, & post game crew in all of sports. Tonight, Kenny Smith said that the Kings are the biggest sleeper team in basketball, I agree.

And guess what. Instead of being proud, I had a feeling, of...well duh. This team could beat the bottom 5 (of the 8 playoff teams) teams in a best of 7 series (plus the other 2 teams above the Kings). Ok, maybe not for sure, but I would give them more than a fighters chance. I only fear the Spurs, Suns and Mav's. Besides that, who would you bet to beat the Kings in 7?

Poll

Who would you take against the Kings in a best of 7?

Live from Los Angeles...

27freethrows — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:15:15 -0000

(27freethrows was lucky enough [snort] to attend the Kings-Clippers game last night. These are his observations. -- TZ)

Last night was the first of four trips to LA for the Kings, so of course I was there. I was able to score 4th row tickets directly behind the Kings bench, and wanted to watch how everyone interacted with coach Theus. (I tried to post this last night, but the weather made my phone "unable to connect to edge") Here are my thoughts on the game, written down section214 style.

Pre-game

Wow, there is nobody here. About 1.5 hours before tip, and there are maybe 10 fans in the whole building. It is pouring rain outside, so I am assuming that has something to do with it.

Everyone looks pretty good tonight, a lot of bounce in their step, so I am hoping the momentum from Tuesday would carry over.

A little side note; Beno does not talk to anyone on the team. Everyone is kind of joking around during warm-ups, but nobody talks to Beno. I don't know what it is, but I knew it was for real when my wife asked "Who is that little guy that nobody talks to?"

First Quarter

Did I say that there was nobody here, because the stands are maybe, MAYBE, 25% full for tip-off. I hope Kings attendance never dips this low. Amazingly, the King's fans are out in full force. At the current attendance level, nearly a quarter of the fans are wearing some sort of Kings gear.

Energy level seems pretty low at the start, hopefully they'll get it going soon. Lots of jump shots, not a lot of penetration (never a good thing). Kaman needs to be doubled off the boards. I don't have the stats in front of me, but I think he has single handedly out rebounded the Kings. Can we put a body on the guy? After he hit that jump shot to end the quarter, he looked like a guy winning a prize at the fair. Hilarious how excited he was to make that.

Second Quarter

Attendance is a joke. I would guess a max attendance of six or sever thousand people. This place is not even close to being half full. I think the horribly slow pace of the first quarter has to be related to the empty stadium. It must feel like a practice game.

Wow, 9:30 left in the quarter, coming out of a time out, and Bibby is absolutely giving it to one of the assistant coaches. I don't know if you could see it on the telecast, but he is absolutely yelling at one of the assistant coaches. Theus actually had to walk over and tell Mike the shut up and get ready for the game. I don't know what happened, but I can't remember seeing a player yell at a coach like that during a game.

A pretty lazy first half so far. Just a ton of jump shots and turnovers in the lane. I never realized how bad Mikki's hands are; the man simply cannot catch the ball in traffic. My wife won't stop calling him "Mikey-no-thumbs" (she gets to drink at the games, I have to drive). By the way, when did Martin forget how to make a basket? He looks horrible.

The Kings have outplayed the Clips for two quarters, but still trail by one at the half. This looks like a game neither teams cares to win.

Halftime

The Clippers Spirit are nothing more than strippers in the tiniest outfits in the NBA. I am ok with that.

The lack of a crowd is actually kind of weird. I just bought a beer and food during halftime, without waiting in a line. At all. Just walked up and ordered what I wanted. Local little league games have a bigger crowd than this.

Third Quarter

Wow, the Kings look slow so far. I think Theus just took a time out so he could yell at Ron for a few minutes. I can't blame him though, Ron is showing zero effort on defense. I thought this guy was supposed to be one of the best defenders in the NBA? I guess he's only good when he wants to be. That being said, `Cisco does not look fun to play against. He is ALWAYS in his man's face. In a close game late, I definitely want him on the floor.

Maybe yelling at Ron isn't the best idea, because it leads to several minutes of The Ron Artest Black-hole Show. Bibby and Miller both look annoyed. Martin looks invisible.

An interesting side note. During time outs, Artest does not sit with the team. For the second, TO in a row, and he just walks to the end of the bench and sits down. He doesn't even pretend to listen to Theus. I am expecting he won't get much playing time late, because his attitude does not go unnoticed.

Fourth Quarter

I'm still here, but apparently the Kings effort couldn't make it. This is the definition of an ugly game. A few technicals, and there could have easily been a few more. This game has been pretty chippy the whole way through. I look forward to a lot of minutes from the youngsters in garbage time.

Spencer Hawes talks a lot of sh*t. I absolutely love that about him. On TV he comes across like a quiet kid with low self-esteem, but at the game he looks like a loud angry kid with low self-esteem. I instantly like him a lot more. We need to start giving the kid more minutes, because he doesn't lack effort, and I trust Petrie's ability to judge talent. Man he swears like a sailor.

In Conclusion

I want to rip the team and talk about how bad everyone looked, but it was one of those games where NOTHING would fall. When Martin is missing around the hoop, Miller is missing free throws, and Artest goes in to his Kobe impression, we aren't going to win games. Maybe the second night of a back-to-back has taken its toll. Of course, allowing Kaman to get 20 points and 21 boards is embarrassing.

The team seems to play with a chip on its shoulder, but it's toward everyone, not just the other team. There is clearly a group of guys that get along well, and some "outsiders" to the group. Bibby looks like he thinks he's better than everyone else, Ron looks like he doesn't care what everyone else thinks, Beno looks like an outcast (I cant figure out why, he actually likes to pass) and Brad looks like the peacekeeper trying to make everyone get along. Team chemistry might be a bigger problem then we know.

Lastly, I was pretty disappointed in Theus tonight. He needs to control the group a little better, and work on his substitutions. Beno did not get enough minutes, nor with the right group.

All in all, a bad game. Hopefully this won't carry over any more than the Nets game did.

And so it begins

27freethrows — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 06:15:46 -0000

Ok, you all know the scene in Old School when Vince Vaughn interrupts Luke Wilson's drunken wedding toast. He ends his 'save' with, "Not a talker...not a talker".

That is how I will begin my first diary.

Not a writer... not a writer.

Ok, I am ready to put some thoughts on paper. Ok, on a blog. I cant decide if that is more, or less respectable. TZ, since I love all of your work, I will go with more.

This may read like an 8th grader with ADD, so good luck to us all.

Tonight sucked, but really, it was one game. Even had the Kings come out with Bibby playing defense, Artest not jacking-up ill advised shots, and the Kings winning, we all would have had the 'lucky first game together" feeling in our stomachs. There is no way Theus could have created team chemistry before these guys even played a meaningful game together. The real question is, how possible is it that these players will ever have chemistry. My answer, not very. For us to finish rebuilding, we must finish moving on from the past,

Mike Bibby is a King and will always be a King. The same way Webber, Divac, Christie and Bobby-J will always be Kings. I will argue that Webber signing with the Lakers this year (please don't) wouldn't affect him being an all-time King. That being said, it is time to move on. Mike does not fit this team, nor Theus' system. Our current roster is filled with young, hungry players that are willing to lay it all on the line, even if they are down 20 at the time. Admit it, tonight may have been this year's worst loss points wise, but it wasnt our worst performance. The difference is that in previous games, the team showed effort until the final buzzer, where tonight we all gave up (I use all because us fans are included) before the fourth quarter even began. While it is not ONLY Bibby's fault, he does have a very contagious negative attitude. Several STR posters have talked about Miller's rekindled passion (including myself), but I think Bibby's prior leadership plays a big role in team moral.

Ron Artest is a hog. He plays basketball whole-heartily every night. I truly believe that he would happily be the 3rd best player on a team if he knew they would win. The problem; he does not think being the third best player on THIS team would help us to win. Thus, the poorly timed, off balance, low percentage shots. He really is just trying to win. There are few teams that wouldn't improve by having him. I still don't know why the Mav's, Warriors or Magic haven't made a move toward acquiring him. If any of those teams landed Artest, they would be instant contenders. Moving him is a good idea, but keeping him for the year and possibly landing a sign-and-trade wouldn't be bad too. Worst case, he leaves after this season and we get nothing. At least that guarantees us not getting stuck with another K9(woof!) on the books. (Last point on Artest. Doest his never ending energy and effort remind you of 'Cisco? Give Garcia another year or two to learn control, and he'll be our teams passion.

Kevin Martin needs to sack up. I am sorry, but I cannot think of a better way to put it. he is the future of this team, but his tendency to disappear and allow other players to overshadow him has to end. It's okay to piss off your teammates from time to time. Ask Jordan.

As for our future, I am optimistic. Just 3 months ago, I was not. I think Muss' failure gave Petrie the strength he needed to stand up to the Maloofs. While we have not made the turn toward being contenders yet, I see the playoffs in our future. If we keep drafting young stars (Martin, Garcia and hopefully Hawes) things bode well for the Kings.

Good night, good luck, go Kings.