SB Nation User Blog: VenomySnicket

Cali View from Section 6

VenomySnicket — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:33:40 -0000

There I was, in hostile territory, proudly wearing my Turner jersey, surviving the heckling (never as bad as Oakland though,) waiting for my moment. 7-0. Standing up, motioning touchdown like I was the Ref. A few less than polite "sit down"s were directed my way.

Roddy White. 31 yd TD. I could sense it being a big day for that man.

via photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net

So unassuming.

9ers try and stage a mini-comeback. I'm taking a lot of heat now. I sit there in quiet while a particularly obnoxious fan keeps yelling "What now, dirty bird?"

And then, glory. 90 yds. Roddy White. The incendiary/explosive debate for Steve Smith? Well Roddy is both. Touchdown. I calmly stand up, motion TD, and then proceed to do the dirty bird. Right in that fans face. He starts turning red. 9ers red, not Falcons red. (Not much of a difference I decided).

Pick. Strip. Dre Bly is an idiot. Turner, touchdown. Fan gets more of the dirty bird. Turner TD again! I didn't even do it this time, instead announcing that I was tired because the Falcons were scoring too much.

Fans were leaving at half-time. One guy thought it would be prudent to say "How many super bowls do your Falcons have? That's right, shut the -- up." I just laughed. Said "Scoreboard" and looked away.

The stadium was silent by the time the 4th started. I felt like if I celebrated anymore, it would be like stepping on a puppy. I sat quietly, did a golf clap for Ryan's rushing TD, and left about the time when they started kneeling.

On my way out, I heard a 5 or 6 year old kid Frank Gore say to his dad "I thought this was going to be fun."

45-10. Go Birds.

Andrew Sims | Ricky Rubio

VenomySnicket — Fri, 22 May 2009 21:56:18 -0000

KWOD 106.5

Where is it? I don't know, I don't know.

Explain?

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In other news.

Concerning Mr. Ricky Rubio to the Grizz/OKC/Us/Wiz and his agent, Dan Fegan.

Here is the deal. Pau didn't like the way the Grizzlies were ran, Juan Carlos Navarro hated playing for them, and Marc hasn't really publicly said anything, but all the Spaniards talk. I honestly don't know why Memphis/Portland gets them all anyway, but it doesn't really make sense to go there from Rubio's standpoint. His countrymen hated it, he will have competition for minutes, and Memphis is the 48th largest media market in the US (out of 289 ranked). Adversely, Sac is 16th, with no other local pro sports competition. OK City is 36th.

It is a no-brainer as far as Fegan is concerned. If the Clips were to ship out BDiddy, then that is his first choice. That team is loaded with talent. Clay for Rubio to mold in the 2nd largest media market (behind NY). Sac is right after LA in terms of desirability not only because of market size, but also because our fan-base would endear itself to Rubio. He would have a team that would grow with him, and possibly be a contender after a few years. He would have free will to do pretty much whatever he wanted on the court, as well as some players that would really benefit from his presence.

This is all a moot point if the Clips are playing jungle ball and plan on taking Rubio, but if not then the Kings have to be considered candidates if they are willing to make a move.

In any event (Griffin or Rubio) Clippers would either:
A: Have to move Baron, which i am not sure they are ready to do yet, even though he has proven that he can't mesh with the coach. Not to mention, that contract is hard to move. I could see the Mavs biting, in there ever-changing desperation, or even the Rockets, they might not want to let Aaron Brooks drive until he can see over the steering wheel.

B: Have to move Z-Bo, which they are MORE than willing to do, and even though the task seems daunting, there are a few teams that I think would be ready to take him. He's a 20-10 guy, lets not forget that. The Pacers would certainly take a look at him, filling a hole at the 4 while also taking the opportunity to pack Tinsleys bags, possibly re-uniting the Dunleavy's as well. Maybe Milwaukee would consider it, shipping out Jefferson and Ridnour for Randolph, moving Charlie to the 3 and possibly making some room to re-sign Sessions.

Being that the second scenario has essentially been promised (might be a curveball though) by Clips execs, that puts Sacto in prime position. Memphis would certainly ask for the 4, cash considerations, and either a player, the 23rd (we should try to keep this), or a conditional future pick. This would put them in the position they would like to be in, drafting a player they need without paying too high of a price.

If Memphis decides to go Thabeet, then OKC will be looking to trade down. This is where the Kings could suffer. The Wizards like Rubio just as much as we do, and they can offer a package that is much more enticing to the Thunder. The 5 pick, which could potentially turn into Harden or Hill, Nick Young, and Brendan Haywood or Blatche/Songaila for the 3 and a guy like Malik Rose or Nenad Krstic.

Even with all this conjecture, it all depends on what Petrie decides is best for the team. I think it is a no-brainer from our perspective as well. You do what you can to get him within a decent amount of explainable reason.

Wiz fans have resigned themselves to the fact that they would have to ship out Young to get Rubio, but they are willing to do that. They gave up on that kid quick. Even so, I'd rule the Wizards as the most unlikely team to come out on top in Rubio sweepstakes. If Clippers take Griffin, the Kings need to shoot up to 2 and take Rubio. If the Clips take Rubio, you trade down with a team like the Pacers or Warriors and get Lawson and another young player.

Ideally, if the Clips do what they are supposed to do and take Griffin, we will be in a decent position to move up and get the guy we want. Worst case, we end up with Jennings, Holliday, Lawson, Evans, or Teague. I prefer Lawson of the bunch, but I think that its a toss up for any of them when we are talking about who is going to be the better player. Evans and Jennings both potentially could be better than Rubio, Lawson as it is is probably better right off the bat, but with him you pretty much know what you are going to get. I don't know enough about Holliday or Teague to get excited about them at this point.

An Ode to JR Smith From A Kings Fan

VenomySnicket — Sat, 16 May 2009 22:30:26 -0000

Preface: I am a Kings fan.

Hi Nuggs fans. I am a Kings fan, and I adapted a song to express my frustrations with JR Smith.

Think Jolene by Dolly Parton

JR, JR, JR, JAY-ARRREEE
Im begging please, don't shoot from 3 pt land
JR, JR, JR, JAY-ARRREEE
Please dont shoot it just because you can
Shooting like you're in a dare
three fingers always in the air
I wanna hit you with my car
Your snarl represents my pain
You get the ball and let it rain
And I cannot compete with you, JR

I talk about you in my sleep
Theres nothing I can do to keep
From crying when you thow it down, JR

And I usually slap myself
when your Coach gets you off the shelf
You don't know what a bad shot is, JR

JR, JR, JR, JAY-ARRREEE
Im begging please, don't shoot from 3 pt land
JR, JR, JR, JAY-ARRREEE
Please dont shoot it just because you can

You could have your choice of shot
but you take the same one like you forgot
please stop shooting 20 3's, JR

I had to have this talk with you
My happiness depends on you
And whatever you decide to do, JR

JR, JR, JR, JAY-ARRREEE
Im begging please, don't shoot from 3 pt land
JR, JR, JR, JAY-ARRREEE
Please dont shoot it just because you can
JR, Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay-ARRRRRRRRRRRRRGH GODDA*%&

Anyway, I amused myself at least. I actually think the Nuggets are one of the most entertaining teams to watch and they remind me of the 2002 Kings. Eeerily in fact.

Think about it.

Vlade was a player who had been on successful teams in the past but never really found a fanbase that endeared itself to him. How about Chauncey?

Cwebb was a lottery pick with high expectations, but never really won anything (albeit he was traded a few times). How about 'Melo?

Doug Christie was an embattled veteran, who some people thought of as a cheap player or even a thug in some instances, (not us, that dude was hella nice). How about Kmart?

Peja was a foreign player who took a while to reach his potential. NeNe? Anyone?

Kleiza = Turkoglu

JR Smith = Bobby J (JR > Bobby J)

Birdman = Pollard

Anthony Carter = Mateen

I'm not saying our team was better, they do parralel quite nicely though. We only had one shot due to Webbs injury, and it was blown partially by league favoritism and partially by missed free throws. (Moreso the refs though).

Anyway, here's to hoping the Nuggets can just run through the Fakers when the WCF starts. Beware of the officials though.

PS: I think this Nuggs team might be better then my Kings of lore.

The Soul Crusher

VenomySnicket — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 06:01:16 -0000

You know that one play? That play that sucks all the excitement out of the building? Or that one play that just puts the crowd into a frenzy? That play that absolutely stabs the other team in the heart?

This is kind of what I am referring to as a soul crusher. BUT, today, its less of a spectacular play and more of WHO actually does the spectacular play.

The kind of play by a certain player that makes you as a fan feel as there is no more hope in the world.

My first example: Your team, down 15 to the Cavs starts a little run to bring it within 5. Then after the ball is inbound, Lebron takes it and goes coast-to-coast for the and-1 tomahawk. now your team is down 8 again, and you are about to cry.

Another example. Your team is down 6 to the Hornets. Your guys are executing the offense flawlessly for easy layup after easy layup. Then the ball comes down the floor to Peja, who just pulls up for three regardless of the defense. Swish. Fine, your team comes down and runs another beautiful play. This time, the Hornets find West posting up. The double comes, he kicks out to Peja. Three. Your team is down 8 now. After another beautiful play opn offense leading to another two, CP3 is dribbling around like a maniac. Your guys are playing pretty good defense. Shot clock, 4, 3, 2, kick out to Peja and from 28 feet. Bottoms. A little piece of your heart dies with that last three. Your team is playing beautifully butnow they are down 9.

See what I mean? It could be anybody, but when its that one guy it makes it even more painful. Like you knew it was going to happen. Inevitable. But when it does, you would rather watch somebody run over fresh roadkill.

A few more examples.
Dwight Howard block, leading to a fast break, with Dwight as trailer. Then he raises up and dunks on everyone who ever lived in that city.

Paul Pierce. defended well. Iso dribble. pulls up. money. next possesion. same thing. next posession, he takes your dude to the rim. money. time out, game over.

Kevin Martin. Iso on the wing. Waits for his defender to blink, then all of the sudden he takes a foul, rises up from nowhere, and with one hand, puts it in the basket. From 19 feet. Like its nothing. Like you are nothing.

Jason kidd. Strips your point guard. throws an impossible pass to anybody, nobody, dunk. Then, he steals the inbound pass. Again, no look pass. Coach just stares. You turn off your TV.

Kobe.

Gilbert Arenas. Dribbles down. Pulls up from 26. Net. Jaws al the way back down the court. Steals a pass. Instead of going in for the easy layup, he pulls up from 30. zeroed in. you just got shot in the heart.

ANy other ideas?

Thoughts on Rotation: Who Should Play?

VenomySnicket — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:43:44 -0000

Now, even though this is after a pretty big win (both for my psyche and the teams,) just remember my emotions are entirely in check. I thought this would be a proper time to discuss the rotation for the rest of the year.

My theory:

Jason needs to start. Sorry Mikki, but these two point, one rebound games are less than inspiring. Sure Mikki, maybe you get Shelden minutes. Keep him at 15-20 a game because at times, you just need a veteran in there. It is also nice to have his hustle and energy. But Jason has double what Mikki has. And frankly, I don't cringe when he goes in the post.

Greene needs minutes as well. I don't know where they come from, but maybe use him as THE primary John Salmons backup, and Cisco as the primary Kevin backup as well as him spelling Beno here and there.

So, here we go.

C- Miller, 25-30 on any given night. Hawes, 25-30 on any given night. Mikki maybe gets a few minutes here when we go small. NO SHELDEN.
PF- Thompson, 25-30 oagn, Hawes 5-10 alongside Miller, again, Mikki 5-10. NO KT and NO SHELDEN. Maybe Donte against the Warriors. but HEY
SF- Salmons, 30-40 minutes oagn, Donte gets 10-20 depending on how he plays, Cisco, 5-10 alongside Kevin
SG- Kevin, 35 at least depending on his defense, so 35-40, which leaves Cisco at about 10-15 here.
PG- Beno, 30-40 oagn, again either Brown or Jackson 10-15, and Cisco alongside Kevin and Salmons or Kevin and Donte for about 5-10.

I know the minutes don't mathematically work out correctly, which is why I arranged this so loosely.

Thoughts? BTW this plan gives Cisco about 25 minutes a game minimum, so I think that is just about right.

Fandemonium

VenomySnicket — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:15:22 -0000

Clever name? Check. A few players, tons of fans? Check. Fun? Oh it seems we left that behind.

I went expecting to hear some people (namely Theus and the Maloofs) speak. Reggie did for like two seconds. I went to see some player interaction with the fans. I talked to Kevin, Cisco, Spencer, and Bobby brown. The actual events were alright, I would have liked to have seen the team do something like a dunk contest or something along those lines. They did do a three point contest, and they chose some fans who looked like they never touched a basketball before in their life.

Anyway, it was free, but it didn't rise to my not so ridiculous expectations.