My work has been busy but I read STR daily here in Oregon (I want to thank everyone for keeping me posted on the happenings in Sactown and also thanks to PK for reminding me that Seattle is the only place it rains more than it does here in Eugene) Though I havent contributed in quite a while it is the playoffs, so this morning I jotted down some of my thoughts to share with the Royalty.

I have enjoyed watching the playoffs this season.  I too have counted the number of former Kings players on playoff rosters and cheered for them both individually and in the Rockets case rooting for both Ron Artest and Rick Adelman.  I long for Hedo out on the wing, seeing Bibby drain a clutch three, whooping it up when Ron-Ron muscles the opposing team’s best player into a turnover, and yes…. Cringing when Brad Miller gets rim-checked and falls to the floor then frowns when no foul is called.  Apparently that is another set of rules the referees refer to along with the’ “Jordan Rules”, “Shaq Rules”, (see Scot Pollard), “Kobe Rules” and for Brad the “Rim Rules.”

I have always felt that Chris Webber was to blame for a quick demise of a really good team.  The salary he demanded and the Maloofs so generously provided handcuffed Petrie to the point that managing  the roster financially was doomed.

I have my opinions that I have shared openly regarding Adelman and how much I feel he should have never been let go.  He just finds a way to win (sans his tenure in Oakland).

There was pattern (an obvious one) that was all too familiar this last season and if I had the time it would be interesting to peruse thru the season ending statistics and see what the points per game average was for opposing point guards against the Kings.  Which brings me to Kevin Martin.

When the Kings had their run and basketball was fun for me.  I think the turning point was the acquisition of Doug Christie.  Christie was mostly given the responsibility of guarding the opposing team’s best guard – be it their shooting guard or point.  Thus taking the pressure off the Kings point. (JWill or Bibby)  He wasn’t asked to score but would also double as primary ball handler on offense when needed and contributed with a fair amount of assists.  Shooting guard is a place you can “hide” a player with this defensive responsibility.  Bowen though listed as a small forward has done this in San Antonio for years.  I have to add that though they weren’t the stellar defensive stoppers in the paint, it was no doubt nice for King’s guards having Webber and Divac behind them. But with Kevin Martin as the Kings shooting guard this cannot be done… and to me…that is just fine.  Martin contributes offensively off the charts and hopefully will be considered for the All Star team next season.  Which now brings me to the draft.

With Martin’s defensive shortcomings understood, will Rubio be able to fill the role on defense of guarding Chris Paul, Devin Harris, Derrick Rose, Mo Peterson, Tony Parker, etc, etc?  Or will the team have to rely on Jason Thompson and Spencer Hawes to man the middle?

I am ready for the Kings to be relevant again.  We as fans have paid our dues (again) and deserve for things to turn around. The #1 pick, a new coach, new arena on the horizon (hopefully), an young nucleus with brimming potential and Geoff Petrie…besides it could be worse…..we could have been born Laker Fans and had to root for Kobe.

Note:  Vlade why couldnt you have tipped the ball out another 6 1/2 ' to the left?......Why?

(Yes Otis….I did mention my fondness for Adelman again and I promise I will only mention him 43 more times before he retires)

(TZ-Section: I was torn as to whether this was a Fanpost or a Fanshot.  I Googled both and found that one was a 4" piece of PVC pipe with a bracket for an electric fan and the other was a photo of the dude Ron-Ron popped in the stands in Detroit ....so I went with the PVC pipe.)

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving.  We traveled down from Oregon to spend the holiday with family and while we were in the area a group of us decided to attend the Kings game at Arco versus Dallas.  There were eight of us in all. My son and I were pretty hyped, as this was only the second Kings game at Arco we have been able to attend since moving to Oregon 15 years ago.  We have made the trip to Portland numerous times to see the Kings play but tickets at the Rose Garden are harder to come by the last few years (thanks Kevin Pritchard).

We all met at Center Court for a late lunch.  I was impressed.  We sat at the Larry Bird table and watched the Oregon Ducks demolish Oregon State while eating.  We took some photos, my son and I had a couple photos taken while standing in front of the photo of   C-Webb and J-Will .  Nobody was sitting at the Kobe Bryant table.

We arrived early to the game, and went down to the court for my son-Joey to get some autographs.  Shock came over and signed, as did Cisco.  The program for that game featured Jason on the cover.  He signed right below his photo, Cisco signed over to the side.  Before I knew it my son was standing in line over where the Mavericks were warming up.  I stayed watching Speed Racer get some shots in while noticing just how rusty he really looked.  When my son returned he told me that Mark Cuban signed an autograph for him.  I checked it out to see if it was legible only to see he signed right on Jason Thompson’s face…..typical Cuban.

I spent the next 35 minutes before game time hanging out like a stalker at the top level entrance to Section 214.  I waited and waited but never saw Section come in.  Now bear in mind, the only references I had in my mind were: 1) From Kings.com when I voted for Section to go and represent the Kings at the NBA draft and 2) His profile photo which must have been decades ago.  So in all honesty he may have walked right by me and I wouldn’t  have know.  I thought about hold up a sign….like people do at the airport with “Section 214” on it or with my name “Ridnour8” but decided against it.

The game as you know was terrible.  But most of my group stayed until the final buzzer.  I was worried half way through the third quarter if the Kings would outscore the Oregon Ducks football team final point total of 65 versus the Beavers and was relieved when they did.

The Arena is my estimation was ½ to ¾ full at most.  It was sad.  I know the product isn’t that good right now, but it wasn’t back in the OP, L-Train, Mitch, The Wizard days either.  I remember the record for the longest road-losing streak.  But the team still sold out and it was loud (at least on the radio it was loud).  Saturday night the crowd only got really loud when they were giving out prizes during the timeouts and halftime.  That really, really bothered me.

The experience was not good from a basketball play point of view but being with family at a Kings game was great.  Scott negotiated great seats, Wes bought a Hawes-some shirt, Rick won a Karaoke box for singing poorly.  My stepdad called with Duck-Beaver Scores throughout the game.

There were several moments in the game that will stick in my memory.  Beno not following the play after a turnover.  Mikki had a foul called when he was hooked which led to a technical – Mikki's protest did not bother me, it was the fact that Reggie did not come out and defend his player.  Adleman was not a vocal coach but he picked his spots and always defended his players to the officials.  Energy was low, the third quarter spark from Cisco off the bench was really the only energy I felt from the team.

Sorry this wasn’t laid out as well as some of the entries when you guys attend games, but it was the best I could come up with.  Until next time.  Who knows maybe the next time I get to come to Sac to attend a game Kevin Johnson will have done what he needs to do to get the new Arena in place.

They wanted a Game 7?

ESPN reports in Game 6, the Lakers made 34-of-40 free throws to 18-of-25 for the Kings. In the fourth quarter alone, Los Angeles hit 21-of-27 from the line while Sacramento made 7-of-9.  It doesnt surprise me that the game was fixed. I think its time we proclaim the Sacramento Kings - 2002 NBA Champions.  The New Jersey Net would not have been a problem. 

ESPN is reporting that Yao Ming may have a stress fracture in his foot that will lead to season ending surgery.  Looks like that proverbial snake has bit Adleman again.  If this would have happened a week ago maybe a Miller for Brooks and more trade might have developed.  Webber's and Peja's injuries. Getting over the hump in Portland 1990, 1991, 1992. Knee high leather boots may be in order.

As some of you may or may not have known over the years I have been Pro - Mike Bibby. The make up of the Kings has changed and the strengths he has as a player without the supporting cast around him as before has made his weaknesses on this team a front and center item. Regardless of what MB10 has been the last few years, I am grateful for the contribution he made to Kings climb to success we have had unfortunately it did not include a Championship (Thanks for nothing Robert Horry, Game 7 Refs, the weak tendons in CDubbs knee, etc).  But it was still so much better though than the years of Jerry Reynolds, L-Train, Tissy Flip, Mitch for Three, Never Nervous Pervus, Joe (de)Klein, etc Days.  I will forever remember, "The Shot" against LA.

Good Luck Mike to you and your family.  

Its now official nobody is left from the, "Good Times", now its time make it happen all over again!  Heres to the Future.  The New Sacramento Kings!(*Note-I had my youtube up before TZ had his up)

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Pie in the sky....it works with the cap for all three teams, but give your opinion how it would/could effect all teams involved and feasibility for each. Why would or wouldnt each team consider this.
Pros and Cons.

Sacramento Kings

Incoming Players
 David Lee
Salary: $990,600  Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 9.2  REB: 7.7  AST: 0.8  PER: 17.78

 Malik Rose
Salary: $7,101,250  Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 1.5  REB: 1.0  AST: 0.1  PER: -8.15

 Luke Ridnour
Salary: $6,500,000  Years Remaining: 3
PTS: 3.0  REB: 1.0  AST: 2.8  PER: 7.45

 Johan Petro
Salary: $1,077,120  Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 3.1  REB: 3.6  AST: 0.3  PER: 7.64

 Fred Jones
Salary: $3,300,000  Years Remaining: 1
PTS: 6.6  REB: 2.3  AST: 1.8  PER: 12.59

 Kurt Thomas
Salary: $8,091,188  Years Remaining: 1
PTS: 6.1  REB: 9.5  AST: 1.5  PER: 14.11

Outgoing Players: Kenny Thomas, Mike Bibby, Ron Artest

New York Knicks

Incoming Players
 Kenny Thomas
Salary: $7,875,000  Years Remaining: 3
PTS: 1.9  REB: 3.4  AST: 0.8  PER: 3.76

 Ron Artest
Salary: $7,400,000  Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 20.3  REB: 6.5  AST: 4.3  PER: 18.27

 Wally Szczerbiak
Salary: $12,275,000  Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 11.1  REB: 2.1  AST: 1.3  PER: 15.22

Outgoing Players: Quentin Richardson, David Lee, Malik Rose, Eddy Curry, Fred Jones, Nate Robinson

Seattle SuperSonics

Incoming Players
 Quentin Richardson
Salary: $8,105,500  Years Remaining: 3
PTS: 7.2  REB: 6.6  AST: 1.6  PER: 6.98

 Mike Bibby
Salary: $13,500,000  Years Remaining: 2

 Eddy Curry
Salary: $8,947,543  Years Remaining: 3
PTS: 15.2  REB: 5.5  AST: 0.6  PER: 15.85

 Nate Robinson
Salary: $1,268,160  Years Remaining: 2
PTS: 8.5  REB: 2.5  AST: 1.7  PER: 14.59

Obtained with a trade exception

Outgoing Players: Luke Ridnour, Johan Petro, Wally Szczerbiak, Kurt Thomas

ESPN.COM REPORTING:
If the Lakers are trying to get Kobe Bryant to change his mind about leaving, they're off to a good start.

The Los Angeles Times cited league sources on Monday saying that the Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves are in discussions that could bring Kevin Garnett to Los Angeles.

Trade discussions have involved the Lakers, Wolves, Pacers and possibly a fourth team. The report says that the Lakers would get Garnett, while the Pacers would land Los Angeles forward Lamar Odom and center Andrew Bynum. The Wolves would likely acquire a lottery pick and young players. Another team would also have to be involved to make the deal work financially.

Sources told ESPN and ESPN.com that the fourth team at this point is the Celtics, who would get Jermaine O'Neal from the Pacers

Looks like CWebb will be bought out of his contract today.  Luke Jackson signs a 10 day deal with the Clips. Ridnour demoted.  I hate the Lakers.  Miss Adleman.  Am looking forward to driving down from Oregon to see my one game this year at Arco against the Clippers around spring break.  I dont think KMart likes the new/old ball.  I think Bibby does like the new/old ball.  I dont think Kenny Thomas could make a basket with a volleyball. Muss' demeanor is starting to annoy me.  A constant pout and eating breathmints on the sidelines.  Grant and Jerry and starting to iritate me.  GMan atleast calls it like he sees it.  I need to find some antacid, some asprin, I hate Robert Horry.  (Deep breath) Ok I have to get back to my work today.

Sacramento Trade Breakdown
Outgoing
 Ron Artest
6-7 SF from St. John's
17.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.6 apg in 39.4 minutes
 Vitaly Potapenko
6-10 C from Wright State
2.5 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 0.3 apg in 10.6 minutes
Incoming
 David Lee
6-9 PF from Florida
5.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 0.6 apg in 16.8 minutes
 Malik Rose
6-7 PF from Drexel
4.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 0.9 apg in 15.6 minutes
 Channing Frye
6-11 C from Arizona
12.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 0.8 apg in 24.2 minutes
Change in team outlook: +1.9 ppg, +6.9 rpg, and -1.6 apg.

Zeke probably wouldnt go for this but VP's salary would come off the books and Ron Ron would fit right in there......and the Kings would gain length down low. Happy New Year everyone. Russ

Taken from the live chat on ESPN.com

Joel (Camarillo, CA): What's up with my Kings? Is it just the injuries? There seems to be no chemistry at all and far too much reliance on the jump shot. What do we need to do and who has to step up to turn this slide around?

 Bill Walton: (1:38 PM ET ) The Kings find themselves once again at a serious crossroads, which leads me to believe that they will do everything possible to land Allen Iverson. But the problems that Ron Artest brings whenever he goes are now front and center with Sacramento. It's overshadowing one of the brightest stories of this young NBA season, Kevin Martin. Basketball is a young man's game, and Brad Miller is not the all-star level player he once was. While Eric Musselman should be lauded for his emphasis commitment to defense, this league is heading in a different direction (see the Phoenix Suns). Mike Bibby, still an outstanding player, Kenny Thomas, undersized but plays with passion, Shareef Abdul-Raheem, quality team leader. Most of the Western Conference has leapfrogged above the Kings. This is not a team that I see making a dramatic turnaround and somehow finding a way to play on a consistent basis with Phoenix, San Antonio, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Utah, and the Lakers as the powers in the West.

 Bill Walton: (1:40 PM ET ) When Sacramento made the bold move of trading Chris Webber, it was the signal of a new era. That era was bolstered temporarily by the addition of Ron Artest, but it's still a team in a rebuilding/restructuring mode. Fortunately, they have Jeff Petrie, fortunately, they have the Maloofs, and fortunately, they have some of the most fervent, loyal, and supportive fans in the entire NBA. At the end of the day, you still need at least one of the league's best players. Sacramento's roster is still in flux.

Took Bill 2 paragraphs to explain what I can say in one sentence....

We just arent a very good basketball team right now.

NOTE All spelling errors are courtesy of Big Bill.

  I dont know what to do next, a player blaming his team mates, a coach blaming his players, a point guard with his feelings hurt and now the Warriors beating the Kings twice in a row....Come back MB10 where are you?

      There once was a King named Bibby.
      Whose shot once made me feel giddy.
        Then he injured his wrist.
      Where he could not make a fist.
 And now our wins must be measured by Libby.

Pie in the sky here.....I dont really want to blow up the team but...........

Sacramento Trade Breakdown
Outgoing
 Mike Bibby
6-2 PG from Arizona
21.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 5.4 apg in 38.6 minutes

 Ron Artest
6-7 SF from St. John's
17.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.6 apg in 39.4 minutes

 Corliss Williamson
6-7 SF from Arkansas
3.4 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.4 apg in 9.9 minutes

 Vitaly Potapenko
6-10 C from Wright State
2.5 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 0.3 apg in 10.6 minutes

Incoming
 Allen Iverson
6-0 PG from Georgetown
33.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 7.4 apg in 43.0 minutes

 Samuel Dalembert
6-11 C from Seton Hall
7.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 0.4 apg in 26.7 minutes

 Andre Iguodala
6-6 SG from Arizona
12.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 3.1 apg in 37.6 minutes
Change in team outlook: +8.0 ppg, +5.6 rpg, and +1.2 apg.

I know we would be giving up some expiring contracts...But I am getting a feeling of desperation here....

I am so bummed with this season so far.  I wonder sometimes if I confuse how good I WANT this to be with WHAT this team really is.  I sit here at my desk at work looking at my desktop pic.  It is the SI cover of the Kings starting 5.(February 2001.) "The Greatest Show on Court".  I yearn for that team, so much excitement, less drama, a great time to be a Kings fan (sans the Laker).  Some of the glaring differences between the team of the early 2000's and now is obviously depth and that one "True Superstar" (CDub).  I dont think GP has become less of a basketball guru.  In fact he has done well with who he was allowed to sign. But look at these numbers borrowed from USA Today:

 Sacramento Kings  

Year Median Salary Total Payroll
2005-06  $ 5,000,000  $ 60,527,850    
2004-05  $ 3,150,000  $ 60,633,211    
2003-04  $ 3,287,500  $ 69,567,889    
2002-03  $ 4,048,000  $ 70,416,596    
2001-02  $ 3,680,000  $ 54,763,038  

Hoopshype has this years salary at $63,214,190 with three power forwards making 18 million combined.
The Annual total has decreased while the median has increased. (Bibby, Miller and PF postion X3)

If the Maloofs are really serious about a winner and setting the table for acceptance of an Arena deal they might think about opening up the checkbook, establish a winning team, lure quality players willing to play for less, and bring back that loving feeling.  

Kevin Martin's success this season is a surprise to some but not to Geoff Petrie. Add Kevin to the list of 1st round draft steals he has made over the years as GM of the Kings. S.Racer, Peja, JWill, Hedo, GW., and The Big Nasty (not really a steal after his college career but a good pick). OSJ aka TAW was probably the only bust but remember he was an athlete and did have injury problems. Nobody wanted to take a chance on JWill, nobody heard of Peja and Hedo. Gerald Wallace and Kmart-small college syndrome. Cisco's rank is yet to be determined. Like you said TZ In Petrie We Trust.

Judging by the names that are bouncing around regarding the head coach vacancy of the Sacramento Kings I am still very uncomfortable.

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Marcos hit the nail on the head today.

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"We want a defensive minded coach."

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Update [2006-5-9 18:45:3 by ridnour8]: Rumor is Jerry Reynolds is his replacement....(I was being facetious)

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[editor's note, by TZ] From the diaries. An intriguing question, no doubt. -TZ

Hes a free agent and didnt really have a banner year in Memphis...

What do you all think about BJAX coming back next year?  If the price is right would he be a good fit with this team?

TZ, I hope you dont mind....

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From the 2002 WCF-The Horryble Shot to Webbs 3 on the 3 vs Minny to drafting Pervis to this...

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[editor's note, by TZ] From the diaries. God bless ridnour8. This is the perfect tact to take today. It's too soon for renewed hope and zest. Tomorrow, we'll break out the vim and vigor. Today? Muted humility. -TZ

We had a family meeting last night, something important to discuss....

When all of my family was together I warned them of the pending ridicule stemming from Saturdays game against the Spurs.  My three kids, in college, high school and middle school needed to be prepared.  I instructed them that arguing, whining about officials calls, etc would not work after a game like this.  I told them to memorize the follow and to present it in a robotic monotone:

I DONT THINK WE AS A TEAM COULD HAVE PLAYED WORSE THAN WE DID.  WE WILL NEED TO MAKE SOME ADJUSTMENTS.  IT WAS ONLY ONE GAME AND THAT IS WHY THE PLAYOFFS ARE BASED ON A SEVEN GAME SERIES, ITS THE TEAM THAT WINS FOUR GAMES FIRST, NOT ONE GAME.

Hopefully it will work for them, I have used it once and it pretty much shut the conversation down.  I cant wait for Tuesday afternoon, or can I? I dont know.  GO KINGS.

I recently got back with my family from a trip to Southern California.  My son and I wore our Kings gear amongst all the LA Faker Fans proudly but thats another story. (one of the Disneyland employees in ToonTown telling us "no need to use the safety bar for you guys you are just Kings fans" Funny note from same employee, he said he was giving some flack to a kid standing in line about wearing a Bibby jersey over the NBA All Star game weekend and the kid said hey my uncle plays for the Kings...the employee looked further up the line and there he was MB10.

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Leave the TV off, dont listen to ESPN radio, avoid all the Kings haters at work.....

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