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.