Rafter Riff, #21

by section214 on Mar 27, 2008 9:40 PM PDT in Old School

So far, Webb is in and Bibby and Peja are out. While that does not surprise me, the margin does. I did not envision a 90%+ vote for Webber. Once that took place I thought that the vote for Bibby and Peja might have been a little closer.

So that brings us to Vlade. I'll let this one roll on its own and then I'll toss in Petrie and Adelman tomorrow, follow that with Gerould and Peaches on Saturday and that will be a wrap. Thanks to everyone for voting and commenting. I really had no idea what the overall temperature would be in regards to these guys and the results have been quite enlightening and educational.

Poll below -

Poll

Retire Vlade Divac's Number?

Yes

92 votes

No

21 votes

113 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 19 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

I voted yes

While I think Webber's "numbers" deserve rafter entry, I think the team's performance, especially in their peak, deserves a ton of credit to the guy who made it possible. The Kings got more out of Vlade than they had the right to. They got 6 "great" years out of him. I've always thought the emotional connection to the Lakers was a bit overrated in a few ways. First, I still think the defining moment of the game 7 was when Vlade fouled out. The Kings never did recover from there. And while the Kings held on against the Mavs, despite not having Webber, and still should have won that series, the Kings didn't seem as capable of running their sets without Vlade Divac. While Peja and Chris got the all-star bids, Vlade was the all-star in making Adelman's system work. So, yes I would vote for Vlade to make the rafters.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Mar 27, 2008 9:49 PM PDT reply actions

This thread is pointless

It really is. Why would you ever need to ask any Sacramento Kings fan this question? You might as well post a poll asking the question, "Is Kobe Bryant good at basketball?"

Seriously though, Webber was the pure unadulterated talent on that team. He was our superstar. But, Vlade was the driving force behind everything. He was the heart and soul, plain and simple. He pulled everyone and everything together on that team.

My only question is this: why isn't his jersey retired already?

by vfettke on Mar 27, 2008 9:50 PM PDT reply actions

He works for the enemy

That's the only reason I can think of.

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Mar 27, 2008 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions

Are they really the enemy right now?

I hate the Lakers, don't get me wrong. But its hard for them to be the enemy when our team is so pitiful in comparison. They were kicking ass BEFORE they got Gasol, and we've just stunk it up. The Kings-Lakers rivalry ain't what it used to be.

Granted, I'm still waiting for Petrie to call up Vlade to have him train Spencer a little. I mean, they already have Kareem over there, do they really need TWO great bigs working for 'em. And while we're at it, maybe get C-Webb to help out Shelden? Something tells me the Ron-Ron school of basketball might not help him too much.

by vfettke on Mar 27, 2008 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions

RE: He works for the enemy

I loved Vlade when he was here. I totally agree that he was the glue that held us together. But I have a hard time envisioning anybody's jersey being retired at ARCO if they took less money to go to retire as a Laker.

by dreardon on Mar 28, 2008 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions

It wasn't less money

If I remember right, Petrie offered $1 million; Lakers offered $4M for 2 years.

by Tom Ziller on Mar 28, 2008 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions

I believe that's correct

I believe that's correct. The Kings definitely offered less money, which I thought was crappy. They should have let the guy retire a King.

by Carl on Mar 28, 2008 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions

Vlade had little to nothing left

It ended up a wise decision no matter how much it hurts your soul Carl. (It definitely hurts mine so I agree with you from a "theoretical" standpoint. What the hell I'm a sentimental jackass.)

I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Mar 29, 2008 1:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Yes, absolutely

This is absolutely right. Vlade was the glue, the big toe, an unofficial coach, big brother, player, humanitarian, restaurateur and Academy Award winning flopper. I love the guy and will do my best to be there when his number is retired.

by Carl on Mar 28, 2008 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Who voted no?!

How the hell could someone vote no? Why not just slap Jesus while you're at it?

by vfettke on Mar 27, 2008 10:12 PM PDT reply actions

Must have been someone

from the anti-tobacco lobby.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Mar 27, 2008 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Or

it could have been Shaq.

SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!

by section214 on Mar 27, 2008 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions

You'd think he'd vote yes

seeing as how one of his rings came from a Vlade tip to Horry

by vfettke on Mar 27, 2008 10:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Nah, it's Shaq

He used 2 accounts

by kingme on Mar 27, 2008 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions

I did

In Vlade's best season in Sac he put up B. Miller numbers. I don't think the "Who the #$$%* voted no?" question would be asked of someone voting "No" on B. Miller. I think the Vlade love is more about nostalgia for the Kings one winning era. Don't get me wrong, I think he is a great character; he deserves something. But not a retired jersey. Maybe a plaque at the Arco Bar, maybe a bronzed pack of Camels. (Wait...Is there an Arco Bar? I can't remember now.)

by NYCFan @ Sactown Royalty on Mar 28, 2008 8:25 AM PDT up reply actions

I guess that's true

If all that matters are a player's numbers...

Kenny Thomas - uniting Kings fans since 2006

by otis29 on Mar 28, 2008 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions

without a doubt

"Why not just slap Jesus while you're at it?"

one of the funniest sentences I've EVER read on this site. I literally just spit out my cran-grape juice and my multi-vitamin. Damn you, vfettke, those vitamins ain't cheap!!!!!!!

Vlade. Rafters. Hell fucking yes!!!!!!!!!!

by Kusian on Mar 28, 2008 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions