One Fan Wants Geoff Petrie to Choose a Coach Free of Empty Threats From Other Fans And/Or Billionaire Playboys

Dear Editor,

Re: "One fan wants seasoned coach for Kings," Jan. 11, 2009.

My kitten is outspoken about many subjects, and the Kings are near the top of the list, slightly behind spaghetti and Hannah Storm's wardrobe.

She measures everything Kings against the St. Jean-Jim Thomas-Reynolds years and is definitive about one aspect of this year's team: If Geoff Petrie receives empty threats from fans of interference from the team's owners in selecting the permanent coach, my kitten is walking away from the team and devoting her fandom exclusively to the Thunder.

From sports talk shows to message boards, I get the sense that there are a lot of fans who share her sentiment. There's no question that the Kings have become worse since the Maloofs began choosing coaches.

The general populace wants Petrie to captain the ship after going from Rick Adelman to Eric Musselman to Theus to Natt. A fever chart of victories during the past few seasons looks like it should be hanging from the bed of a dying patient on "House." In this warped analogy, Petrie plays House, looks at the chart, takes out the patient's (that'd be the Kings) spleen and all is better.

It was about a year-and-a-half ago that I said give Theus a chance. Unfortunately, now I'm convinced that his hire was a monumental mistake, and it will be difficult to forgive the Maloofs for tampering with such a holy process.

Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie needs to hire an experienced coach with the ability to mold a young team – and integrate a few free agents in key spots. The Maloofs should allow Petrie almost 100% free reign in hiring the new coach and making the free agent moves. If not, I know at least one fan the Kings will lose.

Best regards,

Th. Ziller

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In case the point didn't come across (blame a seafood/football hangover), no one should be threatening their fandom on the basis of a prospective coach's years of experience. Earth to Sacramento, Sacramento come in, this is Earth: Petrie's not an idiot, Petrie did not pick Theus, Natt has not done a bad job given the circumstances, and this team has more than 40 games -- four months! -- before a coaching search. Breathe, baby. Breathe.