When, in disgrace with Fortune and men's eyes,

I all alone beweep my outcast state… from Shakespeare’s Sonnet #29

Each NBA season begins on a level playing field with every team having the same number of wins and losses. With the mid-point of the season now officially past as all teams having 41 or less games left to play - two distinct paths become more evident on the slippery slope that determines where a team stands at seasons’ end.

Starting from the middle of the field, breaking out to the extremes is a grueling process. For those on the top of the mountain the schedule takes it tolls on the players and coaches – witness the phenomena that is Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics and the emotional exhaustion that brought them back to Earth just a few weeks ago, they have since regained their form.

Of course, as Sacramento Kings fans we turn our attentions from peak to valley. We marvel at our depths – has the team we love sunk so low? Yes, fellow fans, it has. We can, and have, sought answers and blame. There are just so many fingers to point.

I write this irrelevant note to remind my fellow fans of the mantra: no pain, no gain. One must lose now to eventually win. Like the Phoenix, to go down in flames only to rise again. But to strive to the basement depths takes determination, will and luck. The label of ultimate Loser will come with a fight.

As of this morning; 24 Jan 2009

Games against the other top 5 lottery opponents: (OKC, Washington, Sacramento, LA Clippers, Memphis, Golden State)

LA Clippers: 10 games  Memphis: 9 games  OKC: 8 games Golden State: 7 games  Washington: 6 games  SACRAMENTO:  10 games

 hold on to your toilet seats.

I will continue to repeat - lose every game for the remainder of the season - but compete! The difference between winning 20 games and 15 games means very little except worse lottery odds. I would rather the Kings have the chance for the 1-4 picks than the 5-8 picks, even if this is a poor draft class. But, wow, losing feels awful. Say it again: No pain, no gain. No pain, no gain. NO PAIN, NO GAIN…..