What an Embarrassment

by Ziller on Apr 11, 2009 5:44 AM PDT in Recaps Comment 43 comments

I can't believe what I saw. A complete embarrassment. An absolute slap-in-the-face to thousands of good, hard-working folks everywhere. A horror show.

Clippers fans ... got a WAVE going ... in the second quarter.

I am as shocked as you are.

...

Despite the piss-poor performance by the Kings, there are no real individual scapegoats. No one completely dogged it. Bad decisions, bad shots ... sure. But no one really dogged it out there, save a few first-half minutes of Rashad McCants. Francisco Garcia got down early and pulled a Hawes, Spencer Hawes continued to rebound but basically gave up on defense once the margin grew to 30. Andres Nocioni's whistle complaints weren't too vociferous.

I think the greatest crime (besides that awful wave) was the possession to end the first quarter. If I'm remembering correctly, the Kings had 20 seconds to get the right shot. It ended with Nocioni passing it to Beno from the right corner to the right wing, and Beno having two ticks to get off a contested three. There was no ball movement, no attempt of creating a mismatch or advantage, no ... anything. It was awful.

How did the coaching staff respond? Randy Brown got off the bench and waved his arms in that motion that indicates the request for moving the ball and moving off the ball. Coach Brown seemed pretty perturbed. Kenny Natt? He did that exasperated look he does a dozen a times a game. Like he's personally affronted the team had such a bad possession. I would be too! But the team, of course, either didn't understand the reason for the exasperation, or it didn't care. Because the ball movement never got better. No one moved off the ball. Nothing happened.

All this business about playing to the level of the opponent, getting up for better teams ... it's really absurd. You suck because you can't beat anyone. You have a talent deficit. If you don't play your best you will lose against even the worst teams. The team renounced all its recent success by refusing to even try to mimic that. And everyone's at fault for that, even if no one explicitly dogged it.

This team needs a strong leader somewhere, whether on the bench or the floor. This crap can't happen next season.

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last night

was the first night I had to turn the game off before the first half was up. Although the season’s been horrible, that was hard to watch. But the more I watch Hawes and LT, the more I love them.

They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time it works, every time.

by what_the_crap on Apr 11, 2009 6:47 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I couldn't watch either

I really like Hawes and JT but not sure yet either one will ever be “great”. Maybe the team is demoralized because it looks like KM has given up on the season?

by newkings on Apr 11, 2009 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Given up?

He needs surgery. Should he be playing?

by Ziller on Apr 11, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think I said that wrong

I don’t think he should be playing. I just think that in the face of such a bad season it must be difficult for the others to keep playing with heart since KM is apparently out for the season. I am such a fan of Kevin and really hope he can be healthy next year.

by newkings on Apr 11, 2009 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I misunderstood your comment.

by Ziller on Apr 11, 2009 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Surgery?

Wha?

www.mancancook.net

by vfettke on Apr 11, 2009 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The bone spur he has might need to be removed

A bone spur is pretty much extra bone growth, and it can potentially end up being more damaging since it puts more weight on his already weak ankle.

by kingsfan300 on Apr 11, 2009 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A guy with chronic ankle concerns and a bone spur

why wouldn’t he have surgery now or next week? Bone spurs don’t go away they only get worse.

It may delay KM’s plans for the off season but he needs rest anyway. He can still lift and bulk as he rehabs his wheel.

Of course, my medical advice is worth what I was paid for it.

by betweentheeyes on Apr 11, 2009 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please tell me you're a doctor and giving a medical opinion

OR, you’re giving an example of something that happened to you personally.

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Apr 11, 2009 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No

but he did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night

Wait....Why is everybody clapping? Everyone around me is clapping.... I guess I should be clapping too... GO LAKERS!!! I hate living in So Cal

by 27freethrows on Apr 11, 2009 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Neither

But it doesn’t mean I didn’t do a little research before speaking about it. One example of what could happen potentially without surgically removing the bone spur: remember Doug Christie and the plantar fasciitis he had one year? He ended up having surgery the following year to remove some bone spurs that had formed; the bone spurs were putting pressure on his foot, resulting in plantar fasciitis.

by kingsfan300 on Apr 11, 2009 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll link to my sources next time if thats what you were expecting

by kingsfan300 on Apr 11, 2009 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trade trade trade

Yeah you will be seeing it happen next year unless some big changes are made.
No top 5 pick, not even Griffin, is going to single-handedly turn this horror ship around.
I know Martin is a great shooter, but he’s no leader/defender/passer/or finisher. And if he’s not by this point, he’s not going to be. I say shop him, along with Garcia, Beno (although I like him as a back-up), Thomas, pretty much everyone but Shock & Hawes.
And I’m not quite sure the fascination with Donte Green on this site. Has he done anything besides launch ill-advised threes to hint at possible upside? He’s a good three years away from even being NBA ready it appears. Should’ve stayed in NBDL longer—where he can play every night.
It’s not surprising the ugliness that happens when you have a team of bruised and battered scrubs who have completely given up on the season and each other.
Bring in some heart and some talent.

by VirginiaBlue on Apr 11, 2009 6:55 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I disagree with most of what you say

But you’re right that DG hasn’t done much to deserve the love that he gets from us, aside from the 40-point Summer League game and the seminal Donte Green Show.

We love him because we’ve seen brief flashes of talent and he seems genuinely excited to be an NBA player. But he has to completely transform his game this summer if he wants to contribute to this team’s improvement. His shot selection and defensive awareness are dastardly at this point.

He’s a rookie drafted late in the first round on a team without much of an identity offensively or defensively, so I understand if this is just an adjustment period before the game starts to slow down for him. That’s fine. But, as an inexperienced yet talented player, he needs to give more. He needs to hustle, play tough, and allow the coaches to help him learn from his mistakes. (I guarantee Kenny Natt, the guy who gives lectures about riding the bus to Fargo to play in a cornfield on 2 hours of sleep, isn’t telling Donte to just settle for the three anytime he finds the ball in his hands behind the arc). If you know you’re only going to play 15 minutes in some games and none in others, you better be absolutely killing yourself every minute you’re on the court. Donte’s not doing that yet, but I remain hopeful.

Ultimately, he’s a talented kid who seems to have the attitude, if not the discipline yet, to succeed.

by furious.d on Apr 11, 2009 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

well said furious.d

I particularly like

His shot selection and defensive awareness are dastardly at this point.

The kid has a lot of advice coming his way from coaches, teammates and friends. He ssems to be paying attention when interviewed but it is not translating on the court. He looks confused and trying to follow directions – trying to remember to do the right thing. Other times he says screw it – I am scorer and a 1-7 night results. I think he will be fine but my opinion is hopeful and without merit. Kevin Martin looked much the same his first year. But I agree, he looks closer to two years away than one year.

If Donte really works his butt 0ff during the summers – like Kevin Martin – then he will a player, otherwise he will reamin a hopeful disappointment.

by betweentheeyes on Apr 11, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Donte never was a sure thing

Some times people forget that Hawes came in as a talented center with skills and a low post game. JT came in as a 4 yr grad that was NBA ready. Donte came in as a 1 yr college prospect with size & potential, but not much experience and no defensive training. He never was projected as an immediate contributor.

JT improved because of what he was asked to do. Hussle, rebound and put back offensive rebounds. Not master advanced offensive skills and be a big offensive threat. And, he’s done well.

Spenser after a yr and a half, is just now using his low post skills. Skills he had coming in as a rookie. The defense is unexpected and the rebound is aver for a 7 footer.

Donte needs more offensive skills and better shooting skills as a 3 then JT or Spencer need to be successful at their positions. He’ll learn ok, but getting time to practice in a real game has been tough and could be tougher next yr. We might see some glimse of his potential by mid season next yr, but don’t expect him to challenge for starters minutes for another full year. Also, the offensive schemes we run now, don’t have him anywhere near the basket on offense, so his rebounding has suffered when he plays the 3. I look to see the next coach use his height & athleticism to help on the boards, something we desperately need.

"If you don't have anything good to say, LIE" - Mom

by HighTops on Apr 11, 2009 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

I'm fine with that

If he takes anything near the same learning curve that Kevin did, I’m good with that HT. (Which is probably impossible to ask. But, what the hey? I’m asking anyway.)

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Apr 11, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Donté is not a worry

He’s got a long ways to go, and I really hope he starts making some progress, but even if he doesn’t, he makes so little that he’s worth the risk.

His salary future:

$870,000 $930,700 $1,679,914 $2,503,071

The last one is the qualifying offer. He’s cheap, veteran minimum cheap for the next 3 seasons.

There is no reason not to give him a shot and I expect him to be a King for the next 3 seasons, unless he’s a sweetener in some trade for a better player.

Ball movement ... is like jogging for most people: They do it occasionally, and it makes them happy. Then they go back to not doing it. - Henry Abbott

by Kfan in Korea on Apr 11, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep--no argument here

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Apr 11, 2009 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's ok, buddy

Don’t take too much away from this loss. What do the Kings have to play for? No one is telling them to lose, but they know what is at stake.

The 3 things the Kings need to change:

1) Get Griffin (the Kings need a dominant PF again)
2) Sign a semi-decent head coach
3) Stay healthy

by Pollard4LIfe on Apr 11, 2009 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I look at this Kings team like an old Atlanta Hawks team. Tons of good prospects, but just needs their good PG to make them great. The Kings also need a good coach.

by CloudyEyes on Apr 11, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you said the same thing a year ago, I'd agree

…However, I don’t now. This team is young and has gotten rid of its past. Why trade away the foundation for the future? I think Garcia plays with tons of heart and would make a great 6th man on any team. Beno’s replacement is coming this next draft. Thomas has been shopped. He’s leaving after next season, so don’t worry.

As for DG – rookies don’t get minutes, nor make any real differences their rookie year, unless they’re a top pick. Look at Hawes and Martin’s rookie year. See what I mean? You shouldn’t bring out the jury on DG just yet, cause that’s really unfair.

by CloudyEyes on Apr 11, 2009 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shocked?

I wasn’t even surprised. They’ve played like this all year. It’s more of the same, and one step closer to a #1 pick that might get us somewhere some day. We’re going to be top 5 next year too.

by Carl on Apr 11, 2009 10:30 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Another embarrassment in a season full of them

Maybe I feel some overreaction because I didn’t watch the game, but isn’t this what this team has been doing all season?? Not an excuse, just a fact. Weren’t we down by 30 at home against Denver? Weren’t we getting killed in Phoenix by like 40 at some point? Hell, weren’t we down almost by 20 at home to a shorthanded GS a couple games ago? This is just an awful end to an awful season. With that being said I would not be surprised one bit if we come back and beat the Spurs at home on Sunday.

Are the players ready to go home and be done with this season? No doubt. Can I blame them?? I’m not sure. And please don’t start with the whole they get paid millions of dollars to do this. This was a horrible season, full of dissapointments, a coaching change, devastating losses, trades, the whole deal. Let’s call it the beggining and, hopefully, lowest point of the rebuilding process.

by eduardo_m7 on Apr 11, 2009 1:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Weren’t we getting killed in Phoenix by like 40 at some point?

It was a 50 point lead at one point. We lost that game by 48. You’re right that it’s just more of the same.

by Carl on Apr 11, 2009 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the reason this one felt so bad is was to that one team we associate with losing is the Clippers

and they pulled down our pants as the few games remaining could give us hope for next season.

by betweentheeyes on Apr 11, 2009 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

While I agree with how much it hurts

If you look at it from as an isolated game, we just got beat, killed, trashed. That doesn’t change the fact that our future seems brighter than the Clips. It’s not saying much, but the Kings have the pieces to get better in the future while the Clips don’t. I would rather lose now knowing that it will get better; and I truly believe it will.

by eduardo_m7 on Apr 11, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

As an NBA fan, I am disgusted with the Clippers most years, but this year in particular

Because you are right E7, the Clips have a dismal future. Last season, and certainly the season prior, that was not the case. This year the Clips have the talent to be playoff contenders. They have a decent starting 5, some exciting pieces in Horford and Gordon yet they stand next to last in wins this season for the entire league. Injuries account for some of it, though the Wizards can call themselves “most devastated”. The Warriors have had at least as many injuries, and the Spurs as well for that matter.

The Clips, with the talent they this year and the high pick they get this draft, will have more talent than the Kings. The future of the Clips is brighter than the Kings for next season, just not going forward. And, well, they are the Clippers, so they are synonomous for ineptitude.

by betweentheeyes on Apr 11, 2009 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Horford?

Do you mean Al THORNTON?

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Apr 11, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

crap

yes Thornton. my bad.

by betweentheeyes on Apr 11, 2009 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No you had a good statement

I just didn’t want somebody reading that and saying, isn’t Al Horford on the Hawks? Then the next step of thinking goes along with, if the guy can’t figure out what team these players are on, how much is his analysis is worth? Or something like that.

Evil Cowtown Inc: Screwin' Suckaz over since Nineteen Eighty-Five.....

No mistakes in the tango, darling. Not like life. Simple. That's what makes the tango so great. If you make a mistake, and get all tangled up, you just tango on.....

by pookeyguru on Apr 11, 2009 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

To validate your point a little more

Don’t forget the 44-48 million they are going to owe Baron Davis for the next 4 years of his contract, the 30-35 million for Crhis Kaman for the next 3, and the 27-30 million for Zach Randolph for 2 more years. Wow!!

by eduardo_m7 on Apr 11, 2009 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

There are so many embarrassing losses this year

It is difficult to classify this one as the most. It is simply the latest.

The hard truth is one that StR has repeated through out the year – this team is not very good and talent poor. Losing – that can’t look up, cold, wet, leave me alone feeling – is the very bad tasting medicine to finding more talent (via the draft).

The players can fight the pain of losing with lethargy, but it is not the professional response, just the human one.

And as I type this I look at Eduardo writing pretty much the same thing. Damn you E7, stole my thoughts and said them better.

by betweentheeyes on Apr 11, 2009 1:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Not sure about better, but the thought was in my head too

by eduardo_m7 on Apr 11, 2009 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The only good thing about the game was

watching Section’s and Kfan’s slide show of draft prospects on the game thread.

I thought this was going to be an entertaining game reminiscent of the last dubs game and it was an entertaining game if you’re a relative or fan of Brian Skinner another player (formerly one of ours) who we made look golden.

I want to see é make the most of his minutes every time he’s in the game like Ike Diogu did last night. Greené needs to understand how fast you can go from first round prospect with potential to a perceived bust fighting to stay in the league. Donté shot 4 -3 pointers last night making none. At least 2 were chucks with time on the clock. I don’t have any problem with Natt keeping him the bench if he’s going to continue to play with a consistent lack of discipline.

Which reminds me: live by the 3, die by the 3. The Kings have been relying on the 3 point shot to get us in and keep us in games from everybody but JT and last night we couldn’t buy one.

Beno played almost the whole game and played with energy and hustle until the end but most of his points came after the game was well out of hand overall guarding Baron Davis ok. His line for the game looks pretty good but he couldn’t provide any leadership when the team was desperate for some.

I had to add suckitude to my dictionary.

Worst game of the year from my perspective, not the lowest scoring, but when garbage time starts with minutes to go in the first quarter against the Clips you begin to appreciate just how far the Kings have to go.

"We are in the business of kicking butt and business is very, very good." - Charles Barkley

by Bluejohn on Apr 11, 2009 1:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm not shocked at all

I called the Kings tanking the game way before the game even started. That’s exactly what it was, too; a tank.

by CloudyEyes on Apr 11, 2009 1:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

As was stated in the game thread

Tanking is losing when you have the ability to win. I cannot fathom Spencer Hawes, Jason Thompson, Bobby Jackson, Andres Nocioni dogging it, playing purposefully poorly.

Oh and Coach Natt tanking is like asking Shaq to purposefully miss free throws.

by betweentheeyes on Apr 11, 2009 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs

+1

by propane on Apr 11, 2009 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

If you have any other reason why the Kings lost ahem were blown out and down by 30 to 40 points at virtually any point in the game, I’m all ears. There was no enthusiasm at all in this game. No defense, nothing. The usual complaining after fouls wasn’t even there.

by CloudyEyes on Apr 11, 2009 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs