Indications we’re receiving are that Sacramento appears to be leaning towards drafting Jonny Flynn, even in the scenario that Oklahoma City decides to pass on Ricky Rubio. The wildcard here are the team owners, the Maloofs, who are extremely high on the Spanish point guard and could decide to assert their own will and make the front office pick Rubio.
9 months ago
Ziller
133 comments
0 recs |
Email
PrintComments
Haha, classic
Maloofs after Artest: Okay, this time we’re not going to meddle.
Maloofs after Musselman: Okay, this time we’re not going to meddle.
Maloofs after Theus: Okay, this time we’re not going to meddle.
Maloofs after Rubio…
by nbrans on Jun 24, 2009 4:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This makes it tough for me
It’s the one time I really hope the Maloofs meddle but… their meddling hasn’t done us much good. Maybe they’ll finally be right?
I think they need to assure Petrie that if he selects Rubio they know and understand that it’ll take him a few years to develop and might win a few less games then they would with Flynn. If they sucked it up and said “we want the potential superstar at the risk of a few more bad seasons while he puts it together”
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don't feel much ambiguity about this
I just want Petrie making the pick. If that’s Rubio, Viva el Rubio, whatever my personal opinion. If it’s not Rubio I hope the Smothers Brothers would do well enough to let the grownups do their job.
by nbrans on Jun 24, 2009 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Rubio's going to OKC
On a side note, everyone loves Sam Presti and calls him a genius.
Aren’t the thunder bad and won’t the still be bad for another few years? come on
by KingsForLife on Jun 24, 2009 4:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
They aren't so much bad as they are young an inexperienced
The youngest player of their core is 22 years old. Durant will be a superstar, Green’s an excellent PF, and Westbrook is a complete stud. They aren’t good now, but they will be
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Doubts about Green and Westbrook for me
That does leave them a Superstar though, a young one
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Jun 24, 2009 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont like the Maloofs meddling in Petire's decisions....
…but I am deeply in the Rubio camp. So I am torn on what should happen here. I still know what I want to have happen.
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 Jun 24, 2009 4:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
They gotta get right at least once right?
After the massive failures that were Muss, Artest, and Theus I’m pretty sure they’re owed a superstar… at least on a karmic level.
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They do...
own a casino. I don’t know that karma is going to step in on this one.
by Zach H from Talk H on Jun 24, 2009 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tomorrow is going to be EPIC. It’ll be interesting to see what other bits of information drop through to the media in the next 24 hours, in particular with what the Sam Amick has to write for tomorrow’s paper.
by Kevin Conroy on Jun 24, 2009 4:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Maloofs "assert their will?"
You can’t spell “assert” without A-S-S.
Just write the checks, enjoy your front-row seats, and stay the fark out of GP’s way. He’s a basketball man, you people are trust-fund kids.
Rocks are free, and slingshots easily stolen.
by andy sims on Jun 24, 2009 4:20 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
And quit grabbing the mike in the middle of home games
To vent your excitement and talk trash about the opponent, angering their All-World, HOF-bound, 6’8" Point-Forward-Center superstar.
by ttylerbballcamper on Jun 24, 2009 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How much do the scouting staff's contracts weigh in on this?
Think they may want to take more of a sure thing to protect their jobs? Or do they really want Flynn over Rubio? The latter seems kind of doubtful because Rubio is a total Petrie player.
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 4:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
We have to expect different predisctions
This is just how Petrie works. The Kings organization has been VERY tight regarding potential deals and draft picks. Most come out of nowhere, not sure why this would be any different. Does anyone here not have that very small feeling that Petrie will pick someone completely unexpected at #4? Not that he will, but we all have that little nervousness that he’ll go his own way with this.
Oh, and Presti is VERY respsected. And I’ll take OKC’s roster right now for the Kings’ roster. They are well on their way to being a playoff-caliber team.
by PurplePurple on Jun 24, 2009 4:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Hot Tip!
Nobody knows what the hell is going on in the Sacramento front office, news at 11!
Everyone is just guessing until their faces melt because it seems the Kings decision makers have successfully confused everyone to the breaking point with mixed messages.
Whether this was intentional, or the deliberate Petrie has suddenly lost his mind (hmmm, i wonder which one it probably is?), nobody knows what the Kings are doing.
by Cyg on Jun 24, 2009 4:29 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd
The Bee says Evans, Draft Express says Flynn. Everyone seems to agree that the Kings have no interest in Rubio.
Bottom line – no one knows anything.
by Carl on Jun 24, 2009 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bottom line
no one thinks we’re taking Rubio. Meanwhile, Rubio’s already signed an endorsement deal with MetroPCS. Kevin is pissed
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is he whole point
(Aside from the Metro PCS deal) No one is saying the Kings are taking Rubio. Petrie never goes with what people predict. That gives me hope
by eduardo_m7 on Jun 24, 2009 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is great
Nobody knowing anything means we can’t be bullied by smokescreens. Great job everyone.
WordUpThome: THE HEY-DAY OF RONALD REAGAN-O-NOMICS IS A FINE TIME FOR BIRTH, NUMA NUMA DANCE STAR JOBA CHAMBERLAIN WAS ALSO BORN IN 1985
by Gallagher's Watermelons on Jun 25, 2009 2:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was there ever a time
when the media actually predicted Geoff Petrie’s pick??
by eduardo_m7 on Jun 24, 2009 4:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I guessed the Spencer Hawes pick
of course it wasn’t hard for me and I’m not the media.
"Greed is the inventor of injustice as well as the current enforcer." - Julian Casablancas
by submison on Jun 24, 2009 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My point is
that everyone is predicting the Kings will pick everyone but Rubio, namely Flynn or Evans. But if they have never predicted the pick right in the past what makes us think they are getting it right this time?
by eduardo_m7 on Jun 24, 2009 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I applaud the Brothers Maloofs.
I think Rubio is the pick if he’s there at #4. I think all of this is smoke screen. Rubio came into town and it was like Elvis entered the building. If Petrie (which I don’t buy) isn’t ready to take advantage of the publicity, the Maloofs are. I still believe that Rubio is the best available player. I think Petrie thinks he is. I think Jerry Reynolds thinks he is. I think tomorrow will be a crazy circus and at the end of the day, Rubio will be a King.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
by jjham15 on Jun 24, 2009 4:32 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Please
at the end of the day, Rubio will be a King.
Just please
by eduardo_m7 on Jun 24, 2009 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
If you're right i could kiss you
but don’t worry, I won’t
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Silliness
The Maloofs have every right to push for Rubio. Flynn isn’t going to put any butts in the seats. Selling tickets and generating buzz is paramount for this team at this time.
Thing is, I’m sure Petrie understands the business side of this draft pick as well as anyone. If he feels Flynn is vastly superior to Rubio, that’s who he’s gonna take – and he will push the Maloofs in that direction. If not, then he can be swayed to pick Rubio.
This is how real businesses work – when hugely important decisions are made, owners expect to have some input into the process. Expecting the Maloofs to sit in their casino and STFU is asinine.
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
by otis29 on Jun 24, 2009 4:33 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree Otis.
It’s one thing to lose the lottery but a whole other thing to get the guy that the masses want and pass on him.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
by jjham15 on Jun 24, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its Petrie's make or beak year, it is his decision, not the masses
by theinsider on Jun 24, 2009 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, its the Kings pick.
You’re right, it is a make or break year for GP but do to the fact that this might be his last season, I see this pick as more of a consensus pick with Levien, Cooper, Joe, Gavin, Sterling etc having a voice. Petrie will be the last call, his legacy is on the line but the fact is who ever is drafted will probably be a King longer than Geoff Petrie.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
by jjham15 on Jun 24, 2009 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Petrie's a consensus guy
in the sense that he takes it all in, respects all the voices. But it’s Petrie’s pick, and he will not beak.
Lower their expectations and rise to met them
by left hand on Jun 24, 2009 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ron Artest, Eric Musselman.......
That ain’t bending left hand, that is breaking.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
by jjham15 on Jun 24, 2009 6:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I may not have been clear
My apologies.
I’m not opposed to taking Rubio at #4, but I’ll be damned if I’d support trading up to get him if it involves JT or Spence. Greene is far more expendable, but I still don’t think you make Memphis’ life easier by taking them off the hook in dealing with Rubio. If they don’t think they can sign him, let them pass. If they really want Evans, let them take him at #2, or trade down with someone else.
Rocks are free, and slingshots easily stolen.
by andy sims on Jun 24, 2009 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No apology necessary
I wasn’t railing on you necessarily. And I should clarify – I am not at all opposed to Petrie selecting Flynn with the #4 pick (although I wonder if there is an opportunity to trade down – I’m thinking we could probably still get him at 7-10). But if Flynn/Rubio/Evans are close in Petrie’s opinion, I think grabbing Rubio is smart business. And if the Maloofs push him in that direction, I don’t see a problem with it.
Andy, I do agree with everything you posted here – provided we are talking about JT or Spence plus the #4. I’d be marginal on one of those guys plus the #23, but would probably support it if it were the #31. And if it were Donté and the #23 or #31, full steam ahead.
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
by otis29 on Jun 24, 2009 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or if it was #2+ for #4+
For example, Marc Gasol AND Ricky Rubio could be very interesting. I don’t know if that discussion has ever taken place. But I am quite sure no one on the Kings staff has had a serious conversation about moving #4+JT for only the #2. Honestly, I just don’t think the Kings have an urgency about moving up. I think they genuinely like enough guys to be comfortable at the #4 spot unless there is a really favorable trade.
Lower their expectations and rise to met them
by left hand on Jun 24, 2009 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've said it a couple times
bringing in Rubio is smart for the business side of things. Knowing how much money can be made because of Rubio will actually make Petrie’s job a lot easier because he’ll have much more financial security for the team he runs. So at the deadline he won’t have to make salary cap trades or sell picks or anything like that.
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let me get this straight...
So bringing in a player the generates excitement, and in turn generates revenue through more ticket and jersey sales, would mean the team has more money (and willingness) to spend on other players?
Would having a much-hyped pass-first point guard also help in convince other stars to come to Sacramento?
We have to take Rubio if he is on the board. The Kings need good players. The organization needs star power.
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 Jun 24, 2009 5:54 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I've said this a couple of times
But no one is paying to watch a flashy player on a bad team.
Nothing is going to put butts in the seat like W’s. The front office needs to focus on finding the best player. If that player is Rubio, great. If it’s not Rubio, supposed marketability is the worst possible reason to draft someone.
by nbrans on Jun 24, 2009 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wrong. I paid to watch white chocolate
Jes’ sayin’
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 Jun 24, 2009 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Kings aren't THAT bad
with no point, an incompetent coach, an extremely unlucky record in close games, and a young core still learning how to play the game…there’s plenty of room for hope, with a competent point. I can easily see the Kings winning 30-35 games next year, and to boot being a fairly exciting team to watch. Don’t think that’s much of a stretch.
by coachtheus on Jun 24, 2009 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
The team was good
The 98-99 Kings team was 17-22 on April 15 and they got national media attention anyway. They got good, but they weren’t good for 75% of the first season.
Jes sayin’
by Carl on Jun 24, 2009 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good to know those things
Only fans from back then would know that and it helps put some perspective into this situation.
by eduardo_m7 on Jun 24, 2009 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
17-22 was a vast improvement on the previous season
I don’t doubt that some people came because they were new JWill fans. But the overall excitement about that team was because they were good and played an exciting style that yes, JWill was a part of, but it had as much or more to do with CWebb and Divac.
by nbrans on Jun 24, 2009 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
17-22 isn't good
Just going 17-22 doesn’t get you national attention, no matter what your previous record was. It takes a reason for the national media to pay attention. Some flashy plays on SportsCenter goes A LONG WAY
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 Jun 24, 2009 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good is relative
Relative to years of suckage, an exciting 17-22 and gunning for the #8 seed was AWESOME.
I was there. It was awesome. I was excited.
by nbrans on Jun 24, 2009 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
To fans (like myself) that had dealt with years of cellar-dwelling, 17-22 is awesome! To the national media, not so much. That team has serious flash, and thats what got people are werent King’s fans attention.
We can argue until we are blue in the face, but it wont get us anywhere. Agree to disagree.
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 Jun 24, 2009 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually agree with you
I get what you’re saying now. Yeah, to get national attention you have to have some flash, not just improve some. That makes sense (even if I think credit goes more to CWebb than JWill).
by nbrans on Jun 24, 2009 6:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But if JWill weren't there
and the Kings still played at the same level… would that media attention be there?
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 6:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
It’s a tough hypothetical, but I think so. Maybe not as quickly as when JWill was there.
If the Kings had, say, Paul Pierce (who they could have drafted) instead of JWill, for instance, someone less exciting but still helping the team get better, I still think the excitement would have been there. CWebb and Divac would have still set the tone, and Pierce would have been the young up and comer.
by nbrans on Jun 24, 2009 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But Pierce wasn't making elbow passes in the rookie/soph game
or doing that little hop/pass fake thing and draining a three in Mike Bibby’s face.
His most notable achievement until he won the ring was being stabbed and coming back to play like a week or two later
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 6:35 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
But the Kings might have actually beaten the Jazz in that playoff series
It’s all hypothetical, but the fact is, the hype didn’t really get going until the Bibby trade and the big playoff series.
The flash was a relatively small part of the overall run. It was there, but it was more important that the team went from doormat to contenders.
by nbrans on Jun 24, 2009 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not really disagreeing with anything you've said
But I think anytime one tries to quantify the “J-Will flash” in any way, you need to first watch a couple of Youtube mixes to refresh your memory. When the smile leaves your face, then you can resume discussing it.
Bottom line, those years were unbelievably fun to watch, and I’d imagine the Kings made a lot of fans worldwide regardless of their record. Hell, you could even say they did more than anyone to “save basketball” after the lockout.
by AnotherStupidSN on Jun 24, 2009 10:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
...and, might I add
personally, if having Rubio on this team makes us that fun to watch again, even at the expense of a few wins in the short term, I’m down with that. This team could be leaving us soon anyways, let’s at least make the most of the time we have, you know?
by AnotherStupidSN on Jun 24, 2009 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had to rec this
Pierce sucks.
"Greed is the inventor of injustice as well as the current enforcer." - Julian Casablancas
by submison on Jun 24, 2009 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The excitement would only last
if wins followed soon
So imitate the action of the tiger!.
Lend the eye a terrible aspect
- and teach them how to war!
Henry V iii
by lietothegirls on Jun 24, 2009 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
I don’t want to step on anyone’s fanhood, but really? That team was entertaining, that team was up and coming. That team was not good…yet. But it did get some attention because they were fun to watch. Just food for thought.
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 Jun 24, 2009 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fans
will pay to see a young exciting team that’s getting better. Look how rabid the fans in OKC are and how crazy Portland’s fans have been these past couple years before they even made the playoffs.
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
But it doesn’t have to be Rubio to make that happen. If, say, Evans or Flynn comes in and is really good, getting more wins, the excitement will come. It doesn’t have to be Rubio.
by nbrans on Jun 24, 2009 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But you can have Rubio sandwiches at the concessions.
You can’t have Evans food. Maybe Flynn. There’s a possibility with Flynn in the area of food. So…um…anyway…
Lower their expectations and rise to met them
by left hand on Jun 24, 2009 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Conversely
If Rubio comes in and the Kings get 19 wins again, I don’t think you’re going to have a full house just because Rubio is there. There may be a definite bump in the beginning out of curiosity, but the only way you’re going to sustain fan interest if he is the real deal and the Kings get better.
Basically, I feel like the best thing for the attendance is to improve the result on the floor as much as possible.
by nbrans on Jun 24, 2009 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very true
and whose to say it won’t happen with Rubio?
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not saying it couldn't happen with Rubio
It very well could be Rubio who makes the team the best.
All I’m saying is that it should be a basketball decision, not a marketing decision to draft him. The worst thing possible would be if the Maloofs overrides the basketball people, Rubio turns out to be Darko II, and trust me, the fans won’t be sticking around in that scenario.
If Rubio’s the guy he’s the guy, but marketing should not enter the picture for a second. If the basketball improves the fans will come.
by nbrans on Jun 24, 2009 6:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The basketball WILL improve
we have basically the same group as last year. But they’ll be better this year after some offseason work and development. Plus, they have a better coach. I think offseason development and a new coach will garner us 5-10 more wins at least. That’s not taking Rubio into consideration. I think if Rubio were to start in his first year he’d be, at the very least, a better option than Beno.
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think improvement is a given
Unless the personnel improves. Yeah, Thompson, Hawes, Greene will probably only get better, but you don’t all of a sudden turn into a playoff team overnight. I don’t think a 30 win team is going to start bringing the fans in droves.
The Kings need to nail this pick to keep things moving. They don’t need to botch it on a misguided attempt at gaining “marketability.”
by nbrans on Jun 24, 2009 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Improvement IS a given
with how bad the team was last year. They could get worse but do you see that happening? A slow improvement that would have come naturally with a flashy, but still developing, new piece taking some of the credit would be good for this team.
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 6:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is the Kings we're talking about
An injury, more turmoil, a bust of a draft pick…. yeah, they could get worse.
Maybe not likely, but the best thing possible is a home run of a draft pick. Not a home run for the marketing department.
by nbrans on Jun 24, 2009 6:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So assuming Flynn, Evans, and Rubio are all home runs
Flynn and Evans are walk off homers. Rubio could be a World Series winning Grand Slam.
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or he could be a strikeout
I just want Petrie holding the bat, not a Maloof.
by nbrans on Jun 24, 2009 6:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you truly believe
Ricky Rubio has the chance of becoming only a Sergio Rodriguez type player?
by eduardo_m7 on Jun 24, 2009 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The absoulte worse Rubio will be
is Jason Williams
by ElRonToro on Jun 24, 2009 6:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, defintiely I think there's a chance
He’s obviously a better passer than Rodriguez, but the biggest question mark is scoring. Mark my words, if Rubio can’t shoot 40% from the floor he’s going to have a hard time staying on the floor no matter what else he does. Defenses will sag off into passing lanes and just try and force him to shoot. Even Jason Kidd could shoot around 40%. If Rubio can’t do that (as Hollinger projects), he could be a bust.
I don’t know how likely that is, but even in the best case scenario it’s going to take a while for him to adjust. He doesn’t have athleticism to fall back on, and his jump shot is a work in progress.
Even if he has a lot of potential, I think he’s also a pretty big risk. Like I said though, if Petrie sees the potential, that’s great. I hope he drafts him. Otherwise, if Petrie is overruled because the Maloofs think Rubio is marketable and he ends up being a bust, the Kings will be bad off and no one is going to care about the marketing.
by nbrans on Jun 24, 2009 7:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
I you truly believe that, it’s definitely your right to do so. I just think that a kid this smart at 18, with his basketball IQ, having played as a professional in Europe for over 2-3 years now has a much higher floor.
by eduardo_m7 on Jun 24, 2009 7:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I agree with all of the above. Rubio is going to take a couple years to adjust, no matter what. The list of successful 18-19 year old point guards has got to be pretty small.
I’ll try to have faith in Petrie’s pick, but after reading about this stuff for a few months now, I don’t want Evans. Too much like John Salmons/Larry Hughes for me.
by Carl on Jun 24, 2009 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't really have anything to say I
just wanted to see how narrow this will get
by ElRonToro on Jun 24, 2009 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
SACTOWN ROYALTY - Try our thick creamy shakes!
by section214 on Jun 24, 2009 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uh huh
Uh huh
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 Jun 24, 2009 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Having an actual coach and development onf the youn players
by itself will win more games. I get your overall points, but I think the Kings WILL win man more games they did this year
by eduardo_m7 on Jun 24, 2009 6:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Basically, I feel like the best thing for the attendance is to improve the result on the floor as much as possible.
Agreed. But I don’t think any of these guys is going to come in and make this more than a 25 win team.
by Carl on Jun 24, 2009 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Agreed on all fronts.
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 Jun 24, 2009 6:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is wrong two different ways...
First, Ricky Rubio isn’t just a flashy player. He’s a gifted, focused, fundamentally sound, defensively solid player, who, oh by the way, plays with incredible flair. Comparing him to to Tyreke Evans or Jonny Flynn, all three players have high upside as well as a few question marks, but Rubio has at least as much chance to be a star in the NBA as the other two.
Second, he absolutely will put butts in seats at Arco, either as a King or in a visiting team’s uni. Ricky Rubio will also sell gazillions of jerseys, bobbleheads, and other merch in a way that dwarfs any other player in this draft, including Blake Griffin. In terms of star power this kid is in LaBron/Yao territory.
Rubio’s marketability is not “supposed”, it’s an established fact. He’s already an international star with a built in fan base that would make hundreds of thousands of Rubio-maniacs worldwide take a sudden interest in the Sacramento Kings.
I’m guessing the Maloofs like that idea very much.
"When the going gets Weird, the Weird turn professional."
(Hunter Thompson)
by Mucho Moss on Jun 25, 2009 3:51 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd
If the Kings draft Ricky Rubio, I’ll probably buy a jersey immediately. If they draft Evans, Flynn, etc., I’ll wait.
WordUpThome: THE HEY-DAY OF RONALD REAGAN-O-NOMICS IS A FINE TIME FOR BIRTH, NUMA NUMA DANCE STAR JOBA CHAMBERLAIN WAS ALSO BORN IN 1985
by Gallagher's Watermelons on Jun 25, 2009 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Jerry Reynolds, Petrie, and everyone else in the organization have been playing it cool regarding Rubio so that they would be able to put on a positive spin on not being able to get Rubio if something unfortunate happened. Let’s face it—he’s always been our guy.
My best guess at how this all unravels:
1: LAC takes Griffin. No alarms and no surprises.
2: MEM is unable to trade their pick because they don’t think they can get top value—because they have really high standards and possibly because Rubio’s contract situation reduced other teams’ interest. MEM ends up with someone not named Rubio or Flynn.
3. OKC realizes they have a solid core that includes a talented PG capable of further development. OKC therefore takes someone not named Rubio or Flynn.
4. SAC fans panic at the thought that Petrie and the Kings might take Flynn instead of Rubio for a few minutes, but—surprise, surprise—we end up with Rubio.
5. SAC fans celebrate like that bunch of Ewoks at the end of Jedi.
"El once, chico. Eleven."
by Juan Primo on Jun 24, 2009 4:54 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
That will be so cool
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 Jun 24, 2009 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
MEM is unable to trade their pick because they don’t think they can get top value—because they have really high standards and possibly because Rubio’s contract situation reduced other teams’ interest. MEM ends up with someone not named Rubio or Flynn.
This could be true because I read somewhere recently (I don’t totally remember where) that Chris Wallace has been really hesitant to make moves because of some of the past moves he’s made (or been forced to make for that matter). I guess a few GMs have said they’d almost come to terms on a couple trades only to have Wallace up his asking price at the last second.
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But fans, especially Sac fans
will pay to see a young exciting team that’s getting better. Look how rabid the fans in OKC are and how crazy Portland’s fans have been these past couple years before they even made the playoffs.
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Err... this should've been a response to Nbrans
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Said Van Gundy about the situation: "(Spanoulis) says, 'I was [Tracy] McGrady back home.' Great. McGrady is McGrady here," ..
by GreekKing on Jun 24, 2009 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Soo much smoke!!!
Can’t… See… Monitor.
Teh Dego Dagger
by BPaoliano on Jun 24, 2009 5:06 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I think this is real...
I posted on this yesterday (If it wasn’t for those meddling kids)… I didn’t support the assertion with more than just speculation on my part, but I was actually told by someone I believe that this is the current situation…. the basketball people are not sold on RR. I think Amick has it right that Evans is the preferred choice, but the boys have bought into the hype.
by longtimelistenerfirsttimecaller on Jun 24, 2009 5:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Bucher reporting the same thing
on ESPN.
by longtimelistenerfirsttimecaller on Jun 24, 2009 5:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Ric Bucher: Latest talk out of Sacramento is that the Kings are no longer interested in taking Ricky Rubio, or at best are in hot debate about whether to take him or Tyreke Evans or Jonny Flynn.
A source, however, says that there’s one huge missing piece in the picture: GM Geoff Petrie has stayed quiet as the debate has raged over what to do and he continues to have the biggest voice on the basketball staff.
Several league sources questioned why the Kings are debating their choice. Sacramento’s climate and geography apparently remind Rubio of his Spanish home, the team desperately needs a point guard and he has the potential star appeal that the franchise historically has had a hard time attracting.
For all those reasons, several GMs and scouts believe the talk of not taking Rubio is merely a smokescreen to keep Minnesota or the Knicks or any other team interested in him from making deals to jump ahead of the Kings in order to get Rubio. So which is it? There’s no knowing until Petrie speaks up. Which he hasn’t yet — but certainly must before Thursday night.
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2009/insider/news/story?page=09DraftBuzz-090624
by nbrans on Jun 24, 2009 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's reassuring
Hopefully at the midnight hour Geoff puts his foot down, lays it out on the line and steers the conversation towards Rubio. Outside of scoring, top-end speed, and maybe if you’re REALLY worried about the language, the language barrier (the latter two, I think, would not be too big of a deal, and the first will iron itself out with time) I really don’t see a logical reason to take Flynn over Rubio. And Evans is not a point guard. Plain and simple. If Petrie sees us having a backcourt of two scoring guards who are not great distributors or ballhandlers, then I’m a turtle.
by coachtheus on Jun 24, 2009 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What kind of turtle?
Lower their expectations and rise to met them
by left hand on Jun 24, 2009 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
one of those in the Comcast commercials
by coachtheus on Jun 24, 2009 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Slowski's. Ok, then.
Lower their expectations and rise to met them
by left hand on Jun 24, 2009 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's great for us!
So it’s a Maloofs vs scouting department thing? Which kind of supports my theory that they want to protect their jobs by taking a player who will help them a lot more this year.
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's ridiculous
They need to pick the player that’s going to help this team in the long run. We are still goingto suck next year so they need to forget about that shit about picking the guy that’s ready to play. Pick the guy who’s gonna be the best player in the long run. It doesn’t even make sense. They want to protect their jobs?? Then pick the best f*cking player for the future.
Sacramento fans are smart. They know that if the team starts heading in the right direction (whether they are crazy susccesul or not) they will goback and fill Arco.
by eduardo_m7 on Jun 24, 2009 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Picking the player that’s the most “ready to play” is the draft equivalent of the MLE free agent. It’s a band-aid fix at best.
I’d rather take the best player now, and then pick up another great player in next year’s draft if the team doesn’t improve immediately.
Honestly, I don’t care if the best player is Rubio or not, I just want the best player.
by smgmatt on Jun 24, 2009 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He doesn't have to and he won't.
He’ll speak Thursday night. That’s a lot of why I respect him. It reminds me of San Antonio. Who heard about that trade before it happened. They do it right.
Lower their expectations and rise to met them
by left hand on Jun 24, 2009 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ironically, several people heard about that trade before it happened
but they heard about it months ago… then everything went quiet
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bucher is a fucking idiot.
Stay out of the tanning bed you fool. Petrie stayed quiet? Uhh no shit sherlock, the dude never talks, no one ever knows where the Kings are going with their pick, it is Petrie’s modus operandi.
Did he expect an exclusive?
Bucher: Hey Geoff, who are you going to take at #4?
GP: Well Rick we would really love to draft Rubio, even if it means we have to give up Martin Thompson and Hawes to do it. The Maloofs to sign him to a music contract as well- they think he could be the fourth Jonas brother.
Bucher: Can I quote you on that?
GP: Sure, and Rick, try not to drink so much carrot juice, you look like an Oompa Loompa.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
by jjham15 on Jun 24, 2009 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think if you read into Ric’s story line Geoff hasn’t even discussed his opinion with the Kings brass. The way information (or non-information) has been leaking out of Natomas it’s possible Geoff doesn’t feel he can share his final verdict until the moment of the draft.
I did laugh at your short script.
by bignerd on Jun 24, 2009 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
With that said
I would not be surprised if Gavin ruins the entire campaign of miss information by showing up tomorrow morning wearing a King’s Rubio jersey.
by bignerd on Jun 24, 2009 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or if he hands out tiny mint tins for the true Las Vegas player...
“The Rufioooo”.
"Or, as Randy Jackson would say: Not feelin’ it, dawg."
-bench-blob- posting virgin.
by jjham15 on Jun 25, 2009 12:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
that makes a lot of sense
It is Geoff’s style to keep quiet, let there be an argument between everyone else, and let that get publicity while he takes what info he wants from all the chaos. To me, I know whoever Petrie takes will be who he thought is the best player. Even if that isn’t rubio, as long as he made the pick, I’ll just enjoy summer league.
I feel a lot better
Phil Jackson, after treatment for a kidney stone "When the anesthesiologist leaned over me, he said "We named your kidney stone Kobe because it's not passing."
by Ellimist on Jun 24, 2009 5:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
isn't it very real that OKC takes Rubio?
why is there still the buzz/chatter of us taking Rubio if he’s not there…i feel like there’s a strong sentiment that OKC takes Rubio in the media the last few days
by KingsForLife on Jun 24, 2009 6:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
They're reaching
It was reported that Presti doesn’t want to piss off Westbrook. That may or may not be true. But, OKC could really use a SG or a Center. They have an excellent PG, a soon to be superstar SF, and a great PF. The most they’d take Rubio for would possibly be to trade him. But, I think they’ve basically let the Grizzlies do all the footwork on that front and have seen that teams really aren’t offering up a ton to get him. So their best bet is to go with Harden or Curry to add a scoring punch to their team
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you but this guy Presti
seems to collect assets.
Personally, I just think it’s naive to think that OKC will just buy pass Rubio. If Presti feels that Rubio will be a star, he’s going to draft him and worry about Westbrook playing off/combo guard.
by KingsForLife on Jun 24, 2009 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But I think he's probably starting to realize
that he needs to quit collecting assets now that he has his core and start using those assets to add the right pieces, like some good veteran players.
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The growing consensus is...
(1) Griffin
(2) Thabeet
(3) Harden
(4) ????
It makes sense now if the Kings appear disinterested in Rubio, then teams like the Wolves and Knicks will be less inclined to try to trade up to #2 if there is a possibility he slips. So Kings let the FO voice their concerns, valid or otherwise, leak a few downside risks associated with Rubio to shape league and public perception to their liking. All the while Geoff remains hushed and contemplative. Geoff Petrie is like the Godfather. He takes input from his inner circle, keeps quiet and cool, and acts when necessary (tomorrow @ 5P PST). Who is to say, even some of the staff (Reynolds, Levien, Fat Lever, etc.) may not know with full certainty Geoff’s exacting pecking order. With all the input and debate, and comparable levels of talent, Geoff may have a change of heart between now and moment of reckoning. I have confidence in him, he’ll make the right choice….as long as it is not Flynn or Curry ;)
by bench_blob on Jun 24, 2009 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's almost like
they’ve cooled on Rubio to an unnatural amount – didn’t hear many positives, if any at all, about Rubio’s visit and workout. Even after Jrue Holiday came to visit, they said a lot of nice things about him, and he’s off the Kings’ board now.
by coachtheus on Jun 24, 2009 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Petrie staying silent sounds ridiculous. How is that possible. So while the owners and the scouts and director of scouting are heatedly debating away, the head basketball man stays out of range, saying nothing, day after day after day. No one asks for his opinion, he asks no questions. Come on.
If it’s really between the owners wanting Rubio and basketball people wanting Evans or Flynn, it shouldn’t be much of a debate. They should take Evans or Flynn.
by Galeto on Jun 24, 2009 6:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
What's interesting about all this
Is that Rubio has worked out for precisely one team – the Kings – and all we’re hearing is back-channel negativity about the workout. I actually think this is sort of classless on the part of the Kings. Their leaky ship is hurting the draft position (and salary) of a kid who’s going to owe a multimillion dollar buyout. The Kings have run a pretty tight ship in the past, and I think it’s unfortunate that the only team Rubio is working out for is bad-mouthing his performance to multiple sources. Maybe I’m off-base here, but I think the classy thing to do would be just to keep your mouth shut.
by Carl on Jun 24, 2009 7:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Are they really badmouthing the guy?
Do we know this for a fact??
by eduardo_m7 on Jun 24, 2009 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think that's right, the only thing I heard was a Rubio detractor say he shot better
than they thought he would. Even if we are bad mouthing him he goes at 5 so it really doesn’t matter either way. A one pick difference will not bankrupt him either way as his buyout is going down.
There now I've met the 75 word count. -pookeyguru
by moproblemz on Jun 24, 2009 7:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Carl doesn't need facts
With the 4th pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select Rickeke Flynenningday, point guard from Europe, Memphis, Syracuse, UCLA and Parts Unknown.
by otis29 on Jun 25, 2009 5:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It doesn't hurt him that much
If the Kings really don’t want him then he only drops to #5, if he’s not already gone at #3. Or… its a smokescreen to lower Rubio’s value and get him to drop to #4
www.mancancook.net
by vfettke on Jun 24, 2009 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Petrie also rigged the Spain-USA soccer game
but I haven’t figured out yet how that helps us. I’m certain though that it does.
by AnotherStupidSN on Jun 24, 2009 11:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Rubio will be available at #4.
Book it.
by Smills91 on Jun 25, 2009 4:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Sactown Royalty
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
