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The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

by Tom Ziller on Jan 23, 2007 8:59 AM PST in Links

I'm glad I didn't read The Bee until after I wrote my impressions of the game:

Asked if the crowd's response bothered him, the longest-tenured King [Bibby] admitted as much.

"If that's how they want to be, there's nothing I can do about it," he said. "I'm going to go out there and play the way I can. And if they don't like it, then that's them."

When the boo birds came out, the Kings:

...had lost eight of the last nine,
...stood a game below .500 at home,
...sat eight games under .500 on the season,
...were in sole possessions of last place in the division,
...had the seventh worst record in the entire NBA,
...were losing to a mediocre Eastern Conference team without two of their starters at home by 20 points, and
...were showing less effort than Rosie O'Donnell did preparing for the Boston Marathon.

But yeah, loyal Kings fans who dish out tons of money to be entertained are certainly asshats for complaining at that juncture. Totally. You tell 'em, Mike. You scold them for actually giving a f*ck enough to boo in that situation.

This comment infuriates me more than anything Ron Artest has ever done in purple. It almost makes me hope when the trades start to fall (which they will, barring a miracle run over the next month) that Bibby is shipped to a truly angry city, like Philadelphia or Boston. Let's see how you feel about being booed then, boss.

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Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

Why not just let Bibby opt-out at the end of the year? Do you think it's pretty much a guarantee he'll do so?

If that's the case I don't see any team giving up much for him, esecially if the Kings don't want any long-term salary. Something like this, maybe.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 23, 2007 9:43 AM PST reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

That's not an awful trade proposal, though I think Petrie would like to get a first-rounder for either Artest or Bibby if he trades both. The problem with cap space is that the free agent field is pretty thin, especially with the things the Kings need. It does open up trade possibility, though.

On Bibby opting out: it was inevitable if he had a typical Bibby year (20 ppg on 45% shooting, 6 apg). He's had an awful year. He could still command maybe $50 million over 5 years, maybe more. But he's owed $28 million the next two years. I don't know how much winning means to him and how the perilous immediate future in Sacramento figures in. Right now, it's a toss-up on his opt-out clause.

by Tom Ziller on Jan 23, 2007 10:07 AM PST up reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

Ill guarantee you Bibby won't opt out. Put urself in Bibby's shoes.

The team is consistently losing and in ugly fashions too.
Bibby hasn't been productive (WOW that was a surprise </sarcasm>)
He would leave 27 million bucks on the table, where he could perhaps play the final two years out and win.

by kingme18 on Jan 23, 2007 11:10 AM PST up reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

I dont think the HEAT would do that because it'd put them in the luxury tax threshold because the salaries don't quite 100% match.

by kingme18 on Jan 23, 2007 11:12 AM PST up reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

I expect as much from Bibby. The guy is clearly delusional. He still thinks he is a leader after pretty much leading this team in the dumper in 2 consecutive seasons with only an Artest trade able to pull last year out of the toilet. He thinks he is an all-star by padding his stats on a bad team to the detriment of his teammates. A shot first, pass second point guard who doesnt make anyone around him better and clearly doesn't command the respect or have the ability to bring his teammates together. I hope the guy continues to inflat his own self worth and does opt out so the team can maybe use that money on a guy like Chauncy Billups who is a leader.

Damn you Robert Horry!!!

by chupacabra on Jan 23, 2007 10:23 AM PST reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

I really like Chauncey, but I don't see him leaving detroit as long as there is another championship run possible.

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rhondda

by Rhondda Nunes on Jan 23, 2007 11:49 AM PST up reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

TZ ~ Truer words were never spoken and a truer hero never spoke them about our beloved albeit mostly terrible '06-'07 Sacramento Kings.

by Reverend John on Jan 23, 2007 10:25 AM PST reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

Hey, If you lose games in pressive fashion, like how you have recently, and continue to show a lack of effort, then yes, I will Boo.

Reason being, I devote too much time to watching, rooting, and talking about the Kings to sit down and watch crap effort.

Could you picture Team Dime in Philly with their own Marty Mac, Screamin A Smith?

by Chris The Greek on Jan 23, 2007 12:40 PM PST reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

While Bibby's scoring will impress some teams, it is his ball handling and defense that are going to turn off many potential suitors and I think Bibby knows it. If only he was one eight as good as Jerry Reynolds says he is. But I doubt if many general managers listen to Reynolds on a regular basis. Unfortunately, that means we may be stuck with him for the foreseeable future unless Petrie trades him. As for him being a team leader, his idea of leading is sitting on the bench trimming his fingernails. Remember when Vlade and Chris would jump off the bench and lead the cheers when one of the team made a good play? Well Bibby's butt is nailed to the pine.

by Observer on Jan 23, 2007 12:56 PM PST reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

What made me laugh was in the post game interview Grant asked Bibby what the coach said about taking an early shot, in that was that what he called for. Bibby basically said he didn't listen to what the coach said. While its nice that me made the shot but the fact he blew off the coach and didn't really seem to care isn't great

by Murf on Jan 23, 2007 1:22 PM PST reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

trade bibby; point guards who can (or have a history of shooting) shoot have value. i'd go with cleveland as a suitor ( gooden and pollard + expiring contract) or miami. trade someone except martin, garcia, maybe salmons.

by dun on Jan 23, 2007 1:29 PM PST reply actions

Cleveland!

totally forgot about them. That's a team that may be desperate for a PG. Now off to pull levers at the trade machine.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jan 23, 2007 1:52 PM PST up reply actions

Just to be contrary-wise

Why are you infuriated by his comment? I was way more embarrassed by the boos. Would he have been a better guy if he had not been effected at all (Bibby just wants his check!), pretended he didn't hear it (Bibby lied to Grant!), gave up (Bibby is acting like he wants out!), blamed a teammate (Bibby can't lead a Girl Scout troop!), or said, "We totally deserved to be booed. Sorry, we're playing like crap and stole a win. We owe Sacramento more than this."? What can the man possibly have said when asked point blank about the booing that would have been better? I think what he said was about as real as it gets.

I'm not saying the fans don't have the right to vocally complain. Their money - their choice. I have a more romantic Turner Classic Movie view of how to behave at a game. To me, if you are a fan - you sign on to be there and support the team even when they suck. IMO, it would be much more effective for those attending to cheer them on when down by 20. I recall Sacramento fans bragging about being the best die-hard fans in the league who would never boo. Leaving early used to be taboo too. Maybe we are letting go of one more thing that, win or lose, made us special. Maybe as fans we are sucking more than the team is this season and if we keep it up WE will be traded.

by pyro on Jan 23, 2007 1:40 PM PST reply actions

Re: Just to be contrary-wise

Perfect world: "We deserved it." But that's not what I expect.

Here's another way to look at it. Bibby essentially says "I'm going to play the way I play regardless of the fans." In the next breath, he's criticizing fans for booing. Well, Mike: I'm going to boo the way I want to boo. Deal with it.

Honestly, the only thing I boo at a game is a bad call or when an opposing player or coach goes nuts. I've never booed the home team. But I don't think any fan has a responsibility not to boo, especially when they were watching that assbeating last night. It's each fan's choice. You and I don't boo, some others do. I don't think less of them.

Bibby's sense of entitlement despite really uninspired performance is mindboggling.

by Tom Ziller on Jan 23, 2007 2:05 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Just to be contrary-wise

I have two rules when I go to a professional sporting event...I don't boo unless I see Dodger Blue - and I never boo the home team.

But hearing a professional athlete complain that the home fans booed is ridiculous. Whether you think it or not, keep it in the locker room. It makes you look like an ass.

What could he have said to answer the question? "I can't blame them, we were stinking up the joint". And they were indeed straight up putrid for most of that game.

The Rise Guys made a rare good point this morning. The Sacramento fans have a tendency to boo bad shot selection. They don't sit there and boo every game, at every timeout. It's not like there have been more than a handful of occasions in the franchise's history that the fans have really gotten on this team...I think they should be cut some slack. At least, they have earned it over time, whereas this team hasn't done anything to show they are deserving of praise.

Don't forget, the ticket prices for this team are some of the highest in the league. The product this season rarely gives the fans fair value for their out of pocket costs. So a little bit of booing doesn't bother me a bit. Bibby should go play like crap on an East Coast team. I suspect then he'd be longing for these horrible Sacramento fans.

by otis29 on Jan 23, 2007 2:10 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Just to be contrary-wise

Much more eloquently put than I.

by Tom Ziller on Jan 23, 2007 2:17 PM PST up reply actions

Re: Just to be contrary-wise

Great comments, gents. I find it a very interesting topic because of the diverse reactions.

I don't think Mike complained at all. Or acted entitled. Grant baited Mike by asking him what he thought of the boos. He, Grant, knew quite well that Mike was quoted just last week stating the boos at home bothered him. I can't think of anyone in the NBA who would have said anything brilliant in Mike's position. Kobe would have likely laughed it off - on the outside. Or blamed someone else. Mike basically said "it is what it is."

I do agree that the fans can boo if they wish. I had hoped after they were half way to getting back into it they would have heard some cheers during a time-out in the fourth but the crowd wasn't ready to praise them quite yet and remained silent. I thought they deserved some props and support after a good stretch. Hehe - stop the bleeding - stop the boos. A new motto!

I do not agree with booing the Kings because we expect them to play at a level that is equal to the price of admission. The prices are set before the season and remain because the season ticket holders don't get breaks. If we had fair value, we would be first place in the Pacific at the very least. Our nosebleeds are $40 and no one is offering package deals here like in just about every other city. So, what is fair admission to see Jason Kidd score a triple double or see the Kings come back from 20 down to win? I certainly agree that next year the prices should drop based on this year's results. Totally different topic, really.

by pyro on Jan 23, 2007 8:07 PM PST up reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

Yeah, SCREW Mike Bibby for hitting all those game winning shots through the years. SCREW Mike Bibby for having the cajonas to consistently at least step up and try to take the big shot (and more often than not, make it). SCREW Mike Bibby for not leading the Kings to the promised land after a drop off in talent. SCREW Mike Bibby because the Kings acquired Ron Artest who is BETTER than Peja Stojakovic and puts forth at least a 100% effort every time he steps on the court.

SCREW Mike Bibby for not giving a damn that Kings fans booed. SCREW Mike Bibby for playing every game this season despite reports saying that he was going to sit out the first three weeks with an injury. SCREW Mike Bibby for scoring one point last night and then scoring the last 15 points including the game winning shot.

What is it with you people? Bibby has one bad year, plays the whole year hurt, has to deal with a new coach, has to deal with rumors he doesn't get along with Ron Artest, and you guys want to dump the guy. You know what? At times, I haven't been all that thrilled with Bibby sometimes this season, but my frustration goes beyond just him because you can't fault the Kings' record this year on just one guy.

This Kings' team has no identity. And it's not any one particular players' job to step up and make the team play like that player plays. It's the front office. The Collangelo's made the Suns what they are when they brought in Mike D'antoni and Steve Nash. Everyone knows what the Suns are about. Everyone knows what Detroit was about thanks to Joe Dumars, Larry Brown and the way that team was constructed.

We need an identity. And it's not Bibby's job, it's not Artest's job. IF we're going to be a defensive team then yes, we better get a point guard who is better defensively than Mike Bibby. If we're going to be an offensive squad, then we better get a true scorer and deal Artest if we have to.

But SCREW Mike Bibby if Artest gets traded, right? It's not like he hasn't been a King for the last six years. It's not like he hasn't bailed the Kings out countless times with the big shot (which is what leaders do). It's not like he hasn't TRIED to get himself out of this slump. Clearly, a number of things are effecting his performance this year, but SCREW Mike Bibby, right?

by bballblog on Jan 23, 2007 1:43 PM PST reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

Breath.

by otis29 on Jan 23, 2007 1:50 PM PST up reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

Or breathe, completely up to you. :)

by otis29 on Jan 23, 2007 1:51 PM PST up reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

I think bballblog should replace Carmichael Dave who has apparently given up on the Kings. Nice passion! Now listen to otis and breathe. : )

by pyro on Jan 23, 2007 1:56 PM PST up reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

I'm not going to tell you to calm down, because I myself was rather breathless in my critique of Bibby's ultimately inconsequential comments.

I've loved Bibby through the years. He has been consistently overlooked among the league's best point guards, and he's certainly been the most consistent clutch performer the Kings have ever had.

But when he starts questioning the fans for booing a team that's down 20 against a mediocre team and has shown a lack of focus and effort much of the year? That's severely misguided entitlement. He hasn't earned a free pass, none of those players have. Fans have the right to voice displeasure.

by Tom Ziller on Jan 23, 2007 2:11 PM PST up reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

My comment wasn't directed at you, Tom. At all. I agree fans have the right to voice their displeasure.

But in the grand scheme of things, I'm tired of seeing "loyal" Kings fans dump on Bibby time after time when he bails us out 3-4 times A YEAR like he did last night.

He never be all world defense. But he can make key plays defensively - see last year's steal against the Spurs in game 3 which set up K-Mart's lay-up.

But when talking about this year specifically, consider everything when it comes to Bibby and what he's had to deal with before jumping on him. The dude is the only King on the team to play all 39 games.

by bballblog on Jan 23, 2007 2:56 PM PST up reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

You say he bailed us out, which is great...do you not think he was a huge factor as well in creating the 20 point deficit?

by otis29 on Jan 23, 2007 3:04 PM PST up reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

Come on. If that were the case we'd be down EVERY SINGLE GAME and ALWAYS have to rely on Bibby, right?

Look, Bibby is not that great of a defensive player. It's pointless to keep harping on it. But I guarantee you if you check the records since Mike has joined the team he's hit more game winners or important shots than anyone on the team, even before the 2001 Kings core was broken up in 2004-2005.

The hating on Bibby is ridiculous. He'll never be a great defensive player. EVERYONE knows that. To think he's solely responsible for whenever the other team scores a basket or we have a big defecit is ridiculous.

by bballblog on Jan 24, 2007 10:37 PM PST up reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

I've never said he was solely responsible for whenever the team scores a basket. If he played 48 minutes a game, well maybe... :)

But the fact is, until this team gets a true shot blocker, Bibby is a huge liability on defense. Not a small liability, but a HUGE liability. If you don't think that's important, I don't know what else I can say.

If he is not scoring the basketball he is pretty much useless on the court. What else does he really give you? He's a one-dimensional player, and making a game winning shot once or twice per year doesn't change that.

Once C-Webb and Vlade left this team, he became the defacto team leader. Plus he is the highest paid player on the team. His game doesn't merit either of those being a reality.

It's not being a "hater", it's being a realist.

by otis29 on Jan 25, 2007 9:08 AM PST up reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

[[But the fact is, until this team gets a true shot blocker,]]

... so this is Bibby's fault because we don't have a true shot blocker?

Not every single offense in the NBA starts and ends with the point guard. Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony are just three players who dominate the ball more than the point guard. Bibby doesn't guard those guys last I checked.

Blame Geoff Petrie then, not Bibby. There's only three players on the Kings right now who are worth a damn defensively. (Artest, Salmons and Garcia, and I'm starting to think Artest is overrated at times, steals leader or not)

[[Bibby is a huge liability on defense. Not a small liability, but a HUGE liability. If you don't think that's important, I don't know what else I can say.]]

Of course I think it's important. But until our team is 100% defensive minded, and that's our identity, should we really be pinning it all on Bibby? Every player on the team is accountable. We've had maybe 5 or 6 good defensive games all year.

[[He's a one-dimensional player, and making a game winning shot once or twice per year doesn't change that.]]

He's 21st in the league in assists. Should his number be higher? He doesn't dominate the ball like most of the players in the top ten do. We all know Artest gets his share of ball handling time, so does Garcia, and so does Salmons.

The only way that number is going to go up is if less handling time is given to Artest. That isn't going to happen.

[[Once C-Webb and Vlade left this team, he became the defacto team leader. Plus he is the highest paid player on the team. His game doesn't merit either of those being a reality.]]

Do you remember the game the day before Thanksgiving where Bibby and the Kings were absolutely TEARING the Jazz up in the first half?

The box score doesn't reflect the impact Bibby had on that game, but ask Coach Jerry Sloan what he thinks if Bibby ends up playing the 2nd half of that game.

[[It's not being a "hater", it's being a realist.]]

shrug Call it what you want to. But remember, Bibby is the only King to play every single game this year. He has a new coach, has had to deal with Artest, AND has been hurt since the 2nd or 3rd week of preseason. I think some slack should be given to the guy, honestly. Most players (see Gasol, Pau or Carter, Vince) would have been publically moping around, trying to get themselves traded in a situation like this, especially when the Kings are grossly underachieving. Not Bibby.

That's a leader.

by bballblog on Jan 25, 2007 1:42 PM PST up reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

Ok, let's see:

No, it's not Bibby's fault that he has no shot blocker behind him. Definitely Petrie's fault. But then it's also Petrie's fault that he doesn't have a defensive minded point guard since he has no shot blocker. Thus, Bibby needs to go OR they need to get a shot blocker (and we know how those grow on trees).

Should we be pinning it all on Mike Bibby? No, but I'm good with 90% blame. It doesn't matter as much if Shareef or Brad are horrible defenders - their man is rarely initiating the offense. If you think that stopping dribble penetration isn't a hugely important aspect of the team defensive concept, then you're crazy.

He may be 21st in assists per game, but he's 33rd in assists per 48, and 35th in assist to turnover ratio. Sorry, not overly impressive for a starting PG in the NBA.

I will give you the fact that Ron-Ron and Salmons and Cisco bring the ball up quite a bit. Maybe if Mike Bibby were a better distributor, that wouldn't have to be the case.

And I don't give too much credence to a guy playing every game - they get paid damn good money to perform. I'd rather he take some time off and get healthy if his injury is affecting his shot - because there isn't much more he gives you in a game.

Look, I don't hate Mike Bibby - I just think he's wildly overrated in the mind of most Kings fans. You give me anecdotal evidence of a few games he's made a big shot and one half of basketball against the Utah Jazz, and I give you a 17-23 team that has 24 of its last 42 games on the road (where they are a shiny 5-12 so far this season.)

If he's such a great leader, where exactly would you say he's leading us?

by otis29 on Jan 25, 2007 4:54 PM PST up reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

True enough, and he's not exactly yukking it up out there. Maybe the boos just sparked him in a positive way, but the way it came out was bratty and self-centered. We'll see.

by Tom Ziller on Jan 23, 2007 3:45 PM PST up reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

By the way, I've been rooting for the Kings to trade Bibby for almost two years now. Watching his man go unencumbered to the basket repeatedly, game after game, week after week, year after year is downright nauseating.

I'm thrilled that he makes a big shot once in a while, I just worry that HE HAS TO because he's single handedly destroyed the team defense all game.

by otis29 on Jan 23, 2007 2:15 PM PST up reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

I understand your point but what must be taken into consideration is the position that Bibby plays. You say fault the entire team but the entire team play begins with Bibby. If you don't believe it, just think back on what Kidd was to the Nets. Even the cheerleaders Reynolds and Napear commented that once the ball was in a Nets hands they automatically looked for Kidd because he would know what to do. Well, that is not happening on the Kings. I can't prove it but I think Bibby will pass to some players and some players he won't. The point guard is what makes a team work. They are the way a team thinks and plays especially on offense. Nash drives the ball down the court and so the Suns have a fast paced driving offense. Certainly a lot of the blame can be on all the team but the point guard is the key and Bibby is not doing the job of a point guard.

by Observer on Jan 23, 2007 2:18 PM PST up reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

Ive been as hard as anyone on Bibby but you do have to admit the guys is a gamer. If there is any way possible the guy is going to play injuries or not. He is also pretty clutch when allowed to get a clean look at the basket. I think he really needs to go back to being a third option like he was in the glory years. His game would flourish again on a team like Houston or Cleveland that could really use some outside punch. Imagine all the wide open shots he would get from guys sagging off the likes of Lebron, T-mac, or Yao. Too bad those teams dont have much to give back in trade. I tried coming up with trades for quite some time but the young talent across the league is really lacking especially at the point guard position. I cant think of a time when there was less of it around.

Damn you Robert Horry!!!

by chupacabra on Jan 23, 2007 6:45 PM PST reply actions

Re: The Truly Insane King: Mike Bibby

Cleveland has Anderson Varejao, who is quite enticing, but he doesn't even make a million while Bibby makes 12.5 Go Figure.

by kingme18 on Jan 23, 2007 9:58 PM PST reply actions

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