Sactown Royalty: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:

Around SBN: Recapping Granger's Desert Dagger Bar-right-arrows

The Future is A Week Ago

Tom_toon_tiny by Ziller on in Commentary

I think that if you had a time machine, and you walked up to Geoff Petrie and offered him your time machine for the low, low price of one cheese sandwich, he would buy your time machine. And he would use it.

1-3 since the trade deadline does not sound terrible, on the surface. It's a road trip after all. But holy cow, keeping Ron Artest was a bad decision. If you don't believe the world I'm callin'...

  • Ron Artest is a game changer on both ends of the floor. Since the deadline, the Kings have given up: 115 points in 106 possessions (CHA, #24 offense), 112 pts/96 poss (ORL, #5 offense), 107 pts/96 poss (MIA, #28 offense), 123 pts/102 poss (ATL, #23 offense). That, sir, is not good defense, sir. Artest has averaged 37 minutes in that spread, more than any other King. DOES NOT COMPUTE.
  • In the press following the Miami loss, Mikki Moore actually said this: "I don't know what other guys did last night, but I think we just came out slow tonight." Ron Artest, the team's leader and game changer, missed the morning shoot-around with "stomach issues and a headache." He still played and shot 3 of 14 against the #24 defense in the league.
  • Sam Amick reports the following in this morning's game story:
In the AmericanAirlines Arena locker room Tuesday, there was friction and frustration when Artest - according to numerous sources close to the team - took exception to Theus' questioning his players and their desire to push for .500 and the playoffs. Artest went at Theus verbally, as he often has, with the issue being moved to the side a day later when Artest said there should be no doubt of his intentions.

When you are too hungover to go to shoot-around, you lose all claims to hunger and desire. If you are too wrapped up in drink and dance (and possibly other things) to make sure you are fully prepared to do your job the next day, you are not allowed to bark back at the coach when he questions your committment. You have made your proverbial bed. Sleep in it.

Theus, contrary to popular belief (in some circles), cannot control Ron Artest. Why? Because no one can control Ron Artest. Bill Cartwright -- a father figure, says Ron -- could not do it. Chuck Person -- a brother, says Ron -- cannot do it. Ron's own conscience could not do it, as proved in Indianapolis.

What had been a highly enjoyable season has suddenly become Musselman Part II. AWESOME.

0 recs | Comment 101 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Wow...
two expiring contracts and a first round pick look really, really, really great right now.

by vfettke on Feb 28, 2008 7:43 AM PST   0 recs

Yeah
And they looked good a week ago too.  Petrie was just too blind and paralyzed to see it.

by Carl on Feb 28, 2008 9:08 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

Who Wanted Artest?
Did I miss some news here?  Before GP is thrown under the bus, I would like to know which lucrative trade offer was rejected.  

by aspen on Feb 28, 2008 10:55 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

Umm...
Artest to the Nuggets for Smith, Najera nad first rounder

by vfettke on Feb 28, 2008 12:14 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

I doubt
Smith AND a 1st rounder were included

by Hoops916 on Feb 28, 2008 12:42 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

Um
It was rather widely reported all last week Smith, Najera, and a first was Denver's offer.

by Ziller on Feb 28, 2008 1:12 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

It was also reported
The Spurs were interested in Artest. Turned out to be a false report. So who knows what the Nuggets were actually offering. It does seem likely that Kleiza was the sticking point.
Disclaimer: This post may be a complete and utter waste of your valuable time.

by coolcatreportdotcom on Feb 28, 2008 1:21 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

Different
It was reported by one reporter (Sam) the Spurs were interested with another (Chad Ford) saying the rumor was out there.

Two Denver papers, the Sacramento paper, and ESPN all reported Denver had offered the expirings + first-round offer, and that the Kings were holding out for Kleiza.

Slight difference.

by Ziller on Feb 28, 2008 1:40 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

Hmmm
I knew there had been talks, but I always thought Denver was reluctant to throw in Smith..

Regardless..I'm glad we didnt..We already have a log-jam at the 2-3

by Hoops916 on Feb 28, 2008 1:23 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

You're glad..
..we didn't, because Smith would take minutes from Douby... never mind the iceberg that is Artest staring down the Good Ship Sacramento? Reshuffling deck chairs, are we?

Smith was the necessary expiring contract to pair with Najera.

by Ziller on Feb 28, 2008 1:39 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

I
still think we can get something good for Artest via sign and trade. Although, that doesnt seem to be the popular opinion around here

I actually like Smith's game but he has character issue concerns as well. (not as many as Artest though)

About Douby...I'm just not sold on him quite yet TZ. He's got a good shot and long arms but I dont like tweener's like him who can't really play either guard position. Most tweeners can at least play 1 of the 2 positions somewhat effectively, I just don't see him doing that. Only time/playing time will tell though. Although, I'd rather have him earn it in practice as opposed to shipping away quality players/trade bait (in Artest's case) in an effort to give him a "chance"

The draft pick would have probobly been in the low 20's as well cause I see the Nugs making a run in the playoffs

by Hoops916 on Feb 28, 2008 2:22 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

petrie's
failure to pull the trigger just paralyzed this team (and coach) for another year.  Artest would be a fool to opt-out this summer. With barely anyone under the cap he will not get anything more than a mid-level exception and I don't see anyone signing him for anything longer than a 3 year contract.  Congraduations boys, we just extended this party by another 12-15 months!

by Travis Mays Hayes on Feb 28, 2008 5:54 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

The optimist in me
is hoping you are wrong.  After last year, I was pretty down on this team, but for the most part, I have been pleasantly suprised.  We have a lot to build on, but we need to lose Artest ASAP.  I wouldnt want to sign him to a 3 year deal for the league minimum.
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 Feb 29, 2008 2:42 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

The trade...
It's the trade where the Kings actually get something for Artest instead of letting him walk for nothing.

by Carl on Feb 29, 2008 9:39 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

He
Wont walk for nothing carl.. GP can't let that happen!

by Hoops916 on Feb 29, 2008 10:07 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

There isn't a sign & trade
this team can take (assuming Artest gets more dollars) that doesn't put them in luxury tax territory.
I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Feb 29, 2008 10:12 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

Starting to wonder
If that isn't the best option at this point? As pookey notes, a sign-and-trade is a difficult option for ownership, as it's doubtful that Artest would take a similar salary to his current. Otherwise, why opt out at all?

Maybe he would consider a similar salary if it's a longer term deal, but that might sour potential trade partners who would rather pay a higher annual for a shorter length contract. But that would put the franchise in luxury tax territory.

So in my mind, we either let Artest walk or hope he doesn't opt out, and try to trade him again down the road.

Difficult options, to be sure.

Mikki Moore - WNBA Hair, WNBA Body, WNBA Talent

by otis29 on Feb 29, 2008 10:19 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

For anybody who thought
that 2 expiring contracts and a 1st round pick was a low offer; they obviously won't be too prepared for the upcoming summer.
I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Feb 29, 2008 10:22 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

I think there is at least a 50-60% chance
he walks for nothing. But I can see a couple of scenarios where he doesn't that wouldn't push us into the luxery tax. One is that Ron's agent doesn't get the interest he expects and decides to have Ron not opt out. Then I think we could at least get a draft pick and expiring/s out of the deal.

The second is a sign and trade that most of us agree is difficult to pull off at best. The thing is, this is not a typical S&T situation. Nobody has the big bucks that Ron wants, and even teams that have those bucks aren't likely to spend them on someone with Ron's history.

That being said, it moves back to a much more typical trade scenario. A team might take a chance if they don't have to add his whole salary, so an S&T is much more palatable. And I honestly don't see any team taking on more than $7-$8m on someone as unpredictable as Ron.

Nothing is normal in the world of Ron Ron.

by SavageBeast on Feb 29, 2008 3:02 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

Ease up
I dont think its as catastrophic as you make it out to be TZ.

Quite frankly, Petrie knows good and well what he is doing. I honestly do not believe that he truly believes Artest will sign with the Kings for the long-term. I believe he will attempt to shop Artest in the off-season through a sign and trade. Assuming we get something back in return, it beats the shit out of the TRASH that the Kings were getting offered for him last week. (at least what those of us "outside" the organization believe GP was getting offered).

I agree with Marty Mcneal, in his article from this mornings Bee, that the Kings are not THAT far away. We NEED a low-post presence in the worst way, and I think Artest's talent warrents legitimate sign and trade bait to fill that void.

by Hoops916 on Feb 28, 2008 8:01 AM PST   0 recs

to look at it completely objectively
people, things, objects, etc. are worth whatever someone is willing to pay for them.  You could have a Barry Bonds rookie card that Beckett says is worth 300 bones but if you can't find anybody willing to pay more than 10 dollars for it, then its worth 10 dollars.
  In the case of Artest, last week he was worth expiring contracts and a first round pick, I really don't think (as in the case of Memphis) there was a better offer out there that Petrie didn't take the time to see.  So how on earth is his play right now INCREASING his trade value for the off-season?  The Artest offers are only going to get worse if things stay the way they are now.

by Travis Mays Hayes on Feb 28, 2008 5:59 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

And ...
As far as the players being too hung-over to play in Miami....I agree that that is some B.S, but one has to assume its true (why wouldnt it be true. They are million dollar athletes in Miami with hot ass wanting them in some of America's best night clubs. Not to mention, were not exactly in any playoff races. Shit, I can't even really blame them.)

Being too hung over to play is pretty bad though, but these tyes of things have been goin on for years. I dont see this as a Theus or Musselman issue, its just human-nature fellas. And it not new!

Remember the L-Train missed a few games cause he had messed up his right thumb...From playing PAPERBOY on the Friggin Nintendo...True Story!

by Hoops916 on Feb 28, 2008 8:08 AM PST   0 recs

Hoops
I'd probably be singing a different tune and eating some serious crow if Ron were leading us to the playoffs since not being traded.

But the thing is, all of this has happened since we made the comitment to keep him. It's not just partying the night before a big game, it's not just skipping practice, it's not just demanding the ball, it's not just yelling at the coach and refusing to leave the game. It's that all this happened since we didn't trade him--and he's playing like crap! A time when he should be showing loyalty and earning a new contract.

If you don't think other GMs don't notice this too, your drinking Ron Ron's Kool-Aid. That gaint sucking sound you hear is Ron's value going even lower if that is possible.

Mark my words. This could get very ugly, very fast.

by SavageBeast on Feb 28, 2008 8:21 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

My guess?
Ron-Ron feels that he boxed himself in by saying he wouldn't opt out.  He's going to create some dissension between himself and Theus (or Petrie or the Maloofs or his teammates), so he has an out to change his mind at the end of the season.

If actions speak louder than words, then what do Ron's actions of the last week show you??

Mikki Moore - WNBA Hair, WNBA Body, WNBA Talent

by otis29 on Feb 28, 2008 8:31 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

Otis
If actions speak louder than words, then what do Ron's actions of the last week show you??
That ron is an inconsistent inconsistently nutjob fruitloop.
I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Feb 28, 2008 12:26 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

Hoops
Miami had 5 home wins coming into the Kings game...5!

Evidently, most of the other teams in the league have figured out how to control themselves in Miami.

Mikki Moore - WNBA Hair, WNBA Body, WNBA Talent

by otis29 on Feb 28, 2008 8:27 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

By
no means am I trying to defend the Kings actions out there Otis. The Kings should have stomped on the Heat!

We just suck...plain and simple...We have 1 (possibly 2 if you consider the future of the PG position) glaring problem, and until we address it we will continue to be an inconsistant team.

I agree, theres no excuse for losing that game!

by Hoops916 on Feb 28, 2008 8:34 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

This whole road trip
Has been such a downer. Losing close games is one thing, getting your doors blown by inferior teams is another.

This team needs to string a few decent performances together to get that good feeling back they had a week or so ago.

Mikki Moore - WNBA Hair, WNBA Body, WNBA Talent

by otis29 on Feb 28, 2008 8:36 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

Hoops916
I agree with Marty Mcneal, in his article from this mornings Bee, that the Kings are not THAT far away. We NEED a low-post presence in the worst way, and I think Artest's talent warrents legitimate sign and trade bait to fill that void.
Or
We just suck...plain and simple
Which is it?
TickTickTickTickTickTick

by LeaguePassAddict on Feb 28, 2008 9:32 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

LeaguePass
We suck because of our inconsistancy!! How else do you describe beating the amount of top teams as we have and then again losing to such JV squads as Philly and Miami?

We have NO 4. I love Mikki for his intangibles but he does not compliment Brad well. Its OK to have 1 softy big man, only if the other big can play BIG. Right now we are screwed because both of our big men are candy-asses. (the fact that Brad is a candy-ass takes nothing away from the good year he is having). these 2 men simply do not compliment each other well!

I like Beno's game alot but as of right now, he too is inconsistent. Granted, he is young and still adopting to his role as "Our #1 Pg", so I dont hold him too accountable. I have a feeling he'll turn out fine for us!

So thats why I agree with Marty Mcneal AND still think that we suck right now because of our inconsistancy.

I'm not worried about Beno's future (if we can sign him). Assuming he continues to grow and develope I dont see any harm in trying to sign him to a 2 or 3 year deal and see where that takes us.

As far as our BIG's are concerned. One of them must be placed on the bench (preferably Mikki) and replaced by a BIG in order for our team to compete.

Right now we are solid 1-3 and either 4 or 5! Replace one of those two and we'll have a starting 5 that can compete and we'll have a solid bench. I don't think we are that far away, but our inconsistancy results in our team sucking!

by Hoops916 on Feb 28, 2008 10:15 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

Just my opinion
But our inconsistent play can be blamed more on the 3 than either the 4 or 5.

Good Ron vs Bad Ron. Guess who showed up in Miami the other night?

TickTickTickTickTickTick

by LeaguePassAddict on Feb 28, 2008 10:21 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

True
he played bad ron that night in Miami. But I dont think there is any doubt that he has been ballin his ass off lately. I dont know what the hell is going on with Martin and Salmons is looking more and more like a head-case.

Fact of the matter remains, we should not have let the Hawks run up as many points like that as they did last night. Granted, they were hittin their open shots. But I'm sure EVERY big man licks his lips when he sees the Kings coming to down. Our 4 and 5 get eatin up down low. Theus just said that our only player with any physicality is Artest. Take a minute and think about how ridiculous that sounds?!?! Thats similar to a coach saying that the only player on the team who can dribble the ball upcourt is our SF, cause our guards can't do it! Unreal!

When our bigs dont play BIG, it breeds inconsistancy!  

by Hoops916 on Feb 28, 2008 10:31 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

Don't you think
That our inconsistent play could, perhaps, even to the tiniest degree, be attributed to the psychopath who screams at the coach, gets hungover and dogs practice, and won't let himself be pulled out of the game?

Agreed we need an upgrade at the 4. That's been the case ALL SEASON LONG. Why are we suddenly, what was your eloquent term, SUCKING?

TickTickTickTickTickTick

by LeaguePassAddict on Feb 28, 2008 11:19 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

hmmm
hmmm... Gets hung over and dogs practice?!!?!?! I'm sure he MAY have gone out and partied in Miami, but I guarentee you he wasnt the only one doing it. And every article I've read all year has clearly stated that he is the HARDEST working guy on the team. Including all the old cliche's about being the first one there, last to leave ect ect. (Not sure if thats the truth, but thats what gets reported)

Fact of the matter is....Champ! that you don't know sh*t and I highly doubt you have close ties to anyone affiliated with the team. After glancing over your last post once again, it seems as if your basing your entire argument (hung-over/dogging practice) off of an assumption. One that clearly doesnt hold enough evidence to be regarded as a matter of fact! I figured an amateur such as yourself, who attempts to goof on me for using the work "suck", would know better than to do that!

And what hell are you talking about with this great analysis..

 "Agreed we need an upgrade at the 4. That's been the case ALL SEASON LONG. Why are we suddenly, what was your eloquent term, SUCKING?..

What does that even mean?!?!? Maybe you can refresh the memories of STR nation. Suddenly sucking???? When was this imaginary period you have in your head when we were good? Sh*t, have we been .500 at any point this season

by Hoops916 on Feb 28, 2008 1:00 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

Shame on you, Hoops
For daring to look for the middle ground.

Don't you know this is LynchRonTown Royally?

Disclaimer: This post may be a complete and utter waste of your valuable time.

by coolcatreportdotcom on Feb 28, 2008 1:30 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

This type of post
is just uncalled for, and pretty offensive.

by Kfan in Korea on Feb 28, 2008 2:13 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

I dont..
feel its nearly as offensive as your Bibby bashing has been over the past year. Just a thought?

by Hoops916 on Feb 28, 2008 2:53 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

KingsFan in Korea
See my comment below (under TZ's post)please!

by Hoops916 on Feb 28, 2008 3:39 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

The...
... next time you accuse anyone here of wanting to lynch someone, or the next time anyone says they want to lynch someone... well, that will be the last time that comment is made.

Good?

by Ziller on Feb 28, 2008 3:34 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

FYI
I retract my comment about the Bibby thing KFan in Korea. I didnt read the quote you were referring to man. completely Agree with you! I thought you were saying my quote was offensive!

Thanks for handling that the right way TZ!

by Hoops916 on Feb 28, 2008 3:38 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

Gotcha
No sweat. You aren't breaking rules adopted during the Citrus Heights Convention.

by Ziller on Feb 28, 2008 3:55 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

No worries
For the record. I don't believe I ever resorted to name calling of either Bibby or anyone that defended him. I had an opinion, stated it and tried to back it up with stats where I could.

Actually my opinion of Bibby is very similar to my opinion of Artest and Miller for that matter: Thanks for your contributions, but I don't see you as a piece of our future, so the sooner you go, the sooner we can get on with rebuilding.

by Kfan in Korea on Feb 28, 2008 5:30 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

Thank you TZ
there is absolutely NO PLACE for language like that.  I commend you for acknowledging the problem quickly and harsly.
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 Feb 29, 2008 3:25 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

StR
Where stupid harsh language isn't tolerated, but goofy brilliant pictures are. :)
I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Mar 1, 2008 1:46 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

And your credentials would be......?
No, Hoops, I'm not close to anyone affiliated with the team, I simply read the same articles that everyone else has and have formed some opinions.

I wasn't aware that I needed an "in" or an NBA credential of some kind to have an opinion.

My basis for saying that suddenly we're sucking is that Miami KILLED us and Atlanta put up three 30+ point quarters on us last night. Our power forward situation hasn't changed in the last couple of weeks, but the way Artest is playing has.

You can attack me all you want, calling me Champ and telling me that I don't know sh*t, but the fact of the matter is that I'm stating an opinion based on what I've read, and said opinion disagrees with what you think, therefore you attack me.

This conversation isn't personal, and I haven't resorted to calling you names or denegrating your posts. But I'm not going to back down on my belief that Artest is bad for the Kings, no matter how many times you and coolcat spew your vitriolic posts all over StR.

For the record, I've never said that Artest isn't a talented guy, because he is. I also believe that he works very hard when he feels like it.

My point is that while others will make "boys will be boys" excuses for Artest's bad behavior, I firmly believe that where much is given, whether it be lucrative contracts or God-given abilities, much should be required.

If you personally want to give Artest a pass for his misdeeds, feel free. Just don't ask me to do the same.

As far as basing my entire argument off of an assumption, that's true. I'm not the only one who's done that, though. Why don't you tell TZ he's full of sh*t, too?

TickTickTickTickTickTick

by LeaguePassAddict on Feb 28, 2008 2:06 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

Excuse me
You're the one who called him "Champ," and that's why he got pissed off. You might have been too busy polishing your halo to remember that, though. You're certainly no slacker in attacking folks or making things personal.
Disclaimer: This post may be a complete and utter waste of your valuable time.

by coolcatreportdotcom on Feb 28, 2008 2:18 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

Oh for pitty sake
Re-read the posts. He called me champ first, though it may have been in a different thread.

I've never claimed to have a halo, all I ask is that my opinion be respected for what it is--my opinion.

I don't call names, I don't make personal attacks, and I don't use profanity.

TickTickTickTickTickTick

by LeaguePassAddict on Feb 28, 2008 2:41 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

Just
when I was starting to somewhat accept your sappy little post, you go and make this comment..

"But I'm not going to back down on my belief that Artest is bad for the Kings, no matter how many times you and coolcat spew your vitriolic posts all over StR."

What kind of "vitriolic posts" am I posting all over STR. I have traditionally not even been that big of an Artest supporter! (although I am one of the few who thinks it was a good idea to hold onto him). Do your research before you start associating me with any other poster.

And then to make matters worse you drop this gem...

but the fact of the matter is that I'm stating an opinion based on what I've read, and said opinion disagrees with what you think, therefore you attack me."

I never in fact attacked you until you  tried to throw your superiority over me by "goofing" on the vocab I used. If I recall, you initially tried to "call me out" earlir for expressing my agreement with Marty McNeal and at the same time thinking the team "sucks"...then you went on and tried to discredit me by saying "what was that elequent word you used, sucking?"

So do all of us a favor and quit the lame accusations. please? I never once said that I am "personally giving Artest a pass" and that I "shouldnt ask you to do the same"? Again, what are you talking about??? Seriously!!!! I never "gave" him a pass so to speak. And I sure as hell never asked you to do the same!

And TZ initiated the conversation by calling that assumption into question. I have not yet read on here that he is taking his earlier assumption to the "bank" and defending it whole heartedly. I tend to call a spade a spade and if I feel a need to confront TZ on an issue rest assure that I will do so. Just as I hope he would do to me. But unlike others (including your behavior earlier today) I don't "jump" on other people's posts for the sake of argument very often. And If I do, (as you jumped on mine earlier) I sure as hell wont write a sappy letter portraying myself as a martyr later on in the day (as you have just done)

by Hoops916 on Feb 28, 2008 2:52 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

I'm sure you mean these things kindly
Fact of the matter is....Champ! that you don't know sh*t and I highly doubt you have close ties to anyone affiliated with the team. After glancing over your last post once again, it seems as if your basing your entire argument (hung-over/dogging practice) off of an assumption. One that clearly doesnt hold enough evidence to be regarded as a matter of fact! I figured an amateur such as yourself, who attempts to goof on me for using the work "suck", would know better than to do that!
when I was starting to somewhat accept your sappy little post,
So do all of us a favor and quit the lame accusations. please?
But unlike others (including your behavior earlier today) I don't "jump" on other people's posts for the sake of argument very often. And If I do, (as you jumped on mine earlier) I sure as hell wont write a sappy letter portraying myself as a martyr later on in the day (as you have just done)
As fas a "goofing" on the vocab you used, it wasn't meant as "calling you out" but a way of making my point. I actually think that sucking was a pretty appropriate choice of words. I wasn't trying to "throw [my] superiority" over you because I don't believe that I am superior, particularly in my knowledge of basketball. You accuse me of making assumptions about your intentions, but that's what you've done to me as well. I didn't intend to "jump on" your post, or offend you. I was asserting my opinion which is contrary to yours. So be it. But have I attacked your post or called it stupid or lame? No. Sorry if this is another "sappy letter portraying myself as a martyr" but first, I don't think I portrayed myself as a martyr, I just don't get where the venom is coming from, because, like I said, I wasn't calling you out. And second, I've decided that this entire conversation is pointless. I know where you stand, you know where I stand, and it's all good. So I'm done.
TickTickTickTickTickTick

by LeaguePassAddict on Feb 28, 2008 9:46 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

Sticking my nose where it doesn't belong
I'm just going to interject this comic, which I think is appropriate to the situation.

http://www.xkcd.com/386/

I'm sure you guys both have better things to do than fight on the Internet.  As someone who's gotten pissed at people on the Internet and then later realized the absurdity of it all, I'd take a day or two timeout.  Come back later and you'll feel better.

by Carl on Feb 29, 2008 10:25 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

Laughs
Well done Carl.  I'm guilty of that myself from time to time - sometimes a deep breath and a little time away will cure what ails us.
Mikki Moore - WNBA Hair, WNBA Body, WNBA Talent

by otis29 on Feb 29, 2008 10:35 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

Thanks for the pass along Carl
I too am guilty of such pettyness. And the laughs mean more than the anger that is for sure.
I am the stone that the builder refused I am the visual, the inspiration That made Lady Sing the Blues..I'm the spark that makes your idea bright...

by pookeyguru on Feb 29, 2008 10:47 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

Savage
You could be dead on accurate with your assumption of Artest' value dipping lower and lower. I hope your wrong tho!

However, I still believe that this is currently the game/risk that GP is playing. Artest is GP's "stock" and he's taking a risk and hoping that it will rise before season's end. He simply wasnt impressed with what we were being offered. (you know, the platter of poop that Denver offered). GP is no dummy, he isnt gonna let another GM pull the wool over his eyes!

GP has a history of being a risk taker (see his selection of J-Dub @ #7 or Peja's pick). This is just another one of his risky decisions. Its what has the makings of a true love/hate relationship

by Hoops916 on Feb 28, 2008 8:28 AM PST   0 recs

I agree that Ron is stock
And I wouldn't have as much problem with that if we could just set him on a shelf and see what happens to his value. To be totally honest, it wouldn't kill me if we got nothing for him at the end of the season. It was a gamble and we came up a little short. (It all depends on what Denver gets with their draft pick.)

But the bigger problem is what Ron can do to the team. In the same way that he can tutor a young guy like Williams to play tough, he can undermine Theus and take this whole team down. I hope I am just being chicken little. Nothing would make me happier than to see the sky turn blue again and have us kick Dallas's butt.

by SavageBeast on Feb 28, 2008 9:33 AM PST to parent up   0 recs

Good
Good point once again Savage. It will be interesting to see how the next few months unfold for the Kings

by Hoops916 on Feb 28, 2008 3:09 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

Petrie
You hit on a good point, but I want to expand.  We all complain that we got nothing for Artest, but the cries will be much louder in Denver when their team either misses the playoffs or loses in the first round.  Then their GM is the one that really loses.  Sure, Artest walks and we get nothing, but Nuggets will ahve wasted another year with AI.  As we all know, you dont get too many years to truly contend, so you ahve to make the most of them.  While the Kings dont win by holding on to Artest, its the Nuggets that truly lose.
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 Feb 29, 2008 3:32 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

I agree wholehearedly
Which would be worse? Being the Kings and not getting anything back for Artest or being the Nuggets and missing the playoffs even though you have AI and Carmelo, because you wouldn't give up a bench player?

by SavageBeast on Feb 29, 2008 4:31 PM PST to parent up   0 recs

Yep
Petrie has been making the same bad (non) decisions for the last two years.  He's cautious to the point of being paralyzed, and holding on to Artest was a mistake last week, a mistake in the offseason and a mistake the year before that.  

Marty McNeal is insane if he thinks this team is a player away from contention.  This team MIGHT be a (very good) player from fighting for the last playoff spot and losing in the first round every year.  YES Marty - I want the Kings to blow it up, go 19-63 and then have a future, just like the Portland Trailblazers do right now.

Geoff Petrie's moves (few as they've been) have just delayed and delayed (and delayed) the inevitable.  Unless you have a Kobe Bryant or Lebron James, you CANNOT get better by trimming around the edges of a mediocre team.  

by Carl on Feb 28, 2008 9:05 AM PST   0 recs

oh no! the sky is falling!
Look, this season really hasn't changed that much since the trade deadline. What have we been saying all season?  This team plays to the level of it's opponents. Which means when we're on an east road swing, we're going to play like an Eastern Conference team. While we all hoped for the contary, we knew Good Ron wasn't going to show up for every game. Sometimes we're going to get Bad Ron. Usually in situations like this where we have an insane amount of road games in a month. These are the dog days of the season guys. Just remember, next month we got Miami at home, Memphis twice, not to mention the Wolves and the Clippers. We'll be fine.
Muff rules. http://vegaskings.blogspot.com

by Muff209 on Feb 28, 2008 9:12 AM PST   0 recs

I'd be happy
If we were playing to the level of our opposition.  Currently, we are playing far below that...
Mikki Moore - WNBA Hair, WNBA Body, WNBA Talent

by otis29 on Feb 28, 2008 9:18 AM PST   0 recs

I'm not sure..
... my point has come across.

Ron Artest, a volatile player who is likely to leave the team this summer (one way or the other), could have been traded last week, when his value was at its peak, for at least a 1st-round pick.

He was not. Since then, this team has put up four atrocious defensive performances, lost to two lottery teams and beat another (with their best player out half the game) by one point in overtime. One of those losses was to the worst team in the league by 21 points. It has come out that Artest had partied the night before, he missed shoot-around due to a hangover, shot 3-14, and screamed at Theus when Theus questioned the team's committment.

You can't really blame Theus, because what's he supposed to do? You can't really blame Artest, because he is who he is.

I don't think Petrie was too proud to take a seemingly lopsided deal. I think he's in a tough position between competitor and disaster with this roster, and he thinks giving up Ron for scraps would push this cart over to full-blown disaster. My analysis over the last few months has disagreed -- this team would be only slightly worse defensively and maybe a touch better offensively minus Ron.

I don't know that you blame anyone. But I think Petrie buys that time machine to see how things could have gone differently. Maybe Sacramento goes 1-3. But this has been about the most unsettling 1-3 I've ever seen.

by Ziller on Feb 28, 2008 9:34 AM PST   0 recs

I get your point TZ
How a team with supposedly a top ten caliber player, a center who has been playing good so far, and an efficient scorer can loose so badly.
Kevin Martin hasn't been effective lately, he missed a lot of free throws the passed games.
This Ron Artest issue is affecting the integrity of the team.

IMO, maybe we should waive him, It's not like we're going to be in the playoffs and Salmons can start and Garcia will have more minutes as well as Douby, even Williams would see more playing time with Artest waived.

I know his salary still would be counting if he is waived, but Theus will  be playing with the core of our future team.

Martin, for the win!!!

by Kjack on