It’s a slow work week for a lot so take the time to read that old Reddit post on the Christies - its author is like Doc Ellis throwing a no-no, just go along for the ride
Excellent and thorough dissertation about the Kings, and what has turned them into Kangz once more. You have it exactly right: Kolokotronis is the lone constant during the two-decade own-goal-fest that has been the Sacramento Kings. For the life of me, I don't understand why Ranadive didn't walk over to the Operations offices in Arco and set them on fire the moment he closed the deal.
The Maloofs were weak and stupid, as wealthy heirs tend to be, but Vivek made his own money, and is certainly no dummy. So, why so many stupid moves since he took control of the team? You explained very well why despite so many positive changes, there continues to be an overwhelming impulse to take square aim at their own feet and pull the trigger.
I doubt that there's another team in the NBA, or (m)any other pro sports that could improve their product by getting rid of their business operations leadership, but it would work in Sacramento. Maria Kolokotronis is Claudius to Ranadive's King Hamlet. She puts poison in the ear of whomever happens to be on the throne in Sacramento.
Honestly, a competing franchise wanting to sabotage the Kings could never hope to accomplish what Kolokotronis has done. She has undermined every one of the few smart moves the team has taken, invariably to the benefit of her pals, as Tom stated so clearly. It's long past time to put her out to pasture.
The subject of Matina's influence is a well-worn topic now among fans that has taken on an almost conspiratorial aspect. But it gets little coverage outside of Kings fandom/insiders. It's really difficult to fathom that someone who ostensibly has nothing to do with basketball operations has (in all the wrong ways) this much influence on basketball decisions. Yet here we are, and it's hard to deny.
Vivek might be a smart person inasmuch as how he made his millions in Silicon Valley. But when it comes to sports, he's a nincompoop. One just need read his statements/interviews, particularly from early in his tenure. Yet, he completely lacks any self-awareness as to how foolish he looks. He is an Emperor with no clothes. This one line from the article says it all "Vivek falls in love with basketball lifers who tell him what he wants to hear". TZ could have written another half-dozen paragraphs on this alone.
I have little doubt that McNair was the one GM candidate who told Vivek what he wanted to hear: that sure! he could build a championship contender from the ash-heap of Vlade's tenure without a proper rebuild.
Kings fans went from the worst owners in the NBA to the new worst owner in the NBA. Sigh.
That video of the draft war room when Vivek declares that they are going to take Nik Stauskas is an all time cringe. What terrible vibes. Semper Kangz.
As great as Jonathan Isaac is defensively, there are some Magic fans who MIGHT be willing to pack his bags, given his overall play this season. He put on some weight over the offseason and just hasn't been as effective.
It’s a slow work week for a lot so take the time to read that old Reddit post on the Christies - its author is like Doc Ellis throwing a no-no, just go along for the ride
Excellent and thorough dissertation about the Kings, and what has turned them into Kangz once more. You have it exactly right: Kolokotronis is the lone constant during the two-decade own-goal-fest that has been the Sacramento Kings. For the life of me, I don't understand why Ranadive didn't walk over to the Operations offices in Arco and set them on fire the moment he closed the deal.
The Maloofs were weak and stupid, as wealthy heirs tend to be, but Vivek made his own money, and is certainly no dummy. So, why so many stupid moves since he took control of the team? You explained very well why despite so many positive changes, there continues to be an overwhelming impulse to take square aim at their own feet and pull the trigger.
I doubt that there's another team in the NBA, or (m)any other pro sports that could improve their product by getting rid of their business operations leadership, but it would work in Sacramento. Maria Kolokotronis is Claudius to Ranadive's King Hamlet. She puts poison in the ear of whomever happens to be on the throne in Sacramento.
Honestly, a competing franchise wanting to sabotage the Kings could never hope to accomplish what Kolokotronis has done. She has undermined every one of the few smart moves the team has taken, invariably to the benefit of her pals, as Tom stated so clearly. It's long past time to put her out to pasture.
The subject of Matina's influence is a well-worn topic now among fans that has taken on an almost conspiratorial aspect. But it gets little coverage outside of Kings fandom/insiders. It's really difficult to fathom that someone who ostensibly has nothing to do with basketball operations has (in all the wrong ways) this much influence on basketball decisions. Yet here we are, and it's hard to deny.
Vivek might be a smart person inasmuch as how he made his millions in Silicon Valley. But when it comes to sports, he's a nincompoop. One just need read his statements/interviews, particularly from early in his tenure. Yet, he completely lacks any self-awareness as to how foolish he looks. He is an Emperor with no clothes. This one line from the article says it all "Vivek falls in love with basketball lifers who tell him what he wants to hear". TZ could have written another half-dozen paragraphs on this alone.
I have little doubt that McNair was the one GM candidate who told Vivek what he wanted to hear: that sure! he could build a championship contender from the ash-heap of Vlade's tenure without a proper rebuild.
Kings fans went from the worst owners in the NBA to the new worst owner in the NBA. Sigh.
That video of the draft war room when Vivek declares that they are going to take Nik Stauskas is an all time cringe. What terrible vibes. Semper Kangz.
Russell Westbrook is on my short list for Favorite Player Never To Play For My Franchise. I absolutely love him.
In love with the twilight of his career. Entertaining to the end.
As great as Jonathan Isaac is defensively, there are some Magic fans who MIGHT be willing to pack his bags, given his overall play this season. He put on some weight over the offseason and just hasn't been as effective.
Just more of him to love!