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Chainmail: Answering Your Questions about the Sacramento Kings

Brenden joins us as a special guest this week!
By | 59 Comments | Jul 9, 2020

Welcome back to Chainmail! We had a bevy of wonderful questions this week, so let’s dive right in!

From 1951:

What percentage do y’all put on this whole NBA-bubble-season even ending as planned?

Tim: Less than 50%. If this were a true bubble with everyone quarantined, I could see it working pretty well, but it’s only going to take one mini-spread to shut this thing down, especially if a star like LeBron James, James Harden, or Kawhi Leonard tests positive for COVID-19 and is out for a significant amount of time. The NBA is determined to start this thing, but I don’t believe it’s going to end with a named champion.

Will: 25%. There is so little forethought put into this and so many variables that could ruin the planning and execution of the Orlando bubble that I truly doubt that this season gets finished before players begin an exodus out of the bubble and the season is cancelled. The unfortunate thing is I also believe it takes a player with a higher profile getting hospitalized or worse to really start turning minds to the stupidity of the current situation and how the league has gone about trying to wrap up something meaningless is the grander scheme of things. Contracting a case of Coronavirus could absolutely be a career-ending situation for someone (not to mention life-threatening) and no video tributes, no black bands on the jersey, no apologies years down the road from the commissioner will ever bring back the ability for this person to play the game they love or function at a normal level again. It would be a massive stain on the league for as long as the league exists and I think that fans are more likely to see that transpire than not.

Brenden: My guess is that the season starts and then eventually is forced to be discontinued because a star player catches COVID-19. Obviously, I hope that the league is able to properly maintain a virus-free bubble, but I am just skeptical on their ability to do so with the amount of people involved. I would place about a 40 percent chance on the season starting and finishing as expected.

From Kosta: 

If the Kings Herald were called upon to enter the Netflix game show “Floor is Lava”, which three THK staffers would you choose to represent you, and how do you think they would fare?

Tim: Full disclaimer: I’ve never watched the show, nor do I know the specific rules, so I’m going to do the best I can here. Ironically, a group of us were discussing professional tag competitions the other day, and Kevin believed he would be the strongest member of the team in that realm (even ignoring my 6’10” wingspan), so I’ll name him as team captain. Behind him, I’m putting myself for any long jumps that are needed, and our final member will be Bryant, who can both scout the competition and is supposedly a quick guard on the hardwood. How will we perform? About as well as Vlade Divac in any given draft.

Will: I’m in this to win it, so anyone who’s a dad on this staff is immediately too weary and creaky to do this so they’re out. Brad would be too busy discussing which musical this reminded him of – out.TJ’s got a verticality issue. Richard would trip on his beard. Akis, Robby are politely turning me down even if I ask.  I’m choosing Tony, who I know has some athleticism left, to lead our two children, Sanjesh and Brenden.

Brenden: First, I am going to pick myself because I am ultra-competitive and refuse to even think there is a better choice than myself. For the next two, I’ll say Sanjesh since he is the other young staffer alongside me, and I feel like I would get the most enjoyment watching Tim failing, so him.

From LandParkJimmer: 

For Orlando, who leads the team in per game stats: points, assists, rebounds, steals, blocks, technical fouls?

Tim: Points: Buddy Hield, Assists: De’Aaron Fox, Rebounds: Richaun Holmes, Steals: De’Aaron Fox, Blocks: Richaun Holmes, Techs: DeMarcus Cousins

Will: IF Buddy Hield comes back healthy enough to play major minutes, he’s going to lead the Kings in points per game, regardless of whether or not he’s starting. De’Aaron Fox will lead the team in assists and steals just by the sheer nature of his position. Richaun Holmes is a lock for rebounds and blocks. Harry Giles will lead the Kings with 1 technical foul

Brenden: How many categories can I pick De’Aaron Fox for? He lead the team in points, assists, and steals throughout the regular season and I think he will do so in those during Orlando as well. Fox has real potential for being the leader in minutes as well but I think that Harrison Barnes will remain atop that category due to his versatility and the Kings’ lack of depth at the wing. Richaun Holmes is the easy answer for blocks and as much as I want to get spicy and pick Bagley for rebounds, I think Holmes leads the team in boards as well. For technical fouls, I will go with Luke Walton. I realize I am boring and selected all of the regular-season leaders in these stats as well.

From Adamsite: 

Is there anyone in this draft class that’s worth trading up for, especially if it involves future assets? Being that this is seen as a “role player” draft, a team would only trade up if they felt there was a star there, right?

Tim: If we’re speaking strictly in terms of using a future first round pick to trade up, I don’t think that Vlade Divac should be considering anything in that realm. He’s probably going to “promoted” to a non-powerful position in the next year or two, so I don’t want him compromising any future assets for the theoretical new General Manager. This is a pretty unimpressive draft, and while star players emerge from even the weakest of classes, the chances of snagging that kind of contributor is pretty low, especially when contemplating sacrificing a future chance at a star to slightly increase those odds. Aside from future picks, the Kings don’t have much to offer to teams at the top of the lottery either, as their best non-Fox players are either too old to help teams rebuild (Hield, Bogdanovic, Barnes), wouldn’t return enough value for the deal to make sense for the other team (Holmes), or wouldn’t return enough value to make sense for the Kings (Bagley). Wherever the Kings end up picking, they’ll likely stick there or even trade back.

Will: I think there’s a case to be made for a few guys that are worth trading up for. Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton could be worth it if the Kings were set from moving away from Buddy or Bogi but wanted a high quality guard to slot behind whoever stays. Onyeka Okongwu and James Wiseman would both be worth a swing if you’re looking to pair Marvin Bagley with his front court partner for the next decade.Unfortunately, I don’t think the Kings do it unless they’re committing to a mini-rebuild and a shift to a younger team than what they’ve run out there the last two years. Vlade has made no mention of wanting to do that, usually saying the opposite, so I wouldn’t hold my breath. Don’t be surprised if Vlade pulls a Vlade and trades down, or trades out of the draft all together.

Brenden: There are very few players with star potential in this draft and they will be gone by the 4th pick. I don’t think that the Sacramento Kings should even consider trading a future first to move up. If Devin Vassell, Deni Avdjia, or Isaac Okoro fall to around 10 then I would very much want the Kings to trade up from 12/13 if they could do so using a 2nd rounder or two from this draft. There is a clear tier drop to the likes of Patrick Williams, Saddiq Bey, and Aaron Nesmith from the aforementioned prospects.

From MichaelMack: 

What do you think the Kings need to invest in next season? We have three role players coming off the books (Bazemore, Len, and Captain Charisma Mr. Harry Giles) this year, two other starters (Bjelica and Holmes) and CoJo with a cheap buyout are coming off the next season. Is Free Agency where we can best fill those needs or the trade market (for other teams the draft would be an option, but that seems more difficult for Sac).

Tim: Honestly, as fun as Bazemore and Len and Giles are for the fan base, each of those players can be replaced in a heartbeat in either free agency or in the trade market. What the Kings really need to do, and have failed to do for three years, is find De’Aaron Fox a Robin to his Batman. Star players and star pairings win in this league, and while Vlade Divac has done a decent job of acquiring starter-level guys in Buddy Hield, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Harrison Barnes, and Richaun Holmes, those kinds of contributors are only going to carry you so far.

It’s possible that Marvin Bagley can become that guy in a few years, but the questions surrounding his playing style and long-term health have only grown over the last year, and he may never become the guy. If that’s the case, the Kings are going to pursue the same path that they walked with DeMarcus Cousins: draft one good player, fail to surround him with high-level talent, and eventually jettison him in favor of another “new” rebuild. If there’s an available star player that can be had this summer or anytime in the next season or two, the Kings should be willing to pay a steep price to acquire them, even if that means sacrificing more than they would like.

Will: Masks, Lysol and as many high end bench players that they can muster. Bazemore and Len coming back would be great, but that means you’re absolutely getting rid of Giles. Letting Len walk to entice Giles back would take some gile and gumption that has hitherto gone unnoticed in the front office. As much as I like Bjelica and Holmes, I think they’re both going to be making more money than the Kings would logically pay to bring them back. Bjelica is probably more likely of those two – with him taking a reduced role for the sake of continuity with his family being in the same place (something that led to his backing out of a deal with Philly a few years back).

Brenden: With the assumption that Harry Giles is gone, Alex Len is intriguing to re-sign for the backup center role, but there are plenty of other options on the market such as Aron Baynes, Dwight Howard, or Nerlens Noel. I would like to see the Kings grab a backup big near the minimum and then look to spend the majority of their roughly $9.5M MLE on a wing like Marcus Morris or even look at Paul Milsap. The Kings will likely have a hard time gaining talent via trades and they also should guarantee the final seasons for Cory Joseph and Nemanja Bjelica.

From AirmaxPG: 

Is there any good reason why the NBA didn’t adopt the top-16 teams in the playoffs this year (regardless of conference)? Seems the perfect time to test this system, given the absence of travel within the Orlando bubble.

Tim: The “good” reason is that it would take a majority vote from the NBA’s Board of Governors to make that change and the Eastern Conference teams have zero reason to make things harder on themselves. Even making the eighth seed with zero hope of anything but a four game sweep adds millions of dollars in revenue for a franchise, so there’s no motivation for the weaker conference to give up that cash to make things more “fair”.

Will: I truly think it was just a matter of Eastern Conference teams being left out of the money. In the current system, 8 from each conference get a chance at that sweet playoff revenue and that could be cut in half for the Eastern Conference teams and they weren’t going to take money out of their own pockets for the sake of an experiment. It probably would have also been a bit of a logistical nightmare trying to figure out Strength of Schedule and reseeding the league, but, yeah mostly blame this one on the cash.

Brenden: They really should do this every season, but the East teams would never agree to it. I agree that Orlando would be the perfect time to implement this idea since there are no travel concerns for the first few rounds in particular. So no, there is no fair reason why they don’t accept that the bottom teams in the East should stay home most years.

From TheKingsGuard: 

Do we ever get the second €˜star’ on this squad without jettisoning our depth (ie via trade) or are all hopes pinned to Bagley (which is a leap, but maybe the best of our limited options)?

Tim: Our hopes are pretty much pinned to Bagley, especially while the current management regime is in place, as there’s not an realistic situation in which they give up on the guy they took over Luka Doncic. Star players don’t come up for trade very often, and even if one does, do the Kings have any attractive assets to ship out aside from future first round picks? Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic will be highly paid and in their prime, Harrison Barnes is in the same boat, and Marvin Bagley isn’t particularly attractive to most teams right now. Vlade Divac’s blown draft pick after blown draft pick haven’t just hurt the team’s talent level, but they’ve also destroyed the organization’s asset cupboard with no good, young, attractive players. If Marvin Bagley doesn’t turn a corner or if the Kings don’t get lucky in the draft, I’m not sure there’s much of a realistic path to finding that second star for De’Aaron Fox, no matter how bad that’s needed.

Will: I think our path to a true second star involves the uncurling of the monkey’s paw a bit. On their current course with current management, the Kings are both too good to move into a position where true star talent lies, but also don’t have the assets necessary to swing for a transcendent player either. If the Kings want their second star, they will have to bottom out, truly fall into the cellar again and hope for the best. Is there a shot for Bagley? Sure. For all the crap he gets, he’s still young and had the moments a really impressive young star is supposed to have his rookie season. That being said, everything since then has been a quagmire of injury and disappointment. Believe at your own risk.

Brenden: Bagley has the be that guy unless the Kings just get extremely lucky drafting in the late lottery in the next few years. There are a very limited number of ways for Sacramento to get a 2nd star alongside Fox without Bagley reaching near his highest potential or being confident enough in their assessment of a prospect and trading future assets to move up and select him.

From MaybeNextYear:

With regards to this year’s draft: trade up, trade down, trade out of the draft, or just keep the pick?

Tim: I’m not a fan at all of trading up, as I described earlier in the mailbag. There’s just too much risk and not enough reward in that prosepct for me. As far as trading back, if the Kings end up with the 13th pick (which is very possible and something everyone, myself included, keeps forgetting), I don’t absolutely hate the idea of swapping the 13th pick with Boston for the 17 and 26, although I would probably rather stay put and snag one of the available wings at that point. Trading out of the draft would take a pretty good, young player coming back to Sacramento, as the Kings can’t really afford to take on another expensive, mid-prime player who isn’t an All-Star. I would consider dealing some middling contracts (Joseph and Parker) and the 12th pick for Myles Turner or someone of that caliber, but I once again would probably just keep the pick and try to find a cheap difference maker. In the end, the safest path for now and for the future is probably to just keep the pick unless something really attractive comes along.

Will: I think the best thing the Kings can do is just keep it simple, not overthink and try to outsmart the draft for the umpteenth year in a row. The only place the Kings are absolutely set are point guard and probably power forward. Sit there, stare at your notes and pick the guy that stands out to you that the consensus also generally feels good about. That might be terrible advice for other franchises but right now, I can’t help but feel like it is what the Kings need to do for a few years. They’ve gone against-the-grain in many of their draft day picks and trades and had they just sat there and picked the easy choice, they’d be a playoff team.

Brenden: As I mentioned earlier, if Vassell, Avdjia, or Okoro falls to around 10 I would want the Kings to move up and select one of them since I think they won’t make it to 12/13. I don’t see much of an advantage in trading down in this draft unless it is only a few spots and would strongly consider trading a few of the second-rounders they have to move into late in the 1st round to select Jalen Smith to fill a Dedmon role. This is something Rich and I mentioned on the latest Kings Pulse podcast.

From MyNeighborTurturro:

Based on his recent behavior (tennis, restaurant dining, and attending block parties all while carrying COVID-19) are there any contract loopholes, NBA bylaws, or further investigations that can get Jabari Parker the hell out of Sacramento without owing him $6.5 million? Asking for an entire fanbase.

Tim: I won’t make Brenden and Will basically repeat my answer, so I’ll take this one solo. Also, it was a pleasure combing the CBA to find this answer, and that’s non-sarcastic. I really do love browsing for random nuggets.

The collective bargaining agreement does lay out a morals clause in regard to a team voiding a contract: at any time, fail, refuse, or neglect to conform his personal conduct to standards of good citizenship, good moral character (defined here to mean not engaging in acts of moral turpitude, whether or not such acts would constitute a crime), and good sportsmanship, to keep himself in first class physical condition, or to obey the Team’s training rules

For those who had to look up the word “turpitude” like myself, it’s defined as “depravity; wickedness”. Jabari’s actions, while irresponsible if true, almost certainly don’t meet the standards laid out in the CBA to void a contract, especially when considering the legal battle that would be ensue with the NBA Player’s Association. Jabari Parker is here to stay if he opts into his contract this fall.

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Otis
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July 9, 2020 10:14 am

It looks more and more like the NBA might be screwed – not because they put together a “bad” plan, but because Florida is lighting up like a Christmas tree, and it seems the Governor’s solution is to do…not much of anything as far as mitigation.
 
In April, Commissioner Silver stated that the local conditions and availability of testing for the public were part of the evaluation of whether to proceed. Guess those are now low priority pieces of the evaluation as we get closer to the start of play?
 

Last edited 3 years ago by Otis
Otis
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July 9, 2020 11:00 am
Reply to  Otis

Nashville SC is the second team to drop out of the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando after nine players tested positive for COVID-19, according to a news release.

1951
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July 9, 2020 11:11 am
Reply to  Otis

In addition to the Covid risk itself, I also expect to see a run of injuries that takes out a bunch of key rotational guys for a bunch of teams.
 
Even Accounting for the mini camp and 8 €œregular€ season games, you are asking highly tuned athletes to go from an extended break to full speed very quickly.
 
I read that soccer has already experienced some of this and I fully expect many muscle injuries and possibly more serious stuff like an achilles or something (knock on wood!).
 
we shall see.

MichaelMack
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July 9, 2020 10:14 am

Great read gentlemen. Nice to have Brenden’s perspective along with Baby G and Dubya G.

Kosta
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July 10, 2020 11:12 am
Reply to  MichaelMack

Yes, thanks for taking my question as well, and welcome Brenden! We see you!

AirmaxPG
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July 9, 2020 11:00 am

Thanks for answering my question! I agree it comes down to the money, but it seems there could be enough teams to vote in favor of the top 16 teams to over-rule the few who don’t benefit from it.
 
For example, all of the middle of the road playoff teams would definitely want the higher seeds to match up against Portland or New Orleans (or the Kings) versus gifting them the 4 game sweep over short-handed Brooklyn/Orlando. Plus you could avoid the whole uncomfortable situation of a play-in with Memphis even though the Grizz had the better record.
 
Plus Plus you could have Lillard and/or Zion in the playoffs = more ratings revenue…
 
To me it’s ridiculous they don’t do it this way. the Nets or Magic can still make it by winning their games in the final 8, but they literally have to just win 2 out of the 8 AT THE MOST and will be in the playoffs under this current format.
 
Ok rant over…

TheBufferZone
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July 9, 2020 12:35 pm

I would trade the 13th pick with Boston for the 17th & 26th in a heartbeat.
 
The talent this year is pretty even in the 1st round outside of a handful of players.
 
Why not throw 2 darts instead of 1?

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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July 9, 2020 12:49 pm
Reply to  TheBufferZone

Why does Boston do that? I mean, if Ainge wants to trade up to 13, Vlade should just pick who Ainge is targeting and call it a win. That’s better than having Vlade throw darts.

TheBufferZone
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July 9, 2020 12:59 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

I don’t think they actually do, I’m just using the scenario Tim presented.
 
However, Vlade would just screw up who he thought Ainge was drafting & pick the slowest big on the board.
 
I still would trade down if someone else is looking to move up.

AirmaxPG
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July 9, 2020 1:32 pm
Reply to  TheBufferZone

Yep, under no circumstances do I want Vlade involved in any trade negotiations with Danny Ainge. That cannot end well.
 
Unless Vlade is trading himself for Mike Zarren.

BestHyperboleEver
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July 9, 2020 1:42 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Of course, we wouldn’t have any real way of knowing who Ainge was targeting until after the agreement is made. And, Ainge’s draft history isn’t really all that impressive. In 16 years of drafts, Tatum and Rondo are really the only home run picks. He’s an exceptional GM over all, but he isn’t a brilliant drafter.
 

Last edited 3 years ago by BestHyperboleEver
Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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July 9, 2020 2:13 pm

Really? I was thinking he’s done pretty good.
 
Tatum, Brown, Rozier, E’Twaun Moore, Avery Bradly Jeff Green, Al Jefferson, and Tony Allen are/were all quality NBA players. Looking at his picks I don’t see too many reaches or swings and misses there. I mean there are no Jimmers, TRobs, Mcelmores, or PapaG’s in his draft history.

BestHyperboleEver
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July 9, 2020 2:38 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

This is a funny way to measure it, but looks about right to me. It compares current GMs that have been in their position for at least 4 drafts. It ranks him 8th out of 14. So I suppose that would quality as worthy of Vlade cribbing from since Vlade is so bad. I’d call him above average but not special. I don’t really consider Jaylen Brown production a huge get at #3. Nor Marcus Smart at #6. Those are useful NBA players, but not especially impressive returns at their draft positions.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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July 9, 2020 3:25 pm

That’s a nice article. Thanks for sharing! I’m a bit surprised Vlade isn’t dead last, and I’m socked he’s ahead of Donnie Nelson. I mean, the guy made a solid trade and picked Doncic. They guy has had only two picks in the lottery since 2005! Marking him down for a bunch of failed picks in the second round is a bit much, IMO.

BestHyperboleEver
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July 9, 2020 4:27 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Yeah, there’s a lot of subjectivity in there. And, of course, it’s all about how you value things. Is it about value for the pick or is it just about getting valuable players onto the roster. For example, let’s say for the sake of ease that Siakam and Tatum are equally good players. Does Ujiri get more credit than Ainge because he drafted him later? And how much do we value stars vs. role players? Like you mention, Donny Nelson has actually been pretty terrible at drafting, but he drafted Doncic who is more valuable than a dozen Bertrans. Bertranses? Bertri?

Carl
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July 9, 2020 6:09 pm

I have some issues with their ratings.
 
They rate Carl Landry (31st, 2007); and Patrick Patterson (14th, 2010); as singles, and they were both mostly solid players with long careers.
 
They also hang Donte Greene on Morey, but Greene was moved twice before the season even started, so not sure that’s entirely a correct way to view things.
 
They also rate Bagley and Giles as singles. I’m a huge fan of Harry, but he hasn’t proven more than he’s talented. I’m not a huge fan of Bagley and he can’t be more than sac fly (one step above strikeout) today. Neither should be mentioned with Landry or Patterson today.

Last edited 3 years ago by Carl
BestHyperboleEver
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July 9, 2020 10:20 pm
Reply to  Carl

Sure, there are a number of nits to pick. Likely somehow Harden and Durant aren’t HRs. The overall point is that while Ainge is a very good GM, he isn’t necessarily a draft genius. Meanwhile someone like Isiah Thomas was kind of a draft genius, but was absolutely terrible at every other aspect of the job.

Adamsite
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July 10, 2020 7:58 am

Could you refresh my memory on Isiah’s drafting genius?

BestHyperboleEver
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July 10, 2020 10:45 am
Reply to  Adamsite

He drafted Damon Stoudamire (7), Camby (2), and McGrady (9) consecutively in his 3 drafts in Toronto. Then during his disaster in NY he drafted Ariza (43), Frye (8), David Lee (30), Wilson Chandler (23). Frye isn’t a great pull at #8 though a useful player.
 
Overall, the first three are all good-to-great players. While Ariza, Lee, and Chandler are good-to-great values for their pick slots. The only real misses in the first round were Balkman (20) and Collins (29) in 2006

Adamsite
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July 10, 2020 11:51 am

Wait, I didn’t realize he as GM in Toronto.

BestHyperboleEver
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July 10, 2020 2:48 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

He was technically part-owner and Executive VP, but he was in charge of player personnel decisions including running the draft and making selections. I don’t know if he ever had the title of GM, but he had those responsibilities.

RikSmits
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July 9, 2020 10:32 pm
Reply to  Carl

These ratings are largely useless and lack context and objectivity.
I rate it an ejection for using a corked bat.
 

AirmaxPG
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July 10, 2020 8:41 am
Reply to  RikSmits

It is a fun read, but yes definitely context is key.
 
For example, in 2018 Vlade was given a plate appearance against a batting practice coach, and he took a walk (maybe a single, maybe a strikeout… but it’s incomplete for now).
 
The selection of Giles could be a single. But he’s likely getting picked off first because they didn’t extend his rookie deal.
 
Calling James, Guy, and Marinkovic a walk at this point? You can’t give them anything more than a sac fly, because they have had basically no impact. Take away their base on balls and Vlade’s OBP is around .250 instead of .500.
 
Vlade’s best move was drafting Fox, but after the pick swap we did lose a chance at a home run in Tatum.
 
Let’s not forget in 2018, Vlade forgot how many outs there were and sold our 2nd rounder. Portland then hit a single.
 
I’d give him a single for Bogi though.

1951
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July 10, 2020 10:58 am
Reply to  AirmaxPG

Five years ago Vlade traded away a plate appearance for the right to buy some more chewing tobacco!

AirmaxPG
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July 10, 2020 2:19 pm
Reply to  1951

Oh yeah I forgot about that one. Hey I guess if you just trade away the pick you can’t mess it up amirite?

1951
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July 10, 2020 3:53 pm
Reply to  AirmaxPG

“The last thing this team needs right now is more young talent.”
 
– Some former broadcaster/radio Kings guy

Kosta
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July 10, 2020 11:09 am
Reply to  AirmaxPG

comment image

RORDOG
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July 9, 2020 1:19 pm

I’ll admit, I have a morbid curiosity about all things involved with the NBA’s plan to resume the season. Obviously I don’t hope that anything bad will happen, but it seems inevitable that things won’t go according to plan. My bet is there will be a champion, but it will be some random team like the Heat that lucked out and didn’t have any of their players quarantined. I also find myself imagining how mad the NBA world would collectively get if the Kings beat the Lakers in the first round because LA’s starting 5 ended up being Quinn Cook, JR Smith, Dion Waiters, Kyle Kuzma and Dwight Howard.
 
Also, I’m enjoying all these pics of the player’s rooms/food in the bubble. As I understand it, they are basically isolated in their rooms for the first 48 hours, so I assume that’s the reason the food looks like it was prepared at Fyre Fest. It’s still kinda funny though seeing all these millionaires reacting to staying in rooms and eating food that normal folks would be totally fine with.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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July 9, 2020 1:27 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

I personally think the NBA will kill the season if stars like LBJ, Giannis, etc. get sick. No chance in hell they are going to want a Kings vs. Magic Finals because 30% of the re-started league couldn’t play.

Marty
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July 9, 2020 2:04 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

I believe the virus will spread throughout one team and organization right away, and the whole thing will be thrown into chaos early on.
 

Last edited 3 years ago by Marty Marty
RORDOG
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July 9, 2020 2:13 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

I don’t know, I guess it depends. What can they really do if, for instance, Lebron tested positive after game 1 of a early-round playoff series, but was asymptomatic? There would feasibly be enough time for Lebron to re-emerge from quarantine and play in the later rounds if the Lakers were to advance.
 
My point is that there’s a lot of possible scenarios that could occur outside of the going off without a hitch and being forced to shut it down prematurely. To me, a survival of the fittest scenario just seems like the most likely way this thing plays out.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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July 9, 2020 3:26 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

You think they are going to quarantine LBJ to his Disney hotel room with zero contact for 2 weeks while inside the “bubble?”

RORDOG
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July 9, 2020 6:37 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

I mean…probably? I’d flip it around though and ask if you think Lebron would go along with shutting the entire thing down because he tested positive if there was still a chance he could win a title if he chose to quarantine for 2 weeks.

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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July 10, 2020 8:01 am
Reply to  RORDOG

Lebron strikes me as someone who realizes life is much bigger than this weird basketball season. I think he’d call it quits in order to protect his health, those he loves, and a longer career. I feel, if this season even completes, it will be the most meaningless NBA title in the history of the league.

RORDOG
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July 10, 2020 10:01 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Yeah who knows. I just think it’s not nothing that Lebron was a huge catalyst for resuming on the players’ side. It would just seem weird to then turn around and say “well actually now that I have it I think the season should be cancelled for everyone else”.
 
I could see him making the decision to leave the bubble, but I think he understands the reputational hit of forcing the league to cancel because of him once in the bubble. If he didn’t want the restart to happen, then he could’ve vocally opposed it. Now that he’s there, I don’t think he’d want to be perceived as if his safety is paramount, and everyone else is just there risking their lives at his behest. The calculus changes if he’s symptomatic obviously.

RikSmits
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July 10, 2020 10:39 am
Reply to  RORDOG

FIFY: I could see him making The Decision live on TV to leave the bubble 

RikSmits
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July 9, 2020 10:38 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

It’s kinda funny watching the millionaires moping about their food, expensive hotel rooms and faux isolation, while getting constantly tested for the virus.
 
in the meantime, professional health care people are exposed to risks every day and do not get tested at a decent rate. Some people are unemployed and don’t have living arrangements that equal these rooms, nor food as nourishing and good.
 
But hey, at least Rondo will have stuff like €œSocial justice€ written on the back of his jersey.
 
This whole thing is wrong. Shut it down.

BestHyperboleEver
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July 10, 2020 10:47 am
Reply to  RikSmits

We humans are notoriously bad at having anything approaching perspective.

RORDOG
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July 10, 2020 12:02 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

Yeah my thing is that I just have to compartmentalize this stuff. Should the NBA restart? No. I just think the restart is a symptom of a much bigger issue. As Wu Tang so eloquently put it Cash Rules Everything Around Me. If I’m going to be outraged at this, then I’d be hypocritical about not being outraged that the Kings are even still in Sacramento. It took a child molester cutting a back room deal with a couple billionaires to hand over public land and tax revenue to keep them here. In exchange we get to watch a shitty team play in an area of downtown that has been partially revitalized (or gentrified depending on how you look at it).
 
At this point, I just have to separate my personal enjoyment from the societal impact. That’s basically what sports is now. Anger is futile. Eat Arby’s.
 

Kosta
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July 10, 2020 2:51 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

No way! Arby’s doesn’t serve Rordogs„¢.

RORDOG
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July 10, 2020 4:05 pm
Reply to  Kosta

2 things: a) Arby’s has a top 5 (in my book) fast food sandwich with their French dip, b) I saw this on Twitter the other day and the RORDOG is basically the Doyer dog without mustard:
 

DD0359C7-215C-4D14-A29E-10219C4C592D.png
MichaelMack
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July 10, 2020 4:33 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

 
Living in Seattle, I have to affirm that their hot dog is a superior product.

RORDOG
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July 10, 2020 6:01 pm
Reply to  MichaelMack

Lol check out my convo with my gf from earlier this week:

346DFE52-9389-4B0D-88DC-D877BE4DF988.jpeg
MichaelMack
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July 11, 2020 8:39 am
Reply to  RORDOG

I did not know that your screen name was derived from a culinary delight, thats intriguing.

RORDOG
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July 11, 2020 1:35 pm
Reply to  MichaelMack

I love hotdogs! Here’s the one I made today. I chopped up pickled jalapeños, red onion, and tomato I grew in my backyard. Then added mayo, Crystal hot sauce and medium cheddar. It’s basic, but tasty.

CDD1583B-D2C7-4EDD-875F-959CD5C9CE86.jpeg
RORDOG
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July 11, 2020 1:40 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

Those are the early girl tomatoes. I have the big boys and the brandywines coming soon.

MyNeighborTurturro
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July 12, 2020 8:51 am
Reply to  RORDOG

They’re delicious! I actually got married in my backyard yesterday, and Chicago and Seattle dogs were the main course. We’re real classy.

RORDOG
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July 12, 2020 2:14 pm

Hell yeah, congrats! I assume the backyard nuptials weren’t what you envisioned when you first proposed. I’ll venture to guess the wedding was delightful nonetheless.

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July 11, 2020 9:37 am
Reply to  RORDOG

Wu-tang reference. Auto rec.

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July 9, 2020 1:19 pm

Thanks for taking the time to seek out an answer to my question! While already a selfish act, Jabari’s actions hit a little too close to home for me; two of my friends were on staff at the restaurant he dined at here in Chicago. One is a chef, the other a bartender, so neither came anywhere near him, but once the news got out, the staff rushed to get tested and spent three days in quarantine while waiting for the (thankfully negative) results. I’ve never been a fan of his game, but this has made it pretty difficult to be a fan of him in general.
 

Last edited 3 years ago by MyNeighborTurturro
MichaelMack
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July 10, 2020 10:54 am

Westbrook, Chris Paul (twice), Galinari, Shai, Anthony Davis, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Durant, Walker, Brogdon, Butler (twice), Conley, Marc Gasol, Tobias Harris (twice), Blake Griffin, Bledsoe, Kyrie, IT, Paul George, Oladipo, and Sabonis have been traded since DMC was traded from the Kings, which was only three years ago, so when I read things like “its hard to land a star by trade”, while that might have been true in the past, I think star players move quite a bit more than they used to. I think an interesting query for next weeks mailbag is similar to one I posed two weeks ago, do you see a star out there worth packaging multiple assets for? What would Bogi, Bagley, and a first bring back?
 

Last edited 3 years ago by MichaelMack
Adamsite
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July 10, 2020 11:53 am
Reply to  MichaelMack

Bradley Beal is my star to target. I really think the Wiz may move him for financial reasons. What I threw out to Tim on Twitter was a package of Buddy, Bagley, and #12 for Beal and filler (Ish Smith?)
 
I’d love a lineup of Fox, Beal, Bogi, Barnes, and Holmes.

AirmaxPG
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July 10, 2020 3:02 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

That’s a tough one for me. On one hand, we’re getting by far the best player in the trade. But on another, he’s on a huge contract and I was surprised he’s only shooting about league average from 3 the last two seasons.
 
We would lose our microwave bench scorer and would be selling low on Bagley. The draft pick also stings a little, we should be able to get a rotational player out of that. Plus I’m not sure about Bogi guarding opposing starting 3’s. But overall I think I’d do it.
 
Another trade I threw out yesterday was Buddy + Bags to Chicago for Otto Porter and Markkanen. BHE mentioned that would give Chicago an atrocious defensive backcourt with Lavine/Hield… but maybe we throw in the 12th pick and that gets it done.
 
I think I like the trade with the Bulls if I had to choose between the two because of the depth it could add and the defensive boost Porter can provide if healthy. A starting 5 of Fox/Bogi/Porter/Barnes/Holmes sounds good to me. Plus Markkanen pairing with Len/Giles off the bench. But maybe your trade helps us more by adding the star power.

Carl
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July 10, 2020 3:58 pm
Reply to  AirmaxPG

That’s a deal I could get behind. Sure would be nice to move Barnes if we got Porter though. He does pretty much everything worse than Porter, but does seem like a great dude.

AirmaxPG
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July 11, 2020 7:49 am
Reply to  Carl

Yeah I kinda like the idea of Barnes and Porter both interchangeable at the 3 and 4.

RikSmits
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July 10, 2020 9:12 pm
Reply to  AirmaxPG

How do you know that we would be selling low on Bagley? Right now, he played so little and is so young that you can still play the potential card.
 
once he plays more and most of his weaknesses do not disappear – or worse, he plays little due to more injuries – you lose that as well.
 
and these are not completely unrealistic scenarios.
 
 

Last edited 3 years ago by RikSmits
AirmaxPG
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July 11, 2020 7:56 am
Reply to  RikSmits

It’s definitely possible I guess that his value will continue to plummet. Those who are in the FO need to make that evaluation, and act accordingly. Petrie seemed to quickly cut his losses on T-Rob when he realized what he had.
 
The armchair GM in me thinks it might be time to punt, just based on the selfishness he seems to exude. But I could be very wrong there, and I hope Bags can turn it around.

RikSmits
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July 11, 2020 9:47 am
Reply to  AirmaxPG

I think you hit the nail on the head with the selfishness; which seems to be fed by his father. That makes me fear that it won’t go away soon.
 
Also, his father seems to take the he’s not Luka thing very personal which has also rubbed off on Marvin. Him getting off social media seems to indicate a thin skin which would not help him either.
 
I just don’t see him flourishing, especially not in Sacramento.,

AirmaxPG
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July 12, 2020 9:44 am
Reply to  RikSmits

Yeah I guess this is where Vlade “the communicator” needs to step in lol.
 
But seriously they all need to sit down and figure it out, because as you say it’s possible his stock will never be higher.
 
I do think Marvin getting off social media could be a step in the right direction. Just focus on your game, and what you can do to help your team win.

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