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Should the Kings fire Luke Walton?

After a 9-game losing streak and the team looking lost, it's a question worth asking.
By | 162 Comments | Feb 26, 2021

Should the Sacramento Kings fire Luke Walton? At first the answer seems to be an obvious yes.

After all, the Kings have lost 9 straight as we prepare to enter the All-Star break, the team looks listless and lost, and the team has a historically-inept defense. Better coaches than Luke Walton have been fired for less.

The flip side is that this team was never meant to be good. We knew coming into the year that this team had a lack of depth, we knew they would lose a lot of games, and we knew that playoffs weren’t really the goal for this year.

It’s also worth noting that the players themselves are still defending Walton to the media. As De’Aaron Fox said in his post game comments:

But the biggest question is how long this current losing is sustainable. Perhaps Monte McNair and Luke Walton are on the same page. Maybe Monte supports the lack of lineup changes or accountability in the rotation. For all we know, Monte is the one dictating that Marvin Bagley and Buddy Hield continue to start each game. And Walton’s post game comments indicate that this could be the case.

But even if McNair and Walton are on the same page, we all know that in Sacramento there are other factors at play. How long will Vivek stand by and watch this continue?

If the Kings fired Luke Walton, I won’t be upset. I’ve been pretty vocal about not being a fan of his, or of the farce of a hiring process that led to him becoming the Kings head coach. But I also try to be fair, and there are issues with this Kings team that can’t be blamed solely on the coach. Replacing Walton with Alvin Gentry isn’t going to fix the Kings depth, isn’t going to make Buddy Hield remember how to shoot, and isn’t going to teach Marvin Bagley how to play defense. Alvin Gentry isn’t going to make this a playoff team, and being a playoff team isn’t really the goal this year.

Firing Luke Walton would be fair, but I’m also not going to be upset or surprised if McNair keeps Walton around through the end of this year.

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Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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Nostradumbass 14
February 26, 2021 7:59 am

For me it all comes down to the locker room. If Walton has lost the team, then fire him. If Walton is still loved by the players and if firing him would create some player resentment, then keep him.

Either way, he’s gone this summer when hopefully Monte gets to pick his coach.

I will say this, however, if the losing continues something has to be done. I’ve said in the past that trading away a bunch of guys right now put the blame on the players, and that won’t go over will with the team or other players around the league. In losing streak situations like this, 99 times out of 100 the head coach gets fired. Someone has to be the fall guy.

Could it be that we see an assistant coach get fired?

Aykis16
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Nostradumbass 13
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February 26, 2021 8:06 am
Reply to  Adamsite

This is pretty much where I’m at. Just keep the guy through the end of the year and then do a full coaching search with the caveat that he is probably going to get fired if this losing streak goes on much longer.

RobHessing
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February 26, 2021 8:14 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Could it be that we see an assistant coach get fired?

For failure to have a firm grasp on the clipboard at the end of the game.

G-naps
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February 26, 2021 8:29 am
Reply to  RobHessing

That would be such a Vivek move…FIRE THE ASSISTANT TO PROVE A POINT!!!

Almost seems like its been done before.

Klam
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February 26, 2021 8:40 am
Reply to  RobHessing

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Kosta
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February 26, 2021 8:44 am
Reply to  Klam

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cbrody
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February 26, 2021 9:15 am
Reply to  RobHessing

Keep him. I want to see what it looks like when he does lose the locker room. But I’m sick like that.

My friend on the other hand says he’s got to go.

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Klam
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February 26, 2021 8:39 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Agreed.

And I think regardless of whether he goes soon or stays for the remainder of the year, there is very little chance he will still be the coach after the season is over.

BeTheBall
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February 26, 2021 9:21 am
Reply to  Adamsite

If the players are refusing to play (or at least collectively half-assing it on) defense, which is exactly what this season has looked like, I’m not too concerned about their feelings over being traded.

The only other explanation is that the coaching staff either has no idea how to work on players defense, or they’re telling them not to worry about defending. If that’s the case, then they need to go immediately (as well as making some trades).

Last edited 3 years ago by BeTheBall
AmateurNerd
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February 26, 2021 9:40 am
Reply to  Adamsite

I reluctantly agree with this. Walton obviously DESERVES to be fired (in fact, he should have been fired by Vivek the minute he got accused of assault after being hired with no due diligence just a day before by Vlade, but that’s a beside the point now). However, it would cost money and potentially destabilize the franchise even further. Let him be a dead man walking for another few months, then clean house once and for all.

rc50cal
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February 26, 2021 10:50 am
Reply to  Adamsite

Walton is the perfect Tank Commander. He tries to win but he’s so bad, the team loses anyway. We have to get a transcendent player to pair with Fox and Halliburton.

Sorry to those of you still watching this disaster, but I’m finally ready to root for ping pong balls after 14 years.

Want-to-be-gm
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February 26, 2021 11:26 am
Reply to  Adamsite

I watch a lot of Wizard games and it looked so obvious that Scottie Brooks has totally lost the team. Amazingly the Wizards have turned things around. It’s so hard to tell how the players feel. Walton seems like a likable guy and I thought earlier in the year he had lost the team and then we had that streak. I would start by releasing a couple of players and then fire an assistant

1951
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February 26, 2021 12:57 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Either way, he’s gone this summer when hopefully Monte gets to pick his coach.

Listen to the Sam Amick interview on the CD show from yesterday. It’s a must listen and it does not leave one with much confidence that Monte is going to get to do what he wants.

1951
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February 26, 2021 1:08 pm
Reply to  1951

In sum, while Walton never should have been hired, so anytime you fire him is the right time, this team never goes anywhere of significance until you fix the organizational rot and the rot starts at the very top, not the bottom or middle.

oh, and the awesome news for us is that there is really no way to get rid of the rot at the top.

Last edited 3 years ago by 1951
jnharvey44
February 26, 2021 8:08 am

We all know that it’s not ALL on Walton, I think he is a bad coach, but we all see the players not doing anything. This is on everybody at this point.

The problem I see with keeping him is who is going to come to Sacramento while all of this is happening. Keeping him essentially says that what is happening is fine, and nobody wants to play for that. It looks bad, and there’s no way to get players here and no way to keep him if this continues.

TerzoM
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February 26, 2021 8:10 am

It’s been same shit different year for 10+ years. Another 3 months doesn’t mean anything to me, does it to you? Let Walton finish out the season and watch Monte’s moves, I haven’t heard Vivek’s meddling like years past, hopefully he stays the fk out of this. Go Kings.

Tunel_21
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February 26, 2021 8:11 am

He is gone in the summer and that is fine by me. I am not a fan of the mid season firing. All it does is create additional complications, and if we do indeed have trades coming, then maybe coaching instability isn’t what we need at the present moment.

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February 26, 2021 8:14 am
Reply to  Tunel_21

Also, if we lose to Detroit then maybe a firing becomes unavoidable. Suddenly this Detroit game has some weird importance to it.

Gregoryl
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February 26, 2021 9:06 am
Reply to  Tunel_21

I will say that Mitch Richmond had the line of the night in regards to this (yes, I suffered thru the post-game show too):
Kyle – “Mitch, the season rides on tomorrow’s game, right?”
Mitch – “Man, the season was over 3 games ago!”

PhutureKings
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February 26, 2021 12:28 pm
Reply to  Gregoryl

That is gold.

TheBufferZone
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February 26, 2021 8:11 am

At the very least we should just €œfix the glitch€ and save ourselves some money.

G-naps
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February 26, 2021 8:31 am
Reply to  TheBufferZone

How would firing Walton save money? His contract is guaranteed.

TerzoM
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February 26, 2021 8:35 am
Reply to  G-naps

WB G-naps. Haven’t seen you in a while

G-naps
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February 26, 2021 9:10 am
Reply to  TerzoM

Thanks…Ive been lurking just not posting.

TheBufferZone
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February 26, 2021 10:54 pm
Reply to  G-naps

I was referencing Office Space where they just stopped paying him & had him keep doing the work.

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February 26, 2021 8:13 am

I would have voted yes on this dating all the way back to the day before they hired him.

Marty
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February 26, 2021 8:13 am

Keep Walton, trade everything of value for picks, hire your guy at the end of this year, tell him he’s going to have one rough season and please concentrate on developing the rookies, and more help will be on the way at the end of the season.

Last edited 3 years ago by Marty Marty
Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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February 26, 2021 9:10 am
Reply to  Marty

Just a random thought, but does keeping him despite the losses piling up acknowledge tanking? I mean, from of optics perspective GMs fire their coaches in these situations regardless of their real desires of wanting wins or losses. Coaches on bad teams that were supposed to be bad are still fired, well…because it makes it look like the GM wants to win.

The only exception to this rule that I can think of was Brett Brown of “The Process” Sixers. The team was supposed to be bad, in Hinkie’s eyes, so Brown wasn’t fired.

I guess what I’m saying is, to the average NBA and Kings fan (which are folks not likely aware of the ideas here on this site) winning is the ultimate goal, so the firing of Walton after an atrocious losing streak is the obvious thing to do. So if he doesn’t get fired, what do those average fans begin to think? Again, it’s about the optics

Marty
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February 26, 2021 9:36 am
Reply to  Adamsite

I think Sam didn’t do any press conferences and never talked about tanking. It takes courage and I want a leader to lead and not worry about semantics

HongKongKingsFan
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February 26, 2021 8:18 am

I agree with Marty

keep Walton, develop the youth
But need to trade away Bagley and Hield is the very TOP urgency to do now !

We don’t need low BBIQ with bad defense players

Marty
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February 26, 2021 8:40 am

Notice I said trade everything of value, and that includes Fox. I need his value.

They would be 2 to 3 years away from being competitive, so it would be respectful to him and would maybe boost our reputation to tell Fox and his people that things are going to get ugly, and is there anywhere that you would like to go? I need his value to do this thing right, and not half-ass it.

I think they have enough value to get five picks (includes two of their own) in the first round over the next two years, but I’m no expert there. The only player on the roster today that I see as being part of the future is Halliburton.

Walton doesn’t matter, and neither do the players. They are simply assets needed to acquire quality picks.

Of course this is just me dreaming. The fact that there are no fans in the stadium for the first year of this is a blessing and should be capitalized upon.

Last edited 3 years ago by Marty Marty
SelecaoKOJ
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February 26, 2021 8:48 am
Reply to  Marty

I like your mindset. I completely agree. The only player I really want to build around is Hali.

rockbottom
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February 26, 2021 12:57 pm
Reply to  SelecaoKOJ

Iowa State won nothing ! Keep that in mind !

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February 26, 2021 9:05 am
Reply to  Marty

This approach would be the cleansing of the previous FO stank. Popular..not at all. But in my mind this is no worse than the people who are saying “Give Walton 1 more year because they played so good for 8 games.”

KingsSince85
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February 26, 2021 2:46 pm
Reply to  G-naps

€œGive Walton 1 more year because they played so good for 8 games.€-

I don’t think that anyone is saying that.

Just a matter of whether you fire him now / mid season OR after the last game. As much as I very strongly feel that hiring him (and firing Joerger) was a quite stupid, I say wait until the last game’s buzzer sounds (or the next day :-).

BuffaloDiaspora
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February 26, 2021 9:10 am
Reply to  Marty

Fox is basically untradeable until his max extension kicks in because of the way the salary would count for trade purposes. I am not sure if that would be before or after this year’s draft, though.

King4life
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February 26, 2021 9:31 am
Reply to  Marty

I really don’t see how realistic it is to have a fire sale and tank for 3 more seasons. That would make it 17 straight seasons without playoffs and I’m pretty sure you’d lose most of your season ticket holders and fans who attend games. Plus you want to trade one of the only 2 players who are the teams building blocks?

I think we get too stuck in the Kimgsherald bubble sometimes and need to acknowledge there are a ton of casual fans who are being lost to apathy and won’t stand for another 3 years of stripping the team down to rebuild again.

This franchise is in a really dangerous place and I have no idea how it recovers.

BuffaloDiaspora
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February 26, 2021 9:39 am
Reply to  King4life

My favorite football team went 17 years without making the playoffs and the fans just found other ways to make going to the games enjoyable. Maybe we can start jumping through folding tables in DoCo Plaza?

More seriously, I do have that same worry if the Kings go full “Process Sixers” that they may lose a critical mass of fans. I think the whole DoCo/G1C experience will help to some degree but several years of sub-15 wins would really start to hurt.

King4life
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February 26, 2021 9:47 am

I said this yesterday so I apologize if I’m repeating myself but if the team wanted to do that process, they should’ve when Vivek first took over the team and they could’ve walked into Golden1 with a young and exciting team.

Funny enough, Hinkie was hired the same summer as Pete was.

BuffaloDiaspora
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February 26, 2021 10:13 am
Reply to  Greg

That’s what was being suggested, though.

Personally, I’d say that Haliburton is untouchable, Fox could be traded but the offer would have to be ridiculous and Bagley would have to return at least a lottery pick. Past those 3, though, everyone over 22 years old should be on the block for future assets

AmateurNerd
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February 26, 2021 12:24 pm

If I were a team looking at Bagley, I wouldn’t offer anything more than a lottery ticket, but that’s just me.

BestHyperboleEver
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February 26, 2021 11:29 am
Reply to  Greg

There’s no need to go full 6ers.

Marty
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February 26, 2021 12:19 pm
Reply to  Greg

Agree Greg.

Going full €œProcess Sixers€ would be if they were dumping Fox and every other good player. I don’t see that happening.

BestHyperboleEver
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February 26, 2021 11:28 am
Reply to  King4life

What is it about seasons 16 & 17 without playoffs that make fans more likely to turn away than, say, seasons 8-15?

Marty
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February 26, 2021 12:18 pm
Reply to  King4life

Tanking brought Sixers fans TOGETHER, and INCREASED excitement. Sure, it was tough in the beginning, but to say it was worth it would be an understatement.

think we get too stuck in the Kimgsherald bubble…there are a ton of casual fans who are being lost to apathy and won’t stand for another 3 years of stripping the team down to rebuild again.

BestHyperboleEver
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February 26, 2021 12:42 pm
Reply to  Marty

It’s amazing what a having a clear vision and making substantive steps in that direction can do.

King4life
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February 26, 2021 12:51 pm
Reply to  Marty

That’s fair but the worth it part isn’t as guaranteed when you consider the league changed the lottery odds to de-incentive tanking.

The league also forced Hinkie out despite so I doubt McNair or another GM would embark on such a drastic tanking strategy.

rockbottom
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February 26, 2021 1:02 pm
Reply to  King4life

Agree, most that think this is a good idea do not support the franchise financially ! Very dangerous place ! Three more seasons like this will destroy the Kings !

KingsSince85
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February 26, 2021 2:52 pm
Reply to  King4life

There a very fine line between winning and losing in the NBA. A good coach can make a huge difference. I’d be willing to bet my life’s savings that the Kings record would be better and the Spurs record would be significantly worse had the teams swapped coaches a year or two ago. Do the Spurs have that much more talent? I’m no so sure.

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February 26, 2021 10:05 am
Reply to  Marty

It’s a decent point you’re making but incomplete. Hypothetically every player should be considered trade able for the right deal. The big question right now is what kind of market is available for Barnes, Buddy, Bagley and even Fox. I suspect at this point Buddy is a contract liability and we’d be lucky to get someone just to take that contract off our hands. As for Barnes, Remember we got Barnes for basically nothing. I guess he’s got a more palatable contract now but I’m very suspicious of these reports that Barnes can bring a First round pick and a young prospect as reported in the Celtic trade talk. Bagley may be the trade chip that can bring the highest return but unless we can get at least a mid to late first round pick, I don’t see the point in trading him now.

As for Fox, again it depends on what you can get. To me it would have to be a very high first rounder (top 2 or 3) this year and a future first rounder no more than top 3 protected. I said at the beginning of the season, the objectives should be to evaluate and develop the young guys, improve our draft position and create some cap space.

With all that said, I’d be happy to go into the offseason with Fox, Haliburton, Bagley and a couple of first round picks in the upcoming draft and a bunch of cap space through the relinquishing of the Buddy and Barnes contracts. Realistically I think that’s the best we can hope for.

SelecaoKOJ
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February 26, 2021 8:30 am

We’re going streaking!!!

Last edited 3 years ago by SelecaoKOJ
Kosta
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February 26, 2021 8:41 am

How about an unofficial poll?

THUMBS UP this comment = WALTON SHOULD BE FIRED.
.
THUMBS DOWN this comment = WALTON SHOULD NOT BE FIRED.
.
COMMENT WITH GIF = ON THE FENCE.

Last edited 3 years ago by Kosta
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February 26, 2021 8:45 am
Reply to  Kosta

comment image

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February 26, 2021 8:48 am
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Fence? 🙂comment image

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February 26, 2021 8:50 am
Reply to  TerzoM

Seen above: Walton signaling Fox to run the picket fence.

rockbottom
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February 26, 2021 1:06 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

May represent the actual paying customers after the pandemic !

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February 26, 2021 9:23 am
Reply to  Kosta

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February 26, 2021 11:28 am
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KingsSince85
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February 26, 2021 3:01 pm
Reply to  Kosta

By “not be fired”, I’m assuming you mean “not until the season is over”… in which case, i’m in the thumbs down camp (I’m hesitant to click the thumbs down because… HE BETTER BE GONE by the start of the 2021-2022 season).

FarmerGuy
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February 26, 2021 8:42 am

Yes, but wait until after the season. I want Cade and I want him now! It would be Luke’s greatest accomplishment with the Kings.

TerzoM
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February 26, 2021 8:55 am
Reply to  FarmerGuy

Commanding the Tank for 3 more months. Hang in there fellow comrades!

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February 26, 2021 9:09 am
Reply to  TerzoM

I agree! We must stay strong. We’ve seen losing before. We’ve seen rock bottoms before. Keep Luke for now, fire him right after the last game of the season, make smart decision with high draft pick. Profit.

SelecaoKOJ
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February 26, 2021 8:47 am

Most worst fear is Walton getting fired after a Detroit loss and Gentry is the interim coach. The teams plays marginally better after the ASB and Gentry gets the gig. That would set this team back another 2-3 years. Keep Walton and we’re definitely headed for a Top 5 pick

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February 26, 2021 11:31 am
Reply to  SelecaoKOJ

Exactly my feelings. Some I think are underselling Gentry setting himself up for the full time job (likely why he took the AC job here in the first place). Above all else the Kings need to have a legitimate coaching search, something they have refused to do for multiple cycles. Especially with a more established cornerstone in Hali and Fox and a new FO to pitch. Gentry is a competent social operator and a higher echelon than many interim coaches. Contrast his HC experience with raw Walton and the Kings could easily settle when they shouldnt. GSW ties with Vivek also don’t bode well to potential steamrolling our new GM early in the relationship. I both don’t trust Vivek to judge objectively post interim or willing to take that risk because we are loosing games when its likely in the teams present best interest anyway.

Last edited 3 years ago by nonstripedzebra
LandParkJimmer
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February 26, 2021 8:48 am

What about firing Matina K? She’s the only one still in the front office since the Maloofs and has been here for every damn losing season and hasn’t changed a thing. How in the world does she still have her job????

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February 26, 2021 9:03 am
Reply to  LandParkJimmer

Wasn’t there a recent podcast that shed some light on the fact that there are still/yet again camps battling each other at the top of the organization? I missed it all.

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February 26, 2021 9:12 am
Reply to  RikSmits

I think Amick had something on this at The Athletic….I need to check my feed since I got in on the $1/ month subscription.

G-naps
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February 26, 2021 9:24 am
Reply to  G-naps

I was wrong not on The Athletic. Weird, I saw a link to the article now I cant find it. Not sure who wrote it.

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February 26, 2021 10:25 am
Reply to  Greg

I seriously love your avatar. I read every one of your responses in Bobs voice of despair and disdane.

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February 26, 2021 10:32 am
Reply to  Greg

And what was the gist of the story?

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February 26, 2021 11:18 am
Reply to  Greg

Thanks.

I remnember that Dave said we shouldn’t go after Vivek with the #HereWeBillboard campaign.
And although I agreed at the time that going after the owner was perhaps too ambitious, he is definitely the root of all the problems.

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February 26, 2021 11:41 am
Reply to  RikSmits

Amen

KingOfTheMonsters
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February 26, 2021 11:50 am
Reply to  RikSmits

I agree. Vivek is the one who should be fired.

Gregoryl
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February 26, 2021 9:25 am
Reply to  RikSmits

Dave said a couple weeks back that he had heard Dumars was making Monte’s life difficult in the FO.

AmateurNerd
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February 26, 2021 9:52 am
Reply to  Gregoryl

Shocker! The guy hired to whisper in the owner’s other ear while the GM is speaking is making the GM’s life difficult! #KANGZ

PhutureKings
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February 26, 2021 12:35 pm
Reply to  Gregoryl

In that case, Dumars should be fired. Period.

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February 26, 2021 1:19 pm
Reply to  PhutureKings

Not if the team owner worships ex-athletes.

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February 26, 2021 1:29 pm
Reply to  Gregoryl

It’s so funny because it’s obvious Dave gets his intel from minority ownership, so they basically just tell a guy with a local radio show that Vivek and Dumars are total fuck ups.

Gregoryl
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February 26, 2021 9:26 am
Reply to  LandParkJimmer

She knows where all the bodies are buried…

TerzoM
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February 26, 2021 10:34 am
Reply to  Gregoryl

Magoofs built her to destroycomment image

Last edited 3 years ago by TerzoM
Jman1949
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February 26, 2021 8:59 am

Being among those who wish Vlade had not hired Walton to begin with, my gut reaction would be that firing Walton is long overdue. However, I still wonder how much McNair has influenced or directed some of the more curious rotation decisions Walton has made so far this season. Was it within Monte’s plan, for example to bench Bjelica completely even though he has shown better effort than other rotational players when given the opportunity to play? Was it part of Monte’s plan to €œshowcase€ GR III right before waiving him? Is the decision not to tamper with the starting unit strictly Luke’s decision or something that Monte has dictated?

Monte needs either to step up and take responsibility for these decisions or make a change in the Head Coaching spot to see how some of the younger players function under a different Head Coach.

RobHessing
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February 26, 2021 9:00 am

Fire Walton and find new homes for Hield and Barnes (and Holmes and Bagley if the price is right). Trade Bjelica and Whiteside for whatever you can get for them. Waive CoJo and Parker, bring up Ramsey and Woodard and give more minutes to Guy and maybe even James. The team will lose games hand over fist no matter who is given the interim gig, and not having to see or hear Walton for the rest of the season will be a blessing.

Firing Walton and removing any two of the prime core rotation players will achieve the goal for the pro-tank crowd, the anti-Walton crowd, and the pro-young player development crowd.

Gregoryl
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February 26, 2021 9:28 am
Reply to  RobHessing

Hield might be one we have to hold on to for another year, unfortunately. Hopefully get his value back up next season. Although, the summer months sees to completely cloud GM’s views on who a player really is, so maybe an off-season trade for value could happen.

Want-to-be-gm
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February 26, 2021 10:13 am
Reply to  RobHessing

Well yeah that’s the obvious plan but again incomplete or maybe not possible. What are you going to accept for Buddy and Barnes. For Buddy a contract dump is enough for me but that may not be possible right now. As for Barnes, I think you have to get at least a mid to late first round pick. Everything else you said I’ve been screaming from the mountain top for weeks with the exception of Walton which is irrelevant to me for now.

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February 26, 2021 10:24 am
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

Agree on laws of Supply and Demand. May need a couple years to achieve decent business returns

Last edited 3 years ago by TerzoM
Otis
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February 26, 2021 11:03 am
Reply to  RobHessing

This guy gets it.

Carl
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February 26, 2021 11:29 am
Reply to  RobHessing

This is the only right answer. The idea that trading the players blames the players is silly. It is the players fault. If they’re not cutting it and not on the timeline, they should go. That includes every guy you listed and especially Buddy who is bad and overpaid, and Barnes, who is average (and slightly above on a good day) and overpaid.

It’s also Walton’s fault. Walton should never have been hired. Should have been fired when the sexual assault allegations happened. Should have been fired in the offseason. Should have been fired yesterday. Should be fired today. I couldn’t care less about the financial health of the organization. Walton is incompetent, and he should lose his damn job.

I also don’t buy the sunk cost argument. We know what Buddy and Barnes bring to the team (or not) and what their salary is. Move on or don’t. Holding on to these guys longer is not going to dramatically increase their value, and you risk a Rudy Gay situation if you keep holding them.

Last edited 3 years ago by Carl
Bluejohn
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February 26, 2021 6:41 pm
Reply to  RobHessing

My man.

andy_sims
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February 26, 2021 9:15 am

WHAT?!? WHY?????????????

Kosta
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February 26, 2021 9:51 am
Reply to  andy_sims

I know, right?

LOSER’S MENTALITY, KINGS.

Do any of the winning teams fire their coaches? NO!

Be more like the winning teams for once, Kings.

AmateurNerd
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February 26, 2021 9:53 am
Reply to  Kosta

Damn straight. And stop choosing to lose all the time, too. Everything in life is a choice. Stop choosing to lose and start winning. DUH.

BeTheBall
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February 26, 2021 9:18 am

Luke and Mermuys are probably coming up with new ideas for things to break in “anger”.

AmateurNerd
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February 26, 2021 10:00 am
Reply to  BeTheBall

Ideas so far, scribbled on Vlade’s old whiteboard:

  • Rip mask into 2 pieces
  • Throw mask on ground, stomp on it
  • Fling mask at player with lowest shooting percentage
  • Drop mask in trash can, strike match, set on fire
  • Drive out to desert. Dig hole. Put mask in hole. Cover with dirt.
  • Eat mask. Poop out mask into toilet. Flush.
  • Attend QAnon rally. Bring mask. Place on ground. Draw attendees’ attention to presence of mask. Stand back. Observe reactions.
  • Fry bacon. Soak mask in bacon grease. Place mask in Ziploc bag. Drive to Front Street animal shelter. Remove mask from bag and place in large dog kennel. Observe reactions.
  • Punch mask. (Must remove mask first.)

Luke doesn’t like masks.

anan1234
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February 26, 2021 9:30 am

Responding to De’aaron is saying, I only think coaches don’t matter if you are a top 5 maybe even top 10 superstar in the league. Guys like Lebron and Steph Curry can probably win with a Luke Walton type of coach but De’aaron isn’t on that level and coaching is a big part is developing good basketball habits that produces wins. Players may have had not like Dave Joerger like they do Walton but coaching isn’t about being likeable! Dave at least held players accountable, if he was still coaching Buddy’s minutes would have been diminished way sooner for his unacceptable level of play.

BuffaloDiaspora
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February 26, 2021 9:33 am
Reply to  anan1234

Luke literally sent Buddy to the bench last year so it isn’t like he is a stranger to holding Buddy accountable.

anan1234
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February 26, 2021 10:06 am

He has been a stranger to that this year though. Have some consistency

Bill2455
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February 26, 2021 9:31 am

Does Walton not have the best record of any Kings head coach since Rick Adelman left? I like facts.

AmateurNerd
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February 26, 2021 10:02 am
Reply to  Bill2455

Have the Bucks won a single championship since Giannis started playing? I like sound arguments.

Last edited 3 years ago by AmateurNerd
Bill2455
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February 26, 2021 11:27 am
Reply to  AmateurNerd

Clearly you lack perspective.

AmateurNerd
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February 26, 2021 12:27 pm
Reply to  Bill2455

I’ll direct you to Otis’s reply to you, seen below. There’s some perspective.

Otis
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February 26, 2021 11:40 am
Reply to  Bill2455

He was handed (with barely an interview) a team that won 47.6% of its games. He is now in charge of a 37.5% win team that has dropped nine straight and has one of the worst defenses in NBA history.

I like facts too.

Carl
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February 26, 2021 11:42 am
Reply to  Bill2455

Walton has lost 57% of his games as Kings coach. So sure, he’s the biggest turd in the pool as of today.

Let’s see where he is at the end of the season.

Last edited 3 years ago by Carl
Bluejohn
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February 26, 2021 7:00 pm
Reply to  Carl

I don’t know where he is at the end of the season but he’ll still be a turd.

BestHyperboleEver
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February 26, 2021 11:50 am
Reply to  Bill2455

Once again, only the lowest of bars will do for Kings fans. Unfortunately, Walton doesn’t get to play against those other Kings teams. He, in fact, competes against his contemporaries and gets judged relative to them.

KingsSince85
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February 26, 2021 3:19 pm
Reply to  Bill2455

Fact: Walton does NOT have the best record of any Kings coach since Adelman left.

I didn’t look this up, but I know that Joerger’s 2019 team was 39-43 (higher winning percentage (.476) than both of Walton’s years).

Otis
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February 26, 2021 4:12 pm
Reply to  KingsSince85

He’s talking cumulative record, I believe.

4on5
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February 26, 2021 9:39 am

Seems like folks can’t see the forest from the trees sometimes.

Its not just the losses. The coach is bad and his players often don’t play hard or get the reps making plays they need to learn to win long term. It’s part of why they are bad year after year. Objectively, he should be fired. That’s pretty clear.

Whether he will be fired touches upon the issues above, ownership and being broke. Those aren’t relevant factors in most NBA cities run by competent people that can get up off the floor after 4-7 years.

He should be gone. Whether he will or whether a change of this nature will eventually help is only this murky in Sacramento and a few other places.

Otis
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February 26, 2021 11:05 am
Reply to  4on5

For sure, the idea that you have to wait 40 or 50 games to start building your winning culture is maddening.

The rest of the league isn’t going to stop trying to improve while we dick around for two-thirds of a season.

KingsSince85
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February 26, 2021 3:26 pm
Reply to  Otis

I agree; However, it doesn’t take much improvement to take the team from a realistic chance at 1-4 draft pick (at or below about the 6th worst record) to almost assuredly an 8th through 12th pick.

I’m in the camp that we can wait a few months to fire and then get the right coach.

RikSmits
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February 26, 2021 11:26 am
Reply to  4on5

It’s not just the losing, it’s the losing with historically and hysterically bad defense that gets to me.

KingOfTheMonsters
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February 26, 2021 11:54 am
Reply to  RikSmits

At least we are good at something.

Bill2455
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February 26, 2021 9:47 am

Just checked, Luke Walton has the second best winning percentage in Sacramento Kings history, only surpassed by Rick Adelman.

Bill2455
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February 26, 2021 10:17 am
Reply to  Greg

You are correct, last night’s loss put him behind, though Theus did have the benefit of a much better team handed to him.

Otis
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February 26, 2021 11:05 am
Reply to  Bill2455

Luke Walton was handed a 39 win team.

Want-to-be-gm
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February 26, 2021 11:16 am
Reply to  Otis

A 39 win team and the worst executive in the history of the NBA.

RikSmits
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February 26, 2021 11:28 am
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

Oh, is that right? Maybe you want to be the GM?

Otis
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February 26, 2021 11:36 am
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

Yet it WAS a 39 win team with the worst executive in the history of the NBA (allegedly).

Bill2455
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February 26, 2021 11:30 am
Reply to  Otis

Reggie was handed a .402 team and gave back a .250 team.

Otis
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February 26, 2021 11:35 am
Reply to  Bill2455

Reggie was a terrible coach as well, agreed.

Bill2455
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February 26, 2021 11:43 am
Reply to  Otis

As of today second best in Sacramento Kings history.

Otis
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February 26, 2021 11:46 am
Reply to  Bill2455

You forgot a word:

second best record

Frankly, this is kind of a weird ass argument you’re making in support of the guy.

Last edited 3 years ago by Otis
Carl
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February 26, 2021 11:48 am
Reply to  Otis

Especially on a 72 game sample in the middle of a nine game losing streak, among a squadron of sub .400 coaches.

Bill2455
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February 26, 2021 12:07 pm
Reply to  Carl

Yep and I remember the demand for Malone to be fired, and Karl to be fired, etc.

But fans are certainly satisfied that it is always the next coach that will be better, or the next draft that will be better, but never hold the Team responsible.

You want them to be better, don’t watch, don’t go to the games when it reopens until they get a winning record.

Otis
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February 26, 2021 12:11 pm
Reply to  Bill2455

Yep and I remember the demand for Malone to be fired, and Karl to be fired, etc.

You should direct that to those people, because there were MANY of us who disagreed with the Malone firing. And the Joerger firing.

But fans are certainly satisfied that it is always the next coach that will be better, or the next draft that will be better, but never hold the Team responsible.

Good grief, make a better argument, please.

RobHessing
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February 26, 2021 12:51 pm
Reply to  Bill2455

This statement is to facts what the Kings are to winning basketball.

RORDOG
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February 26, 2021 1:33 pm
Reply to  Bill2455

Karl deserved to be fired

Otis
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February 26, 2021 1:41 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

comment image

RORDOG
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February 26, 2021 1:45 pm
Reply to  Otis

I prefer coaches that don’t have a problem coaching young black men that grew up without a father.

Otis
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February 26, 2021 1:48 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

See my post above. 😉

BestHyperboleEver
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February 26, 2021 11:56 am
Reply to  Bill2455

Ah, yes, fun with relative terms.

AmateurNerd
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February 26, 2021 12:29 pm
Reply to  Bill2455

This says way more about the Kings than it does about Walton. Being the second-fittest kid at fat camp doesn’t make you fit.

Bluejohn
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February 26, 2021 7:03 pm
Reply to  AmateurNerd

I worked darn hard to get there

Dub_TC
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February 26, 2021 10:09 am

Yes they should, because he’s not good. I understand fans/the org would “want to lose” but I would much rather have someone like Gentry teaching the young guys the rest of the year over Walton. It’s pretty clear that Walton just isn’t a good HC, so let Gentry teach the kids until next year, and Monte can choose his own guy.

If I were in charge, I would fire Walton, and tell Gentry “I want the young guys playing and I want you to coach them. I don’t want to see Whiteside, Joseph, Belly, playing. I want Kyle Guy, Jeffries, Ramsey and Woodard playing.”

rockbottom
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February 26, 2021 1:20 pm
Reply to  Dub_TC

If Luke is fired it will be his 2nd firing but needs 3 more to catch Gentry !

RORDOG
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February 26, 2021 1:35 pm
Reply to  rockbottom

It literally takes more effort to hit the spacebar before adding an exclamation point

Timmy_13
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February 26, 2021 10:44 am

In my opinion, we should tank this year and the next. If the means keeping Walton, that’s fine. He can be the fall guy once we get a better core than we have now.

I’m not attached to Gentry at all. I think he is an ok coach. Not bad, but if our final destination is championship, then I think we can do better.

Otis
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February 26, 2021 11:00 am

But I also try to be fair, and there are issues with this Kings team that can’t be blamed solely on the coach.

I think we just look at it from a high level – this roster is almost the same as last season, when they ranked 20th in DRtg. This team has the worst DRtg (per NBA.com) in measurable history – and not by a little, by a significant amount.

He’s a shit coach that held together some of Joerger’s success last season. From my perspective, he’s also a terrible person in many ways. It’s way past time to quit worrying about the bad contract and cut this guy loose.

Last edited 3 years ago by Otis
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February 26, 2021 11:18 am
Reply to  Otis

You talk about Joerger like he was Phil Jackson. Take a look at his record.

Otis
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February 26, 2021 11:41 am
Reply to  Want-to-be-gm

I wasn’t a huge Joerger fan, so no – I don’t think he was a great head coach. The fact that Walton is considerably worse doesn’t help your argument.

Want-to-be-gm
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February 26, 2021 5:54 pm
Reply to  Otis

Im not supporting Walton, I just don’t accept your assessment of Joerger. Personally I don’t think there’s a dimes worth of difference and the records seem to support that. I guess your subjective opinion supersedes the records.

RAP87
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February 26, 2021 11:06 am

I’d say keep him. Let Walton ride this one out for the remainder of the season and continue to roll the tank. Fire him after the season and do a thorough coaching search.

Wes Unseld Jr and David Vanterpool would be the top of my list.

nonstripedzebra
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February 26, 2021 11:20 am

The record is poor, and Luke Walton is a terrible coach. These have been known facts in wins and losses. My concern is the fact that Gentry is on the bench, and that he could be shoe horned post interim as HC longterm with a change in form. I think it’s safe to say with the FO change and lack of improvement Walton wont be with the team next year. The question I fear is the fact we have a competent replacement but one that is longterm still inefficient. I could see Vivek overriding McNair (GSW connections with Gentry). One might say that is a hypothetical but it has a far amount of precedent, with lesser coaches than Gentry getting the full time bump post interim stints across the league negating a legitimate search.

This team is too far off the play in at this point in my opinion. Haliburton and Fox are making strides in totality over this season. Loose games with a lame duck and then approach it with a clean slate. If we still see the development and excitement of our main duo at seasons end, with a god pick come the draft and a new coach thats a market improvement.

RikSmits
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February 26, 2021 11:35 am

What strides is Fox making?

I look at his stats, I see that his TS% is exactly the same as last year, assist % is down, steal percentage is down, block percentage is down, TO percentage slightly improved, ORtg is a bit down and Drtg is down by a lot.

Otis
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February 26, 2021 11:44 am
Reply to  RikSmits

I think his highest level of play is a bit better than it was in the past, but that’s about it – hard to find any statistics that reflect he’s improved to any significant extent.

And if he’s the franchise player, the team should improve if he’s “making the leap”.

RORDOG
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February 26, 2021 1:44 pm
Reply to  Otis

defensively Fox has regressed, but he’s having the best offensive season of his career based on the various catch-all advanced stats.

Otis
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February 26, 2021 1:48 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

If so, I can’t imagine it’s by much – his individual advanced stats are pretty static to last season, for the most part.

RORDOG
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February 26, 2021 1:52 pm
Reply to  Otis

I think it’s probably just that growth for young players isn’t linear. He’s considerably better this year over last, but marginally better than his sophomore season.

Otis
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February 26, 2021 2:08 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

Considerably? Is that just 3p% and volume? Because his overall efficiency is the same.

RORDOG
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February 26, 2021 2:17 pm
Reply to  Otis

I think most of those stats also take into consideration role, usage, on/off numbers and who else is on the court.

RORDOG
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February 26, 2021 2:18 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

By €œthose€ I mean the catch all adjusted plus minus stats.

Maximus
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February 26, 2021 4:17 pm
Reply to  Otis

He is taking less shots in the restricted area so he is drawing slightly less fouls. His FT% also slightly decreases. That is why even though he is shooting better, his overall efficiency stays the same.

Otherwise, his skill sets are better, Much better catch and shoot player which helps him play off the ball. Besides, he drives less but he scores more.

One thing that does not get talked about is how his style of play wears Fox out. This year, he has been smarter. Excluding the one game that he got injured and played 5 minutes, Fox is averaging 34.6min/game. So, on average, he is on the floor 10% more than last year.

One thing I don’t agree with RORDOG is that Fox has been improving his skill sets every year. His sophomore season, he can’t really score except in the open floor.

Kingsguru21
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February 26, 2021 11:40 am

Doesn’t matter either way. Unfortunately.

Last edited 3 years ago by Kingsguru21
RORDOG
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February 26, 2021 2:19 pm
Reply to  Kingsguru21

At least you’ll have more time to work on your car

Kingsguru21
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February 26, 2021 4:53 pm
Reply to  RORDOG

I have a new Corolla so not really. Although I do have to change the oil on my baby. (I’m being lazy.) But I’m letting my Mom use that Malibu so I might have to work on it to pass Smog. I’m not really looking forward to that.

deepshot22
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February 26, 2021 11:56 am

There is no sense to fire him. This team won’t improve by the leaps and bounds needed with a new coach. A new coach is part of it, yes, but this organization needs TALENT first and foremost. And more talent than at present. That talent should come in the form of a Top 5 pick in this draft and a few savvy trades/signings over the next year. I don’t think we need to tank beyond this year to set up a nice winning team/culture in the near future.

My $.02 in the form of GM-speak… bottom out this year for once basically assuring more high level talent, trade Barnes for whatever Boston will give back (freeing up cap space), trade Whiteside, Bjeli and Cojo for anything you can get (freeing up minutes for Metu, Woodard, Guy), trade Holmes and hope to re-sign him (as some have mentioned here), if a Buddy deal is there then ship him off, and make a nice free agent signing in the offseason. Keep Bags to see how he develops next year.

Roll out a lineup next year of Fox, Hali, Top 5 pick, Collins/Markkanen/Bagley, and a defensive center with Woodard, Nesmith, Holmes, Metu and some bench filler. That and a quality coach should be a nice start.

BestHyperboleEver
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February 26, 2021 12:01 pm
Reply to  deepshot22

Where are Collins/Markannen coming from?

nonstripedzebra
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February 26, 2021 11:58 am

What percentage do people think Gentry has in becoming our HC, post a hypothetical interim stint? Knowing our owner and our past precedent with relationships dictating Vivek’s objectivity in appointments, and the lack of a legitimate coaching search in almost all the HC hires in his tenure. Personally those are the best reasons to sit tight, an option that likely helps McNair in doing what he actually envisions.

Yes, Walton deserves to be fired, since his allegations up to now, but I judge it knowing the people involved. I don’t trust Vivek in not appointing Gentry, both from his charisma, GSW ties and experience. Nor do I want a possible situation of him overruling what looks a promising Front Office. Not willing to take that chance as we loose games that support frankly whats likely in our best interest yet makes the case for an inevitable replacement.

Last edited 3 years ago by nonstripedzebra
WizsSox
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February 26, 2021 1:06 pm

After reading all this I don’t understand the angst expressed over having a Gentry take over. Walton SUCKS for the litany of reasons expressed in this thread. I don’t believe in leaving your players (even if only a couple our core future pieces) festering in a poor environment…if that’s what it is. Players can answer that.

Who gives a shit if Gentry takes over. If you’re worried he is going to win himself into the job over half a season and that makes Monte keep him, what chance is there that Monte is capable of choosing a better coach? If his decision making is poor enough that a hot streak sways him when he gets the opportunity to hand choose “his guy”, he likely isn’t going to do a ton better in a wide open race. I doubt Monte is swayed by that…probably just give Gentry the keys to play the youngsters and finish the year out. Be a steady influence. If he is swayed by that , then your screwed anyway.

If you are concerned that Vivek will want to keep Gentry because of said hot streak and override Monte, then again you are screwed anyway if Vivek is making those decisions. Because he will be choosing the new coach and seems evident that hasn’t gone real well thus far.

I am not saying any of these to be true or known facts…but if you fretting over Gentry leading these guys over the next 40 games than Walton because you think he is going to land the job, then likely Gentry or someone of similar caliber is going to be the one landing the job anyway…AKA a not very good coach.

Last edited 3 years ago by WizsSox

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