The Sacramento Kings fell to the Washington Wizards 116-111 on Wednesday, their third loss in a row and their 7th loss in 8 games. Actually, let me rephrase. The Sacramento Kings didn’t fall, because falling implies you ever stood to begin with, and it hasn’t felt like this team has stood up for weeks. The Kings put forth a token effort, just enough to get their individual stat sheets filled. 6 Kings scored in double digits, lead by DeMar DeRozan’s 29 points, but Sacramento’s turnstile defense gave those points back just as easily, with 6 Wizards doing the same.
The most entertaining part of this game was when Malik Monk’s incessant shit-talking got under Tristan Vukcevic’s skin and resulted in a small scuffle on the floor. But don’t be mistaken, this wasn’t Monk fired up and mad the Kings were losing, this was just Monk being Monk and a young player not being able to handle it. And yes, I promise, Tristan Vukcevic is a real NBA player and not a randomly generated 2k player name. Vukcevic has averaged around 8 points per game this season, so the Kings let him finish with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and a block.
Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and Keegan Murray all finished with 18 points in this one. Sabonis also added 16 rebounds and 7 assists. Yay? I do find it interesting that the Kings made a clear effort to involve Sabonis early in this game. It seems like whatever social media is harping on about the Kings ends up being a major focus within a game or two. Surely this isn’t driven by Vivek sadly scrolling Twitter and then calling Doug to instruct him what needs to change. That would just be silly. Definitely don’t imagine Vivek sadly looking at his phone and swiping through an endless stream of people hating what the Kings have become and laughing at the A’s conducting pressers in a tool shed. That would be disrespectful. Don’t spend all day taking solace in that very funny mental image.
Up Next
The Kings visit the Charlotte Hornets on Friday. Can’t wait to see how they embarrass themselves in that one.
One Final Note
Our friend Tom Ziller wrote about the Kings. I enjoyed it. I think everyone should read it.
Tank you very much.
It doesn’t really matter. It isn’t going to make anyone feel any better.
I was so excited at the start of this season and hopeful. The more I saw as the season went on the less and less I liked this team. It is to the point now for me they are unwatchable. I have thought this about pro sports for most of my life; if it does not look like the players care, I’m not wasting my time.
It has been a slow burn since the beginning of the season
Ive been mostly checked out with this team once the Christie “dead cat bounce” was over
Just have to bear down and get the L this Friday and we have a great chance of extending the streak to 9! Go Kangz!
I wonder what the chances are of either two of Miami, Chicago, Dallas, and Phoenix ending up with a better record than us. The past few weeks I was only looking at the teams in the West, but didn’t realize Chicago and Miami were both within a game or two of passing us, record-wise.
I think Dallas finishes ahead of us for sure. Dallas can beat TOR and MEM to get to 40 wins. I don’t see us winning 4 more games.
Miami can get to 39 wins, I think. If we win 3 would go to the coin flip.
Chicago will be close. End up with 38 wins?
I think Phoenix will come down to the final game. Winner takes the 10th seed.
I think we win 1 or 2 more and end up with 37 or 38 wins.
Keep in mind the Kings can’t finish with the same record as Dallas since Sac owns the tie breaker. We need Dallas to finish one game ahead. Same goes with Miami. Kings are 2-0 against them this year.
The Draft order is settled by coin flip not head to head
Ahhhh, thanks, but the standings in the West are still decided by tie breaker. I was mistaken on Miami.
Yeah, for the Play-in I don’t see us catching Dallas if they win 2 of their last 4. TOR and MEM for example. That would give them 40 and I don’t see us winning 4 more.
It would be very Kangzy for us to end up tied for 9th with Dallas. We host the 1st play-in. Winner loses the next play-in. Then we lose the coin flip for 12/13 and lose our pick.
.
My new favorite Kayte line, “Let me be clear about this”.
“I’m going to reply to your post because it’s really important.”
Marty is trying to awaken the billboard beast
I’m willing to contribute to the billboard beast to bring it to life if needed.
The last time we did a billboard the whole world shut down, so apologies in advance for being afraid. 🙂
“See what Marty doesnt understand is the pandemic is due to Kings fans not supporting the Kings regardless of their win/loss record”
And don’t let it be done outside of town in Folsom, or wherever it was going to be last time. Put that shit right outside the arena. Make it well known that us fans are pissed, and we deserve much better than what is being put out right now. It’s really the only thing that Sacramento has, nationally, and it sucks ass.
Locate it on top of the Sutter Health Park Media and Bait Shed.
“Question for Mr. Kotsay, and I will also take a can of Night Crawlers, please.”
My recollection is that none of the billboard companies anywhere near the arena would accept the billboard, presumably so as not to piss off Vivek and threaten their ongoing business with the team.
Then get a team of fed up fans to walk around with signs during their free time. I just hate that Vivek continues to ruin this team.
You are correct. There was less than a handful, think 1-2, digital billboard owners that were willing to run the campaign.
Can we make a Sell Signal (think purple Bat Signal) and shine it in the sky over the arena?
Remember who is in the front office, Matina. She is a power player in Sacramento and knows where the bodies are buried. Her influence goes beyond just the Kings.
If a billboard doesn’t work out, just wear a bag on your head at games.
Your 2024-2025 Suckramento Kangz!
I’d be fine moving DDR and even Monk in the offseason. See what you can add around Ellis/Lavine/Keegan/Sabonis.
This is also because LaVine will be difficult to move.
I agree. The joy of the game seems to have gone away the more that DeRozan has been featured offensively. Role out with LaVine, Keon, Keegan, Sabonis and get more of a pure PG to help out.
I like LaRavia. Hopefully he likes the city and fans enough to stick around, but I think some team will come calling and offer him more than he can pass up by staying in Sacramento.
Carter was an “incomplete” for me this season. Injuries and minutes log jam made it hard to really evaluate him.
JV can stick around because he is relatively cheap for production.
If you are a free agent on the Kings right now (LaRavia, Lyles) would you want to come back? Those dudes are gone.
I wouldn’t, lol. Why stay in Basketball Hell?
If you are a coach looking for a job, getting a HC position with the Kings is the best. You’ll get a guaranteed 2-3 years of paid vacation time!
I agree, move DDR and Monk. LaVine likely can’t be moved, but I still have hope for him if the Kings can get a legit PG and a system that returns Sabonis to the hub of the offense. Just run LaVine off screens and, curls, and cuts. Use him like the Dubs used Klay. Have him dribble as little as possible and get him open shots.
What PG upgrades are out there that you think would be a good fit, and realistically are attainable?
IDK. Tre Jones?
Crazy that he was just a throw in on the Fox deal and the Kings couldn’t even land him! lol
I keep gong back to a DDR/Monk idea to Orlando (who really need scoring) for a package that may include Cole Anthony, Anthony Black, and/or da Silva with a filler like KCP. It ain’t flashy but rights some wrongs.
Tre Jones is also a UFA this summer, but the Kings would need to create space to get him. Again, he’s not flashy either, but is a serviceable PG that is a respectable shooter and defender.
I thought about Orlando, too.
Is Cole Anthony similar to Monk in style? Their AST% is fairly similar, but I haven’t really seen Cole play much.
I think a Point Forward would do wonders for this team. That could keep Keon starting with LaVine, Murray, Domas. But I don’t know who that player would be.
Yeah, they are similar, but I’d argue that Cole is more of a pure PG and less erratic. He’s also a bit cheaper. Could just be a better fit.
I have a favorite right now and you could get him in free agency and that’s the Cavaliers Ty Jerome. Can shoot , pass , facilitate and play defense. Be IMO a really good fit.
He’s another one. Almost looks like a Derrick White lite. He’s likely going to be expensive.
Maybe not. Cavaliers can’t afford him and we also could give him the starting point guard spot.
I’m fine with LaVine. At least he’s a team player. He doesn’t go on 5-minute stretches where he’s going to dribble the ball into a clogged lane with 2 shooters open for a corner 3 when you need to close a 10-point gap in 3 minutes and STILL not pass the ball.
I would probably move Sabonias also since I get the feeling he wants out. He would also have the best trade value if the Kings decide to rebuild
I really dislike what Lavine is doing out there on the court. He seems completely checked out. He was shooting lights out in Chicago and now continues to chuck off-balanced 3’s. I’d can only imagine what his pre/post-trade 3P% looks like.
He’s actually shooting over 50% from the field and over 40% from 3 and is not far off what he was doing in Chicago. From a visual standpoint on the court, I see your point. He, much like the rest of the team, just aren’t fun to watch.
Dude looks like he hates playing right now. Hell, most of the team looks like they are tired of one another at this point.
Wow.. Thanks Adamsite.. I would not have guessed he was that high. The eye test says he’s chucking up wild 3s.
Sadly, we are stuck with LaVine for the next two years because no way he’s opting out of the last year and no team wants to trade for that contract.
The Bulls saved us from signing him the first time, only for us to end up with that contract anyway.
I know.. That is definitely the saddest part. I’m not gonna walk away from watching the Kings but its definitely going to be painful to watch if this is the way he plays while in Sac.
No other team in their right mind would trade for LaVine. We’re screwed.
I disagree a bit. Put him on the Warriors and you’ll see him get used correctly between Steph and Butler. Ain’t going to happen due to contracts, but better coached and managed teams would salivate for a guy who volume shoots 50, 40, 80.
You can hide 1 guy on D. Our problem is we’re trying to hide 3 guys.
And it’s not like LaVine is a complete liability on defense. It’s not like he’s McDermott out there.
My main beef with the LaVine acquisition is that you already had DDR, Monk and Ellis (not to mention Carter) at the 2. And you created a hole at PG to onboard him.
I think that given a summer, LaVine and Domas could develop a two man game. But there are so many other moving pieces. DDR would have to go, and you’re not going to get anything in return for him. You still need a starting level 3-4 to go along with Keegan, and you need a viable PG. And between that PG and that 3-4, one of them must be effective from beyond the arc. Once that is accomplished, you have to hope that Monk can return to his 6th man role with his head screwed on straight.
If you presented (say) Pat Riley with this type of to-do list, you’d think no big deal. But this organization?
“Good luck.”
DDR, Carter and a first for Cam Johnson and Zairie Williams. That would work.
I don’t think that it would work for Bkn. You’re offering them a poo poo platter for Johnson, no near-term savings of any substance, and no real prospects, unless they are in love with someone at 12 in this draft, which would surprise me.
Hey look at that. It’s the odds-on favorite to be the next Kings GM. He should take his own advice on this one.
It sure sounds like he’s going through some stuff, especially considering his time off for “personal” reasons. Also had a few days off when he was in Chicago related to his 3rd child at the beginning of Feb. I can’t think of many things that can mess a person up in the head like stress at home. Potentially related to moving a family and 1-month old infant more than half way across the country away from everyone you know?
Maybe he’s traditional and doesn’t want to hire a nanny or have Uncle Keegs help? I guess it would be Uncle Carter for him. Either way, Sac needs Zach next year. Plenty of time to get his head straight. Right now, it’s a positive if he helps the team lose 6 more and get the 1st round pick. He’s showing his leadership.
Quick thought, which team is the weakest – Ownership, Front Office, Coaching, Broadcast, or Players ?
Ownership. The rest are bad, but ownership is worse.
Ownership. Because all the rest stems from him.
This.
That.
Classic misdirection, a la Vivek.
https://tenor.com/view/sidney-bernstein-beverly-hills-cop-gilbert-gif-25089941
Sorry. Newbie. (And technologically challenged.) Not sure how to post the gif directly. But the Gilbert Gottfried link sums up what I wanted to say.
He probably thinks he is doing a good job because the organization has gained immense value since he took over. But that would have happened anyway because I think every team has gained value the past several years.
There are talking heads out there on the radio waves who are convinced he is trying to win and wants to win. But the theory floated by some of you folks here that he’s aiming for that sweet spot financially of maximizing earnings while minimizing costs, a la his buddy Fisher with the A’s, by staying in the lower play-in area of the standings to keep fans’ butts in seats while getting rid of players before max contracts kick in seems like an awfully compelling argument re his approach.
Of course, we can’t underestimate the horrible confluence of know-it-all ego and lack of basketball player-assessment acumen occurring in his brain that is leading to the creation of a wonderful fantasy basketball roster that has no business being on an actual NBA court together…
9,342 at the A’s game yesterday. Glorious day, 3rd game of the season. This is the result of the Fishadive mashup.
I was there as a guest of a good friend. I felt like I needed a shower afterward. What a pair of greedy, greasy fucktards. The two of them deserve each other, and we don’t deserve either of them.
Are they not selling out 12,000 seats already?
There is not a seat in the house for under $100 (3rd party notwithstanding). Lawn seats are $62 at their lowest (A’s – White Sox in September, for example).
I had a group that was considering a season package, and the cheapest seat (right field) was $185. For the A’s. For. The. A’s. It was for me what is difficult for DDR: an easy pass.
Ah, so sales are definitely not an issue.
Those seats in west sac when it’s 110°+ for those prices are going to be even sweeter to not buy
Yes.
The amount of times that LaVine and DeRozan completely turned their back on the person they’re guarding is mind blowing. The Wiz got so many open looks last night because those two were staring at the ball, unable to see their man. Middle school shit.
Yeah, there were multiple possessions where the Wizards had three dudes open for 3 at a time! What the heck is that all about???
IMO the 2 playing together doesn’t work at all. Derozan to me can score but it takes an hour and a half for it to happen. Iso ball to me isn’t what the Kings need to do. Teamwork will prevail everytime. Get what you can for Derozan keep Lavine and work with him to see if he really wants to play for Sacramento. If not then bench him for Keon Ellis who IMO should start anyway. If he wants to be here then sit him down and explain what he needs to do to be a better player for the Kings. Question does Lavine have a good BBIQ. It looks to me he looks lost out there. Maybe he hasn’t yet to feel wanted. At any event he is here to stay for at least 2 more years.
What is the way out for this organization? Because I don’t see it (disclaimer: I am an idiot).
The last time the Kings were at the crossroads, they decided to thread the narrower needle by trading Hali for Sabonis. And it worked well enough that the seemingly less demanding task of building around the margins is what remained. And they failed, spectacularly.
This time, the asset cabinet is less full. The last time around, the Kings had a blue chip trade asset in Hali. And no matter who they traded between Fox and Hali for Sabonis, the end result was going to be a pair of top 30 players to build around. Currently, Sabonis is the only player/contract that is going to get you a top player in return, and no matter who that player is, they are going to be in the same situation that Domas is currently in, a lone upper talent on a roster full of non-top talent. And if the Kings determine to blow it up (and as I have noted elsewhere), they will be behind roughly five WC teams when it comes to future assets.
The level of malfeasance by this organization is beyond comprehension at this point. Honestly, I would be hard pressed to think that anyone in this thread could have done a worse job over the past couple of years, and the Kings are now firmly in Western Conference purgatory, and I can’t put together a way out for them that doesn’t take at least another six years. It is a truly amazing run of ineptitude that the Ranadive ownership group has put together. Historically inept. Generationally inept. Mind numbingly inept.
Nice shed, though.
The only way out imo is for Vivek to permanently step down from BBall Ops.
Many of us recognized him as the central problem since the Malone firing. Now many more are seeing it.
But how is that going to happen? Only way I can see is if some players start calling him out.
Wish Fox would say something. Or Domas after he leaves. Players in their prime with enough clout to call this guy out by name and say he’s the most incompetent owner in sports.
Nice guy, though (allegedly).
The only hope that I would have is that he turns his attention to MLB, hires a Bob Meyers and tells Matina to keep her mitts out of basketball ops.
More likely: Jeremy Lamb is your new GM/sock puppet, Anjlali takes on a larger, behind the scenes role, and Vlade is also sneaking around behind the curtain, with Matina as present as always.
Yep, another nebulous front office with little experience. Easier to control and meddle with. A Ranadive hallmark.
Wish McNair would say something on his way out.
Can we get Silver to have Vivek sell the Kings and head up the new NBA Europe League? He took Dumars off our hands.
I agree that if those in a position to bend the ear of the national media state that it all comes back to Vivek’s meddling, that might put him in a more uncomfortable position than he’s been in up to now. It could force him to change course and finally listen, if the national narrative is that it’s been him as the epicenter of ineptitude all along. But that assumes that those in the national media would actually care enough about a small market outpost like Sacramento to say something and keep saying it. Not holding my breath.
The thing with Vivek is he’s a fan-boy. He becomes enamored of players and former players like my 10 year old kid.
Former players like Vlade, Doug, and (perhaps) Jeremy Lamb probably know he’s full of shit, but need the paycheck.
Current players like Fox and Sabonis could call this guy out for the sake of the Sacramento fans, and be celebrated for it.
I could see it getting attention in national media if all-star level players are saying an owner is incompetent.
I think most owners are at least a little fan-boy, I know I would be. The problem IMO, is he keeps attracting the wrong people to listen to. Mullin, Vlade, Dumars and now Vlade again?
If he had kept Petrie around instead of bringing Mullin with him from GS things could have been way different.
Calling it now: Chris Webber will be the GM by summer.
Yep, that could work. One can only hope…
No way players are going to call out an owner unless the fall to Donald Sterling level of assholeness. If the James Dolan’s and Miriam Adelson’s of the league can own teams, Kings fans need to get in line of shitty owners.
Yeah, Vivek’s a different type of shitty owner. Just seems to be totally indifferent to the on-court success/performance of the team.
I agree likely nobody will speak up for what this franchise so obviously needs. Which is why it feels so hopeless.
Well, my hope died quickly…
The G-Man pointed this out:
Before this game, JT Thor attempted only 9 three pt shots and just made 1. 1 of 9 the whole season. Then during a blitz at the last min of the 4th, he makes his 2nd 3 pt shot. This right here is the microcosm of the King’s season: inutile defense.
“Come play against the Kings! We’ll make you into Steph Curry!”
He even hesitated, thought about it, tied his shoe, and opened a pack of gum before he shot it because he was so wide open.
No no no…after he thought about it, he changed his socks, put on new shoes, placed his orthotics, applied shoe protectant, and THEN tied his shoe. Go back and watch the replay, Adam!
^2nd BestHyperboleEver^
I haven’t been posting much, because the team’s flaws are so obvious, and everyone points them out so well.
But I do have a story. Last Thursday, my son and I took his uncle, who had come out from the East Coast to visit, to a Kings game. We warned him, but the Kings miraculously won, and not only that, looked great doing it, moving the ball well to players, especially LaVine, who moved without the ball and got uncontested shots. It may have been LaVine’s best game as a King. I know, it was Portland, and the young Blazers didn’t really show up, but still, it was a bit of a shock.
LaVine and Ellis were invited over to light the beam, and the interviewer asked LaVine why the Kings looked so much better. LaVine gave a good answer about effort and helping each other and then said, “we need to carry this forward on the road trip”, or something to that effect.
I can’t that out of my head this week.
The gap between hope/expectation and performance = disappointment. In that way this is the worst season of my 40 years as a season ticket holder. The worst.
I don’t hate these players but they do not jell, or now, seem to care. The Kings miss Fox and that was their doing.
Can’t get rid of owner but can get rid of FO and, sorry, coach.
Please lose all the games, let the Suns shine and get the pick.
I would rec this multiple times if I could.
we need JMAN
I wish we still had JLV.
Being a Kings fan even killed off the eternal optimist that JLV was.
Whaddya mean? We do have a JLV…Jonas Lithuanian Valanciunas.
(I miss the real JLV’s sunshine)
Your comment about hope/expectation was so well-stated, I’ll at least try to respond to your request. I wish I could do your comment justice:
Our Kings fandom’s been locked in a cell
For so long in Basketball HELL.
Our hopes’ dissolution
Brings firm resolution
To somehow get Vivek to SELL!
Ill post here the quote I use at work
“Hope is just unrealized disappointment”
I think this is from the director’s cut of Shawshank Redemption, where Andy Dufresne is cut down by guard gunfire while he is celebrating the rain in the creek.
Thanks. I didn’t want to come off like I was taking credit for it. Someone said it to me years ago, more than likely quoting Shawshank, and I’ve never taken the time to look it up. Just like to use it as a reminder
BTW, I believe that the Kings are now 11-17 since LaVine joined the team. That’s a 33-49 pace for a full season.
It’s why keeping the pick this year is important. I think we’ll stink next year without a major roster overhaul so good chance we keep it next year too and then we give up no firsts to Atlanta.
Honestly, I’m not all that fired up about keeping the 12 pick this year. We’ll just use it to sell of DDR’s contract. Kangz!
And I’d be ok with that, or LaVine, especially if it brought back some positive in return.
Just an example, would you give up DDR and the #12 for Cam Johnson?
Sure, but I don’t think that Bkn would even sniff at that. Even if you buy out DDR’s final year, he’s only $8m cheaper than the sum of Cam’s remaining contract. I don’t think the 12 pick in this year’s draft would be worth it to Bkn.
Mia might do it for Wiggins. Maybe NO would do it for DeJounte Murray if you threw in another pick, depending on where their heads and his health are at.
I would but go a little further. Add Carter and then get Ziaire Williams
I don’t believe that Williams is under contract next season.
Also, the Nets will have almost $100m in cap space, and they already have (based on today’s standings, ping pong balls notwithstanding) the 6, 17, 26, 27 & 36 picks in the upcoming draft. My guess is the last thing they want is another pick, and they have no financial stress to move Johnson.
I could see them at least considering Monk and the ’27 Minny pick, but not DDR and this year’s pick.
I’ve seen a few places on the interwebs that they are stacking up assets to go after Giannis, should he want out of Milwaukee. Rumors for sure, but you never know.
It’s just one more asset they would have access too and that seems really important given the team is terrible. It just feels particularly galling to be awful AND barely lose your first round pick. It’s a special kind of stupidity only the Kangz can accomplish.
I’d rather have than not, but I devalue it greatly due to the fact that it would be in the hands of this ownership. They’ll sell it to power the beam for the 28 times they’ll need it next year.
No one could have predicted.
DC wants Kings shooting many more 3’s. The result: many more missed 3’s.
Free throws: 21/28. -7 points. Difference in final score: -5 points.
Can anyone breakdown how the warriors managed to turn their season around with the addition of jimmy butler in terms of statistics?
If simply by eye test, he doesnt command the ball as much as demar does, and isnt the blackhole, watch-me-shoot our team to victory type of player that demar is.
Also, all of a sudden their bench appears deeper and experienced with Kuminga, gp III(when healthy) and hield(?) leading the 2nd unit.
Player development of moody and kuminga has finally payed off. Moody is a starter now, and they cashed in on a defensive anchor in jimmy at the deadline.
2 years ago we were 1 curry 50 point game away from eliminating them, and we DID eliminate them last year.
Why the hell are we directionless now and they’re competing for the 4th/5th spot in a matter of 2 years?
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