Jan. 2, 2012
If Kings coach Paul Westphal and his young center DeMarcus Cousins were married, it would be time for a divorce.
Since they aren't married, maybe it's time for Cousins to be traded or Westphal to go - or both.
Better players than Cousins have been traded and better coaches than Westphal have been fired.
Clearly the grounds exist for a quick separation on the grounds of irreconcilable differences.
Even Rodney King would agree, "We all can't get along."
It's one thing to be in love with each other, but that doesn't mean you can live comfortably with each other.
They've each basically accused each other of lying. Westphal said, in an unusual press release, that Cousins twice demanded to be traded. Cousins denies that.
I found it interesting that the coach used the word, 'demanded', as opposed to 'requested' or 'asked.'
Westphal knew that particular word usage would put Cousins, 21, in a terrible light. Now, if Westphal was being direct and accurate in his assessment of what Cousins said, so be it.
Westphal says Cousins first said he wanted to be traded on Dec. 24. That day there should have been a meeting between management, Westphal, Cousins and his agent, John Greig.
That's before the season's first game.
I've been covering the NBA since 1978, 12 years before Cousins was born and six years after Westphal's rookie season with the Boston Celtics.
I've seen two players (together) on a championship-contending team walk, not knowing a reporter was there, into a coach's office after a game and tell him they wanted to be traded to his team.
Granted, the times of today have changed over the years. The NBA is comprised of much younger and lesser-prepared players.
Cousins is legally an adult, but two years ago, homeboy was in high school. In terms of being capable of merging his physical and mental components, I dont' see it, yet. Nor should he be, considering his basketball inexperience.
He's got to learn his craft during on-the-job training. And there is no way I believe Westphal knew what he really was in for when the Kings decided to draft Cousins.
Cousins' inability to get along with some authority figures in high school, one year of college and one year of NBA action have been well-documented.
Yet, Westphal has his own history with stubborn, forceful and talented performers as Gary Payton and former Kings guard Vernon Maxwell.
During the past few days, it has been suggested the coach may be incapable of mentally reaching these young players of today.
If that's true, it wouldn't be the first time. And not just for Westphal.
Sometimes I feel incapable of truly reaching my son, two months younger and 14 inches shorter than Cousins.
Kings President Geoff Petrie said Tuesday he wouldn't truly divulge every one of his thoughts when it was suggested the best move for all would be divorce court.
"If I was to believe that or say that...," he said, "what we're trying to do is put this thing together and make it work."
Greig, of course, is supportive of his client and said Tuesday Cousins has been unfairly singled out.
The situation that led to Cousins missing Sunday evening's victory over New Orleans began after Saturday night's loss to the New York Knicks. The agent said Westphal called Cousins 'selfish' and said he was the team's problem.
Clearly, Cousins is a problem, not 'the' problem.
Cousins later went into the coach's office, Greig said, and asked Westphal why he singled him out.
Greig said Westphal told Cousins, "I don't have time to talk to you about this."
If all this is true, it speaks to why these two need to be separated permanently.
And a Happy New Year to you.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Monday, December 26, 2011
Everyone has to wait to see who these Kings are
Dec. 28, 2011
Predicting what to expect from the Sacramento Kings at this juncture of an abbreviated NBA season is a sucker's fantasy.
An improved product is not too much to expect from a young, talented squad led by head coach Paul Westphal. The Kings finished the 2010-11 season with a 24-68 record for a .293 winning percentage.
Westphal admits he doesn't know what to expect from his young squad. His assistant coaches say the team has worked and played hard, but how that translates to the regular season is an unknown.
Initially, the Kings have to create an identity. Who are they? On what are they going to hang their hats? They talk of establishing a defensive focus, but that comes possession by possession, not sentence by sentence.
Heading into tonight's home game against the Chicago Bulls, the Kings (1-1) have shown that improved defensive focus. Actually, the Kings scrambled offense againat Portland Tuesday night consistently put the defense into a trick bag.
Certainly, the re-acquisition of veteran strongman and leader Chuck Hayes has helped.
Hayes brings an understanding of the game's nuances. He has a willingness and know-how to do all the little things most young players will not.
Kings center/forward DeMarcus Cousins said before Hayes had returned that the veteran had begun to support the defense by talking and helping the younger players recognize the need for improved communication.
As much as defense represents an individual devotion to slow your personal assignment, ultimately it's about a team-wide ability and commitment to protect the basket and contest shots.
Currently, the Kings have shown they'll play hard. Now, can a young team also play smart? One without the other breeds inconsistency.
Westphal said Wednesday his team's offensive woes stemmed from a lack of patience and a failure to execute the offense's second and third options. It seems simple to move the ball from one side of the floor to other.
However, teams, not only the Kings, consistently fall prey to defensive pressure early in the possession and quickly jack up shots. Good offenses make opposing defenses work to guard.
Yes, the Kings are virtual neophytes, but back when Sacramento was hanging out atop the Western Conference and had one of the league's most potent offenses, former coach Rick Adelmsn's major lament was his team's offensive impatience and unwillingness to move the ball from side to side.
That was a veteran crew known for its team-wide ball movement. Today's edition is exactly the opposite - young and without an established offensive presence.
These Kings, like their predecessors, play without a traditional pass-first point guard. The two starting guards, Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton, are more scorers than playmakers.
However, more of the league's teams have gone that route in recent years. There is more than one way to run an offensive attack.
In order for the Kings to quickly approach their potential, moving the ball to the open man must become an offensive staple. Everybody can get their shots - and good ones, at that - without selfish play.
Predicting what to expect from the Sacramento Kings at this juncture of an abbreviated NBA season is a sucker's fantasy.
An improved product is not too much to expect from a young, talented squad led by head coach Paul Westphal. The Kings finished the 2010-11 season with a 24-68 record for a .293 winning percentage.
Westphal admits he doesn't know what to expect from his young squad. His assistant coaches say the team has worked and played hard, but how that translates to the regular season is an unknown.
Initially, the Kings have to create an identity. Who are they? On what are they going to hang their hats? They talk of establishing a defensive focus, but that comes possession by possession, not sentence by sentence.
Heading into tonight's home game against the Chicago Bulls, the Kings (1-1) have shown that improved defensive focus. Actually, the Kings scrambled offense againat Portland Tuesday night consistently put the defense into a trick bag.
Certainly, the re-acquisition of veteran strongman and leader Chuck Hayes has helped.
Hayes brings an understanding of the game's nuances. He has a willingness and know-how to do all the little things most young players will not.
Kings center/forward DeMarcus Cousins said before Hayes had returned that the veteran had begun to support the defense by talking and helping the younger players recognize the need for improved communication.
As much as defense represents an individual devotion to slow your personal assignment, ultimately it's about a team-wide ability and commitment to protect the basket and contest shots.
Currently, the Kings have shown they'll play hard. Now, can a young team also play smart? One without the other breeds inconsistency.
Westphal said Wednesday his team's offensive woes stemmed from a lack of patience and a failure to execute the offense's second and third options. It seems simple to move the ball from one side of the floor to other.
However, teams, not only the Kings, consistently fall prey to defensive pressure early in the possession and quickly jack up shots. Good offenses make opposing defenses work to guard.
Yes, the Kings are virtual neophytes, but back when Sacramento was hanging out atop the Western Conference and had one of the league's most potent offenses, former coach Rick Adelmsn's major lament was his team's offensive impatience and unwillingness to move the ball from side to side.
That was a veteran crew known for its team-wide ball movement. Today's edition is exactly the opposite - young and without an established offensive presence.
These Kings, like their predecessors, play without a traditional pass-first point guard. The two starting guards, Tyreke Evans and Marcus Thornton, are more scorers than playmakers.
However, more of the league's teams have gone that route in recent years. There is more than one way to run an offensive attack.
In order for the Kings to quickly approach their potential, moving the ball to the open man must become an offensive staple. Everybody can get their shots - and good ones, at that - without selfish play.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
It's more than preseason game at the No-Name Arena
Dec. 20, 2011
The Sacramento Kings meet the visiting Golden State Warriors tonight at the No-Name Arena, also formerly known as Arco Arena and never truly known as Power Balance Pavilion.
Yet, the lone Kings' preseason home game likely will be different than any other. This will be the first time Kings fans return to the No-Name Arena since many of them left following the final home game of the 2010-11 season believing the franchise was headed to Anaheim.
Thanks to the efforts of many, including Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, the City is attempting to land financing for the construction of a new downtown arena to house the Kings.
That proposition remains a work in progress. However, the Kings are here for the moment and their fan base likely will be highly enthusiastic (read: wild as hell) for tonight's contest as well as next Monday's season and home opener against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Kings are attempting to fast-forward the compilation of their team in the midst of the makeshift post-lockout training camp and preseason.
Sacramento's plans took a major hit this week when free-agent signee Chuck Hayes failed his physical due to a heart abnormality. The Kings subsequently voided his reported four-year/$21 million contract.
Said President Geoff Petrie, "(Monday) morning, in one of the most heartbreaking moments of my professional or personal life, Chuck Hayes was notified that he failed his physical exam with the Sacramento Kings. Subsequent to that, the contract signed on Dec. 9 has been voided. At Chuck's request, we will have no further comment at this time."
Management informed the team of the situation following Monday afternoon's practice. Coach Paul Westphal's eyes displayed the hurt he felt by the loss of more than just another player.
Hayes, a beast of a man at 6-foot-6, 238 pounds, was expected to bring mental and physical toughness as he had for six seasons with the Houston Rockets. Hayes already had taken a leadership role during his brief time with the Kings.
Westphal said, 'Hayes already had established himself as what you are looking for a man who would give everything of himself for the team and of himself.
The Kings likely will pursue free-agent center Samuel Dalembert in hopes of having him rejoin the crew and provide support in the middle. Suffice to say acquiring Dalembert has become more important and costly with Hayes' inability to play.
Most importantly, Hayes, who had signed the most lucrative deal of his career, now has neither the contract nor a job. Now, he has the questions of how to deal with the heart abnormality and an uncertain athletic future.
All that in a week. Let's hope this serves as a massive lesson to a group of primarily young group of young Kings how fragile their careers and lives are.
Most of the Kings are so young, they did not get the opportunity to play with former Kings shooter extraordinaire Peja Stojakovic.
Stojakovic retired Monday primarily because of back and neck problems at 34. He'd still be, if healthy, the best shooter on most teams.
Stojakovic answered his phone Monday and said, "I feel good physically and about my decision."
He and his family are living in New Orleans, "because the kids really like the area and we're comfortable here."
Stojakovic easily was one of the easiest guys to cover during my stints working the league. He was honest and always available for a comment. As a journalist, one can't ask for more.
Jimmer Fredette looks capable of one day challenging Stojakovic, Eddie Johnson, Jerry Lucas and Oscar Robertson as one of the Kings' best shooters. What an immediate review of Fredette's game shows is a need to stop leaving his feet 35-to-40 from the basket.
Fredette appears to be the real deal because of his shooting prowess, ballhandling and toughness. We'll see.
Westphal said Monday rookie guards Fredette and Isaiah Thomas are two of the more heady players on the team.
High praise for two players a week into their professional careers.
The Sacramento Kings meet the visiting Golden State Warriors tonight at the No-Name Arena, also formerly known as Arco Arena and never truly known as Power Balance Pavilion.
Yet, the lone Kings' preseason home game likely will be different than any other. This will be the first time Kings fans return to the No-Name Arena since many of them left following the final home game of the 2010-11 season believing the franchise was headed to Anaheim.
Thanks to the efforts of many, including Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, the City is attempting to land financing for the construction of a new downtown arena to house the Kings.
That proposition remains a work in progress. However, the Kings are here for the moment and their fan base likely will be highly enthusiastic (read: wild as hell) for tonight's contest as well as next Monday's season and home opener against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Kings are attempting to fast-forward the compilation of their team in the midst of the makeshift post-lockout training camp and preseason.
Sacramento's plans took a major hit this week when free-agent signee Chuck Hayes failed his physical due to a heart abnormality. The Kings subsequently voided his reported four-year/$21 million contract.
Said President Geoff Petrie, "(Monday) morning, in one of the most heartbreaking moments of my professional or personal life, Chuck Hayes was notified that he failed his physical exam with the Sacramento Kings. Subsequent to that, the contract signed on Dec. 9 has been voided. At Chuck's request, we will have no further comment at this time."
Management informed the team of the situation following Monday afternoon's practice. Coach Paul Westphal's eyes displayed the hurt he felt by the loss of more than just another player.
Hayes, a beast of a man at 6-foot-6, 238 pounds, was expected to bring mental and physical toughness as he had for six seasons with the Houston Rockets. Hayes already had taken a leadership role during his brief time with the Kings.
Westphal said, 'Hayes already had established himself as what you are looking for a man who would give everything of himself for the team and of himself.
The Kings likely will pursue free-agent center Samuel Dalembert in hopes of having him rejoin the crew and provide support in the middle. Suffice to say acquiring Dalembert has become more important and costly with Hayes' inability to play.
Most importantly, Hayes, who had signed the most lucrative deal of his career, now has neither the contract nor a job. Now, he has the questions of how to deal with the heart abnormality and an uncertain athletic future.
All that in a week. Let's hope this serves as a massive lesson to a group of primarily young group of young Kings how fragile their careers and lives are.
Most of the Kings are so young, they did not get the opportunity to play with former Kings shooter extraordinaire Peja Stojakovic.
Stojakovic retired Monday primarily because of back and neck problems at 34. He'd still be, if healthy, the best shooter on most teams.
Stojakovic answered his phone Monday and said, "I feel good physically and about my decision."
He and his family are living in New Orleans, "because the kids really like the area and we're comfortable here."
Stojakovic easily was one of the easiest guys to cover during my stints working the league. He was honest and always available for a comment. As a journalist, one can't ask for more.
Jimmer Fredette looks capable of one day challenging Stojakovic, Eddie Johnson, Jerry Lucas and Oscar Robertson as one of the Kings' best shooters. What an immediate review of Fredette's game shows is a need to stop leaving his feet 35-to-40 from the basket.
Fredette appears to be the real deal because of his shooting prowess, ballhandling and toughness. We'll see.
Westphal said Monday rookie guards Fredette and Isaiah Thomas are two of the more heady players on the team.
High praise for two players a week into their professional careers.
Friday, December 9, 2011
NBA Comissioner Stern goes too far: Time to go
Dec. 9, 2011
NBA Commissioner David Stern’s ludicrous decision to veto Thursday’s three-team trade between New Orleans, the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets is the most bodacious, outrageous, egotistical and ridiculous move in league’s history.
It’s time for Stern to say goodbye. Retire. He’s always ruled with a heavy hand. He’s always been as close to a bully as a brilliant strategist. He’ll probably go down as the best league leader in professional sports.
But for a New York City native, this smacks of stuff we’d hear about the Mafia. It’s like this the National Basketball Association of David Stern.
It’s time to see and hear Stern say, “I was wrong.”
This decision was so unfair in many different ways.All-Star point guard Chris Paul was slated to join the Lakers. L.A. would have sent all-star power forward Pau Gasol to Houston and valuable sixth man Lamar Odom was headed to New Orleans.
The Hornets also would have received guard Kevin Martin, forward Luis Scola, guard Goran Dragic and a 2012 first-round draft choice Houston had acquired from the New York Knicks.
The league said the trade was knocked down because of ‘basketball reasons.”
Presumably, that’s opposed to volleyball or curling reasons. That’s it? Basketball reasons?
No one knows what that means, but there have been perhaps 100(conservative estimate) worse trades consummated in the league’s history. Shoot, maybe since the turn of the century.
Certainly, when the NBA last season took control of New Orleans franchise ownership, the potential for all types of trouble became possible.
The Hornets then were placed into a different category than every other franchise.
The details of that arrangement between the league and Hornets are unknown to the general public.
Moreover, who knows who knows, if anyone knows.
Hornets general manager Dell Demps seemed to have made a pro-emptive strike to prevent Paul, who can become a free-agent following this season, from opting out of his deal and leaving the team with no compensation.
It would seem the league told Demps he couldn’t do his job and did so, after he did his job well.
Looking forward, one wonders where David Stern’s iron fist stops. There were rumors that small-market owners applied pressure on Stern to crush the deal.
So is Demps now incapable of making a trade with any team or just a team Stern and/or the other owners OK.
Stern said Paul was more valuable in New Orleans. Stern omitted to mention to whom this increased value belongs.Stern has made enough money over the years to shut it down, say goodbye and look back at how the league has grown under his management.
Yo, my man, let it go. It’s time.
From this view, it appears he’s lost it. At least, back in the day, he’d have couched his decision with a real explanation.
Basketball reasons?
Really, Dave?
NBA Commissioner David Stern’s ludicrous decision to veto Thursday’s three-team trade between New Orleans, the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets is the most bodacious, outrageous, egotistical and ridiculous move in league’s history.
It’s time for Stern to say goodbye. Retire. He’s always ruled with a heavy hand. He’s always been as close to a bully as a brilliant strategist. He’ll probably go down as the best league leader in professional sports.
But for a New York City native, this smacks of stuff we’d hear about the Mafia. It’s like this the National Basketball Association of David Stern.
It’s time to see and hear Stern say, “I was wrong.”
This decision was so unfair in many different ways.All-Star point guard Chris Paul was slated to join the Lakers. L.A. would have sent all-star power forward Pau Gasol to Houston and valuable sixth man Lamar Odom was headed to New Orleans.
The Hornets also would have received guard Kevin Martin, forward Luis Scola, guard Goran Dragic and a 2012 first-round draft choice Houston had acquired from the New York Knicks.
The league said the trade was knocked down because of ‘basketball reasons.”
Presumably, that’s opposed to volleyball or curling reasons. That’s it? Basketball reasons?
No one knows what that means, but there have been perhaps 100(conservative estimate) worse trades consummated in the league’s history. Shoot, maybe since the turn of the century.
Certainly, when the NBA last season took control of New Orleans franchise ownership, the potential for all types of trouble became possible.
The Hornets then were placed into a different category than every other franchise.
The details of that arrangement between the league and Hornets are unknown to the general public.
Moreover, who knows who knows, if anyone knows.
Hornets general manager Dell Demps seemed to have made a pro-emptive strike to prevent Paul, who can become a free-agent following this season, from opting out of his deal and leaving the team with no compensation.
It would seem the league told Demps he couldn’t do his job and did so, after he did his job well.
Looking forward, one wonders where David Stern’s iron fist stops. There were rumors that small-market owners applied pressure on Stern to crush the deal.
So is Demps now incapable of making a trade with any team or just a team Stern and/or the other owners OK.
Stern said Paul was more valuable in New Orleans. Stern omitted to mention to whom this increased value belongs.Stern has made enough money over the years to shut it down, say goodbye and look back at how the league has grown under his management.
Yo, my man, let it go. It’s time.
From this view, it appears he’s lost it. At least, back in the day, he’d have couched his decision with a real explanation.
Basketball reasons?
Really, Dave?
Friday, July 8, 2011
Maddbacker Celebrity Basketball Game
One of the most difficult tasks in today's sports environment is putting together a celebrity basketball game.
Former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Adrian Ross continues to try to raise money for local Sacramento-area charity causes such as Shriners Hospital; The Center for Fathers and Families; Roberts Family Development Center and the True Grit Sports Academy.
Ross, an Elk Grove High School graduate and San Jose native, is hosting his Maddbacker seventh celebrity contest July 9th at the Capital Christian Center beginning at 5 p.m.
Tickets are $10 with all of the proceeds going towards helping the local charities and causes his Maddbacker Foundation supports.
Quite naturally, Ross' NFL background suggests a heavily-weighted cast of hoopers from the football realm.
NFL wide receivers and defensive backs often also performed at elite levels on the basketball court. Stevie Johnson of the Buffalo Bills and Lavelle Hawkins of the Tennessee Titans are expected to play as well as Arizona linebackers Joey Porter and Clark Haggans.
Other NFLers who prepped in SacTown expected to display their hoop skills are Tampa Bay's Sammie Stroughter and Washington's Brandyn Thompson. Former NFL all-star running back Corey Dillon and offensive lineman Ephraim Salaam are slated to throw down.
Ross said Miami Dolphins wide receiver Marlon Moore will enter the contest of the mindset to score 40 points. He'll also be going against former Florin High star and current filmaker/producer Deon Taylor and entertainers Rick Ross and BSmoove.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.maddbackercelebritygame.com.
Former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Adrian Ross continues to try to raise money for local Sacramento-area charity causes such as Shriners Hospital; The Center for Fathers and Families; Roberts Family Development Center and the True Grit Sports Academy.
Ross, an Elk Grove High School graduate and San Jose native, is hosting his Maddbacker seventh celebrity contest July 9th at the Capital Christian Center beginning at 5 p.m.
Tickets are $10 with all of the proceeds going towards helping the local charities and causes his Maddbacker Foundation supports.
Quite naturally, Ross' NFL background suggests a heavily-weighted cast of hoopers from the football realm.
NFL wide receivers and defensive backs often also performed at elite levels on the basketball court. Stevie Johnson of the Buffalo Bills and Lavelle Hawkins of the Tennessee Titans are expected to play as well as Arizona linebackers Joey Porter and Clark Haggans.
Other NFLers who prepped in SacTown expected to display their hoop skills are Tampa Bay's Sammie Stroughter and Washington's Brandyn Thompson. Former NFL all-star running back Corey Dillon and offensive lineman Ephraim Salaam are slated to throw down.
Ross said Miami Dolphins wide receiver Marlon Moore will enter the contest of the mindset to score 40 points. He'll also be going against former Florin High star and current filmaker/producer Deon Taylor and entertainers Rick Ross and BSmoove.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.maddbackercelebritygame.com.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Webber still hoping to help Kings stay in Sacramento
Sources indicate former Kings all-star forward Chris Webber was seen in Las Vegas talking with members of the Maloof family Saturday afternoon.
Webber did not return a phone call this weekend.
Amidst the madness and uncertainty of the Maloofs attempted Kings’ relocation to Anaheim, a meeting between Webber and family members could mean nothing, something or everything.
Webber, now a TNT NBA commentator, last week surprised many with statements regarding his desire and attempts to assist the efforts to keep the Kings in Sacramento.
Sources within the past month told Marty Mac’s World Webber had been working with a group that wanted to buy the Kings from the Maloofs.
However, the Maloofs steadfastly have insisted the franchise is not for sale. Webber’s group was unable to get a meeting with the Maloofs.
Clearly, there are more questions than answers regarding the attempted relocation. Following last week’s two-day NBA Board of Governors meeting Commissioner David Stern said the Kings deal had changed during the past few days.
That’s why the league granted the Maloofs another extension – this time May 2 – to apply for the move to Anaheim.
The NBA wants more information from the Anaheim group pursuing the Kings franchise as well from the Maloofs.
Commissioner David Stern said NBA owners have an incomplete understanding of the deal. That means the owners, who ultimately must give their majority blessing to the move, have the same understanding as you and I.
Stern indicated the league’s relocation group needed more information about potential TV revenue, any necessary upgrades to the Honda Center arena and relocation costs.
We all know the Maloofs want to move the franchise to Anaheim. We assume they believe this move will reap increased financial benefits. The common belief is the Maloofs expect a great increase from a new TV contract in a larger market.
The Maloofs have not spoken publicly about their business financial condition. If they indeed are struggling, any information of desperation only lessens any leverage they believe they possess.
Reports during the past year have suggested they are in danger of losing control of the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
They have denied the accuracy of those reports.
More indicative of their financial peril was the sale of their family-owned beer distributorship last year. Not only was it the foundation of their business portfolio, it was a prized possession because of ties to their father and grandfather.
Moreover, if anyone owns a beer distributorship in America, why the heck would you sell it unless somehow pressured to make that move. Even in times of depression, beer consumers find a way to get their suds.
I’ve been telling folks for months that no one truly knows the specifics of this deal. That’s because as big-time deals are concerned, this one is being thrown together.
There have been people talking two months ago about how it was a done deal the Kings were leaving. Here we are in the middle of April and that remains an uncertainty.
Webber did not return a phone call this weekend.
Amidst the madness and uncertainty of the Maloofs attempted Kings’ relocation to Anaheim, a meeting between Webber and family members could mean nothing, something or everything.
Webber, now a TNT NBA commentator, last week surprised many with statements regarding his desire and attempts to assist the efforts to keep the Kings in Sacramento.
Sources within the past month told Marty Mac’s World Webber had been working with a group that wanted to buy the Kings from the Maloofs.
However, the Maloofs steadfastly have insisted the franchise is not for sale. Webber’s group was unable to get a meeting with the Maloofs.
Clearly, there are more questions than answers regarding the attempted relocation. Following last week’s two-day NBA Board of Governors meeting Commissioner David Stern said the Kings deal had changed during the past few days.
That’s why the league granted the Maloofs another extension – this time May 2 – to apply for the move to Anaheim.
The NBA wants more information from the Anaheim group pursuing the Kings franchise as well from the Maloofs.
Commissioner David Stern said NBA owners have an incomplete understanding of the deal. That means the owners, who ultimately must give their majority blessing to the move, have the same understanding as you and I.
Stern indicated the league’s relocation group needed more information about potential TV revenue, any necessary upgrades to the Honda Center arena and relocation costs.
We all know the Maloofs want to move the franchise to Anaheim. We assume they believe this move will reap increased financial benefits. The common belief is the Maloofs expect a great increase from a new TV contract in a larger market.
The Maloofs have not spoken publicly about their business financial condition. If they indeed are struggling, any information of desperation only lessens any leverage they believe they possess.
Reports during the past year have suggested they are in danger of losing control of the Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
They have denied the accuracy of those reports.
More indicative of their financial peril was the sale of their family-owned beer distributorship last year. Not only was it the foundation of their business portfolio, it was a prized possession because of ties to their father and grandfather.
Moreover, if anyone owns a beer distributorship in America, why the heck would you sell it unless somehow pressured to make that move. Even in times of depression, beer consumers find a way to get their suds.
I’ve been telling folks for months that no one truly knows the specifics of this deal. That’s because as big-time deals are concerned, this one is being thrown together.
There have been people talking two months ago about how it was a done deal the Kings were leaving. Here we are in the middle of April and that remains an uncertainty.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Bibby says Hawks did him dirty, but he's happy to go to Heat
Mike Bibby may not always say something but he is often an attentive listener and reader.
So Tuesday as he made preparations to leave Atlanta Wednesday and sign with the Miami Heat, he paid attention to what the so-called experts said about him joining the high-profile squad.
“I couldn’t pass it up,” the 32-year-old said of the opportunity to join Dwayne Wade, LeBron James and his brother-in-law, Heat guard Eddie House.
Bibby said Boston and Portland had shown interest.
Bibby normally plays with a chip on his shoulder. On the court, his confidence level borders arrogance as it does with most of the league’s clutch performers.
After listening to pundits decry any positive effect he will have on the Heat, Bibby will be even more determined.
“People told me I was too short and too slow when I came to the league,” he said. “13 years later, here I am. But you know me; I don’t care what nobody says.”
That’s not exactly true.
Bibby was not enthralled by the words Atlanta had to say the day he was traded to the Washington Wizards. Four days later, Bibby’s agent, David Falk, worked out a buyout
“We were in Phoenix,” he said, “and I saw everybody in the organization that day. I think I deserved the respect to at least tell me they are working on something. They had me come to the team meeting and then one hour before the game, I get a call saying they’ve worked out a trade.
“They said it’s 99 percent done, so don’t come to the game.”
Bibby said he anticipates things will be different in Miami than they were in Atlanta.
“I didn’t have the ball in my hands in Atlanta,” he said, “and that’s not saying I’m gonna have it in Miami. But I think things will be different.”
So Tuesday as he made preparations to leave Atlanta Wednesday and sign with the Miami Heat, he paid attention to what the so-called experts said about him joining the high-profile squad.
“I couldn’t pass it up,” the 32-year-old said of the opportunity to join Dwayne Wade, LeBron James and his brother-in-law, Heat guard Eddie House.
Bibby said Boston and Portland had shown interest.
Bibby normally plays with a chip on his shoulder. On the court, his confidence level borders arrogance as it does with most of the league’s clutch performers.
After listening to pundits decry any positive effect he will have on the Heat, Bibby will be even more determined.
“People told me I was too short and too slow when I came to the league,” he said. “13 years later, here I am. But you know me; I don’t care what nobody says.”
That’s not exactly true.
Bibby was not enthralled by the words Atlanta had to say the day he was traded to the Washington Wizards. Four days later, Bibby’s agent, David Falk, worked out a buyout
“We were in Phoenix,” he said, “and I saw everybody in the organization that day. I think I deserved the respect to at least tell me they are working on something. They had me come to the team meeting and then one hour before the game, I get a call saying they’ve worked out a trade.
“They said it’s 99 percent done, so don’t come to the game.”
Bibby said he anticipates things will be different in Miami than they were in Atlanta.
“I didn’t have the ball in my hands in Atlanta,” he said, “and that’s not saying I’m gonna have it in Miami. But I think things will be different.”
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