First of all, I have been very impressed with the overall comments of the membership as it pertains to this incendiary issue, regardless of which side (if either) that you may see it from. StR members at their most brilliant. Hat tip and well done.
Wow, this is getting to be like Ron Artest redux. We used to have a "Ron-Ron" section for Artest stories here. We may have to create a "Boogie Board" for Cousins.
I almost think that what we have here are two separate issues that have combined for the perfect storm. Turn back the clock to when we drafted Cousins. Here you have a franchise in turmoil in every conceivable way, virtually rudderless from a leadership standpoint due in part to the roster rebuild and exacerbated by the penny pinching ways of an organization in dire financial trouble. The coach is far from secure in his job, a result in combination of his performance and the lack of player talent that he has been presented with by the organization. His vast ego doesn't help matters, at least not in the manner that he chooses to unleash it.
Now, add a young, immature, man-child to the mix, one that has pretty much gotten his way and been catered to his entire life due to his immense physical talent (in relation to whatever talent he was playing against). A guy that had trouble with authority in college, and that was while playing for an incredibly well-funded and well-coached organization, with very talented teammates (for that level) around him - heck, the entire starting lineup was drafted in the first round! Maybe a good kid at heart, but as a basketball player he brings enough luggage with him that he is not considered a #1 prospect and ultimately falls to 5th in his draft.
I think that the only chance for success early on here was for Cousins to have a player on this roster that could kick his ass both physically and mentally. I just don't see this thing getting to this point on a Jordan or Duncan team. But generally speaking, lottery teams don't possess that type of roster talent. Generally speaking, most teams don't possess that type of roster talent, period. I am no longer convinced that the coach would make a difference - he butted heads with Calipari, so apparently he has little respect for authority, even when it comes wrapped in years and years of proven success.
So here is my fear: The Kings fire Westphal and install Keith Smart as interim coach, and it changes nothing that needs to be changed. Maybe it makes Cousins happier in the short term, but basically all you've done is given a spoiled youngster his way one more time. I feel no better if you fire Westphal and hire Phil Jackson, as it still won't work until Cousins is willing to take his own inventory, own up to his history of being a malcontent, and develop a plan to overcome it.
The more that I think about this, the more I see Zach Randolph, part II. It looks like it will take years for Cousins to "get it," and in the meantime he'll leave coaches and franchises strewn in his wake. He'll eventually arrive at a place where he becomes an NBA player and a grown up, and the next generation of Kings fan will go all Gerald Wallace over him and wonder why we ever traded him way back when.
Cousins is only 21, and I probably preach patience more than anyone else around here when it comes to player development. But there is on court and there is off court. On court DMC is still a relative babe. Off court he is an adult, and I don't know that any of us as parents or employers or co-workers would put up with a 21 year old displaying such petulant ways.
I probably could have saved everyone the long-winded read by just stating this: Whether Westphal stays or goes changes little as it pertains to the future of DeMarcus Cousins. Unless he is willing to grow up and put on his big boy pants, the Kings should just cut bait right now. His actions threaten to fracture an entire locker room, in my opinion, and the Kings can't afford to let that happen.
You could become a helluva player, DeMarcus, and every Kings fan is pulling for you. I dare say that every Kings fan would choose you over Westphal if the franchise polled the fan base to "pick one." But you've got to grow up, young man. NBA life is short and the clock is ticking, and your options are narrowing.
The ball, as they say, is in your court.
17 recs | 154 comments
Or worse yet
He could be Stephon Marbury, emmensley talented but, never able to put together enough of a mental approach to maintain his place in the league. Marbury even had KG in Minnesota to help him and still couldn’t keep it together.
Lotusprime - January 2, 2012
When he's eating Vaseline on a live internet feed....
…then you’ll know the Steph line has been passed.
Stop-n-Pop - January 2, 2012
We should be talking about about playoffs
prowseinthehouse - January 2, 2012
Playoffs? Playoffs?!?
CrimeD - January 2, 2012
This was THE concern heading into that draft.
wallywagon11 - January 2, 2012
and honestly
at this point, firing Westphal, keeping him, whatever you do … so long as Cousins plays again without publicly apologizing comes off as spoiling him. At this point the whole fire or hire Westphal part doesn’t even matter anymore. The line in the sand has been drawn.
wallywagon11 - January 2, 2012
lol
*fire or keep Westphal
(I guess I like to rhyme)
wallywagon11 - January 2, 2012
Section214
restoring sanity to the Sactown Royalty blog, one post at a time.
who betta than kanyon? - January 2, 2012
This is the perfect time for d leauge
with the new rules in the CBA, if Cousins ever acts up we can send him to Reno. Players there have historically had it in for players that were high draft picks. He still gets to play (probably) and it could serve as a constant consequence if he doesn’t man up. I agree-the kings shouldn’t trade him or fire Westphal, that would be too easy. Cousins is too valuable to give up on, or to spoil him by rewarding his behavior.
Ellimist - January 2, 2012
The Dleague isn't something to be used as punishment
prowseinthehouse - January 2, 2012
Yeah, that would send a horrible message to the Honeycutt's of the world.
The people that the D-league is made for.
tomroadrunner - January 2, 2012
Ummm no...
see Terrance Williams
polotown - January 2, 2012
Excellent post Section
I’d bet my house right now that if PW were replaced with Smart we’ll be dealing with the same issues in two years.
Crocoduck - January 2, 2012 via mobile
would you bet the house that Smart would also be here in two years?
wallywagon11 - January 2, 2012
I'd bet your house that if he were replaced by Smart
we’d be dealing with the same issue this year.
Lotusprime - January 2, 2012
Two months.
Carl - January 2, 2012
If we're dealing with the same issue whether it's Smart or Westphal
Then we should look at the basketball side of things, and it’s got to be hard to defend Westphal’s performance, or his future as a head coach.
I’d rather see Smart take over, regardless of Cousins.
otis29 - January 2, 2012
Yes
MichaelMack - January 2, 2012
I'm thinking
That there is money to be made inventing a basketball with a nipple. Whenever Cousins decides to open his mouth he can be instructed to suck the ball instead. It’s just a matter of refocusing negative energy…
nohops - January 2, 2012
okay now that is funny anyway you slice it
wallywagon11 - January 2, 2012
Why would you ever want to slice
a huge basketball sized nipple?
feelgood - January 2, 2012
feelbad :)
wallywagon11 - January 2, 2012
feelbewbs
swoosh91 - January 2, 2012
I knew there was a solution to this controversy, now we have it. :)
bench_blob - January 2, 2012
Why Didn't the Kings Suspend DeMarcus?
This point has been glossed over in the threads, so far. If the latest incident was the “tip of the iceberg”, then why not suspend him for one game or indefinitely? If DeMarcus is such a disruptive force, and it has been one incident after another, why not suspend him?
A suspension would cost DeMarcus $50,000 in one games pay. So why didn’t they send this message to him? Hit him in the wallet if he is such an insufferable a**hole.
A public dress down and figurative spanking via stupid press release is this coaches method to try to get DeMarcus to behave? Does PW think this public belittling and condescending approach will work or garner respect? Just more inconsistency and bullsh*t from this incompetent head coach.
bench_blob - January 2, 2012
I don't see your point
They have suspended him before, and yet we are still here. Are you saying that the $50k is the corrective measure that is needed to get through to DMC? Because I respectfully disagree with that.
I imagine that a suspension and fine carries with it the opportunity for the player to file a grievance, and perhaps the Kings did not want to risk that process. This would lend some credence to the notion that Westphal has handled this poorly, and that has certainly not been “glossed over” in the threads.
Or maybe he has been fined and/or suspended and it has not yet been made public.
If you’re of the opinion that Westphal and/or the Kings organization have handled this poorly, I agree 100%. That does not change my opinion about Cousins in any way, shape or form.
section214 - January 2, 2012
My point is...
If the behavioral issues are as serious as Westphal contends, and as “tip of the iceberg” statement implies, them there should be serious consequences, which would include loss of pay.
I don’t buy this, well, we tried this before, let’s try something different this time approach.
There has to be a logical consistency to discipline for it to be effective, or else it is rejected. The punishment has to fit the crime, so to speak. This was my claim last year, when Westphal went off the deep end over the choking gesture. He overreacted, turned it into a spectacle, and Cousins lost respect for his coach.
This inappropriate press release and comments to the media by PW is further evidence has has no idea how to handle a strong personality. In other words, he has no idea how to do what he is paid to do.
bench_blob - January 2, 2012
I agree with your take - Westphal has handled this abysmally
It does not change a thing about Cousins’ past, present or future, in my opinion. Blaming this entirely on Westphal is just another example of people making excuses for Cousins, which has happened his entire life.
Fire Westphal. Fire Petrie. Fire anyone and everyone that Cousins has ever had a disagreement with or has looked at him funny or parked in his parking spot. And enable him with these actions.
This incident is not solely about Westphal, and the one constant throughout all of Cousins’ issues over the years has been…Cousins.
section214 - January 2, 2012
Ooops -
I agree with your take, and rec’d.
section214 - January 2, 2012
You agree and rec your own take? lol!
Dirkula - January 2, 2012
If I could rec my own takes,
I’d be blind by now.
section214 - January 2, 2012
Haha! I had never tried, didn't know you couldn't. :)
Dirkula - January 2, 2012
and have hairy palms
hozr - January 3, 2012
is he making excuses for Cousins though in his critique of Westphal?
wallywagon11 - January 2, 2012
I don't think so
But I have serious doubts that any different approach would work with Cousins at this point. That’s why I contend that this is really to separate issues that have converged. Westphal isn’t doing a good job, and Cousins is a spoiled baby.
section214 - January 2, 2012
As I said elsewhere
I’m afraid both things are true.
And a game where NewOrl couldn’t hit a single 3 pointer didn’t change much until we win a few more games – soon.
lietothegirls - January 2, 2012
This 100X Over
I don’t even know why Petrie is going to talk to him. Make DMC come back himself. Just like a child that throws a tantrum, you don’t go chasing them, you let them be, they always come back. Just because DMC looks like a man, doesn’t mean he is one at all. To this point, I’d say he has the maturity level of a 17 year oldster best.
LiquidPolio - January 2, 2012
I'm 18
So what does that make me?
/rhetorical question
raiderking21 - January 2, 2012
Enough out of you, go to your room!
Bill2 - January 2, 2012
But I'm already in my room
raiderking21 - January 2, 2012
Come on Bill
You want to punish a teenager now days you don’t send them to their room. You send them outside. They start melting within minutes.
SavageBeast - January 2, 2012
Apparently nowadays they glitter
prowseinthehouse - January 2, 2012
The sun
It Burns ussssssssss
Lotusprime - January 2, 2012
Only if its raining
raiderking21 - January 2, 2012
Well
at least pick up your toys and straighten up your room.
Bill2 - January 2, 2012
More mature than Cousins?
section214 - January 2, 2012
That just may be
I can’t say that with 100% certainty though
raiderking21 - January 2, 2012
My take on why he did not lose pay
The coach handles the playing time. Since Westphal determined to not play DMC against NO because of behavioral issues, he received approval by the brass to keep DMC at home.
But the coach does not control the money. I get the impression that while the coach was allowed to send DMC home, the brass was not 100% convinced that the behavior warranted being sent home, so his pay was still active. If the brass was not completely behind PW’s decision, this would help explain why it was the coach who released the statement, and why DMC was not penalized monetarily.
If this reasoning is sound, faith in Westphal could very well be waining.
kwill - January 2, 2012
Suspension is an actionable offense
It coudl get the Players Association involved and other such things better just to send him home.
Lotusprime - January 2, 2012
This is my take, as well.
Petrie/Maloofs had to “support” Westphal’s initial handling of the situation if they wanted him to maintain any kind of authority as head coach, for now. I’d bet Petrie has been expecting to make an initial decision on PW’s future as coach around the midpoint of this season (either cut him loose or let him play out the season and re-evaluate). If GP tells Westphal that he wants to talk to DeMarcus himself before he supports any kind of discipline, he’s cutting off his coach’s balls (a coach that is surely feeling his seat get warmer), and Geoff would either have to fire PW sooner than he had expected or deal with a lame duck coach that knows he’s lost his authority until the firing becomes official. I don’t recall the Maloofs or Petrie saying anything specific about this incident that supported PW’s take on it, just general statements “supporting the coach” and statements regarding DeMarcus’ maturity issues that are valid separately from this whole mess.
I think it’s telling that Petrie wanted to meet with DeMarcus and his agent before a decision was made by management on where to go from here (potentially further discipline, seriously pursuing trades, or supporting Cuz’s return to the team), and that the result of that meeting is DeMarcus rejoining the team and releasing a statement that is clearly not an apology to Westphal. It seems to me that Petrie did his best to not offend or alienate his current head coach or his potential franchise player, and what we have right now is an issue between an immature player whose talent and potential still outweigh his off-the-court issues (in the mind of the GM and owners) and a head coach that is highly likely not to finish out the season. I think Petrie tried to handle this mess in a way that allowed him to preserve DeMarcus’ future with the team and to keep Westphal long enough to deal with his future on Geoff’s own terms.
AnotherStupidSN - January 3, 2012
couldn't agree more bench
Just baffling. I seriously don’t even know why they would draft him if this was the strategy they were thinking of using the down the road.
wallywagon11 - January 2, 2012
Of course this assumes they had a strategy planned for down the road.
ExPFCWintergreen - January 2, 2012
I've stayed out of it
I’m a huge believer that Cousins can and will be a Star someday, I hoped soon.
The only thing I seem capable of is walking around the house, shaking my head and mumbling “F-cking Cousins” or
“killin’ me, just killing me”.
This morning doesn’t seem to have changed that.
lietothegirls - January 2, 2012
Section
Didn’t you get Tom’s memo? We’re all supposed to be writing biased pieces against PW. Geeze, dude, way to blow it.
Rec’d.
Exhibit G - January 2, 2012
I think that this is especially dangerous
because there is no leaders in the locker room. It sounds like the players are siding with Westy on this one but with no dominant leader, Cousins could easily destroy the team with his behavior.
Blue Dog - January 2, 2012
Chuck was supposed to be this guy, but we could definitely use more
Didn’t Hayes supposedly tell DMC to stop cracking jokes after a bad loss? Wonder what else has been done behind the scenes.
LPKingsFan - January 2, 2012
Call me Pollyanna (okay, actually don't)
But I still don’t think the sky is falling.
We have a young, talented player with an attitude, a history of outbursts, Surprise, surprise, he still has talent and he still has attitude. We got both when he dropped to us at #5.
We also have a coach appears to be pretty talented himself but has a history of ego and attitude himself. There is a reason we got a coach with his experience on the cheap.
So the kid hasn’t overcome his childish tendencies, the coach handled it poorly, and the GM is going, “Hey work it out you too. It’s not like you have a lot better options to turn to.”
So, yeah, it may be hailing. (I’m pretty sure the forecast called for some rough weather this season.) I mean, hey, it’s 2012. Even the Mayans called this. But, the sky still isn’t falling.
SavageBeast - January 2, 2012
Pollyannatwasserm - January 3, 2012
Yeah, same.
Agree that Petrie is trying to keep this as a Cuz vs. Westphal thing instead of something bigger between Cuz and the organization or between the organization and Westphal. It’s still not ideal, but I honestly think that management is hoping that DeMarcus can be kept somewhat positive and willing to keep working on his future here at least long enough to see if a new coach can have a more productive relationship with him.
AnotherStupidSN - January 3, 2012
Fire Westphal.
Sorry, I hadn’t posted that yet today.
mavisdory - January 2, 2012
Bill2 - January 2, 2012
Poorly planned from the start
Today’s players are difficult to deal with due to many factors. Coaches that manage the players could be more important that coaches that orchestrate the X and O strategy.
Player attitudes is allegedly one of the reasons Jerry Sloan retired. So this isn’t just about DMC, but about the attitudes of young players and who best to manage them.
Here in Sac…You take young lottery picks, with new millions and enormous egos, and place them with less talented veterans and an inexpensive journeyman coach. How could THAT not work?
Then ownership promises to cash in on their salary cap flexibility with big signings and we get Chuck Hayes. An undersized tough veteran that is a role player and not an impact player as promised. DMC is supposed to be mentored by a guy that he abuses in practice or feels highly more talented than? I don’t know that I would….
I don’t know if firing Westphal is the right or wrong thing to do…but in my opinion, you’re hired as the head coach to make a difference in the games of Tyreke and DMC. Neither player has made the strides envisioned (Tyreke underperformed last year in part due to injureies and DMC has not evolved) When you don’t do what you were hired to do, you get fired in the real world…and in the NBA.
The offense looks pretty bad on most occasions with isolated play and a general lack of flow and movement off the ball.
You might be right that things won’t get any better without PW….it could further coddle DMC.
OR the transition to Keith Smart could help give DMC somebody he can relate to, somebody he is willing to listen to, somebody with a different approach that is well received by him and makes a difference.
LDM - January 2, 2012
Just my two cents
But I don’t think Cuz is abusing Hayes in practice. And I don’t think he’d listen to Kevin Garnett at this point in his career.
SavageBeast - January 2, 2012
I thinik he meant that Hayes
is being abused in the game, that DMC is more talented in practice.
killerking - January 2, 2012
Right
But I don’t buy that. I think Hayes could handle Cuz one on one.
SavageBeast - January 2, 2012
OK
Here’s a different perspective on my point… It’s unlikely to think that DMC aspires to have Chuck Hayes’ career. In my opinoin, DMC thinks he is far more skilled than Chuck Hayes….probably because he is. Is he really abusing him in practice? I really don’t know.
But who on this team, coaches or players, demands the respect of this young player? Who’s got the credibility to say to DMC…“you’ll never get what I’ve got if you keep acting like this..” It’s not Paul Westphal.
LDM - January 2, 2012
I can see your point
But the problem is not that Cousins won’t listen to a less talented player. If that was the case, we could bring Webber in to talk some sense into the kid. The problem is that Cousins and young and immature. he didn’t have a strong father figure in his life and he has never had to listen to anyone.
So you could put him on a team with Kobe, Howard, or any other all star, and my guess is he would think they had nothing to teach him either. Like a lot of young kids, he is unfortunately probably going to have to learn my skinning his chin over and over until he stops tripping.
As fans, we want to say, “All he needs is a strong team leader.” Or, “All he needs is a stronger/better/more understanding coach.” But just from what I have seen and heard so far, I don’t believe he will listen to anyone. he has to learn for himself.
SavageBeast - January 2, 2012
Maybe you
LDM - January 2, 2012
Maybe you are correct
He might not listen to Kobe or KG.
Or he might. It’s a debatable point that has no immediate answer. You are probably more in tune with the team chemistry than I…so I accept that perspective.
He isn’t listening to Paul Westphal, it’s not working, and that is what Westphal was hired to do… It’s too bad, I want it to work for PW and I think he’s probably a good hearted guy
LDM - January 2, 2012
Ahh gotcha
Yeah. No way to know for sure. But I read on ESPN recently that at least Kobe had talked to him. And I suspect some other players have been in touch with him as well. I’m just basing my guess in working with other hard headed teens. But I could totally be wrong here.
SavageBeast - January 2, 2012
Hardheaded teens?
Whaaa…?
LeaguePassAddict - January 2, 2012
Fire SB and LPA
betweentheeyes - January 2, 2012
To quote Ziller,
You get what you pay for.
LeaguePassAddict - January 2, 2012
Maybe I . . . ?
SavageBeast - January 2, 2012
sorry...palm hit the wrong button on the laptop!
LDM - January 2, 2012
Fact is Fact.
(Stupid posted to early) DMC really SHOULD be living with Jimmer.
killerking - January 2, 2012
There's a reality show for ya
otis29 - January 2, 2012
The Savior and Misbehavior Show
section214 - January 2, 2012
well done
MichaelMack - January 2, 2012
Fire westphal and trade cuz for the right price!
pakyubai - January 2, 2012 via mobile
I respectfully disagree with your opinion, Section.
Cousins is a very talented player, who may have said the wrong thing at the wrong time out of sheer frustration.
That is no reason to pull the plug on him. Westphal on the other hand has years of maturity and experience in the NBA and should know better than to air this issue publicly.
This isn’t all about Westphal versus Cousins. Westphal has his own history of how he has thrown players under the bus. This is not an isolated incident. There are also other concerns about his coaching and questionable decisions about the roster and player trades, including Kevin Martin and Beno. I see this as the straw.
I was a very strong supporter of Paul Westfall, especially in his first season here. The cracks started for me last season, when I began to have my doubts about him as the head coach. This final incident is unbelievable.
I do have a bias, Cousins is undoubtedly my favorite player on this team. I feel this whole incident has been mismanaged and blown way out of proportion.
Slam_Dunk - January 2, 2012
Correct. On either count.
SavageBeast - January 2, 2012
I agree
I haven’t liked Westphal much at all. Hawes was not a favorite of mine but PW handled that very poorly
newkings - January 2, 2012
How did Cousins
become your favorite player? I am genuinely curious.
nohops - January 2, 2012
I followed his draft as a rookie. He was the one I wanted the Kings to draft.
I wrote a fanpost on him, at the time, and have followed him ever since.
Slam_Dunk - January 2, 2012
didn't want the Kings to draft him
and oddly, favorite player.
And yes, at the same time sure seems like it was a bad move to draft him
wallywagon11 - January 2, 2012
If the draft happened tomorrow
I’d still want the Kings to draft him over everyone except maybe Wall
HeuristicLineup - January 2, 2012
yeah I would definitely draft a few more guys ahead of Cousins if a do over
at this point silly fantasyland and I hope he can make me look like a fool for saying that now but it is what it is
wallywagon11 - January 2, 2012
Only time will tell
I look at it as he fell that far in the draft for stuff like this and everyone knew going in to it that there were going to probably be some incidents. As long as he continues to show signs of improvements and these blow ups get further and further apart I’m fine. It’s still way too early for me to want him out.
HeuristicLineup - January 2, 2012
there's a slight difference between drafting another player versus throwing him out
just sayin
wallywagon11 - January 2, 2012
Fair enough
I certainly appreciate his talent too, but I always hope that some level of maturity is a part of the package.
nohops - January 2, 2012
On talent alone
He is probably my favorite player too. He is probably the most talented rookie we have drafted in the Sac era. He is funny. He has great court vision. Lots to like.
If he had Jimmer’s attitude, he would have been no later than a number two pick.
SavageBeast - January 2, 2012
Here's the problem
I agree 100%. Unfortunately, this incident is not “stand alone.” Cousins has a history, written not only prior to his arrival but since his arrival.
My opinion here is not based purely on this incident. It is based on Cousins’ body of work.
section214 - January 2, 2012
Uhoh
Section has gone AV on us! Maybe he should ask DMC to lift up the jersey!?
LPKingsFan - January 2, 2012
Carly says to chill, relax, and things will work out fine.
Scott Section 213 - January 2, 2012
Hopefully this one works.
Scott Section 213 - January 2, 2012
NaPG
section214 - January 2, 2012
A PG13?
SavageBeast - January 2, 2012
"Rage rage ra"- *Drool*. Nevermind. All good.
HarveySpecter - January 2, 2012
PW did handle this wrong
even if Cousins is very much in the wrong and needs to be moved, he screwed the franchise over by making this spat public. Now all we’re going to get are lowball offers and be lucky to get pennies on the dollar for a trade. We can’t even do cap space because the Kings are already on or near the salary floor. Cousins maturity should be handled, even if it means moving him, but they’ve got to keep it in house. Too late for that now. Bring on the future 2nd rnd picks #sarcasm
Tom A~! - January 2, 2012
Cousins isn't on the market
No one including the coach ever said we were going to trade Cuz. Just that he asked to be traded.
SavageBeast - January 2, 2012
So we assume the trade demand was not sincere
We could chalk it up to his imatureity and it would not have bearing on his game. On the other hand, if he really wants out, do you give him minutes to take more bad shots? Can’t explain some of the shots he took in the NY game. Could have been a prelude to the trade demand.
kman949 - January 2, 2012
I think it was as sincere
as when your kids say, “I wish I lived with a different family!” when they are angry. If he really wanted a trade, I’m pretty sure his agent would know about it. I think you treat him like any other player. Praise him when he does things right, and teach him when he screws up. Again, you have to remember he is very young, and even more immature than his age.
SavageBeast - January 2, 2012
I think you hit it out of the park with that analogy.
kwill - January 2, 2012
Agreed 100%
What irks me most is that they made it “semi-public.” They came out with the statement, and then Westphal answered the questions that he felt like answering but not the questions that he did not feel like answering. That’s weak sauce. If you’re not going to fully disclose, then just release a statement saying that Cousins won’t be playing due to conduct detrimental to the team, and then say nothing further.
section214 - January 2, 2012
That is the part that is mind-boggling
As we have seen similar statements in every major league sport. The amount of time PW has spent talking to reporters about it is bizarre, and I do not know what that says about him or our FO if that is what they thought was best for DMC and the team.
MichaelMack - January 2, 2012
You cannot move a player of this potential
Especially when it’s an issue with a coach who has a longer list of issues, including a damaging fued in Seattle resulting in the loss of their greatest ever player, Gary Payton. And sometimes being outspoken is what’s needed. How long will the franchise stand by this depressing, devisive, inadequate coach??
mavisdory - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Just a great post
Thanks for this, Section. A breath of fresh air to hear an even-handed and cool-headed perspective.
Hardy - January 2, 2012
Well done, Westphal...
While I certainly know that DMC needs to grow up, Westphal is not by any means innocent in all of this. If it was any other coach, say Adelman, I would say that problem lies primarily on DMC.
However, with Pepperdine, and at Seattle, Westphal had major problems with getting his players to respect him. The last quote from players on his dismissal?
“No comment”.
And he threw Gary Payton under the bus publicly as well, rescinding the suspension when he “apologized”. It was shortly after that the organization fired him.
That’s how you get players to not respect you. So yes, DMC needs to grow up. However, I find it difficult to mature under a coach who’s pretty immature at best. (And maybe even FO. Seriously. Removing DMC from the web page, pre-game video, and lowering the Kings flag at the SE corner to half mast? What is this organization, and what have you done with the organization from 5 or 6 years ago?)
HarveySpecter - January 2, 2012
wait?
Is this serious:
Please tell me you are kidding and that this didn’t happen.
RikSmits - January 3, 2012
I wish
That I was kidding.
HarveySpecter - January 3, 2012
Carmichael Dave re-tweeted a message from Cuz.
I think it said ’Don’t believe everything you’ve heard.’
Scott Section 213 - January 2, 2012
Anyone know yet if DMC boarded the plane this morning?
VirginiaKingsFan - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Waiting for something on Twitter from Carmichael Dave.
Last season, Cuz took a later flight after another ‘blow-up’.
Scott Section 213 - January 2, 2012
Apparently
There is a tweet from Sam Amick posted in the Fanshots.
section214 - January 2, 2012
Oh excellent, another thread on this!
lietothegirls - January 2, 2012
Yep, he's on the plane.
NewEraKings - January 2, 2012
Somehow DMC needs to be put in place while still firing Westphal
I say that the Kings should “back” WestphalI for now, and bring DMC back into the fold with the impression that Westphal is here to stay. Then after this situation has cooled down a bit fire him anyways. This way DMC doesn’t feel like te organization is bending over to his whims, and our incompetent egomaniac coach is gone
Scirocco - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Sounds like a plan
section214 - January 2, 2012
I like this.
Slam_Dunk - January 2, 2012
The talent is there.
We just have to keep hammering it at him that he has to be accountable for his actions on and off the court. In time, he’ll get it.
Scott Section 213 - January 2, 2012
I know its off topic but meanwhile in Minnesota...
Rick Addleman has that haphazard roster looking pretty good. I didn’t think Rubio was going to do anything in this league until they picked up Addleman. They are sure fun to watch. I miss having a good coach.
Merickel - January 2, 2012 via mobile
They do have some nice pieces there
And I think Adelman is a good coach for that squad. Ricky looks really good.
MichaelMack - January 2, 2012
Ive always been suspicious that Khan knew what he was doing, just went about it in an unorthadox way
Draft/acquire 20 Guards – one is bound to pan out
Draft/acquire 20 Wings – one is bound to pan out
Draft/acquire 20 Posts – one is bound to pan out
Fill in the rest with your other 57 acquisitions and get a good coach. I call it draft by quantity rather than quality.
Merickel - January 2, 2012
its not about demarcus
Its about westphal sucking as a coach.
Bendacorna - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Thanks, section214
for restoring some sanity to Sactown Royalty, for not jumping to conclusions about what is really going on, and for not being blinded by any preconceived bias or hate toward PW or DMC. That’s 3 recs worth of good stuff all in one post.
kinglet - January 2, 2012
If we do fire Westphaul,
What message does it send to Cousins. Its a fact that he has attitude problems and after his recent blow up I don’t want to seem like we will cater to him whenevers hes mad. As much as I want PW I’m worried that this will enforce Cousins actions. Tough decision either way, but we need someone to put Cousins in his place before this goes too far.
SharkKings49 - January 2, 2012
Just realized that Scirocco just mentioned pretty much the same thing
SharkKings49 - January 2, 2012
I was halfway expecting someone would have posted a gif with DMC Boogieboarding by now
If I had the skills I’d do it
convoy - January 2, 2012
I was just listening to Taylor Swift's "Mean"
and the entire song I was thinking of DMC sitting at home singing this song to PW. Listen to the song and try not to laugh.
feelgood - January 2, 2012
Right on the money Sections regarding the Zach Randolph situation
I don’t want them to trade him yet unless they can get some other quality center. BIgs are a premium in this league and without one it’s difficult to be a good team. I think everyone is afraid of him getting on a new team and immediately becoming a star. He’s so good already and he’s going to so much better in the future. The Kings have to keep him and make it work and get rid of the coach Westphal . Westphal is the wrong coach for Cousins, that much is certain. I think he’ll figure it out a lot sooner than you think as well. His problems in maturity aren’t as major as they were for Z-Bo.
MJ5 - January 2, 2012
Come on Cuzz! Control your emotions! You know, like these guys....
Dirkula - January 2, 2012
Dmt
Has apparently joined the team on the flight to Memphis.
Czar Nickoli - January 2, 2012 via Android app
http://bayarea.sbnation.com/sacramento-kings/2012/1/2/2677441/demarcus-cousins-sacramento-kings
Czar Nickoli - January 2, 2012 via Android app
Maybe they gave him his backpack back.
Scott Section 213 - January 2, 2012
So what you are saying is
That PW knew he was on the ropes and needed to buy some time. So he intentionally ticked off his most emotional player, then claimed Cuz wanted to be traded. PW thereby forced a situation where if the Kings were to fire him as head, Cousins would be completely unmanageable for whatever coach came along next.
Apparently GP isn’t the only one who can throw up a:
SavageBeast - January 2, 2012
The masks we Kings fans wear. It's never boring.
Scott Section 213 - January 2, 2012
Rec'd
For this, sir.
HarveySpecter - January 2, 2012
Top left, bottom left, bottom middle, bottom right
The transition of watching the 1-4 flat.
section214 - January 2, 2012
Top Middle, Bottom Right alternating
Watching Samuel Dalembert do anything on the basketball court.
Aykis16 - January 2, 2012
I have seen DMC make each of those on just one dribble drive
MichaelMack - January 2, 2012
The bottom row right mask...
…game 7 v. Lakers, when Peja airballed his 3.
Scott Section 213 - January 2, 2012
Top middle
When we drafted JT
SavageBeast - January 2, 2012
Keep the Ban Hammer over both of their heads for the rest of this season
Give PW a chance to prove he can mend fences a make this team a cohesive unit. Give Cuz a chance to prove he can grow the f**k up and buy into the concept of a team.
Worst case scenario is that neither of them change their ways; as soon as the season is done, tell Cuz to pack some warm clothes for Toronto (we will receive 3 magic beans in return) and give PW a golden shovel to use in the garden in his retirement.
Announce them on the same day so the message from the Kings is “we don’t care if you are a player or coach, that sort of bullshit will not be tolerated”
Crazy King Man from OZ - January 2, 2012
Somehow I wonder if the only words which might make DeMarcus see the light are
“Reggie Lewis”
R.I.P.
sj60615 - January 2, 2012
you are going to half to walk me through that one
wallywagon11 - January 2, 2012
Food for worms, Wally
Could happen at any time, to any of us, superstar or no. Carpe diem also means “treat every day as your last, for one day, it will be”.
sj60615 - January 2, 2012
okay
I thought that is what you meant but wasn’t sure
wallywagon11 - January 2, 2012
I looked it up.
He died at practice of heart failure. Sad story.
LeaguePassAddict - January 2, 2012
wow
*have
wallywagon11 - January 2, 2012
we half discuss like this b4
inglish no problem! ;)
sj60615 - January 2, 2012
Looks like the inventor of this robot/computer used PW's mug as a model.
Scott Section 213 - January 2, 2012
I know.
DMC would probably get along better with the robot.
Scott Section 213 - January 2, 2012
The Kings will get peanuts on the dollar if they try to trade Cuz right now
As I recall, when Spencer spoke out about that no player on the team knew what Westphal wanted them to do Reke was in the background agreeing with him. When Cuz spoke up the lack of offensive clarity, Reke was heard in the background agreeing with him and when the situation exploded it was Cuz who took the brunt of Westphal’s frustration and anger.
When Spence went down I speculated that although there were many other players echoing his sentiments Spencer took the hit because he was not particular popular with the other players and was a safe target for Westphal to make and example of.
Now, going on two years later, Westphal does the same thing with Cuz and while I’m guessing that he may be more well liked than Haws was, the players are getting tired of the constant disruption he creates. As I recall, when Chuck Hayes corrected DMC for laughing after the loss, Cuz was not the only player laughing in the locker room.
Two question that remains unanswered for me is what set him off? I guess it’s akin to asking why do postal workers go postal? What did Westphal do to elicit such a strong reaction from Cousins who at the very least has more than a little self awareness and realizes the hit his rep takes everytime a negative incident is made public. Is it the same thing that caused the passive – aggressive Reke to play like an automon for the three games after the Lakers win?
My second unanswered question is who authorized that singularly lame press release? Who in the organization could have possibly thought anything good would come from first taking the issue public and doing so in less than a semi – pro way? While I don’t know for sure I bet Westphal is not authorized to send out press releases on his on, particularly one that reduces the trade value of one of the teams most valuable assets by possibly million of dollars.
Bluejohn - January 3, 2012
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