It was 2001-2002 Western Conference Finals. I didn't watch must basketball then, and was just a casual fan. As most casual fans, I just cheered for who ever I knew of. At the time, it was Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'neal. For reasons I cannot recall, I sat down to watch the LA Lakers face the Sacramento Kings. Near the begenning of the series, I cheered for every shot Kobe Bryant and Shaquille made and booed these Kings, whoever they were. As the series progressed, it was quite apparent that these Kings were not a joke. They were something else. They fought hard, very hard. And as the series progressed, I felt as if the Kings were not being given equal respect and fairness from the officiating staff. By the sixth game of the series, I was in total shock and aghast at referees. I know I was booing them a few games earlier, but these Sacramento Kings, were playing their hearts out, and much better than the Lakers, yet losing because the referees seemed to give every call the Laker's way. In an astounding reversal, I began to cheer for the Kings, and accusing the referees of being "paid off" by the L.A. Lakers. After the series was over, and the Kings had lost, I realized never before, was I so emotionally involved in a proffessional basketball team. It was that event in my life, that turned me into a die-hard NBA fan. After that, I would watch any nationally televised Sacramento Kings game I could. I began to learn about other teams, players, and more about the game of basketball in general, which I did not know from just playing street-ball as a kid. Along with other Kings fans, I suffered heartbreak after heartbreak, when the Kings seemed to get so close, but fate would seem so cruel as to never let them cross the finish line. However my loyalty did not wane. I still believed. I made Peja Stojakovic, Mike Bibby, Chris Webber, Vlade Divacs, Bobby Jackson, Doug Christie my wallpaper on my PC. I would constnatly defend the Kings against nay-sayers (and living in Detroit, believe me, there are a LOT I had to fend off). However, as time went on, piece by piece, player by player, the Kings were losing great teammates. Quality role players like Scott Pollard, Keon Clark, Jimmy Jackson.... I realize that many of these trades did benefit the Kings, but I felt it did not match the friendship and cohesiveness of the Kings team before. As this season began, I thought it would be a great one for the Kings as Chris was so mentally tough and ready, and I thought he would really lead well this season. Then came the trade, which left me bowled over. At that point I really felt it was over. Chris Webber, traded. I coudlnt' believe it. In some ways I still can't. The compilation of all those heartbreaks combined with so many beloved players being traded away, and then Chris Webber......it was my breaking point, and now I truly feel as if this isn't the same Sacramento Kings that I grew to love. I still got love for Bibby, one of my favorite players, and for Peja, I'll never forget the announcer constantly yelling "THREEEEEEEEEEEEE...PEJAAA..STOOOOOOOOOJACKOVIC!!!" . I will be happy whenever the Kings get a victory, and I will still watch their games whenever I can. I just don't feel like much of a fan anymore. I hope nobody takes offence to this post. I really wanted to just speak my mind. I will never forget the great memories with the Kings, and it is because of them that I fell in love with NBA Basketball. Thank you Sacramento for the forever cherished memories.
Excellent post, I do feel like it's premature though. The Kings can still go far into the playoffs if they put their minds to it. I feel you though. The heart and sou of the Kings was Webber...and now he's gone. I feel you. The same thing happened with the Knicks leaving Sprewell. Just keep strong and keep your head up man...and most importantly, continue being a Kings fan. If you don't, you're always welcomed to like the Knicks
Thanx for the reply man, but I wasn't talking about the Kings in terms of how they do....they might do better now that Webber is gone, I don't know, but it just isn't the same anymore.
I believe what he is saying is the face of the franchise is gone. Webber WAS the Kings. Whenever you thought about them, Webber showed up. I share his feelings and have been a fan of him and the franchise when they first met the Jazz and made the statement that they were going to be a team to contend. At that time, I was their fan. Jason Williams & Webber. Then J-Will was gone. I could understand because he was too erratic, but The Webster was there. But the idea of watching Peja-One Dimensional-Stojakovic is not appealing. I like the hell outta Bibby, but not enough to show effort in watching a game. Like on NBA League Pass I'll see if some other team I like is playing. I still don't believe how a franchise would choose Peja (who is rumored to be leaving soon, I don't know) over Webber. I know he's had some injuries, but he was playing well again. At Least Web was close to being a leader. And I still blame last season on Adelman.
Theres no doubt that the old Kings chemistry is gone.Between the 00-01 and 02-03 seasons their team chemistry was uncanny.Its what I liked and still do like so much about the team.Ill take exciting team play over exciting individual play anyday.A big reason why im not affected as much as kcs6000 by the recent team makeover is because I noticed how the Kings frontcourt's health and athleticism had deteriorated since their chemistry was in its prime.It was incredibly frustrating watching players get uncontested layups against SAC.The recent overhaul of players has just renewed my level of enjoyment while watching Kings games.Now if they could only get healthy and stay that way.
Ha <div class="quote_poster">Quoting 44Thrilla:</div><div class="quote_post">What was it that you loved so much about Webber? His bad attitude, or his constant injury problems?</div> lol
the chemistry did them little good in the past... so really, does it matter that much? this years problems arnt a result of bad chemistry. they are a result of constant injuries. As I have said in the past, the webber trade was something that was done to break up that massive contract in order to make moves in the future. I think that giving up on the Kings (even for this years post season) is a bit premature. are they going very far in the playoffs? probably not... but there are plenty of teams that are going to be on the outside looking in that would love to trade problems with the Kings right now.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting mrj18:</div><div class="quote_post"> . The same thing happened with the Knicks leaving Sprewell. </div> You can have that heart and soul back, just make sure you can feed the family.
