Kings Notes: Strange Winds Blowing
The season effectively came to an end last night in Sacramento vs the hated Lakers, a once (and brief) storied rivalry now a shell of what it once was. Monday night was basically a D-League contest on an NBA floor.
As we head into the offseason, we say goodbye to arguably (relocation issues aside) the worst and most painful season in Kings history, and that's saying a lot. In an amazing contrast, as bad and laughable as the team has been on the floor, they're the polar opposite OFF the floor. Kimpton Hotels was announced this week as the partner for the new hotel across from the forthcoming ESC, and investment continues to flourish throughout the downtown core. All the promises have been kept and then some, with the exception of a winning ball club going in the right direction.
Let's get to it:
Pete D'Alessandro now appears to be returning next season.
With all the chaos and rumor going on lately, the one thing that seemed certain was the imminent departure of embattled GM Pete. When Vlade Divac came on the scene, and it was promptly made clear that HE was in charge, the proverbial writing seemed to be on the wall.
Not so fast.
Apparently one of the powers that be has made it clear that he wants PDA back, and the fact that its George Karl as that power makes all the difference in the world. The front office hierarchy appears to be:
Vlade Divac
Pete D'Alessandro
Mike Bratz
Dean Oliver
Slamson
Demarcus Cousins is NOT a happy young man.
No surprise here. For a guy who is obsessed with winning, there's not a lot to be happy about. The one coach he bonded with was unceremoniously bounced while he was nursing a life-threatening illness, and his replacement might as well have been in a piñata suit for the few weeks he was at the helm.
This isn't a good look to a guy who prides himself on loyalty.
Now we get cryptic tweets to go with the swirling winds:
This a dirty business ...smh
— DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) April 12, 2015
Yikes. What is it? Is it an injury? A new color scheme in the logo?
No. It's a message to the front office.
Then after the final home game:
????????...
— DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) April 14, 2015
Its the new IOS 8.3 emojis!!! Now with different color schemes!
This one is far more clear, and something that's always been clear with DMC- he hears everything.
Everything.
Are offers being made for Demarcus Cousins?
Yes.
Will Demarcus eventually want out if the Kings don't get him some serious help this summer?
No doubt.
Did George Karl say this?
"I've had some great players and I've never had one player that I have said is untradeable. You always got to be ready for the possibility of a great trade that could come your way."
Yes.
Did Karl also tell The Sacramento Bee's Jason Jones this?
George Karl said pregame that he hadn't spoken to DeMarcus Cousins yet since he was declared out for the season.
— Jason Jones (@mr_jasonjones) April 14, 2015
YEEEEEESH.
The pressure is all on the new-ish Front Office and the new Head Coach.
George Karl will need to decide if he wants to work things out with his star big man, or move on down the road.
One thing is certain: This offseason is going to be far more interesting than the regular season. And that's a refrain that hopefully dies this October.