Thursday, April 14, 2011
MORE COWBELL
How fitting. One last meeting with their biggest rival, one last battle with their arch nemesis Kobe Bryant, one last crushing defeat. Amongst a handful of "Save Our Kings" signs, one fan was ready to admit the seemingly inevitable: "If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em ... In LA." A dismal end to another proud, small market fan base. At the very least the Maloof brothers have made it clear they want the team out, rather than the (illegal?) heist job that took place in Seattle with the Sonics. Losing money on the Kings, the Maloofs desire a bigger money market and a building that only requires minimal upgrades rather than a complete overhaul, or an entirely new building, such as needed currently in Sacramento. Billionaires complaining about losing money never sits well with anyone though, especially angry fans. At this point however, it's just a lose - lose if you're a Kings supporter. If the team moves: No NBA anymore and you have to find something else to do in Sacramento which may as well be akin to looking for one specific needle in a stack of needles. If the team stays: You're stuck for two or three years with owners that don't want to be there, and would most likely refuse spending the money needed on the team or a new facility. I liken the Kings current position to WWE wrestling. The most recent glory years were the late 90's, early 2000's, but the last half decade has been dismal and drama filled -- a change of the guard, that has young stars trying to carry the load until the casual fan can make their return piggybacking on a contender. All we need now is Chris Webber returning for a series against the Lakers a la The Rock returning for Wrestlemania this year, and the comparison is full proof. Just go with it. Its been a decade since the Kings momentarily took the place of the Celtics as the most hated team in basketball if you were a Lakers fan. These games were physical, close basketball games games showcasing some of the games best talent, usually ending with dazzling finishes, individual performances, and controversy (see 2002 WCF officiating). I'll miss screaming out "F--- the Queens!" I'll miss the atmosphere and intensity. I'll miss the noise maker debate: Cowbell or Cell Phone. One thing I will never miss though is Doug Christie's idiotic hand-in-the-air gesture after every made basket, including 4 ft jumpers two minutes in to the game in the third game of the season like he was the second coming of Jesus. So fitting it's the Lakers that potentially seal their fate. Again. If this is indeed the last we see of the NBA in Sacramento, much respect to a die hard fan base that deserves better. Hopefully they don't fold easily without a fight. But, as the saying goes, "If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em ... In LA."
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