14 replies to this topic

[nhardy]

Ok let me just start by saying, I am NOT a Laker fan....

Since moving to the Sacramento area, I have noticed that around this time of year, people start ranting and raving about the Kings. About, how this is going to be their year. Chris Webber this and Mike Bibby that. And what's all this talk about how great of a pick up Greg Ostertag is???

Don't get me wrong, I'm a firm believer in supporting your local team, but c'mon.
Every year it is the same thing. The Sacramento Kings are always up in the top 10 or so Power Rankings in most magazines and sports websites. Then it all comes crashing down (like Webbers knee). Injuries start to plague the team. Just for fun, I went to the Kings website and the first thing I see is:

"Christie Undergoes Procedure"

followed by:

"Ostertag breaks hand, out 4-6 weeks"

The season hasn't even started and the same ol same ol is already beginning. To add insult to injury, Peja doesn't even want to be a King. And the Maloofs are looking to build a new arena. So where does this leave them? That leaves them with more distractions then a 6 year old in a toy store.

For the past 3 or 4 years, the Kings have been one of the best teams in the NBA during the REGULAR season. Then comes the playoffs and they CHOKE! I hate to break this to you people, but the same thing will happen this year. They have nobody on the team other than Mike Bibby who can bring them over that hump and take them to the "next level". And he can't do it alone. If you think that Chris Webber is that person, you're crazier than the purple cladded arena.

[john]

I don't remember the last time the Kings were at full strength in the playoffs. I agree that we've had our hearts broken so many times, so I think Kings fans don't necessarily think they'll win it all. But they do have as good a team as anybody if they're healthy (But that's a big if).

You gotta remember this is a one sports town, starved for attention. No wonder everybody's a Kings fan! But I don't see why all the negativity, I for one look forward to another great season. Who knows, they might win it all! Go Kings.

[Chad Vander Veen]

you're crazier than the purple cladded arena.

I don't believe "cladded" is a word.

[nhardy]

I don't believe "cladded" is a word.

[Steve Heard]

At least the Kings are contenders. I grew up in the SF area, and had to endure the Warriors. Year after year they would get one of the top draft picks, and year after year they stink. Former Warrior players and coaches seem to do much better than when they were with the team.

I know it can be a huge let down when the Kings, well, let us down.

Again, thinking about the Bay Area, the Giants have had some great teams, but end up choking, as they did last Saturday.

How about those Raiders? 49ers? Forget about them, what about the rest of the country? Any cubs fans out there? Buffalo Bills? Eagles? Vikings? All great chokers.

So, being loyal sports fans means that you root for them, pray for them, hope for them, and have to be willing to go down with the ship.

Keep hope alive! Keep hope alive!

[Chad Vander Veen]

I've been a Bills fan for 15 years. I hate all the teams in the Bay Area.

[slowthegrowth]

Don't forget that this team was a perennial loser in a BIG way for the first dozen years they were here..... we held the record (may still) for the most consecutive years as a lottery team.... year after year of #1 picks left us just as bad as the year before but with the added fun of carrying the salaries of players long gone (remember Ralph Sampson?).

EVEN STILL>> This team sold out EVERY game EVERY year. It started with the "old Arco Arena" and continued in the new/current arena.

I happen to believe that this die-hard fan support kept the team from improving earlier than they did. If an owner is selling out every game, what incentive does he have to improve? It appeared to me that they were willing to be satisfied with a loser year after year so long as the fans kept coming in droves.

I agree with everyone else as to why the fever is even higher these days. A winner generates excitement, especially when it's the only game in town and the teams geographically close aren't doing well either (thank you Warriors).

Whatever the reason, there's always room on the bandwagon, especially this early in the season!

[nhardy]

Believe me, I know what let down is. I'm a Bay Area Native as well. I endure the pain each year of staying loyal to the Oakland Raiders and A's. My point is, I love my teams, but I also understand that there are going to be hurdles to get back to "greatness".

I just find it funny how closed minded or let's say "cautiously optimistic" (most) Kings fans can be.

As for c_volkwagens comments:

The hatred is mutual my fruity friend. The only good that came out of Southern California teams is when the Raiders realized the stench of LA was too strong and moved back to Oakland.

[ngilbert]

Reminds me of something my brother in SoCal once told me about the Raiders games (back when they were in LA):

Not all Raiders fans are criminals, but all criminals are Raiders fans

But getting back to the Kings, yeah, they've been more injury prone than a narcoleptic tightrope walker. Maybe it's for the best that they're getting it all out of their system now rather than in the finals though.

Believe me, I know what let down is. I'm a Bay Area Native as well. I endure the pain each year of staying loyal to the Oakland Raiders and A's. My point is, I love my teams, but I also understand that there are going to be hurdles to get back to "greatness".

I just find it funny how closed minded or let's say "cautiously optimistic" (most) Kings fans can be.

As for c_volkwagens comments:

The hatred is mutual my fruity friend. The only good that came out of Southern California teams is when the Raiders realized the stench of LA was too strong and moved back to Oakland.

[Chad Vander Veen]

The only team I like down south is the Angels. I couldn't care less about the Dodgers, Padres, Lakers, Clippers, LA Kings, Ducks, Padres, or Chargers.

Here are my teams:
Baseball: Angels
Basketball: Kings
Football: Bills
Hockey: undecided
Soccer: The ahh, one with guy who, you know, kicks real swell. Yeah, that's the ticket.

[nhardy]

Very well, then here are my teams:

Football - Oakland Raiders
Basketball - New York Knicks
Baseball - Oakland A's

Hockey - Not really a sport
NASCAR - Definitely NOT a sport

Womens Beach Volleyball - any team is a favorite of mine

[billsfan]

I seem to have a way with supporting teams that just can't win the championship.
I grew up around Buffalo, and have been a diehard Bills fan all my life. I've lived through losing those Super Bowls but keep my diehard faith that some day they will win the Super Bowl. (an aside - the best game I every saw in person was in 1992 at Candlestick when Kelly/Young both through for over 400 yards).

I've since became a Red Sox fan (AL) and Giants fan for 10 years - teams again who just don't go all the way.

I've been a Kings fan for the last 3 years since moving here. For a team to stay as competitive as they have been requires committment from the owners, players, and fans. That is something that Sacramento takes for granted, but many other city's have suffered with franchises that don't ever compete (Warriors, Clippers, Raptorsd).

The thing about sports is that everyone is optimistic at the beginning of the year. And if you can put it in perspective, it's a great entertainment vehicle for watching, reading about, and listening to the sports talk radio commentary....

[tgianco]

SF Giants, Niners, Warriors, Sharks (if I get desperate for a sports fix)

[Cloud9]

Baseball: "Rigged"
Basketball: "Rigged"
Football: "Rigged"
Hockey: "Rigged"

[Steve Heard]

Baseball: The San Francisco Giants
Football: Love the game, and many teams. 49ers is my team, followed by the New Orleans Aint's, I mean, Saints.
Basketball: Kings, or anyone playing against the Lakers