The King's Gambit

["The Veal"]

Where We're Headed

August 18th, 2015

Brickashaw Moss and current Kings assistant GM Connor Green sit down to discuss player-specific plans for this year.

"Let's make this quick Connor. We know what we want, we know who we want to stay. The question is, who are we trying to let go?" Moss feeling frustrated.

"Right. DeMarcus is untouchable. We're all in agreement, nothing to discuss there. And we know we need shooters. But do you know which ones you specifically want to target yet?" Green asks, tapping his finger on the armrest.

"I do and I don't. More work could be put into this but I just found three shooting guards that would fit the image I have for our future playstyle."

"And those would be?" Green questions.

"The Celtics' Avery Bradley. C.J. McCollum on the Blazers. And Will Barton stashed in Denver. Long story short, shooters who can defend. If we keep Rudy he can always be our primary shooter, I'd like to add a bonafide secondary one while adding a lockdown defender who can focus on teams with players more well equip to shoot."

"I like it." Green, always know for his quiet demeanor, speaks softly but assuredly. "Now, who are we considering to let go?"

"Well, I've ignored bench warmers as they can seemingly go in any trade to leverage the deal, for our trade block I wanted to focus on more substantial players." Moss opens up his agenda to make sure he's got the right people.

"Go on."

"Belinelli, Koufos, and McLemore." Moss says, adding nothing as to reasons.

Green nods. "The last two make sense, but Belinelli?"

"I figured to get one of those guards we'd have to give him up, and since we have Casspi the role Beli handles is, slightly, filled." Moss seems a bit unsure.

"But then we'd still have a gap coming off the bench." Green responds.

Moss ponders for a second. "That's true. Can we afford to let Koufos and McLemore go in search of that starting guard?"

"We could. May leave our big bare for a bit but the ones we have now are talented enough to cover I feel." Green answers, confident in his beliefs.

"Makes sense. Let's start with that. Nothing now, we'll see how the season unfolds. But at least we have a general idea of who'd we want to use and who we want to get to get this team to the next level." Moss shakes his head vertically.

"Agreed."

"Thanks Connor. You're dismissed." Moss looks down into his agenda, making some adjustments.

[ChosenOne58]

This is great, man. Really enjoying what I've read so far.

["The Veal"]

Quote: Originally Posted by ChosenOne58

This is great, man. Really enjoying what I've read so far.

Thanks man, glad to hear it!

["The Veal"]

Minnesota Timberwolves Hire George Karl

August 22th, 2015

It's official. Sam Mitchell is out, George Karl is in.

After Mitchell was let go yesterday rumors starting swirling immediately about his replacement, with word on the street that the decision was made solely because Karl was made available. Looks like those rumors were proven true as Karl aims to take the promising Wolves team to levels two #1 picks are expected to reach.

In his press conference, it didn't take long for Karl to open up about the falling out behind him and the Kings organization.

"I'm ready to prove why they made the wrong decision. Funny, cause looking back now I'm glad they did. These Timberwolves, their management, players, and the staff I'm surrounded with, far exceeds that of the bumbling idiots out in Sacramento."

Not too kind, and why should he be? They left him on the street to bake, choosing to value the player over the coach, a move that left many in upper management positions around the league in dismay.

That wasn't all Karl said though. When asked about how the final firing went down, he had this to say.

"Brickashaw [Moss] said it would be cordial but then went to throw shade at me just as we were about to sit down and talk. I would've been angry regardless, but given my sudden rise in temper, instead of calming me down he fought back, even going so far as to alert me to the possibility that I may be escorted off the premises. It was ugly."

But it seems, as evident with all of Karl's smiles during the press conference, that he is happy with the Timberwolves decision to hire him. He even had time to crack a few jokes along the way. When asked if there's anything he'll miss about the days in Sacramento, Karl replied with a grin.

"The heat. I am not looking forward to the winter here."

The old man has charm. Not just that but he's a professional off the court and a leader on it, a rare commodity now-a-days. An experienced coach, with just under 2,000 games to his name, is sure to help a team filled with inexperienced proteges just waiting to show their true potential. Get ready Timberwolves fans, this could be the year we finally show what we're worth.

["The Veal"]

Previewing Our Assets

September 8th, 2015

It was a quiet Tuesday at the Kings training facility. Up in his office, Moss questioned if anyone else was even in the building. He ponders for a moment and then looks back down at his computer, continuing onwards with his internal scouting. A glance at his computer sees a compressive list of players and comments attributed to each and every one.

Rajon Rondo | PG | 29 | 6'1" | 1 year / $9.5 mil

- The comeback kid. I knew he hadn't lost his talents when he went to Dallas and seemingly squandered everything. Glad we snagged him up for cheap. I love his playstyle, and while many don't like his personality, for what I want this team to be he's perfect. Depending on his play this season we're likely going to look to signing him for a couple more years.

Darren Collison | PG | 28 | 6'0" | 2 years / $5.01 mil

- Darren's in a tricky spot. We signed him in 2014, promising him a starting role, and then Rondo came along, throwing a wrench in that. I'm expecting, and worried, that Collison won't take being Rondo's second man for much longer. For our team, he's an excellent fit for back-up point guard, making him one of the best of his kind in the league.

Seth Curry | PG | 25 | 6'2" | 2 years / $978k

- Honestly, I don't see much potential in him. Being the younger brother of an MVP, making it to the NBA, and then being looked down as a failure is tough, but so be it. I'm worried we'll have to let him go. I feel bad, but we all know he's not going to turn into some saving grace when he have two quality point guards ahead of him.

Marco Belinelli | SG | 29 | 6'5" | 3 years / $6.0 mil

- Our worst aspect as a team is clearly our shooting. Marco's a solid shooter, no doubt about it, but as a starting shooting guard he's certainly worse than most. Won't know for sure if he'll be involved in a trade, but what I can say for sure is that a trade will affect him. His position is one I'll be trying to improve, meaning he could move back down to role player.

Ben Mclemore | SG | 22 | 6'5" | 1 year / $3.15 mil

- I always wanted this kid to make it, and he's still only 22, but it seems his window for success is dwindling. I mean hell, he's playing at our weakest position and hasn't been able to get consistent minutes because of his inconsistent play. Hoping for some good stuff from him this year, not expecting, but hoping.

James Anderson | SG/SF | 25 | 6'6" | 2 years / $1.50 mil

- I'll be honest, I didn't know who Anderson was when I got this position. He's a 2k throwaway, and with a basic name like that he's not likely to stand out. Can't imagine that's going to change much, but we'll see how he performs. That is, if he ever gets any minutes.

Rudy Gay | SF | 29 | 6'8" | 2 years / $12.40 mil

- A lot of people don't like Rudy's game, and I can kinda see why. For this team though, we desperately need him. Without him we have zero outside scoring. I'm sure he knows this, so, if he's smart, he knows how secure his job is right now. Will certainly live out his contract unless something irresistible comes to us.

Omri Casspi | SF | 27 | 6'9" | 2 years / $3.0 mil

- Casspi confuses me. He can shoot three's but, as a small forward, he can't do anything else that pertains to that position. Not really sure his worth to this team, but as a third team fill in he's fine. Problem is, he's not. He's Gay's back-up, meaning he gets somewhat solid minutes. I don't really like that.

Caron Butler | SF | 34 | 6'7" | 1 year / $1.50 mil

- I would've loved Butler being on this team if it were half a decade ago. Hell, I wouldn't have problems with back-ups if he were in his relative prime. An aging veteran though means his roles are limited, aimed at helping the youngings', providing little to actual minutes. I'll keep em around though, or at least use him for extra trade assets.

Quincy Acy | PF | 25 | 6'7" | 1 year / $1.50 mil

- Don't really have any problems with Acy. On the second team. Thing is, he's our best power forward. No way he's starting though, gonna get Willie in that spot. So yes, I like Acy in his role as back-up. A solid player, does nothing special, but also does little wrong.

Duje Dukan | PF | 23 | 6'10" | 2 years / 848k

- Don't see any value in him. An undrafted player who somehow made it through training camp, summer league, what have you, to make this team. You'd expect that player to light things up, but Dukan's pretty bad. He'll be on standby for when a big or two goes down, other than that he'll stick around as a bench booster.

DeMarcus Cousins | C | 25 | 6'11" | 3 years / $14.73 mil

- Our kingpin. He is untouchable. There's been rumors he'll be going elsewhere. We are going to make absolutely sure that does not happen, and will do whatever we can to keep him here. Our best player, I want Cousins to be with the Kings organization for his entire career.

Willie Cauley-Stein | C | 22 | 7'1" | 2 years / $3.40 mil

- I'm excited for this kid but don't really know how much I should be. There is no way Acy's starting so that means he is, which means we'll have a 7'1" power forward. I like that, especially considering Cousins versatality and capability to move out. He's really our best young asset, besides Cousins of course, and he'll get actual minutes so that's good.

Kosta Koufas | C | 26 | 7'0" | 3 years / $7.70 mil

- Koufas spot on this team is pretty accurate. He's not deserving of a starter role and also not bad enough to be stashed away at the end of the bench. Good enough as a back-up center and power forward. Contract might have some issues though, we'll see what happens down the line in regards to that and what he intends to ask.

Moss' stomach rumbles. "Damn, gotta get some lunch." He saves his file and puts his computer in rest, getting up and leaving his office, making sure to lock the door behind him. "Don't want anyone getting into those files."

["The Veal"]

Previewing Our Assets, Staff Edition

September 9th, 2015

The next day approaches and Moss turns on his computer to do some more internal scouting. This time, rather than focus on the players and their futures, he looks to a hidden Excel spreadsheet containing all those that work under him. His megalomania is showing.

Hunter Thomas | CFO | 1 year / $332k

- Guy's a nerd. No wonder he's in charge of the finances. He's an alright fellow though, kinda new here, only holding the position a year before me, so he still has work to do but I'm expecting improvements. Hoping to sit down with him to discuss some fun promotional nights.

Connor Green | Assistant GM | 2 years / $873k

- My right-hand man. Connor is a reliable worker who doesn't obsess over excess, only saying what's needed, contributing nothing more than the bare essentials. A pivotal piece whose been with the organization for quite a while, his successes are obvious.

Aiden Anderson | Head Coach | 3 years / $6.41m

- In his short tenure thus far, Aiden has proved capable of managing this team. He still has a ways to go, and didn't lie about defense being his strong suit, but the potential this guy has is off the charts. Hoping he blossoms into something big that we can keep around as an important piece.

Corliss Williamson | Assistant Coach | 2 years / $1.16m

- Meh. Don't care too much for third string players filling in the void of assistant, yet here we are. He doesn't have much to offer, pretty much acting in a similar role to Caron Butler, that is providing veteran support and advice. How much advice can a career 11 ppg guy give though? He was drafted by the Kings and did end his career with us though, that's a bonus.

James Gentry | Head Scout | 2 years / $286k

- I don't know, there's something fishy about this guy. Can't put my finger on it, could just likely be that he's a scout and his personality transcends that watch dog approach. Haven't seen anything special out of him yet, we'll see if that changes.

Wink Youngman | Trainer | 1 year / $116k

- His name's Wink. I already don't like him. But for real, while I may be quick to judge, what I've learned from people around here is that he's not all that good to begin with. Only one year left on his contract, I'll let him stick it through, see if he causes us any substantial trouble, and then likely let him go at the end of the year.

Moss saves his file, naming it 'Potential Background Pictures' and filing it through folders within folders like a Russian doll set. Inconspicuous to say the least. "Ahh, there we go." He rests easy knowing his work is safe.

With some free time on his hands, he opens up an internet browser and searches 'Brickashaw Moss.' After a few seconds of glancing over titles Moss murmurs over his breath, "man, people still don't like me huh?"

["The Veal"]

Opening Night

October 28th, 2015

Ernie: "Welcome folks to the start of your 2015-2016 NBA season! Excitement is building as storylines run amock around the league. With me tonight we have my esteemed colleagues Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny 'The Jet' Smith."

Shaq: "Thanks Ernie. Ready to get this season started right."

Kenny: "And how do you propose you do that Shaq?"

Shaq: "By getting me back on the court, laced up, and dominating the boards like I did back in my heyday."

Ernie: "Oh, here he goes. I'm gonna cut your fantasy off right there buddy, we got real basketball to talk about. First on the agenda, the Golden State Warriors and the possibilities for a dynasty."

Kenny: "Woah, woah, woah. Dynasty? They've only won one Finals, Ernie. Let's wait till this time next year, if they win two in a row, to even start discussing that."

Shaq: "I'm with Kenny on this one. Ernie you like to pounce on these stories, maybe it's you living in a fantasy."

Ernie: "Hey now, are they not the favorites to repeat this year?"

Shaq: "They are, but they're not a favorite, yet, to three-peat. Patience my young padawan."

Ernie: "Okay, okay, I'll hear you out this time. What about some drama first hand though, how about the Sacramento Kings offseason?"

Kenny: "That was some rollercoaster ride. Don't even know if we're fully off it yet. Still, fire your old GM, hire a nobody, who goes to fire an experienced coaching legend for an assistant coach in college. That does not sound like a good beginning."

Shaq: "Agreed. They tried to fix the mess, and in doing so they caused an even bigger one. Gotta say though guys, those jerseys are snazzzzzzy!"

Kenny: "Hell yeah, sleek and modern's the way to go now-a-days. I'd argue to say the court looks even better."

Ernie: "Regardless of looks or performance, it's clear the Kings are in a state of flux right now, a serious one, and that either means something really bad or really good is set to come. The greater Sacramento area, keep an eye on those TV set, you'll never know what you'll see this year."

Shaq: "TV sets, Ernie? You sound like you came out of the 80's. Get with the times man, all the kids are watching games on their phones and laptops. I bet you still got some rabbit ears atop your broken down TV."

Ernie: "I do not. Mine is fancier, but thanks for making me feel old. Kenny, you gonna try and make me feel better?"

Kenny: "I don't care about that, I want some basketball!"

Ernie: "Well now. The game matters more than my feelings, let it be known kids. Ball don't lie."

Shaq: "Ball. Don't. Lie."

Ernie: "Exactly Shaq-a-roonie. On behalf of my two friends, good luck to everyone this year! Let's kick back, relax, and enjoy some N-B-A."

["The Veal"]

Kings Wallop Clippers In Impressive Home Opener

October 28th, 2015

Well, that was unexpected. Coming out the gates with a fiery passion, the Kings demolished the favored Clippers by a score of 117-88. With a new coach in tow, new management on board, and a full rebrand grazing the court, jerseys, and merchandise, the Kings showed people that all the summer antics were well worth it. Let's be reactionary!

The game was dominated by the big men, expected for the Kings, a surprise for the Clippers. DeMarcus Cousins came out swinging, scoring 29 points along with 9 assists, while DeAndre Jordan led the Clippers in both points and rebounds, with 22 and 6 respectively, shooting 8-10 in the process. He may have been a big man but Cousins did not restrict himself to the paint like Jordan did, nailing 4 out of 5 three's.

The rest of the Kings line-up weren't slouches either. Rajon Rondo was one rebound away from a triple-double, rounding out the stat line with 10 points, 12 assists, and 5 steals. He certainly bested Chris Paul who matched the 10 points and contributed 9 assists, failing to do much of anything else to lead his team.

The game clearly began and ended beyond the arc. Sacramento shot 14/25 from deep, good for 56%. Meanwhile, the Clippers, known to have shooters in Paul, Jamal Crawford, and JJ Redick, shot a piss poor 3/20, good for 15%. Those three alone combined to shoot 2/12 from deep. Can't expect the Clippers to continue their poor shooting into the teams' rematch this coming Friday. The poor shooting allowed the Kings to outrebound the Clippers by an amazing 24.

Box Scores & Team Comparisons

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