DeMarcus Cousins Demands Trade

[Eze]

Sweet jesus

[SactoIV]

http://www.nba.com/kings/news/westphal_statement_2012_01_01.html

WTF

[Eze]

Westphal's message:

http://www.nba.com/kings/news/westphal_statement_2012_01_01.html

[Eze]

Cousins' agent saying this is not the case and no request was made.

[SactoIV]

Cousins is talented - but a trade demand (in his second year, no less) would be perceived by other GMs as an indicator of chronic malcontent. I don't see how we could get fair value for him in this situation.

[Eze]

First off, why is it Westphal announcing this and not Geoff? This isn't Westphal's first run in with players. Not saying Cousins hasn't requested a trade, but, Westphal's had his issues before.

[BosnianBaller_]

:facepalm:

and it just keeps getting better

[PackfanMatt_12]

if this is a Westfail thing I would be happy to get rid of him. But i doubt it is. I loved Cousins but my god man, you are a head case

[Eze]

Multiple people including Jason Jones and Amick being told that no request was made. If Westphal pulled this...

[PackfanMatt_12]

IF west fail is behind this he needs to be fired after tonight

[Eze]

He did the same shit with Hawes.

[PackfanMatt_12]

what is with Westphaul doing this. Is he so obnoxious that the minute he is criticized he says that player has demanded a trade

[Eze]

The only thing I can think of is Petrie told him to do it, but, I highly doubt that to be the case.

[EvansCousinsDUO]

PLEASE COUSINS STAY WE LOVE YOU. LET WESTFAIL GO COUSINS SAC LOVES U DONT LEAVE US. :( :( :(

[PackfanMatt_12]

PLEASE COUSINS STAY WE LOVE YOU. LET WESTFAIL GO COUSINS SAC LOVES U DONT LEAVE US. :( :( :(


he didn't demand a trade. Westphaul is supposively behind it

[Eze]

I'll tell you this much - somebody just lost their job or Cousins is going to be in a new zipcode. I can't honestly believe they'd have Westphal break a trade request publicly - it's only going to hurt the Kings in the end.

An agent break it? Okay. A member of the franchise? Uh...

[Gunshot]

PLEASE COUSINS STAY WE LOVE YOU. LET WESTFAIL GO COUSINS SAC LOVES U DONT LEAVE US. :( :( :(

you can't have a player force out a coach and expect good things

[kingraider412]

Cousin is the player with the most upside on this team. As immature as he is, he is also intelligent enough to know Westphal cannot coach this team and I have to side with the player here.

[Eze]

Okay - after thinking on it, there's just no reason whatsoever for Westphal (or Petrie) to BREAK any trade request. None. Confirm one? Sure, of course but to break it? No way. That's just horrific business. Even if he did ask out, you keep it quiet since you're only drawing in low ball offers if teams know your back is against the wall.

If his agent requested a trade, totally different - it's the agents place to request one (and he's saying he didn't), but for the Kings themselves to break a trade request? Nuh uh.

[sf giants r the best]

Wow. I can't wrap my mind around this. Nothing good can come from it, no matter how you slice it.

[Gunshot]

Chuck Hayes with the :facepalm

[Eze]

Yeah, lol, no kidding.

[BosnianBaller_]

this is so confusing. but from the reports that i'm reading it might be that westphal wants cousins to be traded. maybe cousins did something and westphal viewed it as cousins not wanting to be part of the team. why would his agent deny it if it were true, it doesn't matter to him. i have a feeling that the kings will have a new coach by next week

[Eze]

If Cousins wanted out, honestly, his agent would have said so. Despite his issues, teams would be out the door for the guy.

[EvansCousinsDUO]

Why wouldn't tyreke or others step in and tell the coach(s) that they want cousins on the team. Or talk to cousins and tell him they want him to stay. Do they really want him to just get traded? Hmm I guess the bright side of this is if it turns out fine then this will just bring the team closer together and make them appreciate each other and love each other even more.

[Gunshot]

Jason Jones

Westphal says Cousins has asked to be traded twice, hasn't decided if he will go on road with team this week.

[kingraider412]

Isn't that just Precious!

[Eze]

lol, so you felt the need to release a press release about it, Westphal? Uh huh. Sure.

[Gunshot]

damn...Westphal might just get the boot
shudup Paul....shudup

[EvansCousinsDUO]

Remmeber when Iverson wasn't going along well with his coach? It all turned out for the better. That might happen here as well. Maybe cousins and westphal being upset and trade rumors is what we need..to ignite both of them and make them better.

[Eze]

Westphal's trying to get fired.

[Eze]

Westphal can go shove it.


Before the game, Westphal elaborated on the Cousins situation, “He can only have so many chances and something has to be done. And it’s time something has to be done.” Westphal is not sure if Cousins will travel with the team on their two game road trip that begins on Tuesday in Memphis. He did say that Cousins needed to do some “soul searching” and that he hopes that, “DeMarcus has a change of heart and joins up with full reinstatement, that’s really up to him and I hope that.”

[SactoIV]

Woj reporting "In loud exchange with Paul Westphal on Saturday after NY loss, some Kings heard DeMarcus Cousins yelling, "Trade me now," sources tell Y!"

http://twitter.com/#!/WojYahooNBA

[Eze]

So, within the span of probably 45 minutes (if that - players don't stick around much after the game), Cousins had to be scolded by Hayes for being too "happy" and is then yelling "trade me now"? lol

[nuraman00]

So, within the span of probably 45 minutes (if that - players don't stick around much after the game), Cousins had to be scolded by Hayes for being too "happy" and is then yelling "trade me now"? lol

I'm confused. I thought Cousins said that they weren't following the coach's plays? If so, that wouldn't appear to be a happy disposition.

Also, Hayes didn't specifically say it was Cousins, did he? And was this from a tweet?

[bloatedmaniac]

Cousin is the player with the most upside on this team. As immature as he is, he is also intelligent enough to know Westphal cannot coach this team and I have to side with the player here.

Westphal might not be the right coach for this team, but Cousins has been an asshole since he was a kid. I seriously doubt Westphal would claim Cousins demanded a trade and showed him the door. The front office and ownership would be aware of the situation and would not tolerate that bs from Westphal (if it was staged). Its one thing to kick him from a game for beating down Greene or back talking coaches...its another completely to claim he wants to be traded.

Agents almost always deny trade requests btw. It looks bad when leaked to the press especially when someone has the issues Cousins did.

Shitty situations regardless. This team needs Cousins...you can't get fair value back. I think Westphal DOES need to put his foot down on some bullshit this team is giving, but it has to be done right and in the right situation.

[Gunshot]

I'm confused. I thought Cousins said that they weren't following the coach's plays? If so, that wouldn't appear to be a happy disposition.

Also, Hayes didn't specifically say it was Cousins, did he? And was this from a tweet?
somebodies lying

[Gunshot]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lPq-175gYeY

[Eze]

I'm confused. I thought Cousins said that they weren't following the coach's plays? If so, that wouldn't appear to be a happy disposition.

Also, Hayes didn't specifically say it was Cousins, did he? And was this from a tweet?

Yeah, it was Cousins - beat writers said it was Hayes who told Cousins to knock off the jubilant attitude after the loss.

He and Evans both gave smart ass "just doin what the coach calls" answers.

[nuraman00]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lPq-175gYeY

I'll watch that at halftime, since it's 8 mins long, lol.

[Eze]

I don't know if its as much Westphal lying as it is Westphal blowing something out of proportion that wasn't needed in an effort to "teach" Cousins, much like he did with Hawes and the "well he knows his role now" shit he pulls.

[nuraman00]

I don't know if its as much Westphal lying as it is Westphal blowing something out of proportion that wasn't needed in an effort to "teach" Cousins, much like he did with Hawes and the "well he knows his role now" shit he pulls.

If Cousins requested a trade a few times, within the past 24 hours, as sources have claimed, how would you wanted Westphal to have handled it?

[Eze]

If Cousins requested a trade a few times, within the past 24 hours, as sources have claimed, how would you wanted Westphal to have handled it?

Keep his mouth shut. It's not his place. If Geoff wants to make it public, that's Geoff's right as GM - it's not Westphal's place.

Nothing positive can result from this. The Kings just continually make themselves look silly.

[nuraman00]

Keep his mouth shut. It's not his place. If Geoff wants to make it public, that's Geoff's right as GM - it's not Westphal's place.

Nothing positive can result from this. The Kings just continually make themselves look silly.

Ok. So if Geoff initiated the DNP, then that would be the proper way?

[Eze]

Ok. So if Geoff initiated the DNP, then that would be the proper way?

Cousins isn't playing due to conduct detrimental to the team. That's all.

But Westphal said it was he who called the shots on it, so it wasn't Geoff who did it.

I'd have more faith in Westphal if this was a one time thing, but he's done it before, most recently with Hawes. If he things a player needs to be taught a lesson, he pulls some shenanigans and thinks they're "teaching" the player.

I thought he handled Hawes' situation incredibly stupid as well.

[Gunshot]

Ok. So if Geoff initiated the DNP, then that would be the proper way?

sit him out for "disciplinary reasons" and move on
it's done all the time

nobodies business

[nuraman00]

sit him out for "disciplinary reasons" and move on
it's done all the time

nobodies business

Ok, so the issue is that Westphal lets too much info out. Instead of sitting Hawes for "disciplinary reasons", he says it's because Hawes said he didn't know his role.

Instead of sitting Cousins, he adds that Cousins made trade requests.

[BosnianBaller_]

i'm fine with him disciplining the player but he was out of line making it a public thing instead of keeping it in-house

[Gunshot]

yeah...it turns a bad situation into a meltdown
backs Cousins into a corner

[Eze]

Pretty much. I mean, even if Cousins wants out (which I highly question) - who's business is that but Petrie's? If you're an opposing GM and you know Cousins wants out, you're going to low-ball any offer since you know the Kings backs are against the wall. Keep the supposed mal-content or trade him for a quarter on the dollar.

You're already in a losing proposition by trading him since you wont get similar value, but you'll get even less with your back against the wall.

Westphal, IMO, is just trying to do his (ineffective, IMO) teaching method.

[$KingsElite$]

Either way, Cousins has been frustrating. Crying after every play that he messes up doesn't win you games. HE has some things he needs to figure out for himself if he wants to be a team player. Whether Westphal sucks or not doesn't change that.

[Eze]

So Amick saying it was essentially a "if you don't think I can do it right then trade me and I'll show you" scenario.

[Eze]

Asked Geoff Petrie if the Kigns intend to trade Cousins. His answer: "No."Plans to meet with Cousins tomorrow.

From Jason Jones

[Gunshot]

So Amick saying it was essentially a "if you don't think I can do it right then trade me and I'll show you" scenario.


oooooo....BURN

[Blood Brother]

WTF...I go out for a few days and come back to this mess. Kings playing terrible ball, Cousins apparently wants to be traded? 4 f*ckin games into the season and it's already a disaster

[Blood Brother]

fire westphal please. Team is undisciplined, sloppy and have been for years under him and haven't shown any improvement. Now the players don't even seem to respect the guy

cut bait

[AVG5C]

Let's hope the situation dosen't back fire and this becomes a growing problem.

[kingraider412]

If they trade Cuz that would be the single most stupid thing Petrie has ever done.! Everyone knows Westfail is a lame duck. If he does not show a marked improvement over the last 2 years. He will be gone! Cuz, with the right coach is going to be a beast. Westphal is not the right coach, unfortunately, barring a bad losing streak. He is here for the season. On this roster, Cousins is the only one that has the tools to be great! Gm's around the league are already calling Petrie to see what it would take to get dmarc.

[Eze]

Nah, they wont trade Cousins - this is just a power struggle that Wespthal wants to win.

[BosnianBaller_]

what a mess this has become

[DCKingsFan]

OK, now watching this... Westfail let this out on purpose. He clearly lost Cousins some time ago. He knows it is either him or Cousins.

Either way, Westfail should be fired for releasing the information and not going through the front office. Really as simple as that.

Oh and he clearly lies, "and I hope that DeMarcus has a change of heart...", Westfail has a tell when he lies.

[DCKingsFan]

yeah...it turns a bad situation into a meltdown
backs Cousins into a corner

Exactly

[Gunshot]

I noticed that too...every time he lies a King misses a free throw

[Eze]

lolz

[Eze]

So guys in the locker room are saying they had no idea of any trade demand. Marcus said DMC's like a big brother to him and is calling him soon as he gets home - Hayes said it's not his place as it's the front office's situation but he's sure DeMarcus will return shortly.

[PackfanMatt_12]

so Westphaul
-gets pissed Cousins and Tyreke call him out for his pathetic coaching
-doesn't agree with Cousins
-comes out and says Cousins ahs requested a trade
-Cousins Agent and Kings reporters say its false
-Teammates say it is false
-Post Game Westphaul says Cousins doesnt want to be here, and shouldn't be here

LEADS TO

Geoff Petrie announces "We have parted ways with Paul Westphaul. Keith Smart has been named interim coach"

[Eze]

Cousins just posted this:

Dnt listen to everything u hear ...smh glad to knw who the real fans are tho ...thanks

[PackfanMatt_12]

Cousins just posted this:

Dnt listen to everything u hear ...smh glad to knw who the real fans are tho ...thanks

sounds like no trade was asked for

[Eze]

He probably said something in frustration, not an actual request - which most of us assumed from the start. And then PW took it a step further to prove a point.

[PackfanMatt_12]

Can we trade Westphaul.

[Blood Brother]

He probably said something in frustration, not an actual request - which most of us assumed from the start. And then PW took it a step further to prove a point.

Exactly. We all know how Cuz can't keep his emotions in check on the court...I can only imagine the frustration inside the locker room. Dude said something in the heat of the moment out of frustration, thats pretty much it. Westphal is just trying to show some machismo and prove that this is HIS team but he went about it in a horribly wrong way

dude just isn't cut out to be a coach for a young team like this

[Blood Brother]

Man, imagine if Cuz said something like "I'm gonna KILL somebody" out of frustration. Westphal probably would have called the police to have him arrested

[PackfanMatt_12]

Man, imagine if Cuz said something like "I'm gonna KILL somebody" out of frustration. Westphal probably would have called the police to have him arrested

LMAO. No he would have said Cousins held a knife to him in the parking lot after the game, and he demands Cousins gets the death penalty

[ctba]

Cousins will be back. He needs to control his temper and not say stupid shit before he thinks about it.

[EvansCousinsDUO]

In the post game interview Marcus thornton said he will give cousins a call and try to convince him to stay. Tyreke also said he will text him. Once again our great backcourt saves the day.

[ctba]

DMC said over the summer he is old school with wanting to stay with one team his whole career.

[bloatedmaniac]

I have supportered Westphal since he came here, especially having to deal with coaching teams that have been pathetic. I was cool with him dealing with Hawes last year, because Hawes was a big retarded baby who was a waste of talent. He had no right to whine just because he got taken out of the starting lineup for playing constantly like a scrub.

This though is beyond pathetic. Its one thing if Cousins came out and was being emo that he wanted to be traded while throwing a tantrum and talking to the media with his complains. Its another if it was a simple innocent comment after a rough loss behind close doors. Westphal has taken the situation beyond the point of return, threw Cousins under the bus in front of the media and risked sending a bad team into an even further state of disarray. When everyone and their mother has said that Cousins demand never happened...Westphal is full of it. Westphal's post game comments made it sound like Cousins quit on the team entirely. This isn't the way you fix a team and the rift with Cousins will grow even more so. Cousins is the future...not Westphal.

[DCKingsFan]

Someone else doesn't like it: http://www.sactownroyalty.com/2012/1/1/2675657/demarcus-cousins-suspended-trade-demand-sacramento-kings-paul-westphal

[Blood Brother]

I highly doubt Cuz wants to legit be traded. I mean....I know he's young and isn't too bright but I don't think he is THAT dumb to request a trade so quickly like that

sounds like he just said some dumb sh*t out of frustration(which we all do) and Westphal went on an ego trip to prove some point or something IDK

it's crap though

[nuraman00]

Someone else doesn't like it: http://www.sactownroyalty.com/2012/1/1/2675657/demarcus-cousins-suspended-trade-demand-sacramento-kings-paul-westphal

DCKingsFan (http://kingsforum.net/live/member.php?94-DCKingsFan), when are you going to post in a game thread live?

[Eze]

What was it? Like the 22nd or something when Cousins said he wanted Jimmer to move in with him? And then on the 24th he's asking for a trade? Just seems odd. It's like dealing with Artest, but in a different way. Annoying as it might be, at 21, you still have to use kid gloves at times with him. Some guys react well to challenges, some don't. Some react well to praise, some don't. Clearly, whatever tactics he's used have failed.

He needs to give Coach Cal a call to learn how to better manage him.

[bloatedmaniac]

Sooo...when is Westphal going to be suspended for conduct detrimental to the team?

[SuperSonics187]

lol oh my.. <--- I said it before.. Westphal was a terrible coach for the Sonics and he's a terrible coach now lol .. Cousins had issues at Kentucky as well but Calipari always seemed to be able to keep him in check in the end..

[Eze]

So, according to Amick, Cousins asked to talk to coach after the Knicks game and they talked about the offense. It ended in a heated argument where Cousins said "if you think I'm such a cancer then, trade me".

Westphal decided to release the presser, according to Petrie, as a "learning" tool.

A bunch of five year olds. All of em.

[DCKingsFan]

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/1/2/2676173/demarcus-cousins-sacramento-kings-paul-westphal-hook

[DCKingsFan]

The evidence mounts... Wesphail must go and quickly.

[Eze]

Yeah, get lost. It's Westphal's way. As Ziller said, he's long been known to pull this crap. It's not a daycare - do your job. If DeMarcus isn't pulling his weight, talk to the GM about it.

Pulling another Gary Payton scenario has a lot bigger ramifications than just hopefully wishing Cousins will "get it".

[kingraider412]

It has become painfully obvious that our players re not getting the proper professional development.
Where’s the big coach that can teach Demarcus the in and outs of a solid post game? Can’t we bring in a respected guy to just focus on Demarcus’ game? I don’t think he’s ready yet for the Hakeem Olajuwon school of post moves.
Where’s the guy coaching up Tyreke and challenging him to add some new facets to his game every off-season? He is doing the same exact moves since his rookie year (e.g. Euro-step where he always ends up going left, stutter-step with the spin move to the right, etc.). No wonder he hasn’t been as effective since that season. The league has caught up to Tyreke. He needs to develop some counter-moves now. How bout a floater in the lane? Or a solid post game?
We have a coach who just let’s the players play to their perceived strengths and do their thing. How bout some coaches who challenge our players to get better in areas of weakness?

[titaneek1]

The timing is not good. Sam D has not resigned with the team. Hayes was signed, unsigned , signed again. Now DC wants out for not getting the VIP respect, the playing time and more. Jimmy F has been getting all the attention.... DC is going to a celebrity crisis....he cannot handle the pressure of back to back to back....and benching decision.
I know he is valuable to the team future this year more than ever (...new stadium $, etc) He is is now big NBA distraction detrimental to the team.
They should ground the brat for a few days...keep him away from the other players and the team. Get him some help or....... expedite a trade if the price is right.
Not a good way to start the year 2012.

[Eze]

After the game, Payton -- who usually does not speak after similar incidents in the past -- said that Westphal disrespected him by what Westphal said, and that if he does it again, Payton no longer will play for him.

"He is going to respect me or I am not going to play for him," Payton said. "That's just period. If he is going to say something bad to me and I think it is bad, he is going to respect me before that. Or he won't have me playing for him. I am not going to say anything else about it, I am going to be a professional about it, but that's the way it is going to be on the bench. It is going to be respect. If I respect him, he is going to respect me."

Westphal declined to discuss the blowup, saying only, "It's a blip on the radar screen."

Payton would not say what Westphal said to him.

"It don't matter what he said to me, but it was a disrespectful thing that he did. If I disrespect you, you can disrespect me back. But don't disrespect me when I'm trying to help. If he do that again, there is going to be a problem."

That doesn't sound familiar at all...

[nuraman00]

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/1/2/2676173/demarcus-cousins-sacramento-kings-paul-westphal-hook

What happened with Gary Payton? I know the article mentions it, but I'd like someone else's version too. Thanks.

[nuraman00]

After the game, Payton -- who usually does not speak after similar incidents in the past -- said that Westphal disrespected him by what Westphal said, and that if he does it again, Payton no longer will play for him.

"He is going to respect me or I am not going to play for him," Payton said. "That's just period. If he is going to say something bad to me and I think it is bad, he is going to respect me before that. Or he won't have me playing for him. I am not going to say anything else about it, I am going to be a professional about it, but that's the way it is going to be on the bench. It is going to be respect. If I respect him, he is going to respect me."

Westphal declined to discuss the blowup, saying only, "It's a blip on the radar screen."

Payton would not say what Westphal said to him.

"It don't matter what he said to me, but it was a disrespectful thing that he did. If I disrespect you, you can disrespect me back. But don't disrespect me when I'm trying to help. If he do that again, there is going to be a problem."

That doesn't sound familiar at all...

Thanks. And how does that compare to what Karl and Payton went through in Seattle? How were those incidents handled, or what happened in those?

I was always sketchy on the details with Karl and Payton.

[Eze]

Thanks. And how does that compare to what Karl and Payton went through in Seattle? How were those incidents handled, or what happened in those?

Payton was always a bit, uh, volatile I guess for a lack of better terms but they just dealt with it. He'd have his little outbursts or whatever with Karl, but it was just Gary's loudmouth ways. There wasn't really any issue in Seattle until Westphal came on board.

Westphal just shouldn't be in the business of trying to play mind games. If he wanted to suspend Payton (Or Cousins), alright - show your power, yada yada, but keep the mind games out of it. He's supposed to be the authority figure and he's being just as childish as the players he's trying to "fix".

There are a small handful of guys that can do mind games, like Phil Jackson - but he understood how players worked, as best as you could. Some guys like Kobe need motivation, so he'd call them out. Other guys who were fragile, he'd coddle. Westphal just doesn't have that skill to me. He's trying (and I honestly think this whole scenario, in his head, was in attempt to be positive towards Cousins) but he just ends up alienating the player.

Cousins (like Payton) are way too emotional to handle the "embarrassing" tactics he used on them. Some guys might thrive on that, but I don't think that's the right tactic with DeMarcus.

[Eze]

And DeMarcus joined the Kings on their flight to Memphis today.

[ctba]

And DeMarcus joined the Kings on their flight to Memphis today.

Yah that was kind of a given when they sent the players to the Developmental league

[Eze]

Such needless drama.

[Eze]

Also, by bringing him along, aren't they essentially being enablers?

"We're going to punish you and embarrass you, make you look even bat shit crazier than most non Sacramento fans think you are - we can beat the Hornets without you, but uh, since we kinda need you...you're allowed back now. HOPE YOU LEARNED YOUR LESSON!!!>!!!?!1#1"

[nuraman00]

Can someone repost what the various reporters have said happened? Some of their quotes from their tweets and articles?

Woj: Woj reporting "In loud exchange with Paul Westphal on Saturday after NY loss, some Kings heard DeMarcus Cousins yelling, "Trade me now," sources tell Y!"

http://twitter.com/#!/WojYahooNBA (http://twitter.com/#%21/WojYahooNBA)

Amick: ?

Jason Jones: ?

Others: ?

[Eze]

Read Sam's piece. As usual, it's about the only thing needed. He covers all the issues and doesn't inject his personal feelings, positive or negative, about DeMarcus.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/sam_amick/01/01/demarcus.cousins.kings/index.html?sct=nba_t2_a3

[Eze]

Spears' isn't awful either, though, I think he paints him in a much worse light than Amick did. Amick just ran with the facts.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AiHopTpK8wKn61FBXpXEPbG8vLYF?slug=ys-demarcus_cousins_kings_010112

The rest of the tweets are mainly AHAHAHAH TOLD YOU SO COUSINS IS A CANCER HE SUCKS LOLZ KINGS types. lol

[sf giants r the best]

"DeMarcus never demanded a trade," Greig said by phone. "I'm surprised the Kings -- if they believe the player wanted a trade -- wouldn't have made a phone call to his representative. Maybe Westphal is just feeling the heat early this season."

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/sam_amick/01/01/demarcus.cousins.kings/index.html#ixzz1iL0Z20LQ

Cousins Agent. The evidence is building against Westphal. Kings have a very capable coach on the bench with Smart, Paul has clearly lost control of the team. His days should be numbered.

[Eze]

Oh, I have no doubt Westphal just ran with Cousins' "if you think I'm a problem, trade me" bit. There was never any formal request, IMO. Just Paul trying to teach him a lesson.

[bloatedmaniac]

Also, by bringing him along, aren't they essentially being enablers?

"We're going to punish you and embarrass you, make you look even bat shit crazier than most non Sacramento fans think you are - we can beat the Hornets without you, but uh, since we kinda need you...you're allowed back now. HOPE YOU LEARNED YOUR LESSON!!!>!!!?!1#1"

It helps make this issue even more pointless. Whats learned? Whats achieved? How does this make things better? Unless Cousins came to Westphal with words of passion yesterday, its all so stupid. Its like sending your kid to his room without dessert for backtalking his mom, then giving him icecream and candy 3 minutes later. Congrats to Westphal and the Kings organization for making a mess of things yet again. Leaking that they were considering using amnesty on Cisco, signing Outlaw to 4 years under the guise that he is useful, voiding the Hayes deal then going crawling back a day later, and now this.

[sf giants r the best]

Oh, I have no doubt Westphal just ran with Cousins' "if you think I'm a problem, trade me" bit. There was never any formal request, IMO. Just Paul trying to teach him a lesson.


This whole situation just sucks. Its not only solidifying the fact the Westphal and Cousins are mortal enemies and will never fix the relationship, but Westphal has lost control of the team and is using absurd measures to get control back, but is only hurting the team more long term. It also just makes the entire Kings organization more of a laughing stock to the rest of the league for those who don't know the story. Westphal is putting words into the mouth of the organization that they had no knowledge/intention of.

This whole thing just sucks. Lets hope to see Westphal ousted before this destroys the team

[KingsOwn19]

I am on the can Westphal wagon as well.

I supported picking him up, and i supported him through the first two seasons..i think he can be a good coach for a "professional" team like he was in Phoenix because i do think Westphal does know the game...but his my way or the highway approach and being prone to get into power struggles is the last thing the youngest team in the NBA needs. The way he handled Hawes and Cousins, and the play on the court show he's not the guy for the job. I respect that the Kings are trying to build stability at HC after all the recent failures, but if the players don't respect Westphal and apparently Westphal does not respect the players..then we just have an explosive situation. Westphal is much easier to replace than Cousins.

[bloatedmaniac]

This makes me so sad "Reports indicate J.J. Hickson -- J.J. Hickson! -- warned Cousins not to talk about his issues in front of tape recorders during the session. So Cousins takes it private with Westphal and ... gets suspended?"

Again I've always supported Westphal, but jeez the more I think about this the more it frustrates me. Time for the Keith Smart era to begin!

[Eze]

Wow - really?

[ctba]

Cousins did say some shit to the media. It was totally obvious what he was trying to say about the coach

[sf giants r the best]

This makes me so sad "Reports indicate J.J. Hickson -- J.J. Hickson! -- warned Cousins not to talk about his issues in front of tape recorders during the session. So Cousins takes it private with Westphal and ... gets suspended?"

Again I've always supported Westphal, but jeez the more I think about this the more it frustrates me. Time for the Keith Smart era to begin!

And bouncing off that:

Evans comments made to the media are completely forgotten, while the private comments made are blown up.

[Eze]

Yeah, Cousins was essentially throwing Westphal under the bus. Evans' comments were quite similar though (although his lack of speaking English helped him) - though Evans complained about it last year and didn't get shit on when Thompson and Casspi did.

[jrahn]

Paul's mishandling tendencies coupled with Cousins immaturity is a no win situation. Paul knows well enough, the ramification of spewing this shit off in the media, yet he feels the "teachable moment" is justified. Wish it could be chalked up to frustration, but it has much more potential to domino with the rest of the club. Maybe if they can get their collective shit in order and win a couple of games, things will just blow over, until next time. I wouldn't be upset to see Smart get the nod at this point.

[nuraman00]

I'd rather have Bobby Jackson than Smart.

[Eze]

Certainly wouldn't be the end of the world if they tried, especially if the Kings are having trouble in a month or two. You know what you're getting with Smart.

I'd take either over PW right now.

[sf giants r the best]

I'd rather have Bobby Jackson than Smart.


Think he'd be ready? Smart has good experience as a coach. Unless you want Bobby J to grow as a coach with the team

[titaneek1]

...not asurprise! he had to tag along withthe team because of concern "he might hurt himself". The will make him ride the plan , the bus and the bench. make him have mental pain and embarassment. You are grounded boy!
In the mean time speculation are rampant....everyone wants a piece of DC. They want to pair in with Rose in Chicago and one hour ago Washing ton Wizards are calling....

...."Pairing Wall and Cousins would make some sense given their history and Cousins’ familiarity with the District. He spends his offseasons working out in the area and considers “D.C. home.” A reunion could also help Wall find a little more joy during an already uninspiring season. Coach Flip Saunders may not want another volatile or mercurial talent after dealing with Rasheed Wallace in Detroit and Gilbert Arenas in Washington, but if any player can motivate and bring out the best in Cousins, it’s Wall".

Now Howard is all forgotten....

[nuraman00]

Think he'd be ready? Smart has good experience as a coach. Unless you want Bobby J to grow as a coach with the team

I wasn't that impressed with Smart's coaching. He just didn't seemed like he had a good tactical mind. He just did the same thing Don Nelson did.

I'd rather try Jackson and see what he has. He can grow with the team, sure.

Are you going to post in the Rose Bowl/Fiesta Bowl: Ore vs Wisc, OK st vs Stanford (http://kingsforum.net/live/showthread.php?242-Rose-Bowl-Fiesta-Bowl-Ore-vs-Wisc-OK-st-vs-Stanford) thread?

[sf giants r the best]

Are you going to post in the Rose Bowl/Fiesta Bowl: Ore vs Wisc, OK st vs Stanford (http://kingsforum.net/live/showthread.php?242-Rose-Bowl-Fiesta-Bowl-Ore-vs-Wisc-OK-st-vs-Stanford) thread?


I didn't know there was one up

[nuraman00]

I didn't know there was one up

I always click on "New Posts" so I see all of the new threads from all fora. :)

[Gunshot]

Did you see this POS article from Adande?
llooll....total uninformed trash

http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-120101/daily-dime

[KingsOwn19]

Did you see this POS article from Adande?
llooll....total uninformed trash

http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-120101/daily-dime

The article is not that bad as he makes some good points. Cousins can and probably will be the best player from the 2010 class but who knows if he will realize that potential in time for the Kings to lock him down long term. The problem with the article is it takes Westphal's side rather than entertaining that he might be having a power trip like many of the other writers closer to the situation seem to believe. I also don't like how he suggest the kings should pretty much settle for rental just to dump the guy. Cousins is the teams most valuable prospect and i think how he came into this season in shape and is averaging a double double and making as impact even though he's not really playing that well shows the Kings should not part with him unless they are blown away with a deal.

[Eze]

So Adande actually thinks it's a good idea to trade Cousins for Dwight Howard, fully admitting that Howard wouldn't re-sign in Sacramento?

I really wonder how these guys fall into these jobs.

[Gunshot]

The article is not that bad as he makes some good points. Cousins can and probably will be the best player from the 2010 class but who knows if he will realize that potential in time for the Kings to lock him down long term. The problem with the article is it takes Westphal's side rather than entertaining that he might be having a power trip like many of the other writers closer to the situation seem to believe. I also don't like how he suggest the kings should pretty much settle for rental just to dump the guy. Cousins is the teams most valuable prospect and i think how he came into this season in shape and is averaging a double double and making as impact even though he's not really playing that well shows the Kings should not part with him unless they are blown away with a deal.

exactly...completely ignores the possibilty Westphal is losing it....and makes the assumption that the word "trade" was mentioned so it's all over

kinda like the crap that was printed when Westbrook yelled at Durant
...just lazy writers

[EvansCousinsDUO]

I hate when casual fans get to vote on polls, those polls are absolutely meaningless.

[nuraman00]

kinda like the crap that was printed when Westbrook yelled at Durant
...just lazy writers

I'm not a fan of that either. At all. They're just stirring stuff up.

[nuraman00]

Read Sam's piece. As usual, it's about the only thing needed. He covers all the issues and doesn't inject his personal feelings, positive or negative, about DeMarcus.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/sam_amick/01/01/demarcus.cousins.kings/index.html?sct=nba_t2_a3

This seems to suggest that the press release came with Petrie's approval.

++++++++++++++++
Petrie made it clear that the decision to publicly announce Cousins' trade demand was an attempt to send a strong message to the 21-year-old with the hope that he changes his ways. It wasn't, Petrie insisted, a sign that Cousins is now on the trading block.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/sam_amick/01/01/demarcus.cousins.kings/index.html#ixzz1iMPIz0C0
+++++++++++++++++++

[KingsOwn19]

Kings are just a complete embarrasment. Rebuilding yet our best peice at a valuble position and overall is on the trading block? If Cousins seriously demanded any trade than he or is he agent would make it public after the front office did. I believe Cousins "demand" came in defense of essentially being labled a cancer. Poor owners, out of touch GM, unfitting coach, no arena deal, and attendance dwindling again and now the player with the most upside and proven dedication to stay in shape may be on the trading block for demanding a trade he claims he didnt? This is a joke.

[Eze]

Westphal said in the initial release that he had full support of management - Maloofs confirmed it, on their end. Petrie's only comment was that one above.

Also, Wojo said multiple teams called the Kings on Cousins and were told he is not available, and Cousins released the following:


Kings F DeMarcus Cousins has issued a statement: "I want to address my missing the New Orleans game Sunday. I have not demanded or requested a trade. I don't agree with the actions taken but will give my sincere effort to put it behind me and compete the best I can for my team. Cousins' statement was sent to media through his agent, John Greig.

[Eze]

Westphal, essentially told him he was being a cancer and he was a problem to the teams success (maybe not in those harsh of words, but that was his point) according to all of the pieces on the situation. That's what resulted in the "fine, get rid of me if I'm that big of a problem". Like a parent and a teenager.

The teammate reactions were a bit odd - like they were torn on the situation - JT and Hayes were the most blunt, but still pretty hush on it.

[nuraman00]

Westphal said in the initial release that he had full support of management - Maloofs confirmed it, on their end. Petrie's only comment was that one above.

Also, Wojo said multiple teams called the Kings on Cousins and were told he is not available, and Cousins released the following:

Yeah I don't think Cousins is going to get traded this season.

[nuraman00]

Westphal, essentially told him he was being a cancer and he was a problem to the teams success (maybe not in those harsh of words, but that was his point) according to all of the pieces on the situation. That's what resulted in the "fine, get rid of me if I'm that big of a problem". Like a parent and a teenager.

The teammate reactions were a bit odd - like they were torn on the situation - JT and Hayes were the most blunt, but still pretty hush on it.

Most players usually support each other, regardless of the situation. I know this is completely different, but when Artest had that domestic violence accusation, Kevin Martin said not only did he support Artest with whatever happened (he said he didn't really know what happened), but he said he would support Artest's wife too.

[Eze]

Hell, I would have supported her too - I wouldn't want her throwing a frying pan through my Hummer either :heehee:

[nuraman00]

Hell, I would have supported her too - I wouldn't want her throwing a frying pan through my Hummer either :heehee:

What was funny is the next day after the incident, Grant said that he knew her from the past, and "she's no saint either". He didn't provide any more details, but just left it at that.

Then, about a month ago, there was something going on with her Twitter, and a caller asked about it. Grant said he hadn't checked her Twitter, and he didn't even know what Artest's wife's name was.

So, either he made false vague accusations about her back in 2007, or he really couldn't remember her name because he hadn't talked to her in a few years (since 2008 I guess).

[titaneek1]

Kings are just a complete embarrasment. Rebuilding yet our best peice at a valuble position and overall is on the trading block? If Cousins seriously demanded any trade than he or is he agent would make it public after the front office did. I believe Cousins "demand" came in defense of essentially being labled a cancer. Poor owners, out of touch GM, unfitting coach, no arena deal, and attendance dwindling again and now the player with the most upside and proven dedication to stay in shape may be on the trading block for demanding a trade he claims he didnt? This is a joke.
It could not be said any better way. It is embarassing. DC is a head case, everyone knows that. HE won;t mature until the age of 30. If he remains with the team...Westphal has to go. DC probably has the support of his teammates. Malooof Bros and Petrie supports coach. What a circus. Can't wait to see the game tomorrow....with DC coming off the bench.

[SacOakSmc]

It helps make this issue even more pointless. Whats learned? Whats achieved? How does this make things better? Unless Cousins came to Westphal with words of passion yesterday, its all so stupid. Its like sending your kid to his room without dessert for backtalking his mom, then giving him icecream and candy 3 minutes later. Congrats to Westphal and the Kings organization for making a mess of things yet again. Leaking that they were considering using amnesty on Cisco, signing Outlaw to 4 years under the guise that he is useful, voiding the Hayes deal then going crawling back a day later, and now this.

The Hayes situation was the most disappointing thing for me until this "trade" situation with Cousins. Both make the kings organization look embarrassing. At least with Hayes, we might have been terrible on defense had we not resigned him, but Cousins is a building block and the future. I can't wait to see what the next situation will be that trumps this.

Hopefully we can win a few games and replace Westphal. However, I think a lot of NBA fans not knowing this situation will criticize the organization for siding with a young player opposed to a veteran coach. This will not end happily for anyone (Cousins, Westphal, Kings front office) even though Cousins seems to have the best chance to "reverse" this stigma that he is an immature child thug by keeping under the radar and develop over the next few years.

[GoKings2010]

WestFault needs to leave Sac now!!! How does this get better? We all move on like nothing happened? I remember a boss of mine said some harsh things to me and stepped out of line and I didnt get fired but I felt disrespected and therefore shortly quit my job. When u dont get the recognition u deserve or someone throws u under the bus thats not easy to forget. I may even be more grown than Cousins and I couldnt just move on pass it. I dont see this being good at all and def with COusins who even puts hands on teamates. I can even see a explosion happening during a game when Cousins is asked to get out the game. I agree with most u guys about this organization has become a joke. Why do we treat our players this way? Look at all the players the Kings have disrepected. I know we have some run ins with WestFault but it also starts with the GM. Petrie shoulda been worried about making this public cause it doesnt lure FA to come here. It doesnt make it look good when u want fans to come and also doesnt look good with support of an arena. Petrie shoulda stepped in and dealt with it! I think he needs to go to. When are players are traded they find out on Sports Center? This organization has become more than a joke and I now see why ppl dont wanna be here. Its not that we dont have the players its the lack of good GM,Owners,Coach. It all starts at the top and it happened when the Maloofs 1st started to take over. Then they let petrie do his thing and he needs to be held repsonsible for that too. None of this is gonna get fixed cause we have Owners that dont give a shit and go the cheap route on everything and then shift blame onto other ppl. No one in this organization is on the same page and thats the problem.

[bloatedmaniac]

Just think about Cousins when he hits his free agency period down the road. If he fulfills expectations, you better believe the fact that this organization sided against him and tossed him under the bus over little things. Last year he deserved his suspensions. You have to take action when he abusively backtalks coaches during practice or fights with a teammate in the locker room. This seemed like such a minor, almost laughable situation but yet it was given the most serious response. Cousins will know each day how little the coach and organization feels about him, and the actions they'll take. I mean what next? Westphal sending videos to TMZ whenever Cousins acts up.

@gokings...yeah I completely forgot how players like Peja weren't told they were being traded. Petrie even once told them "we aren't going to be trading you" and then sent him out the next day. Classless..

[Eze]

Yeah, Cousins seems like the type to hold a grudge - can't imagine it'll bode well for the franchise down the road when he hits free agency.

[Gunshot]

Either he grows up or he doesn't....and I doubt he ever fully matures
but the Kings took that gamble.
and as mediocre as Westphal is (in fairness).. probably isn't a Coach out there that could appease big baby 2 till he's ready

[nuraman00]

@gokings...yeah I completely forgot how players like Peja weren't told they were being traded. Petrie even once told them "we aren't going to be trading you" and then sent him out the next day. Classless..

This happens with every organization. Marcus Camby found out he was being traded to Portland at a Clippers team dinner.

Eric Gordon found out he was being traded during a season ticket holders event.

Deron Williams found out he was being traded on SC.

Jannero Pargo found out he was waived from the Lakers right before the plane landed in Denver.

I could name 5-7 more players from different organizations that where taken aback at how they found out they were being traded. And this is just from the NBA. MLB has even worse stories.

With the way the media has holds on some team officials, information is just leaked nowadays.

You can't tell a player that you're trading them, because then it might affect his confidence (like with Odom) during a game.

[nuraman00]

Yeah, Cousins seems like the type to hold a grudge - can't imagine it'll bode well for the franchise down the road when he hits free agency.

Well, there's still 2 years before he's eligible for an extension, and 3 before he's he could hit RFA. So time is still on the Kings side.

[Eze]

Assuming his game improves at the same rate (it has from last year, outside of his early FG% woes) I'd take the shitty tude. lol

[ctba]

fjf

[Eze]

When he met with Cousins on Monday, Westphal said the center "was a little quiet and not too communicative," which he said is something he has seen from Cousins before.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/03/4158793/demarcus-cousins-returns.html#storylink=cpy

Yeah, I really wouldn't want to talk to your ass either, Paul. lol

[CrunchE]

I don't think we will ever know what truly happened here. It does highlight the negatives in both Coach Westphal and a young Cousins. When I need all the positives I can take in supporting this years team, this really puts a damper on my interest in them. I think Cousins is more important to the orginization especially going forward. I don't think Westphal will be here next year, so our FO better know what they are doing airing out all this b/s.

[ctba]

Lets get the W tonight. fuck those little bears up

[Eze]

I don't think we will ever know what truly happened here. It does highlight the negatives in both Coach Westphal and a young Cousins. When I need all the positives I can take in supporting this years team, this really puts a damper on my interest in them. I think Cousins is more important to the orginization especially going forward. I don't think Westphal will be here next year, so our FO better know what they are doing airing out all this b/s.

Cousins is immature, so, I'm sure his continued lil barbs pissed Westphal off - the throwing under the bus though was the final straw.

THAT SAID....

Westphal has done this EVERY place he's coached...and he's no better than the immature players he's trying to "teach".

[Sparky6string]

If it's true that Cousins has been a cancer type to be around and he constantly is negative and disrespectful to the coach then hee needs to be dealt with. Having a chronic negative Nancy around makes life tough- I wouldn't want to be around it. And I'm sorry but if you say "trade me" then you should be traded. No BS like that should ever be said- no tolerance.

[Eze]

I'd probably side with Westphal a bit more if he didn't have a lengthy history of doing this with players. But being he does, makes me just think he's on one of his kicks again. Not that DeMarcus might not be a pain in the ass at points - but Westphal's history just speaks to this type of thing.

[ctba]

I just want Cousins to play hard and not bitch.

[Eze]

Good luck :heehee:

[ctba]

Good luck :heehee:

It shouldn't be fucking hard with any of the money these guys are playing. They have no reason to bitch. If they are going to bitch then they should forfeit the money they make or hell just make a check payable to me.

[Eze]

Lol, I hear ya - but it's the belly of the beast, all around pro sports. If it's not bitching, it's being pouty - if not that, it's being a diva, etc etc.

I hope he grows out of it - he seems to say the right things when he wants to, unlike say a Sheed or Artest who couldn't, but, still seems a while away for him.

[ctba]

DMC already at arena practicing with BoJax

[Eze]

Good start. He'll probably either go into beast mode tonight or suck trying too hard.

[ctba]

wonder if he didn't take the team bus to stay away from Whestphal

[Eze]

Ha, they do usually have two buses.

[Eze]

So, per Westphal, Cousins is coming off the bench due to poor on court performance, you know, fourth in the league in the rebounds. But he likes the way John Salmons has played so far....

:heehee:

[Eze]

Wow...anybody read Marty Mac's piece he just put out? Puts Westphal in a really bad light.


The situation that led to Cousins missing Sunday evening's victory over New Orleans began after Saturday night's loss to the New York Knicks. The agent said Westphal called Cousins 'selfish' and said he was the team's problem.

Clearly, Cousins is a problem, not 'the' problem.

Cousins later went into the coach's office, Greig said, and asked Westphal why he singled him out.

Greig said Westphal told Cousins, "I don't have time to talk to you about this."

http://mpmcneal.blogspot.com/2012/01/cousins-westphal-combo-needs-divorce.html

[$KingsElite$]

It shouldn't be fucking hard with any of the money these guys are playing. They have no reason to bitch. If they are going to bitch then they should forfeit the money they make or hell just make a check payable to me.

That's exactly how I feel. When I played basketball I was happy for the coach to just let me in the game, or even to let me run the plays in practice instead of sitting and watching the starters run them. :(

[AVG5C]

The Cousins trade came up on sportscenter today, the annalist who's name escapes me right has said "the situation is worse than it seems".

[DCKingsFan]

Asked what he needed to see from Cousins to know if he is changing his ways, Westphal said: "We'll know it when we see it … . His attitude has a long way to go. It will be up to coaches, teammates and most fans (to see a change)."

I have to say that I hate that statement. Paint the wall, I will tell you when it is the right color.

You are a cancer, I will tell you when you aren't.

[Eze]

The Cousins trade came up on sportscenter today, the annalist who's name escapes me right has said "the situation is worse than it seems".

I wouldnt worry about them too much. One of their analysts suggested the Kings trade him for Dwight Howard, fully admitting Howard wouldn't re-sign. Lol

Trust Amick and Jason Jones...rest of them are pretty worthless.

[DCKingsFan]

Mexican Standoff is not a good thing...
http://www.sactownroyalty.com/2012/1/3/2679586/demarcus-cousins-paul-westphal-sacramento-kings

[Gunshot]

Mexican Standoff is not a good thing...
http://www.sactownroyalty.com/2012/1/3/2679586/demarcus-cousins-paul-westphal-sacramento-kings
Just so you know DC.....Tom Ziller is not what you could call a friend to this site
we have had dust ups in the past with that dork

Not banning you from posting his stuff here.....but he probably wouldn't care for it either

just FYI

thanks

[ctba]

OOoh i think I just found the culprit of 2009 ebs standoff

[DCKingsFan]

Ah, didn't know ... Tom Ziller can be banned :)


Just so you know DC.....Tom Ziller is not what you could call a friend to this site
we have had dust ups in the past with that dork

Not banning you from posting his stuff here.....but he probably wouldn't care for it either

just FYI

thanks

[bloatedmaniac]

Asked what he needed to see from Cousins to know if he is changing his ways, Westphal said: "We'll know it when we see it … . His attitude has a long way to go. It will be up to coaches, teammates and most fans (to see a change)."

I have to say that I hate that statement. Paint the wall, I will tell you when it is the right color.

You are a cancer, I will tell you when you aren't.

Yeah that is pretty absurd and unprofessional. He reserves the right to judge, and made it clear he will judge regardless. How does a guy know what to work on if he is never told? He is leaving Cousins hanging, and the team's morale with it.

[Eze]

Seems like a repetitive thing sadly, for Westphal. It would be different if he was a) a good coach or b) signed long term, but he's gone at season end. Just cut the losses and let an assistant take over.

[DCKingsFan]

Cousins =1
Westphail = 0

[bloatedmaniac]

Thing Kings organization will seriously miss Westphal. I mean who else will everyone blame for all that is wrong with this team? Oh wait...we have Outlaw!!! So thats why we signed him. Fire Outlaw!!!