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| Rob's Soapbox | ||
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Congratulations!
You have finally landed on the one page on this entire site (and on the entire internet for that matter) that is purely without bullshit... my soapbox page. There are a lot of times during our show that, whether it's because of time constraints and other obligations, I don't always get to address some issues that I feel don't get the attention they deserve. There are even more times when I just don't feel like waiting until the show the next day to get some things off my chest. Thus, I have started the "Rob's Soapbox" page. If you have clicked on this page looking for someone to coddle your fragile sense of self-esteem, or tell you what you want to hear or to reinforce your outdated world view, then exit this page right now and go somewhere else. If you are in search of the last forum for reason and common sense left in the world, then sit back, relax, and enjoy. I make only one promise with this soapbox page... if you read long enough and often enough, you will eventually be offended. So here's my latest soapbox. Listen up, 'cause you just might learn something... |
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February 27th, 2005 THE TWO THINGS THAT LEFT TOWN WITH CHRIS WEBBER...
In this move, there are many things the overwhelming majority of fans, casual observers and writers agree on: 1. The Kings are a better team unit without Chris Webber. When Chris Webber arrived in Sacramento, he brought with him a promise of greatness. Building the team around one of the NBA's premiere names would elevate the Kings to the level of the elite in the league and lead the city of Sacramento to the NBA finals, it was hoped. The Webber years provided plenty of reason for optimism, all of which ultimately fell short. Though Webber cannot be blamed solely or even partially for some of the defeats, he was the centerpiece of the team throughout the Kings' years of flirting with greatness. He brought promise, and in the end, he delivered disappointment. Sacramento is a one-horse town and that horse is the Kings. Every year, the playoffs come around and the bandwagon gets loaded up with wanna-bes and hanger-oners and the town turns purple until the Kings are eliminated. The next day, you'd never know there was even a sports franchise in this area. In a city that so desperately wants to grow up, this town clings to every move made by one of the few legitimizers it has; a professional sports team. Because of that, the Kings control the emotions of a great many people in the area. A real city with multiple sports teams never suffers from such an obsession. Chicago loves the Cubs, but can soothe the wounds of defeat with the Bulls' legacy and the rebirth of the baby-Bulls. The Bay Area lives in the football past while their teams rebuild, but can stay distracted by two baseball team who have been perennials in the post season for 5 years. Not Sacramento. "Sac-town" has the Kings. When the Kings lose, the town has nothing. Sacramento was tired of living in the shadow of San Francisco 30 years ago. Its' inferiority complex is at an all-time high now. So as Webber leaves Sacramento, he takes two things with him; Himself, and all sense of rational thought that was left. Sports fans are really good at rationalizing. It's what makes sports so great. That's why we say stupid things like "wait till next year," and "at least we got to the playoffs (even though we lost)." As Webber leaves, there are some people who legitimately believe that the team is now better (not just a better unit, but an actual better team). Those people may prove to be right, but I wouldn't bank on it. Most people are still clinging to the hope, with no basis for their optimism. Webber's inability to deliver the promise has left such a bad taste in people's mouths that they're just glad to see him go. That would be fine, if it would bring some realism with it. Yes, Webber's gone and that's good. No, it doesn't mean that the Kings have just found the missing link. The truth is that Webber's departure is the end of this run for the Kings. They had their shot, and they blew it. Just like the Oakland A's of the past 5 years. The A's had all the talent they needed, but couldn't win the World Series. Now, it will be a few years before they make a legitimate run at a championship. The Kings are in the same boat. They had their shot. They will continue to compete and make the playoffs, and they will continue to fail to make, let alone win, the Finals. It's over, kids. It's time to rebuild. The Kings need a new coach, a new system and a new nucleus. Given the talent on the team, they could recover quickly (they won't, but they could). With the right coach and the right signings, they could make a championship run in 2006 (they won't, but they could). 2005 however, is out. Trust me.
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