DeMarcus Cousins said the Kings were facing issues serious enough to call a players-only meeting. George Karl’s job security came into question.
It appeared to be a pivotal moment for 1-7 Sacramento.
All better now?
That’s the vibe if you listen to veteran leader Caron Butler and general manager Vlade Divac.
Sean Cunningham of ABC10 Sacramento:
Caron Butler said players meeting happened. Said Kings are moving forward after airing concerns. Said coaches were in meeting
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) November 10, 2015
Caron Butler voiced team support of George Karl
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) November 10, 2015
Jason Jones of The Sacramento Bee:
Divac said meeting with team, coaches, was productive. "We addressed some issues and the most important thing is we are on the same page."
— Jason Jones (@mr_jasonjones) November 10, 2015
Players discussed their comfort leave with plays, coaches talked attitudes. Divac: "I was very pleased with how we talked about it openly."
— Jason Jones (@mr_jasonjones) November 10, 2015
The proof of a breakthrough will be in the pudding. Butler and Divac are much more adept at presenting a positive spin than Cousins and Karl. Though Divac gained credibility by admitting in July the Cousins-Karl relationship was strained, it’ll take more than a couple interviews to become convinced this is a harmonious team.
Sacramento has talent and a good Xs-and-Os coach. With better communication from both sides, this team should win more. If that happens, it will make it easier for everyone to remain on the same page.
But if the Kings lose – and they’re not good enough to assume winning will just come – they’ll be more likely to fracture.
It’s a snowball effect either way.
At least today appeared to be a step in the positive direction. Involving the coaches in the meeting was a wise move. A players-only meeting would’ve made it too likely for the players unite against Karl.
Of course, owner Vivek Ranadivé looms over everything. At the snap of his finger, the Kings could return to chaos.
But it seems his employees have avoided their own combustion – at least for a day.