My girlfriend is outspoken about many subjects, and the Kings are near the top of her list.
She measures everything Kings against the Divac-Webber-Bibby years and is definitive about one aspect of this year's team: If Kenny Natt becomes the permanent coach, she's walking away from them and devoting her fandom exclusively to the 49ers.
From sports talk shows to message boards, I get the sense that there are a lot of fans who share her sentiment. There's no question that the Kings have become worse since Reggie Theus was fired.
The general populace wants an experienced coach to right the ship after going from Rick Adelman to Eric Musselman to Theus to Natt. A fever chart of victories during the past few seasons looks like it should be hanging from the bed of a dying patient on "Grey's Anatomy."
It was about a month ago that I said give Natt a chance. Unfortunately, now I'm convinced that this roster is not one which can allow an interim coach to succeed.
Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie needs to hire an experienced coach with the ability to mold a young team – and integrate a few free agents in key spots. If not, I know at least one fan the Kings will lose.
What to do
NBA, Mavs at Kings, 6 p.m., Arco Arena: Keep an eye on Josh Howard, one of the game's lesser-known stars.
What to surf
www.joshhoward.com: The Mavericks forward-guard also has a cool Web site.
What to watch
NFL, Chargers at Steelers, 1:45 p.m., Ch. 13: This is the best playoff game of the weekend.
Saturday's results
NFL playoffs
• Ravens 13, Titans 10
• Cardinals 33, Panthers 13 NBA
• Blazers 113, Warriors 100
• Bobcats 92, Wizards 89
• T-wolves 106, Bucks 104
• Rockets 96, Knicks 76
• Thunder 109, Bulls 98 (OT)
• Jazz 99, Pistons 82
NHL
• SHARKS 4, Canucks 2
Area men's basketball
• Nevada 67, La. Tech 64
• Cal 88, Washington 85 (3OT)
• Montana 80, Sac St. 63
• Pacific 76, UC Riverside 53
• L.B. St. 86, UC Davis 78
• Wash. St. 55, Stanford 54
• Jessup 87, Maritime 79
Area women's basketball
• Montana 77, Sac. St. 67
• Nevada 61, N.M. St. 56
• Stanford 102, Wash. St. 53
• Saint Mary's 89, USF 62
• UC Riverside 65, Pacific 56
• UC Davis 55, L.B. St. 54
• Jessup at Maritime, late
Weekend poll
How much will Pete Carril's return to the Kings as a consultant help them? • They will turn it around. • A few more wins. • No difference at all. To vote, go to www.sacbee.com/sports.
The last word
What you're saying on the sacbee.com comments: • "It was like a poker game! (Dwyane) Wade went all in and (Kevin) Martin folded!" – statzz on "Wade show proves to be main attraction."
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.