KINGSPOD 2020

KingsPod2020 is back. Toke and Geoff break down the Kings' one-year deal with Ben Simmons, what Domantas Sabonis changing agents could mean for his future in Sacramento, and why the NBA agent ecosystem drives Toke insane. We also discuss the allegations in the lawsuit filed by a former Kings athletic trainer, where things stand with Doug Christie entering a critical season, and the enormous punishment handed down in the Kawhi Leonard/Clippers cap-circumvention case. Then we ask whether the full Kawhi era — including the Paul George trade — could go down as one of the most catastrophic transactions in NBA history, before turning to Darius Acuff, Emanuel Sharp, Alex Karaban, Maxime Raynaud and the rest of Sacramento's Summer League group. Finally, we give our early Kings win projections and discuss whether 2026-27 could bring more parity to the NBA.

The Kings got their guy. Toke and Geoff react to Sacramento landing Darius Acuff Jr. with the seventh pick, why the pick feels decisive, and why the Kings need to avoid handing the franchise to another 19-year-old before he has earned it. They also break down the rest of Scott Perry's draft class, including Alex Karaban and Emanuel Sharp, the theme of drafting players from winning programs, the Devin Carter salary dump, Precious Achiuwa returning, Jalen Duren rumors, Keon Ellis leaving for Brooklyn, and whether the Kings should explore a Jalen Brown swing. Plus: Vivek's relationship with John Calipari, Jonathan Kuminga rumors, LeBron leaving the Lakers, Giannis in Miami, and why Sacramento needs to stop placating Rich Paul after the Fox and Zach LaVine situations.

Toke and Geoff return after a long break to discuss Mike Brown defeating De'Aaron Fox in the NBA Finals, Fox's performance and response to failure, and whether Sacramento spent too many years treating him like a franchise player before he earned it. Then: Why trading Zach LaVine for Ja Morant is exactly the kind of risk the Kings should take, the meaning of "you win by winning," Nick's brutally unscientific scouting reports on the top draft prospects, Klutch Sports' continued influence, and what Sacramento should do with the seventh pick.   https://substack.com/@kingspod2020

Vlade Divac finally explained why the Kings passed on Luka Dončić, and somehow the explanation made the whole thing feel even worse. Toke and Geoff react to Vlade's comments about Luka, De'Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley, and the idea that Luka was a "big market player." That leads into a bigger conversation about the loser mentality that has shaped too many Kings decisions: drafting scared, worrying about stars leaving before they even arrive, and choosing fit over obvious talent. The guys also revisit the Chris Webber trade as the perfect counterexample. Webber did not want Sacramento at first, but winning changed everything. From there, they talk through the "volunteers vs hostages" mindset, possible roster swings involving AJ Dybantsa, Ja Morant, Paolo Banchero, Keegan Murray, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis, plus the NBA's proposed lottery changes and how the league could actually fix tanking. The central message stays the same: You win by winning.

Doug Christie is coming back — but after a season like this, that raises more questions than answers. In this episode, Toke and Geoff break down a Sacramento Kings year that felt like a collapse, just not a surprising one. Instead, it played out like a version of the same team fans have watched for years. The focus is on Doug Christie — his coaching, his approach, and what he should be doing differently — before shifting into the bigger picture: roster construction, front office decisions, and what direction this team is actually moving in. They also dive into a broader NBA issue: tanking. Why it doesn't consistently work, how the lottery system creates bad incentives, and what real changes could be made to fix it.

In this episode of KingsPod2020, Toke and Geoff unpack a chaotic stretch for the Sacramento Kings and what the trade deadline revealed about the franchise's deeper issues. The conversation centers on why Kings fans — and the organization itself — consistently overvalue assets, misunderstand rebuilds, and fall back on draft-pick obsession despite years of evidence that losing only makes everything harder. The guys break down Scott Perry's early moves, the Dennis Schröder experiment, trade rumors surrounding Domantas Sabonis, and why quickly unwinding mistakes is better than doubling down on them. They also take a hard look at Doug Christie's coaching, the lack of offensive structure, and how nostalgia continues to cloud decision-making at every level of the franchise.

Toke and Geoff are back "Live from the Big Tomato" with a simple theme for the first KingsPod2020 of the new year: You win by winning. That's great for Toke's Vegas bachelor party, where a mini hot streak at the Wynn and Cosmo sportsbook turns into a degenerate live-betting ride on Fresno State vs San Diego State. It's not so great for the Sacramento Kings, who have gone 7–20 since the last episode. The guys talk about Kings fans sliding from anger into apathy, Sacramento's Washington Generals era, and whether Scott Perry is actually trying to win now or just cleaning up Monte/Vivek's mess for the next two seasons. They break down Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford as "found money," bury the De'Aaron Fox trade return, question Devon Carter at 13, and argue over how high to really be on Keegan Murray. The back half of the pod zooms out to tanking, draft odds, and star swings: whether being dead last actually matters when your draft history is this bad, Ja Morant as a sicko trade target, Tyrese Maxey as the dream guard, and Giannis/Fox hypotheticals that only Kings sickos would come up with. A little Vegas luck, a lot of Kings misery, and the same closing note as always: Go Kings.

Toke and Geoff return "live from the Big Tomato" to talk about life in 20 years of Kings basketball hell, the brief fake hope of wins over Denver and Minnesota, and the reality of getting stomped by Memphis again. They spotlight rookie big man Maxime Raynaud as one of the only bright spots, debate what Doug Christie should be doing with rotations, and argue about whether Russell Westbrook and the kids should be prioritized over vets like Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. From there, they zoom out and put Scott Perry's early tenure under the microscope—grading everything from the Doug hire, Jonas trade, Schroder/U-Banks signings, to the Keon Ellis contract decision and the Precious pickup. Then they go league-wide: what happens to the trade market if Giannis forces his way out of Milwaukee, where should he go, and why Toke wants De'Aaron Fox exiled to Wisconsin instead of thriving in San Antonio with Wemby. They close with the spicy Chris Paul vs. Ty Lue drama with the Clippers and what that says about sending vets home, Zach/DeRozan's future, and the Kings' next painful chapter. Merry Christmas, go Kings.

The KingsPod2020 crew — Toke and Geoff — return "Live from the Big Tomato" to break down the latest chapter in the Sacramento Kings collapse. This episode examines how Doug Christie's bizarre press conference, an eight-game implosion, failed roster construction, and ownership meddling have all collided into one of the bleakest stretches of the Vivek era. We walk through the Kings' current freefall: the stages-of-grief pressers, the nostalgia-driven marketing strategy that's poisoning fan memories, the front office dysfunction, Keegan Murray's developmental stall, and the growing disconnect between roster reality and franchise messaging. We also dive into luxury-tax avoidance, the Bill Simmons trade proposal, the James Ham/Kyle Madson clip, the hostage-versus-volunteer roster dynamic, and why Sacramento might be at the start of another deep rebuild — one that only accelerates if Vivek refuses to change course. A brutally honest, chronological breakdown of how the Kings got here… and why the tunnel has never felt darker.

The Kings are off to a 3–7 start — and confusion reigns from top to bottom. In this episode of KingsPod2020, we go deep on the franchise's current direction (or lack thereof) with a breakdown that follows the real-life chaos chronologically: Early Takeaways from the 3–7 Start We open with a state-of-the-union rant: the Kings are playing small, soft, and scattered. The LaVine rumors loom — and nothing on the court makes sense. Keon Ellis Deserves More Minutes One of the best defenders on the team is getting ghosted. We talk about how Keon could fix some of what's wrong — if the staff would just play him. Doug Christie Is the Head Coach — Period It's not an interim situation. Doug Christie is the coach now. We analyze his strengths, his shortcomings, and whether he was even the right pick. Scott Perry's Front Office Shakeups Perry's recent moves — including dumping Jonas, adding big-name guards, and clearing cap — get a full breakdown. We question the long-term vision. Vivek Is Still in the Way From tunnel vision on celebrity names to his track record of derailments, we outline why ownership remains the Kings' biggest liability. The Week Ahead + Ja Morant Rumors We preview the upcoming games and toss around the Ja Morant trade talk — including what it says about how desperate Sacramento might be. If you've been asking, "What exactly are we building?" — this is the pod you need. Longtime fans, frustrated realists, and strategy nerds: this one's for you.

The Kings are 1–4 and falling apart — but this isn't just about injuries or a bad week. In this episode, Geoff and Taki break down the systemic dysfunction behind Sacramento's rough start to the 2025–26 season. We talk: 💥 The flawed roster design (Lavine, Westbrook, DeRozan... seriously?) 🧠 Doug Christie's impossible coaching situation 📉 Asset mismanagement & questionable extensions 🕵️‍♂️ Scott Perry's quiet cleanup effort? 🏀 What's next for a franchise caught between PR moves and real progress If you're a frustrated Kings fan or just love NBA roster autopsies, this one's for you. 🔔 Follow & rate the show — new episodes drop weekly. 📩 Hit us up on social with your takes: #KingsPod2020

We break down the Kings' draft (why Clifford feels day-one ready and why Maxime is the right swing), what Doug Christie's first losing streak could mean, and why we're firmly in the "don't tank" camp. We revisit the failed Kuminga bid as a leverage lesson, sort out the guard rotation (Schröder, Monk, Devon Carter), and set a realistic bar: ~.500 with a 33–43 win range. Plus, a frank look at what the Stockton scandal signals about the organization.   00:00 Intro — Live from the Big Tomato 01:12 Draft Grade: B/B+ and "shots not slots" 04:05 Nick Clifford vs. Maxime Renaud: who helps first? 08:42 Scott Perry's early moves & roster age reality 12:20 Doug Christie: respect the IQ… but the losing-streak test 16:55 Tank vs. Compete: why 40 wins beats 30 for growth 22:48 OKC, Philly, and copycat-league lessons 27:40 The Kuminga pursuit: fit, upside, and leverage 34:05 Guard room: Schröder, Monk, and the Devon Carter question 38:10 Westbrook as vet add? Pros/cons 41:02 Stockton scandal: dysfunction or one-off? 46:20 What success looks like: 33–43 wins; is .500 realistic? 50:11 Final predictions, vibes check & sign-off  

Toke, Geoff, and special guest George from Carmichael dive into the latest developments out of Sacramento—from the BJ Armstrong hire to the Kings' ownership clinging to early 2000s nostalgia. Is it finally time to cut ties with the past and build something real? In this episode: 🎯 Why ownership keeps recycling familiar names 🧠 The psychological makeup of a true winner—and who actually has it 📉 Did the NBA just compensate Dallas for sending Luka to L.A.? 💥 Would you trade Sabonis for Jrue Holiday? 👀 And is Cooper Flagg the real deal—or just more hype? Brutally honest, sharp, and funny—this one pulls no punches. Let's cook.

In this episode, Toke and Geoff return to unpack everything surrounding the Sacramento Kings' chaotic offseason, including the aftermath of the De'Aaron Fox trade, the Kings' failed draft pick protection, and the firing of Monty McNair. They dive into whether the Kings should have tactically tanked, the issues with team culture, and the hiring of Scott Perry as GM. The duo debates whether Doug Christie should remain as head coach, potential trades for Sabonis, DeRozan, and Keegan Murray, and whether the Kings are trapped in a losing cycle. Plus, they share bold ideas like bringing back Mike Malone — or even Metta World Peace — to inject real change. An honest conversation that every Kings fan needs to hear.  

In this engaging episode of the podcast, hosts discuss the recent developments concerning the Sacramento Kings, focusing on insider information shared by a well-connected source. Topics range from the controversial trade decisions involving key players like De'Aaron Fox and Kevin Huerter to the internal dynamics within the Kings' front office. The hosts speculate on the impact of coaching strategies, particularly those of Mike Brown, and how they influence player development and team morale. They also delve into the broader organizational mentality, questioning whether the Kings can shake their perceived "loser's mentality" and become a competitive force in the NBA.   Furthermore, the conversation touches on league-wide issues such as player empowerment, the effectiveness of tanking strategies, and the role of influential agents like Rich Paul. The episode provides a thought-provoking perspective on how the Kings have managed their assets and the potential long-term implications of their strategic choices. In addition, the hosts briefly explore the potential implications of the Oakland Athletics' possible move to Sacramento, drawing parallels between the ownership challenges faced by both franchises.

The Sacramento Kings' recent trade of De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs is a topic of debate, with differing opinions on the team's handling of the situation. One view blames the Kings' front office for not doing enough to retain Fox, while another criticizes Fox for prioritizing his own interests. However, a more nuanced analysis suggests that both perspectives hold some truth, but fail to capture the full complexity of the situation. The Sacramento Kings traded De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs, receiving little in return. The trade is criticized for being one-sided, with the Kings perceived as weak negotiators. The discussion highlights the Kings' perceived "loser mentality" and the need for a more competent front office and coaching staff. De'Aaron Fox claims he never wanted to leave Sacramento until the firing of Mike Brown, whom he believed would be his last coach. He alleges the Kings left him hanging after the firing, contradicting their claims of offering him a max contract. While acknowledging Fox's actions were underhanded, the speaker argues the Kings' history of dysfunction justifies his desire to leave. The Sacramento Kings' dysfunctional organization led to the firing of coach Mike Brown, leaving De'Aaron Fox feeling neglected and potentially considering a trade. While Fox's desire to be traded to San Antonio is understandable, it's unusual for a player to choose a smaller market with a worse record, especially when other options were available. The Kings' lack of a clear strategy for navigating the situation highlights their organizational flaws. The Sacramento Kings' dysfunctional front office and coaching staff are highlighted, with a focus on the lack of alignment between the defensive-minded coach and the analytics-driven front office. The team's poor decision-making, including trading away promising players and hiring a coaching staff with conflicting philosophies, is criticized. The Kings are urged to learn from successful franchises like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, which prioritize drafting, player development, and a cohesive organizational culture. The Sacramento Kings are criticized for their poor organizational structure, lack of prestige, and incompetent decision-making, particularly regarding coaching and player valuations. While acknowledging the need for stability, the discussion highlights the importance of winning and the need for a confident front office to turn the team around. The conversation concludes with a critique of De'Aaron Fox's performance, comparing him unfavorably to other NBA players. The Kings traded away a potentially great player for a worse one, reinforcing a losing culture and potentially resulting in fewer wins this season. While the team may have been close to finishing .500, the trade negatively impacted their chances of success.

The lads wish a special b-day to Mr. P. Breezy over in Warsaw, Poland before diving into the current state of local Sacramento lockdowns, MMA vs. boxing title politics, the explosion in Ontario, California, what to do with our stimulus checks, Floyd Mayweather's next paycheck exhibition match, and who we should root for in the March Basketball Tournament. God Bless.

Is this the WORST episode yet? The boys take on the rise of blockchain technology, Blake Griffin's signing with the Nets of the New York / New Jersey metro area, the return of Gamestop and AMC, and the Blachowicz-Adesanya fight. 

Jerj and Toke beat you over the head this week with takes on everything from Spot Em Got Em to Gangnam Style and even a little sports news if you can believe it. Did you know James Harden plays on the New Jersey Brooklyn Nets? Well it's news to us! Sampling as an art form, the college basketball Madness March tournament, and a Bitcoin price check. All this and more from El Tomate Grande.

Jerj and Toke discuss the latest news including Tiger's crash in PV, the state of meme rappers, how bitcoin is doing, the "Attention Economy", and the local Sacramento Catholic school mom OnlyFans controversy. What an epi wow

Who stops a fight in the middle of the round? Toke and Jerj dissect the "No Más" fight between Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran to answer that exact question. Also, are The Clippers actually 13 time champions and no one is aware? Did the McGwire/Sosa home run race overshadow Ken Griffey II? This and more on the newest from the universe's most cosmic, and we even put a new intro. Worth the listen. Cut your hair.

Despite being a LATE episode, THE OWL is the GREATEST episode yet. NO STINKER! Jerj n' Toke take on Tom Brady's GOAT status, whether the Superb Owl is good or NOT good, what being a "Junior" means, and the multi-tiered hypnosis techniques of advertising. Listen or don't. But listen.

Don't listen this one may scare/excite you. We really actually no joke try to break down the current financial situation of memers on the internet. Also, we lose money on Conor McGregor and discuss 90's TV shows. WE ARE NOT FINANCIAL ADVISORS THIS IS ENTERTAINMENT WE JUST LIKE THE STOCK. hodl

One year to the day of the helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant and others, Jerjus and Tokus discuss the cosmic implications of the entire life, death, and legacy of Mr. Bean B. Did we get it right the first time? What does the wind tell us?

Powers of two, Andrew Bynum building computers, barbell strategy, stainless steel pans, Da Baby and Lil Baby, Total Request Live, vidya games, Emo kids.

The tomato is even bigger they say! Toke and Jerj explain what's happened since the last podcast and offer up some words of wisdom in these trying times. Or something.

This episode is SOMETHING ELSE! After a week sabbatical, Jerj and Toke return from the hyperbolic time chamber renewed with intense vigor and highly intellectual banter! On the menu: Jerry Sloan's career is considered, Jerj finally reviews The Last Dance, The NBA's "World Cup Style" playoffs is evaluated, and the 2020 Sacramento Kings future is discussed in detail. MUST WATCH! (WITH YOUR EARS)

'02 Kings vs. '96 Bulls?? A truthfully recited deep dark dive into the belly of Mike Tyson's career, the return of the NBA season, GOLFBALL, "The Last Dance", and ACTUAL Sacramento Kings discussion on this magnificent hour of soul-healing with the Tomato Syndicate.

Mr. Jerj and Mr. Toke put it ALL on the line this week discussing Michael Jordan's famous republican sneaker quote, death of his father, gambling problems, theories concerning his first retirement, and a stain on his undefeated record. The boys go over ESPN's insane redraft for 2018, and discuss what the second round Kings vs. Jazz series (yes that's right) would look like in this compelling hour of INTELLECTUAL sports discourse.

On this episode, the Tomato MEN discuss Rodman's status as an interesting character from the 90's, Coach Pop vs. Coach Phil J., playing the NBA season in the Faroe Islands, and a surprise visit from Jared Fogle of Subway Sandwiches fame. Another dazzling hour of intellectual sports banter from The Pomodorians!

Gronk moves to Florida to be with his GOAT, Holmes stays in Sacramento, and Jordan wins it all in '98 on this incredibly fascinating hour of sports from the tomato boys.

It's a tax day extravaganza! George from Carmichael stops by the studio to give his take on gambling, Michael Jordan, the Kings 2019-2020 shortened season, and how exactly the NBA planned to get the Kings into the playoffs before the pandemic shutdown. Thrilling episode!

Kobe Number episode! Why was Phil Jackson missing from Kobe's funeral speakers? Our hosts return with this week's edition of the Kings Pod with a number of quarantine-ready topics, including that bomb-shell! Firstly, however, Toke gives his impression of the Tiger King (not related to Lion King, who knew), then the private island UFC is discussed, as well as a potential Phoenix-only MLB season in May, a possible NBA finals before Labor Day (season starting on Christmas?), and other wonderful, powerful, unfearful topics. Glorious episode!

What will they say about Tiger King??? In this powerful action packed episode, you hosts discuss a paradigm shift regarding bean counting, the legacy of Kobe Bryant, the un-beat-a-Bulls, life after the Kings for Arco Arena, UFC 249, and Instagram Live content. Will 90s kids understand? Find out within the episode, and do not be afraid!

How did Mama Jerj escape the Iron Curtain with several bottles of Polish pure-ethanol vodka? On a very special Greek Independence Day episode, while the NBA season continues to hibernate, the boys chop it up about this as well as Ballmer's purchase of the Forum in Inglewood, the state of ARCO arena today, and the psychological effect of using PowerBalance magnetic balancing bracelets. Intellectually stimulating!

New content for your stay-cation!  Jerj and Toke go over the sports news of the moment and take a trip down memory lane discussing their football fandom journeys. How should fans be feeling about Marvin Bagley at the moment? The boys go over this and the latest developments of the COVID-19 situation including some at-home exercise tips! 

In a unique episode under extraordinary circumstances, Jerj and Toke open the show discussing their initial thoughts on the global viral pandemic. They shift gears and discuss hypothetical scenarios for Commissioner Silver. Usual hijinks ensue and the hosts leave us all on a positive note.

Dear, dear, very close friend to the pod John McNaught is in the studio and waxes nostalgic for Indiana Pacers basketball in the 90s and beyond. Are the Pacers a template for small market teams to follow? Is Larry Bird a good basketball mind? These questions and more are answered while the DARLING Kings move closer to their playoff destiny.

If you thought that it was strange that the Sacramento Kings have been winning games recently, that something must be happening that is causing this sudden change in fortune, then YOU WOULD BE CORRECT! Fortuna's wheel has crowned the new winning Kings "The Darlings of The NBA"! Jerj and Toke ponder the meaning of this in this unbelievable new episode, as well as the continued psychological excellence from the new bench additions, and what it means to be a Player of the Week NOMINEE. 

A spectacular episode! In the first time in pod history, the Sacramento Kings have won every single game in the stretch between pod episodes! This puts the Kings potentially back in the playoff race, being just 4 games back from the 8th seed...but we've been fooled before. Cautiously optimistic, Jerj and Toke have a conversation regarding this and more, including Kent Bazemore's "cosmicity" on the court, Marvin Bagley's injury status, and the role that media members have on the team's win-column. 

Fresh off the heels of a universally praised All-Star weekend, Jerj and Toke talk Slam Dunk contest, 3pt shoot-out, and the All-Star game itself. The addition of the Mountain Dew Ball of Dew is criticized, the slam dunk scoring system is scrutinized, and the Loser-think is eternally demonized! Can the Kings continue their recent success post 'Star break? The Cosmos will reveal all in due time. The flood will come.

With a couple wins under their belt in recent days, the Kings are a team worth talking about! Jerj and Toke pontificate on the latest news items including Richaun Holmes' shoulder rediagnosis, DeAaron Fox's Team USA snub, the coming All-Star break, and the updated total wins line in Las Vegas.

It is often said that if one is unlucky in basketball, then one will therefore be lucky in football. And after all the beans have been counted, the 49ers, the de-facto Sacramento football team, have lost another Super Bowl, proving the old adage to be true once and for all! Or something. Jerj and Toke dissect the cosmic meaning of the "Big Game", the Kings doing better, Buddy Hield coming off the bench, and Andre Igoudala, as well as some "least favorite player of all time" (LFPOAT) talk.

After a brilliant display of loserdom in Detroit, The Kings manage a two game win streak in Chicago and Minnesota, perhaps helped by the cosmic nature of the tragic events over the weekend. The Kings make history with an unprecedented comeback in the fourth quarter to win in overtime, and Buddy Hield joins the late great Kobe Bryant in the record books for scoring in the fourth quarter. Toke takes us on a trip down memory lane, reminiscing on the state of the world during the last Kings playoff run. Many things have happened since! Sad!

Kobe Bryant has passed away at the age of 41, and Jerj and Toke discuss the legacy he leaves behind and their personal relationship with him as a player and public figure.

After once again disappointing, this time in South Beach, the Kings achieve their third five-game losing streak of the season. Jerj and Toke kick around the many ways Sacramento lost this game specifically, and some disturbing patterns that have emerged throughout the season generally. King Kel asks about Purple Talk and the intangible element of the game, and a mostly unimportant trade is discussed as well. Bye bye, Trevor. Hellooo Kent!

A long-form discussion on the former, current, and future Sacramento Kings' organization, with the extreme disappointment of 2019-2020 in mind. Jerj and Toke try out an extra-curricular episode to keep the conversation going, outside of the game-to-game team happenings.

It's an annual tradition it seems, to sit down at the half season mark and contemplate why another season has been washed down the drain. Jerj and Toke discuss what happened, who's to blame, and what everyone else is getting wrong. Additionally, Toke has yet another novel solution to the Kings' woes, this time involving... Bill Belichick?

In a vain attempt to keep fans' hopes alive, the Sacramento Kings Basketball Squad have won three out of four games in the month of January. Jerj and Toke avoid discussing the recent wins . altogether for fear of cosmically disrupting the good fortunes and instead discuss the ever-present Kings-Player-To-The-Lakers trade rumors that seem to pop up every year.

Happy New Year! ...or, Unhappy New Year! The suffering has no end in sight so Jerj and Toke throw some off-the-wall ideas into the mix that the bean-counters couldn't possibly have expected. Will 2020 align the cosmos correctly for the Sacramento Kings? If the KINGS POD organization performs its esoteric tricks correctly, then it is certain.