Over the last few weeks, after this rocky start, there have been a lot of fan posts where fans are "being fans". Now, while I can't see many of the games, I can see how people can be upset. Now this has been a roller coaster of a time, from the draft to the Olympics to the preseason promise, to the injuries and disapointment, and even a surprise win thrown in there. Overall though, people are reacting, well, fanatically. Huge swings at every turn. Also other people are jumping on people for reacting like this. I wouldn't say that anyone is a bandwagon fan or insult thier intelligence or foresight because of this. In fact, last season, my first season blogging on this site, gave me some valuable experience. I can regard what it is to be a fan and how this team plays in a different light. I think I can draw on some previous experiences to highlight how people should maintain an even keel, regadless of the weather.

My examples are short and sweet and hopefully will serve to get the point across. The first comes from the rough start we had last season. I'm not just talking about the first 3 games, I'm talking about the first month and a half. We had a nice spurt there for some time, but all in all, we had a disapointing showing early in the season. Despite the fact that we were the youngest tem in the NBA and our #1 draft pick was out, everyone was looking to point a finger. Nate was target #1. People publicly claimed he coudn't handle this team, that he was a poor fit, ect. During and after the win streak, people were appolgizing that they said such comments, stating that they learned what they did. Those are the now the 'experienced' bloggers that people have been referencing lately. Point #1: Don't throw people under the bus because of a bad stretch.

My second point is in regards to how we view players. Last season, at the begining of the season, there was a log jam of question marks at the point spot. 2 of those 4 aren't here now, including one who made a splashin the preseason, but that's not the one I am going to talk about (though anyone who was on the Green bandwagon and is now on the Bayless one, just think about that for a minute). Early in the season last year, Jack was the best player off the bench IN THE NBA! It only lasted a few weeks, but he was doing well. Then he slid. Far. He was given enough rope to go as far up as he wanted... or to hang himself. He was a streaky player who never produced the consitent results that would indicate the type of pay that the team needs. However, he was given enough time on the floor to make a sound judgement about his future with the team (or lack thereof). Meanwhile, a young man with a fishy name really broke his game wide open in the middle of the year. For 2 months. During this time there was a deal on the table for him... where we could have landed Devin Harris. Like the fans, even the management said that price tag was too high. I can't really argue that because had Travis reached that level and stayed there through his career, New Jersey would have gotten a steal of a trade. However, again, it was just two months. Right now, the fan base and the management are thinking "re-do?". Too late. All that being said, he still does have potential and should be given the chance to show excatly what he can do in this year of decisions for our young Outlaw. With Batum growing up right behind him, it makes people a little jumpy, but there is still the big picture to think about. Also, touching on the Batum thing a little, comes point number two. Don't let recent history (and especially a small saple size to work with) blind you to the point of only basing your judgement soley on such a run. Also, fiding out what we have in a player is a better option than trading a possible solution to the problems we are facing.

The last part is just a glimpse in the mirror. Hoestly, when I step back out of the moment I am able to laugh at people bashing the team. If you proclaim shortsighted things as a reaction to one or a few games, well, you state it pubicly on here. Really, over the long haul, hopefully these people will be fans for a long time, even if they are just getting on now. And you'll have the chance to review the comments that you made, when they really don't hold water anymore. You have two choices at that point. The first is to admit that you were wrong, appologize and admit that it was just a knee-jerk reaction and that you'll try and keep your peepers open and your mouth shut in those situations. The second is when you stick with those kind of comments because you stated them publicly and look for little holes to poke in the rock that has become situaion x. This leads to just overall negativity, personally and on the site. Neither of those are great options, but one is a learning experience. Along with that, riding all your hopes on one player could turn out very disappointing. In addition to this, insulting people when they make those ascertations doesn't make you any better or smarter. Riding the tide, countering misguided attempts at venting politely and reasonably, and letting people realize thier own mistakes saves both people a lot of anger. We're all in this together, and we all have a lot to learn about this team. Hopefully we can pick up a few things about ourselves too.