Failing to reach the finals once again after being labeled a Championship contendor for so long, the Maloofs have every right to dismbember and rebuild. Rather, the Maloofs will try again with some advice from John Madden.

"I think two days after that loss in Minnesota, Gavin and I were at a bar mitzvah at some good friends of ours in Sacramento," Joe says, "and John Madden was there. You know John Madden, the broadcaster, who used to be the football coach? You know who Madden is.

"And he says to us, 'Lemme tell ya something: You guys are so close. You were four free throws away from going to the Western Conference finals.' He says, 'Be careful. Don't do drastic things. This is still one of the top teams in the NBA.' "