Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "basketball"

Comeback kids pull one out, Kings turn back Blazers 95-92

2012-02-04T02:01:42Z

Since Keith Smart took over coaching duties last month, the Kings have had very little practice time and never had everyone on the roster available for a game.

Things changed this week when the Kings were able to get more time in between games to work on their new game plans. Add that to a healthy Marcus Thornton returning to the lineup and, wham-o!, a team with real possibilities has emerged.

After being down at the half by nine and being throttled by LaMarcus Aldridge the entire time (19 points on 9-of-11 shooting with five rebounds), Smart changed up his formula in guarding the Blazers standout forward which led to a terrific third quarter as the Kings held on the beat the pesky Portland Trailblazers 95-92 on Thursday evening at Power Balance Pavilion.

The Kings came out hustling, but some dumb fouls on the defensive end turned into easy points for the Blazers.

DeMarcus Cousins looked good early but got into foul trouble quickly and didn’t play most of the first quarter.

Aldridge has a great jump shot from inside the circle and put his skills on display early in this one. It didn’t matter who was matched up defensively against him. The way Portland was moving the ball around the court kept Kings players constantly chasing the ball, and Aldridge found himself more open than not for most of the half.

The lone bright spot in the first half for the home team was the ice-cold-as-of-late John Salmons. Salmons had 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting that included two three-point bombs.

The wheels almost fell off in the second quarter as a bad mix of players had several defensive breakdowns. With J.J. Hickson, Isaiah Thomas, Travis Outlaw, Thornton and Chuck Hayes on the floor, it seemed that there wasn’t enough leadership or offensive firepower to keep up with Portland.

Smart noticed in time and stopped the bleeding by putting Cousins, Tyreke Evans and Jason Thompson back in the game with about 6:40 left in the second. Down by nine, that adjustment was enough to get Sacramento within three, until several Kings misses let the Blazers get the nine-point lead back before the buzzer.

The Kings scored six straight points as Evans and Cousins came out aggressive to open the third, until Cousins picked up two quick fouls that sent him to the pine early again.

With Cousins on the bench, it was time for Thompson to step up, and he did.

Thompson is having his best year to date and is a real force inside now for the Kings. Thompson finished with 13 points and 12 boards and was very active on the defensive end.

Thompson is fully aware of his improved play but doesn’t see it as a surprise. The way he tells it, if he didn’t have four different coaches in his four campaigns, things may be a little different for the man from Rider.

“It’s tough,” Thompson said after the contest. “Four different systems, and every coach wanted something differently out of me. For me, to keep my head and always staying ready for the future and being positive, then things can work out well.”

Good for J.T.! When you break it down, he’s been the most consistent player so far this season.

Once Evans slammed a ball home to tie the game at 63-63 late in the third, you could feel the momentum change. It seems that every time you just give the hometown faithful some hope, they jump out of their collective seats to show their support.

Thursday was no different.

The fans, who sat on their hands until this point, went crazy when Portland called a timeout to collect themselves.

When Salmons open the final stanza with a three, the fans stayed in the game the rest of the way.

Like the fans, Salmons has been waiting for his game to come around. Thursday, he had his best game of the season.

“It definitely feels good to hit shots,” he said. “When you’re not hitting shots like you’re supposed to, you get frustrated. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t frustrated. You just have to stick with it, keep going and try to continue to believe and keep working hard.”

The final moments saw rookie guard Isaiah Thomas get a jaw-dropping block and the Blazers miss two game-tying three-pointers.

Thornton had 20 in his return from a deep thigh contusion and said it’s hard to sit on the bench when you want to contribute so badly.

“It was very, very frustrating knowing I couldn’t get out there and help my team do anything,” he said. “It made me realize that me without basketball, I’m basically dead. Basketball is my life and has been my life since I was little, so I was just so happy to be out there with my teammates.”

KINGS NOTES: Evans had another solid all-around game with 18 points, five boards, five assists . . . Jimmer Fredette, Francisco Garcia and Donte Greene all had DNP-CDs (did not play - coach’s decision) . . . Chuck Hayes said he’s still being careful with his shoulder as any type of collision could dislocate it again . . . Former King Gerald Wallace was held in check and had only eight points and three boards.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

Darren Hall at www.darrenhallphotography.net/

Kings lose to Nuggets 122-93 in blowout, no one happy about effort

2012-01-27T02:49:13Z

The fans weren’t the only ones leaving the old barn early on Wednesday evening.

Quite honestly, they weren’t the only ones leaving embarrassed either.

By the time the press got into the Kings locker room after losing 122-93 in a blowout to the visiting Denver Nuggets, most of Sacramento’s players had left the arena also.

No Cousins, no Tyreke, not even Donte Greene hung out long enough to give their side of this ugly one-sided loss.

Keith Smart, the new coach of the 6-13 Kings, was alone at the podium to explain.

“Not what I expected,” Smart started his post-game press conference. “And I’m sure our fans didn’t expect that either. Kind of an embarrassing moment for our fans to watch us play that way.”

After pulling out to an early 7-3 lead behind a couple of Jimmer Fredette jumpers - who started in place of an banged up Marcus Thornton, the flood gates broke and the Kings end of the paint opened up like Charlton Heston parting the Red Sea.

Way too easy.

Drive after drive after drive after drive to the rack. The Nuggets kept coming like the incoming tide - relentlessly.

And the Kings didn’t even put up a temporary barrier to stop the avalanche.

By the end of the first quarter, the Nuggets already had 22 points in the paint on 11-of-17 shooting. And they weren’t done yet. They would finish with an incredible 92 points in the paint! This is the most since the NBA began keeping track of this statistic!

Wave after wave after wave of Denver big men and small reaching the rim with uncanny ease.

By halftime, Denver lead 66-43 and the boo birds could already be heard in the old Arco rafters.

Danilo Gallinari, Nene, Kosta Koufos, Andre Miller, Al Harrington and even Ty Lawson before he got hurt were slicing through the lane without facing stiff competition or even a good knock down.

By the half, the Nuggets were shooting almost 60 percent and the Kings were just over 42 percent from the floor.

It wasn’t that the Nuggets ran the Kings off the floor, that wasn’t it at all. It was just that it seemed almost every time a Nuggets player went into the paint, he either scored or another Nugget player grabbed the board and tired to score.

The only defense at the rim for the Kings came in the form of DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins ended up with 17 points and 15 boards. The only other King with more than five rebounds was Greene who had six.

The shocking stat of the night had to be that Evans, who is usually good for 4.8 boards a game came away with none. That’s right, a goose egg - zero rebounds.

Not the sign of a team that is throwing everything they have into trying to get a win.

Jason Thompson, one of the only ones left to speak after the tough loss, ended with nine points and five boards but knew much more was needed.

“It’s frustrating,” said Thompson from his space in front of his locker after the game. “We didn’t take care of business. We knew what the game plan was. From the start, usually come out to a good start but this time we just went against the odds. We weren’t rebounding and we weren’t playing unselfish basketball.”

That’s it! Straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.

Thompson’s been here since the beginning. He’s unselfish to a fault most of the time and is finally having the kind of season the front office thought he could have when they drafted him four years ago.

Thompson knows the solution to what ails the team and holds out hope that the players can pull it off.

“We all got to look ourselves in the mirror and say how am I going to guard my man and how am I going to stop my man from scoring. At the end of the day, the great teams play team defense. But first you have to be able to stop your man and then worry about the help.”

The former Rutgers standout felt so strong about his case, he said it again.

“We all got to look ourselves in the mirror and not just worry about everyone getting buckets but worry about getting stops and rebounds and just let everything else come to us.”

KINGS NOTES: Fredette ended up with 19 points and had five three-pointers . . . The Nuggets had seven players in double figures scoring including Gallinari (23 points), Nene (16 points), Andre Miller (15 points, 10 assists), Al Harrington (10 points) and Corey Brewer (15 points) . . . Isaiah Thomas had ended with 16 points and had six assists . . . Ty Lawson hurt his foot or ankle and was seen leaving Power Balance Pavilion in a walking boot . . . To their credit, John Salmons, J.T., Thomas and Fredette were ready to answer questions from the media after the game . . . Thornton could miss another week or so with a deep bruise in his left thigh . . . Chuck Hayes should be on the floor again when the Kings travel to Utah to face the Jazz on Saturday

Harlem Globetrotters at Power Balance

2012-01-16T20:41:51Z

The world renowned Harlem Globetrotters were at Power Balance Pavilion Sunday to take on the International Elite, as they went head-to-head to determine who would be the world champions.

Globie, the team mascot, came out before the show to entertain the crowd with a little bit of magic and some dance moves. As Globie strutted around like Michael Jackson the crowd went wild with some kids jumping up to dance along with Globie.

Even though the stadium was far from sold out, the audience members made up for it in enthusiasm. Throughout the game the crowd was cheering and clapping for the Globetrotters, with a few boos thrown in for team Elite.

As with all Globetrotter games this was an audience participation sport. One couple found out the hard way with the wife having her purse taken and then the husband being dragged out on the court to dance with Big Easy.

Kids joined in on the fun too, with several young kids competing for a team jersey. They had to dash across the court, shoot a basket and then head back to the other side of the court and get into a makeshift bed. The first to complete the task wins. In the end they all were winners.

Some of the Globetrotters were in town earlier to visit with fans. You can read all about their visit here.

Harlem Globetrotters Dribble in to Sacramento

2012-01-13T02:00:11Z

The world renowned Harlem Globetrotters are scheduled to appear at Power Balance Pavilion this Sunday.

As is customary, the Globetrotters have had a couple of players in town before the big event on Sunday. They were meeting with television and radio stations in the area, but more importantly they were getting out to meet their fans.

I was able to meet up with “Handles” Franklin and one of their newest members, “TNT” Maddox. TNT is only the ninth woman in 86 years to play with the Globetrotters and the first woman since 1993.

I found the two at the Project R.I.D.E. facility next to Jesse Baker Elementary School in Elk Grove. The two Globetrotters participated in a bit of horseplay — literally. Project R.I.D.E. offers therapeutic recreational horseback riding instruction to riders with disabilities.
When it came to mounting the horse, I have to give TNT credit. She jumped on as if she did it every day. Handles, on the other hand, was a little timid getting on his horse and looked to be a bit nervous, too.

In between horsing around, TNT talked about what it’s like being one of the few female Globetrotters.

“Honestly, it’s unbelievable to be only the ninth woman in 86 years to play for the Harlem Globetrotters,” she said. “What they’re about is charity, and we’re allowed to go to hospitals, schools and things like that and do things that money can’t buy. That’s something that’s special to me, and I’m happy to be a part of the organization.”

As she talked, she constantly had her basketball in motion, so I asked if she did this while sitting down to watch a little television. She said she has to in order to keep up with the likes of Handles and the rest of the team. Being one of the new kids on the block, the team is continually showing her new moves, so she’s constantly practicing to get up to the caliber of her teammates. Trust me — she’s already there. After only two weeks of training, she said they had her playing at a junior high school.

As for the rest of the team, it looks like this will be an exciting year with 10 new players.

The 2012 rookie class has a total of three 7-footers including 7-foot-4 Jermaine “Stretch” Middleton, the third-tallest player in team history, and 7-foot Anthony “Biggie” McClain. However, Paul “Tiny” Sturgess towers over even the tallest of the tall at a whopping 7-foot-8.
Sturgess was recently recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's tallest professional basketball player. He is also the tallest player in the Globetrotter history.

Not only do they have the tallest player in their history, but the shortest, too. Jonte “Too Tall” Hall is the shortest Globetrotter ever to play at 5-foot-2.

Other team members you may recognize are “Big Easy” Lofton and “Flight Time” Lang who, together, made their way around the world on CBS’ “The Amazing Race.”

If you’ve never seen the Globetrotters in person, you have to get off your butts and get out to Power Balance this Sunday and take in the 1 or 6 p.m. showing. These guys (and gal) are amazing to watch and extremely entertaining.

#SmartBall helps Kings overcome 21-point gap, beat Bucks 103-100

2012-01-07T02:25:36Z

Unbelievable! Amazing! Jaw-dropping! Spectacular!

In sports writing, superlatives are greatly overused. Heck, even The Court Jester abuses the Queen’s English occasionally!

In this case, however, I think not!

After being down 58-37 at the half, being outshot from the floor 60.5 percent to 31.8 perccent in the first half and only scoring 12 points in the second quarter, it looked like another lackluster Kings performance would etch another loss in the standings Thursday evening.

Not so fast, my pretty!

After a day of showing Coach Paul Westphal the door, elevating assistant Keith Smart to the position full-time and holding a players-only film study session before the game, the Kings came out in the second half, scored 66 points and played great defense to pull off the improbable win against the Milwaukee Bucks 103-100 in what had to be the greatest home comeback victory in Sacramento Kings history.

Even though the Kings got out to a 13-6 lead, one could just feel that their recent poor play would be extended at least one more night. Eight turnovers in the first quarter and only shooting 25 percent in the second seemed like it would be enough to doom the Kings once again.

But here’s the thing.

The entire game, the Kings were moving the ball, driving to the basket and making the extra pass: everything Smart asked them to do in his first game as the man in charge. It’s just that the shots weren’t falling, and it seemed like every contested jumper by the Bucks was going through the net.

Tyreke Evans (26 points, 10 boards, 5 assists), Marcus Thornton (27 points, 5 boards) and DeMarcus Cousins (19 points, 15 boards, 2 steals) were the stars of the show.

Early in the game, it was Evans that gave the Kings even a small chance of pulling out a much-needed win by scoring 10 points in the first quarter. Other than that, Cousins was being aggressive, but his shots close to the rim were not going in.

The usually hot-starting Thornton was only one of eight from the field at the intermission. He was so displeased with his performance that he came out early from the halftime break and shot something like 30 three-point shots to try to find a rhythm.

It worked!

Thornton went nine of 15 and scored 25 of his 27 in the second half to help propel the comeback.

Even after the third quarter came to a close, the Kings still found themselves down 82-68.

Yet something was different. Was it just the Westphal firing that put extra energy into a team that was playing its third game in three nights and five in six nights?

I’ll let Cousins explain it to you.

“Everybody said it,” the Kings big man said. “You just felt free out there. You didn’t feel like you had 30-pound bags on your back. You felt good that we were having fun even though we were battling back the whole time. We were having fun working!”

Fun. A little three-letter word that might make all the difference in the world this lockout-shortened season for this team.

The fourth quarter was all Kings.

Despite Brandon Jennings killing it with 31 points and hitting six three-pointers along the way, the Kings pushed the ball hard and laid the smack down on defense. In the end, they outscored the Bucks in the fourth 35-18.

It was either Thornton hitting a jumper, Cousins taking it to the rack hard (and scoring) or Evans driving and getting to the free throw line that made the difference.

Sacramento closed the game on a 22-8 run but wouldn’t take their first lead since late in the first quarter until there was 18 seconds left in the game.

“I just told them to play hard,” Smart said in the post-game press conference. “Just play hard first, and after that your game will kick in. That’s all I said to them. I didn’t go in with a rah-rah speech. I just play hard, and things will start to happen.”

Evans agreed with Cousins in saying that things felt a little different against the Bucks.

“We were just out there playing free,” he said. “He’s a great coach. He’s putting in new things to help guys get looks at the rim and at the basket. We just have to work with him.”

It sounds like the start of a beautiful relationship.

Let’s hope the newly coined hash-tag for Twitter (#SmartBall) catches on in more ways than one! [You should explain this more. What does this have to do with the Kings?]

Kings notes: In the second quarter, Chuck Hayes suffered a dislocated left shoulder in a collision and is expected to be out three to four weeks . . . Despite the slow start and most of his jumpers falling short of the rim, John Salmons scored 13 and had six boards . . . J.J. Hickson had 11 rebounds and seven points . . . Kings went from shooting 31.8 percent shooting in the first half to 48.9 percent in the second half . . . Next game is at home versus the Orlando Magic on Sunday.

Keith Smart named Kings head coach

2012-01-06T01:08:08Z

The Sacramento Kings named Keith Smart head coach Thursday, promoting him from his position of assistant coach after firing Paul Westphal Thursday morning.

“Keith will bring a new perspective to the team as we try to move forward with the season,” Geoff Petrie, chief of basketball operations, said in a press release. “He’s very well prepared and will assume the job with some new ideas and new approaches of his own. We’re all excited and looking forward to working with him.”

Westphal was let go after about two and a half seasons where the Kings’ record was 51 wins and 120 losses. This season began with a win over the Los Angeles Lakers Dec. 26, but the Kings had only won two games going into Thursday’s home game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The 47-year-old Smart served as head coach of the Golden State Warriors last year, and he has either played or coached professional basketball for 22 years, according to the release.

“I had a chance to work for Paul Westphal in the brief time that I’ve been here and really enjoyed it,” Smart said. “He was very supportive every step of the way. I want to thank Geoff Petrie and the Maloof family for giving me this opportunity. I’m looking forward to implementing a few new things with what we want to try to do with our basketball team. Hopefully, they’ll respond to what I want them to do, and I believe they will. I think our players will be excited with some of the ideas that I have for our team moving forward.”

In the release, Westphal said he asked for Smart to be added to the coaching staff last year.

“When I asked Geoff to add Keith Smart to our staff, I knew that he would be a tremendous asset going forward,” Westphal said. “Keith has my respect and blessing as he assumes the position he is exceptionally qualified to fill.”

Kings fire Head Coach Paul Westphal

2012-01-05T20:22:00Z

The Sacramento Kings fired Head Coach Paul Westphal Thursday, citing a record of 51 wins and 120 losses in a little more than two seasons, team officials said in a press release.

“I want to thank Paul for all of his effort on behalf of the Kings,” said Geoff Petrie, chief of basketball operations. “Unfortunately, the overall performance level of the team has not approached what we felt was reasonable to expect. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Westphal will be replaced by Assistant Coach Keith ~~Kevin~~ Smart, but Kings officials did not say whether the appointment is permanent.

“I would like to thank the Maloof family for the incredible opportunity they gave me to participate in the attempt to bring the Sacramento Kings back to prominence,” Westphal said in the release. “While the job is far from finished, I am proud of the strides we were able to make.”

The season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 26 was a resounding victory for the Kings, but lackluster performances followed, and a tiff played out in the media between Westphal and the Kings’ DeMarcus Cousins over an alleged request from Cousins to be traded, to much criticism from fans.

“Geoff Petrie and his staff have been nothing but honest and supportive throughout my time here,” Westphal said in the release. “They are first class in every way, and I wish them nothing but success. My hope is to see the fans of the Kings and the city of Sacramento rewarded with many years of great basketball.

“Finally, I want to thank my loyal staff and players for their efforts in attempting to climb out of the hole we shared. Nothing comes easy in the NBA, and I know they will not rest in their efforts to rebuild this team.”

Editorial Note: A spelling correction was made to this article after it was published.

Mayor: City is at 'critical juncture' on the road to new arena

2011-12-28T01:41:33Z

Mayor Kevin Johnson spoke confidently Tuesday about the possibility of a new entertainment and sports complex becoming a reality for Sacramento – despite the challenges ahead.

“We are at a critical juncture in this process,” Johnson said. “On the court, our team needs to play well. Off the court, I feel good about the progress we’re making on the new entertainment sports complex and the financing.”

Johnson said that – on the public side of the equation – the city is moving forward with its “due diligence” on a plan to lease out the city parking system as part of the financial plan for a new arena.

“On the private side,” Johnson added, “AEG and ICON and all those folks are doing their part, and we are in negotiations now with the NBA and the Maloofs and all the parties involved. We’d like to be in a good position by the March 1 deadline.”

Proponents of a new sports and entertainment complex have until March 1 to solidify a plan to finance the new arena or the Kings owners will have an opportunity to file a request with the NBA to relocate the team.

At the Dec. 13 City Council meeting, Johnson and council members voted to gauge the interest of investors – through a process called “request for qualifications” – in taking over the city’s parking system as a key component of the finance picture for a new arena.

The RFQs were scheduled to be sent Dec. 22, but city consultants suggested holding off until after the new year, creating a delay in the process.

Johnson said that, despite the RFQs being issued later than expected, he has been assured by the city manager’s office that the delay will not affect the city timeline in a significant way.

“I was a little disappointed because I thought we could get (the RFQs) out even with the two weeks (of holidays) so people would know how things are going,” Johnson said Tuesday, “but I’ve been assured that it won’t slow us down at all.”

Once the city receives responses to the RFQs, the city manager and the City Council will have a better idea of how much the city’s parking assets may net. The initial analysis of the plan to lease the parking system showed a range of $170 million to just over $240 million.

Johnson said Tuesday, however, that he believes the gain from the parking assets for the entertainment and sports complex financing plan may be larger than anticipated.

“It’s not deeply rooted in science or empirical data,” Johnson said, “but I do think we can come in higher than we think – and that’s just my gut feeling.”

Johnson said he thinks the city and Kings fans have come a long way from April 13, when it seemed the Kings were about to play their last game in Sacramento.

“I think we are going to get it done, but there’s work to do,” Johnson said. “It’s going to be very challenging, and there are lots of moving parts (in the process), but I think council will step up, the NBA will step up and we will be able to create a win-win-win for all parties.”

The push for a new sports arena has been ramping up since the Sacramento Kings owners, the Maloof family, announced earlier in the year that they might move the team to Anaheim.

The Sacramento Press will take a more in-depth look Wednesday at how Sacramento has faced the possibility of losing the only major professional sports team in the city.

Melissa Corker is a staff reporter for the Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCorker.

Kings beat Warriors in last preseason tilt of the season, 95-91

2011-12-22T01:48:51Z

Twelve thousand plus in attendance for a preseason game told you that Kings head honcho Paul Westphal was right.

“It’s nice to have basketball back in this building, isn’t it?,” Westphal started his post game press conference.

It sure was!

A good crowd for the only home preseason game this season saw the Sacramento Kings tighten up the defense in the final minutes of the game and hold on to beat the Golden State Warriors 95-91 at Power Balance Pavilion on Tuesday evening.

Leading the way for the Kings was Marcus Thornton who had 21 points, seven boards and four assists and J.J. Hickson who scored 19 points and had nine rebounds.

Tyreke Evans scored the first basket of the new season on the home court with a net-ripping three to give the Kings an early 3-2 lead.

Tyler Honeycutt, the UCLA product that was one of the Kings second round picks, was hustling all over the court and making the Warriors take tougher shots in his first start as a King. Honeycutt got the start because John Salmons, the projected starter at small forward, is still nursing a thigh contusion.

Both teams love to run. In the first quarter alone, eight of the Warriors 19 points came off of the break.

David Lee was a thorn in the Kings side as the Warriors big man either finished with a dunk on the break or was hacked and sent to the line where he made four of his first five from the stripe. Lee finished with 30 points and 13 rebounds.

Thornton hit a couple of early long balls and a tough layup with two guys draped on him that helped give the Kings the lead after one quarter, 23-19.

With less than a minute to go in the first half, Warrior stud Stephen Curry rolled his ankle while trying to guard Jimmer Fredette. Fredette put a good move on the Warriors point guard and Curry couldn’t keep up and tweaked the same ankle that gave him trouble a good portion of last season. Curry would not return.

One highlight that Kings fans probably didn’t see coming was the two three-point bombs that newly acquired Travis Outlaw made in the second quarter. Outlaw, who is coming off of hand surgery, had a solid game considering he’s only attended a couple of Kings’ practices.

Another was watching Kings guard Isaiah Thomas sprint to the basket, beat two Warriors to the hoop and score on a sweet reverse lay in as the clock expired in the first half.

The second quarter was more of the same as the Kings would outscore the Warriors again by four points and lead at the half by eight, 49-41.

Sloppy play saw the Kings give away their eight point halftime lead in the third quarter. The Kings had 11 turnovers in the third, led by DeMarcus Cousins’ five giveaways.

Cousins has missed some practice time and it showed.

But when it really mattered, Cousins came through.

The second-year big man had a couple of steals and a crucial block in the last minute of the game that made a huge difference.

Cousins knew it was time to contribute in a different way.

“I’m really just trying to find a rhythm, it’s my first game back,” said Cousins after the game. “A tough game for me offensively, so I tried to do some key things on the defensive end to help the team win.”

Evans was another big reason the Kings held off the pesky Warriors. He had 10 points in the final period and, in general, just took over the game.

“It started with defense,” said Evans. I knew they were going to try and go to Monte (Ellis) a lot, so I took on the challenge and tried to make him take tough shots. I think that’s what we have to do to be a good team. We got to play good defense.”

With 27.1 seconds left, Thornton hit a three that blew the roof off of PBP and sealed the game for the Kings.

J.J. Hickson, who also hit seven of nine free throws, said he’s ready to do whatever the Kings need him to do. Whether it’s play the four or the five position, he can handle it.

“With me, I’m the type of player that is going to do whatever it takes to win,” said Hickson. “I’m not complaining what position I play, as long as we get it done. I don’t care who does what, as long as we get better individually and as a team, then that’s all we can ask for.”

KINGS NOTES: All three rookies scored in their home debut . . . Honeycutt had six, Fredette had 12 to accompany three boards and four assists and Thomas had eight points . . . Cousins had 10 boards and nine turnovers, mostly in that horrible third quarter . . . Francisco Garcia, Donte Greene and Hassan Whiteside all could have played but did not due to coach’s decision . . . The home opener is Monday against bitter rivals the Los Angeles Lakers

Photo Essay: Sacramento Kings' Fan Fest - 15 Nov. 2011

2011-12-18T08:43:15Z

The Kings were welcomed to a packed Power Balance Pavilion on Thursday night following their Media Day. They were divided into two teams who played four games up to twenty points each. The crowd was pleasantly delighted by the performance of their Kings, cheering for rookie Isaiah Thomas and Francisco Garcia. The final count of the games broke even at 2-2, but overall the crowd won knowing that their Kings have returned.

The Court Jester - Media Day musings, Cousins keeps 'em laughing

2011-12-16T04:47:25Z

With the season fast approaching, the Sacramento Kings held their annual Media Day on Thursday, December 15 at Power Balance Pavilion.

Every player had various duties on this busy day - multiple media obligations, shooting stand ups and bits for use in-game and even an open scrimmage, where fans across the valley will get their first chance at seeing this version of the new-look Kings.

With the addition of J.J. Hickson (via trade from Cleveland for Omri Casspi), the signing of free agent Chuck Hayes away from Houston and acquiring John Salmons via draft day trade involving Beno Udrih plus the drafting of three rookies in Jimmer Fredette, Isaiah Thomas and Tyler Honeycutt added to the three new assistant coaches added in the offseason. This could be the most changes that any one team has endured during one year.

Everyone that was anyone showed up at center court on the Kings home floor to get their time in front of someone's microphone.

The Court Jester was there and gathered these thoughts about the upcoming season, the new team chemistry and the how the Kings will play during this season.

Coach Westphal on expectations on the season - “We’re going to be better! I don’t have any hesitation in saying that. I like our team and I think we’re headed in the right direction.”

Coach Westphal on the shortened time allowed for camp and the effect of trying to put in his offensive and defensive sets - “There certainly is a lot to put in in a very short period of time. I think it’s important to us not to proceed as if we’re rushed. We need to put everything out there and be solid without rushing all the details. They way I’ve tried to do that is to put in the big picture first and then tweaked the details that need tweaking. If we had a summer and a pre-training camp time and then a month of training camp, we might start with the details and build outward. Now we’re starting with the big picture and building inward. We’re trying to do that so we don’t feel rushed and if we can stay healthy, I think it will work for us.”

Donte Greene on the emotions of the last game of the year last campaign - “A lot of emotions. I had a lot of fans coming up to me crying and saying they hope we stay. I was always one of the guys that was a front-runner for us staying here in Sacramento. I’ve been here going on four years, my family loves it here, it’s a beautiful city, so really wanted to stay. Now that we’re here, we need to make sure we stay here and make sure we start winning.”

Donte Greene on the black uniforms the team gets to sport for a few games this year - “The black uni’s are nice. I think we should have had them before. I ask for them in my second year in the league. We finally got them and I think it’s a perfect time for them.”

Donte Greene on coming into camp in better shape physically and more mature as a person - “Just being a professional athlete. That’s another part of me growing up. Last summer, we weren’t really on top of things, so summer I made sure I staying down on my weight and and in 20 pounds lighter than I did last year. Just trying to stay focused. I’m hungry and I’m trying to get another contract to stay in Sacramento. So hopefully that happens.”

Bobby Jackson on his new role as an assistant coach - “I look forward to it. It’s a learning process for me and I’m willing to learn for both of the Jims (Eyen and Todd), Keith Smart and Coach Paul. For me, I’m the new guy coming in and these guys have years of experience and that’s what I want to gain. Gain that experience, gain that knowledge and just learn from probably the best coaches in the league.”

Tyreke Evans on who has impressed him so far out of the news guys - “John (Salmons) is pretty good. I like the pickup when we got him. He’s a three man who can score the ball and play good defense. I think he is going be a great help to this team. Jimmer and the rookies have come in and played well. So I’m looking forward to see how they will play in a game.”

Tyreke Evans on the improvements the team has made in team speed and overall shooting - “I think that is going to be one of our main focuses this year is to try and run teams out of the gym. It’s a short season so I think the more we push the ball, the better chance we have to win.”

Francisco Garcia on his early training camp impressions - “We look pretty good in training camp. Everybody is in pretty good shape. We’re growing well together and think we are going to surprise a lot of people this year.”

Francisco Garcia on how good this year’s group of guys are - “This is the most talent we’ve ever had since I’ve been here. We have a lot of talent. We’re learning how to play together and are doing a pretty good job in training camp right now. We’re focussing a lot on defense.”

Jimmer Fredette on getting some early time to impress in the scrimmage and maybe the first preseason game after Tyreke slightly tweaked an ankle - “I’m just going to do whatever the coaches want me to do and I’ll just try and earn my spot with the playing time given by showing them that I can play with this team and do whatever it is that they want me to in order for this team to win.”

Jimmer Fredette on early comparisons to Tim Tebow - “I’ve heard comparisons, but I still haven’t stepped foot on an NBA floor. I did some good things in college and he did some great things in college as well. I think one thing that is a little bit similar is the naysayers saying what type of position we are. That we can’t do what we did in college in the NBA or the NFL. That remains to be seen from me, but he’s been proving that the last seven or eight weeks with what he’s been doing. I’m just trying to out there and play well, play me game and be a great player for this organization.”
J.J. Hickson on leadership - “I think I lead by example. I think I’m going to take it upon myself to be more vocal this year. Being that I played in the playoffs and got to the Eastern Conference finals, I know what it takes to be that type of team, to be a playoff team and to be a championship caliber type team. I’m in practice going hard in every drill, getting my shots up before and after practice and just doing things a leader is supposed to do.”

Marcus Thornton on the happiness he shared with his mom after signing the Kings offer - “Tears of joy, not that boo hoo crap. It’s great to have an organization that wants you for long term.”

Marcus Thornton on making a splash last year - “It was great timing. I just tried to sieze every moment of it. I just tried to go out there and play hard and to the best of my ability.”

Marcus Thornton on what he needs to improve in his game - “It’s going to start with my conditioning. Getting myself ready to play night in and night out. Getting my conditioning to where it needs to be. Playing against these guys in this league, there are no days off. I’m just going to get my conditioning better and things will fall into place after that.”

Chuck Hayes on showing the Kings players what it means to be tough - “It’s my will to win. I’m a competitive person and I try my best to teach these guys just the little things - the importance of them. We all have talent and can all play this game, but late in the game, our concentration and execution is going to help us win games and we have to make winning plays.”

Chuck Hayes on his game resembling Charles Barkley’s game - “Charles Barkley was my favorite basketball player. Every since I was younger, I was always built like him. I used to follow C-Webb a lot because I lived in Oakland when he was with the Warriors. Then when I moved to Modesto, he went to the Kings so it seemed like I followed his career as well. I’ve always been an undersized guy, a very powerful player - it’s just the way I am. I’ve played the big position since I was little and I’m going to finish playing this game by playing the big position.”

DeMarcus Cousins on, well, whatever he wanted to talk about. He opened the media session by cracking on the media guys and jokingly answering the early questions directed his way - “So, you gonna all stare at me or ask me questions?”

Someone asked him what the biggest difference between last year and this year has been - “We got black jerseys, hello?? Next question! You can’t scare no one with purple - running down the court looking all majestic.”

Once Cousins settled in, he was his typical charming self.

Cousins on differences between being a rookie and now - “Feels good. I don’t have to carry that pick bag anymore.” (referring to his pink Hollie Hobbie backpack) “We’ve got a talented group. We’ve got some veteran leadership. There is a lot of positive energy in the locker room and around the city, so it’s gonna be a new look, a new year for us.”

Cousins on how he tweak his ankle in practice the other day - “I stepped on the midget’s foot - Isaiah. He was definitely in the way,” he jokingly said.

Cousins on how he stayed in shape during the offseason - “Why would I tell you all my secrets? I’m in shape, that’s all that matters. We good!”

Every time he opens his mouth, the gathered masses are ready to burst out laughing. The guy is extremely funny and intelligent at the same time and a real treat to get to cover.

The Court Jester - A Smart addition to staff brings lots of experience

2011-12-14T01:36:08Z

Trust me, Keith Smart had options.

It was just the way Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal struck him during Westphal’s visit to his Bay Area home.

“Coach Paul was incredible as far as the process of trying to get me to come here,” said Smart after the first of two practices on Monday afternoon. “I mean, he came to my house and we sat in my living room for three hours talking about basketball philosophy. And he didn’t have to do that. When the decision came for them to come talk to me, I thought I would have had to come up to Sacramento. He said, ‘Hey, I’ll come visit with you.’ He came up and we sat and talked and I thought that was pretty good. This worked out perfect because it’s right down the highway from my home and I can see my family. My kids in high school and everything. Just being here and having a chance to get back into it again relatively quickly. When you get let go as a head coach, sometimes it doesn’t happen that fast, but I’m back in the teaching fold and learning mode again.”

“I’ve been fortunate to be around coaches that allow you to coach and Paul is one of those coaches as well. He takes input and information that you have and what you want to add to the team and he’s open to all that. It’s a good fit and it worked out really well with me coming here.”

The former head coach of the Golden State Warriors had a record last season of 36-46. But a worse than the Kings road record of 9-32 and the fact that the team never really got newly signed big man and solid rebounder David Lee to fit into what they were trying to accomplish in the East Bay led to his dismissal.

If you remember, Smart is probably known best for his 1987 Final Four heroics when he made a game-winning shot to lead Indiana to a National Championship over highly-touted Syracuse.

Smart has already looked back at what he could have done different in Oakland and intends on learning from past mistakes.

“You look at that you could have went with plays for guys at a certain situations of the game. Percentage-wise, if you go back and look at all the data from the year, you look at that maybe this guy could have done a little bit better in that situation than another guy that I had at that position from time to time. Maybe I should have gone to a particular player in a post up area a little bit more to kind of force the defense to adjust to us a little more. Little things like that.”

“But from managing the team and running a team, which I had a great coach that allowed me to to do a lot of work in Don Nelson, who gave me freedom to run the team and run practice. To have that experience already, that was a plus for me.”

Keith Smart has coaching in his blood.

Even before Don Nelson let him share the pine with him on an NBA bench, Smart was cutting his teeth in the CBA. In his first year as a head coach at any level, he led the Fort Wayne Fury to a franchise-record 31-win season and a spot in the playoffs.

The next season, he did it again. Playoff bound!

While in the CBA, he had an incredible 21 players signed away to NBA contracts. That just screams great coaching.

Smart, who is 47 now, then spent seven years alongside Don Nelson with the Warriors - the longest assistant coaching stint in Golden State history.

Smart knows he has a lot to offer the young Kings’ roster.

“I think that a coach really needs to be hands on in this environment,” said Smart. “Especially with the young players these days leaving school so early. They are still used to a coach being hands on. Until you get to a veteran team to where they pretty much know what they need to do. We need to make sure that we are holding these guys hands to help them to understand how to be a pro. And when they get to that point of being a pro, most of the time your team is going to be better.”

He also thinks that it’s great timing for him because of the influx of so many new players to the team. Another reason is that he can set an example going forward without having to revisit the past.

“I come in blind to everything that may have gone on,” said Smart. “I come in with the idea of teaching and going forward, not so much of looking back because I wasn’t here last year. We have some new pieces, some new players come in and everything fells like its brand new. So for me, I’m able to come in and just look at it from a coaching standpoint and say okay guys I need to do this, I want to do this and move from there as opposed to what went on and what happened and focusing on the negatives. I’m looking at what we can probably do this year to help turn things around and Coach Westphal has been great with all that.”

Coach Smart already sees that this team is unselfish and it started with the teachings of Coach Westphal.

“I think what Coach has done is try and get this team to share the ball, said Smart. “With a young team, that’s always hard because everyone is looking for their own identity. So what he’s tried to do is try and get the players to share and get the coaching staff to have a philosophy of getting them to play with each other and become a team. If they grow as a team, they will get better as a unit and start winning games. If they can understand how important the next guy is, that’s only going to help the team in the long run. And that is what this training camp here is all about.”

Coach Smart and the rest of the coaching staff will first get to see the impact they’ve had on this young team on Saturday, when the Kings travel to Oakland to play Golden State in their first of two preseason games.

On Friday, a look at Thursday’s Media Day and more insight to the season from Kings players.

The Court Jester - Better late than never, training camp begins anew

2011-12-13T02:43:47Z

The long-awaited, lockout-shortened Kings’ season is finally underway as training camp has opened in Natomas at Sacramento’s training facility in the Power Balance Pavilion parking lot.

Here are some observations from the second and third day of the two-week training camp.

State of the Kings Address

Each training camp, Geoff Petrie, the Kings’ President of Basketball Operations, addresses the media to discuss the offseason and his early training camp observations. This year was a lot different for Petrie as he and the staff are having to cram over a months worth of moves, discussions and preparation for the upcoming season in a two-week period.

Here are Petrie’s comments regarding various items during his stand up before the gathered media.

On how he likes the current makeup of the team - “I think at the moment, we are happy where we are. The team has been reconfigured from the last season, so a new group with the potential for what we think is improvement. They all came into camp in pretty good shape considering what turned out to be a very lengthy offseason. They seem focused and energetic and everybody’s glad to be back playing basketball.”

On major differences from last year’s campaign - “I think we are going to be a better shooting team. We’re going to be a better passing team. And I think we will be better able to attack teams offensively in more ways than we were last year.”

On how much room does the team still have under the salary cap considering the signing of Marcus Thornton (4 years, $31 million) and Chuck Hayes (4 years, $21.3 million) as well as rookies Jimmer Fredette, Tyler Honeycutt and Isaiah Thomas to contracts - “We’re still about a million dollars and change away from the minimum salary.”

On how happy he was with the general shape the players came into camp in - “Yeah, I am. In general, there are probably a couple of guys that need to lose a little bit of weight, but overall DeMarcus is ten pounds lighter than he was at the beginning of training camp a year ago. Tyreke is in better shape than he was at the start of camp last year. Marcus is within a few pounds of his game weight. John (Salmons) is in terrific shape. Fredette and all the rookies are fine. Again, considering the amount of time, we are pretty good shape that way.”

Geoff Petrie also emphasized that the team has a couple of offers out there and wouldn’t be surprised if they added another piece or two to the puzzle. At this point, it seems a backup point guard and maybe another big man could be in the mix.

He also sees the amnesty dominos to fall slowly considering that many teams are waiting to see who drops who and what other late deals some teams may be able to throw together.

The Curtain Rises

At some point during each practice, the long canvas shade that keeps the media shielded from the team’s on-court activities rises to allow the gathered newsmen and women to gaze upon the balance of Coach Paul Westpahl’s training drills.

So far this season, the curtain has risen early to allow the media a long look at will be this year’s incarnation of the Sacramento Kings.

Once practice is over, Coach Westphal give his thoughts on the days workout. Here are some of those thoughts from the second and third days of training camp.

On a potential three-guard set with Jimmer, Tyreke and Marcus Thornton and how it’s looked in practice - “It really worked well. At one point, they ran off about 12 or 15 points in a row. We were picking up full court - we’ll be doing a lot more of that this year - and creating some turnovers and early shots and they got out and were explosive. So that’s a combination that can be real effective.”

On how the young guys have looks so far - “Probably the best of everybody. I thought Whiteside had his moments, and Jimmer, Isaiah and Tyler all were excellent.”

On what might be missing from last year that you’ll need this year’s team to step up and get done - “I just think we are trying to grow as a team. We’ve added some players with some experience and some versatility and ball-handling ability. We’ll be a better shooting team. Hopefully healthier and we’ll have a little more depth.”

On whether the Kings will be more of a running team the season - “I think our personnel dictates that can extend the defense a little more effectively and I think we’re doing to try and do that.”

On how John Salmons is fitting in so far - “I think he’s doing an outstanding job! He’s a real pro and he knows where he’s supposed to be and why and he’s helping the other guys. He’s been real good at both ends.”

On J.J. Hickson - “I see a real athletic, dynamic player. He’s still feeling his way with where he’s supposed to be and why, but I think he’s somebody who can bring an element of athleticism to the game every time he comes in.”

Words from the Crown Keepers

Here are some comment from various players after a couple of workouts under their belts.

Isaiah Thomas on being a leader in college and now learning from leaders in the pros - “Because (in college) I was always was the one to lead and was telling people what to do, but now they’re telling me what to do. At the same time, when I do tell them what to do, they are listening too so it’s a mutual thing with all of us. I’m just trying to learn on the flow and learn everything from the vets and the guys that have been here a while.”

Isaiah Thomas on what the coaches are looking for from him - “Just to play hard and come in and bring energy and that’s what I’m going to do whether it’s score for myself or make plays for my teammates, I’m gonna do whatever I can to help the team win and get more wins. That’s my job!”

Isaiah Thomas on getting acclimated to the Sacramento area - “I’m trying to get lost just to see if I can find my way back to the hotel and things like that. I’m just trying to get more comfortable on the court and off.”

John Salmons on his expected leadership role with the team - “I’m just being myself man. I’m not the real vocal type. I just try to come in and be a professional and lead by example. I try and come in everyday and work hard and play the right way.”

John Salmons on what has impressed him the most so far in camp - “They way they share the ball. They are all looking to find the open guy, hitting cutters. I’ve been surprised by that the most.”

John Salmons on having a former teammate - Bobby Jackson - as a coach now - “I guess the longer you play, the more ex-teammates you have as coaches (laughs). Bobby’s cool. Bobby was cool when I was here. We always got along well so we’ll get along well with him as a coach.”

J.J. Hickson on putting in extra time after practice working on his shot - “It’s very important. I’m trying to get better every day. I’m trying to get better with the team so I think it starts with the individual first. I’m gonna get my extra work in when I need to.”

J.J. Hickson on being traded from Cleveland - “I was real surprised. I started in Cleveland. They taught me everything I know up to now. I’m gonna try and come here and let my defensive principals from Mike Brown and Byron Scott roll over into this team.”

J.J. Hickson on what his best attributes are - “I think I’m best when I’m running the floor. Setting screens against the offense real quick. The scoring is icing on the cake but I’m going to do what I have to do to make me and my teammates better.”

Tyler Honeycutt on what he’s already picked up on from the veteran players - “The movement on the floor, reading screens, staying in space and running. (Francisco) Garcia’s been talking to me a lot so I’m listening to him.”

Tyler Honeycutt on Garcia’s mentorship - “He’s been kind of looking over me like a big brother telling me where to go and making sure I’m on the right spots on the floor.”

Tyler Honeycutt on the speed of the game - “It’s like going from high school to college, now it’s college to the big boys. Everybody’s taller, faster, stronger, smarter and more athletic so I’m just trying to get used to that. Getting in the weight room to get stronger.”

Jason Thompson on the new crop of talent and the future of the Kings - “It’s starting to be good. It’s good that everyone is here and healthy. We’re just getting the reps in and putting in the offense, getting used to our defensive principals and get some continuity.”

Jason Thompson on helping the young guys - “Everyone started mature. We’re easing into things with Jimmer and Tyler and Isaiah and just giving them tips and helping them out as we’re learning as well.”

Chuck Hayes on settling in - “There is a lot of energy in the building with the youth and the excitement. I’m learning. I feel like a rookie. I’m learning guys style of play. Learning where they like to shoot the ball, their strength, their weaknesses and trying to get some kind of chemistry with them on the court.”

Chuck Hayes on if he’s, at 6’6”, always played in the middle - “I’ve always been the center from elementary to junior high a little bit in high school and a little bit in college. So playing the position was never foreign to me. I’ve always been the big kid. If you asked to me play point guard, I’d look terrible, but playing center to me is something I’ve been doing my whole life.”

Chuck Hayes on his defensive mindset going against bigger guys night after night - “Every game is a marathon. It’s a 48-minute game. The point is I just try to outwork and outlast my opponent, my guy individually. I try and wear him down and make him uncomfortable. There will be some moments where he’ll get the best of me, but you got to expect that because everybody is a professional. But throughout the 48-minute game, I have to be able to outlast him when it matters.”

Jimmer Fredette on the rush to get ready - “It’s been really exciting to start my first training camp and to start with the team. Everything is pretty accelerated because our first exhibition game is coming up real soon, but we’re doing a great job of trying to stay focused, get the plays down and get our defensive scheme down and all the terminology. It’s a learning process right now, but it’s going well.”

Jimmer Fredette on what about his game will help this team and it’s cohesiveness - “The biggest thing is just to go out there and play my game. If you show them respect, they’ll show respect back to you. Get them the ball when they’re open and take your open shots and hopefully you make them. That’s how you gain respect by going out there and playing as hard as you can, making the right decisions and being a good teammate.”

Tomorrow in The Court Jester, a conversation with the former head honcho of the Golden State Warriors and new Kings' assistant Keith Smart.

Heatwave loses in close match

2011-12-12T22:30:55Z

The Sacramento Heatwave lost in a close game against division rivals the San Francisco Rumble Sunday evening at Natomas High School with a final score of 105-100.

Despite the loss, and even though the game started two hours later than scheduled due to lack of a referee, the Heatwave put together one of their best games of the season, said Head Coach and team owner Reggie Davis.

The Heatwave went into the game hoping to shut down Rumble point guard Derek Foster, and in that, the team was successful, Davis said. Foster scored just six points in Sunday’s game.

“Foster is a prolific scorer and can put 30 points on the board,” Davis said before the game. “My goal is to not let him be too effective tonight.”

The Rumble took an early lead, and a series of fouls against them sent shooters to the free throw line often. The Heatwave had difficulty passing the ball, and the Rumble took advantage – the first quarter ended with the Heatwave down by 10 points.

In the second quarter, Heatwave guard Jason Washington scored 15 points and he helped to guide his team into the lead for the first time with just two minutes left in the half. The Heatwave scored 38 points in the quarter, while the Rumble added only 20 to its score. The two teams went into halftime with the Heatwave leading 53 to 45.

After the half, the Heatwave players returned to the court, but seemed to have lost their groove, tacking on only 21 points to the Rumble’s 33 points in the third quarter. The team faltered at the free throw line, missing four of six attempts, including two missed shots by power forward Michael Selling.

Sports fan Gary Weinberg, at his very first Heatwave game, said he already noticed a pattern with the team- they would come out strong, but then look lost on the court.

Down by four points at the start of the final quarter, the Heatwave came back strong, but three minutes in, the Rumble led by 10. The Heatwave recovered and were within two points of taking the lead with just over a minute left on the clock.

In the final seconds of the game, Heatwave shooters missed two crucial shots and turned the ball over to the Rumble, which ultimately took the win.

Going into the game, the Heatwave looked to avenge a playoff loss to the Rumble in 2010, said Davis, who called the match last year a “hotly contested game.”

“They played the best they’ve been playing,” Davis said. “I’m very happy with the way they performed this evening.”

The Heatwave heads out on an extended road trip and will play its next home game at 5 p.m. on Dec. 18 ~~7 p.m. on Jan. 27~~ at Natomas High School, located at 3301 Fong Ranch Road.

Editor's Note: The Sacramento Press editorial staff has edited this article to reflect a correction in the date of the next home game.

NBA lockout ends and hundreds return to work

2011-11-30T00:03:59Z

Mayor Kevin Johnson announced Tuesday that with the NBA lockout over – and the Sacramento Kings resuming their season – more than 700 workers at the Power Balance Pavilion will be able to return to their jobs.

“We are excited. With the lockout ended you will see people returning to work,” Johnson said.

Since the lockout began, Power Balance Pavilion employees have lost a significant amount of work, and businesses that rely on the traffic that NBA games bring in have suffered financially.

With the four-plus month lockout and all pre-season games cancelled and a shortened season ahead, employees have missed out on a substantial amount of work.

On Del Paso Boulevard, businesses have reported 20-30 percent losses in revenue due to the NBA lockout, Johnson said. “We need people to be working and we know money needs to be spent,” he added.

The range of employees feeling the impact of the NBA lockout is widespread.

The Hyatt Regency Sacramento, for example, is losing what Johnson speculated to be $50,000 a month due to NBA teams not visiting Sacramento for games and staying at the hotel.

The Kings will start their shortened 66-game season in late December.

Millions of dollars would have been lost if the lockout continued, Johnson said.

“We will be able to say ‘go Kings,’again,” he added.

Plans for the new arena in Sacramento continue to develop as the NBA season kicks off. Johnson said he hopes to get up to speed on all the components of the new entertainment and sports complex this week.

March 1, 2012 marks the date when Sacramento must have its plans finalized for the new arena. If not, the Maloof family, owner of the Sacramento Kings, has permission by the NBA to take the Kings elsewhere.

Dec. 13 is an important deadline in the planning process. According to the City of Sacramento website, the Sacramento Entertainment and Sports Complex must have finalized its “research, evaluations, negotiations on the finance (and) development and operation” plans by the Dec. 13 City Council meeting.

“We are excited the lockout is over and the city will do its best to step up and make a new sports entertainment center,” Johnson said.

Heatwave takes the win

2011-11-21T20:15:12Z

The Sacramento Heatwave took its first win of the season against the Modesto Hawks on Sunday night at Natomas High School with a final score of 132 to 93. Despite the opponent’s strong shooters, the Heatwave players delivered excellent defense, which helped them control the game and take the win.

“Overall it was a great game and our best effort in this season so far,” said Reggie Davis, CEO, owner and head coach of the Heatwave. “The team is really starting to get looser, and the defense effort they put out tonight really made a difference.”

The first quarter started off with a close match. The Hawks scored the first shot of the game and seemed to be carrying the momentum.

Within minutes, power forward Michael Selling of the Heatwave scored the first eight points for the team. Selling scored 24 points for the Heatwave by the end of the game, more than any other player on the team.

With two minutes and 30 seconds to go in the first quarter, the pace of the game picked up. The intensity increased with a close game, with the Heatwave trailing 20-19.

In the last minutes of the first quarter, shooting guard Brian Parker forced a turnover and sank two free throws, putting Heatwave in the lead by one point.

In the second quarter, the Heatwave increased its defense with forcing the other team out of bounds and running out the shot clock. The game really revved up, ending at halftime with the Heatwave leading the Hawks 55-40, giving the Heatwave the confidence to keep up the momentum in the second half of the game.

Only scoring 16 points in the second quarter, compared to 24 in the first, the Hawks were losing the energy they had at the start of the game.

“We played really good defense, and that was the difference between tonight and the last two games of the season,” said Brandon Smith, assistant coach of the Heatwave. “To get the Hawks knocked off put us in a good place in our division.”

In the third quarter, guard Greg Doyle scored two three pointers in a row, and the Heatwave controlled the game. The Hawks lost the strong play that they had in the first quarter.

At the start of the fourth quarter, the Heatwave was in the lead, 88-66. The Heatwave led by double digits with nine minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Shooting guard Kendrick Grace tried to get the Hawks back into the game by scoring a three pointer after two consecutive three pointers by the Heatwave. Grace scored 33 points overall, the most of all players on his team and the Heatwave players. However, it wasn’t enough to change the course of the game.

The crowd went wild when Parker of the Heatwave dunked with a minute and 17 seconds left on the clock.

Grace made a jump shot in the remaining seconds of the fourth quarter, ending the game with a solid effort, but the Heatwave took the win with nearly a 40-point lead.

“We were confident that we were going to get the win. We had a lot of big shots tonight and really got it together,” said guard Don Moorman of the Heatwave.

The next home game for the Heatwave is Dec. 10 at Natomas High School when the team goes up against the Richmond Rockets. For more information about the Heatwave, visit the website here.

Elk Grove Force wins Jumpstart 21 Hoops and Alley Oops tournament

2011-11-15T06:49:05Z

The Elk Grove Force beat the Sacramento Donkey Fong, 33-23 in the final match, making Elk Grove the first champion of the annual Jumpstart 21 Hoops and Alley Oops Regional Celebrity Basketball Tournament.

There were more than 250 attendants watching the game Monday afternoon at the Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation basketball arena in Elk Grove.

In the final match, Former Monarch Danielle Viglione of the Sacramento Donkey Fong injured her left ankle as she went for a rebound early in the game. In the last six minutes of the game, another Sacramento Donkey Fong player was injured: Rolland Foley III, 20, a Sacramento City College student, injured his knee.

"I'm sad for my teammates," Sacramento City Councilman Rob Fong of the Sacramento Donkey Fong said, referring to his teammates' injuries. "It's kind of hard to enjoy it after that."

He said that the event was for a great cause – Jumpstart 21 – and the game needs to be revisited so that injuries can be avoided in next years' tournament.

Jumpstart 21 is a workforce development and internship placement program for foster youth created by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce.

"The championship game, man, what a game. It was back and forth (and), unfortunately, the other team had a few injuries, we hung in there, and brought the championship for Elk Grove," Professional Water Skier Brian Detrick, 22, said.

In the first round of the tournament, the Elk Grove Force beat the Rocklin Rim Rattlers, 35-12; the West Sacramento Brick Layers won against the Folsom 49ers, 14-12; the Sacramento Donkey Fong secured the victory against the Roseville Annexers, 37-20; and the Citrus Heights Crush beat the Rancho Cordova Magic Makers, 25-20.

In the semi-finals, the Sacramento Donkey Fong beat the Citrus Heights Crush 29-22, and the Elk Grove Force beat the West Sacramento Brick Layers, 35-13.

"Everybody came together for the spirit of helping the emancipated foster youth so we were very excited." CEO and President Patricia Fong Kushida of the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce said. The event went well, she said, except for the couple of injuries during the final game.

Vice Mayor of Elk Grove Jim Cooper said that the biggest winners in the game are the youth in the Jumpstart 21 program. He was captain of the Elk Grove Force team.

Donté Greene - Goon Squad Classic and Charity Poker Tournament

2011-11-14T07:57:41Z

I'm very excited that Donté Greene is bringing basketball back to Sacramento. After our community fought so hard to keep the Kings, it will be great to see the players back in town playing the game we love so much! I've already purchased my tickets and am looking forward to the Goon Squad Classic on 12/20. If you haven't gotten yours yet, you can get them at Tickets.com.

While Donté is in town, he'll also be hosting a charity poker tournament which will benefit the American Diabetes Association. More details for the event can be found here and below: www.sacpokertournament.com.

When: Friday, November 18, 2011

Where: Roseville Health and Wellness Center
1650 Lead Hill Blvd., Roseville, CA 95661

Admission: $100
VIP seat at Donte Greene's table: $250

Check In: 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM
Tournament Begins: 6:00 PM

Prizes include signed memorabilia by Donté Greene and Tyreke Evans - including the uniform worn by Tyreke at the USO Hoops for Troops game where he shot the winning basket at the buzzer.

Between both of these events, we'll finally have some fun activities related to basketball this weekend!

Disclosure: Melissa Warren is a board member for the American Diabetes Association.

Eight cities of the Sacramento region to compete in a celebrity basketball tournament

2011-11-08T05:43:29Z

The National Basketball Association might still be in a lockout, but the Sacramento region is set to have a celebrity basketball tournament Nov 14. where eight teams representing Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Elk Grove, Roseville, West Sacramento, Rocklin, Citrus Heights and Sacramento are participating for a fundraising event.

The Jumpstart 21 Hoops and Alley Oops Regional Celebrity Basketball Tournament is a three-on-three half-court basketball tournament fundraising event held by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce (SACC).

The proceeds will benefit Jumpstart 21, a workforce development and internship placement program by the SACC for young adults recently out of the foster care system, said SACC Director of Events and Foundation Matthew Sumida.

The teams will be captained by an elected official from each of the cities and coached by a graduate of the program. Sumida said that the 12-week training program provides the young adults with basic employment skills, and once training is completed, the graduates are provided internship placement within the Sacramento region.

"This program will help raise funds for those internships," Sumida said,"and it's a great way for the former foster kids to get involved and to interact with high-level community leaders."

The captains for each of the teams are required to recruit their own players, Sumida said, where two have to be female, and one has to be a media person. During the game, a female player is required to be on the court at all times. Also, a member of the team should be a representative of the team’s official sponsor. It is not necessary for the teammates to be residents of the city their team represents, except for the team captain.

He said that some of the players have former professional basketball experience, including Danielle Viglione, a former Sacramento Monarch, who is playing for the city of Sacramento team.

Marcos Breton of The Sacramento Bee will be the master of ceremonies.

Sumida said that it would have been ideal to have Mayor Kevin Johnson included in the event, but he was not available.

The tournament will also have its own version of the Royal Court Dancers – the Jumpstart 21 Dancers – who will be trained by the Sacramento Kings Royal Court Dancers. The dancers are event sponsors and public officials, said Six Degreez President Sharon Gerber, the official event planner of the tournament.

There will be a five-minute warmup time before each of the games. Two fifteen-minute half-court matches will play simultaneously, and the teams will have one 30 second time-out.

"We are planning to have this as an annual event, and each year the trophy will be passed on to the next winner. " Sumida said. "It's a fun event that we came up with to help raise money and also to find out who the best basketball team in the region is."

Hear an explanation of how the tournament will work below:

The event runs from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Registration starts at 3:00 p.m.
The event will be held at the Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation, 9040 High Tech Court in Elk Grove Tickets can be purchased here.

What the team captains have to say:

Citrus Heights Crush

Coach: Nicole Miller
Captain: Mayor Jeannie Bruins
Members:
Mel Turner
Paul Robins
Joel Archer
Nicole Garing
Diane Ebbitt

"I am looking forward to (a) faceoff with West Sacramento – a challenge I put out to Oscar Villegas," Citrus Heights Mayor Jeannie Bruins said. "We're going to crush them because we are the Citrus Heights Crush."

She said that her team has practiced once, and the players are ready. Unfortunately, Bruins said, she will not be playing and will stay on the sidelines. She said that she will be the No. 1 cheerleader for the team.

"It is just fabulous what they do," Bruins said of the Jumpstart 21 program.

Rancho Cordova Magic Makers

Coach: Angela Montes
Captain: Councilwoman Linda Budge
Members:
Nathan Dietrich
Bob Shallit
Sam Miller
Adam Lingren
Rebecca Sloan

"We have four dedicated basketball fans in our team, and we have been watching the Sacramento Kings for a long time, and hopefully it rubbed off," said Rancho Cordova City Councilwoman Linda Budge.

Budge said that in order for them to win in this competition, they will have to play like a team. She said that she will make sure that her teammates make some assists.

The team has not had the chance to practice together, but she said the players have practiced separately, with some of them practicing basketball with their kids.

"We are doing this because we are basketball fans, but most of all because it is for a good cause," Budge said."We will be playing for them."

Sacramento Donkey Fong

Coach: Roland Foley III
Captain: City Councilman Rob Fong
Members:
City Councilman Jay Schenirer
State Assemblyman Roger Dickinson
Bethany Crouch
Tim Mech
Sam Luong
Danielle Viglione

"We don't care who we meet in the finals, we just know we are going to win," Sacramento City Councilman Rob Fong said.

He said that they enjoy being the favorite team to win, even though the other teams might not like it. He has not talked with Mayor Kevin Johnson to get some basketball tips, but Fong said he will definitely do so.

"Most of us are rooted to the earth and won't be doing any jumping at all," said Fong, who also said that this should not be a problem. The team practiced Sunday.

"It is for a great cause, and we are willing to take great physical risk to support it," Fong said. "I'm just hoping that when all is said and done, none of us will be heading to the emergency room.”

West Sacramento Brick Layers

Coach: Reyan Reyes
Captain: City Councilman Oscar E. Villegas
Members:
Chris Ledesma
Kristin Marshall
Bob Johnston
Jeff Dorso
Kalyca Seabrook
Bernadette Austin-Bower

"We don't care who we face off," West Sacramento City Councilman Oscar Villegas said. "Bring it!"

Villegas said that a friendly game is always good for the soul. His team has practiced, and he said that it is going well.

"I would bet somebody else's paycheck that we would win," he added. "I can dunk if they lower the hoop to 7 feet,"

Folsom 49ers

Coach: April Redricks
Captain: Mayor Andy Morin
Members:
Matt Dawson
Teo Torres
Ben Porter
Lani Stowers
Shannon O'Neill

"I would like to go against Rancho Cordova in the final match, because they are our friendly neighbors, and if we can beat them, we can have some serious bragging rights," said Folsom Mayor Andy Morin.

"I want to be as competitive as possible, but I am also looking forward to meeting with old friends in a friendly, competitive setting," he added.

Morin said that his team is set to meet up this week for practice, and he hopes that his team will be in good condition for the tournament.

Rocklin Rim Rattlers

Coach: Leslie Lee Jr.
Captain: City Councilman Scott Yuill
Members:
Greg Daley
Tina Macuha
Brian Jenson
Dave Butler
Paul Ackerman

"I am looking forward most to helping supporting the Jumpstart 21 program and having fun doing it with the regional flair," said Rocklin City Councilman Scott Yuill.

He said jokingly that his team has practiced extensively through email and is well-prepared for the tournament.

"I am a much better golfer than a basketball player, and I am a horrible golfer," Yuill said."I'd like to go head-on with Rob Fong because he usually beats me in golf.”

"In Rocklin, we are very humble and polite, and I think it will be out of character to point out our sheer athletic superiority," he added.

Elk Grove Force

Coach: Naomi Mendez
Captain: Mayor Steve Detrick
Members:
Jim Cooper
Drisha Leggitt
Dan Elliott
Keri Thomas
Alex Van Dyke
Brian Detrick

"My team, of course," Elk Grove Mayor Steve Detrick said when asked who will win. "We are the team to look out for."

He said that he is a recreational basketball player, but his team has not had the chance to practice yet.

"I put my best into everything I do, and hopefully our team can come up on top," he added.

"I think it's great that we are taking the cities of Sacramento and participating in such (an) event for a common goal," Detrick said. “The Sacramento region has no boundaries when it comes to fulfilling such goals."

Roseville Annexers

Coach: Olajuwon Curtis
Captain: City Councilman Tim Herman
Members:
Gayle Garbolino-Mojica
Kelly Brothers
Steve Fleming
Daniel Hahn
Steffi Jones

"We did not snag any former Monarch or King, but we will try to be competitive and have a lot of fun," City Councilman Tim Herman said.

Herman said that his team has already practiced once and will be practicing once more before the game. His players are happy and proud to represent Roseville and Placer County, he added.

"Most of us are under-the-basket kind of players. Unless they lower the hoop, I do not think we will be doing any dunks," Herman said.

"It's for a great cause, and to raise awareness and money for the Jumpstart 21 is a victory for all of us," Herman said.

No NBA no problem: Heatwave basketball revs up to start season

2011-10-19T01:59:34Z

While the National Basketball Association is on lockout and preseason and regular season games are canceled, the Heatwave, the Sacramento professional American Basketball Association team, revs up for a full season.

The season will open on Nov. 12 with an exciting double-header against the Richmond Rockets, which defeated the Heatwave in the first round of playoffs last season, and the Bay Area Matrix, last year’s Pacific North Division champions.

“With the NBA lockout, we have a good opportunity to put on some great basketball for the city. We can entertain the people of Sacramento and get them excited about basketball again. No NBA, no problem,” said assistant coach Brandon Smith. “I am looking forward to giving people a reason to believe in basketball again.”

The Heatwave is hosting open tryouts at 10 a.m. on Sunday at Sierra College, 5000 Rocklin Rd., and plans to have its roster put together by the end of October.

The Heatwave has gone to division playoffs for the past two years and is known to have “the noisiest crowds around,” said Reggie Davis, CEO, owner and head coach of the Heatwave. “We are excited about finding new talent and to deliver affordable professional basketball to Sacramento.”

Last year the Heatwave had “a great group of shooters,” Davis said. “This year, we are looking for a balance of defensive and offensive players.”

“We are going to be searching for all kinds of guys this year. We will be looking for maturity, good work ethic, natural leadership, great shooting and some good young legs,” Davis said.

The coaches are looking at players from both Sacramento community colleges as well as players from African and European basketball teams.

“We will put the best professional product on the floor in the region,” Smith said. “Fans can expect high scoring and excitement at every game. People will be on their feet, and it is a family-friendly environment.”

The ABA, founded in 1967, is known for its signature red, white and blue basketball and is the origin of many rules that have been adapted by the NBA, such as the three-point shot.

The ABA also has other unique rules, including the “3D Rule.” This is a rule that rewards a team for having good defense. If a team scores a layup after stealing a ball in the back court, it receives an extra point for stealing the ball before making the shot.

“No lead is ever safe with the 3D Rule,” Davis said. “Even if you are down 20 points, the game can change in the last minutes. Fans stick around until the last seconds of ABA games because a 3-point shot on a stolen ball is 4-points right there.”

The NBA and the ABA serve different markets, Davis said.

“The ticket prices and cost of the overall experience are vastly different,” he added. “You pay $10 for an ABA game and can meet the players and have great seats or pay three times as much to sit in the nosebleeds at an NBA game.”

The Sacramento Kings games start at $13.50 per ticket and go up to $200 while Heatwave tickets start at $5 and go up to $25.

The ABA is less commercialized and more community-oriented. The team hopes to get involved in the community this season and give back any way that they can, said Davis.

“The skill levels and ages of the players are very similar between the ABA and NBA,” he said. “There are many players and teams from the ABA who have gone on to play for the NBA.”

The San Antonio Spurs, New York Nets, Denver Nuggets and the Indiana Pacers are just a few of the teams that were once ABA teams before becoming a part of the NBA.

NBA players are welcome to come play with Heatwave during the lockout. The coaches hope to have a few join the team for the duration of the lockout, Davis said.

Freshii caters for home games at Natomas High School and will provide healthy food options for customers, including various salads and wraps. Classic game food such as burgers, fries and sodas are also available.

The Heatwave is hosting a meet, greet, and eat event at Laughs Unlimited,1207 Front St., at 1 p.m. on Nov. 6. The community is invited to enjoy free food and drinks as well as meet the dancers and players of the Heatwave before the season starts.

Heatwave tickets can be purchased at the door or online. Home games are held at Natomas High School, 3301 Fong Ranch Road. For more information about the Heatwave and to purchase tickets, visit the website here.

NBA cancels 43 preseason games, postpones training camps

2011-09-23T20:19:47Z

The NBA announced Friday that it would be postponing player training camps "indefinitely" and canceling 43 preseason games for the 2011-12 basketball season in a press release.

The text of the press release is below:

The NBA announced today that player training camps for the 2011-12 season have been postponed indefinitely because a new collective bargaining agreement has not been reached with the National Basketball Players Association. Training camps were scheduled to open on October 3.

In addition, the league canceled all preseason games scheduled from October 9 through October 15.

“We have regretfully reached the point on the calendar where we are not able to open training camps on time and need to cancel the first week of preseason games,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver. “We will make further decisions as warranted.”

A spokesperson for The Sacramento Kings said Friday he could not comment on the announcement.

Local Sports Illustrated columnist talks sports writing

2011-07-14T06:27:45Z

From Little League to Major League Baseball or punches to knockouts in boxing, it’s important to keep fans and readers up to date on sport results and highlights.

Sam Amick, Sports Illustrated columnist for SI.com, shared his personal experiences Tuesday, giving multiple anecdotes to explain lessons learned, experiences gained and answered audience member questions about the craft.

The single most important skill that Amick stressed was preparation and research. He compared sports writing to a chef saying that one prepares by having the correct ingredients for a recipe.

He encouraged the audience to try to gain as much information about the sports topic, the team, athletes and statistics.

A diverse crowd of 25 interested in sports or involved in sports writing for local papers, a magazine and blogs attended Tuesday’s Sacramento Press Sports Writing workshop.

The workshop attracted Brandon Fleshman, production coordinator for the All Weather Window company in Vacaville. His public relations degree from Sacramento State University prompted him to learn more about sports writing in hopes to launch a sports-related career in marketing, journalism or public relations, Fleshman said.

“I’ve never had a class in sports writing, so I don’t really know the first thing,” Fleshman said. “I have an idea from reading a lot of sports articles. (I’m) looking forward to learning the basics and also a little extra.”

Personal Trainer at Arden Hills Resort Club and Spa Robert Linkul said he was excited to see the workshop offered locally.

“I write for Personal Fitness Professional Magazine, and (take) every opportunity I get to try to get a little bit better at it,” Linkul said.

Linkul said that there are a million things to write about when it comes to the fitness field, so he is “hoping to find some creativity, some distinction between topics, and I want to create more depth on each topic.”

Also in attendance was Bengy Egel, 17, a correspondent for The Davis Enterprise.

“I hope to understand what I am doing a little better, and understand where the future of sports journalism is headed, and see what I need to do to adjust my focus,” Egel said.

Aside from research and preparation, Amick advised attendees to quickly find a personal strength in the sports writing field.

“Finding your strength, I think, is incredibly important,” Amick said. “Don’t be afraid to shift gears if it is not working out for you. Just be fearless and try again.”

Feature writing, Amick said, allows him to be creative and produce original content from a deeper level, versus a game recap that just tells the audience the highlights.

To do this, he explained that it is important to read many different sports articles and look for style and voice.

Describing his former Kings beat for The Sacramento Bee, Amick added that going to practices and sparking conversations with the players about what is going on with the team can yield new story angles that will engage the reader through descriptions about a player’s injuries, familial circumstances, personal struggles, or team tensions.

Other story-digging tools Amick gave the audience members to help them produce original content included phoning teams’ public relations directors, talking to the coaches or getting lunch with a player.

He advised the crowd to follow athletes on Twitter for breaking news, story ideas and background content for research.

“The danger of modern media (is that) everything is immediate,” Amick said about the innovation of Twitter.

He explained that it has become difficult for reporters to break sport news because Twitter is widely used and reports action as it breaks on the courts, the field, in the ring or any other sport-related setting. For this reason, Amick encouraged using different media platforms, such as having a blog and a professional Twitter account.

A piece of advice on an editing note: Amick said to write the story, then read it out loud, but as a reader, not as a writer, and to ask oneself whether the story is boring or compelling.

He discouraged using cliches in sports writing.

Common sports cliches include: "It's a real pressure cooker. It's a nip-and tuck-game, or It's a whole new ballgame," according to sportscliche.com.

Amick said his former sports editor would often remind him to include a human interest aspect in his writing to attract as many eyeballs as possible by saying, “The 80-year-old grandmother up in Loomis, I want her to read and like your story.”

Confident interviewing skills, Amick said, are key to producing compelling content by asking the athletes and coaches questions others won’t ask, stepping outside the box and “probing them in interviews.”

Amick’s last words of advice to the group included writing as much as possible, getting feedback for the writing and asking questions of people who know the field well.

Arena committee kicks off community rallying effort

2011-07-08T01:18:21Z

Think BIG Sacramento launched an effort Thursday to recruit 1,000 people from Merced to Redding to rally support for a new arena.

The arena campaign committee also announced plans to hold a public design contest for a space adjacent to the new facility as part of that effort.

The committee is asking regional residents and community leaders to help spread information and gather supporters for the drive to build a new sports and entertainment complex, state Senate staffer Greg Hayes, a member of the arena committee, said in a Thursday morning press conference outside the MARRS Building at 1050 20th St.

Later this month, the committee will announce full details of a contest that could enable the winner to design something for an open, public space adjacent to the new arena.

Those who volunteer to rally support will be dubbed "citizen architects" for their role in helping to construct a new arena to replace Power Balance Pavilion, Hayes added.

"It is their support and momentum that has been built that will make this new sports and entertainment complex a reality," he said. "Ultimately, this sports and entertainment complex is, in effect, the civic center for this region – a gathering place for events, meetings and conventions."

During the press conference, Sports 1140 KHTK host "Carmichael Dave" Weiglein, also an arena committee member, applauded the mayor, his staff and the committee for listening to Kings fans' "grassroots efforts" to support an arena and allowing input from the community.

"These promises are being fulfilled, and the trust that is so difficult sometimes to have between citizens and city leaders that was given out in the last few months – that trust is absolutely being backed up by the actions and also the listening to the counsel of the grassroots efforts," Weiglein said.

The committee created by Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson wants to attract a diverse group from throughout the six-county region to be part of the citizens' initiative. The deadline to apply online is 5 p.m. July 18. People began signing up on the Think BIG Sacramento website before the announcement, said Hayes, communications director for state Sen. Kevin de León.

Kings fans and others have approached Weiglein to ask how they can support a new facility for National Basketball Association games, concerts, ice skating shows and other events. The citizens' group will be a "fantastic conduit" for people to get involved in a project that will make the area a better place to live, Weiglein said.

"It's something that just expands on the quality of life in this lovely city, (and) it's very difficult to put a dollar amount on," he said.

The NBA and the Maloofs, who own a majority share of the Kings, have given the region until March 1 to undertake a serious effort to build a new arena.

Hayes said residents' most important contribution would be to take part in a design competition, which the committee believes has never been used at another sports or entertainment facility in the country.

Details haven't been fully worked out. However, the contest will be open to everyone, including residents, architects and artists, when it’s officially announced near the end of July.

The committee will ask participants to design some type of feature in an open space set aside next to the arena. Residents will then vote on three design ideas.

Just what that component will be – public art or something else – will be up to participants, Hayes said.

"This truly must be reflective of what the people in this region decide, because this movement was really born out of the grassroots, and as Dave said, it got the leaders' attention," he said.

Report: Arena could bring $7 billion

2011-07-01T00:43:32Z

A new downtown arena could draw 3.1 million visitors to the central city each year and bring the region more than $7 billion over 30 years, according to a report released Thursday by an arena campaign committee.

The 37-page report on an arena’s expected impact to the region was released to reporters at a press conference at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel.

"In downtown Sacramento, there's a considerable economic boost, just by the fact that there really isn't a facility like that," said Cathleen Dominico, author of "The Economic Engine Report: An Economic Analysis on the Regional Impact of an Entertainment and Sports Complex," during the press conference.

"If you can create a downtown core that is a destination, it boosts not only the downtown itself but trickles out to the outlying regions," she added.

Dominico, managing partner at Capitol Public Finance Group, was joined at the press conference by arena committee Chairman Chris Lehane, who also chaired the mayor's arena task force; committee members who included City Councilman Rob Fong, City Councilwoman Angelique Ashby, state assemblymen Roger Dickinson and Richard Pan, Downtown Sacramento Partnership Executive Director Michael Ault; and past DSP Chairman Kipp Blewett of Rubicon Partners.

The press conference was held after a report summary was first presented to members of Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson's arena campaign committee in a closed-door meeting at the hotel. The meeting was announced two weeks ago as one of seven public meetings set this summer for the committee.

The number of visitors was estimated with an average 17,300 people attending 45 Sacramento Kings events and an average 15,000 people at more than 155 other events annually.

Visitors would be expected to spend an average of $20 each, before and after events, on food, drinks, travel and other retail. About 10 percent of them could spend another $102 to stay overnight.

Total spending outside the sports facility, before and after games and other events, was estimated at $93.6 million annually, according to the economic impact report called for by Johnson.

However, after subtracting spending by existing residents and annual spending at the Kings' current arena, net annual spending in the six-county Sacramento region is expected to total only about $24.6 million, according to Dominico and the report.

The arena's operating costs would be covered by revenue generated inside the arena, according to the report, which did not look at arena revenue.

ICON Venue Group President Tim Romani and Sacramento developer David Taylor estimate an arena facility would cost $241 million, with a total project cost of $387 million.

The cost of arena construction will be financed by a combination of public and private investment, which is expected to include Sacramento Kings annual tenant fees.

The ICON-Taylor group is developing an arena financing plan with input from Johnson's 70-member regional arena campaign committe e. The group was introduced a month ago as the Here We Build coalition. The committee's name was changed this week to Think BIG Sacramento.

The ICON-Taylor group was given a late-May deadline to present an arena financing plan to the Sacramento City Council. But that didn’t happen after the Kings’ owners didn’t provide revenue information in time.

The arena campaign committee was then given until Sept. 8 to provide the council with a plan.

The Maloof family, which owns a majority share of the Kings, agreed on May 2 not to move the team if the region would undertake a serious effort to replace Power Balance Pavilion, which was constructed in outlying Natomas in 1988. The National Basketball Association and the Maloofs gave the region until March 1, 2012, to do so.

The drive to build a new arena also creates an opportunity to redevelop the existing arena, Ault said.

"We feel very strongly that this is not about a downtown versus Natomas issue," Ault said. "This is about an opportunity to activate and engage the central city. It's an opportunity to make sure that we're doing everything we can to develop something that is a replacement in Natomas that keeps them whole.

"This is something I think the region will look back on as we finally are having the right discussions and the right opportunity to really engage in a facility that's going to make a difference in this region," he said.

Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @SuzanneHurt.

May I have your attention please Sacramento - The Jimmer has landed

2011-06-25T06:27:49Z

As he made his way down the escalator in the inside Terminal One at Sacramento International Airport Friday afternoon, his eye-catching smile was happily stretched across his face upon seeing the masses awaiting his arrival into the Capitol City.

That’s right Kings fans, along with the other two draft picks selected this week, the Jimmer has landed!

A couple of hundred of the Kings faithful patiently waited for the slightly delayed flight and they weren’t disappointed when 2011 draft picks Jimmer Fredette, Tyler Honeycutt and Isaiah Thomas made their way through the crowd - high-fiving fans and shaking hands all along the way.

The Kings had to do some wheeling and dealing to land Fredette. A draft day trade that sent Beno Udrih and the seventh pick in the draft to Milwaukee for former King John Salmons and the tenth pick. Moving down allowed the Kings to land the Fredette with the tenth pick where they may have felt they could pick him without looking like they were reaching.

Even though Jimmer had some off-the-chart numbers in his senior season at BYU - 28.9 points per game, 3.4 boards, 4.3 assists and shot almost 40% from beyond the arc - Fredette was slotted to go somewhere between the eleventh and sixteenth pick in the first round. But after Kings executives saw his impressive workout, they moved him up their draft board and happily took him with the tenth overall pick.

Many Kings fans made their way to the airport to greet the college star and Fredette was very happy to see the large welcoming committee.

“I’m really excited to be here,” started Jimmer. “To be a Sacramento King and to see the reception is really exciting for all of us here.”

Moments later he would say what everyone in KingsLand wanted to hear.

“I’m excited to be a King!”, exclaimed Jimmer.

The moment wasn’t lost on Jimmer’s girlfriend as she was seen looking back at the police behind her in awe of the crowd as she and Fredette made their way down the moving staircase.

Fredette, the consensus Player of the Year in college basketball last season, brings a smooth shot, amazing range and a nifty little crossover move to a team that will be looking to run and gun this campaign.

Also arriving were 2nd round picks Tyler Honeycutt (UCLA) and Isaiah Thomas (Washington). With the three new additions, the Kings become more athletic and will have more guys that can create their own shot. This team could become impossible to guard defensively.

The Kings brass were somewhat shocked when they realized the UCLA product was still around come the 35th overall pick.

Honeycutt talked about leaving school early considering he was projected to be a first round pick if he had stayed for his junior year.

“I felt like I had a solid year and I thought it was the right time for me,” said Honeycutt. “I felt parts of my game were ready to go to that next level.”

From what the scouts are saying, Honeycutt has a great basketball IQ, is an excellent passer and can block a lot of shots for his size.

With the last pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Kings selected Isaiah Thomas. He’s only 5’10” but can jump out of the building. With a 39.5-inch vertical leap, it’s easy to see why the Kings thought he has a shot at making the roster.

Thomas, who averaged 16.8 points and 6.1 assists a contest, really improved his passing skills between his sophomore and junior years.

In his second year in the Northwest, he only averaged 3.2 assists, but by the end of his third season with the Huskies, he increased that average substantially.

Thomas was very happy he was able to stay on the West Coast. He was also a little shocked to see how much Kings fans love their basketball.

“I’m very excited,” started Thomas. “I think everything worked out perfectly. I get to stay home in California. As you can see, we got great fans. I don’t know how many other teams this (airport gathering) is happening to!”

Thomas didn’t stop there when declaring how happy he was to be picked by Sacramento.

“It’s a blessing! It’s a great organization. You can already tell the fans are second to none. This is just unbelieveble!”

For those of you that missed the airport arrival, you can catch the three new draftees at the Rookie Rally at the Arden Fair Mall in front of Nordstrom at 2:30 on this Saturday.

Arena coalition members named

2011-06-14T01:35:04Z

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson released the names of his regional arena coalition Monday, amid hopes the Here We Build campaign will be able to figure out financing options.

But the absence of a representative of Natomas, where Power Balance Pavilion sits, raised protests from the Natomas Chamber of Commerce.

Johnson announced the members of a bipartisan, 15-member executive committee Monday morning. The remaining 45 members of the community coalition were expected to be announced Monday evening, according to the mayor’s office.

No one from the Natomas Chamber of Commerce, which has led a campaign to keep the arena there, had been asked to be part of the coalition as of 5:30 p.m. No Natomas representatives are expected to be in the coalition, Johnson spokesman Joaquin McPeek said.

Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna was named to the executive committee. He lives in Natomas and represents the area in his supervisor role. But he hasn’t represented Natomas economic interests in the arena process, Natomas Chamber President Ed Koop said.

"He's never been the voice of anything we've been trying to do here, as far as the economic impact,” Koop said. "In my opinion, that's not a good representation of what we've got going on here."

Frustrated chamber members are refusing to provide a letter of support for the arena effort after Johnson recently asked for one. To be asked for support is "absurd," because building a new arena downtown will "cannibalize" Natomas, said Koop, adding chamber members feel their community has been ignored throughout the arena process.

"Natomas seems to be constantly put in the back seat. We're not asked to participate in any of these things going forward," he said.

Chamber officials want the city to set up a task force to focus on reuse of the Natomas site. But no one from the mayor's office has reached out to talk about the site's future, Koop said.

"I don't believe anyone's seriously looking at what's going to happen to Natomas if this arena leaves," he said.

Johnson asked for letters of support at a regional chamber coalition meeting at Sacramento Metro Chamber headquarters on June 3 – a few days after officially announcing the coalition's formation. Representatives of all six counties were there, Koop said.

The mayor and the mayor's office followed up last week with emails asking to get the letters, which were to be addressed to the city, by June 17.

The Here We Build executive committee will be chaired by state Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, a Democrat from Sacramento, and State Sen. Ted Gaines, a Republican from Roseville.

Other members of the committee include state Assemblyman Roger Dickinson, West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon and Sacramento City Councilman Rob Fong.

Also on the committee is San Francisco investor Darius Anderson. He told Johnson at the National Basketball Association team owners' meeting in April he and billionaire Pittsburgh Penguins co-owner Ron Burkle wanted to buy the Sacramento Kings or bring another team here if the Kings left.

The full coalition will consist of stakeholders from around the region: elected officials, labor leaders, corporate and small business owners, grassroots organization leaders, developers and religious leaders.

Johnson said in a press conference Monday that the coalition was put together to equitably represent the metropolitan area.

“We knew if we had 22 cities and six counties, we knew we had to have about 30 electeds and maybe 30 non-electeds,” he said. “So, when it came down to the executive committee, we knew we wanted 12 to 15 members – half elected, half non-elected.”

The mayor's office cast "a wider net" to involve a broad base of the community, McPeek said.

"We want to make sure we have a nice cross section, across the board," he said.

The mayor's office is setting up the arena coalition's first public meeting for Thursday. The time and location are still being determined.

The group will be meeting to explore arena funding options and determine the "critical pathway" to financing a new arena, McPeek said.

McPeek could not say what work the ICON-Taylor group is doing to come up with arena funding options, which were due at their presentation to the City Council in late May. It's not clear how the arena experts will work with regional Here We Build coalition members to answer the funding question.

The Roseville Chamber of Commerce has sent in a letter of support commending the mayor for reaching beyond his borders to promote a regional discussion on a new arena, Roseville Chamber Chief Executive Officer Wendy Gerig said.

"It's not just about the Kings and basketball. It's about economic development and the jobs that will not only go to businesses in Sacramento, but to El Dorado, Placer, Yolo, Yuba and Sutter counties," she said. "Our region is deserving of such a facility."

A link to the other coalition member names will be added in the comment section below.

Sacramento Press staff reporter Kathleen Haley contributed to this report. Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @SuzanneHurt.

Metro Chamber to support RoundRock 3-on-3 street basketball tourney

2011-05-17T21:43:09Z

The Sacramento Metro Chamber is pleased to join The Downtown Sacramento Partnership and The Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau as supporters of RoundRock 3on3 for the first annual three-on-three basketball tournament to be played June 11-12 on the city streets of downtown and Old Sacramento.

RoundRock 3on3 will feature players and teams from throughout Northern California, playing on up to 40 blocks throughout Old Sacramento, Downtown and Midtown. The designated streets, including Capitol Mall, will be sectioned off and organized into a series of half-courts, where the various divisions will play their games. The city of Sacramento has approved the street closures.

“This is a basketball tournament for players of all skill levels, from third grade to 100 years old,” said John Wardlaw, CEO of RoundRock 3on3. “It doesn’t matter if you play every day, or if you haven’t played in 30 years. We really want this to be an event the whole family can come enjoy as we highlight not only basketball, but also the great museums, restaurants, parks and places to see in downtown and Old Sacramento. There will be plenty to do for kids of all ages, kind of like a ‘state fair’ for basketball. We hope to bring the whole community together for fun, friendly competition, and to give back to those who need it most.”

RoundRock 3on3 has identified Shriners Hospital for Children and March of Dimes as primary beneficiaries of this event, with additional charities to be named. During the weekend of the event, Capitol Mall will be named “Charity Drive” and will feature other charities and groups hosting basketball-related contests to raise funds for their organizations. In addition to benefiting local charities, RoundRock’s mission is to identify several areas of continuing need such as park rehabilitation, constructing and building basketball courts for youth activities, and assisting sports organizations that promote health and activity among the area’s youth.

“We have seen recently with the public and business outpouring of support for the Sacramento Kings that our region really enjoys the game of basketball, so the RoundRock 3on3 tourney is a perfect match for fans in the region,” said Metro Chamber President & CEO Matthew Mahood. “We challenge the local business community to get involved on any level from signing up your business as a team or joining the Metro Chamber as a sponsor of the event. This is a chance for everyone in the region to get out with their friends and families to participate and help support our local charities.”

KCRA 3, KQCA My58, Salem Communications and Entercom Communications are the premier media sponsors for this event. The Sacramento Metro Chamber joins California Family Fitness, SureWest Communications, Safe Credit Union and Quick Quack Carwash as tournament level sponsors. For more information, visit www.roundrock3on3.com.

Hal Silliman is communications director for the Sacramento Metr Chamber.

Sacramento mayor stands in for Kings at NBA draft lottery

2011-05-17T00:58:35Z

The first time Kevin Johnson was involved in the National Basketball Association draft, he was passed over by the Sacramento Kings. Now mayor of Sacramento, Johnson will represent the Kings at the NBA draft lottery Tuesday.

The lottery will be televised on ESPN during a pregame show just before Tuesday night's playoff game in Dallas, when the Oklahoma City Thunder takes on the Dallas Mavericks in game one of the Western Conference finals. The draft lottery portion of the show, which determines the order for the NBA draft June 23, could begin as early as 5:10 p.m. Pacific time.

In 1987, Johnson was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers, who got the seventh pick in the draft. The Sacramento Kings had the sixth pick and could have chosen him. Instead, they drafted Kenny Smith, now a commentator on TNT’s “Inside the NBA.”

Last week, the Maloof family, co-owners of the Kings, asked Johnson to stand in for the team after the former NBA All-Star-turned-politician led a full-court press to stop the team from moving to Anaheim. Johnson was honored to be asked to stand in for Sacramento when the league announces the draft pick order at the NBA Entertainment studio in Secaucus, N.J.

"He feels it's an exciting opportunity to not just represent the Kings, but to represent the city of Sacramento and the entire region," mayoral spokesman Joaquin McPeek said.

Johnson left for the East Coast over the weekend and could not be reached for comment.

He was asked to take part out of respect for him and the office of mayor, Kings co-owner Joe Maloof said Monday via spokesman Alex Sigua.

“We hope that he can bring some luck to New Jersey and get us that first pick, so we’re depending on him to get it done,” Maloof said.

The 14 teams that didn't make it into this season's playoffs participate in the NBA draft lottery.

The Kings tied with the New Jersey Nets for the fifth-worst record in the 2010/2011 season. The Kings won a coin toss and now have the fifth-best standing for getting one of the top three picks, team spokesman Troy Hanson said shortly before flying to New Jersey for the event.

The actual lottery will be held in a back room, with one person from each team sitting in to watch the process. John Kehriotis, a limited partner in the Kings, will represent the team in those proceedings.

During the televised portion, NBA Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver will then unveil the draft order in reverse from 14 to one. Johnson will take a ceremonial role and sit in the Kings' position during that part of the process.

Teams are usually represented by the team president or general manager. However, a player or former player, team owners, executives and coaches have also held the honor. But team owners can choose others to represent the teams as well.The Kings recently had a season ticket holder represent them at the draft lottery.

A draft lottery event for season ticket holders will be held at the Crest Theatre, 1013 K St., Tuesday. Joe Maloof, guard Marcus Thornton, Head Coach Paul Westphal and Player Personnel Director Jerry Reynolds are expected to take part. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

For luck in the draft lottery, the Catholic Maloof said he’s doing a nine-prayer Novena.

“A good friend of mine in Memphis, Tenn., calls me every day and we do a prayer each day for nine days,” Maloof said. “My mother taught me about the prayers many, many years ago. I’ve used them ever since and every once in a while, those Novena prayers come through.”

The team’s dismal standing this year will also help.

"All the teams have chances based on the win-loss record. The more losses you have, the better odds you will have a better pick," NBA spokesman Jon Hammond said.

Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @SuzanneHurt.

Kings rally planned during ticket drive

2011-05-10T01:06:19Z

The Sacramento Kings' owners hope to build team fever this week with a ticket sales drive and a rally Tuesday.

Kings co-owner Gavin Maloof is expected to join Head Coach Paul Westphal and stars such as Bobby Jackson, Doug Christie and Scot Pollard at a Kings rally at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Cesar Chavez Plaza, Ninth and I streets. Fireworks and a concert by Sacramento rock band Tesla are also planned for the rally, which is co-sponsored by local radio station Sports 1140 KHTK.

Maloof Sports and Entertainment also has hired 30 new sales employees to help with ticket sales after the Maloofs announced May 2 the team would stay in Sacramento for at least another year.

Most of the new employees started work Monday at Power Balance Pavilion. More people needed to be hired to handle a deluge of season ticket renewals and sales to the general public that began last week. Hundreds of season ticket holders have called to renew, Maloof Sports and Entertainment Public Relations Manager Alex Sigua said.

"It's been heartwarming and overwhelming and incredible," he said. "We've definitely eclipsed our pace at this time last year."

Season ticket buyers had until 8 p.m. Monday to purchase season tickets and choose their exact seats at the same time. To do so, fans must make deposits of 17 or 34 percent and agree to a six-month or three-month payment plan, respectively.

Two choice seats near the visiting team’s bench, in Section 112 Row J, would cost $8,624. Under the six-month plan, the fan must make a $1,466 deposit by Monday night. Those fans will be invited to an event in June where they’ll have a chance to check out their seats and switch if needed.

At the Tuesday rally, Maloof Sports and Entertainment officials are expected to announce a second season ticket program allowing fans to make $300 deposits per seat and get on a waiting list to choose their seats at an open house at a later date in mid-June. Fans will be able to choose their seats in an order based on when they made deposits.

Exact numbers of renewals and season ticket holders in the 2010/2011 season were not available.

The sales staff were hired part-time to work with ticket buyers online and by phone. About 300 people applied for the jobs. Interviews were held late last week.

The Maloofs are still taking applications for full-time ticket services positions, Sigua said.

The company did not provide information about pay levels and whether employees are being hired on a temporary or permanent basis.

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson met Friday with Gavin Maloof at the arena. They primarily discussed the need to stabilize the team, whose owners had been considering moving the Kings to Anaheim until last week.

The team's revenue statements from the last four years apparently have not yet been turned over to the city of Sacramento and the ICON-Taylor team, which is conducting an arena feasibility study. The study is expected to be completed by May 26.

The study's financial analyses have so far been based on figures from comparable teams in the National Basketball Association.

Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @SuzanneHurt.

Kings decision coming down to wire

2011-04-30T00:52:29Z

With just three days to go before the Kings' deadline to file for relocation, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson said Friday he's not sure who has the ball – but Sacramento officials hope a regionally coordinated effort to build an arena will make enough of a difference that the National Basketball Association and the Kings' owners keep the team here another year.

Billionaire Henry Samueli, whose company manages Anaheim's Honda Center, upped the ante Wednesday when he offered to personally invest more than $70 million for improvements at the Honda Center and provide a personal loan of at least $75 million to the Maloofs.

Samueli, who owns the Anaheim Ducks hockey team, also revealed $30 million - $40 million in corporate commitments for the Kings and a six-year TV contract worth $144 million from several networks, an Anaheim Arena Management spokesman confirmed.

Since then, billionaire Pittsburgh Penguins co-owner Ron Burkle hasn't come forward with any additional financial incentives to keep the team in Sacramento. Johnson said he thinks the Maloofs haven't "engaged" with Burkle to discuss his desire to buy the Kings, but he doesn't know if the Kings' majority owners might be interested in talking with Burkle if the team stays in Sacramento.

Friday afternoon, Johnson described himself and other officials as "hopeful" and "cautiously optimistic" the team will remain here. The Kings' owners, the Maloofs, are facing more of a fight in their effort to relocate the team than expected, he added in a press conference after a meeting with regional elected officials.

"I think it's pretty clear that they're in a situation where it's not as easy to go to Anaheim as maybe they thought it would be before, and that Sacramento has put forth an attractive alternative or counter-proposal," Johnson said after the meeting at Sacramento Area Council of Governments headquarters. "Money can't buy you the love that I think our community has shown this franchise over the last 26 years."

The Maloofs have a deadline of 2 p.m. Monday to file a request to move the team, Kings spokesman Troy Hanson said.

Samueli and other Anaheim Arena Management officials haven't talked with the NBA since Wednesday, when a conference call was held with the Maloofs.

The NBA's Relocation Committee, chaired by Oklahoma City Thunder owner Clay Bennett, has gathered information about both Sacramento and Anaheim as markets for the Kings. Some of that information was collected by Bennett and others on a fact-finding mission that began here last week.

The committee will report its finding to the NBA Board of Governors only if the Maloofs file a relocation request. The board then has 120 days to vote on relocation, sources said.

NBA officials would not discuss the relocation request process.

About 30 people – the majority of them elected officials – gathered at SACOG Friday morning to get an update from Sacramento's mayor on Kings developments. Attendees included Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna; mayors from Folsom, Elk Grove and Yuba City; Sacramento City Councilmen Steve Cohn, Rob Fong and Jay Schenirer; Downtown Sacramento Partnership Executive Director Michael Ault; and representatives from state and U.S. elected officials.

Sacramento Developer David Taylor also attended the meeting. He told the elected officials Friday that his company and ICON Venue Group have "all the pieces in place" to finish an analysis of how to build and finance a new arena, but they need another month to complete it.

If the Kings stay, regular regional meetings will be held to focus on replacing Power Balance Pavilion with a bigger arena.

Taylor discussed the need to build an arena that fits the Sacramento region’s market. That may mean a 650,000-square-foot arena. That would replace Power Balance Pavilion, which seats up to 17,317 people in 442,000 square feet. Originally called Arco Arena, the facility opened in 1988 at a cost of $40 million.

Johnson said he believes a collaboration by the region's six counties and 22 cities give Sacramento an advantage in a new effort to build an arena.

"It's the regional leadership and coordination of us working together (that) will be one of the things that is going to help us get the ball across the finish line as it comes to a new sports and entertainment complex," he said.

Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Folllow her on Twitter @SuzanneHurt.

Seeing purple in Sacramento Thursday: Photo essay

2011-04-22T00:38:03Z

Sacramentans have heart and they aren't afraid to show it. Thanks to all of the people who sent us their Here We Purple photos today. Below you'll find photos of purple shoes, dogs wearing purple, coworkers wearing purple and even a purple zebra. If you have more photos to share, send them to journalism@sacramentopress.com and we'll add them in here.

To read more about the current efforts by city leaders and businesses to keep the Kings in Sacramento, click here.

The Sacramento Press turns purple for #HereWePurple

2011-04-21T05:57:52Z

Thursday, April 21, The Sacramento Press site will be Sacramento Kings purple instead of its normal green color.

We are changing our site's colors to support the #HereWePurple effort. For more information on the NBA visit to Sacramento and the pledges to keep the Kings in Sacramento, read Sacramento Press staff reporter Suzanne Hurt's article here.

We encourage you to take photos of the purple you see Thursday or share photos from Kings games or events you've been to in the past. We will put together a splash page for Friday with some of the submissions.

If you have any questions about how to post, email support@sacramentopress.com.

Dust off your purple clothes, and be on the lookout for businesses supporting Here We Purple by offering specials to purple patrons and being creative with the color purple.

Tell us about what you see in Sacramento Thursday in the comment section below.

Here We Purple!

NBA's Sac meetings will be closed

2011-04-19T21:00:14Z

The public will have to wait for information on this week’s meetings in Sacramento involving two NBA officials as the meetings will be closed to media, Mayor Kevin Johnson said at a Tuesday morning press conference.

The two NBA executives who will visit Sacramento on Thursday and Friday are Clay Bennett, relocation committee chair for the NBA Board of Governors, and NBA Executive Counsel Harvey Benjamin, said Tim Frank, an NBA spokesman.

The closed meetings relating to the Kings’ future were requested by the NBA, Johnson said.

“They felt that they didn’t want a lot of fanfare,” Johnson said.

However, Johnson said he would meet with the local media to communicate information about the meetings after the NBA executives leave town.

“As soon as they leave, we’ll get right back in the room and tell (the media) all that (the NBA) is comfortable sharing,” Johnson said. “Certainly, I want our community, first and foremost, to know exactly where we stand.”

Johnson said that he wants to show the visiting NBA officials three things – that the team has corporate support, the Sacramento market is viable, and the city has a “clear path” for a new sports complex.

“They’re going to look at Sacramento and we get a chance to put our best foot forward,” Johnson said.

The NBA officials will also be introduced to regional Sacramento leaders, he said.

Johnson declined to name the businesspeople who pledged $7 million to the Kings in corporate sponsorships and suite revenues last week. He said he would identify them “at the appropriate time,” and that they will meet with the NBA executives before making any public announcements.

“I think we have an obligation to introduce the corporate sponsors to the NBA delegation that’s out here first,” Johnson said.

Staff reporter Suzanne Hurt contributed to this report. Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

NBA takes more time to study Kings move

2011-04-15T23:53:49Z

Sacramento Kings fans will have to keep holding their breath over a possible team move after a National Basketball Association official on Friday said the league needs time to learn more about the unfolding deal in Anaheim and the viability of keeping the team in the capital.

The NBA Board of Governors agreed to extend the deadline for the Maloofs’ request to move until May 2.

On Thursday, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and San Francisco investor Darius Anderson told NBA team owners that billionaire Pittsburgh Penguins co-owner Ron Burkle is leading a plan to buy the Kings or help bring another pro basketball team here if the Kings leave.

Johnson also said he and business leaders have raised commitments for at least $7 million in corporate sponsorships and suite revenues in the last week to create "significant immediate additional revenues" for the Kings, according to the mayor's office.

NBA team owners want to know more about the money available to help the Kings "better compete" and improve economic performance next year in Sacramento if the team stays, NBA Commissioner David Stern said at a press conference in New York Friday.

"Mayor Johnson came in and said ... there will be lots of additional dollars available that would improve the Kings’ performance, the Kings’ economic performance, in Sacramento, if they stay, and that the community had recently been mobilized, and was in a position to (help keep) them there for the coming season," Stern said. "The other things were to find out what the mayor was referring to with respect to additional revenue opportunities that would allow the team to better compete next year and be economically feasible."

While Burkle has a "good reputation," Stern said the sale of the Kings or drawing another team to Sacramento wasn't high on the league's list of priorities.

The key to keeping the NBA in Sacramento is a new arena. Power Balance Pavilion is so inadequate the National Collegiate Athletic Association won't bring its basketball tournament back there, he said.

"The issue first and foremost in Sacramento is whether there's the will and the ability to build a new arena for an NBA team and the other events...." Stern said. "The mayor's vision is for a downtown arena as part of a major redevelopment of 230 acres. You know, we don't know if that's real or a pie in the sky. We don't know whether we can find that out in a couple of weeks, but we are going to knock ourselves out to do it."

A team led by Colorado arena builder ICON Venue Group President Tim Romani and Sacramento developer David Taylor are expected to complete an arena feasibility study in early May.

Stern indicated Johnson's "business-like approach" and thorough presentation about Sacramento's strengths as an NBA market and the current effort to build a new arena were instrumental in getting the league to ask for more time to study the two locations.

Members of the NBA Board of Governors Relocation and Finance Advisory committees are expected to meet with Johnson and Sacramento business leaders to get more concrete information.

Several efforts to keep the Kings or the NBA in Sacramento and to fund a new arena are under way, with new developments still taking place, Sacramento Metro Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Matthew Mahood said Friday.

“The Sacramento region’s business community has demonstrated substantial interest in stepping up to ensure we remain viable as an NBA market, with or without the Sacramento Kings," Mahood said in a prepared statement. "Over the course of the next few weeks, we look forward to further defining the business community’s support and commitments."

The idea to extend the relocation request deadline a second time came from NBA Board of Governors Chairman Glen Taylor, who owns the Minnesota Timberwolves; Oklahoma City Thunder owner Clay Bennett, who chairs the board's Relocation Committee; and the Maloofs.

In a teleconference late Friday afternoon, Johnson said the extension signals the game isn't over in Sacramento yet.

"I'm encouraged by the delay. I'm also encouraged by the fact that the NBA is going to send a team out to investigate the potential of Sacramento," he said. "I'm not declaring victory by any means."

Members of the two committees also want more time to look into the proposed deal between the Kings and Anaheim, especially after the terms of the deal were revised over the last few days. They need more information about loans and investments, television revenue and construction plans that could help increase expected revenue at Anaheim's Honda Center. They also would need to determine the Kings' relocation fee, Stern said.

Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait issued a statement Friday afternoon saying his community is "primed and ready" to welcome a basketball team.

“We understand that the relocation committee is balancing a variety of issues as they make this decision and have decided to take a little more time," he said. "We remain hopeful and optimistic that the NBA will have a franchise playing at Anaheim’s Honda Center in the near future."

The Kings have enough time to move even after the relocation request deadline was extended. The committees’ members are likely to believe Southern California can support three NBA teams, Stern said during the press conference.

"The committee thought that it would be a good idea to do a little bit more fact-finding and determine how this will ultimately play out," Stern said. "There's no agenda here – just to make sure that something as important to all parties as the transfer of a team to another city and the attempts of that city to keep that team was fully understood, fully briefed."

The NBA has declined requests for more information about the relocation vote process.

Neither Anderson nor Burkle could be reached Friday to comment further on plans to buy the Kings or another basketball team. The Maloofs and billionaire Henry Samueli, who owns Anaheim Arena Management, which operates Anaheim's Honda Center, would not comment Friday.

Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @SuzanneHurt.

This Could be the Last Kings Huddle

2011-04-14T18:42:17Z

The Kings huddled with excitement before game 41. Check out my raw footage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgir1JNcFDw

Best of the West

2011-04-14T18:05:23Z

The Sacramento Kings Dance Team won NBA Best of the West due to social media. Check out my interview with Jennifer & Katie!

Check out my video -

Kobe Gay Slur Fallout

2011-04-14T17:42:54Z

NBA Commissioner David Stern issued the following statement, "Kobe Bryant's comment during the Spurs game was offensive and inexcusable. While I'm fully aware that basketball is an emotional game, such a distasteful term should never be tolerated. Accordingly, I have fined Kobe $100,000. Kobe and everyone associated with the NBA know that insensitive or derogatory comments are not acceptable and have no place in our game or society."

I attended the Lakers / Kings game and asked fans if they thought $100,00 fine is enough.

Check out my video -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNsUPnU3kjU

Order of appearance:
Phil Jackson - Lakers Coach
Carmichael Dave - Radio Sports Personality
Desire Engle
Christian Barry, Adam McIntyre, Derrick Matheson
Tyrel English
Stacey Petit, Kenneth Williams
George Styles
Doug Johnston
Jason Comstock
Michael Streeval
Mike Provost
Armondo Vialobos

Do you think $100,000 fine is enough?

Will the Sacramento Kings move to Anaheim?

2011-04-14T17:31:34Z

I attended the last game 41 Lakers/Kings and asked fans - Do you think the Kings are moving to Anaheim?

Check out my video -

http://youtu.be/wWJWqiO3Kgs

Order of appearance:
Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson
Phil Jackson - Lakers Coach
Carmichael Dave - Radio Sports Personality
Julie Neamann
Mike Provost
Christian Barry, Adam McIntyre, Derrick Matheson
Tyrel English
Stacey Petit, Kenneth Williams
George Styles
Doug Johnston
Michael Streeval
Armondo Vialobos

The National Basketball Association (NBA) Board of Governors is the management body that oversees the operations of the National Basketball Association. They meet today in NYC and the Sacramento Mayor, Kevin Johnson is there pleading his case to keep the Kings in Sacramento.

Go Time: Sacramento vs. Anaheim at NBA meeting

2011-04-14T00:37:34Z

In the world of professional basketball, Northern California is set to take on Southern California in two heated matchups over the next 24 hours. Only one of the competitions will take place on a basketball court.

Representatives from Sacramento and Anaheim are expected to appear before the National Basketball Association Board of Governors Thursday to discuss a Kings move to Anaheim and the future of basketball in Sacramento – just hours after the Sacramento Kings are set to go up against the Los Angeles Lakers at Power Balance Pavilion Wednesday night.

At the same time, different groups are working on efforts to keep the Kings in Sacramento or form an ownership group for a new team if the Kings leave. The Kings must file a request to move by April 18.

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson planned to attend the Kings' last game of the regular 2010/2011 season, mayoral spokesman Joaquin McPeek said.

That could also be their last home game in Sacramento if the team moves to Anaheim before next season.

After the game, Johnson will fly to New York for a pivotal meeting involving the fate of the Kings. Johnson and Tim Romani, president of Colorado arena builder ICON Venue Group, are scheduled to address the board Thursday, McPeek said.

The mayor will stress the city's commitment to the Kings and construction of a new arena, as well as a move to find financial backers to bring a new team here if needed. Romani will update other NBA team owners on the effort to build a new arena, according to McPeek and the mayor's blog.

"The message will be brief, simple and honest: Sacramento has been a terrific NBA city," Johnson wrote in his blog Tuesday night. "We deserve a chance to maintain our place among other elite cities, if not with the Kings, then with another franchise."

The Maloofs, who own a majority share of the Kings, will also address the board. But whether they will formally request to move the team remained unclear Wednesday. The Maloofs won't comment on their plans, said Troy Hanson, vice president of media relations for the Kings.

"They're making a presentation to the board of governors tomorrow," Hanson said. "That doesn't (necessarily) mean that they file for relocation."

Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait and City Manager Tom Wood will focus on Anaheim in their comments to the board. They will likely tell the NBA the city is ready for a pro basketball team, and its Honda Center was built for two professional teams, said Ruth Ruiz, spokeswoman for the Anaheim city manager's office.

Billionaire Henry Samueli, president of Anaheim Arena Management, and other company representatives are also expected to attend.

A group called the Committee to Save the Kings has collected more than half of the roughly 10,000 signatures needed from Anaheim residents to possibly block $75 million in bonds to help the Kings move to Anaheim.

The Anaheim City Council agreed to issue the bonds on March 29. But a successful signature collection drive could force the issue to be decided by voters in June 2012 – which might block the Kings' relocation.

Tuesday night, former Kings player Chris Webber announced on TNT's postgame show he's involved in a separate effort to keep the Kings in Sacramento.

Others involved in that effort include Greg Van Dusen, who helped bring the Kings to Sacramento and later served as the team's executive vice president; Arco Arena architect Rann Haight; Tom Peterson, the Kings' former food and beverage vice president later put in charge of strategy and quality control for Maloof Sports and Entertainment; banker John Cassidy of Yuba City; and investment specialist Roger Stewart of Coeur D'Alene, Idaho.

Stewart represents an investment group that's attempting to acquire the $77 million bond debt the Maloofs owe the city, in exchange for control or ownership of Power Balance Pavilion and surrounding land. However, the details of such an acquisition would still need to be worked out with the city, the county and the Maloofs, Van Dusen said Wednesday.

The arena and land is currently owned by Sacramento taxpayers.

Webber surprised the group Tuesday night after he discussed the ongoing effort on national TV. Webber has told them he's willing to help lead a move to keep the Kings, Van Dusen said.

"He has the kind of charisma" needed to garner support, Van Dusen said. "The most spectacular years of his tremendous career were here in Sacramento. He has great passion for our community. He's willing to put his money where his heart is – which is a blessing for us."

Stewart is still reaching out to more potential investors. The Kings have indicated they're not interested in playing in a renovated arena. But the group believes one option could be to renovate the old Arco Arena, at least until a new arena can be built, Van Dusen said.

"If they have the chance to pull this off, it has the opportunity to buy us some time and be a real game-changer," he said.

Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @SuzanneHurt.

Kings Conspiracy - Part 2

2011-04-13T20:22:30Z

I wish someone could tell me why it came to this. Out of all the
places to move to, it ends up being where our arch rival dwells. To
leave a fan base that has given unconditional support for a team that
hasn't been great for much of the time since they've graced us with
their presence says a lot.

Speaking of “saying a lot,” many diehard Kings fans have begged and
pleaded for the Maloofs to reconsider their stance with the franchise.
I remember writing about them making an idiotic move like this in my
last piece, but I never thought it would happen so soon. Ever since
writing the first part of this article (which can be read here), I
have committed myself to following the business side of the team very
closely. With that said, it's only fit that I speculate on a few
things that could happen in the near future.

Let’s take a trip back down memory lane, when the Maloofs were
negotiating a naming rights deal with an anonymous organization that
ended up being Power Balance. Upon further research, it came to my
attention that they were based out of sunny Anaheim, California. Now,
I'm no rocket scientist, but it doesn't take two heads to realize that
the Maloofs might have been plotting this move all along.

Furthermore, the Maloofs hold their annual skateboarding competition
in the O.C., and this could be the very reason why they pondered
moving our only professional team down to SoCal. Having all your
sporting events take place in one area saves a lot of air miles, but
will the Maloofs really make more money in Anaheim?

I'd venture to say that they could. Anaheim has a bigger population
and the Honda Center has a lot more to offer than ARCO Arena... Oh,
excuse me, “Power Balance Pavilion.” But- when reality sets in, I
don't think they'll survive in the city of angels because of three
glaring reasons.

First off, you have two other professional basketball teams up the way
and they suck up most of the fan base that the Maloofs are looking to
convert. Secondly, there are other attractions in Southern California
besides sports, such as the beaches, nightlife and Donald Sterling.
Last, but not least, how much losing can those fans put up with since
the team is still in rebuilding mode and won't win a championship
anytime soon?

With all the other choices of entertainment in SoCal, what would make
the Maloofs think that Anaheim fans would choose to come see them
night in and night out?

David Stern has already proven that he shows no remorse for teams
moving from markets that have built solid fan bases. Seattle should've
never lost the Sonics, but they did because of weak government
officials. It's a little bit different in Sacramento because we're a
small market and the entire state of California isn't exactly in the
best financial shape right now.

The Maloofs need to recognize that there are other factors beyond the
team not playing well, that keep fans from filling the building. The
real estate market is in shambles at this current juncture and
employment is hard to come by in a city that doesn't have much
business to begin with. Schools are being shut down left and right
while homeless people have to sleep in tents through dreaded cold
nights. The Maloofs claimed that they wanted to see this rebuilding
effort all the way through, but now here they are, looking to move the
team 422 miles away.

Even though there have been many grass root efforts put together,
including Here We Stay and the Here We Build Movement, it looks like
the team might be packing those moving trucks sooner rather than
later. Seeing that Stern is all about having the NBA in viable
markets, could there possibly be some added incentives for the team if
the move receives approval? I certainly think so.

A lot of negotiating goes on behind closed doors that fans and
reporters don't know about. The last time the Kings received the first
pick in the NBA Draft was back in 1989 when they selected Pervis
Ellison out of Louisville. I have no doubt that Stern will have those
ping pong balls fall in the “Anaheim Royals” favor to congratulate
them on being in a new lucrative market. Don't be surprised if this
happens, because it seems like the lottery is rigged every year to
help the larger markets get the better talent in the draft.

Through all of this, the most important thing to keep in mind for any
city looking to have a professional sports team is to have local
ownership. The Grizzlies would still be in Vancouver if they had a
local owner, the Sonics would still be going strong in Seattle if a
homegrown citizen would've taken control, and now it's us who have to
deal with losing the most intriguing choice of entertainment in the
region.

I have faith that Sacramento will get an NBA team back because we have
a fan base that'll support them through thick and thin. We could
possibly get the Kings back, but it'll cost a pretty penny to gouge
the team from the Maloofs’ control. A new arena would surely be needed
before that could happen, but a complete regional effort could bring
something to fruition. Gregg Lukenbill even stated this in his speech
at the "Here We Build" rally (view video here).

Keep fighting Sacramento, because there's only a small chance to keep
the Kings here. Don't forget that the Maloofs are still keeping all
their options open for moving the team to Anaheim.... The thought of
it just makes me wanna puke!

Photos by Suzanne Hurt, Ben Ilfeld, and Anaheim Arena Management

Legislation could force Kings to pay

2011-04-12T00:20:36Z

Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) introduced a bill Monday that would require professional sports teams to pay off all debt involving taxpayer dollars to the municipality in which they are located before signing an agreement to move to another California city or county. ~~bar one California city from issuing bonds to lure a professional sports team from another city in which existing bonds had not been paid.~~

It would effectively require that the Sacramento Kings repay the city $77 million before the bonds approved by the Anaheim City Council could be issued.

“It’s all about public dollars involved not just in the situation currently pending with regards to the (Sacramento) Kings, but any other pending or future similar situations,” said Mark Hedlund, spokesman for Steinberg.

“We’re not trying to stop business from moving,” he added, “we’re trying to protect taxpayer money – city bonds and loans are taxpayer dollars.”

The bill, SB 652, was authored by Steinberg and coauthored by Assemblyman Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento), Senator Ted Gaines (R-Fair Oaks) and Assemblyman Richard Pan (D-Sacramento).

It was introduced as an urgency measure, Hedlund said, meaning it requires a two-thirds vote, but would go into effect immediately upon passing, as opposed to other laws which are implemented at the beginning of subsequent calendar or fiscal years.

“We’re obviously trying to have it move as quickly as it can,” he said, adding that it will now have to go through the appropriate committees in both the Assembly and the Senate before it can be voted on and sent to Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk.

“I don’t know if that means it’s going to take a few weeks or a couple of months or whatever,” Hedlund said, adding that it will affect any agreements made after Jan. 1.

According to a press release issued by Steinberg’s office, “SB 652 also requires any professional sports franchise previously entering into a financial agreement with a California local government entity to provide a ‘bond, undertaking or deposit’ adequate to ensure its obligations will be satisfied before that franchise signs an agreement to move to another California location.”

The bill includes all professional sports and is not specifically intended to target basketball, Hedlund said.

“Pro sports teams frequently create partnerships with local government, but let’s not forget these are tax dollars at work,” Steinberg said in the release. “No one is saying sports franchises, like any other business, shouldn’t be able to move to another city. However, taxpayers in one city shouldn’t be left holding the bag for the benefit of another city.”

Dickinson spoke with The Sacramento Press Monday afternoon and outlined the reasons for the bill.

“It’s hopefully a measure that would provide the assurance to any community in California that’s going to be put in a position of losing a pro sports team to another place in California would at least have any financial obligations by the team to the community taken care of,” he said.

The bill would essentially enforce contract language that is already in place in the case with the Kings as well as protect other cities in the future, Dickinson said, adding that he thinks it may be necessary with the Kings as well, despite the 1997 contract language.

“I think it’s unfortunate that we even have to contemplate legislation of this kind,” Dickinson said. “One would hope the statements by the Kings organization by this point would have been more clear and definitive, their responses to the city more straightforward, that it would not leave doubt in the minds of many people.”

Gaines and Pan expressed similar sentiments in the press release.

“Sacramento taxpayers can’t play second-string to Anaheim,” Gaines said. “Losing the team is bad enough, and there is no way Sacramento can eat the nearly $80 million owed by the Maloofs.”

The private sector is already gathering signatures in Anaheim to stop the bonds being issued before voters can approve them in an election. For more information on that effort, click here.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Editorial Note: A correction has been made to this story after it was published. The incorrect information has been struck out and the correct information has been added.

Councilman wants written assurance from team

2011-04-12T00:11:38Z

Sacramento officials anticipate that if the Kings move, the $77 million in bonds issued by the city will be paid off, but City Councilman Kevin McCarty said he is concerned about when.

He said they could do one of three things: “They could move and pay back their loan, or they could move and make minimum payments for the next 15 years, or, No. 3, they could move and default” He added that he is pushing for a single lump sum payoff if the Kings do move.

He said his reading of the 1997 contract for the loan with former Kings owner Jim Thomas is that the loan must be paid in full if the Kings move, but he has his doubts.

“How are they going to pay off the city’s (loan) if they don’t have the cash right now?” he asked. “We don’t have an equal amount of collateral if it goes south. That puts us in a very precarious financial situation.”

McCarty said the collateral amounts to a $25 million stake in the Kings and ownership of Power Balance Pavilion, which was recently assessed at a value of $30 million.

“The collateral is 60 cents on the dollar,” he said.

City Treasurer Russ Fehr said Monday the contract clearly states in four different places that the loan must be paid off in full if the Kings do relocate.

“The precise timing is unclear – it ranges on when the league approves (the move) to when they play their first game elsewhere, but that’s only a couple of months. It’s not a big deal,” he said.

McCarty said the 1997 contract wasn’t enough and that he wants a written agreement from the Maloofs that the loan will be paid in full if the team does leave.

“I don’t think (the 1997 contract) has the rock-solid, 100 percent protection that we’d like,” he said.

If the loan isn’t paid in full, McCarty said he would support litigation to get the loan paid up-front.

He added that a number of problems could arise if the payments were spread out.

“We don’t want them making monthly payments for the next 15 years,” he said. “What if something goes wrong (or the NBA) has a work stoppage?”

The City Council revisited the loan agreement in September, and voted not to overturn a 2003 amendment executed by then-City Treasurer Tom Friery, which subordinated the loan behind another loan from the NBA.

In the event of the Kings going bankrupt, Sacramento would be in line after an NBA loan when it comes to repayment.

Fehr brought the matter to the council in 2010 because he said he didn’t think it was within Friery’s authority to amend the contract as he had without council approval.

“I voted no, because I thought it was a bad deal,” McCarty said. “We could be in serious trouble, and the city is much more at risk because of the action in further subordinating the loan.”

Fehr added that it only becomes an issue in the event of a bankruptcy or league downsizing.

City Councilman Steve Cohn said he voted to keep the 2003 amendment in effect because he feared the city would have been sued otherwise.

“I don’t think at the time we really had much choice,” Cohn said. “We would have gotten in litigation because the treasurer had already approved that, and it had been in place for seven years. Had I been asked to enter into that in 2003, that’s a different question.”

Both Cohn and Fehr said they want the loan to be paid back in one lump sum.

“That’s what they’re required to do,” Cohn said, adding that under any other scenario, the city would need something in return.

“I think we are entitled to be paid back a lump sum, so for us to agree to something less than that, we would need something in return,” he said, though he declined to speculate on what that “something in return” would be, but said it would be a subject for negotiations.

Fehr said the Maloofs have never missed a payment and have always provided confidential financial information required in the contract – though that information cannot be released under the terms of the contract.

“They’ve said they would pay the loan,” he said. “The league said it expects teams to fulfill their obligations, but there’s always some uncertainty. Until it’s done, it will be of great concern to the city.”

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Group halfway to halting Anaheim bonds issuance

2011-04-09T00:19:45Z

An 11th-hour effort to block bonds being issued to the Sacramento Kings from the city of Anaheim is well under way – and could theoretically block a move pending a June, 2012 election.

“(The $75 million bond issuance) was a quick deal, and the citizens (of Anaheim) will have an interest in reviewing that,” said Jeffrey Dorso, a Sacramento attorney working with the Committee to Save the Kings.

The movement includes former Sacramento City Councilman Robbie Waters, who gave a donation to kick off a signature collection drive that needs about 10,000 signatures to potentially block the bonds, Dorso said.

Arno Political Consultants of Carlsbad, Calif., have already collected about half the required signatures, said Kellen Arno, an associate with the company.

“The signature drive is going well,” he said. “We started last Friday. We are a little bit more than halfway done.”

If the required signatures are collected within 60 days of the Anaheim City Council decision to approve the bonds, the effort would have to be approved by Anaheim’s citizens in an election.

Dorso said state law allows citizens to gather signatures for referendums such as this.

The next scheduled election the measure could be placed on a ballot is June, 2012, Dorso said, adding that Anaheim could call a special election, but it would be costly.

Calls to officials in Anaheim were not returned Friday afternoon.

Even if the signatures are collected and the bonds are not issued to the Sacramento Kings, there is no way of stopping the money being issued through private lenders.

“The big pitfall is that it could happen regardless,” Dorso said. “They could come up with other ways to fund the $75 million.”

Dorso is a resource and development attorney and Sacramento native who wants to keep the Kings in Sacramento.

“It’s much bigger than basketball,” he said. “It’s about jobs, business and keeping business in Sacramento. It’s not an emotional issue.”

Putting a stop to the public bond measure in Anaheim could possibly keep the Kings in Sacramento, which would give the region more time to come up with options for keeping the Kings here, Dorso said.

Arno said most areas only allow 30 days to collect signatures for referendums, but Anaheim’s city charter allows for 60 days, giving them more time.

“If we get the signatures, those bonds are not available until the election,” Dorso said. “Regardless of the NBA’s actions, the NBA can’t trump state law.”

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Kings, Cousins take out Jazz, packed house enjoys 106-97 Kings win

2011-04-05T01:50:14Z

DeMarcus Cousins sat in front of his locker space exhausted, the effects of a long first season etched in his face and his left shoulder donned in black tape as if held on by Super Glue. At least he wasn’t bleeding this time.

After putting up 17 points, collecting nine rebounds, dealing out six assists and setting a personal high with five steals, it’s understandable why - nearing the end of his rookie campaign - Cousins could barely find the energy to speak to reporters after the game.

“Even though we are not having a great season and everyone knows we are not going to the playoffs, the fan support is unbelievable,” said a soft-spoken Cousins. “They stick with us through thick and thin and we love them for it.”

Cousins was right.

Considering that the long NBA season is coming to a close, combined with the uncertain future whereabouts of the only local major league sports team in the area, it was quite a surprise to see Power Balance Pavilion nearly packed and rocking like the good ole days.

Sunday afternoon, the fans never gave up and neither did the hometown Kings. Spurred on by the constant cheering and defense chants,
DeMarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans and the rest of boys in purple took an early lead and rarely looked back in an 106-97 win over the stumbling Utah Jazz.

Evans, who has been moving well and looking like his old self since coming back from the treatment on his foot, had a great night. He put
up a double-double with 24 points and 10 assists, consistently blowing by the Jazz defenders on his way to the rack.

But, for the second straight game, it was Francisco Garcia that was the fire starter. Garcia’s aggressiveness and outside shooting helped
the Kings get out to a 26-19 lead after the first quarter. Garcia ended with 17 points, four boards, two steals and three bombs from
downtown.

The nearly sold out crowd almost lifted the roof off the antiquated building after an incredible behind the back pass from newcomer Marcus Thornton. The pass to Donte Greene for the one-handed stuff gave the Kings a 38-21 lead less than three minutes into the second period of play.

Coach Paul Westphal’s three guard combo of Beno Udrih, Thornton and Evans is starting to show some promise. They can trap the ball so quickly and pressure the ball handler so well that turnovers are created and fast breaks are run to perfection. Considering that all three can handle the ball, shoot well and deliver the pass, the ability to make the opposing team match up to them instead of the other way around will be a constant in this new-look version of the Kings.

It must be noted that reserve forward Darnell Jackson was the Kings leading scorer with 11 points with just over four minutes remaining in
the opening half. This game, he was able to get more minutes since Samuel Dalembert and Cousins had picked up their second foul and
Westphal wanted to make sure they were both available for unlimited minutes in the second half.

Sacramento would maintain a double-digit lead for most of the third. As soon as the Jazz pulled to within five points about four minutes
into the quarter, the Kings would make it a 15-point lead less than three minutes later as the swarming defense paid off.

The trend continued through the end of the game. Utah would never get closer than nine points again.

For the Jazz, Paul Milsap had 21 points and seven boards and Gordon Hayward set a personal high with 19 points on 8 of 14 shooting.

Another bright spot for the ailing Jazz was the performance of recent NBDL call-up Kyle Weaver. Weaver had 19 points off the bench, which included three from long range.

For Cousins and the rest of the Kings, it was another step in the maturation process, another game under their collective belts to
figure out how to play together and jell as a unit.

“Great defensive effort by the team tonight,” said Cousins. “We shared the ball good tonight and it resulted in a win. It was just a great
defensive effort tonight.”

Thornton has really found a niche on this team with Westphal’s newly envisioned three-guard offense and knows that it’s the defensive effort that always contributes to easy scores.

“Cisco, DeMarcus, Sammy - everyone played outstanding defense tonight and that is what got us the win,” said the second-year pro. “We were able to get out and get easy buckets. Against Utah, you need that because they play excellent half-court defense so you need easy
buckets against them.”

Coach Westphal must be, in some ways, sorry the season is coming to a close. In a crazy year that has been filled with the possibility of
the team leaving or not leaving, injuries and infighting, benchings and bloody noses - recently, things in SacTown have the look of a
brighter future. Coach Westphal is sad to see only a few games left on the schedule.

“We’re sorry that the season is coming to an end,” said Westphal. “We’re not just looking forward to the season ending; we want to go
out there and fight these teams and hopefully hurt some of their playoff chances.”

GAME NOTES: The Kings had six players who scored in double figures. Besides Garcia, Evans, Cousins and Jackson, Thornton had 15 points, 7 boards and 7 assists and Udrih pitched in with 12 of his own . . . The Kings ended with 29 assists to only 13 turnovers . . . Cousins and the rest of the Kings’ big men held Al Jefferson in check with only 11 points on 4 of 13 shooting . . . The Jazz were missing several regulars as Mehmet Okur, Andrei Kirilenko, Raja Bell, Ronnie Price and Devin Harris are all out with injuries.

Kings lose rematch to Nuggets 99-90, Cousins keeps his cool - again

2011-04-03T01:41:41Z

In a rematch of a game in Denver just two days prior, the Kings were hoping that their newfound cohesiveness would be on full display in trying to get one back from the visiting team. No such luck as the Denver Nuggets pulled away in the second half and never looked back in their defeat of the Kings 99-90 in Sacramento on Friday evening.

Make no mistake about it. This was a physical contest. The Nuggets are known for playing that rough, in-your-face, stripping the ball type of irritating defense that tends to get on the opposing players nerves.

It was just after halfway through the first quarter when the Denver center Nene (12 points, 12 boards) pushed Tyreke Evan hard to the ground. Evans was making his first start since coming back from his foot procedure. The fall left Evans grabbing his back in pain for several minutes. It was the opening salvo to let the Kings know that Denver would not be pushed around on this night.

Even though the Kings were able to achieve a seven point lead after one, 28-21, all signs pointed towards the Nuggets keeping the game close. The swarming double teaming of the Kings’ ball handlers was in full effect, causing turnovers and interfering with good shots.

The Nuggets would fight back, as expected, and got the game close by halftime, trailing only by three, 51-48.

It must be pointed out that DeMarcus Cousins, in the last month alone, has incurred probably four bloody noses and several other incidents where he was bullied - I know that sounds kinda funny for a guy that is 6’11” and built like a Freightliner - but he didn’t even receive the benefit of a call in any of those cases. Against Denver, circumstances were no different. Another bloody nose and another foul not called.

A look at the second quarter shows the beginnings of the breakdown. The Kings shot 39% on 9 of 23 shooting, were 0 of 6 from the three-point line, missed 3 of 8 free throws and had five turnovers. As the esoteric Bill Walton would say, “Horrible!”

The third was no better for the home squad. Denver came out very aggressive on defense. The Kings again missed all six long-range bombs, made only two of six free throws and had four more turnovers. Sacramento only scored 16 points in the period.

On the strength of the good guard play late in the third and into the fourth quarter by Raymond Felton - 14 points in the fourth and 17 for the game - the Nuggets were able to pull to a 17 point lead with less than 10 minutes left in the game. Ty Lawson’s pressure on the ball and Felton’s aggressiveness off the bench and at the rack was a problem for the Kings.

About this point, Cousins grabbed his left shoulder and winced in pain from some more of the constant abuse he took in the game.

As the defense chants started to permeate Power Balance Pavilion, the Kings made a mini-run backed by Evans looking like his old self and trying to take over the game. Evans and the Kings cut the lead to six, trailing 90-84 before slowly fading away.

Shortly before the end of the game, Cousins took another blow to the mouth from Dario Gallinari, this one much more intentional. Gallinari swung his hand right under Cousins’s chin and if it wasn’t for Cousins being quick on his feet, the rookie would have been knock out cold. The fact that he didn’t go all Ron Artest on him says a lot.

Cousins talked about his path to maturity during those types of situations.

“I’m trying to show that I’m growing up and I can keep cool,” said Cousins. “I’m not the person everybody believes I am every time I get touched, like it’s going to be the end of the world or something. I was trying to win the game. I didn’t want to do anything like get a technical, ejection or something crazy to mess up the game. I was still trying to win the game and just play through it, but we just couldn't get the win.”

Cousins thinks that after taking the beating he has in the last month or so that maybe his nose is even broken. All he knows is that it’s swollen and it hurts.

“I don’t know what to do,” finished Cousins. “Hopefully, I can just have my nose at the end of the season. That’s what I pray for.”

Kenyon Martin, who finished with 14 points and four rebounds, was happy for the win and knows that Denver must win these types of games if they want to be a contender down the stretch.

Martin also knows what it’s like to be in Cousins’ shoes. In his first few years in the league, he was known as a “problem child”, a guy that would use the rough stuff and argue a lot with the refs and the opposing players.

Martin sees a bright future in the Kings big rookie and talked about what he sees in him and some of the advice he’s given Cousins.

“He’s a young great talent and a beast on the block if he can eliminate all the extra stuff,” said Martin on his way out of the arena. “He’s too good for that. I told him to just play basketball the way he knows how to. Just go out and keep playing hard. He’s young, gifted and he works hard, you can tell. His upside is great.”

“I know what it’s like to go out there and wear your emotions on your sleeve each and every day thinking everyone is out to get you but it’s all about basketball at the end of the day.”

One man, one tweet leads to avalanche of support, #Here We Build

2011-04-01T05:30:37Z

In between cheering, yelling and annoying the apathetic, so-called fan in Row F, Section 107, Seat 17 during the Kings game on Tuesday evening, I was caught up on my tweets when I saw that KHTK 1140 personality Carmichael Dave posed a question via Twitter (@CarmichaelDave) asking folks how much they would pitch in, not necessarily to save the Kings, but to show the Kings and the city how much the community really does want this NBA franchise to stay in town by building a new sports and entertainment complex.

Shortly after scolding the lady next to me for reading a book during free throws, she abruptly nudged me and wondered aloud why was it okay then, for me, to be reading my Twitter feed.

I immediately sat upright in my plastic chair and embarrassingly told her she was right but that I couldn’t stop. I had stumbled onto something with the potential for greatness. This is what “Social Media” was invented for I told her.

Carmichael Dave cried out with a passionate plea upon hearing about the 5-0 vote by the Anaheim City Council to approve $75 million worth of bonds to improve the aging Honda Center in an effort to lure our hometown Kings to southern California.

"How much would you give to keep the Kings?"

“I said that Carmichael Dave,” said Dave, when recapping his initial "tweets" on the subject, “has voted 1-0 to donate $200 towards building a new arena in Sacramento."

"Wouldn’t it be great if we could just bypass all the bureaucratic, red-tape-filled politicians in this city and have the Kings fans and city fans, because it’s not just about the Kings, what if we could “pass the hat” like in a church and build this thing on our own and come up with the money and tell all the politicians to get bent?”

Dave had no idea what was about to happen.

“The next thing you know," Dave continued, "someone donated $50, then somebody donated $100, then somebody donated $5.35 because they are a college student and they’re poor and then it just took off. We got the hash tag going called #HereWeBuild and off it went”

Back to the game. So I start filling in the bookworm lady next to me about this crazy movement. It even brought a moment of hope to her previously heart-broken eyes knowing that people like her still cared that much.

As I rolled a little more through Twitter on my iPhone, I saw where some guy that has something to do with the local Jiffy Lubes had pledged $25,000! Really? $25,000!!!

Okay, now we’re breaking out the big lumber.

Matt Graham, the marketing director for 25 Jiffy Lubes in the greater Sacramento area, was watching his Twitter feed and felt compelled to be a part of something grassroots.

Being a corporate sponsor of the Kings this season and understanding that many of his customers and employees are big fans of the Kings as well as professional sports, he just wanted to help get this movement rolling.

“We felt a substantial amount would have an impact,” said Graham, “as well as maybe getting other local businesses or high network people to join in and see what we can make out of it.”

“You could see all the passion in the Twitter feeds and as it started to gain momentum, in my mind I thought, well, I’ll donate a $1000 for every store we have in the area, so that’s how I came up with $25,000. After talking to Carmichael Dave, we decided if we could do something to either: A) save the Kings or B) make a statement for any other professional sports team’s owners out there to go ‘Wow!, there is definitely passion and a fan base out there and we’ll look at Sacramento in the future.'”

After seeing the $25K drop, Carmichael Dave said it was starting to play out in his mind like a dream Hollywood movie ending with the community coming together and saving this team. Was there still time for the guy in the white hat to come riding in and do something? What if with his 140 words or less he was able to start something that made a difference? Something that people could really get behind?

In just over the time it took to play an average basketball game, a guy with a Twitter account and the people who “retweeted” his original plea, raised over 100 thousand dollars in pledges to build a new arena in hopes that the Kings would stay in town.

Talk about the power of the tweet! Eat your heart out Charlie Sheen!

With the help of Jiffy Lubes of Sacramento and Matt Graham, by Wednesday morning, less than eight hours after the first tweet, there were five HERE WE BUILD electronic billboards up in the area.

Dave knows as this movement grows, he will need guidance and support from people with much more knowledge and more connections than himself to keep the movement rolling.

“I’ll be spearheading this at the beginning, but I can’t wait to step out of the way and let the smart people get involved," he said. "This thing is going to be twice as big tomorrow and ten times bigger the next day. I’ve had several calls, some unbelievable calls from a lot of heavyweights who are much smarter than I, who are much more connected and powerful than I saying that they want to be a part of this. We have been looking for a catalyst. Maybe we have the brains, maybe we have the brawn but we don’t have the public wherewithal to PR this thing through. That’s really what I want to do.”

Dave’s not sure how much money it would really take to get someone’s attention, but he does know what he is going to do next.

“I want to get in front of the smart people and say, ‘I have a nation of fans standing behind me right now with their wallets and their blood, sweat and tears held out in front of them.’”

Now how could you say no to that.

At least the lady seated next to me during the game has something more uplifting to read today other than that cheesy romance novel.

CHECK THIS OUT

In less than 48 hours after Carmichael Dave's first tweet, the Here We Build movement had over $250,000 pledged. For more information regarding making a pledge, upcoming meetings and all things concerning building an arena and keeping our Sacramento Kings in our community, check out HERE WE BUILD on their F acebook site, their Meetup.com site or the HereWeBuild.com website. Carmichael Dave is the producer/punching bag for The Don Geronimo Show, weekdays from noon to 4pm on KHTK 1140.

April Fools' Day: KJ joins the Kings

2011-04-01T02:48:48Z

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson has made a surprise comeback – once again playing professional basketball to help the city woo back the Sacramento Kings.

In a development that shocked the rest of the City Council and the world of professional sports, the 45-year-old former NBA All-Star joined the Kings on court at Power Balance Pavilion Tuesday. The wily and seasoned Johnson led the Kings in a 116-113 win against his old team, the Phoenix Suns.

Johnson became a blur of purple – a purple haze, if you will – in the white and purple Kings jersey he wore in place of his No. 7 Phoenix Suns jersey.

"I'll prove I'm a strong mayor!" Johnson yelled as he performed a triple-axle, leapt skyward and slammed a rebounding ball into the basket for the final two winning points. "Choke on that, Anaheim!"

More than a decade after playing his last NBA game, Johnson initially provoked confusion among the other four starting players.

"What the — ? Who is that guy?" Kings center DeMarcus Cousins muttered as KJ scorched the hardwood, scoring basket after basket.

News of the mayor's return to basketball flooded Twitter, Facebook and headlines. Fans flocked to the game, filling the arena for one more sold-out matchup.

Kings owners Joe and Gavin Maloof appeared caught off guard by the mayor's appearance, the latest effort in his bid to keep the team from heading to Southern California.

The brothers couldn't take their eyes off Johnson throughout the game. As Johnson made the winning basket, Gavin dropped his Carl’s Jr. Six Dollar Burger – leaving ketchup and mustard stains on his shirt and pants. Afterwards, they fled in silence to a waiting helicopter that quickly carried them back to the rooftop of the Palms Casino.

In his postgame interview, Johnson said he'd do whatever it takes to make Sacramento a "world-class city."

He vowed to continue playing until the Kings agreed to stay or he had one more chance to go up against the Los Angeles Lakers. TV cameras broadcast the interview live.

"Hey Maloofs!" he taunted. "You guys are gamblers. Let's make a bet: If I can score 50 points against the Lakers – singlehandedly – the Kings stay. It's go time!"

This story was written solely for April Fools' Day. It is entirely fictional.

Anaheim approves $75 million in bonds for Kings, Honda Center

2011-03-30T05:28:52Z

In less than two hours Tuesday night, the Anaheim City Council paved the way for the Sacramento Kings to relocate there by agreeing to issue $75 million in bonds – $25 million to improve the Honda Center and $50 million for a loan to the Kings.

The council's unanimous vote by its five members propelled Sacramento further on its path toward losing the National Basketball Association team that has made its home in the state capital for 26 years.

Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait presided over what he described as a historic meeting.

"Tonight, Anahiem took a giant step closer to bringing an NBA team to Anaheim and the Honda Center," Tait said. "I am thrilled. I think a better word is 'stoked.' "

The council's move was supported by many in Anaheim and Orange County's business community, who spoke during a public hearing that preceded the vote. Neither the Kings' owners, the Maloofs, nor Anaheim Arena Management owner, billionaire Henry Samueli, spoke at the meeting at Anaheim City Hall.

Anaheim Arena Management later issued a statement saying the council's vote was sure to be seen favorably by the NBA board of directors, which is expected to vote April 14 or 15 on a request from the Kings to relocate. The Kings must file a request for relocation by April 18.

“We are grateful to the entire leadership group of the city of Anaheim, who tonight fully endorsed our shared efforts to bring an NBA franchise to the region,” Michael Schulman, chairman of Anaheim Arena Management, said in the prepared statement. "This vote is an important first step as we continue working toward hosting an NBA franchise at Honda Center.”

The loan to the Kings is expected to cover the team’s moving costs, which include a hefty relocation fee from the NBA.

The bonds will be issued only if the team and Anaheim Arena Management sign a venue contract within 180 days and the team relocates, Anaheim spokeswoman Ruth Ruiz confirmed.

The Kings' name was never mentioned Tuesday during consecutive meetings of the Anaheim City Council and the city's Public Financing Authority. The authority, consisting of the same members as the council, also approved authorizing the bond issuance and the terms.

The taxable lease revenue bonds will be issued by the Anaheim Public Financing Authority and financed by three private investment companies. Anaheim and its taxpayers won't be obligated to repay the bonds under any circumstances, Anaheim Finance Director Bob Wingenroth said.

The bonds have a 10-year term, and investors will be reimbursed from arena revenue over that period.

The agreement requires the team name to include "Anaheim," rather than "Orange County" or any other location identifier.

The council's decision ignored a request made Monday by Sacramento city officials that Anaheim drop the financing plan and stop negotiating with the Kings. Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson indicated Tuesday afternoon he wouldn't oppose the team's move if the Maloofs repay $77 million in lease revenue bonds owed to Sacramento – and the Maloofs assured him Monday that they would.

Johnson also said the Maloofs may agree to let the city run Power Balance Pavilion after paying off the loan. The Maloofs agreed to be "good partners" and do what is in the city's best interest, Johnson said during a press conference in North Highlands Tuesday afternoon.

Tuesday morning, Kings owner Joe Maloof issued a statement calling the loan from Sacramento a "non-issue."

"We’ve always paid our financial obligations in the past, we’re going to do it in the present and we’re going to do it in the future," Maloof said in the statement. "Whatever the future holds to ensure the long-term viability of the team, the city of Sacramento will be paid in full.”

The council approved a venue contract between the team and Anaheim Arena Management that requires the team to use the Honda Center as its home base for at least 15 years. The council also approved extending its facility management agreement with Anaheim Arena Management by another 10 years to June 2033.

Anaheim's 18,336-seat arena, which the city owns, was built to accommodate two professional sports teams and opened in 1993. Anaheim is close to realizing a "20-year dream" to bring an NBA team to the city, Anaheim Councilwoman Kris Murray said.

Also Tuesday, state Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg of Sacramento promised to do everything he could to protect the Sacramento region's "economic well-being." He is considering legislation, as requested by the city, to force the Maloofs to repay the Sacramento loan if needed, Steinberg spokesman Mark Hedlund said.

"His primary concern is to ensure Sacramento is made whole by full repayment of the city's $70-plus million loan if the Kings leave," Hedlund said in an emailed statement. "He's also concerned with the possibility Anaheim may use taxpayer funds to entice a business to leave one major California city to relocate in another major California city."

Meanwhile, the ICON-Taylor group, which is studying the feasibility of building a new arena in Sacramento, has not met with the Maloofs, Sacramento Assistant City Manager John Dangberg told the Sacramento City Council Tuesday evening.

The ICON-Taylor group is making “significant progress in their analysis and are moving forward regardless of what happens with Anaheim,” Dangberg said.

The developers are likely to complete their arena analysis in mid-May, he said.

Before the vote, city attorney Eileen Teichert fired off a letter to Tait asking Anaheim to continue consideration of the environmental impacts of the new Honda Center operations until conducting a "proper" environmental review or issuing a mitigated negative declaration saying the project will have no impact. Anaheim did not respond to that request.

At the Sacramento City Council meeting, the mayor said Anaheim’s decision to give $75 million in financial incentives to the Kings was not a surprise.

“I think it’s disappointing," Johnson said. "(But) I think Anaheim made a decision that’s in their best interest.”

Staff reporter Kathleen Haley contributed to this report. Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @SuzanneHurt.

Echoes of Kings' last move reverberate today

2011-03-26T01:30:39Z

The Sacramento Kings have a history of leaving town.

If the team's current majority owners work out a deal soon in Anaheim, Sacramento will become just one more city in a long string of former hometowns.

News of their possible departure emerged a little more than a month ago, leaving many people still trying to understand what the loss of the Kings might mean to the city and the region. That raises the question of what happened in Kansas City, Mo., which lost the team to Sacramento in 1985.

People who lost their jobs because of the move and the hardcore fans felt it most, say those in the pro sports industry. But others who watched the team closely at that time said the team's loss meant little to the city, financially or emotionally.

"It was minimal to none in terms of the impact," said TV and radio sports announcer Kevin Harlan, who started his career doing TV and radio play-by-plays for the Kansas City Kings in 1982.

The Kings were based in the Midwest in an earlier era for the National Basketball Association and basketball. The league wasn't that big and didn't have as many fans.

"It was certainly a different time," said Bob Whitsitt, who was vice president and assistant general manager of the Kansas City Kings and the Sacramento Kings from 1984 to 1986.

The Cincinnati Royals – a team that began in Rochester, N.Y., in the 1920s – moved west in 1972. For the first three years, the team was shared by Kansas City and Omaha, Neb. The name was initially changed to the Kansas City-Omaha Kings because Kansas City already had a major league baseball team called the Royals.

Splitting home games between two cities didn't help when it came to building a fan base. The team gave up its Omaha base in 1975.

The Kings also faced a lot of competition for sports fans and sports dollars in Kansas City, which had a National Football League team that had recently won the Super Bowl, the extremely popular baseball team and a National Hockey League team for a short time in the 1970s.

Kansas City was the smallest market to have teams from all four major sports leagues, Whitsitt said.

Kansas City and the surrounding region were devoted to college athletics, including basketball. One of the country's elite basketball teams is based 40 miles away at the University of Kansas, and two others are close by. Kansas City is also the "epicenter" of the Big 12 basketball tournaments, Harlan said.

"The professional basketball frankly never really caught on," said Dick Berkley, mayor of Kansas City at the time.

In 1981, the Kings also started competing for winter sports dollars against the Kansas City Comets. The pro indoor soccer team shared 19,500-seat Kemper Arena with the basketball team.

The Comets' owners were better marketers who appealed to a very young fan base. Downtown Kansas City wasn't much at the time, and people who lived in the suburbs usually stayed in the suburbs. The Comets changed that by getting kids to drag their parents downtown for soccer matches, Harlan said.

"The soccer team, I thought, probably had as much to do with the downfall of the team as anything," he said. "The NBA just really never had a shot."

The Kings were only able to attract an average of more than 10,000 fans to home games in the 1978/79 season. Turnout was usually far below 8,000 and less than 4,000 after the team's sale to Sacramento owners for $10.5 million was announced in 1984 – unless they were playing a popular team like the Los Angeles Lakers.

It wasn't until after Michael Jordan joined the league that the NBA really took off. Jordan started playing with the Chicago Bulls the year the Kings were sold to Sacramento.

The team's exodus after 13 years had a "modest" impact on property, sales and income tax collections. But there was no emotional impact from the loss, Berkley said.

"Frankly, I thought I would catch a lot of flak on it, because they left very abruptly," Berkley said. "I got four or five phone calls. I thought I would get hundreds.

"We were glad they were here. But the community did not gasp when they left," he added.

The Kings immediately found much more ardent fans in Sacramento, which has no other pro sports team. The Kings sold out many home games at Arco Arena.

"In Sacramento, it's the only thing in town," Harlan said. "It's the big show."

The reaction to the Kings' possible departure has been mixed in Sacramento. Die-hard fans have waged campaigns to keep them here. Local business leaders warn of an expected heavy financial loss to the region.

Other local residents, who voted down a past attempt to build the team a new arena, are equally passionate about their desire to see the Kings and their owners, the Maloofs, hit the road.

Determining what the team's loss might mean to Sacramento isn't easy.

Experts don't agree on what the financial impact might be. The 2010/2011 property tax bill for Arco Arena is about $1 million, with collected revenue split between the city and county.

Forbes listed the team's value at $293 million in January and annual revenue at $103 million.

The city can't provide information about property or sales taxes paid by the Kings' owners, said City Treasurer Russ Fehr. The California State Board of Equalization also can't reveal how much the Kings and Arco Arena pay in sales taxes.

Losing the team would negatively impact the region economically and psychologically. A generation of fans have grown up with the team, Whitsitt said.

"Certainly, if it left Sacramento, that would be a hardship for a lot of people in the community," he said.

The Kings also give Sacramento a lot of exposure on a national scale, said Whitsitt and Harlan.

"It makes your town feel like a big-league town," Harlan said.

Those outside the pro sports industry who have studied the question don't agree.

Dan Rascher, director of academic programs for the University of San Francisco's Sport Management Program, estimates the Kings bring $50 million in direct spending to the city – with about $10 million of that from the team's operational expenditures and the rest from people living outside the metropolitan area who travel here for games.

Indirect spending is estimated to be about 50 to 60 percent above that, said Rascher, who was hired 10 years ago by the city, the Kings and Union Pacific Railroad, which owned the downtown railyards, to create a feasibility study for building a new arena in the railyards.

The financial impact can depend on terms of the lease agreement teams have with government agencies for sports facilities.

Numerous studies of what happens to jobs, tax revenues and all other measures before and after teams move into cities have come to the same conclusion: There's no measurable impact, said Roger Noll, professor emeritus of economics at Stanford University. He co-wrote the book, "Sports, Jobs, and Taxes: The Economic Impact of Sports Teams and Stadiums."

Jobs and money spent to attend a game or on other area businesses before and after a game just gets redistributed, he said.

"There's no region-wide economic hit," Noll said. "From the point of view of the city itself, it's basically no effect. It's 98 percent hype that it matters to a city."

Government officials and business leaders are pushing forward on plans to build a new arena in Sacramento even if the Kings leave. Having a new arena is the city's only hope to draw another NBA team here, said Harlan, adding he thinks the Maloofs don't want to move.

The chances of getting a new NBA team may be "very, very slim" – partly because other cities are trying to lure teams, too, and there may not be enough companies in Sacramento to sponsor luxury suites, Harlan said.

“I would say if the Kings were to leave, I doubt the NBA would ever go back there," he said. "We said that about Kansas City. And now there's talk Kansas City might get a (new basketball) team."

Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @SuzanneHurt.

Kings lose battle of the cellar dwellers, Cavs win 97-93

2011-03-18T17:37:58Z

When looking at the Cavaliers roster, it’s hard to find a bunch of names that roll off the tongue as if you’ve heard of them many times before. On the other hand, just to make it to an NBA roster means you have special skills and should never be taken lightly.

In this case, I don’t think a team that has the second worst record in the Association - the Kings - would or could afford to take any team for granted. They didn’t, but still came up a little short.

In a battle of teams with the two worst records in the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers outlasted the Sacramento Kings, 97-93, in a game the Kings should have won.

From the outset, the Kings cranked up the defensive pressure by constantly harassing the Cavs’ shooters. Francisco Garcia, who has been playing very well since returning from injury, was covering his man like a wet blanket and picked up two steals and a block in the opening quarter.

Although the Kings ended the first with three steals and two blocks, the Cavs still shot 53% from the field in the opening stanza.

Samuel Dalembert, who is contributing much more than most folks thought he would, continued his fine play as of late by scoring early and often and by using his incredible wingspan for swatting away shots near the rim. Dalembert was the Kings second leading scorer and finished with another double-double consisting of 16 points, 10 boards and two blocks.

Speaking of double-doubles, Cousins ended with 11 points, a game high 16 rebounds but it was his poor shooting percentage that came back to haunt the Kings. The rookie shot only 26% for the game on 5 of 19 shooting.

After getting off to a 28-18 lead after one, things started to turn sour for the home team.

Almost immediately after he came into the game, Luther Head left with calf tightness and was soon followed to the tunnel by Jason Thompson, who appeared to re-injure his ankle at the 7:28 mark of the second quarter.

Enter reserve forward Darnell Jackson.

Grant Napear is right about this guy. Even though used sparingly, Jackson, along with guys like Pooh Jeter and Omri Casspi, provide the spark and energy that the Kings need from their bench. He scored two quick hoops in the first 69 seconds he was in the game.

The Kings opened the second half leading 51-45, but quickly saw Cleveland get right back into the game and even surge ahead in less than four minutes to a 59-55 lead for the Cavs.

The Kings would not be down for long as the Kings rained down long-range bombs and hit four three-point shots in a five shot stretch - three of them by newcomer Marcus Thornton. Thornton would end up the high scorer for the Kings with 23 points.

The Kings would hold slim lead for much of the rest of the game until Cavalier forward J.J. Hickson got the Cavs the lead with 4:31 left in the game.

Now usually, the Kings bench plays a bigger part than it did in Wednesday’s game. But on this night, the bench clearly let the team down. Only the five starters were in double figures in scoring as the bench totaled only 15 points on 6 of 20 shooting for the evening.

“I thought when we went to the bench,” Coach Paul Westphal pointed out after the game, “we didn’t really come in with the same intensity and focus that the starters had and they (Cleveland) made a nice run”

It was a back and forth game down the stretch until the Ramon Sessions hit a shot with 18 seconds left to give the Cavs a slim two point lead. Sessions led the Cavs in scoring finishing with 20 points, five boards and six assists.

Westphal decided to run a play for Cousins and let the big man find a hole and attempt a drive to the rack. Cousins got his opening and made his way into the lane. It appeared that he could have been fouled by Cavs guard Alonzo Gee at the rim, but there was no call and Cousins shot hit off the backboard, then the front of the rim and bounced away essentially ending the game.

After saying that he felt they let this one get away, Westphal talked about the final play call.

“We cleared the right side for DeMarcus and he drove to the basket, got there and the ball didn’t go in.”

For Cousins, who picked up a bloody nose without the benefit of a foul call in the last minute of the game and is learning to not complain about things like that, took the responsibility himself.

“Coach wanted me to iso and drive to the basket and try to get a layup,” Cousins said while seated in front of his locker. “I had a good drive, just couldn’t finish the layup.”

When asked if he received the ball cleanly, did he think that maybe that had something to do with the missed shot, Cousins paused and admitted that maybe it did.

“Umm, yeah, I did kind of mess it up, but I still had a clean drive and just couldn’t finish the layup.”

The maturation process of the big rookie has been nothing short of amazing since the beginning of the year. He’s gone from at times not wanting to give Westphal a high five when being taken off the floor to coming over to the coach - on his own accord - and asking what he could or should be doing.

Let’s hope we here in Sacramento can watch him grow into his potential. It would be really worth buying a ticket to witness.

Kings take it to the Warriors.

2011-03-16T04:03:12Z

Your Sacramento Kings played host to the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, possibly for the final time.

In front of a raucous crowd of 14,243, the home team played inspired ball for three quarters and held off a furious fourth-quarter comeback by the Warriors' B team to win 129-119.

The Kings were led by Samuel Dalembert (27 points, 16 rebounds) and newcomer Marcus Thornton (42 points, 4 steals), who both went for career highs in points against the porous (sievelike? nonexistent?) Warriors D.

The Warriors drew first blood on a Dorrell Wright corner three. The Kings answered with a spectacular 19-0 run. In my mind, I heard "Sweet Georgia Brown" playing as the Kings made their NorCal rivals look Washington General-esque with a dizzying array of sweet takes, no-look passes, fake no-look passes, steals and all-around domination.

Following a timeout and mass substitution, the Warriors were able to slow the onslaught with their second-teamers on the floor and escape the first quarter down "just" 15, 35-20. It felt like it could have been more.

The few times the Warriors were able to put together a semblance of a run, the Kings had an answer. Marcus Thornton stopped a four-point mini-Warriors run with a fast break slam-dunk three-point play off a MADE basket. The Warriors couldn't get out of their own way.

The Warriors were able to keep it relatively close in the second quarter when Monte Ellis and Stephen Curry decided to join the game. Golden State trailed 47-23 when Stephen Curry hit a 20-foot jumper, giving the highest-scoring backcourt in the NBA its first two points of the evening, almost 15 minutes into the game. Ellis, Curry and Wright combined for 28 points in the quarter, and the visitors were able to cut the home team's lead to 12, 71-59, at the half.

At this point, Thornton already had 26 points, and Dalembert already had a double double (19 and 10).

The deluge continued in the third quarter as Demarcus Cousins (15 points, 9 boards, 4 assists) entered the fray in earnest after a relatively quiet first half. "Big Cuz" had 10 points and 2 assists in the quarter, including a ridiculous three-quarter-court outlet bounce pass to Francisco Garcia that extended the lead to 17 and sent the crowd into a tizzy.

By the end of the third, the Kings had extended the lead to 23 points, 107-84, and Warriors Coach Keith Smart had seen enough. The Warriors' starting five of Curry (19 points), Ellis (15 points), Wright (18 points), David Lee (8 points) and Andris Biedrins (0 points) were done for the evening. They would watch the rest of the game from the bench.

They had the best seats in the house to watch their backups (led by the Warriors' new Thornton, Al, who had 23 points) play an inspired fourth quarter, cutting the 23-point lead to just 9 with 2:14 to play.

The Kings were able to avoid a repeat of their epic collapse the last time the Warriors were in town, however. After Acie Law missed an open three-pointer that could have cut the lead to six with 90 seconds remaining, Garcia sealed the deal with a three of his own. Game, set, match.

"It's nice to get outscored 35-22 in the fourth and get a win" Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal opened at the postgame presser. "We did a lot of good things tonight."

They certainly did.

It bears noting that they did all this without star guard Tyreke Evans. Kings fans should be ecstatic at the prospect of Thornton (23 years old) teaming with Cousins (20) and Evans (21) in the years to come.

Or tormented by the prospect of it happening in Anaheim. I suppose it depends on your outlook.

See more photos at Darren Hall Photography

Kings put up a good fight, Magic prevails

2011-03-11T01:59:10Z

It was a close game for the Sacramento Kings ~~Thursday~~ Wednesday night, but they came up short in the end, losing to the Orlando Magic, 102-106 at the Power Balance Pavilion.

The Kings shot 64 percent and led 33-29 at the end of the first quarter. Marcus Thornton led the Kings with 11 points and 4 rebounds, while Dwight Howard led the Magic with 10 points and 5 rebounds.

Early in the second quarter, DeMarcus Cousins made several jump shots and two free throws.

With seven tenths of a second left in the quarter, Jason Richardson made a three-point shot, bringing the Magic up to 56, with the Kings still leading at 59.

In the third quarter, the Kings made eight free throws. The Magic and the Kings both rallied at the end with 24.4 seconds left, with Howard making a slam dunk, Samuel Dalembert making a layup on an assist by Thornton, and Gilbert Arenas ending the quarter with a three-point shot.

The Kings had a small lead for most of the game, but in the final three minutes the Magic pulled ahead.

With 14.1 seconds left, the Kings were down 102-105 but gained possession of the ball and called a timeout.

A missed three-point shot attempt by Cousins within the last seconds of the game gave the Magic the edge to win.

It was the fourth straight loss for the Kings, bringing their record to 15-46.

Cousins (29 points, 2 assists) was the highest scorer of the night.

Cousins almost didn’t play due to an injury from practice the day before, according to Head Coach Paul Westphal. “I thought he played a fantastic game,” Westphal said.

Westphal said afterward in a press conference that the game came down to lack of focus on a couple of key plays. The Kings had a total of 21 turnovers.

“We’re not going to take the steps we want to take to the next level until we can do a better job … we’ve got to get better ball handling,” Westphal said. “It’s tough, but we played an excellent game.”

Despite the possibility of the Kings relocating, fans were supportive and cheered loudly for their players.

Fans Kevin Fippin and Curtis Corona acknowledged the growth the Kings are making.

“Kings played pretty good considering they played Orlando,” Fippin said.

“It’s good to see the Kings play good teams and get so close,” Corona said.

On Friday, the Kings will be away to battle the San Antonio Spurs at 5:30 p.m. The next home game will be Monday at 7 p.m. vs. the Golden State Warriors.

Photos by

Darren Hall Photography.net

Editorial Note: A correction has been made to this story after it was published. The incorrect information has been struck out and the correct information has been added.

City leaders to start new arena dialogue

2011-03-09T02:58:54Z

This spring, city leaders expect to begin a new effort to determine whether the community will support public funding for a new arena – even if the Sacramento Kings leave, Mayor Kevin Johnson said Tuesday.

City officials plan to start a new discussion with the public after a development team presents an analysis and list of financing options to build a sports and entertainment center, he said.

The analysis is currently scheduled to be presented to the Sacramento City Council in May.

By that time, the Kings' future should be more certain. The Maloofs, who own a majority share of the team, are working on a deal to move the team to Anaheim before next season and are expected to discuss that with the NBA Board of Governors April 14-15. The team must request permission to move by April 18 under an NBA deadline extension.

Mistakes may have been made in past efforts to build a new arena in Sacramento, Johnson said.

"I think it was a mistake if we framed it a few years ago like we were building something for the Kings.... It should not have been just about them," he said in a Tuesday morning press conference at City Hall. "I think the public felt it was something that was being jammed down their throats."

The ICON-Taylor team had agreed to provide the city with two analyses – one with the Sacramento Kings as the major tenant and one without the team.

The developers may only be able to conduct the latter analysis because the Maloofs have said they will only provide the Kings’ financial information if the team stays.

Johnson suggested the community may be more likely to support building a new arena if the Kings and Maloofs are out of the picture.

"I think the public feels a lot better now knowing it's not only about the Kings, it's really about us as a community," he said. "The fact that we may be on the brink of losing our team and the key variable in this is an arena.... The public understands that in a different way."

However, the community would be losing a "major employer" without the Kings and an arena, he said.

During the press conference, two people who work at the Kings' home arena in Natomas, recently renamed the Power Balance Pavilion, said they and their families would suffer if the Kings left and a new arena isn't built.

The mayor applauded fans' ongoing efforts to keep the Kings in Sacramento. Some Kings fans are lobbying the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers to vote "no" on allowing the Kings to move to Southern California, he said.

However, Johnson said he wants people to be realistic about their ability to impact the Maloofs' decision.

"I just want to make sure everyone's expectations are in alignment with the reality that we're facing," he said. "They are, in my estimation, doing everything they can to make a deal happen in Anaheim."

The City Council is expected to discuss how the schedule for the arena's financial analysis may be impacted by the recent news about the team's possible move and the Maloofs' unwillingness to provide financial data to the developers, he added.

Regional leaders may be called together next week for an update and to get their input on building a new arena.

If the team stays in Sacramento, the team's owners will have to spend money to recruit more good players, Johnson said.

"Over the last couple years, the basketball product that was put on the court hasn't been as competitive," he said. "And the basketball product on the court has not connected with the fan base in terms of rekindling or creating that energy and excitement. We haven't spent the dollars that we needed to win."

Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @SuzanneHurt.

Anaheim's economics luring Kings, mayor says

2011-03-04T03:51:08Z

Mayor Kevin Johnson on Thursday sounded resigned to the idea Sacramento may soon lose its professional basketball team.

A day after his first conversation with the Sacramento Kings' owners in more than a month, Johnson said Anaheim and its city-owned arena, the Honda Center, have this city beaten on too many fronts.

Anaheim has a lucrative TV market and the Walt Disney Company’s Disneyland and other Fortune 500 companies that can buy sponsorships and luxury boxes and suites – critical revenue streams for basketball teams, in addition to ticket sales. Sacramento's economy is struggling and its arena is outdated, he said.

"It's a business decision and the economics of Anaheim are better than the economics for them at this state here in Sacramento," Johnson said in a late-afternoon press conference at City Hall. "They are fully exploring their options, which appears to be Anaheim."

Johnson has been trying to meet with the Maloof brothers, who own a majority share of the Sacramento Kings, since Feb. 19 during National Basketball Association All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, when NBA Commissioner David Stern confirmed rumors the Maloofs have been talking with Anaheim officials about a possible move.

The Maloofs also made it clear during the discussion with Johnson before Wednesday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers that they will not sell their interests in the Kings.

The Maloofs aren't willing to negotiate a deal for the Kings to stay in Sacramento or share any financial documents about Kings and Arco Arena revenue unless a deal in Anaheim falls through, Johnson said.

"I do not think Sacramento can influence the outcome of their decision," he said. "I'm OK with that. I think we're all OK with that. It's a decision they're going to have to make."

During a phone call with the mayor Wednesday, NBA Commissioner David Stern encouraged Johnson to continue to "fight" for the Kings – but said he'd support the Maloofs when they make a case to move to Anaheim to other team owners during the NBA Board of Governors meeting April 14-15.

On Tuesday, the NBA board extended the Kings’ deadline to file a relocation request to April 18.

Bracing for the likelihood the Sacramento Kings will be leaving town, business leaders said in a separate press conference Thursday that the time is right for the region to pull together to get a new sports and entertainment center built downtown.

Downtown redevelopment and the region's $2.4 billion convention and tourism industry and other businesses would benefit by having a state-of-the art facility downtown, said Sacramento Convention and Visitor's Bureau President Steve Hammond.

"This is about so much more than the Kings," said Downtown Sacramento Partnership Executive Director Michael Ault at a morning press conference inside the Sacramento Convention Center. "There are too many examples of urban centers .... where these facilities have been catalysts."

In a rare joint press conference, Ault, Hammond and Sacramento Metro Chamber President Matt Mahood threw their support behind an arena effort led by Johnson – who until now has been the lone leader addressing the unfolding situation involving a possible Kings departure.

An arena and events center can be expected to draw 3 million visitors to at least 225 events each year, they said.

Leaders from 14 business chambers throughout the area recently met and agreed to collaborate to determine what type of arena and event center is needed and how to get it built. The community must "prepare itself" that public investment will be needed, Mahood said.

Hammond quickly added that efforts to fund the facility must include "opportunities" for the businesses that would benefit and that business leaders couldn't expect all the funding to come from taxes.

Just what that would mean – whether it might be businesses buying luxury suites at a new arena or some other type of funding – is uncertain. Business leaders are awaiting a list of financing options being put together by a development team, they said.

The Sacramento area has lost several major conventions, primarily religious conventions, that would have brought 10,000 to 15,000 visitors to the area because there isn't a big enough facility near downtown's hotels. Those visitors would stay at hotels, eat at restaurants and spend money in other ways, Hammond said.

The six-county region's 2 million residents would benefit by having a facility that could accommodate much more than just professional basketball, which Arco Arena was built for. A newer and bigger facility could handle the kinds of events and concerts that residents must drive to the Bay Area for, such as hockey games and big concerts, they said.

Leaders of the ICON-Taylor development team told Johnson after Stern confirmed rumors about the Kings' possible move to Anaheim they would use financial data from comparable NBA markets to prepare a financial analysis for building an arena.

The Maloofs agreed to communicate more quickly and openly with Johnson and the city in the future. They'll make sure he's one of the first to know once a decision about a move has been made.

"They told me if they do decide they don't want to be here, they'll let me know immediately," Johnson said.

Kings officials declined to comment Thursday.

Videos by Brandon Darnell. Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @SuzanneHurt.

Mayor reacts to anxiety over Kings

2011-02-22T23:26:53Z

In response to public anxiety over speculation that the Sacramento Kings may leave the city, Mayor Kevin Johnson used a Tuesday press conference to emphasize local efforts to build a new arena and call on residents to attend Kings games.

News organizations across the state reported over the holiday weekend that the Kings are eyeing Anaheim as a new host city.

The decision by the Kings’ owners, the Maloof family, is expected to happen by March 1, when they must ask the National Basketball Association if the Kings can move, according to multiple media reports.

“We want the Sacramento Kings to be in Sacramento (and) we want to do everything we can to make that happen,” Johnson said. “But we cannot control that at this point in time. That’s a decision that they can make.”

Johnson said the Kings are expected to participate this week in a financial analysis process with developer David Taylor and the ICON Venue Group as part of a plan to eventually build a new arena.

“I feel like over the next year, the public and all of us are going to clearly know what it will take to do to build a new entertainment sports complex,” Johnson said. “I’m hoping we can get there.”

He also urged residents to attend Kings games. “I think supporting the team will be a huge statement that we can make.”

Read about the efforts of developer David Taylor and ICON Venue Group to bring a new arena to Sacramento here.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

Mavs hold off Kings 102-100

2011-02-11T05:21:49Z

The Sacramento Kings hosted the streaking Dallas Mavericks, who were riding a 10-game winning streak going into Wednesday night's game.

The Kings fought valiantly to erase an 11-point deficit, but Jason Terry and José Barea helped spark the Mavs to an 11th straight victory, beating the Kings 102-100.

Terry stepped up off the bench in the wake of Dirk Nowitzki’s poor shooting night by scoring a game-high 20 points. Barea, who averages nine points per game from the bench, scored 15 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter to help hold off the Kings.

“He’s one of the quickest players in the league,” Kings coach Paul Westphal said of Barea. “He can shoot. They set a lot of screens for him. He can get going like that sometimes.”

Both teams had great production from their bench. The Kings’ bench produced 42 points while Dallas’ bench had 58 points. Terry and Barea tied the point production from the Kings’ bench.

Kings guard Tyreke Evans was one assist shy of a triple-double, finishing with 16 points, 10 rebounds and a team-high nine assists. Samuel Dalembert finished with a team-high 20 points.

DeMarcus Cousins finished with 19 points and a team-high 15 rebounds, but he received the first ejection of his career. Cousins was tangled with Mavs center Tyson Chandler and became heated.

A double technical foul was assessed to both players for the altercation but it was second technical foul of the night and he was ejected. Cousins said that the officials did not explain why he was given the technical fouls.

“I didn’t say anything,” he said regarding the first technical foul. “I don’t know what I (did). I mean, if they felt it was a technical, then it was a technical.”

Since beating the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Hornets on back-to-back nights, the Kings lost four straight games at home to playoff-caliber teams, keeping the score close in three out of four games.

Dallas outscored the Kings by 17 points in the second quarter to take an eight-point lead into the half. The Kings had the chance to tie at 100 near the end of the game, but Evans’ contested lay-up didn’t fall.

Evans said he was fouled on the wrist by Chandler, but there was no call.

“How (the officials) look at us, we’ll never get those type of calls,” Evans said. “We’ve just got to get better and keep moving on.”

The Kings will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday before leaving on a three-game road trip leading into the All-Star break.

Kings let struggling Jazz back in game, lose tough one, 107-104

2011-02-09T02:16:43Z

After starting out 2-0 during this tough stretch of games, the Kings are working their way through the home part of the journey hoping to rack up some good wins against good teams before going on the road again.

The Utah Jazz were in town with their 3-9 record in their last 12 games and appeared to be ripe for the picking. Unfortunately, it was the Jazz that did the harvesting, as they held on to upend the Kings 107-104 on the strength of Deron Williams’ court magic and Al Jefferson’s play around the rim.

Utah came out firing with Jefferson (23 points, 3 steals), the offensive powerhouse acquired in the offseason, was having his way with DeMarcus Cousins on the block. Jefferson’s great footwork and post moves to the basket were too much for the younger, less-experienced Cousins, who had picked up two early ticky-tack fouls in less than five minutes. The Jazz center seemed to score his 12 points in the opening quarter with ease.

Luckily, Samuel Dalembert (9 points, 11 boards) was up to the task of bodying up against Jefferson. Dalembert came in for an effective stretch as he started to make things more difficult for the Jazz center.

Tyreke Evans picked up his second personal foul at the end of the first to put the two most dynamic Kings players in early foul trouble. The uncommon pairing of reserve guards Pooh Jeter and Luther Head played well and helped the Kings stay close while the starters were out.

By the end of the first half, the Kings had 10 players who had scored.

The Udrih/Evans guard combo was working well, as they were constantly driving to the basket and kicking to open players on the wing or top of the key.

Watching Williams (21 points, 6 boards, 9 assists) play guard for the Jazz was a treat. His lay-ups off the glass were a thing of beauty. So high up on the Plexiglas – no one could even get a fingertip on them.

Which is why when Williams went to the bench with what looked like a wrist injury, it appeared the Kings would be poised for a run. The two young superstars for the Kings – Evans and Cousins – took full advantage of Williams’ wrist issue and dominated the floor. Evans led the way with 13 points and three blocks while Cousins had 11 points and eight boards in the period to help Sacramento get a 10-point lead at one juncture in the third.

So there we were again.

The Kings had a small lead, 87-80, after three quarters. Nobody was in foul trouble. Even Deron Williams was constantly grabbing at his wrist in pain.

The table was set. It looked like the Kings would be able to hold on.

In short, they didn’t. It only took four minutes for the Kings to give up the lead and let Utah back in the game.

With the game tied, the Kings pulled ahead 97-91 with just over half the quarter left. During that stretch, Cousins picked up his fourth and fifth fouls.

Yes, Dalembert played well, but Cousins (25 points, 14 boards) was the difference-maker. Cousins was the leading scorer in the final period with seven points as the rest of the boys in purple stalled out. Even Evans (21 points) had only two points in the quarter.

Turnovers doomed the Kings. Sacramento, which finished with 20 giveaways, was led by Evans’ six, while Thompson and Cousins had four each.

Almost as soon as Cousins was sent to the pine to await the call, Dalembert picked up his fifth foul and had to take a seat, bringing Cousins back in – and maybe a little too soon. With the Kings down 101-99, Cousins readied himself to re-enter the game.

The Kings were still down by one after Cousins made a basket and the foul shot before fouling out and Dalembert had to return.

The usually reliable Andre Kirilenko got to the line twice in the waning seconds, but only made one of two on two separate trips to the line, leaving the door open for the Kings to tie on a long-range bomb.

Coach Paul Westphal had all of his reliable three-point shooters on the floor for the final eight seconds of the game. The Kings’ last shot came from Casspi, whose apparently clear look at the rim wasn’t good enough, and his shot fell short.

Westphal talked about the final play.

“We wanted to get a three up,” said a clearly disappointed Westphal. “You can’t tell who is going to get it for sure – you space the floor, you try and make them make some decisions, and you attack and take whatever three you think you can get.”

After the game, the Kings’ locker room was semi-cleared out. Evans and Cousins, who are usually very open to interviews after a win or a loss, were nowhere to be found, as they had left before the media was allowed in.

Among Casspi’s supporters were Thompson, Landry, Jeter, Dalembert and Donte Greene, who stuck around as if to not let Casspi fall on the sword alone. Casspi, who sat in front of his locker space with his head in his hands for several minutes after his shower, stood tall to answer for the missed shot.

“All the pressure is on me now to make them (three-point shots),” said a frustrated Casspi. “I’m missing a lot of shots that, I don’t know, I don’t remember myself missing those kinds of shots. I’ve been working a lot in practice. I feel like I don’t have my legs under me for some reason.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

RON NABITY

http://nabityphotos.com/

Kings push Celtics to the brink but fall short, lose 95-90 at Arco

2011-02-03T05:30:47Z

Going into the game, Sacramento was missing a few big men: Jason Thompson (sprained ankle) and Hassan Whiteside (knee strain), and then Darnell Jackson right before halftime in a freak incident.

You would think the Kings would have had no chance in matching up with the daunting Boston Celtics, the team with the best record in the NBA.

You would be wrong, as for most of the game the Kings were in it and even pushed back almost every time the Celts pushed them. If it wasn’t for Ray Allen’s fiery halftime locker room speech, the Kings may have prevailed. In the end, in a tough, physical game, The C’s from Beantown got by the hometown Kings, 95-90.

It was the first time this tough season that the Arco Arena was really rockin’. I guess that shouldn’t have been a surprise since Boston is playing like world champions and the Kings have started to show they can win the tough games.

But what was an eye-opener was how many Boston fans were in the building. At times, it sounded like a third of the fans in attendance were cheering for the boys in green, a sound that only angered the loyalists in the facility as they pumped up the noise in their collective effort to drown out the fans wearing the green and white.

Even though the Kings blocked five shots in the first quarter, it was Sacramento’s poor shooting percentage in the period (28.6 percent) that hurt the team. Boston led after one, 27-20.

The game started to get chippy in the second as the Kings were not letting the semi-cheating little things that the Celtics are known for get to them. Even DeMarcus Cousins (20 points, 6 boards, 2 blocks) kept his cool after being shoved by Rajon Rondo during a break in the action. Much like when Cousins went over to Chris Paul after Paul threw Beno Udrih on the ground in the Charlotte game, Tyreke Evans (20 points, 4 boards, 4 assists, 2 blocks) got in Rondo’s face after the shove on Cousins. It’s great to see the Kings coming together though adversity.

Donte Greene (15 points, 2 boards), who’s been getting a lot more playing time with Francisco Garcia on injured reserve, scored 13 points in the stanza to help jump-start the home team. That, along with the fire and instant energy that reserve guard Pooh Jeter brings every time he hits the floor, pushed the Kings to a 54-45 lead at the half. Jeter (8 points, 3 assists) had six points and three assists in the quarter and took a critical charge late in the period.

In a scary scene at the end of the first half, as the Kings were walking off the floor, Darnell Jackson collapsed. After several minutes and what appeared to be something like smelling salts, Jackson was able to sit up and eventually walk off the court on his own accord. The word came down that Jackson was having shortness of breath and would not return to the contest.

Boston kept the intensity going in the fourth by again helping the Kings to six more turnovers in the final quarter. Glen Davis (14 points, 4 boards) had 10 in the period for the Celts by hitting several open jumpers. With all the great interior defense the Kings were playing, it came at the expense of not rotating out far enough to cover Boston’s big men on the outside. And Boston made them pay.

Along with Big Baby Davis, Allen (22 points, 6 boards) was a key factor for Boston. Allen hit four 3-pointers to go with 9-of-15 shooting from the field.

It appeared that Sacramento would have a chance at the end, but the Kings stopped running the ball across the half-court line with two minutes remaining in the game, a choice that would cost them.

“I just thought that if we could create a turnover, that might be a little better chance than hoping that Ray Allen missed a free throw,” Coach Paul Westphal said from the podium after the game.

Even though the Celtics beat the Kings, there’s been a lot of progress made in the last few weeks and the players are noticing.

“I think we are going to be OK from here on out,” Evans said from his space in the locker room. “We just need to keep playing the way we’ve been playing. Our confidence, our starting lineup out there — I think we bring a good effort. Then the bench comes in and they do a good job too.”

Jeter, who's turning into a big crowd favorite, added this on the way out of the arena.

“I’m just glad we had the effort. We’ve been showing in a lot of games that we can play. We played against a great team and I’m glad we didn’t give up.”

GAME NOTES: After having 10 blocks in the first half, the Kings finished with only 12 . . . Udrih had a poor shooting night going 2-of-10 from the field, but did have 6 boards and 6 assists . . . Samuel Dalembert had a good night with 5 blocks and 7 boards . . . Carl Landry only played 16 minutes as Westphal thought the match-ups and the way Dalembert was playing kept Landry from being on the floor more . . . A combination of Casspi and Greene did a good job on Paul Piece holding him to 15 points . . . The Kings play again on Friday at home against the San Antonio Spurs.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

JAMES K. LEASH

http://www.sharp-eyeimages.com/

Just think of the money he'll make!

2011-02-01T01:11:08Z

As I got ready to lay my head down on the pillow for the evening, I started wondering what my son would be doing when he grew up. With all his talent, the possibilities were endless. Visions of grandeur were dancing in my head.

He’ll be running down that 300-foot dark-green pasture – picking them up and putting them down, crossing white line after white line. They say he’s lightning-fast. Great hands, quick feet. No one can catch him, and Lord knows they’ve tried. A natural. A definite “blue-chipper,” they whisper in the stands.

But what about the beating he’ll take? Being hammered game after game after game. It takes a toll, you know. I know he has pads on, but so does everyone else. Their job is to hit him as hard and as viciously as they possibly can – put him on the ground so he thinks about it next the time he comes their way. A lot of guys hobble and limp around for the rest of their lives. This is starting to not sound so good.

He’s also got a real “live arm.” That, along with his great hand-eye coordination, should give him a chance. He’s always loved the smell of freshly clipped grass inside a diamond, surrounded by 47,000 cheering loyalists. Ever since he saw Reggie back in the day, he thought about following in his footsteps. Maybe it was the way you could see every one of them. Their mistakes, their glory – every position clearly defined. But it was still a team sport – one person could not win it all by himself.

But what if he gets stuck in the minor leagues? He could be riding a bus – day in and day out, week in and week out, year after year. I guess it’s one way to see the country.

And what if he hurts his arm? He could be a has-been before he even starts. Players have come and gone before him by the truckloads. Overnight sensations turned one-year wonders. Some never had a chance to endure a sophomore slump, let alone a three or four-year career.

Career? If I’d told my Dad that my career would last three or four years, he would have signed me up with the French Foreign Legion. Right then, no questions asked.

Did I tell you he’s got a great jump shot? He can drive past his buddies on the way to the hoop at any time. Nothing can stop him. If they do, he just pulls up and drains one in their faces. Great hands and a great defender. He can pick your pocket quicker and slicker than a New York City street thief. He even shoots free throws like his father’s idol, Rick Barry.

Would he be strong enough or tall enough? He’s quick, but it’s because he’s small. If his jumper was not falling, how many lay-ups would be soundly rejected into the fifth row of the arena? He’ll be going against bigger bodies game in and game out, enduring constant pounding of chest against chest or chest against back. It’s a long and tedious season. What if he’s the 12th man? Would he by OK with riding the pine?

And if all that wasn't enough, you should see him on the motocross track. He’s the first one out of the gate, and holds it wide-open all the way to the first turn. He’s not afraid of crashing. He hits every jump like he’s Evel Knievel. Nac nacs, tabletops and one-footer tail whips are all in his repertoire. The kid gets more air than Travis Pastrana in his prime. The balance, the attitude, the fearlessness – he’s a natural on two wheels.

But have you seen those guys when they crash? Oh my goodness! He’s not a crash-test dummy. Some of those guys don’t get up after a bad fall. One bad crash could end – not only his career, but maybe his life. Who is going to stand by his side when he needs to be rolled to the doctor in his vegetative state?

Too many decisions. Too much could go wrong.

Did I tell you he is smart also?

You see, my son has not even been conceived yet. He will be someday, but not yet.

I've got a lot of great ideas on what I want him to become, but that's not what's truly important. If we raise him correctly, he can make his own decisions on what he likes or doesn't like, what he wants to do or not to do.

You see, that is the question, but it’s up to him to answer it.

Blazers rip Kings in OT

2011-01-21T01:28:36Z

Despite leading and outplaying the Portland Trail Blazers (23-20) for much of the game, the Sacramento Kings (9-31) lost 94-90 in overtime on Wednesday night at Arco Arena.

The Kings were on fire out of the gates, limiting Portland to only one field goal on six attempts in the first four minutes of play, but the silver lining may reside in what appeared to be a fully recovered Tyreke Evans. Evans seemed to have little trouble slashing to the basket, a sign that a series of recent foot injuries may finally be behind him.

Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal used Evans for just over 45 minutes, and the sleek shooting guard contributed 16 points, eight assists and three steals. Evans is currently ranked seventh in the NBA in steals per game with an average of 1.83. Evans additionally added five rebounds but also turned the ball over as many times.

Rookie center DeMarcus Cousins, who has been something of a Jekyll & Hyde in his first season, had a rough night, contributing only two baskets in 11 tries and grabbing a mere four rebounds in just over 24 minutes. Fortunately for the Kings, backup center Samuel Dalembert had perhaps his best night as a Sacramento King with 15 points, 12 rebounds and two timely blocked shots, including one in overtime that nearly gave the Kings the opportunity to tie the game in the final minute.

The Blazers, who were without star guard Brandon Roy (knees), Marcus Camby (knee) and the perpetually injured Greg Oden (knee), relied heavily on outstanding performances by forwards Nicolas Batum and LaMarcus Aldridge. Batum gave the Kings a constant headache throughout the game, dropping 24 points on 16 attempts while also adding six rebounds and two steals. Aldridge, who has more or less been charged with leading the team in Roy’s absence, dropped a variety of baby hooks and crashed the boards, finishing with a line that included 23 points and nine rebounds despite five turnovers.

Through the first three quarters of the game, the Kings defense was the difference maker. They forced several turnovers that included two shot-clock violations by Portland. On offense, the Kings took advantage of a depleted Portland front court with two aggressive ally-oops. At one point, Dalembert was left all alone in the paint for an easy two-handed dunk that clearly disrupted Portland Head Coach Nate MacMillan.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings sprinted ahead to a seven-point lead at 81-74 with just under six minutes remaining. After shifting to the same zone defense the Kings used to keep Portland’s offense at bay for most of the evening, the Blazers went on a 7-0 scoring streak that was made possible by two timely turnovers, including a blocked three-point attempt by Portland guard Andre Miller on Sacramento guard Beno Udrih as well as an offensive foul on Kings backup forward Carl Landry.

Landry later redeemed himself by hitting two crucial free throws in the closing seconds that forced the game into overtime.

In overtime, the Kings defense appeared poised to help Sacramento attain its 10th victory of the season before the team failed to score in the final 2:06 of the game. Shortly after blocking an Aldridge jumper and forcing a Portland timeout, Dalembert fouled Batum on a rebound after an Omri Casspi three-point attempt that went in and out. Batum hit both free throws to put the Blazers up 94-90 with only seconds remaining.

The Kings gave one last-ditch effort that resulted in a turnover on their final possession, underlining what ultimately undid the team in the final minutes despite an outstanding defensive performance. The Kings clearly lacked the offensive leadership necessary in close games. Evans might have filled those shoes, but he went 0-2 in overtime and was limited to one point on two free throws.

The Kings head out of town on a two-game road trip as they travel to Oakland, where they will face the Golden State Warriors (18-23) at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night before they get the opportunity to even the season series versus the Blazers in Portland at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Photos courtesy of Ron Nabity

A Globetrotting Hot Shot

2011-01-12T04:08:55Z

It has been a long time since this reporter has seen the Harlem Globetrotters perform live; that will change on January 17th at Arco Arena when they bring their quirky and fun style to the court. With many of the original members retired the question is whether the team will perform the way they used to. That question was answered today when meeting with Harlem Globetrotter ‘Hot Shot Branch’ on the court. After watching ‘Hot Shot’ run, dunk, shoot and spin there is no doubt the game is still on.

For anyone who has not seen the Globetrotters perform you are in for a treat. They make the game of basketball more interesting buy clowning around, making goofy mistakes, actively engaging the crowd and throwing confetti into the audience (to name a few things).
The Globetrotters take the sport of basketball to a whole new level and in 2011 they are upping the ante. This year they are introducing a 4 point shot – something this reporter couldn’t master. Hot Shot says that the 4 point shot will help reinvent the game while adding a level of excitement not seen before.

The Sacramento Press had an opportunity to interview “Hot Shot Branch” and this is what he had to say:

Sacramento Press: When did you start with the Harlem Globetrotters and how hard was it for you to get on with them?

Hot Shot: It was 8 years ago that I started with the Harlem Globetrotters. The hardest part was getting recognized – I had played in school, development leagues and then in Europe (and other parts of the world) and that helped me get recognized. The team is not looking for just anyone, they want talented individuals who can play basketball but are also capable of interacting with people. So much of what the team does is off the court and to win a spot on the team you have to show you can handle that side of the game.

SP: What do you prefer more, playing with the Harlem Globetrotters or playing professional basketball around the world?

HS: Definitely the Globetrotters, I am getting everything with them. Not only do I travel the world but I get more in depth in the community; going out to kids, schools and charities - there is daily interactions. This is a complete job, you do a lot of community events and speaking arrangements but you still play the game. This is a job I love to do – I get to help kids and then play ball. Every day I get to wake-up knowing I might have helped someone or inspired them and that makes me love the job.

SP: Do you think your basketball skills have improved playing with the Harlem Globetrotters?

HS: You are in the gym everyday so it is bound to get better. As for the competitiveness it is different because you have to know how to entertain as well as play ball. In regular basketball players are concerned about their records: shots, rebounds, wins and losses. Whereas with the Globetrotters each and every night we are winning; If we don’t win the game then we win the hearts of the fans. Once you get that attachment you understand what you are here for.

SP: Do you ever follow-up with any of the fans you meet at the games or on the streets?

HS: We have a website where the kids can send emails to the players. These emails go straight to the players and we can respond to them. I respond back to many of them talking about the time they had at the game, how they felt and what they want to do in life. Many send pictures from the game or with us personally. We are also really good when someone sends a picture in the mail; we will usually autograph it and send it back to them. That is a good thing about the website; it allows us to interact with our fans.

SP: Do you think your personal time with the kids, both on the court and in the community, has had a positive impact on many of them?

HS: I grew up in Houston and can relate too many of the kids who come and see us. Many of those kids grew up in single parent homes like I did. I grew-up in an area where you could get anything you wanted – drugs, alcohol and other bad things. For me, I used the game of basketball to elevate myself above that. I used it to take my mind off of it and focus in on education. So, many of the kids can relate to the desire to play basketball and go to school and I tell them how I grew-up and what was around me. Those kids fell like they have a connection and they can see that if I can do it than they can do it. All you can do is show someone and hope for the best; hopefully to be an inspiration in their life.

SP: If there was one thing about the Harlem Globetrotters that you remember most, and feel is most important to you, what would that be?

HS: FUN! FUN! A lot of fun. It is not about the money, it is about something I love doing, the passion I love. The changes I have made, like the interactions with kids, are so important to me. There are so many stories I can tell about going to hospitals, doing community events – it’s like a book you can tell. There are so many things I have done and I hope that one day a kid can come to me and say, “Hot Shot, I remember when you came and saw me in the hospital and look at me know, I am a starter for the Kings” that would be the greatest inspiration for me.

It was a real pleasure meeting ‘Hot Shot’ today. Not only is he an amazing basketball player, but he is a real gentleman. If you have a chance, take your family to a Harlem Globetrotters game. It’ll be an experience everyone will enjoy.

Harlem Globetrotters:

January 17, 2011 - Arco Arena 2:00PM

For tickets or information please visit Arco Arena or go to their website.

For more informationon the Harlem Globetrotters please visit their website.

Marc McLaughlin is a contributing writer and photographer for the Sacramento Press. Photos and Video by Marc McLaughlin.

OPINION: Proposed Renaming Of Arco Arena Disrespectful To Citizens Of Sacramento

2011-01-12T01:33:43Z

I have lived in Sacramento my whole life, so I’ve come to grow a thick skin when it comes to the jokes about our little “cow town.” I usually brush them off as uninformed comments from people who don’t know what this city has to offer. Sacramento boasts a terrific history, with ties going all the way back to the Gold Rush, and a rich and diverse landscape. That is why today I hang my head in shame with the reported news that the Maloofs are seriously considering selling the naming rights to our only corporately sponsored arena to a company who admits that their “Power Balance” products are nothing more than a scam.

Sure, there are no laws that says the Maloofs cannot do what is being reported by multiple news outlets. We live in a capitalist society, and the right to naming Arco Arena is up for sale to the highest bidder.

That being said, I can only see this move as a poke in the eye by the Maloofs while they already have one and a half feet out the door. Was the loyalty and cash generated over the past 15 years not enough to prevent such a tasteless decision? Are they really so hard-up for cash that the Maloofs are willing to get into bed with admitted scam artists? And what of the reputation of Sacramento? Add this to the list of jokes made at our expense, I suppose.

I can only guess that this is nothing more than another calculated move on the part of the Maloofs to build their argument that Sacramento is no longer a city conducive to operating a professional basketball team.

As public sentiment begins to turn against the Maloofs and attendance drops at Arco, it’s easy to foresee a future where the Kings franchise is more valuable to the Maloof family as a commodity to be sold, rather than an institution to be nourished.

Make no mistake, folks, the golden days of the Sacramento Kings are long behind us, and the final chapters of professional basketball in Sacramento may be being written as you read this.

It’s unfortunate that it seems we will not be parting ways with mutual respect and admiration for one another. Rather, it seems the Maloofs would have a “Fire-Sale” and squeeze every last dime out of Sacramento while they still can, leaving us citizens once again as the butt of the nation’s jokes.

More info here:

http://consumerist.com/2011/01/powerbalance-admits-theres-no-proof-it-works.html

Former Kings player sentenced for Nov. 5 DUI

2011-01-12T01:23:23Z

Former Sacramento Kings player Antoine Wright was sentenced Tuesday to three years of informal probation and 15 days in jail for a Nov. 5 drunken driving arrest in Rocklin.

The 26-year-old Wright has the option of applying for alternate sentencing to the jail time, such as a work project or home detention, Placer County Superior Court Judge Alan Pineschi said.

Pineschi gave Wright credit for one day of time served, and he must report to the Placer County jail on March 30 to serve the remaining 14 days unless granted alternative sentencing.

He was also fined $450, according to a press release from Placer County District Attorney’s Office spokesman Art Campos.

Wright pleaded no contest through his attorney to a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence.

Misdemeanor charges of unlicensed driving and driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or higher were dismissed in the plea arrangement.

Wright’s blood alcohol level was .20 percent, according to Prosecutor Matt Block.

The legal limit is .08 percent.

The press release said Wright was released from the Kings on Nov. 29.

Photo courtesy Placer County's Sheriff's Office.

Johnson/Crawford best Evans/Cousins' great night, Hawks down Kings

2011-01-06T01:33:51Z

With the worst record in the association, the Sacramento Kings were just looking for improvement in the showdown with the Atlanta Hawks.

There was improvement throughout the game in the team’s collective effort and hustle, coach Paul Westphal said afterward.

But even with Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins scoring 31 of the team’s 39 fourth quarter points, it was not enough to get a home win as the Kings fell to the Hawks, 108-102. The strength of Atlanta guards Jamal Crawford and Joe Johnson, who combined to make 60 points in the game, was too much for the Kings.

Early on, it was the rebirth of longtime fan favorite Mike Bibby (9 points, 10 boards, 4 assists) as he easily found ways to get clear of Beno Udrih’s defensive attempts to nail two beyond-the-arc bombs and snatching up five rebounds.

Speaking of Udrih, it seems that 2011 has not been so kind so far. So far in the new year, he seems to be losing his man often on the defensive side of the ball, and his scoring numbers – eight points in three games on 3 of 17 shooting – are far below his 15.5 points per game average in December.

Even though the Kings were running better offense, the Hawks led after one quarter 27-23 on the strength of 5 of 7 shooting from the three-point line and Jamal Crawford’s impressive bench play. Crawford had eight points in less than six minutes in the first.

Pooh Jeter (4 points, 6 assists) entered the game in the second and turned it up a notch, getting Carl Landry (8 points) involved, and Landry payed him back my making two in a row.

The tempo change that Jeter always brings gave Sacramento the lead 31-30 with 9:22 left in the first half, but the Kings couldn’t get out of their own way the rest of the second quarter as Atlanta got several breakaways and Sacramento couldn’t finish shots.

Atlanta led at the halfway point, 54-40, as Crawford led the way with 15 points off the bench.

By the end of the first half, the Hawks had drained 7 of 11 three-point shots – a pace that the Kings wouldn’t be able to keep up with if continued.

Tyreke Evans (29 points, 4 boards, 8 assists, 5 steals) tried to take over, as he tends to do when the offense gets stagnant, and forced his way into the lane a couple of times for easy baskets.

Joe Johnson proved to be a tough matchup for Evans and the rest of the Sacramento backcourt as he had 11 of his team-high 29 points in the third and seemed to make every contested shot as well as the easy ones.

At the end of three, the Hawks led 77-63.

The guards of Atlanta were having their way with the Kings – pulling up for open jumpers all night long.

The combination of Bibby, Johnson and Crawford proved lethal for the home squad. If it wasn’t Bibby nailing a wide-open trey or Crawford blowing by the Kings’ porous defense, it was Johnson hitting, well, any shot he wanted. The trio combined for 69 points and hit seven threes along the way.

People started leaving the Arco at the 7:45 mark of the final period as the Hawks had acquired a 22-point lead, and it looked like there would be no miraculous comeback on the night.

The problem was, a couple of Kings in particular weren’t ready to call it an evening. Evans’ circus shots and DeMarcus Cousins’ forcefulness were the only offensive firepower the Kings could muster in the fourth. Cousins had 16, and Evans 15 in the final quarter.

Coach Paul Westphal reached deep into the bench looking for someone who could guard Jamal Crawford to cool his fourth-quarter rampage (10 points in the quarter) and pulled Donte Greene out of the bag. Crawford promptly came down and drained one in Greene’s face – like he did all night.

The Kings made a push, pulling to within 12 with 3:26 left in the affair, and Evans’ effort got the game even closer as the Kings only trailed by 9 with 2 minutes remaining.

Landry made two free throws that saw Sacramento close it to seven points with 1:40 remaining, and another amazing Evans’ steal got the Kings to within five as the fans still in the arena were in hopes of watching another improbable victory rally.

All hopes ended when Evans threw up a rushed longball that barely drew iron, and the Kings had to foul the rest of the game.

Even though Evans did everything he could to get the Kings within striking distance by game’s end, the Hawks won, 108-102.

Evans talked about finally getting into a smoother tempo.

“I just found a rhythm,” Evans said from his locker room chair. “We got some movement, and I got the ball off the screen, I’d shoot the ball going full speed and get a layup or an assist.”

As for Cousins, with another good game in the books, it appears the big man is finding himself and his place on this team.

“I became a better professional today,” said a calm Cousins after his shower, “playing through adversity in the first half and then coming out and trying to finish strong. So I believe I actually grew today.”

GAME NOTES:

Josh Smith had a double double with 14 points and 11 boards . . . Omri Casspi continued his consistent play, also having a double double with 10 points and 11 rebounds . . . Bibby was the second-leading rebounder for the Hawks with 10 . . . Bill Walton and Hawks announcer and former great Dominique Wilkins held a pow wow before the game with Kings rookie Cousins giving him some friendly big-man advice.

PHOTOS COURTESY of DARREN HALL
http://www.darrenhallphotography.net

Kings pull the shades down on the Suns, comeback and win 89-84

2011-01-04T01:20:08Z

It was the first home game of the new year. A fresh start. A new beginning. A chance to recapture the home team magic.

As the opponent was another revamped version of the run-and-gun Suns, the Kings would have their hands full trying to keep Phoenix's mad bombers at bay.

With some great defensive pressure in the final quarter and the outstanding play of rookie DeMarcus Cousins – playing like a larger version of last year’s rookie of the year, Tyreke Evans – the Kings provided another fantastic fourth-quarter comeback and held on to beat the Suns 89-84 at Arco Arena on Sunday evening.

It was a slow start for the Kings as the Suns’ Mickael Pietrus (7 points, 4 rebounds) and Steve Nash (20 points, 12 assists) were free to roam around the three-point arc and nail mid- and long-range jumpers the entire first quarter.

Add that to the poor shooting and turnover-ridden Kings, and the Suns led after one, 27-17.

The only real early spark plugs for the home team were Francisco Garcia and Jason Thompson. Garcia had two blocks and eight points in the opening quarter, and Thompson was near the rim early, snatching up rebounds.

The Kings opened the second with seven unanswered points before a foul-plagued Vince Carter (17 points, 5 fouls) scored to break the Kings momentum. The Kings grabbed the lead on a couple of Evans free throws but eventually gave way to the Suns, who finished the first half scoring eight straight points.

The Suns led at the half, 48-39.

As I sat in my upper perch, I kept wondering if the Kings would be able to stop the most basic play in basketball: The pick and roll.

Any time Steve Nash wanted it, it was open. He would just have Marcin Gortat set a pick on the top of the key, and then Gortat would slide off of Nash and roll to the basket as Nash was getting him the ball. An easy two points every time.

The Kings were torched on that same play way too many times in the first half as noted by Gortat, not one of the Suns’ leading scorers, having 11 points at the intermission.

Sacramento opened the second half with a little run to close to within four points at 50-46. But as he always seems to do, Nash, the two-time league MVP and 15-year veteran, did not let the Suns set quietly that night. Nash scored 10 of his team-high 20 points in the third, and the Suns led after three, 73-65.

Even though it appeared that DeMarcus Cousins was on his usual foul pace, the rookie kept his cool and played most of the fourth quarter with five fouls. He would not pick up his sixth.

Now that is the maturation the Kings have been waiting for.

As the Kings fell behind by 14 early in the fourth, the play and speed of Pooh Jeter started to become a problem for the Suns. Jeter, who replaced Beno Udrih on the floor because Udrih banged knees with Nash in the third, started to run circles around the Suns defense.

As noted by Garcia after the game, Jeter’s play and the defensive intensity provided the fire for the resurgence, and the Kings started their run.

Down by 10, Cousins just wouldn’t be denied. He muscled his way into the lane for some easy baskets as well as hitting some nice jumpers. The most exciting part of Cousins’ game is really starting to develop. The big man can pass the rock!

With the score getting close, the Kings heated up late on Jeter’s drives into the lane and guys started hitting open shots. Casspi and Garcia hit back-to-back jumpers to get the Kings within three, 87-84, with 3:30 left in the game.

The “defense” chants permeated the half-full Arco Arena as the fans hadn’t given up yet, and it payed off. The Suns didn’t score in the final 3:17 of the game.

After Cousins threw up a crazy Evans-like layup shot near the rim and it went in, he tied the game from the foul line at 89 with 1:45 to go.

Arco was rocking as Casspi nailed a cold-blooded three to put the Kings ahead with 25.6 seconds left in the game.

In a move that should show the bonding of this team to the naysayers, Coach Paul Westphal asked Evans after the Casspi three if he wanted to go back in the game for Jeter, and Evans clearly shook his head no. A classy move by both guys, and it shows the true cohesiveness of this season’s group.

“That’s team!,” said an excited Jeter. “He showed he’s a good teammate right there. That’s my brother – I love that dude! Everybody would do that on this team. I’m just happy he gave me that opportunity.”

The Kings won 89-84.

Cousins had a season-high 28 points to accompany his eight boards, six assists and was perfect from the free throw line going six of six. After the game, Cousins let the gathered masses take note that more good things are coming for this version of the Kings.

“We are making plays when we need to – down the stretch,” he said. “And we are (all) benefiting from it.”

GAME NOTES:

Kings out-rebounded the Suns 60-32, but the Suns took three more shots and had eight steals versus two for Sacramento . . . The Kings had three players with double-doubles – Garcia (20 points, 11 boards, 3 blocks), Casspi (14 points, 10 boards) and Carl Landry (11 points, 12 boards).

PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEVEN CHEA, the best in the biz!

http://www.examiner.com/concert-photography-1-in-sacramento/steven-chea

or check out his SacPress splash page at:

http://www.sacramentopress.com/tag/stevenchea

Kings Conspiracy - Part 1

2011-01-01T20:22:35Z

I've been a Kings fan for a long time, and I never had a chance to attend regular-season games until I started going to college. I frequently watched Kings games on local TV and saw many calls that would make you scratch your head more times than a kid with lice. Many of those calls took me back to the 2002 Western Conference Finals where the Kings were royally robbed of the championship. After attending many games last year and becoming a first time season ticket holder this year, I've come to see too many foul calls that are blatantly wrong and unjustified. As I look around at all the obstacles that the Kings organization is facing thus far, I can't help but believe that there is some conspiracy going around to get the Kings moved out of Sacramento. Now don't get scared yet, but be aware of everything that happens from this time going forward, because this article is to inform all Kings fans of the smoke and mirrors that's been going around to keep you from seeing what's really happening.

A little over a month ago, I attended the Kings and Bulls game with a friend of mine, and the contest was going really well until the referees started calling ridiculous fouls on DeMarcus Cousins, Jason Thompson and Tyreke Evans. They even hit Beno Udrih with a foul that I felt was unnecessary. On the other hand, the Bulls didn't even get called for as many fouls that the Kings did, and they were fouling every time a white uniform drove to the basket, but that’s been common when attending a Kings game. I won't elaborate too much on this night, but as the game came to a close, I started getting the idea that maybe all this foul stuff is being done on purpose to lure the fans away from Arco so that the team can find a new home.

This past summer, Arco representatives informed the Maloofs that they were not going to renew the naming rights for the Sacramento Sports Arena. This came at a very bad time for a small-market team like the Kings because naming rights bring in revenue, and seeing that Arco hasn't been packed lately, that money is desperately needed. I feel that this decision made the Maloofs angry, and they started contemplating a move even though they said they would remain faithful to the city of Sacramento. Furthermore, George Maloof took a trip to Seattle this past summer as well to speak with former Supersonics President Wally Walker. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer cites that George claimed to have spoken specifically on why Seattle was unable to build a new arena and ultimately moved them out of town. I have my doubts about this claim because the Maloofs approved of the Sonics’ move with 27 other teams three years ago.

Now those are just a few situations to keep in mind, but what about that nice new shiny arena? Back in 2006, the Maloofs met with city and county officials to finalize an agreement on a new facility that would be built in the downtown railyard. City & county officials said they would split the cost of the arena with the Maloofs, but that wasn't acceptable. The deal enraged both Joe & Gavin Maloof, and they stormed out the building, which was reported by the Sacramento Bee. Then later on, they put a tax increase proposal on the fall election ballot, which became known as measures Q and R, to raise taxes by a quarter cent to pay for a new arena. Both measures were overwhelmingly rejected by voters, and this became the beginning of the Maloofs considering relocation. However, the Maloofs would continue to pursue new avenues in getting an arena built in Sacramento, but that was only because there weren't any other viable areas to move to in that span of time. Cal Expo attempted to construct a blueprint of fitting an arena on its fairgrounds, but that idea was too farfetched, because the housing market was plummeting around that time, and local funding was nowhere to be found.

Finally, there seemed to be light at the end of the tunnel when Mayor Kevin Johnson was voted into office and started the Sacramento First Task Force. David Stern even came out to Sacramento himself to talk to the mayor about the arena issue. But even though six developers came to the table with ideas for a new arena, only one could be chosen. That “one” happened to be the Land Swap Proposal, seeing that it was backed by David Stern and the NBA, and that it seemed realistic with the funding and needs of each party involved.

As time ticked away, it became less and less likely that this whole idea would pan out, and Cal Expo put the finishing touches on it when their representatives came to the conclusion that Arco Arena wasn't fit for a brand-new fairgrounds. Not only that, but David Stern informed the Maloofs and the task force that they would no longer be helping in any capacity with getting a new arena built. Now even though the mayor is continuing his pursuit of getting an arena built here, I feel that the Maloofs are livid from the decisions of the city and Cal Expo and have come to the end of the road with their efforts here in Sacramento.

I feel that the Maloofs and David Stern are working together to have the Kings moved out of town because of this. As I look at the product on the floor, I don't really see any improvement, and I feel that Geoff Petrie and Paul Westphal are being told what to do as well in order to keep fans from supporting the team. The referees are also playing a huge part in it, calling fouls on whoever they feel just to screw us over. All this adds up to fans being uninterested in attending games and despising the direction management is going. Furthermore, when Stern isn't giving his support anymore for a particular market, that essentially means he's giving the green light to the owners to file for relocation. Similar examples of this would be the Grizzlies’ move to Memphis from Vancouver, the Hornets’ move from Charlotte to New Orleans, and the most recent disappointing move the Sonics made to Oklahoma City from Seattle. Stern didn't care one bit about either of those markets, because they weren't willing to provide the teams with new arenas, and that's exactly the case with the Kings. The NBA is all about making money, and it's likely that Sacramento hasn't been doing that for years now which makes me feel that they're setting the wheels in motion for a move.

Lastly, I would like to point out the new arena rumblings that were going around in Las Vegas this past summer. According to an article in the Las Vegas Sun, Chris Milam; the CEO of International Development Management LLC, was quoted as saying that they already had an NBA team under contract (read here). The city is putting all its efforts into building it on the Las Vegas Strip, and I already feel that this deal is in place for the Kings to move if the arena is approved by the county. The Maloofs own The Palms Casino and Hotel there, and much of their business activities are done in Sin City. What would be better than to have the Kings moved into a brand-spanking-new arena that would suit all their needs and generate income? All this makes me skeptical of what the Maloofs are really up to, and I hope it doesn't lead to the Kings bolting from town.

So don't let all the marketing schemes and talk deter you from seeing what could ultimately happen if an arena isn't built sooner rather than later. I think the Maloofs want out of Sacramento, and it seems to me like it's trickling all the way down to the team. Just a couple weeks ago, Petrie said he had no talks with any other team about trading Jason Thompson, but Marc Stein from ESPN confirmed that he indeed tried to trade him to the Hawks for Jeff Teague. Now I hear Westphal is putting him into the starting lineup, but this is nothing more than a ploy to showcase his talents so that other teams will come calling.

And speaking of Westphal, throughout most of the games this season he's used terrible rotations and hasn't gone with the guys who have been doing good for us in the beginning of games. A good example of this would be the Kings and Bulls game I mentioned earlier. Westphal never bothered to go back to the starting five of Head, Evans, Greene, Thompson and Dalembert, who were playing very energetically and executing on plays. Afterward, Westphal had the audacity to blame his players and call them guilty. This came off very fishy to fans, and it made me wonder what was truly going on.

I hate to say it, but I feel the team is being run terribly, and it's being done on purpose to sway fans away from Arco. These guys need more time to gel, but the Maloofs aren't having it, and it's all because of a bigger plan to move the team out of town in the near future. With all this being said, have no fear Kings fans, because this is just a warning. I highly suggest getting involved with the “Here We Stay” and “Keep the Kings in Sactown” movements, because these groups are trying to make extra efforts to keep our only professional sports team around.

Photos by Rob Small, David Alvarez, Marc Mclaughlin & Steven Chea

Photos: Thrilling buzzer-beater by Evans gives Kings the win

2010-12-31T03:30:50Z

If you were at Arco Arena Wednesday night, you might have thought the Kings had just won a NBA Championship. A thrilling midcourt shot at the buzzer by Tyreke Evans sent the place into a massive frenzy, ending the Kings' eight-game skid with a 100-98 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

After strong showings by DeMarcus Cousins (21 points, 16 rebounds) and Beno Udrih (24 points, 4 rebounds), it looked like yet another disappointing fourth-quarter loss for the Kings. O.J. Mayo gave the Grizzlies a 98-97 lead with a difficult fadeaway jumper with 1.5 seconds remaining to seemingly seal the deal.

Then the impossible happened as Evans took the next inbound pass and raced to midcourt, jumping into the air and launching the ball seconds before time expired. The shot was reviewed by officials and upheld as Arco erupted, giving the Kings the much-needed win.

Top performer for Memphis (15-17) was Zach Randolph with a season-high 35 points and 17 rebounds.

Hopefully the win Wednesday night (the second in 18 games) breathes some life into the Kings, who improve their NBA-worst record to 6-23. They face Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets on Saturday in Denver.

Here are some shots from the game:

Tyreke Evans #13 attempts to score against three Memphis defenders.

Point guard Beno Udrih #19 drives the lane. Udrih scored a team-high 24 points.

Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal

Memphis guard Tony Allen #9 makes a driving dunk in the fourth quarter as DeMarcus Cousins #15 (right) watches.

Fans at Arco.

Omri Casspi #18

Tyreke Evans #13 makes a jumper as Memphis guard O.J. Mayo #32 attempts to block.

Kings power forward Carl Landry #24 drives to the basket against Grizzlies center Marc Gasol #33.

Pooh Jeter #5 takes it to the basket in the second quarter. Jeter finished with 6 points.

DeMarcus Cousins #15 at the free throw line. Cousins finished with 21 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.

Memphis' Rudy Gay #22 is cornered by Cousins #15 and Francisco Garcia #32.

Kings Media Relations Manager Devin Blankenship (left) and Evans #13 leave the floor after the Sacramento victory.

Photos by Steven Chea.

Kings get run over by reindeer in tough loss to Milwaukee

2010-12-25T01:37:28Z

Please don’t kill the messenger.

Yes, the story is one you’ve read before. One you’ve read way too often this hoops season.

The Sacramento Kings carry a lead into the final quarter and suddenly the offense stops moving and the team seemingly forgets it’s true mission: Beating a team they should beat on the home floor.

After a back and forth battle, the Kings give another game away as the offense stalls and the players look like they abruptly forget how to execute the essentials as they lose to the visiting Milwaukee Bucks 84-79 on Thursday night.

This was the first game for the team after Coach Westphal decided to start Samuel Dalembert instead of DeMarcus Cousins after the “choke signal incident” against the Warriors on Tuesday.

Dalembert (13 points, 12 boards, 2 blocks) seemed to come out with some extra hop in his step and scored a quick five points to help the Kings get out to an early 7-0 lead. After a Kings mid-period drought, Beno Udrih started to heat up and had nine points in the opening quarter.

Cousins (2 points, 5 rebounds) entered the game for the first time at the 4:15 mark of the first. About 75 seconds later, he picked up his second foul and had to be taken out of the game and was replaced by Darnell Jackson.

The second quarter was the ugliest 12 minutes of basketball played at the Arco in some time. The Kings only scored 14 and the Bucks answered with only 19 points in the stanza.

How about these numbers for the quarter: The Kings had five shots blocked, six turnovers and even a goaltending call go against them in the second twelve minutes of play. Not a recipe for success.

Add that to the fact that Tyreke Evans - zero points in the first half - hasn’t seemed to be himself in a while. A situation even noticed by Kings play-by-play announcer Grant Napear as he wondered aloud as a pass hit Evans in the back “Boy, is Tyreke even in the game?” More on this in a bit.

The wheels nearly fly off the axle of the Kings chariot as the first half ends with the Bucks up by four, 43-39.

Carl Landry, who seems to be coming out of his early season funk, kept the Kings in the game by scoring had eight points in the third. Landry finished nine points and a career high 12 rebounds.

The Bucks looked like they took a cat nap during halftime and continued their poor play scoring only 19 points in back-to-back quarters.

The Kings led after three, 64-62.

The defensive effort from Sacramento improved as the game went on - really picking up early in the final period, but mental lapses ended up costing the Kings.

Case in point: Pooh Jeter gets caught on a pick from covering Earl Boykins and no one finds Boykins as he gets all the way to the rim for an easy two points.

The Kings led 75-69 Kings with 8:24 left in the game. After that, the Kings went ice cold scoring only another four points the entire game. Four points in over eight minutes! Pitiful.

Finally, Evans scores his first basket of the game with 2:30 left and then scores again. It was too little and way too late.

It has become obvious that the honeymoon is over as the fans were ready to rip the roof off the Arco with the sound of boos as they watch the Kings falter down the stretch again - an all-too often occurrence this season.

A microcosm of the season occurred with nine seconds left in the game. The Kings break huddle and six Kings players headed on the court! Even in SacTown we still only play with five. It really looks like the team can’t even pull of the fundamentals of the game they love right now.

The Kings lose, 84-79.

For the heavily antlered deer that are the Milwaukee Bucks, Andrew Bogut was a constant with 15 points and 13 rebounds. He had help off the bench from Boykins who contributed 19 points as well who stepped it up in the absence of sophomore sensation Brandon Jennings, who is out recovering from left foot surgery.

During the postgame press conference, Westphal revealed that Evans had just told him in the locker room after the game that he was having some personal issues that are family related for about four months now that are keeping him from being fully-invested while out on the court.

“I got a lot on my mind,” said Evans after the game, “and I’m trying to find a way to get over it.”

Evans hopes that spending some quality time with his family and friends over the holidays will help him reemerge as the player he wants and knows he can be.

GAME NOTES

Evans would not elaborate on what is bothering him, just that it is family related . . . Ex-Kings John Salmons and Jon Brockman each received a nice round of applause when announced . . . After this loss, the rumor mill is swirling regarding Westphal’s and Geoff Petrie’s future with the club even though Westy was signed to a contract extension earlier this year . . . How about these team numbers for the Kings: They only had two players that scored in double figures - a season low, 25 turnovers, 36.5% shooting from the field, 66.7% from the line but a season high in rebounds with 57.

Believe it. That just happened.

2010-12-23T02:15:58Z

"If we didn't need that game so badly I could talk about what a great game it was, but I'm not going to do that," Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal, addressing the media following Tuesday night's game.

This is why we love sports.

Because at any given time, on any given night, you may witness something incredible.

A few years ago, the NBA had a slogan: "Where Amazing Happens."

Tuesday night, amazing happened, all over the Kings’ collective faces.

On Tuesday night, a bad (9-18 record coming in, having lost 14 of their last 16 games) and beat-up (missing their starters at point guard and center, Stephan Curry and Andres Biedrins) Golden State Warriors squad came to Arco for a tilt against your Sacramento Kings.

The Kings were less banged-up, missing only sometime-starting forward Jason Thompson, but they made up for their lack of injuries by being even more lackluster than their NorCal rivals (5-20 coming in, having lost, well, 20 of their last 25).

It had all the makings of an awful game, and for most of the night, it lived up to the billing. But thanks to a furious and totally improbable fourth quarter comeback by the visiting team (epic collapse by the home team?), it ended up being one of the most memorable games I've ever had the privilege of witnessing.

The Warriors trailed by 16 points with 9:20 left in the game.

They trailed by 5 points with 19.3 seconds left.

They trailed by 4 points with 3.4 seconds left.

Through all that, they ended up winning the game, 117-109 in overtime, as the Kings were unable to make any of those seemingly insurmountable leads hold up.

There was no inkling of the epic finish to come as the Kings struggled out of the gates. The Warriors shot 65 percent in the first quarter to jump out to a 26-18 lead over the ice-cold home team (29 percent). The only reason the Kings were able to stay within shouting distance was the inspired play of Beno Udrih, who had 12 points on 4 of 5 shooting, en route to a career-high 34-point night.

The Warriors kept the Kings at arm’s length for the first half the second quarter, maintaining an eight-point lead until Tyreke Evans finally broke through with his first field goal of the night (after an 0-for-6 start) with 5:11 left before halftime.

This seemed to spark the Kings, as they played out the half with a new level of intensity.

Carl Landry (13 points in the quarter) took over, scoring or assisting on each of the next five Kings baskets, but they could still pull no closer than six points until Donte Greene scored five straight in the final minute to cut the lead to one.

Following two free throws by Monte Ellis with 1.3 seconds remaining, Demarcus Cousins threw a perfect length-of-the court baseball pass to Tyreke, who made a touch pass to Pooh Jeter, who laid it in at the buzzer. It was beautiful basketball play to return the defecit to one, get the crowd on it's feet and give the home team the momentum going into the half.

The third quarter started with the Warriors scoring the first five points on jumpers by Ellis (36 points) and Reggie Williams (24 points). The Kings didn't make their first bucket of the quarter until Greene hit his second three-pointer of the night at the 10:04 mark.

That first bucket, however, was the start of a 36-16 run wherein they thoroughly outclassed the Warriors. It may have been the best 10-minute stretch of basketball that the Kings have played all season: crisp ball movement, attacking the basket, getting to the line, forcing turnovers . . . for a few fleeting moments the Kings looked like, *gasp*, a very good basketball team.

Of course, the Warriors have a knack for making other teams look good.

But, then again, so do the Kings.

The fourth quarter started with the teams trading buckets, and at 9:20, Landry (22 points) scored his last points of the night to put the Kings ahead 94-78.

They would not score again until Evans hit a layup with 4:21 to go. Luckily for them, the Warriors weren't exactly lighting it up, and despite being shut out for nearly five full minutes, they still held a 96-89 lead at the time. With 2:05 left, Ellis made a driving layup to make the score 98-93.

The two teams proceeded to trade turnovers, ill-advised three-point attempts and general poor play for the next 100 or so seconds.

Then it got ridiculous.

For some reason, Francisco Garcia took and missed a long three-pointer with 25 seconds left, despite having well over 10 seconds left on the shot clock and a five-point lead.

Egregious error No. 1.

David Lee rebounded the miss and pushed the ball to Reggie Williams, who got Udrih up in the air beyond the three-point line and drew the shooting foul with 19 seconds left.

Egregious error No. 2.

Williams missed the first free throw, made the second and missed the third. The Kings failed to box out, and Radmonovich got the rebound.

Egregious error No. 3.

Radmonovich swung the ball out to Dorrell Wright beyond the three-point line, and he got Landry off his feat and drew another shooting foul with 15 seconds left.

Egregious error No. 4.

Wright made two of three to make the score 98-96, and with 14 seconds, the Warriors sent Udrih to the line. He made both free throws. Kings 100, Warriors 96.
After Radmonovich hit a running hook shot with 10 seconds left, the Warriors again fouled Udrih, who again hit both free throws. Kings 102, Warriors 98.
Following a time-out, Ellis missed a three-pointer, but Williams got the rebound and was fouled on his follow with 3.4 seconds left.

Egregious error No. 5.

Williams made the first free throw, then missed the second. Cousins mishandled the rebound, and it squirted out of bounds.

Egregious error No. 6.

Wright was inbounding the ball down three with two seconds to play, and was left unfettered by the Kings defenders, which is fine, if you want an extra defender to keep the players on the court from getting open. But then they left Radmanovich unattended above the top of the key, Wright found him and he drained a 28-foot bomb as time expired.

Egregious error No. 7, all in the final 26 seconds.

Game tied at 102.

Kings announcer Grant Napear was nonplussed: "You know, honestly, if I wasn't sitting here watching this, I would not believe it . . . we're gonna go to overtime."

The Kings scored the first four points of overtime, but couldn't keep it up. Ellis ended up outscoring the Kings by himself in the extra period, 9-7.
Final score: Warriors 117, Kings 109.

I'll give the final word to Westphal: "Amazing things happened. How do you explain those? Nine-hundred ninety-nine times out of 1,000, the game is put away . . . There's crazy endings in the NBA, and we were the victim of one tonight."

Amazing.

All images are the fine work of the one and only David Alvarez.

Kings fall to Rockets, drop fifth straight

2010-12-20T23:15:44Z

What better time is there to get back on track and win some basketball games than a five-game home stand during Christmas week?

The Sacramento Kings were looking to do just that beginning with a Sunday matinee against the Houston Rockets.

However, in what has become an unfortunate theme this season, the Kings once again could not put together a complete game and produced just 12 points in the fourth quarter, resulting in a 102-93 loss to the Rockets.

Sunday’s loss was Sacramento’s fifth in a row, which dropped the team’s record to 5-20 while Houston improved to 12-15 with the victory.

On Saturday, the Kings announced they would be without the services of forward Jason Thompson for the next three games after a cut on his finger in Friday’s game required stitches.

Starting in Thompson’s place on Sunday was Darnell Jackson, who brought great energy and intensity in the 21 minutes he played. The Kings could very well have benefited having Jackson on the floor in the fourth quarter, considering the guys who did play in the final quarter managed to shoot just five of 18.

The Rockets recently learned they would be without center Yao Ming for the rest of the season after another foot injury, but they did get Aaron Brooks back from injury on Sunday, who played 15 minutes and scored nine points.

Former King Kevin Martin, who received a nice ovation when introduced prior to tip-off, led all scorers with 22 points, including 12 in the first quarter.

The Kings had the lead after the first, second and third quarters and led by as many as 10 points, but the Rockets hung around and kept it close until the Kings looked to have run out of gas in the fourth quarter and their shots stopped falling.

Sacramento was down by two late in the fourth quarter when Martin was fouled while hitting a running jump shot, and his three-point play, which put Houston up 98-93, iced the game for the Rockets.

In his postgame press conference, Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal talked about the frustration of not closing out a game, saying, “The idea is to get wins. We do not have whatever it takes to do that. We’re not exhibiting whatever it takes to do that in the fourth quarter.”

One bright spot from Sunday’s game was the play of rookie DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins has frequently picked up personal fouls early in games, which limits his minutes and effectiveness. Against the Rockets he was whistled for just two fouls while leading the Kings in scoring with 19 points to go along with eight rebounds and four blocked shots.

The Kings took 91 field goal attempts and shot just 38.5 percent while the Rockets shot 44.6 percent on 83 field goal attempts.

Photos provided by David Alvarez

Losing streak ends, Kings take the Wizards

2010-12-09T22:49:12Z

The losing has stopped, at least for one night, as the Sacramento Kings beat the Washington Wizards 116-91 Wednesday.

Jason Thompson and Beno Udrih stepped up in a big way to help snap an eight-game losing streak.

Thompson finished with a double-double, scoring 22 points and grabbing 14 boards. Udrih led all Kings scorers with 23 points.

The Wizards were without their top player, rookie John Wall. He was dressed and on the bench, but did not play due to foot pain. Wednesday’s game would have been the first time Wall faced his former Kentucky teammate DeMarcus Cousins.

The Kings were dealing with their own injury problems. Tyreke Evans has been slowed by plantar fasciitis, which is the most common cause of heel pain.

He finished the game with eight points.

During the first quarter, the Kings jumped out to an early 12-2 lead. But the Wizards came charging back, led by Kirk Hinrich. His 10 points helped push his team to a one-point lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Wizards tried to add to that lead in the second quarter, but the Kings turned it up, scoring eight unanswered points take a 40-34 lead. Udrih finished the first half with 19 points, giving the Kings a 14-point lead.

In the third quarter, the Kings continued their assault. Six quick points from Cousin and Thompson gave the team momentum. They ended up making 11 of their first 14 shots. Evans topped the quarter off by hitting a three at the buzzer, extending their lead to 22.

Washington attempted a run in the beginning of the fourth by scoring six straight points, but the Kings answered back, scoring the next 14 points. The Kings finished the night shooting just over 54 percent.

Another bright spot for Sacramento was Pooh Jeter. He had a career-high 13 points and was one assist shy of a double-double. Donte Green and Omri Casspi also had 12 points each. Cousins finished with 10 points and five rebounds.

Al Thornton led Washington with 20 points. The team remains winless on the road.

The Kings are now 5-15. They face Miami on Saturday at home.

Photos by Darren Hall, Darren Hall photography

Ball not so stable - Kings file complaint over Garcia's 2009 training camp accident

2010-12-02T23:58:35Z

Working out is supposed to be rewarding. For some, even fun.

On Oct. 9, 2009, for Sacramento Kings forward Francisco Garcia it was neither.

Garcia was in training camp preparing his body for the rigorous NBA season. During a bench press exercise, while laying on his back on an exercise ball known as the Gymnic – “Burst Resistant” Plus Stability Ball, the ball suddenly burst open and sent Garcia crashing to the floor while still holding on to the weights. Garcia broke his right forearm and damaged ligaments in his wrist in the fall and missed all but 25 games of the 2009-10 season.

Roger A. Dreyer of the law firm Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood, attorney for the Sacramento Kings Limited Partnership and Maloof Sports and Entertainment, announced Wednesday that they have filed a product liability action against the manufacturer, seller and another company in federal court on behalf of the organization. The lawsuit covers three claims – strict product liability, negligence and breach of warranty.

Dreyer, who recently was recognized as California’s 2010 Consumer Attorney of the Year, said that the time in between the time of the accident and today has been filled with the Kings attempting to deal with the responsible parties and get the matter handled without litigation.

“What the Maloofs and the Kings organization wanted to get out was that this ball was dangerous,” Dreyer said. “The users and consumers of the ball had to be aware of that, and the manufacturer and distributor were not telling people that piece of information back at the time these balls were purchased. They had been told by the distributor, Perform Better, that they could and should use the ball in a fashion that ’Cisco Garcia was using the ball at the time of the incident.”

Perform Better is a distributor of workout products for most if not all NBA teams. On the company’s website at the time of the incident, there were diagrams showing a stick figure using weights while working out on the ball. Sometime after the accident at the King’s training facility, the website pulled those images off and now has an annotation in small print below a picture of someone working out on the ball reading “Stability Balls are not intended to be used with weights.”

Dreyer said that the “burst resistant” ball used by Garcia has been examined by a well-respected laboratory, and it was determined that the ball was not abused or misused before it exploded.

“The ball was completely in good shape,” Dreyer said. “There was no failure on the part of the ball in terms of misuse or abuse.”

Dreyer said that for the manufacturer and at least one of the distributors, this is not the first time they have been sued for the catastrophic failure of the ball. Starting in 2000, lawsuits have sprung up in Colorado, San Diego, Tennessee and New York where the ball has failed.

Calls to Mitch Popham, the attorney representing Ledraplastic, the stability ball’s manufacturer, were not returned.

Dreyer closed the press conference reiterating that the Sacramento Kings Limited Partnership and Maloof Sports and Entertainment wants the parties at fault to acknowledge that they know there is a problem and they’re not letting the consumer know.

“The users have a responsibility to use the product in a fashion.” Dreyer said. “But we don’t have as consumers the information that the manufacturer has. We don’t know that they’ve been sued multiple times. And if they’ve been sued multiple times, you can be pretty much assured that they’ve had many occasions where the balls have failed. From our perspective, the civil justice system affords the ability to hold manufacturers accountable for the consumer, and that’s were doing here today. With the help from the media, now that information will get out.”

DeMarcus Cousins shines in Kings' loss to Pacers

2010-12-02T01:58:09Z

The Sacramento Kings lost their fifth game in a row on Nov. 30, falling victim to the Indiana Pacers by a final score of 107-98 at Arco Arena.

The Kings headed into halftime with the score tied at 52, but again faltered in the second half to lose their 12th game of the season.

“We had that stretch at the start of the second half,” said Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal. “We didn't execute. We didn't move the ball. They started hitting some shots, and we got ourselves behind, and we tried to chase the rest of the game.”

The Pacers started the third quarter on a 17-2 run to open up a 15-point lead, which proved to be too big of a deficit for the Kings to overcome.

“Yeah, that's where it got away,” said Kings guard Tyreke Evans. “The third quarter. We didn't run a play, and they came out executing and hit big shots.”

The Kings again struggled offensively, much to chagrin of the entire team, which sees progress during practice.

“In practice we are doing good, just when it comes down to the game, it’s a whole different story,” Evans said. “We just kind of lose focus and we just gotta stay focused and keep our concentration.”

Evans once again had a hard time offensively but was able to provide a spark by dishing out nine assists to go with his 16 points and seven rebounds.

Another bright spot for the Kings was rookie big man DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins offered a spark off the bench with 20 points and eight rebounds. Just the day before, Cousins was kicked out of practice after a run-in with Westphal.

Cousins acknowledged that he was frustrated and “being selfish” when he was kicked out of practice, but both him and Westphal were glad to see the rookie come out strong and have arguably the best game of his young career.

“I'm just real happy for him,” Westphal said. “He's very intense. He showed why we are so high on him.”

Evans said he also knows that Cousins is a crucial piece to the rebuilding of the Kings, and was pleased with how Cousins played against the Pacers.

“He came out and played like the Cousins we know he can play like. He can be big for us, especially off the bench.” Evans said.

Although the Kings are tired of losing, they still know it's early in the season, and they need to keep pushing to get better.

“Its still the first quarter of the season,” Cousins said. “We still got a lot of time to turn this season around.”

The Kings head to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers on Friday before coming back to play the Dallas Mavericks at home on Saturday.

Photos by Ron Nabity

Kings start strong but lose with weak finish

2010-11-29T04:28:49Z

The Kings lost 85 to 96 in their Saturday night match against the Chicago Bulls. Fans began trickling out of Arco long before the final buzzer when the Kings let their strong 16-point halftime lead slide away.

This has become too familiar for fans, who have watched the Kings lose four games in a row and fall to a 4-11 record.

“I feel like the defense was good enough to win the game, but the offense was something out of a horror book,” Coach Paul Westphal said.

Jason Thompson sank the most points for the Kings with 18, while rookie of the year Tyreke Evans supplied another 17. Combined with a dominant first-half defense, it appeared as though the Kings were set to end their losing streak.

“I was happy at the half,” Westphal said. “But I told them the Bulls had come back over and over this year. We had to play 24 more minutes of very good defense and offense that was together, just like we did the first half.”

Bulls’ top scorer Derrick Rose put up 30 points by the end of the game. Nary a minute passed without the announcer attributing a basket to the quick-footed Rose. Along with 22 points from Luol Deng and 17 from Joakim Noah, the Bulls were more focused during the second half than the Kings, who struggled offensively and only scored nine points in the fourth quarter.

Shot-clock violations and 16 turnovers plagued the Kings during the second half as the Bulls’ defense left the Kings looking flustered on the court. A few good plays weren’t enough to keep the Bulls from taking the lead with 9:05 left in the fourth quarter and never giving it back.

“Reasons?” Westphal said when asked about his team’s poor performance. “Fatigue, selfishness, inexperience, not knowing the offense, not trusting teammates—any or all of the above. The results were painful to watch.”

The Kings play next at home against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Photos by David Alvarez

Turnovers, missed free throws bury Kings

2010-11-22T23:40:43Z

On an afternoon mired in careless ball handling and poor shooting by both teams, the visiting New Orleans Hornets narrowly defeated the Sacramento Kings 75-71 in a Sunday matinée at Arco Arena.

Both teams started the game out slowly despite an 11-2 first-quarter run by the Kings led by Tyreke Evans’ six points and highlighted by an authoritative alley-oop dunk by Donte Green from Luther Head. However, Sacramento set a trend of turning over the ball early with five in the first quarter.

It appeared that Sacramento was poised to get some quality production off of the bench as Jason Thompson entered the game and quickly tacked on six points that included a slick turnaround jumper from seven feet inside the key.

Surprisingly, Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal elected to bench Thompson until in the last minutes of the fourth quarter. With Sacramento receiving little to no scoring from its big men, Westphal’s decision to leave Thompson on the bench for a majority of the game was perplexing.

After a relatively quiet first quarter, Hornets point guard Chris Paul led the way for his team in the second quarter with seven points and three assists.

Despite his contributions in the second quarter, Paul was noticeably reluctant to shoot the ball for a majority of the game, often electing to pass even when he was wide open on more than one occasion. Paul finished with only nine points, but he also added 14 assists and five steals.

Kings center DeMarcus Cousins had a considerably rough night in nearly every aspect of his
game.

The rookie had only three field goals in 11 chances and finished the day by fouling out in the fourth quarter.

After his promising first-quarter production, Evans all but disappeared in the remaining three quarters. The Kings’ leading scorer added only three more points in three quarters, finishing with nine on the afternoon despite grabbing seven rebounds and four steals.

Evans shot four for 12 from the field, a reflection of the Kings’ shooting issues throughout the day as they finished with a 38.7 percent when shooting field goals.

After both teams hit the locker rooms at the half tied at 39, the Hornets started to take advantage of the Kings’ poor shooting.

It started when the Kings’ interior defense shut down, leaving New Orleans center Emeka Okafor alone down low for an easy two-handed dunk.

Forward David West contributed seven points in the quarter while Paul seemed to be at the center of nearly every play, adding five assists and two steals as the Hornets took a three-point lead going into the fourth quarter at 59-56.

After replacing a struggling Omri Casspi last night in the starting lineup, Donte Green shouldered a bulk of the offensive load for Sacramento as he recorded a double-double that included 15 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots. The highlight of Green’s day occurred on his second alley-oop dunk in the third quarter that seemed to give brief life to a largely quiet crowd of only 12,000.

The Hornets barely pulled away in the fourth quarter despite numerous second- and third-chance opportunities.

Shooting only 32.2 percent as a team on the day, the Hornets managed to take advantage of the Kings’ six turnovers in the fourth quarter. Sacramento turned the ball over 22 times on the day, which ultimately led to 23 New Orleans points.

At the midway point in the fourth quarter, point guard Luther Head nailed a big go-ahead three-pointer to put the Kings ahead 64-63, but Head immediately fouled Hornets backup center DJ Mbenga, who completed a three-point play to put New Orleans back on top 66-64.

Despite a three-point play of his own in the closing minutes of the game that brought the Kings within two points, Cousins’ struggles came to a head in the fourth quarter as he was picked down low on a baseline drive, then later elected to pass the ball with only four seconds on the shot clock, which ultimately led to a shot clock violation and yet another Kings turnover.

The Hornets then ran out the clock to win 75-71 and improved to 11-1 overall on the season. Free throws ended up being a big difference in the game for the Hornets as they went 93.8 percent from the charity stripe while the Kings shot a paltry 60 percent at the line.

Sacramento’s woes at home continued as the Kings dropped to 2-6 at Arco Arena and 4-8 on the season.

In the second quarter, the Kings paid tribute to Jerry Reynolds and his 25 years of service as the Kings’ local color commentator and analyst.

The Kings travel to Utah on Monday, where they will play the Jazz in Salt Lake City at 6 p.m.

Photographs by David Alvarez Photography

Regicide at Arco

2010-11-12T01:16:24Z

In the NBA, more than any other sport, games are affected by the whims of the schedule makers.

In professional basketball, the home team wins more than 60 percent of the time, compared with about 58 percent of the time in the NFL, 55 percent in the NHL and 53 percent in MLB. (Oliver Entine, Deptartment of Statistics, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania).

So there's that, but then there are also the quirky irregularities of the schedule. Sometimes teams are made to play two nights in a row, while other times they'll get three nights off.

So sometimes, you'll have a team that is playing its second road game in 27 hours pitted against a team that has been chilling at home since its last game ended some 93 and a half hours earlier.

Needless to say, this bodes well for the home team.

And sometimes that road team will be the Minnesota Timberwolves, arguably the worst team in the NBA, coming off a hotly contested loss to the Lakers the night before and playing without their top two point guards.

And sometimes that home team will be YOUR Sacramento Kings.

This game, by all rights, and all measures, should have been a Kings victory.

No one told that to Michael Beasley and the suddenly game Timberwolves, however.

The former No. 2 pick of the Miami Heat, traded to Minny for a bag of rocks in an off-season salary dump that helped pave the way for Lebron’s talents to be taken to South Beach, came out on fire and pretty much stayed that way for the entirety of the Timberwolves’ 98-89 victory.

For a while he was doing it pretty much by himself. With 3:20 left in the first quarter, Beasley and the Kings were tied at 14 apiece. (The Wolves had 20).

Beasley and the Kings then traded a pair of baskets to knot it at 16 before Francisco Garcia put the Kings ahead of Beasley for good with a long three-pointer. Beasley answered with a jumper of his own to pull to within one, but after that, the Kings pulled away from the ’Wolves’ small forward.

Beasley finished the first half with 27 points (to the Kings’ 45), and the game with a career-high 42. He scored from all over the floor and seemingly at will. The Kings tried guarding him with five different players, none of which were effective.

"Obviously Michael Beasley is someone who we didn't have any success guarding against," said a very confounded-looking Kings head coach Paul Westphal in his postgame presser. "We tried everything we could try, and he had the answers."

It's a credit to how bad the Timberwolves (2-7) are that the Kings (3-4) never trailed by more than the nine points they lost by. The Kings shot 25 percent from the three-point line, 44 percent from the field, missed 12 free throws and had 19 turnovers.

Reigning Rookie of the Year and would-be Sacto savior Tyreke Evans had by far his worst game of the young season. He finished with five points on 1 of 5 shooting. He matched the points with five turnovers and trumped them both with six personal fouls, the final being an offensive foul (his third) with more than 10:30 to play in the game.

"Tyreke just had one of those games" Westphal offered by way of explanation.

With their main playmaker off the floor to end the game, the Kings appeared rudderless but somehow managed to hang in there behind the (relatively) inspired play of newcomer Samuel Dalembert, and, more to the point, the uber-lackadaisical effort by the ’Wolves. (My neighbor in the press box, a veteran of many more games than yours truly, was overcome about halfway through the fourth. "This is a horrible game" he said emphatically, shuddering).

With 5:11 to play, Dalembert made his second straight bucket and was fouled. The crowd was alive, and the center had the opportunity to make it a two-point game from the line, but he couldn't make the free throw.

Thirteen seconds later, Kevin Love was at the line completing a successful three-point play to extend the lead to six.
The next possession, Jason Thompson took an ill-advised, off-balance 18-footer that led to another quick Kevin Love basket in the paint, an eight-point Minny lead, and the game being, for all intents and purposes, over.

Now, I'm not saying that the Kings are a bad team, but good teams don't lose at home to bad teams on the second night of a back-to-back. They just don't.

You do the math.

Notes:

It was "Military Night" at Arco, among the festivities:

Before the opening tip, an Air Force airman rappelled from the rafters with the game ball.

At the end of the first quarter, the MC called for those in the crowd to recognize the veterans in attendance, which they did, resoundingly. It was a nice moment, but I found it a bit odd when he beseeched the crowd. "If you served in World War I or World War II, stand up and be recognized." If you served in either of the big ones, I think you can be recognized just fine from the comfort of your chair. (World War I ended 92 years ago. At least he didn't ask any Civil War vets to stand up. That would have been unrealistic.)

At halftime, 30 new Army recruits were sworn in.

At the end of the third quarter, an army lieutenant was given the opportunity to win a new car if he made a half-court shot. He missed. He was then given the opportunity to win $300 if he made a three-pointer. He missed. He was about to take a free throw for $100 when Joe Maloof, from his courtside seat, put the new car back on the table. He drained it, and the crowd went bonkers. By far the loudest applause of the night.

All the phots but one are the work of the supremely talented Ron Nabity. I bet you can guess which one.

If you wish to lavish praise or sling mud, feel free to drop me an email: lindol@gmail.com

Memphis' Gay and Kings' turnovers doom Sacramento, lose 100-91

2010-11-08T01:18:35Z

It seemed like a perfect opportunity for the Kings.

You know, take advantage of a tired, worn out Memphis team who were not only coming off a double-overtime loss the night before, but catch them on their fourth game in five nights.

Even though Sacramento head coach Paul Westphal told his team before the game that he didn't believe in that mumbo jumbo, the team from Tennessee grabbed an early lead and rarely looked back as the Kings lost to the Memphis Grizzlies 100-91.

“I never bought into that stuff,” Westphal said in the postgame press conference. “We won’t use that as an excuse if that happens to us, and it doesn’t mean we’re supposed to win because they played last night. This is the NBA.”

A standout performance by future all-star Rudy Gay propelled the Grizzlies to victory while only Tyreke Evans and Francisco Garcia held up their end of the offensive load for the Kings.

Early on, it was a seesaw affair as the Kings stayed even with the Grizzlies for the first six minutes of the opening quarter.

Evans, showing the driving skills that helped make him last year’s Rookie of the Year, had a stretch about midway through the period where he scored on three straight layups.

The game started turning early. Besides letting Zach Randolph (20 points, 11 rebounds) plant himself in the paint and caused chaos with his size, the Kings picked up seven of their 20 turnovers in the first while Memphis had only one. Sacramento had several early traveling calls. The Kings dug themselves a hole and, even though Omri Casspi made a crazy half-court shot at the buzzer, the Kings trailed after one, 30-24.

For the Grizzlies, Rudy Gay was consistently finding open spots on the floor. Gay, who finished with 32 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals, seemed to have an easy time finding shots while being guarded by Francisco Garcia and Casspi, even though he played 51 minutes in a taxing double-overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns the previous evening.

The Grizzlies started slow in the second, missing some shots, collecting fouls and, following the Kings lead, committing turnovers. After committing only one personal in the first, Memphis racked up seven in the second, opening the door for the Kings to get even.

The Kings were able to tie it up with 2:47 left on two Carl Landry free throws, his first points of the game, but finished the half down four, 53-49.

Landry (four points, zero boards) looked out-of-sorts all game. At times he was slow getting back on defense; other times just getting shoved out of the lane and closed off of the glass completely.

One of the downsides in the first half for the Kings was that rookie DeMarcus Cousins, even though now backing up Samuel Dalembert to solve the early foul trouble problem, picked up his third foul five minutes into the second quarter and was forced to sit the rest of the half.

It was a rough start for the Kings to start the second half as the Grizzlies went on a 14-4 tear with Gay leading the charge.

The Kings go cold and shoot 36.8 percent in the third while getting outscored 27-18. Evans forced the issue several times when wing players were open and was having a hard time guarding O.J. Mayo (14 points, four boards) in the third.

Evans (30 points, eight boards, five assists, four steals and five turnovers) and Garcia (21 points off the bench) led the comeback in the fourth combining for 22 points.

But as the Kings only had three players with double-digit scoring numbers — Casspi finished with 10 — it just wasn’t enough.

Gay (32 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals) felt they needed a break after losing a heart-breaker the night before.

“It was a must-win,” Gay said. “After last night, we wanted to come out here and prove ourselves early and make sure the outcome went our way.”

NOTES: Darnell Jackson had another good game off the bench, pitching in seven boards and locking down Randolph for stretches. Gay disclosed after the game that he was playing at about 60 percent because of an oblique strain. Donte Greene didn’t play again and is the 11th or 12th man off the bench for now. Dalembert had 12 rebounds along with seven points and five huge blocks. The Kings had 10 blocks in the contest.

PHOTO CREDIT:
Marc McLaughlin
www.marcmclaughlin.com

Kings fall to Lakers backed by Kobe Bryant’s triple-double

2010-11-04T20:58:57Z

Apparently the once-heated rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers (5-0) and the Sacramento Kings (3-2) still has more than a flicker.

The two teams squared off on Wednesday night at Arco Arena in Sacramento in the first of their four contests during the 2010-2011 season. The defending champion Lakers entered the contest undefeated through their first four games while the Kings boasted a 3-1 record that has included two second-half comeback wins.

The Kings were unable to muster a third come-from-behind win this time around, losing 112- 100 to a Los Angeles team led by Kobe Bryant’s 30 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds for his 17th career triple-double.

Bryant, a Kings enemy of old from the early 2000s Lakers championship run, received a loud ovation mixed with boos and cheers amidst a Sacramento crowd of more than 16,000 attendees, many of whom were sporting Lakers jerseys.

The loudest boos, however, were reserved for California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger as his image flashed across the Jumbotron at the start of the first quarter. Sacramento Mayor and former NBA star Kevin Johnson was also in attendance.

Through their first four games, the Kings have allowed an average of 62 in the first half. Wednesday night was no different as the Kings trailed the Lakers 62-53. But the intensity of the players was apparent as the arena echoed with “BEAT L.A.!” as Bryant opened the game
with a three-pointer.

Despite an early eight-point lead to open the game, the Kings showed grit as reigning Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans and forward Carl Landry each provided eight first-quarter points to keep the Kings within striking distance at 33-35 at the close of the quarter.

Rookie Demarcus Cousins added six points in the first quarter, including a spinning two-handed dunk around Lakers all-star center Pau Gasol.

Shortly thereafter, Gasol was called for a foul on a Cousins jumper after which the Kings center quickly spun around and shouted at his own bench in excitement.

Cousins, 19, was limited to 11 points, six rebounds and a blocked shot, due in part to foul trouble that limited him to just over 20 minutes of play. Tasked with defending the fleet-footed Gasol certainly presented its challenges for the 6-foot-11-inch big man, but his production and intensity through five games has not gone unnoticed.

Evans struggled with fouls too, drawing three in the first half while also being forced off the court after a collision with Lakers forward Lamar Odom as the two pursued a loose ball. Evans still managed 10 first-half points after returning with just over seven minutes left in the half, including a knee-buckling crossover around former Del Campo High School standout Matt Barnes that resulted in a layup.

Defense and some questionable foul calls against Sacramento were certainly at the roots of the Kings’ defeat. Sacramento allowed four first-half alley-oops, two on inbound passes, and a hail-Mary inbound pass from Bryant to Barnes for a layup at the buzzer that closed out the half.

Los Angeles wasted little time in building off its momentum at the close of the first half and was no doubt helped by a quieted crowd and two more Tyreke Evans fouls that limited him to just nine minutes in the second half.

While Bryant’s second-half production was somewhat halted, Gasol turned in a 22-point, 11-rebound performance while forwards Ron Artest and Odom contributed 17 and 18 points respectively. Of the Lakers’ 112 points, the starting lineup accounted for 98, with only 14 bench points from backup guard Steve Blake and Barnes.

Bryant and Kings backup forward Fernando Garcia got into each other’s faces at the start of the fourth quarter as they pursued a loose ball that was batted away from Bryant.

Evans subsequently re-entered the game and sparked Sacramento to within seven points before Lakers point guard Derek Fisher buried a big three-pointer to silence a crowd that suddenly showed some of the same intensity as it had in the first half.

Kings fans abruptly made for the parking lot after Bryant nailed a 20-foot jumper and drew the foul, ultimately resulting in a three-point play and MVP chants from the many Lakers fans who remained behind to finish out the game.

Apart from a 21-point performance by Evans and an outstanding defensive performance by backup center Samuel Dalembert that included 10 rebounds and three blocked shots, the Kings and their fans definitely have reason enough to be excited about their 2010-2011 campaign.

To have lost by 12 points to the defending champions in a game hankered by penalties lends to
likelihood that Sacramento will not have trouble competing with some of the bigger forces in the
Western Conference in the ensuing months.

The Kings continue their four-game home stand at 7 p.m. Saturday versus the Memphis Grizzlies.

Photographs and video provided by Marc McLaughlin Photography

Is Sacramento world-class?

2010-11-01T05:28:17Z

London, Paris, Rome ... Sacramento.

It would be inappropriate to include Sacramento in a list of historically rich, architecturally endowed and characteristically unique places like Europe’s “big three” destinations.

Even on our own continent, the appeal of Sacramento is dwarfed alongside the likes of New York, Chicago or Boston.

Let’s bring it even closer to home, meaning the West Coast or even closer, Northern California. San Francisco or Sacramento? If forced to label one or the other “world-class,” which would it be? Honestly.

It wouldn’t be fair, or accurate, to say that Sacramento has nothing good to offer the world. It offers the world a lot of things, right? Think to yourself, what can only Sacramento give? Not the region. The world. Remember, “world-class” is what we’re after here.

Logically, if a city aspires to achieve world-class status, then the world would be the assessor and bestower of that distinguished honor. No city can claim favor from the world if the world’s not offering up any compliments.

All that said, we’re brought to a very Sacramento-related discussion: What is the definition of “world-class”? And what will it take for Sacramento to be worthy of such a title?

As far as describing what world-class looks like, Sacramento citizens have mixed understandings.

“It means different things to different people,” Michael Ault of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership said.

Temple Coffee barista Briana Poronwicz said it involves “being unique and known for a certain thing.”

“It’s a pointless phrase,” Sacramento historian William Burg said. “It’s something to say to get what you want by making someone feel bad about the place where they live.”

Sacramento Library security guard Abdalgadir Hemaidaln said it has nothing to do with buildings or sports, but rather “morality, ethics and human behavior. These three things make a city world-class.”

With such differing definitions of the phrase, it was no wonder that approaches to making Sacramento more world-class were also unique to the individual, and his or her own needs and wants.

Ault said we need to make it more of a destination by giving people a reason to want to come and visit the city.

“What is the draw we have here?” he asked rhetorically. “Is it the neighborhoods, the retail, the history, the Capitol?”

He said we need to learn from other cities and “focus on what our identity is.”

He said that at times we lack a collective voice, and need more of a focused leadership when it comes to supporting development projects that could make Sacramento more of a destination.

Poronwicz lives in Midtown and said she gravitates toward a place with a lot of culture, adding that she could care less about having a professional basketball team.

“Art is a huge factor,” she said.

While working at Temple Coffee’s location at 10th and J, Poronwicz commented on how out of hand the homeless issue has become. Seeing Sacramento become more world-class would involve better programs for the homeless, she said.

Burg, who has gone as far as starting a “Ban the phrase ‘world-class city’ in Sacramento” Facebook page, said use of the phrase is done with basic advertising thought in mind, by implying that someone is missing something that you can provide for them.

He said the phrase might be used with the best of intentions, “but generally, it doesn’t have any external validity. There’s no metric to identify it. It’s opinion.”

“Essentially, it’s kind of like telling your girlfriend in an offhand way that she’s fat and needs to go on diet,” he said.

He puckishly suggested that use of the phrase in the public sphere should result in a fine.

Sacramentans have heard Mayor Kevin Johnson talk about “making Sacramento a world-class destination.” He recently used the phrase at a press conference introducing the “For Arts Sake” initiative. Johnson uses it when talking about everything from arts to sports to education.

Johnson’s action plan involves “elevating the profile of Sacramento as a destination city,” which falls under the category of, you guessed it, “World Class City.”

It’s not that it’s a bad thing to aspire to become a world-class city, but what does that mean? And if we can’t agree on a definition, then what are even talking about?

Any more Sacramentans willing to chime in?

Kings beat Cavs and start season 2-1 for first time since 2003

2010-11-01T01:36:18Z

Coming off a tough loss, the Kings rolled into Cleveland (1-1) to face the Cavaliers hoping to salvage a winning road trip and start the season above .500 for the first time in a long time.

As the final whistle sounded, and even though the Kings stumbled at the finish line, Sacramento didn’t make the same mistakes as the night before and held onto their late-game lead to pull out the victory 107-104

The Kings started out nicely as Tyreke Evans made his presence felt early with one of those whirling dervish moves between three guys that only “Reke" can pull off. A few minutes later, he dropped a 26-foot three and the Kings took an early four-point lead at 11-7.

Trouble arose when Ramon Sessions scored eight of the first 18 points for the Cavs and was finding his way into the paint too easily.

With the Kings missing shots and doing a poor job maintaining possession — losing the ball three times within a three minute span — the Cavs pulled ahead by five on an Anderson Varejao mid-range jumper.

Things started to even out and the high-scoring first quarter ended with the game tied 34-34.

The Kings came out cold in the second quarter missing several shots and falling behind by 11 before Jason Thompson, who only played 12 minutes, sank a 10-footer to stop the bleeding. Seven more unanswered points by the Cavs put the lead at 16 with no end in sight.

It could have been much worse.

DeMarcus Cousins was not only playing like he was tired, by lagging up and down the floor, but by making rookie mistakes. But I guess we should expect some of that right now. It is only his third professional game after only one year of college.

As for the Cavs, they slowly capitalized on the Kings woes. Ryan Hollins, Jawad Williams, Sessions, J.J. Hickson and Anthony Parker all had Cavs second-quarter contributions.

Cleveland led at the half, 67-53.

Samuel Dalembert opened the second half as a starter and it paid off with a block and a couple of boards in the opening minutes of the half.

A quick sideline camera shot shows the rookie Cousins was not sporting his best smile.

About halfway through the third, the tide started to turn. The Kings finally showed some life.

Evans was either making jumpers or slashing into the lane and getting hacked on the way. He helped the Kings make a run and cut the lead to five before dropping a long-range three that cut it to two.

Moments later, Darnell Jackson sank a couple of foul shots and drained a long jumper that gave the Kings a 84-82 lead going into the final quarter.

Omri Casspi opened the fourth with another long-range bomb and was simply on fire.

The Kings led 92-86 with just over nine minutes remaining. It was starting to have the feel of the tough loss from the night before until Casspi kicked it up a notch.

To this point, Casspi had played like a man possessed. He drained another three and followed that with a sweet assist to Evans, who finished with solid numbers racking up 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

Casspi's intense defense and scoring throughout the game was a main reason the Kings pulled this one out. He finished with 20 points, hitting five threes along with four boards and two steals, but it didn’t help the Kings guarantee the win as he missed both of his free throws with six seconds left in the game.

Even though Cousins made the heart stop again as he blew his chance to put the game out of reach, the clock expired on a wild length-of-the-court shot that fell short and wide, and the Kings won 107-104.

Coach Paul Westphal thought it was a good road trip for the Kings. While he couldn’t help but wonder if the team could really be 3-0, he realized that Sacramento was behind double digits in each of the three games so far, and just winning two of those games was quite an accomplishment.

As the press conference came to a close, Westphal couldn’t let the moment pass without complimenting the referees at the style of officiating he saw during the game, compared to the previous game’s constant whistle-blowing.

“We are not supposed to comment on the officials, but I think we can give them a compliment,” Westphal said. “It was a man’s game out there and that’s the way you like to see the game called.”

Kings let one drift away on the Jersey shore

2010-10-30T10:55:25Z

Could the Kings start a season 2-0 for the first time since 2000?

That was the question on every Kings fan’s mind entering the game in New Jersey as the Kings took on the Nets (1-0).

Unfortunately, the answer for those nonstop cheering Kings fans back home was no as the Kings faltered at the end by having too many big men in foul trouble and missing big shots. The Kings lost a close one 106-100.

Even though the Kings scored the first bucket, a long jumper by DeMarcus Cousins, it was the Nets who started the quarter hot as Carl Landry missed several shots and seemed out of sorts until he was substituted halfway through the quarter.

Brook Lopez, the young outstanding center for the Nets, started off quickly with 11 points in the opening quarter.

For the Kings, Omri Casspi led in scoring with five points, and Cousins, Beno Udrih and Tyreke Evans each had four as the Kings trailed 29-21 after one.

Nothing changed early in the second as the Kings’ shooting remained frozen in time – just a carryover from quarter number one.

Udrih missed, Landry turned it over, Luther Head walked – it was like fingernails on a chalkboard: painful.

Before you knew it, it was 42-30 Nets, as Jordan Farmar, ex-Los Angeles Laker, racked up seven points early in the second and was joined in the scoring parade by Lopez and guard Devin Harris.

The only bright spot for the Kings was Cousins, who was perfect from the line in the quarter going six for six from the charity stripe.

Evans tried to take over the game late in the second with a flurry of activity, scoring 10 points. Darnell Jackson had five quick points near the end of the half with most coming from the line.

The Kings’ slight comeback, along with the Nets missing their last three shots, closed the first half having the Nets leading by eight at 61-53.

New Kings correspondent Jim Gray caught up with Evans at the halftime break.

“The refs are calling ticky-tack fouls,” Evans said, “but that can’t stop us from playing a good game.”

Sorry Tyreke, but come out and play well they did not.

After a couple of early Landry buckets, the Kings got stagnant. Even Udrih missed two free throws in a row.

The Kings didn’t have much to cheer about until late in the period when Jackson’s aggressive play earned him five points in a three-minute stretch and the team defense of the Kings held the Nets to 15 points in the third.

The third ended with the Kings trailing by one, 77-76.

The fouls were starting to catch up with the Kings. It wasn’t that they had a truckload – the teams were about even at this point – it’s just that the big men of the Kings were the ones picking up the fouls. They were also the ones scoring. Therein lied the rub.

Cousins (12 points, four rebounds), Landry (14 points) and Jason Thompson (two points, one rebound) were all being rotated because none of them could stay on the floor for any meaningful stretch of time. If fact, Thompson only played 14 minutes because of the situation.

Despite the circumstances, the Kings came out a little quicker than the Nets in the final stanza as several of the players hit jumpers. Garcia led the way with eight points in about eight minutes of play.

The Kings got out to an eight-point lead with 3:40 to go on a creative up and under by Evans.

That’s when the music stopped. And when it did, the Kings were left without a chair to sit in.

Sacramento missed six straight shots while New Jersey wasn’t missing much at all. New Jersey scored 14 unanswered points to essentially end the game.

Harris had nine of his 21 points in the fourth and finished with five boards and 10 assists, and Lopez scored consistently each quarter, finishing with 29 points and six rebounds while the Nets shot 52.5 percent from the field.

A late Garcia three-pointer cut it to two at 102-100 with 15 seconds left, but Farmar, who finished with 14 points off the bench, hit the free throws at the end as the Kings let this one slip away.

Kings standouts in the disappointing loss included Garcia with 18 points, three boards, two assists, two steals and a block; Udrih with 14 points, five boards and four assists; and Evans capped off a good first start of the season with 18 points, four boards and seven assists.

Afterward, Head Coach Paul Westphal said he thought they had a chance to win the game but had many shots go in and out while the competition's shots were sinking cleanly.

He also recognized that the foul trouble was a serious factor in the team not pulling out the win.

“That’s (missing shots) not the whole story of the game though,” said a disappointed Westphal. “We foul too much, and we have all our big guys sitting on the bench all the time – it’s hard to play.

“When you take 91 shots and the other team gets 63, you’re supposed to win the game.”

Garcia, Landry and Cousins shine as Kings win first game

2010-10-29T00:01:47Z

With two of last year’s promising rookies – Minnesota’s Jonny Flynn and last year’s Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans – not suited up, the first game of the season seemed to hinge on their replacements.

Francisco Garcia handled the shooting guard duties for the missing Evans and Luke Ridnour the point guard responsibilities for Flynn, who is recovering from hip surgery.

Even though both came through for their respective teams, it was the Kings who finished off the Timberwolves 117-116 to win a road game that went down to the wire.

Garcia finished with 22 points, three rebounds, four assists, three steals and hit both of his three attempts. Garcia had 21 of his 22 by the end of the third, and his pressure defense helped contain the outside game of the Wolves.

Ridnour had a great game himself finishing with 20 points, making him Minnesota's leading scorer with five boards and six assists to boot.

It was ironic that longtime disappointment Darko Milicic scored the first basket for the T-Wolves. Nevertheless, it was Ridnour that got off to the hot start scoring early and often and picking up nine points in the first by finding easy ways to cut into the defense of the
Kings and slashing through the lane.

Milicic, whom Wolves Coach Kurt Rambis is really counting on this season, did have four blocks, six points and four rebounds in his 24 minutes of action.

Beno Udrih, who finished with 18 points, six assists and three steals, had six in the opening 12 minutes and was a steadying force throughout the game.

Omri Casspi was very active early and was harassing the Wolves with his defense, which helped turn a Timberwolves four-point lead with four minutes left in the first into a four-point Kings lead by the end of the quarter. Casspi finished with 10 points.

Despite not scoring his first points until halfway through the second quarter, DeMarcus Cousins, the fifth pick of the draft his year, had a gratifying game in his first NBA start, finishing with 14 points, eight boards and five assists.

Udrih, Garcia and Carl Landry all scored in the second, but the Kings were outscored 35-26 in the period.

Landry had a monster stat night putting up 22 points, 11 boards (seven offensive) and three assists.

At the break, the Timberwolves led 58-53.

Garcia opened the third with back-to-back baskets, and the Kings led 62-60 in the third.

Cousins really started to assert himself in the third, taking a charge and handling a double miss by the Kings with a stuff back.

The Kings led after three 87-83.

For Minnesota, second-year player Kevin Love, who is expected to really pick up the numbers left behind by the departure of Al Jefferson, had 11 points and 10 boards but didn’t get much time in the second half as it was speculated that he was already in the coach's doghouse.

Off the bench for the Kings, Luther Head’s energy was a huge plus. Head finished with 14 points, three boards, three assists and two blocks.

The Wolves fought back with help from Sebastian Telfair and Michael Beasley to tie the game with 6:39 left. The game stayed nearly tied the rest of the way.

The turning point of the game could have been when, after fouling Cousins, Milicic batted the ball into the crowd and was awarded an automatic technical foul.

Along with Udrih’s four free throws to seal the deal at the end, the difference down the stretch was Landry and Cousins playing rough at the rim and hanging tough in the post. Both made tough shots around the basket and defended well as the clock ran out.

Cousins commented on the coach giving him the ball down the stretch.

“When the game is on the line, I want the ball,” Cousins said. “He believed in me. I wanted the ball, so give me the ball.”

Head Coach Paul Westphal praised the growth Cousins has shown in such a short time.

“Cousins has fantastic poise,” Westphal said. “The tougher it gets, the more faith I have in him. His mind wanders early in the game when he’s not challenged, but he really makes you play him when you need him the most.”

The Wolves had six players with double-digit scoring and did out-rebound the Kings by one despite the loss.

Even though it's early, the Kings take a share of the lead in the Pacific Division for the first time since 2003.

The Court Jester - A new dawn for the Kings

2010-10-27T07:54:23Z

The wait is over. The off-season is behind them. The up-and-coming Kings are primed and ready to pounce on opponents this season, giving weight to the slogan – Here We Rise.

The Sacramento Kings take to the hardwood Wednesday in their season opener as they travel to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves, embarking on a three-game road trip.

HERE – Sactown is their home

Even following year after year of speculation that the team will somehow abandon our little town for the riches of Las Vegas or the South Bay or even back to the familiar Kansas/Missouri border has never materialized, the arena situation and the current economic crunch continues to put the topic back in the spotlight and deters from what could be the bigger picture. The Kings are gearing up for a run at the playoffs.

Coming from a 17-win season in 2008-09 under Reggie Theus and Kenny Natt to a 25-win season under current leader Paul Westphal was considered a decent jump in wins, bearing in mind the coaching change and the addition of new leader and rookie sensation Tyreke Evans.

Even though Theus was able to help bring 38 wins to the River City just a couple of years ago, the town never really thought that the team was on the right track.

This year, by most expert accounts, Westphal’s group is poised to make another decent jump in the win column. Those with inside knowledge of all things NBA have put that number anywhere from the low 30s to low 40s.

If that happens, and the fans come out to support this retooled team, then the future looks brighter in Sacramento than it has since the days of C-Webb, Vlade, Christie and Bibby.

WE – The town and the team bonding as one

It takes two to tango, and the world of pro basketball is no different. Any great team requires great fans. Those great fans, in turn, deserve maximum effort on the court.

Kings fans have never been short of praise for their team. Sacramentans have been very patient watching their team work the draft and bring in help that will hopefully catapult the Kings into the uppe stratosphere of the Association.

For the community, it’s time to start climbing out of the Western Conference cellar and reach for the next rung – the playoffs.

As for the players, they have been out in the community either donating time or tickets or both to underprivileged and sick children and their families.

From Evans’ meeting sick children and handing out tickets at the Kiwanis Family House to Francisco Garcia and Beno Udrih stopping by a youth center in West Sacramento and doing the same to newly acquired Samuel Dalembert rallying the troops to continue helping Haiti after their devastating earthquake, Kings’ players are always active in the community.

The Maloof family emphasizes and expects players to donate their time away from the court to help those who as not as fortunate.

RISE – The maturation process right in front of your eyes

With so many new faces and the minor injury situations that occurred during training camp, it will take some time to adjust to Westphal’s game plan and get everybody on the same page. Once these players get firing on all cylinders, there is no telling how far they can go.

In looking at the late addition last year of Carl Landry and this year’s acquisitions of Dalembert, Darnell Jackson, Antoine Wright and draft picks DeMarcus Cousins and Hassan Whiteside, the current band of basket-makers has more size than any Kings team in the last 10 years or more.

Newly signed Pooh Jeter and Luther Head will help Evans and Udrih in the backcourt during the long season also.

The continued development of Omri Casspi, Donte Greene, Jason Thompson and last year’s rookie of the year, Evans, would all be signs of an improved team. When the Kings start to show some cohesiveness, at some point, sunglasses will be required.

The tagline fits. Here in the land of hopefulness, the slogan goes - Here We Rise.

Kings Karavan keeps cruisin' along

2010-10-23T01:14:45Z

As the NBA season kicks off, the Kings are ramping up their promotions, both on and off the court.

New this season is the Kings Karavan – a 40-foot Kings-branded luxury bus that will be cruising in the greater Sacramento area in search of “ Here We Rise” placards on fans’ cars. It will also be making stops throughout town in October looking for the best fans in the NBA.

The Karavan joins Slamson, the Sacramento Kings Dance Team, the Kings Breakers, the Here We Rise campaign and more in this year’s push for greater awareness of the new Kings players and new ticket promotions.

Thursday, the Karavan made its whistle stop at the Capitol. Loaded with Slamson, some SKDT members and even a few Kings Breakers, they were anxiously greeted by packs of kids waiting on the steps when the Karavan rolled up.

The California AfterSchool Network was having an event at the Capitol, and Jeff Davis, a representative for the group, said the Karavan stop was a great experience for the kids.

“It means a lot to have the Kings come out here and support after-school programs,” Davis said. “The programs are a benefit to the youth in their physical activity and their academics, their leadership and their positive development of youth beyond academics and the after school hours.”

An impromptu break dancing contest broke out between the kids and the Kings Breakers. A circle formed as all the kids got a chance to show off their moves.

Shawn Saephanh was visiting with the kids group and wanted to see how his dance skills compared to the Kings Breakers.

“As we keep practicing and dancing, we improve, and it’s fun,” Saephanh said, adding that the Breakers have been role models for him.

Danielle Norquist is in her first year on the SKDT (Sacramento Kings Dance Team) and said she loves this part of the job.

“It’s great because you get to see everyone’s smiling faces,” Norquist said. “It’s something I’ve always loved to do, and if you can make a difference in any way, then I’m there doing it.”

Slamson is a hit wherever he goes, and it was no different Thursday. He signed autographs and wrestled with the kids, who seemed drawn to him.

One way to meet the folks on the Karavan is to have a “Here We Rise” placard in your car’s back window. If they find your car, there’s a chance they will stop you and give you some Kings prizes.

The Kings Karavan will make its way through Woodland, Vacaville and Sacramento until the end of the month.

The Karavan will be at Natomas Pathways Prep (NP3) located at 3700 Del Paso Road from 3 - 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Also on Saturday, in conjunction with the bus stop at Natomas Pathways Prep, the Kings will host a community book drive that is part of the 2010 NBA Cares Week of Service. To celebrate the five-year anniversary of NBA Cares, Kings players Darnell Jackson, Donte’ Greene, Jason Thompson and Pooh Jeter will be on-hand at NP3 collecting books from Kings fans to help fill the empty bookshelves of the NP3 library. All fans who donate books will receive an exclusive opportunity to purchase specially priced tickets to the Kings Home Opener for only $10

On Sunday, the Karavan stops at the Carl’ s Jr. located at 289 Orange Drive In Vacaville from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

For a complete list of future scheduled stops of the Kings Karavan, click here. If you would like a Here We Rise placard, visit Herewerise.com.

There are only 3,400 tickets left for opening night – Nov. 1 – when the Kings face the Toronto Raptors. For more information on tickets, click here or call 1-888-91-KINGS.

Photos courtesy of Kati Garner

Kings provide balanced attack in win over Warriors

2010-10-13T23:55:52Z

With the Kings down Beno Udrih and Samuel Dalembert out and the small forward position up for grabs, Coach Paul Westphal is still searching for a winning starting lineup.

The Golden State Warriors held it close for three quarters Tuesday, but it was the Kings who secured their second preseason win by pulling away in the final period to win 116-97 at Arco Arena.

The Kings had six players scoring in double figures and a balanced rebounding effort making for a solid fourth quarter. A three-point lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter turned into a 22-point lead late in the game thanks to a strong defense and converting turnovers into points.

Both teams had stretches of sloppiness, each with more than 20 turnovers. That, along with 59 total fouls in the game, made for an interesting evening.

The starting lineup was Tyreke Evans, Carl Landry, DeMarcus Cousins, Luther Head and Donte Greene. Head started in place of an injured Udrih.

Things started out quickly for the Kings as they opened with a 10-2 run that was aided by two early turnovers from the Warriors.

Greene was really asserting himself, racking up six points, four rebounds and two steals. He has not received many minutes yet this preseason, but he looked refreshed in his first preseason start.

The Warriors, who will have an improved inside-outside game this season with Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry and newly acquired David Lee, attained a six-point lead late in the first quarter as they rebounded nearly every missed shot by the Kings and scored.

As the first quarter ended, the Kings were only down 30-29.

The second was a low-scoring and sloppy quarter. Even though the Warriors incurred four fouls in less than two minutes, the Kings had seven personal fouls and seven turnovers of their own.

Omri Casspi's aggressiveness helped keep the Kings close as he had six points and three rebounds in the period.

After a disjointed second quarter, the Kings led 53-51.

Fouls plagued the Kings in the third quarter. Cousins and Jason Thompson fouled out. It appeared that without them, the middle would open for the Warriors and allow them to drive unobstructed to the rim. If it wasn’t for Evans’ outstanding play in the third, the Kings could have easily trailed going into the fourth.

The fourth quarter got under way with the Kings leading 80-77. Cousins hit a nice three early on, and both he, Head and Jeter led the charge on the court with hustle and determination, helping their team clinch the win.

Good performances from Greene (10 points, 4 boards, 3 steals), Carl Landry (15 points of 7 of 10 shooting), Cousins (20 points, 8 rebounds), Evans (17 points), Head (15 points, 2 steals) and Casspi (11 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks) helped create a balanced attack for the Kings.

“The guys did a much better job of getting back on defense,” Westphal said. “They kept the paint tight in many of the half-court sets, and offensively we moved the ball like we want the Kings to move the ball. We dominated the boards, played good defense, and I thought we made really good decisions as far as sharing the ball and getting the ball inside out and attacking the
rim.”

Westphal said that Darnell Jackson did a good job of coming in when the other Kings big men were in foul trouble. He said he gave great minutes – plugging the middle, rotating on defense, covering up and getting rebounds in traffic.

Jackson is not as easily satisfied.

“My effort was okay, but I want to really give credit to my coaches; Coach Mario (Elie) and Coach Truck (Robinson),” Jackson said. “Those two coaches talk to me every day. When you include Coach O (Otis Hughley), those three right there are talking to me every day saying, ‘C’mon Jack, c’mon Jack.’ My whole mindset is to soak everything in on and off the court.”

The strangest stat of the night is that even though the Kings were outscored in the paint 54-34, they out-rebounded the Warriors 46-33.

The only two Kings to not get any floor time were Marcus Landry and Antoine Wright who, ironically, are both trying to nab a wing spot with the team.

The Kings will go on the road to Las Vegas to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. Francisco Garcia will not make the trip, as he had a slight sprain of his ankle during the game. Dalembert may also miss four to six weeks, after an MRI confirmed his left adductor strain.

Take It To the Hoop -- Carl Landry Joins "Team La-Z-Boy"!

2010-10-12T17:02:20Z

Following in the footsteps of Jon Barry, Mike Bibby and Bobby Jackson, pro basketball player Carl Landry was chosen as this year’s local spokesperson for La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries in the greater Sacramento market.

“We’ve been very impressed with Carl’s talent, strong work ethic and commitment to family--he’s a perfect fit for our La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries,” said Liz Reego, owner of six La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries stores in Northern California. “Carl is definitely the one to watch this coming Kings season. In fact, each time we’ve partnered with pro ball players, they’ve gone on to have banner seasons. We look forward to continuing the winning tradition!”

Local residents can see Carl Landry featured on La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries outdoor billboards, in print advertisements and on promotional materials inside the local showrooms. Additionally, radio listeners can hear his voice on commercials promoting local La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries and their amazing selection of high quality comfortable furnishings and accessories.

"I'm excited to call Sacramento my new home and look forward to getting involved with community-minded causes and companies like La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries," added Carl Landry.

The marketing partnership between Carl Landry and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries is especially timely given the start of a new season and Carl’s fondness for La-Z-Boy furniture while relocating to his Placer County home.

“Our message to customers and basketball fans is that they, too, can relax in their homes in style just like Carl Landry,” added Reego.

Disclosure Note: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents various local clients including Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa, the Capital District State Museums & Historic Parks and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.

Abdur-Rahim moves up the Kings ladder another rung

2010-10-11T04:39:55Z

The Sacramento Kings have decided to promote from within and elevate Shareef Abdur-Rahim from the position of assistant coach, a role he’s held for the past two years, to the front office position of assistant general manager. Abdur-Rahim is now one of the few players ever to be a longtime player (12 years), a coach and now rounding it all out by becoming part of the management team alongside Kings’ President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie.

Abdur-Rahim, a soft-spoken man, said he was very grateful for the opportunity.

“It’s a great opportunity from the organization,” Abdur-Rahim said. “The Maloof family, Geoff Petrie and Wayne Cooper have given me a great chance to part of this organization and move into a different role. I’m fortunate to be in this situation and I look forward to being part of this organization and make a contribution that helps this team.”

Prior to the promotion, Abdur-Rahim could be seen frequently working with the current crop of Kings big men. Samuel Dalembert, Carl Landry, DeMarcus Cousins and more have been seen receiving instruction on a daily basis, and the new promotion will not keep him from continuing his love of coaching.

“I have a lifelong passion for the game of basketball,” Abdur-Rahim said. “I want to see guys improve. I want to see guys play the right way. I’ll still be around. Coach has kind of left it open for me to jump out on the floor before practice and after practice to work with the guys. I still enjoy that, so I make it a point to do that.”

To anyone behind the curtain, this is the ongoing progression of a man who has dedicated his entire life to the game he loves.

Even early on in his coaching career, the management team would let him sit in on meetings preparing for the draft and help him understand the process of evaluating players.

Petrie spoke about the unique qualities it takes to be accomplished at three different positions within an organization.

“You have to have integrity, an understanding of the game and being able to relate to all kinds of people, and Shareef is capable of all of that and is a great individual to have around,” Petrie said.

Abdur-Rahim spent 12 years running up and down the court until having to step aside because of recurring knee problems. During his career, besides playing for Sacramento from the 2005-06 to 2007-08 seasons, he spent time with the Vancouver Grizzlies (five seasons), Atlanta Hawks (three seasons) and Portland Trailblazers (two seasons).

Abdur-Rahim’s career exploded early on as he became the sixth-youngest player in NBA history to reach the 10,000 point mark by the age of 26. Only Kobe Bryant, Bob McAdoo, Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also hold that record.

During the best stretch of his career, Abdur-Rahim averaged 20 or more points and seven or more rebounds for five consecutive seasons. He was also a member of the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic team in 2000 and was selected as an All-Star for the Eastern Conference in 2002.

Over his career, Abdur-Rahim averaged 18.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game and shot a more than respectable .452 from the floor and .810 from the free throw line.

Rookie Cousins get double-double in Kings preseason win

2010-10-08T08:12:35Z

The new-look Kings took the hardwood on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns for the first exhibition game of the year and came away with a 109-95 victory against their Western Conference rivals.

It was a time to let Head Coach Paul Westphal see how the younger guys have improved and give him a chance to figure out who will be on his final roster.

For the fans, it was a time to have renewed enthusiasm. A time to see the future. A time for hope once again.

For the players, it was and a chance to bang on someone else besides each other. For the training camp hopefuls who wandered into town a few weeks ago, it was a chance to prove they belong.

And at the end of the day, most everyone seemed to have their wish fulfilled.

The Kings started out a little sluggish as the big men of the Suns were able to get to the rim way too easily. Sacramento was not rotating in time, and it led to several open drives to the basket for Phoenix.

Suns guard/forward Jason Richardson looked early on like he was going the be the Kings killer this game. Richardson, who’s in his 10th season and was the only Suns projected opening-day starter to get significant playing time besides center Robin Lopez, had a nice three and was the leading scorer for the Suns with 4:32 left in the first quarter with six points. No one was stopping Richardson’s drives to the middle or guarding him out on the three-point arc. Lucky for the Kings, Richardson only made one of his five three-point attempts.

The Kings, on the other hand, were getting support from an unlikely candidate – surprising starter Marcus Landry. Landry, who finished with 11 points, two rebounds and was three of five from the three-point line, provided some early offense and the defensive stability that the Kings have been searching for.

Westphal said he was impressed. Considering that Landry has led the team in rebounding and charges drawn since the beginning of training camp, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Westphal is starting to have a soft spot for the younger Landry.

With that said, Marcus Landry is flat-out a solid basketball player. The things that Landry can offer are what the Kings sorely need: stability, effort and basketball smarts. He can even nail the open three. Westpahl said that you can be assured that is not a case of nepotism. The kid can play and was part of the reason the Kings didn’t get run off the floor early in the game.

Carl Landry was able to have one of his dreams come true: playing alongside his little brother in an NBA setting.

“It felt really good, and I’m real proud of him,” Carl said. “He had a really good game. He was trying to push me, as I’m still struggling a little bit. To have your brother out there with you – that’s amazing!”

Tyreke Evans was showing off his new shooting form and ended up making nine of 17 shots and had scored 26 points by game’s end. Evans also made two of three from long range. The offseason work he’s put in is starting to show, and if he can stay with it, the fans will be seeing some huge scoring nights from him.

Despite the efforts of Omri Casspi and Pooh Jeter off the bench, the Kings trailed 31-26 after the first quarter. That was a little scary considering that two of the Suns starters – Steve Nash and Grant Hill – were pulled after playing just under six minutes and the Kings were treating it like more of a regular season outing, as the starters ended up logging significant minutes.

Things got a littler dicier when the Suns opened the second quarter with a 5-0 run to bring the score to 36-26 with 10:54 left in the half. If it wasn’t for rookie sensation DeMarcus Cousins, Casspi and Jeter stepping up the defense, things would have been worse.

Somewhat reminiscent of Sunday’s open practice, Donte Greene didn’t make an appearance until there was 6:12 left in the first half. There is no telling if it means anything at this point, but it was a little strange considering that the Kings didn’t have Samuel Dalembert, Hassan Whiteside and Darnell Jackson suited up for action. That’s three big guys on the sideline and a 6-foot-11 Greene not playing much and, when he did, not having a real impact.

Late in the second quarter, Casspi was turning up the heat defensively and had a great block called off because of a foul. Casspi finished the half with eight points, four boards and two assists.

Jeter was another of the new “bench mob” that was hustling after loose balls, causing chaos for the Suns. Jeter, who has spent the last few seasons playing for different teams overseas, is starting making his mark on this team. He was three of four from the field and had six points along with two steals before the second quarter ended with the Kings down 58-51.

Once the clock got rolling in the third quarter, you could sense that Westphal had been in their collective ear during halftime. The Kings came out a different team.

Gone were the open drives down the lane that the Suns were starting to get used to. The Kings defensive rotation was starting to click. The chemistry is still evolving, and the process of learning how to play as a team is still in its infant stages.

Evans came out on fire. On one drive, he had a behind the back dribble-drive that was reminiscent of last year and got him to the charity stripe. A minute later, he took a nice pass from Carl Landry and converted. Add that to the three he nailed a moment later along with a Cousins follow on an Evans miss, and the Kings took their first lead of the game 63-62 with 9:03 left in the third quarter.

The elder Landry, Cousins and Evans were really starting to click at this point. You could feel the energy and momentum starting to shift.

Moments later, Cousins had an awesome dunk off a missed shot. After a couple of Marcus Landry long-range bombs, the Kings held a small lead 74-70 with 4:46 left in the third.

Back to Greene’s game for a moment. While he took a nice charge late in the third, he dropped a hard pass from Jason Thompson and missed a wide-open three on a setup from Jeter. Greene received less than 11 minutes on the floor the entire game. Of the personnel who played, only Luther Head and Antoine Wright had less time on the floor.

Because of sloppy play near the end of the quarter, the Suns managed to battle back and tie the game 80-80 after three.

Keeping in mind that the Suns barely gave their probable opening day starting lineup any time on the floor together, the Kings started to pull away in the fourth.

Yes, having all five of the Kings starters play at least 22 minutes was a difference-maker, but the atmosphere was changing regardless. The crowd was really into it even though it wouldn’t count in the standings.

The Kings opened the fourth by showing some full-court defensive pressure and not just letting anyone walk into the lane as they did in the opening period.

Thompson had a nice block and combined to complete a give-and-go with Beno Udrih that gave the Kings a 91-88 lead with 7:08 left in the game. As the crowd started to sense the change on the floor, the first chants of “Defense . . . Defense” were heard throughout the facility.

Thompson was making his presence felt on each end of the floor. He had a great all-around game that included 17 points, 10 boards (five of which were offensive), four assists, one steal and three blocks.

Evans, who finished with 26 points, three rebounds and five assists, ended up being two of three from downtown. Not bad for a guy who last season was, at times, considered to be an inconsistent gunner from that range.

The Kings had some very balanced scoring once the clock wound down to zero. In all, six players (Marcus Landry, Cousins, Evans, Udrih, Thompson and Jeter) finished in double figures in scoring, and two Kings – Cousins and Thompson – had double digits in rebounds.

The only two suited players who didn’t get any court time were Connor Atchley and Joe Crawford. While these guys have been great for the rest of the team to bang against during practice and are giving their all, I think that unless the Kings come down with an unforeseen injury situation, both of these guys will not be on the opening-day roster.

Now if the team can get Dalembert, Whiteside and Jackson healthy, the inside presence the team has missed for many years will be a thing of the past. Even missing all those big men, the Kings still out-rebounded the Suns 47-36.

Now that’s not only news, but new.

After the game, Coach Westphal wanted to recognize one of the harder workers on the Kings roster by giving Jason Thompson his due.

“He’s making great strides,” said the second-year Kings coach. “You take him for granted, his effort, but every practice and every game you know that he is going all-out, and he’s really made a strong case for himself. He’s better than he was last year and better last year than the year before that. Hard work pays off.”

This new chapter in the life of the Kings, whenever it takes it’s full form, will be something the fans of this town have been clamoring for since the days of Vlade, C-Webb and Bad Brad left town.

The time to create new memories lies just around the bend. Even though the fans have heard it before, patience will be the biggest virtue the loyalists can have this season. If so, the rewards and the victories will soon begin to pile up.

Did you go to the game? The Court Jester would love to hear from you. Please put any comments, questions or criticisms below and I will respond.

The Court Jester - Practice Makes Perfect (Fun)

2010-10-04T06:05:17Z

On the Sacramento Kings’ to-do list of creating interest in this year’s team, the first was a rip-roaring good time this past Saturday at Arco Arena.

The “Box Office Party” was the opening salvo in a barrage of activities the Kings are planning for community outreach and awareness during the upcoming season. And with the Kings Dance Team, some players and a free hot dog on tap for anyone purchasing a ticket for a future game, the preseason optimism, compared to recent years, is sky high.

The word of the day was “exciting,” and it seemed to be gushing out of everyone’s mouths: fans, players and Kings’ personnel alike.

Joe Crawford, a second-year guard out of Kentucky who is trying to make this year’s roster, was happy to be there, with a message for the remarkable Kings fans.

“We just came out here to show people we are excited about the upcoming year, and we are going to give it our all,” he said.

Crawford’s enthusiasm was easy to see as he was one of several Kings players who signed autographs, mingled with the crowd and even served hot dogs to some hungry fans.

Joseph Smith is a long-time Kings fan who has been a season ticket holder since 2002. Smith, who normally has his wife Rhonda and son Steven with him when involved in anything Kings, had to come out alone. Even though he was on a solo mission, it was the least he could do to show his appreciation for a team that he is very much looking forward to seeing perform.

“I came to celebrate the new team and meet some of the new players, the Kings dance squad and get to know the team better,” Smith said. “We’ve got a good group of young players now, a good core, and I know they are going in the right direction. I’m looking forward to the excitement and the anticipation of the new season. They’re going to do well this year.”

Paul Kornowski is another fan with a positive outlook. When asked why he was in attentance, he was quick to respond.

“Kings tickets, baby!” Kornowski exclaimed. “(Geoff) Petrie has done everything he can in rebuilding this team. You try and get the best players and the best bang for the buck.”

Sacramento resident Joyce Bezazian was hoping to see one of the new giants on the team in DeMarcus Cousins. Even though Cousins wasn’t available for her perusal, she still had a great time in coming out to support her team.

“I already have my tickets, so I thought I would check it out,” she said.

Mitch Germann, the Kings vice president of marketing and communications, discussed how the day shaped up.

“It’s a nice turnout,” he said. “There was a long line of people when we got here this morning. We started selling tickets at noon, but had people lining up outside at 9:30 or 10 today. People are excited about the upcoming season, and it’s translating into a good turnout at an event like the one today.”

Germann was right. The positive vibe was felt throughout the crowd, and the players in attendance were energized about what they saw.

Antoine Wright, another of the players on the training camp roster hoping to be on the final roster going into opening day, has been through this before. And given he is gearing up for his sixth season in the league, he is still eager to show the dedicated Sacramento fan base what this team can offer.

“It shows the fans that you want to give back and that you are excited about the upcoming season and to show them we care that they are here supporting us,” Wright said.

Excited. It kept creeping out of people’s mouths. So much so that Wright had a hard time containing his eagerness to show what this team has to offer.

“I’m excited about it,” Wright said about the fans’ first chance to see the team play on Sunday. “It’s going to be the first open practice for the public so they can get a look and see the improvements we’ve made as a team.”

Connor Atchley, a rookie out of Texas who is trying to make the team based on his outstanding perimeter shooting, truly understands the effect the fans can have on the entire situation and thinks this stop on the tour was an important one.

“You want to make sure you get to know the people because they are the ones that will be you and come support you,” Atchley said. “Without them, you really don’t have a Sacramento Kings team.”

Pooh Jeter, a player oozing with positive energy, could hardly contain himself again on this day.

“This is great!” Jeter exclaimed. “It’s a good time for us to mingle and get to know our fans because it’s going to be a long year. We will be able to see each other all year, and I like to know faces and be familiar with people.”

This event is just one in a long line of promotions the Kings management will stage for the die-hard fans of the community. After Sunday’s open practice, there are 23 scheduled stops that the “Kings Karavan,” a Kings-branded bus carrying the Kings Dance Team members, the Kings Breakers, Slamson and occasional special guests, will make across the area. With the first stop at a Subway restaurant in Stockton on Sunday, the expedition will continue all the way until Oct. 27 when the tour is scheduled for its last stop at a Carl’s Jr. in Woodland.

With events scheduled all month long, even before the regular season has begun, the Kings continue to lead the way in embracing the fans of the region and finding ways to extract the most enthusiasm out of this community.

For the full schedule of the Kings Karavan, check out the Kings website here.

Photos courtesy of Mark Needham

#1 Omri Casspi w/ fan

#2 Carol Dean, Tamera Howard & Lula English

#3 Joe Crawford & Connor Atchley w/ fan

#4 Beno Udrih signing for fan

#5 Udrih, Donald Sloan & Tyreke Evans

#6 Joyce Bezazian

#7 Lining up early for tickets

#8 Kings Dance Team

#9 "At the Window"

#10 Kings television play-by-play man Grant Napear

#11 Kings Game Night Host Scott Freshour

#12 Curtis Anderson w/ family

#13 Andrew MacDonald

#14 Udrih & Sloan

#15 "Come Inside"

#16 Crawford signing

#17 Evans signing

#18 Kings Karavan Bus

The Court Jester - The Cream Starts to Rise

2010-10-04T04:40:44Z

Kings training camp continued last week with two-a-days Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as the guys got in some significant work on the hardwood. Finally, on Friday, the team went to one practice per day for most of the rest of camp.

With much preparation before the first practice, which is open to the public on Sunday, the guys are learning new sets and gearing up for the preseason.

Training Camp – day three

Lob Pass

Samuel Dalembert and Antoine Wright were available for the morning workout . . . More five-on-none as they worked on setting screens and making sure the players know where to be on some of the new sets the team has put in this year . . . Lots of guys stayed after practice today, including Beno Udrih, Dalembert, Joe Crawford, Carl and Marcus Landry, Luther Head, J.R. Giddens, Pooh Jeter, and a few others all throwing up some extra shots . . . The elder Landry has been spending a lot of time after the workouts working with the coaches on his post moves and practicing his free-throw shooting . . . Udrih helped Dalembert on shots from the stripe . . . Crawford and Jeter spent time with Mario “The Jedi” Elie working on their outside shot . . . Wright worked hard on the elliptical machine after the workout, trying to get his left quad ready for the tougher evening scrimmage.

Beyond the Inner Curtain

The following are Coach Paul Westphal’s annotations to the media:

On Pooh Jeter: He’s a standout in every way.

On Landry’s potential to play the small forward position: Probably not much time there, maybe in a zone defense. It would be pretty hard for Carl or Jason (Thompson) to guard the other three, but it’s certainly not something we are ready to focus on yet.

On Marcus Landry: Wednesday (evening) he had an outstanding of the offensive boards. Although he is still learning the pace of the game, he brings some great strengths to the table. One thing I don’t have any doubts about is that he can do high level is rebound.

On Hassan Whiteside: He’s very smooth and once in a while will come from the weak side and block a shot that nobody’s ever had blocked before in this gym.

On Whiteside needing to be patient: It’s hard for any young player to stay aggressive and have a long-term goal without some short-term gratification, but that’s his world right now and we are trying to keep him focused. He’s doing a good job of that.

On having brothers on the same team: We have to put them on different teams because they only pass it to each other (speaking jokingly on Marcus and Carl Landry).

Knights of the Hardwood

It’s not often that a new player will come into training camp and find someone he knows well. Then again, it’s not every day you get to play against your brother outside of the driveway escapades of days gone by.

That is not the case this season as the brothers Landry, Carl and the younger Marcus, have had the opportunity to challenge each other for the first time since those days in the front yard.

Carl was admittedly tough on his younger sibling during their childhood rivalry. Some days even ended in a fistfight or two. But in the Landry household, it was just part of growing up. Tough love at it’s best.

“I was always the big brother, so I felt like he was soft and weak, so I always beat up on him,” Carl said. “It always ended good.”

The elder Landry did pave the way for Marcus. Carl is two years older and had a chance to go to college first and show Marcus that not only was attending a university possible, but playing hoops was also open to him.

“He had somebody to look up to that went to college so he knew he could go,” Carl said. “I wouldn’t say I paved the way for him; I just gave him some hope. A lot of kids these days, they still know it’s a one in a million shot, but they get down on themselves and they think there is no hope. My brother has seen the light at the end of the tunnel. He saw my work ethic and he continued to work. I just tried to lead by example and be the big brother I am.”

Marcus has taken the longer road. Since having a child around the time he was getting ready for college, he decided to stay closer to his son and ended up attending Wisconsin instead of Purdue like his brother. It didn’t matter really. The brothers were always taking a different direction.

“We were always competing against each other,” the elder Landry said. “If I wanted one thing, he wanted another.”

As to what Carl sees his brother’s chance in making the Kings roster? Carl knows he has some very valuable tools that the Kings can utilize.

“He can offer defense, is a good guy on and off the court, and he’s not going to make too many mistakes,” Carl said. “He’s focused and he wants to get better. You want guys on your team that want to get better that are coming in early and staying late — guys that are not messing up in practice. He’s one of those guys. I think because he has that mindset, he’ll play in this league for a long time.”

Marcus never had a problem with looking up to his older brother. The early success Carl had wasn’t lost on Marcus. If fact, it inspired him to reach for his own personal greatness and he has a message for Carl.

“At a really young age he was somebody I looked up to,” Marcus said. “I never really tell him that, but he was playing basketball and making teams, and I said, ‘Everything he does, I want to do better.’ He’s been a good example and a good leader. It’s the way he goes about things that is keeping me focused.”

Staying focused must get a lot easier since the days of banging bodies with the more mature Carl in the front yard. Back then, there were some real battles between the two and it took a while for Marcus to realize what Carl was breaking him in for.

“Now that I look back on it, I realize he was trying to make me better instead of just teasing me,” the younger Landry said. “He would always make me go left and would never, never let me go right, so I would lose all the time. I’d be mad because he’d be laughing or throw the ball out of bounds or he’d steal it, but it made me a better player.

“It helped me because it made me realize that you better get a left hand and you better get it good quick because guys do their scouting reports. I probably recognized in my senior year of high school that what he was doing for me was probably best for me.”

As with any sibling rivalry, there are times when things went to far.

“It did end in some fights because I was mad when I lost,” Marcus said. “I remember one time when the game was on the line. He was going to shoot and I turned around to box out and he threw the ball off my head and that really got me going. Some days ended in fights, but we’re still brothers, you know.”

Marcus tried to pass the torch, at least on the punishment part, to another of the Landry children: his younger sister.

“She held her own,” Marcus said. “Things ended with some fights with her too. It was just tough family love out there on that court, but she could hold her own. We knew we couldn’t do that much since we would get in trouble when we got back in the house. We kind of had to mellow it down for her, but still gave her that tough love.”

It sounds like the entire Landry family is a family of tough, gritty and determined kids.

Marcus has decided to take the coaches’ advice and work on what they tell him do work on. Things that will help him make the roster. In his case, they have asked him to knock down shots, rebound and defend. And that’s all he is trying to do. That’s very impressive for a young guy.

This could be the year. Even his mind is coming to grips with the fact that he is good enough to help an NBA team.

“Everything is starting to come together,” Marcus said. “I think that maybe I don’t know how good I can be at this level. This is my second year and I’m just soaking it all in. My main focus is mentally, and everything else will improve. It’s my mental game of being competitive and having that killer instinct all the time.”

If he can just summon those reminders of his daily battles with his brother from the days on the concrete driveway out in front of the house, he will be just fine in his quest to join his brother in the NBA. And maybe, just maybe, even on the Kings.

Photos Courtesy of Mark Needham

#1 Omri Casspi

#2 Carl Landry

#3 Antoine Wright

#4 Connor Acthley

#5 Casspi, Atchely & Coach Carril

#6 Luther Head

#7 Jason Thompson

#8 Carl Landry

#9 Casspi & Achtley

#10 Gavin Maloof w/ Pooh Jeter

#11 Marcus Landry

#12 DeMarcus Cousins

#13 Marcus Landry's towel

The Court Jester - Camping in the Capital, The Early Days

2010-10-01T09:06:11Z

Kings training camp kicked off Monday, and when the day was over, it was all sweat and smiles at their facility in Natomas.

The Court Jester was there, and here are some observations:

Training camp – day one

Lob Pass

The Kings worked on defense and five-on-none offense as the guys were trying to find their spacing and where to be on the floor in certain sets . . . Head Coach Paul Westphal was seen checking notes from his back pocket making sure he was staying on-track . . . Samuel Dalembert was helping guys find the right spot on the floor during a certain set . . . Hassan Whiteside was setting some nice screens and really looking bulked up . . . Pooh Jeter was looking to get others involved and was really calm under pressure . . . First-round draft pick DeMarcus Cousins was hustling and running up and down the court well.

Beyond the Inner Curtain

The following are some of Westphal’s annotations relayed to the gathered media after practice:

On Luther Head: He needs to find a spot for himself – do something the other players aren’t doing as well and succeed at it.

On Hassan Whiteside: He has taken the coaches’ recommendations to heart when he first came in, and it’s paying off for him.

On Pooh Jeter: A very mature player, and he is the fastest player on the court whenever. The staff likes his decision-making the most.

On Jason Thompson: He’s a real versatile player at the four and the five spots and has gained the experience to play without getting into foul trouble. Besides Jeter, he came into camp in the best shape.

On Samuel Dalembert: He was very engaged, trying to do the right things defensively and answering a few questions from some of the other players about where to be on the floor.

The Spoken Word

Cousins on playing defense in the NBA: “There is a lot more to defense than you think . . . You’ve got to talk a lot, and you’re the basically the eyes of the floor.”

Jeter on being in Sacramento: “I’ve been here three weeks, lifting and playing and getting that chemistry. I was working a lot with Donte (Greene), Jason and ’Cisco (Garcia) a lot. ’Cisco lives in here really, these last three weeks. We are in here all day and encouraging each other. I feel like this is home since the team gave me my first shot five years ago and now this time.”

Jeter on hoops: “Basketball is really my life. I don’t do much else. They’re going to have to tear my jersey off before I stop (playing).”

Carl Landry on the extra floor work: “I ran through some set and some defensive principles, and it feels good to get my feet wet. Every day I’ve got to be in the gym, and as one of the older guys on the team, I’ve got to lead by example by being here early and staying late. It’s not only for myself, but for my teammates.”

There was also a closed practice later in the evening in which Dalembert and Antoine Wright did not participate. Dalembert has a slight left groin strain, and Wright had a left quad issue, and both got treatment instead of floor work.

Training camp – day two

Lob Pass

Another day of two-a-days was in store for the team as the drills became more complex . . . There was much more running up and down the floor as players were out late working on fast breaks bringing the ball up and back a few times before letting the other group come to replace them . . . Assistant Coach Pete Carril still had the spark to share his vast knowledge with the players and was spending some extra time on the floor today with Tyreke Evans . . . Westphal was working with the big men along with Truck Robinson . . . Head’s jump shot really propels him forward as he releases the ball, and he lands a few feet forward from where he starts . . . Dalembert and Wright didn't practice in the morning as Wright was getting treatment and Dalembert was watching and talking up his teammates.

Beyond the Inner Curtain

The following are Westphal’s annotations to the media:

On what was being accomplished that day: “We are laying the groundwork, and we’ll come back tonight for some competition. The night practices are much more like playing the game.”

On first impressions: “The guys came in here in pretty good shape. They are working hard and putting the team first. A lot of them are putting in a lot of extra time.”

On Garcia basically living at the facility: ’Cisco is always around, and you’re afraid you might trip over him if you come in here at night – he’s a real hard worker.”

Knights of the Hardwood

It's early in the camp, but so far, the talk of the practices has been rookie Eugene “Pooh” Jeter and his tireless dedication to the sport he loves. I spoke with him and one of his biggest supporters, Bobby Jackson, as I caught up with both of them after they put in an extra 45 minutes being involved in a three-point shooting contest with Connor Atchley and Joe Crawford. Even though Jackson could still put up the rock, today his role is being a mentor and helping the younger guys get with the program.

“Pooh is always the first and last person in the gym,” Jackson said. “He’s been overseas, and they normally take that attitude of being a workaholic. He’s really a leader – he’s always getting people in their spots, always talking. If he was about 6-foot-1-inches or 6-foot-2-inches, he’d probably be a starter in this league. He’s been running a team for a long time, and we love him and what he brings to the table. He wants to win.”

For the normally reserved Jackson, this was high praise.

The former Sixth Man of the Year Award winner really had a hard time not talking about how impressed he has been with Jeter’s performance.

“He’s pushing guys,” Jackson said. “Even in pick-up games, he wants to win. You can tell he has that winning attitude. He’s going to tell you if you’re doing something right, and he’s going to tell you if you do something wrong. To be a reserve guard, you need to be vocal leader. You need to keep that second unit stable and on the right page.”

“If he plays hard, the sky is the limit for him,” Jackson said. “He’s fast and a pest on the defensive end. I really think he has a chance to be a household name in this league. He’s always been a positive guy and doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. You need the kind of guy that changes things and puts energy in the game.”

Jeter, still humble even after spending five years trying to make his dream come true, is as positive now as the day he walked into the Kings’ summer league camp many years ago.

Of all the things that have changed over the years, Jeter was happy to find that Jackson was still part of the scenery.

“Before I came here, I knew Bobby Brown, and he was telling me about Bobby Jackson and telling me how cool he was and how he worked with him,” Jeter said. “It’s a tremendous opportunity, and I’m glad God put people like that in my life.”

Jeter, a deeply faithful man, spent some time in Israel working on his game overseas. And when speaking about his blessed life, he’s the first to give credit to God.

“I’m a real spiritual person,” Jeter said, “so living in the Holy Land was the way to spend my last year abroad.”

Jeter was given his nickname by his grandmother after Winnie the Pooh. Since the third grade, the only person he can remember calling him Eugene is his father. His dad owned a music store in Inglewood, Calif., and he said he thinks that helped him with the karaoke singing he had to do for a promo that fans will hopefully see later this year.

As for the influence Jackson could have on him, Jeter said he would love to follow in his footsteps.

“I would love to do what Bobby did,” Jeter said. “I get great advice from him and am glad he’s here. Guys like him and Spud Webb and Tiny Archibald paved the way for people like me. If it wasn’t for them, there wouldn’t be many little men in the league.”

Early indications are that Jeter is on the right track to make a difference on the court this season for the Kings. But more than that, Jeter said he would love to set an example for others in the community.

“I just want to go out there and be a role model for the kids,” Jeter said. “I want to show people that I’m a good person and that my attitude is even better than the way I play.”

If Jeter’s play on the court is anywhere near as refreshing as his personality, dedication and perseverance, the fans are in for one heck of a show.

Photos courtesy of Mark Needham

#1 Tyreke Evans chatting with Francisco Garcia

#2 Connor Atchley

#3 Samuel Dalembert

#4 Tyreke Evans w/ Pete Carril

#5 Joe Crawford and Pooh Jeter shooting jumpers

#6 The Legendary Pete Carril

#7 Pooh Jeter from downtown

The Court Jester - And Now For Something Completely Different

2010-09-29T04:21:28Z

It was like driving up to Mendocino County and getting out of the car only to find yourself standing in the Land of the Giants – big, strong redwoods that could be seen out of every corner of your eye.

The evidence was clear. The new direction has been established. This year, the Kings will not go quietly into the night.

The abundance of wingspans and altitude was on display as the Sacramento Kings opened their 26th annual media day at Arco Arena on Monday. With all the local news outlets and many national folks on-hand, the question of the day was clearly the acquisition of several new big men and how the team’s newfound height would impact the team.

“I think we’ve changed our team radically.” said Head Coach Paul Westphal. “Sam (Dalembert) has been a double-double guy that can help our shot blocking, having Carl (Landry) here from the start of the season (will help) and Jason Thompson has continued to improve his game. Then we drafted two very talented young big men who are both very good rebounders. So all of a sudden we have size where this time last year we didn’t, and that is an exciting change.”

And the excitement can be felt across the first floor of the arena on this day as a new season always brings abundant optimism.

As longtime President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie declared, the start of a new season is always a time for confidence.

“This is always a fun time of year,” Petrie said. “You have a new team with hopefully a new look – it’s always an exciting time to get started and see what it turns into.”

Petrie isn’t the only one ready to see what this new-look team can bring on a nightly basis. Thompson, who is in his third campaign, said he really likes the competition the team brought in this year and feels like it will push him to become the player he wants to become.

“The really competitive teams in the league, you look at their depth chart,” Thompson said. “With the additions we’ve added, we have one of the deepest teams in the league.”

It’s not only deep, but also deep at a couple of positions where the Kings haven’t had that luxury in quite some time.

Donte Greene is looking forward to joining the other frontcourt monsters in causing havoc for the opposition.

“It will help a lot on the defensive end by blocking shots,” said the 6-foot-11-inch Greene. “(We will be) clogging up the lane and making sure guys don’t get easy buckets.”

Now that’s something that local folks have been dying to hear for many a moon now. Good, hard play, standing your ground and knocking a guy down if it comes to that. This will be the new calling card of this incarnation of the Kings.

Looking for another reason to beam? How about the young guys who have been brought in to fill out the last of the lineup card?

It’s been easy to see how enthusiastic the camp invitees are based on the endless smiles at the arena.

J.R. Giddens, one of the longshots to make this team, said this is what he lives for – a chance to make an NBA roster going into October. He considers himself to be a “human spark plug” with his outside shooting, athleticism and loads of energy to expend.

As for some of the other new faces on the training camp register, Joe Crawford said he knows he can’t take a play off if he is to be successful and admits that his intensity on the defensive end may make the difference between staying or leaving once the season starts.

Luther Head, an outside shooter who can also bring the ball up the court, said he believes he can help the young guys get more out of their game.

“I’m a student of the game,” said Head, one of the men who has a great chance of catching on in Sacramento. “I can bring a lot of things the younger guys don’t already know about the NBA.”

Even though Head has had some legitimate NBA game experience, he is still young and is looking forward to being pushed by the other invitees.

“I feel like a vet with all the young guys,” Head continued, “but it’s good for me, as it puts more energy in me.”

Antoine Wright has been brought in to fill out the important wing position that can be played by either a two guard or a small forward. And if there is one thing he has learned over the 290 games he’s played in the league, it’s taking everything that the coaches have to offer and making it happen on the court.

“It comes down to knowing coverages,” said Wright, who started 52 games during the 2008-09 season for the Dallas Mavericks. “Being comfortable with the schemes and being able to execute. It’s not all about a one-on-one game. You have to scheme, and I think it’s the guys that execute that are going to get the minutes.”

Of all the guys I had a chance to meet, Pooh Jeter (pronounced jet-er) seemed to understand the calm before the storm more than anyone.

Jeter, who has spent the last five years trying to catch on with a pro team in the states, has had to end each attempt by signing across the pond to continue work in his dream job.

He spent last season overseas playing in Israel and earned the All-Israeli Premier League Sixth Man of the Year Award. It’s never say die for the kid who continued to make the pilgrimage to Las Vegas each year trying to assure himself a spot on a fall roster.

“I believed that every year I would hook on,” the diminutive Jeter said. “I told myself that this was my fifth year in summer league, and this was going to be the last time. If it didn’t happen, I was getting a lot of offers from overseas, and that’s the approach I took, and now I’m here.”

The time for talking is done. It’s Westphal and wind sprints for now at the Kings’ training facility. One can only hope that every guy on the preseason roster is as ready as Jeter seems to be.

“I’ve prepared a lot for this moment,” Jeter said. “It’s time to get going, and I’m excited.”

And so are we Pooh, so are we.

Photos courtesy of Brandon Darnell

Photo #1 Paul Westphal, #2 Omri Casspi, #3 Hassan Whiteside, #4 DeMarcus Cousins, #5 Pooh Jeter

The Court Jester would love your feedback. You agree, disagree or just plain think I'm crazy, please put your comments below and I will respond.