Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "kings"

New Show "Sactown Famous" Highlights Local Talent and Culture

2012-01-25T22:28:53Z

Local producer and businessman Tony Savo announced today he will be hosting "Sactown Famous" a new reality show set to begin production in the Sacramento region late next week. The show will be produced by Savo's Coalition Media Group in association with One Mil Records and will spotlight the areas local talent, events and nightlife as well as feature exclusive interviews with the Capital city's biggest names.

Tony Savo says: "Sacramento's a very diverse and dynamic city and I think it should be celebrated. We got the Kings, the River Cats, the UFC's Urijah Faber and the Maloof's Global Skateboarding Initiative just for starters... there's a lot to take pride in if you call this place your home."

Savo a long time native of Sacramento first made a name for himself as the CEO and Producer of Coalition Fight Music a local band that has been featured on ESPN, Sky Sports (Fox Sports UK) USA Today and Tapout magazine for sponsoring World Champion UFC fighters Nick and Nate Diaz and Jake Sheilds. Last month Savo launched Coalition Media Group after announcing via his twitter account (@statecyde) that he had recently inked a deal with Samsung Web enabled TV and Europe's top fight promotion UCMMA to provide mobile MMA content to over 20 million smart phone subscribers around the globe. For more info contact sactownfamous@gmail.com

Disclosure: Danny Murphy is affiliated with Sactown Famous

10 Reasons Why a 50-Year Parking Agreement is Bad for Sacramento

2012-01-22T00:54:57Z

As our City leaders continue to debate how to finance an NBA-size arena in the downtown, climaxing with a final City Council vote in the next few weeks, here are ten reasons why I believe financing a new area with a 50-year "parking lot fee" agreement is not good for the financial and emotional well-being of our great City of Sacramento.

(1) Fifty-year agreements encourage abuse and escalation of fees. If the capitalist system depends upon free enterprise and competition, 50-year agreements are an invitation for corruption and exploitation. Immediately or gradually, we will all curse the day this deal was done, every time we park downtown.

(2) If you can afford $200-$500 for a family to see an arena-sized rock show or an NBA basketball game, an additional $15-$25 for parking doesn't seem like much. But if you have a "movie-theater-ticket-and-a-drink" budget, you go to the suburbs where the parking is free or at least affordable. Vouchers help big time for these thousands of consumers. Read between the lines of the contemplated parking fees - The City negotiators are desperate to "do the deal" and if free parking vouchers stand in the way, say good-bye to vouchers.

(3) Does anyone foresee a time in our great-grandchildren's lives (or fifty years?) when Sacramento becomes a center for corporate headquarters and major commerce? Not me. Given the current rules for NBA and major league sports arena financing, corporate underwriting is critical to the ongoing success of major league franchises. We don't have money for corporate "luxury boxes" now and we won't have enough in the future. Our biggest publicly owned company (a waste disposal firm) recently announced they are moving to Texas. I can't decide what part of this sentence bothers me the most. (a) As a City, are we not good enough for a company that hauls garbage? or (b) Why does a garbage truck company choosing to move to Texas makes such a big deal to our economy? Could this be an omen?

(4) The best "naming rights" deal the Maloof Family could come up with was a company that sells rubber bands for $30 and is currently sliding into bankruptcy. 50-year contracts for jacked-up parking fees sound more "cow-town" than 10,000 cowbells at a Lakers game.

(5) In the past decade, "silly money" mortgages were sold to good people with dreams bigger than their ability to pay. Selling the parking rights, for all of downtown, for the next fifty years, smacks of the same "Don't you want to aspire to enjoy a better life?" crap used by "vacation time share" salespeople. Once we do this deal, they will never stop calling. What will be the next proposal? Charging an admission to Old Sacramento?

(6) We are great as a "farm team" City. We love our AAA minor league River Cats with ticket prices we can afford. We love Friday night high school football. Our list of "home-grown" great ball players rivals any city in the nation. In Sacramento, we GROW great athletes –men and women - with tolerance, a solid work ethic, and excellent coaching. Let other cities bankrupt themselves chasing "parking lot dreams". We are smarter than that.

(7) Yes, a big league area would be good for local professional sports commentators. To move up to ESPN stature, you must have at least one major league sports team in your town. Do you now understand the motivation behind Grant Napear and others in "talk sports" radio, TV, and print? For the handful of big league sports commentators, this is a “jobs-bill” helping them each further their careers. Without the Kings, they would have to move too much more expensive cities to pursue their profession. How many of you are pro sports commentators wanting to work in New York or Los Angeles? I rest my case.

(8) Let’s organize ourselves and build a smaller downtown arena – one we can afford. Instead of 150 nights per year, let’s fill it up 300 nights with 12,000 music fans, families who love the circus, monster truck smash-ups, ice-skating clowns, high school volleyball championships, evangelical Christians, political conventions, and - your favorite affordable event. Why is building an arena big enough to keep the Kings in Sacramento - at any cost - the sole criteria for downtown improvement? Yes, this is a priority for Kings fans, our Mayor, the sports broadcasters, the Maloof family – maybe 20,000 local people, tops. Let’s do the math, re-prioritize, and adjust our planning.

(9) Wouldn't you rather have 300 nights of hustle and bustle downtown? Imagine, piling the family into the car, buying affordable event tickets, parking inexpensively within walking distance, eating out at great restaurants, dancing at diverse music clubs, and having more fun with fewer overpaid seven-foot millionaires to block the view? Now that's a town that pays its bills, raises great kids, and lives within its own skin.

(10) Financing an arena by collecting parking fees for fifty years just sounds cheap. Talk about a "nickel and dime" approach to big time sports. How about if we required City leaders and the Maloof family to stand on street-corners with a cardboard sign pleading with motorists "Spare Change for the Kings?" No, why would we ask them to do that - for the next 50 years - when we can install parking meters to achieve the same goal.

In conclusion, I really don't care what Charles Barkley and Phil Jackson think of us and neither should our community leaders. Grow up, Sacramento. Be bold and enjoy living within your means.... Isn't that the lesson of the Wall Street financial collapse? Make a budget and live within that budget. Be yourself, not what others think you should be. Live life in the moment and don't mortgage your future. These are the hard lessons we should have learned since 2008. Have we been paying attention?

City Council members, I ask you - 50 years - really? You are creating financial obligations for your great-grandchildren. In the year 2062, when they curse you for paying to park by the minute and for an arena that was demolished 25 years earlier - is this how you want to be remembered? Now that, my Sacramento friends, is a legacy I would rather avoid.

Disclosure: born in Sacramento at Mercy Hospital

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 defeat Hornets in second win of the season

2012-01-02T21:25:56Z

The Sacramento Kings ended a three-game losing streak Sunday night in a 96-80 win over the New Orleans Hornets.

Guard Tyreke Evans led the team with 27 points, scoring 13 points in the third quarter. Evans was also a force on the defense, and along with guard Marcus Thornton, who scored 25 points, helped the team dominate the second half of the game.

Noticeably absent from the court was center DeMarcus Cousins, who had been listed as a probable starter in the game. Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal issued a release before the game in which he said Cousins was asked to stay home after he demanded to be traded. Despite his absence, the Kings dominated the Hornets.

Westphal said he does not know if Cousins will make the road trip with the team.

The Kings were outscored by the Hornets in the first two periods and went into halftime down by 2 points. The team came back to the court in the third quarter to score 30 points to the Hornets’ 18 and kept the lead for the rest of the game.

Hornets center Emeka Okafor and forward Trevor Ariza each scored 6 points in the first quarter. They both continued to be productive on the court throughout the game, but their efforts were not enough to stop the Kings.

“What a difference a day makes,” said Westphal. “Even when we were missing shots, we were playing good basketball.”

The Kings went into the game shooting just 61 percent this season at the free throw line, but shot 86 percent Sunday night. The Kings barely edged the Hornets in field goals, shooting 41 percent to the Hornets’ 40. Still, it was enough to boost the team to a much needed win as they head out on the road.

The win improved the Kings’ record to 2-3, while the Hornets fell to .500 with a record of 2-2.

Forward Francisco Garcia made his first appearance of the season, and made back-to-back three point shots to start the final quarter of the game.

“I just feel good to be out there,” Garcia said. “I’m happy for my team. We work so hard every day.”

Westphal said he thought his team spaced the floor better, and that Evans and Thornton blended well together on the court.

“We did everything coach wanted us to do. We got to find a way to pull it together,” Evans said.

Evans had been struggling this season when he went into the game -- he was shooting just under 50 percent at the free throw line -- and was booed by fans in Saturday night’s game against the New York Knicks.

“You have to play this game with an attacking, light-hearted intensity,” Westphal said of Evans, adding that he told Evans to go out and have fun before the game.

The Kings play their next game against the Grizzlies in Memphis on Tuesday at 5 p.m.

To see a slideshow of the images from Sunday's game, click here.

Kings fall to Knicks for third straight loss

2012-01-01T22:53:37Z

The Sacramento Kings fell behind early on Saturday night and were never able to catch up with the visiting New York Knicks as they dropped their third consecutive loss by a final score of 114-92 to close out 2011.

The Kings were thought to be catching a break as the Knicks were without their star forward Amar’e Stoudemire but rookie Josh Harrellson got the start and chipped in with a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Sacramento struggled all night to get the offense going and they fell behind by as many as 22 points in the first half. New York’s biggest lead on the night was 29 points.

Kings guard Marcus Thornton led the team in scoring with 14 points while his backcourt teammate Tyreke Evans added 13 points.

Jason Thompson was a bright spot for the Kings as he came off the bench to score 13 points. “It’s tough to come back and have heroics, you know, at the end because you have to use so much energy,” Thompson said when talking about his team’s recent slow starts.

Transition defense, which had been an issue against the Bulls on Thursday, was better but the Knicks were hitting their shots. Harrellson hit four of his eight three point shots and guard Toney Douglas hit four of his six attempts from downtown.

“They jumped on us early, they were hitting three’s, they were executing, and jumped on us 35-20,” said Kings head coach Paul Westphal as he addressed the media after the game.

Each of the Knicks starters recorded double-digit scoring led by Carmelo Anthony’s 23 points and Tyson Chandler’s 22 points.

Chandler was limited to just four minutes of playing time in the first half after picking up three personal fouls but he made up for it with a strong second half, including two three-point plays in the early moments of the fourth quarter.

Free throws continued to be a problem for the Kings as they shot 63% from the line, often splitting the pair of shots at each opportunity. On the plus side they did have 41 free throw attempts against the Knicks.

The few times the Kings seemed to make a move and cut into the lead the Knicks had an answer.

It looked as though the Kings were getting it going at the midpoint of the third quarter when Donte Greene nailed two three-point shots to get the crowd back into the game and cut the lead to 11 points at 70-59. However, the Kings would get no closer in the third quarter or at any point in the fourth quarter.

The Kings won’t have long to think about this loss as they host the New Orleans Hornets on New Year’s night.

Does AEG want to help Sacramento in order to protect the Lakers?

2011-12-18T08:10:38Z

If the financing plan for a new arena is going to fully materialize in Sacramento by March 1st, the NBA’s current deadline for city leaders to have the specific plans set in place, it will undoubtedly have to include revenue streams from a plethora of exotic sources. Options on the table as of now include turning over control of most of Downtown’s on-street parking spaces and garages for 50 years to a private firm, the sale of some 20-or-so publicly owned properties, an undisclosed amount of financial assistance from the Maloof’s and the NBA itself, and the promise of a big infusion of startup cash via the Anschutz Entertainment Group . AEG, in case you didn’t already know, is the largest owner of sports teams and entertainment venues in the entire world. They also own and operate the Staples Center, home of the Los Angeles Lakers, a team which they hold a minority stake in.

Recently, the Lakers finalized a new 25-year television contract with Time Warner Cable worth a reported $5 billion, but there is a clause in the fine print that could be very costly to AEG if Anaheim were ever to get an NBA franchise of its own. A provision in the current Time Warner broadcasting agreement would reduce the value of the contract by 10 percent annually if a third team were to enter the Southern California market. That means if the Kings ever move to Anaheim, (as it seemed they were about to at the end of last season before league commissioner David Stern stepped in and granted a conditional one-year reprieve for SacTown to get this arena business figured out), AEG and the Lakers would stand to lose millions on diminishing TV broadcast revenues.

AEG put up $53 million to help build the Sprint Center in Kansas City, an arena that is devoid of any major league team from the top four national sports organizations; the NFL, MLB, NBA, or the NHL. It is widely believed that if AEG were to enter a partnership with the city of Sacramento to build a new Downtown arena, their contribution would have to be close if not more than what they put into Kansas City.

But that begs the question of why wouldn’t AEG just front all the construction costs of a new Downtown arena and retain complete ownership for the facility? Since the Lakers stand to lose as much as $500 million dollars from lost television dollars if the Kings move to Anaheim, why not put that money into a new arena which they would not only own outright, but also draw new revenue from while preventing any competition from moving into the Southern California market?

One reason why AEG is probably not going to pony up the total funding for a new Sacramento arena is that even if they were do so, it’s highly unlikely that the operators of the Honda Center would end their pursuit of bringing an NBA team to Anaheim. The New Orleans Jazz, Charlotte Bobcats, and Memphis Grizzlies are all rumored to be runner-up candidates for relocation if the Sacramento Kings pass on the opportunity. Representatives for Henry Samueli, the multi-billionaire who owns the Anaheim Ducks professional hockey team as well as the management firm which operates the city-owned Honda Center where they play, have already publicly stated that if Sacramento is able to keep the Kings in town, Samueli would simply “move on to the next team” that showed an interest in moving to Anaheim.

Clearly, AEG can see the writing on the wall. An third NBA team in Southern California is almost inevitable, and expanding into new territories to generate fresh revenues would be an easy way to supplement the difference of what they stand to lose in lower TV broadcasting cash. But in order to maximize profitability, AEG would be wise to keep their contribution to the construction of a new arena as low as possible. Convincing city leaders to do most of the heavy lifting by the wholesale transfer of public assets to private firms would do wonders to accomplish this goal.

AEG already has a considerable amount of influence with the major players in Sacramento who are promoting the arena as a job creation opportunity. Their partly owned subsidiary, the ICON Venue Group, was hand picked by Mayor Kevin Johnson’s ThinkBIG group to complete the original feasibility study which was passed around the major media outlets to generate positive buzz in Sacramento during the early months of 2011. Over the past ten years, AEG and its subsidiaries have made over $8,000 in political contributions to Darrel Steinberg, who also sits on the ThinkBIG committee panel. Steinberg has been a vocal supporter of the arena, and instrumental in changing the rules so that AEG can build a new football stadium in L.A. while skirting the environmental review process. And Tim Leiweke, the President of AEG, just sat in on a meeting with Mayor Johnson as he met with Commissioner Stern in New York on Friday for a progress report related to all things arena. (Oh, by the way, in case you forgot, according to K.J., the arena has NEVER been about pro-basketball.) Johnson didn't even wait to get back to Sacramento before telling the media how critical AEG will be in getting any arena deal completed by next March. You tell me if you smell anything fishy there.

In the middle (or maybe on the outside barely able to look in?) of it all this complexity are the fans in Sacramento who desperately love their basketball team. You can’t blame them for either being unable to follow this twisted tale or for being uninterested in anything other than paying attention to the game on the court. They’ve put their faith in their elected officials to do what is right and to keep their beloved Kings in town no matter what the cost, within reason.

But even if they can sleep at night knowing that their parking rates are about to go through the roof for the next 50 years, and that the money raised by the sale of their publicly owned properties could have gone towards balancing the projected $60 million defect in the city budget over the next five years, preventing the firing of police officers and firefighters down the road, could they really sleep if they only understood that the fleecing of their city coffers was for the benefit of the much hated Los Angeles Lakers? I still remember game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals and how cheated I felt, only to later learn that it may have all been an elaborate fix meant to keep Sacramento down so that L.A. could once again be the victor.

It's said that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. When the dust settles and the history is written on this chapter of Sacramento’s history, will we be able to say that the funding of the Downtown arena was completely on the up-and-up, or will we realize that we sold our futures based on faulty information?

The Downtown arena funding plan is a complete mess

2011-12-09T18:49:06Z

ThinkBIG, the group of movers-and-shakers put together by Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson to help sell the idea of building a new arena for the Kings, was out in full force yesterday doing damage control as city staffers published the findings of its study that looks into the feasibility of selling away publicly owned parking spaces and garages for the next 50 years for some quick upfront construction cash. Beside the staff comments in the first dozen or so pages of the report, it's the exact same findings that my site, ranSACkedmedia, got a hold of last week; privatizing parking will force Downtown visitors to spend more money to park their cars, taking away parking revenue will leave a $9 million dollar hole in the city's general fund every year with no plan to replace it, and the original value that was earlier thrown around for leasing away the parking rights was probably greatly exaggerated.

The greatest revelation between last week and now is the discovery that leasing away the on-street parking rights to build a new arena is not even legal according to current law. (See it for yourself around page 11 of the newly released report.) It was also announced that the city still has $52 million of bond debt to repay for the construction of some of its parking garages; debt that must be repaid before control could be handed over to any private parking company. Officials are looking at way to bend the law so that the leasing of on-street parking could be used to pay off this debt, but any such attempt could open the city up to lawsuits from taxpayer watchdog groups.

The Sacramento Bee is also reporting that the estimated cost of building the arena has increased by another $19 million over the past few weeks from $387 million to $406 million so that a VIP parking garage can be constructed on site. This figure still doesn't include the costs associated with building up the necessary infrastructure around the site needed to support an arena, such as new water mains, improved roadways, and electrical capacity upgrades.

But don’t expect to hear any of these concerns from anyone with the ThinkBIG group. Members of the committee told the press that the public “should not be afraid” of turning over control of seven parking garages and 5,500 on-street parking spaces to private firms.

A 50-year contract to replace a 23-year old arena? What’s there to be afraid of?

The City Council will discuss the parking report at its next meeting on Tuesday.

Team owners, players reach tentative deal, NBA season to return by Xmas

2011-11-26T15:45:41Z

The Sacramento Kings should be back on the court by this time next month, according to reports this morning that claim that NBA team owners and players are finalizing a deal to bring the labor lockout to an end. If everything goes as planned, the league plans to play a shortened 66-game season with training camps set to open December 9th.

The tentative agreement is still only a “handshake deal” at this time, but both sides seem optimistic that a partial season will be salvaged beginning with a marquee tripleheader on December 25th.

No word yet on when the Kings would return to Power Balance Pavilion, but today’s news is seen as an early Christmas present for the support staff that work at the arena. Janitorial staff had worried that if the lockout continued they could have lost their health insurance. Off-duty Sheriff Deputies who provided supplemental security lost $1,000 or more in wages during the work stoppage. Now with games set to return, the staff at the arena can look forward to getting back to work.

Officials working on financing plans for the proposed new sports and entertainment center at the Downtown Railyards site will undoubtedly also be pleased to see the lockout come to an end. Many throughout the region had seen the labor dispute as a momentum killer, and even Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson was seen as distancing his efforts from the problems with the league. The NBA has set a March 1st deadline as the date when Sacramento must have all its financing plans for the construction of a new arena completed or else the Maloof family has permission to take the team elsewhere.

Mayor Johnson: “This has never been about an arena for pro basketball” Say what?

2011-11-15T17:57:39Z

Now that the NBA players union has taken serious steps to sue the league and team owners local officials in Sacramento are scrambling to salvage the momentum they’ve amassed with their “Think Big” campaign. In a total about-face to the direction of the movement that started and the end of last season, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson quickly played down the significance of a prolonged NBA lockout by issuing the following statement to the press:

“I remain hopeful that all parties will come together and reach a solution. From Sacramento's perspective, our focus is on continuing to move forward on developing an Entertainment and Sports Complex. This has never been about an arena for pro basketball.”

Never? Never-ever?

That’s strange, because on April 1st, 2011, Johnson published this passionate blog post on his teamkj.org website about how proud he was that he convinced NBA officials to let him talk at a New York meeting in the coming weeks. Johnson wrote:

“They will want to know about possibilities of a new arena in Sacramento, and whether after all these years, our community can finally deliver.”

Never? Never-ever-ever?

On May 3rd, Johnson celebrated the news that the owners of the Kings had pushed back their plans to move the team for at least one year with the following statement:

“It should be obvious by now that our victory will be brief without a clear path to a new entertainment and sports complex. The Kings and league have given us until March 1, 2012, to identify financing.”

Never? Never-ever-ever-ever?

In case there is any doubt remaining doubt in your mind that the arena has always been about the Kings first-and-foremost, please just take a glance at the Think Big Sacramento webpage where all the concept drawings for the new arena are prominently on display. Whose logo is that plastered all over the place? Oh, yeah. The Kings, a professional basketball team.

Less we forget, on Think Big Sacramento’s home page, the first sentence will remind you that “Think BIG is a regional initiative launched by Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson to facilitate construction of a new entertainment and sports complex.”

But it’s never been about pro basketball. Right.

One Scary Nite 3

2011-10-29T04:40:07Z

After a slightly flawed but excellent nonetheless One Scary Nite 2, expectations were high for the third annual installment of the "Deon Taylor Enterprises presents: One Scary Nite" Halloween party, which went down at the California Auto Museum Thursday night.

Familiar attractions returning this year included "Mad Scientist" Jack Sparx with his Tesla coil, huge propane fireballs and deranged laugh, stilt walkers, fire dancers, go-go dancers and many bloody, gory "staff monsters" and zombies who shuffled around the venue with a vacant look in their eyes, grunting at passing partygoers.

Absent this year were the red carpet and arrivals, the national musical act (last year it was Bell Biv Devoe), the haunted house, the massive 7,100-pound fire-breathing metal dragon and the long, snaking lines of people waiting to get in.

Notable attendees this year included filmmaker and emcee Deon Taylor wearing an inflatable ostrich costume, former Sacramento Kings player/current regional scout/player development coach Bobby Jackson dressed as Blade, NFL free agent Ephraim Salaam dressed as Master Chief from Halo, and comedian and co-host Tony Roberts in costume as Fred Sanford.

Entertainment included sets by DJ Charlie Ramos and former NBA All-Star Cedric Ceballos and live performances by Sacramento acts I2W, Kumandae and Bueno.

Maybe last year's party was a lot to live up to, or maybe it's the economy, but this year it just didn't come together to be "bigger, scarier and better than before" as promoted. At one point Taylor had to light a fire and get the party on track, grabbing a microphone and ordering the lights turned down more, the go-go dancers back on their boxes, and people onto the dance floor.

Whether it was the light attendance or lack of starpower, Thursday's party just felt scaled down and a little "dead."

Will there be a One Scary Nite 4? Let's hope so, and let's hope it's reborn in a big way. One Scary Nite 2 was a blast, and it would be great to have Sacramento's biggest Halloween dance party back in full force.

All photos copyright Steven Chea

Arena opinion poll released, showing support

2011-08-05T06:00:08Z

A public opinion poll delivered to the City Council Thursday shows support for both the downtown arena and several public funding options.

That poll came in with 33 days remaining in the Think Big Sacramento committee’s 100-day timeline to come up with a “menu of options” for financing an entertainment and sports complex, said Kunal Merchant, chief of staff to Mayor Kevin Johnson.

Paul Maslin, of the public opinion research and strategy organization Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates, said his company did more than 700 phone interviews with residents of Sacramento, Sacramento County, El Dorado County, Placer County and Yuba County. The polls were completed two weeks ago.

The findings, he said, showed that about two thirds of those interviewed support the downtown Sacramento arena proposal, with most citing job creation and economic development as reasons.

The margin of error for the poll was about 3.5 percent.

“Almost 90 percent of voters had some knowledge of the proposal before the survey,” he said, adding that that number is very high for a local issue.

The poll also found that 75 percent of respondents said they preferred having a public/private partnership to fund the arena rather than not having a downtown arena at all.

“Economic concerns are front-and-center,” he said during his report to the council, adding that political party affiliation had no bearing on the issue, with Republicans, Democrats and those who decline to state their affiliation all supporting the proposal by a two-thirds majority.

Numerous funding options showed approval from levels of more than 70 percent to just over 50 percent.

“We rarely find any funding source for any major project that gets a majority (positive) response,” Maslin said.

Maslin added after his presentation to the council that the level of support is some of the highest he’s seen, noting that his firm has previously worked with a football stadium and a baseball stadium in Detroit, which required ballot measures to pass, and a regional effort for an airport in Denver in which several suburban areas agreed to give up land for a regional airport.

Funding sources that got widespread support included digital billboards, mounting a cell tower on top of the building and selling naming rights.

Other funding methods, though still showing support, were not as enthusiastically supported: Those included parking revenue from existing city parking garages that would otherwise be less-than-full during events, sales tax applied to goods sold within the arena and a $2 fee to all tickets to events in the arena.

A tax on hotels to fund the arena showed a 51 percent approval.

“We have about a dozen or more of these funding devices that have a majority of support,” Maslin said, noting that any specific taxes are “tougher to sell.”

The idea of charging a toll on drivers passing though the region received very little support.

“I think there is some momentum building,” he said. “There’s a lot of support for a lot of different ways to build it.”

Merchant told the City Council that a lot of progress has been made since July 2, noting the four-county bus tour and the approval of the arena by multiple local chambers of commerce.

“We have all (funding) options on the table at this point,” he said. “By the 100th day (just after Labor Day), we want to have a menu of options to present to the mayor and council.”

Merchant said that no funding decisions have been made at this point.

Councilman Kevin McCarty said he is concerned that the approval to use city land might have been overrode by people living outside Sacramento, but Maslin said there was no significant difference between the groups surveyed.

McCarty also said he was surprised to see approval of a hotel tax and ticket fees because, typically, voters prefer for others – such as the National Basketball Association or basketball players – to pay for arenas.

Cellphone and billboard ideas are innovative, McCarty added, but he said he sees logistical issues with both, since cell tower revenues – about $20,000 per tower per year – currently go into the city’s general fund or council discretionary funds, and there are already contracts on the books for digital billboards that might preclude their revenues going to the arena.

Another issue he brought up was with one of the other funding sources that has been talked about over the past few months – selling city land. He said he is not sure that putting any revenues from selling city property toward an arena is the best idea, when those funds could also go to the general fund, of which a large part is spent on public safety and parks.

Johnson said after the meeting in a press conference that McCarty asked some good questions that need to be considered, but he is happy to see the high level of support from the community.

“Overall, it just showed there is such strong support in the city and county and region if we approach it the right way,” he said. “We still have a long way to go, but I think that was a good first down for us.”

Two town hall meetings will be held next week for arena-related issues. The first will be held at 6 p.m. Monday night at the Amtrak station at Fourth and I streets and will include a site overview and address how the arena and intermodal transit facility will work together.

The second town hall meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Natomas Charter School, 4600 Blackrock Drive, and will focus on the future of Natomas when the downtown arena is finished.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Arena effort gets regional business support

2011-07-22T01:10:32Z

In what Mayor Kevin Johnson called an unprecedented event, 14 chambers of commerce from the Sacramento region announced Thursday that they support an entertainment and sports complex in downtown Sacramento.

Johnson said the backing of the regional business community, which came after a four-county bus trip for Think Big Sacramento, is a commitment to the promise he made to the National Basketball Association earlier this year in New York City that Sacramento is an NBA city and can build a new arena.

“I did not sell Sacramento, I sold our region,” he said, adding that a common commitment to a downtown sports and entertainment complex will provide a more vibrant community.

The major obstacle facing the Think Big Sacramento coalition is developing a financing plan for the $386 million arena, something that was expected from the ICON-Taylor arena development team but was not a part of the report released after a nearly four-month feasibility study.

Johnson said he is confident that a workable public/private partnership will be in place before the end of this year, in time to meet the March 1, 2012 deadline to make serious efforts to build a new arena.

“We don’t want to be in the same situation year after year, and we know that March deadline is coming up. It’ll be here before we know it,” Johnson said, adding that he is confident the self-imposed deadline of having financing options in place by mid-September will be met.

“Then, in subsequent months, the rest of September, October and November, we believe we will have a critical path of a public/private partnership ... all before the end of the year. That’s our goal,” he said.

He alluded to creative funding models and “outside-the-box” thinking on the financing, but he did not give any specifics on funding options, except to address the question of a sales tax.

“No one here wants to do a sales tax,” he said. “We didn’t take it off the table, but we knew that would not fly. We learned that in 2006.”

Martha Lofgren, interim CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, said the Metro Chamber has supported the idea of a downtown arena since at least 2004, and she said regional funding is the only method that makes sense.

“One agency, one local agency can’t do this alone,” she said. “There has to be a regional effort to fund a regional sports and entertainment center.”

She added that a downtown arena will benefit the whole region, not just Sacramento.

“If there’s one thing I think we as a region need right now, it’s an economic catalyst,” she said. “We need to move forward, get the financial picture in place and get the momentum going.”

The independent report released late last month claims that the region will benefit from $7 billion in economic activity over 30 years and create 4,000 jobs.

Some in the community have been skeptical of those numbers and the actual economic effect from an arena, but Lofgren said she believes the numbers are accurate.

“You need to know this is a very thoughtful process that has led up to the announcement today of the support from all of the regional chambers,” she said, adding that the business community has had since the beginning of June to check out and verify the numbers.

Willie Pelote, assistant director for the Political Action Department of the California chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME International), said that as a representative of labor, he also believes the numbers are accurate.

“I think the mayor and his team have been very thorough in making sure that they do the research that’s necessary so when they say something to the public, the public can go and check it out,” he said. “That’s why I think the region’s going to buy into this concept ... we’re looking at job creation.”

He added that he is “very comfortable” with what the finance committee – headed by former Sacramento Treasurer Tom Friery – is doing to make sure it is not being built on the backs of taxpayers.

Other chambers of commerce supporting the downtown arena are the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce, the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce, the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce, Citrus Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce, Folsom Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce, Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, Rocklin Area Chamber of Commerce, Roseville Chamber of Commerce, Slavic-American Chamber of Commerce and the Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce.

Pelote said he expects a similar showing of support from labor organizations in the coming weeks.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

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.

Sam Amick to teach Sports Writing Workshop July 12

2011-06-29T08:48:50Z

Thanks to those of you who came to our Bias in Journalism workshop earlier this month. If you missed it, you can read the recap here.

For July, we are excited to announce a new workshop presenter – Sam Amick.

With the Sacramento River Cats season well under way, the Sacramento Capitals tennis team starting in July and the buzz building for the next Sacramento Kings basketball season – there will be plenty of sports stories to be covered on The Sacramento Press and on blogs, etc.

Amick will teach a workshop on sports writing at the Sacramento Press office from 6:30 - 8 p.m. July 12.

Amick is currently an NBA columnist for Sports Illustrated at SI.com.

He received his degree in journalism from Sacramento State in 2000. He began working in The Sacramento Bee's sports department on a part-time basis during his final two years of school, then returned after a short internship at The Record in Stockton during the summer of 2000.

He became a full-time member of the writing staff in 2002 and covered everything from high school sports, college sports, pro baseball and pro football before turning his attention to the NBA in 2004.

He was the beat writer for the Kings from 2005-2010 before taking a national job covering the league at AOL FanHouse and eventually landing at SI.com.

Badges will be awarded to participants for attending the workshop. To become a verified community contributor, please bring a government-issued ID.

Our office is located at 431 I St., Suite 107, in the Amtrak station. We are in the same building complex as Starbucks.

We recommend you find parking on the street, bike or take light rail, as the Amtrak parking lot charges $2 per half hour, and we cannot cover the cost of parking. If you take light rail, we will give you two passes when you get here – one to cover your trip here and one to cover your trip back.

To RSVP for this workshop, email workshops@sacramentopress.com. If you RSVP and decide later not to attend, please send us an email to notify us that you will not be coming so we can have an accurate head count.

Thanks, and we hope to see you there!

DWB: OK, I get it

2011-05-12T00:04:26Z

I attended the Kings victory rally at Cesar Chavez Plaza last night, but I did so reluctantly. I am on record as being somewhat immune to Kings fever, to say the least. I appreciate them for what they do for the town, and I am sensitive to what their departure would mean for us as a city.

It wouldn’t be good.

But I’m not a fan. So I went grudgingly, mostly because I live nearby and it was on my way somewhere else. It was a news event regarding a crucial current concern. Why not?

I left, if not a believer, then certainly more engaged than I had been, and even a little moved.

I don’t love the Sacramento Kings, but I have loved the Giants of old, the A’s in their heyday and the 49ers when they were magic. I have tasted the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat – at least vicariously. I get it.

But I’d forgotten that feeling until Tuesday night.

That’s because Tuesday night’s rally, a high-tech extravaganza assembled by the NBA in a mere five days, starring all the major figures of the last month’s drama from mayor to Maloofs, former players to local rock stalwarts Tesla, did exactly what it was intended to do.

It made the case by speaking to the heart.

There was a stage, the likes of which Cesar Chavez Plaza has likely never seen (and which would be a terrific asset for the just-starting Friday Night Concerts in the Park series), with a huge video screen looming above it, below the antique clock tower of Old City Hall. There were impassioned speeches from professional commenters Gary Gerould and Grant Napear, appearances by former players Doug Christie and Scot Pollard, and shirt-sleeved fist pumping from amped-up pols Mayor Kevin Johnson and State Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg.

And throughout the crowd, there was a palpable sense of community, a shared interest that transcended the fact that it was, as I have said, “only a basketball team.” Rock bands, are, after all, “only rock bands.” It is what they evoke in us that matters. And in the depths of the worst economy this town has experienced in our lifetimes, we need whatever works to bring us together.

In the last month, through the efforts of everyone from our media-savvy mayor to little-known bloggers, a serious citywide effort was made to reach a seemingly unattainable goal. And the result surprised nearly everyone: The Kings are the Sacramento Kings for one more year.

While basketball doesn’t move me, music does, in ways hardly anything else can. So when Tesla took the stage at the end of the three-hour rally to play their hit “Signs,” backed by a video montage of 25 years of fans’ signs from Kings games giving a brief history of what is by any measure a powerful team/fan relationship, I was moved. When the band launched into its hit “Love Song,” and the video screens filled with clips of emotional, big-game moments, I have to admit that I choked up.

Sure, I was being manipulated – the high-quality production had NBA all over it – but it was a good kind of manipulation. It communicated the depth of the passion Kings fans have for their team, and underlined the history of this team’s time in Sacramento so well that even a fairly cynical, disinterested observer could FEEL it.

Now, feelings are not going to keep this team in Sacramento. And despite the mayor’s cheerleading, Chris Webber’s rich investor friends and the reluctant Maloofs’ reborn enthusiasm for Sacramento, keeping the team here seems like a long shot.

And the odds of the hard-pressed citizens of this city ponying up for the shiny new arena that the Kings require are not good.

But if the NBA and the Kings and everyone who really cares about the team can capture that lightning in a bottle and keep this fire burning until the March 1, 2012 deadline, I am not going to say it can’t be done.

Love and passion are powerful things. It’s going to be an interesting year.

Here We Stay, Thunder Valley Casino Resort, and Hot 103.5 Host Kings Celebration Party

2011-05-03T23:24:59Z

Sacramento Kings fans will gather Friday evening at Thunder Valley Casino Resort’s pool to celebrate the Sacramento Kings staying in town for another season. Several special guest speakers are expected to join in the festivities as well.

Hot 103.5 will provide the music for evening and the pool will be lit up bright purple for the Kings. There will be raffle prizes including tickets to the Fray and Train, spa treatment as well as food and a no-host bar at the Coconut poolside bar.

Attendees are encouraged to wear their purple and get ready for an evening of partying and dancing at the first Thunder Valley pool party of the summer.

More information and rsvp at the facebook event.

Disclosure: Emily Burkett is with Thunder Valley media relations.

DWB: OK, breathe

2011-05-02T18:54:09Z

George Maloof's comment this morning that keeping the Kings in Sacramento for one more year is "the right thing to do" struck me as disingenuous.

Since when is "doing the right thing" the way the Maloofs operate? This was not a decision based on principle. It was based on money, and a lot of other things far beyond the M-Bro's control. They simply weren't able to pull the move off. Yet.

That said, this morning's announcement that the Kings will be staying in Sacramento is unalloyed good news. Whether or not the Kings staying in Sacramento is ultimately the "right" thing for Sacramento is still up in the air; but today, it is very much a good thing.

Whether that remains true going forward depends on a lot of things coming together.

We still need a decent arena; the Maloofs still need to get their finances together and start spending money on the team; and there is a lot of resentment at the Maloofs for their handling of this. They have a lot of fence-mending to do.

A few things have come out of this dramatic, constantly-changing story of the last few weeks, months and even years:

One: Sacramento loves the Kings. I have taken heat for saying that Sacramento would recover from their loss, and I still believe that, but it was in no way a good thing that they would leave. Having a pro team brings a city many advantages, from tangible to intangible.

Two: Sacramento does NOT love the Maloofs, and the NBA doesn't seem exactly enamored of them, either. Once they've got their finances figured out, assuming they can, the M-Bros need to hire an exceptionally good publicity team and go on a charm offensive the likes of which this town has never seen. At least for a year.

Three: Mayor Kevin Johnson stepped up. Like him or loathe him, and there are many in both camps, the guy worked tirelessly to make sure that Sacramento did not lose the Kings. He led. There are many things a leader must do, and being the mayor of Sacramento comes with a lot of complicating factors.

But Johnson climbed into the bully pulpit, starting talking and cajoling and reaching out to the business community, and he didn't stop until the deal was done - or undone. And he introduced some new possibilities in terms of ownership and corporate support. So give the man some credit: He was a credible, passionate and tireless voice for Sacramento, which is what he has always claimed to be. He was mayoral.

Four: A new arena remains the key to this whole thing. Those who say we don't need one basically don't know what they're talking about. An arena also remains a key to downtown Sacramento's future. Without an arena, Kings or no, we are less than a second-tier city, and it will come back to haunt us in many different ways.

Sacramento will get its best vision of how that can be done when the Taylor/ICON group delivers its analysis of the ways to get to an arena built later this month. Most likely, it will have to include public funding. This is the sort of things public money is for: Infrastructure.

But even George Maloof sounded doubtful about that this morning. "Is it even right to ask people to pay for it?" he asked rhetorically in The Bee this morning. It is a question that will get a lot of play, and a lot of opinion, before it is settled.

But one thing is very clear now: Without a new arena, the Kings are gone, next year, with the NBA's blessing. Sacramento has a lot of work to do, and a lot to talk about. We need to figure out what we want to be. There will be even more name calling and speculation and conflict over this than we've already had.

But this morning, the news is good: Sacramento, the Kings and a new arena all got a reprieve, and that is good news. Onward.

Anaheim bonds to need voter approval

2011-04-26T00:48:42Z

The Committee to Save the Kings has gathered enough signatures in Anaheim to halt the issuance of $75 million in bonds that was approved by the Anaheim City Council to fund a Sacramento Kings move to Anaheim, pending voter approval.

That’s according to Kellen Arno of Arno Political Consultants, which collected 11,000 - 12,000 signatures.

The next scheduled election is not until June of 2012.

The bonds will “absolutely have to” go before voters, he said.

According to Arno, his firm is finalizing the signatures – making sure the ones sent are all legible names and real addresses – and will send them to government officials in the next few days.

“We’re done,” he said, saying he is confident that all signatures have, in fact, been collected. “We’ve done this many, many times.”

The move essentially blocks the Kings from moving to Anaheim until voters approve the bonds or another source of funding is made available, attorney Jeffrey Dorso told The Sacramento Press April 8. A special election could be called before 2012, but it would be costly, he added.

The Committee to Save the Kings is made up of a number of Sacramento-area business leaders and involves former City Councilman Robbie Waters.

Representatives from the group did not return calls late Monday afternoon.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @brandon_darnell.

*****

Also Monday, several sources confirmed that a meeting was expected to take place Tuesday between National Basketball Association representatives and business owners who had pledged more than $10.2 million in financial support for the Kings if they stay in Sacramento next year.

Company representatives, who attended a meeting with the NBA Thursday, had been asked Friday or over the weekend to tentatively reserve time at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The time and place of the meeting weren't confirmed by mid-Monday afternoon.

Those companies include Thunder Valley Casino Resort, Envision Pharmaceutical Holdings, Synergex, Western Health Advantage and Markstein Beverage Company.

NBA officials have said they want pledges to be formalized in some way. Company representatives weren't sure if they would be asked to write checks and make deposits on their pledges or just sign pledge agreements because that hadn't been clarified between the NBA and the city.

At least some of the companies can't commit hard financial numbers or determine the total they’d be willing to spend, because the Kings' owners haven’t talked with anyone to let them know what kind of sponsorship or marketing packages they could get in return, sources said.

Staff from the NBA's Team Marketing and Business Operations department will be here this week to meet with Kings supporters and gather more information.

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

Downtown businesses paint the town purple to support the Kings

2011-04-22T01:12:06Z

Downtown businesses are getting in on the underground social media campaign #HereWePurple. They’re supporting the Sacramento Kings while the NBA is in town through displays, specials, deals, freebies and more.

The social media campaign #HereWePurple has encouraged Sacramento to show support for the Kings by “painting the town purple” today while the NBA is in town meeting with local business leaders. The facebook event encourages residents to wear purple, sport a Kings jersey, put sign in your windows and cars, put up flags, wear your purple jewelry or whatever you've got all day long.

“We've been watching the campaign on Twitter and wanted to get our downtown businesses to encourage Sacramentans to get involved” said Lisa Martinez, DSP Director of Marketing and Outreach. "We've been overwhelmed by how many downtown businesses were willing to support the team and offer specials to residents to do the same.”

A number of downtown businesses have answered the call, most offering specials, deals or freebies. Additionally, many of businesses have created outward displays of support as well through lighting, uniforms, napkins, balloons; even logos and websites are turning purple.

Offers from downtown businesses include:

Mayahuel / Special: Purple Margaritas / Display: Purple balloons outside for support
Esquire Imax / Special: Free Popcorn to patrons in purple
Grange & The Citizen Hotel / Special: Kings Preservation Cocktail featuring local 209 gin, preserved grape jam, Dolin Blanc, and lemon / Display: Purple lighting in the windows
Ten22 / Special: Purple Reign Cocktail: Gin, cranberry juice, blue curacao, sweet & sour and lemon-lime soda / Display: logo with a purple border, and Ten22 Power Point presentation
3 Fires Lounge & The Residence Inn / Free scoop of purple ice cream for patrons in purple / Display: Employees dressed in Purple
Ella Dining Room & Bar / Happy Hour all day for patrons in purple – ½ price cocktails, $5 wines
Sheraton Grand Hotel/ Special: $1 Purple Sangria with Purchase of an Entrée / Display: Windows lit with purple lights, Purple napkins in Morgans Restaurant.
de Vere’s Irish Pub / Special: $4 “Kings Hooters” (purple hooter shooters) til close
The Melting Pot / Special: $5 “Kingsberry” Margaritas (Blackberry Margaritas)
Strings Express / Special: Free Cheesy Garlic Bread for patrons in purple
Chocolate Fish Coffee / Special: Free Slam Dunk Freespro (double shot of Espresso) to patrons in purple

In addition, the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Sacramento Partnership have created window displays to support Sacramento’s team. The US Bank Building, Memorial Auditorium, Ziggurat Building will join the Sheraton and Citizen Hotel in displaying purple lighting on their buildings. To stay abreast of new downtown deals and updates for the "Here We Purple" campaign, follow Downtown Sacramento Partnership on Twitter: @DowntownSac.

Disclosure: Megan Emmerling is Marketing Manager for the Downtown Sacramento Partnership.

Hey NBA, Sacramento is Worthy

2011-04-21T23:08:58Z

People of all ages were wearing purple in Downtown Sac today. I had to really look to spot purple. Some colors were almost purple so I figured they were showing support for the Kings. On the south side of the Capitol a man was wearing a big King's face with a crown. I was driving too fast to catch him. Fans were wearing purple to show visiting National Basketball Association representatives that the capital is worthy of an NBA team.

Some businesses were offering specials that included purple.

Here's some of the folks I saw around Cesar Chavez Plaza and City Hall:

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

Final Kings game of the season full of emotions

2011-04-14T18:09:19Z

It was a night to remember, that’s for sure.

If not for the final score – which was 116-108 in overtime – then for the potentially last moments the fans shared with their beloved Kings at Power Balance Pavilion Wednesday night after a spirited game against the L.A. Lakers.

It was Fan Appreciation Night at the Pavilion but, as fans arrived, there was an undercurrent of sadness mixed into the excitement for what was expected to be an action-packed game between two longtime rival teams.

Not only was this the last game of the regular season, but with the threat of a team move to Anaheim, it was quite possibly going to be the last game the Kings ever play in Sacramento..

“I’m a season ticket holder,” said Alvin McGowan, 52, a security guard for the arena on duty for the game night. “Usually (the corporate office) opens up sales for next season’s tickets by now, but they haven’t done that. That scares me.”

McGowan wasn’t alone in his concerns for the future of the team. Many fans expressed their opposition to the possible team move with the waving of homemade signs and their chants of “Here we stay! Not L.A.!” throughout the game Wednesday night.

The arena was completely packed for the sold-out game. With more than 17,600 people in attendance, you could count the number of empty seats in the arena and still not come up with enough to fill your average-size school bus.

Despite the behind-the-scenes drama about leaving Sacramento, the Kings weren’t going to let the season end quietly. From the first tip-off, it was clear both teams came to put on a show.

Lakers forward Lamar Odom put up the first score of the night, followed almost immediately by a game-tying fadeaway jump shot by Kings center Samuel Dalembert.

The teams continued from there, scoring off each other and moving the numbers on the scoreboard slowly upward, alternately tying it up then taking the lead, then tying it up again.

Guard Marcus Thornton led the scoring for the Kings in the first period with 15 points after making 6 of 10 field goal attempts. Dalembert and DeMarcus Cousins each put up four points, and by the end of the first period, the Lakers had established only a five-point lead.

In the second period, the Kings put up 22 more points, led by a a 25-foot jump shot for three points by Tyreke Evans. One more from Evans went unanswered at the end of the period, leaving the Lakers with an eight-point lead as the game moved to halftime.

The third period started off with the Lakers holding their lead, and putting up four more unanswered points before Kings forward Jason Thompson hit his mark with a smooth layup assisted by Thornton.

A foul on the Kings’ Francisco Garcia with three minutes left in the third period brought deafening boos from the intense and excited crowd.

With another two jump shots late in the period, Kobe Bryant put up a total of 10 points in the third quarter, and the Lakers ended the period with an 18-point lead.

The fourth quarter was where the teams seemed to really come alive.

Early in the game, the crowds started out on a high, but by the start of the fourth quarter, they seemed fairly low-key. That is, until Cousins got hit with his second technical foul and was ejected from the game just two and a half minutes into the fourth quarter.

The crowd went absolutely nuts when Artest threw a bad pass and Thornton stole the ball, driving all the way to the hole for a slam dunk, and taking the Lakers’ lead down to two with just three minutes left in the final game of the season.

Or so we thought.

Bryant attempted an 11-foot jump shot and missed, Thompson rebounded, passed to Thornton who took advantage of the moment with a quick layup, tying up the game 95-95.

Two minutes later, Udrih is was sent to the freethrow line on a personal foul by Pau Gasol. Udrih makes made both shots, tying the game at 99-99 with less than 10 seconds left in regulation play.

Nine seconds later, Thornton missed a jump shot at the buzzer, and the clock was set to continue with five minutes of more game time in overtime.

The mass of Lakers and Kings fans in the arena lit the place up with wall-rumbling cheers and deafening roars. And yet, to some, this was fairly subdued for a Kings game.

“This was nothing like it was in the heyday,” said Kings fan Mike Galli, 36. “Back then, when (the crowds) got going, your head would just buzz.”

Even with the crowd lighting up the arena with positive energy, the Kings couldn’t hold off their rivals.

With barely 13 seconds left in overtime, the Kings were staring down nine points needed to make this game theirs. When Thompson missed a big three-point jump shot, the crowd realized it was over.

Final score, 116-108, Lakers.

The Kings’ big point-scorer of the night was Thornton with 33 points. Thornton made 14 field goals on 26 attempts, and three of those were three-pointers.

Kobe Bryant put up big numbers in the game for the Lakers, scoring 18 points in the second half and a total of 36 points for the night.

Although Cousins didn’t come anywhere near his season game-high for points Wednesday night, he did set a new Sacramento-era rookie single-season record for total rebounds with 6.

The Kings were without playoff hopes coming into the game, but the Lakers needed this last win to clinch a spot in the Pacific Division playoffs.

Despite the healthy final score, the loss was a disappointment to the Kings players and their fans alike.

“It was a tough way to end the season,” said Kings forward Omri Casspi in the locker room after the game. “We wanted to win, but ... it is what it is.”

“We know (Kings) fans are upset,” said Lamar Odom after his team’s win. “It’s got to be tough for them. Home is home.”

This was Paul Harrison’s first Kings game, and the 22-year-old came from Modesto to be in the stands for this final showdown of the season.

“It’s not the end of the world if they go,” Harrison said, “but it’s not what anyone wants.

“Home is where the heart is,” Harrison added, “And the fans are the heart of this team.”

Mayor Kevin Johnson said he agreed “100 percent.”

“I want the fans to know that they are the best fans in the NBA,” Johnson said. “I want (the fans) to know that it’s not their fault. They should not be heartbroken. They should not give up on the game.”

George Miller, 46, said he’s been a season ticket holder for 10 years, and his son, George Henry, 10, was one of the ball boys at Wednesday’s game.

If the Kings do end up heading to Anaheim, Miller said he’ll be disappointed to see them go.

“We have a good nucleus to the team now, just as they’re about to leave,” Miller said.

Despite an overall sense of resignation among the fans about the team’s potential move to Anaheim, some in the stands were more pragmatic about it.

“You can’t blame the Maloofs for wanting to make things better for themselves,” said Al Armstrong, a 75-year-old fan (and season-ticket holder since 1989) from Sacramento. “That’s just business.”

After the final buzzer, most game-goers started heading out to their cars, and the arena began to empty. But many folks weren’t ready to walk out so fast.

Close to 1,000 die-hard Sacramento Kings fans who couldn’t bear to have a quick good-bye lingered for nearly an hour, waving signs and chanting, “Here we stay! Here we stay!” as arena personnel looked on.

Kings players returned to the court one last time to thank their fans and remind them that, even though this may be the end of the road, it’s been a great ride, and they have appreciated all that Sacramento has given the team.

“We have the best fans in the NBA,” Evans said as the night finally came to a close. “Remember that.”

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.

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.

Photos: Here We Build rally at Cesar Chavez Plaza

2011-04-06T07:00:44Z

A huge crowd turned out at Cesar Chavez Plaza Tuesday at 5 p.m. to support the Here We Build effort organized by the man known on Twitter as @CarmichaelDave.

Read Janna Hayne's story on Here We Build here. Read Mark Needham's story here.

According to the Here We Build website, the rally was sponsored by Jiffy Lube and City Councilman Rob Fong and Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna were in attendance.

Below are photos taken at the rally.

For more information or to get involved, click here or visit the Facebook page or Twitter page.

All photos by Ben Ilfeld.

Editorial: Relax, the end is near

2011-03-30T06:10:38Z

I can’t be the only person who breathed a sigh of relief when the Anaheim City Council voted Tuesday night to issue $75 million in bonds to help the Sacramento Kings move to Orange County. This signals, many think, the end of the peripatetic team’s time in our town. Finally.

In fact, I know I wasn’t the only one. I spent Tuesday night riding my bike around town, talking to friends and strangers, enjoying a cheap pint or two, listening to live music and taking in the first hints of spring.

Everywhere I went, I asked people about the Kings. Most people expressed disinterest, ignorance, or, when I told them the news, relief. A few expressed regrets, but not many. Some younger guys gave the subject a moment or two, and one – one – signed with resignation. I can’t say any seemed sad, exactly.

A lot of us don’t care. And we never did.

It’s just a basketball team, people. So much drama over so little.

Not only are they just a basketball team, they are a lousy one, and have been for years. This is a team that is arguably the worst in the NBA. Its fan base is largely alienated, the romance long ago gone sour. Its bachelor owners, once admired for bringing some flash to town, are now widely reviled. Its arena is wholly inadequate, and the general public is in no mood, and never has been, to chip in for a new one.

Why is anyone still hanging on to this drama? The $77 million loan? They said they’re going to pay it off, and they’ve paid consistently. At this point, we should take them at their word. If they renege, we have a contract and lots of eager lawyers.

So, can we move on to things that are actually important now? Things like fixing our broken government and mending our damaged credit and rebuilding our schools and funding our parks and cleaning our streets and co-creating a town that doesn’t depend on an NBA franchise to feel good about itself?

Perhaps we can now get past the spectacle of Sacramento’s desperate and probably unnecessary legal maneuvers of the last week, the public posturing and not-so-veiled threats to the Maloofs. Such desperate moves made us look pathetic.

Sacramento is not pathetic. We’re just losing a basketball team, one that most of us don’t care about. Is Seattle pathetic because the city lost a sports franchise? No. What’s pathetic is such desperation over losing a basketball team.

Sure, the area around the Kings’ arena will take a hit. But Natomas is already taking hits far bigger than the loss of the Kings. Home foreclosures and failng businesses are bigger deals than losing a losing sports franchise.

As Suzanne Hurt’s reporting last week shows, the departure of the Kings may, in the end, be no big deal financially. Certainly, having them here, while entertaining a substantial number of people, didn’t make Sacramento any more capable of keeping its fiscal and governmental house in order. It didn't get us a new arena. Having the Kings didn’t prevent the real estate meltdown, nor the explosion of government debt, nor the homeless problem.

The illusion that the Kings made us something better than we’d been before they showed up is just that: an illusion. It is a silly notion.

The Sacramento Kings were never Sacramento. I know hundreds of people who never went to games, never watched games on TV, and could not tell you the name of more than the big star of the moment. Those people are Sacramentans, too, and they’re proud of their city, too. And the Kings were nothing to them.

Nothing.

And if by some “miracle” they stay, those folks are still not going to care much about them.

The media is obsessed by the Kings because it’s an easy story and, for some reason, a lot of journalists, especially the guys, are crazy for sports. Guys are funny that way. Even journalists.

Sacramento is a lovely place to live. It’s the capital of the greatest state in the country. It’s our home. If the Kings decide to move away, that’s their loss, not ours.

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.

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

Mayor Johnson announces care package for troops in Afghanistan at weekly press conference

2011-03-15T20:17:53Z

Mayor Kevin Johnson announced a care package will be sent to American troops stationed in Afghanistan Tuesday at his press conference. The care package was put together by the mayor’s office, public safety organizations and the community.

The contents include American flags, letters from Congresswoman Doris Matsui and Gov. Jerry Brown, and various snacks, candy, and sporting equipment. U.S. Marine Sgt. Anthony Silva, currently deployed in Afghanistan, sent Johnson an e-mail requesting a care package.

“(Silva) said, ‘We are out here fighting for our country, and if the mayor’s office could help facilitate a few things for us troops out here, it would be very meaningful,” Johnson said.

The troops’ No. 1 request was an American flag. In response, the mayor’s office will be sending two - one from the office of Matsui, and another from the office of Sen. Barbara Boxer. The flag from Boxer’s office once flew over the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

In addition to the American flags, the care package includes the California and Sacramento flags, a Sacramento city-limit sign, and sporting equipment and snacks donated by the Sacramento Police Department, Fire Department, other local agencies and private citizens.

“You will not imagine how many people wanted to send things and share,” Johnson said.

The serviceman, from Oakdale ~~a Sacramento area native~~ , told Johnson he and his fellow troops wanted to name their operating base “Patrol Base Sacramento” in honor of his hometown.

The care package will be leaving from Travis Air Force Base later today and should arrive in Afghanistan sometime Wednesday.

At the conference, Johnson also discussed the city’s ongoing efforts to dissuade the Kings from moving to Anaheim. Johnson reiterated that the franchise “has one foot out the door, and three or four toes also out the door.

“It’s more likely that they will leave than stay,” Johnson said. “While there’s still time on the clock, we need to treat them as our team, we need to go out and support them as often as we can … but I think the reality is one that’s going to be very challenging to keep them here.”

Johnson added that he plans to speak ~~recently spoke~~ with the former mayor of Charlotte, N.C., about his city’s successful efforts to attract a new NBA franchise following the departure of the Charlotte Hornets to New Orleans in 2002.

“They lose their team, and then in 2003, a year later, they break ground on a new arena. In 2004, they get the Bobcats, and in 2005 they have a ribbon-cutting in a new arena,” Johnson said. “So that could potentially be a very similar, telling city for us to study when it comes to our potential predicament in Sacramento.”

Building a new sports complex, like Charlotte, would be essential for attracting a new NBA franchise to Sacramento, Johnson said.

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

'Here We Stay' to rally outside council meeting

2011-03-15T05:19:21Z

With the Sacramento Kings on the verge of possibly ending their almost 30-year tenure in the Capitol, fans aren’t going down without a fight.

“The chances that the Kings are staying are really slim,” said Eddie Montes, part of the Here We Stay campaign to keep the Kings in Sacramento. “It’ll be better to go out swinging, throw a couple punches and maybe land something, and have a miracle.”

Here We Stay is organizing a small demonstration at City Hall at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday before the scheduled City Council meeting.

Montes said he estimates anywhere from 15 to 35 people will show up.

“We honestly don’t know how many people will come,” he said. “We just want to make sure the council members know we’re here and we still want to fight.”

Blake Ellington, founder of the Here We Stay campaign, said he isn’t willing to sit idly as the mid-April decision by the NBA Board of Governors draws closer.

“They aren’t gone yet, so as far as right now, they’re still the Sacramento Kings, and this rally ... a lot of the fans wanted to do this, so we’re organizing it for them,” he said.

Fans, spurred on by Here We Stay, sold out the Feb. 28 game against the Los Angeles Clippers, and Ellington said a similar plan is in the works for the second-to-last home game, when the Kings will play the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 11.

“We want them to have another game where they can show everyone they want the Kings to stay,” he said, adding that the final home game against the Los Angeles Lakers is one that will likely be harder to get tickets to.

For Tuesday’s protest, fans are meeting in front of Old City Hall at 915 I St.

“We hope people from the Feb. 28 game against the Clippers will come with the posters they had and get loud out front before the (City Council) meeting,” he said, adding that he plans to have about five people speak to the council regarding the team.

“We’re meeting in front of the Old City Hall on I Street so people can do some chants and have their posters out so the traffic can see them,” he said.

After that, they will go into the new City Hall, which is adjacent to Old City Hall.

Kings fan Rob Small will be at the rally.

“They’re basically out the door right now,” he said. “If everything goes according to plan with the move to Anaheim, it’s pretty much a done deal.”

Despite that, he said he will do anything he can to help the Kings stay.

“I expect a lot of Kings support over there,” he said, referring to City Hall. “This is an NBA city, and we deserve an NBA team.”

Small said he will be at the game against the Thunder on April 11, as well as the game Wednesday and what could be the Kings’ final game in Sacramento against the Lakers.

For more information, keep up with Here We Stay on Facebook and Twitter.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.

FOX40 Reporter Plays Cruel Prank On Kings Fans Through Twitter

2011-03-10T08:25:07Z

Since it was first reported on radio station KFBK in January, the city has been waiting on pins and needles for an announcement from the National Basketball Association or the Maloof Family surrounding the fate of the much beloved Sacramento Kings.

Two months have passed since KFBK's Rob McAllister reported the Maloofs were debating whether or not to move the Kings to Anaheim -- news that upset Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson and put plans on building a new arena within the city in limbo.

The game of "Will they, won't they?" has been unbearable between city officials, sports fans and the talking heads of Sacramento television and radio, but it seemed as if an answer had finally arrived ~~Thursday~~ Wednesday evening from a news organization that touts itself as the leader in sports news.

Veteran sports director Jim Crandell with FOX affiliate KTXL sent out a tweet around 9pm ~~Thursday~~ Wednesday that had many Kings fans fearing the worse.

"Coming up in my show at 10PM, David Stern makes the announcement no Kings (fan) wants to hear," Crandell tweeted.

~~Thursday's~~ Wednesday's late night newscast on KTXL opened with Crandell saying he "felt everybody's pain," then playing an archival clip from 1985 in which NBA commissioner David Stern announced the arrival of the Kings from Kansas City ~~Louisville~~ to Sacramento.

The clip was followed by Crandell introducing a clip of "another announcement" in which Stern's original words were dubbed over by a FOX40 photographer, this time making it appear as if Stern was sending the Kings to Anaheim.

"If you don't laugh, you'll cry," Crandell said after the doctored video played.

Not the announcement most were expecting to hear.

"You know what the Kings mean to us," Juan Primo wrote on Twitter following the prank. "This isn't the time to be 'cute and lighthearted.'"

"You seriously owe the city an apology for that BS you pulled tonight," a Twitter user by the name of "LocalStreetHero" wrote.

Crandell seemed to shrug off the criticism following the late night newscast.

"You are one mad dude," Crandell wrote to an angry Twitter follower. "Sorry you got so upset. Thankfully, most people took it in the spirit it was intended."

Crandell has served as KTXL's sports director since 1984 and is one of Sacramento's most-veteran news personalities.

---

Matthew Keys is a freelance journalist and former online news producer for KTXL FOX40 Sacramento. He can be reached at mail@matthewkeys.net.

Share your Kings memories

2011-03-08T01:13:15Z

Now that the Maloof family has been granted an extension on the deadline to file paperwork to move the Kings – possibly to Anaheim – it seems the professional sports team’s tenure in Sacramento is coming to an end.

The possibility of losing the Kings has been the topic of several press conferences from Mayor Kevin Johnson, and fans are doing all they can to keep the Kings in Sacramento with the “Here We Stay” campaign, but we likely won’t know their fate until mid-April.

We asked some of The Sacramento Press staffers to share their memories of attending Kings games. Their responses are below. Feel free to share some of your Kings memories in the conversation at the bottom of the story.

Denise Coleman, operations manager

At my old job, when I used to be a lumber purchaser, one of my vendors had season tickets for seats on the floor. The Kings were doing fantastic. It was 2003, maybe, or 2004, somewhere around there.

Every seat was selling out, it was really high-energy: We had Peja Stojakovich and Chris Webber and Scot Pollard and Mike Bibby. It was an incredible experience. We would sit two rows off the floor right behind the visitors’ bench. It was really cool because you were right there in it ... you were right there in the action. The place was so incredibly loud. It was like going to a rock concert, and your ears would be ringing afterward. The energy was really positive. It was a really great experience.

Chris Brune, social media lead

My first Kings game must have been in the early ’90s – the Wayman Tisdale, Spudd Webb era, with the old-fashioned jerseys. It was awesome. My dad took me and my sister. I think they were playing the Trail Blazers. I think that was actually the last Kings game I went to.

Randy Balzarano, advertising account manager

My first game was in, I think, ’93. I was going to Chico State, and my girlfriend at the time took me to a Kings game for my birthday. It was the first time I ever went to Arco. We sat up in the nosebleed section. I was pretty impressed. I loved the size of the arena, and the intimate size of the crowd. That was when the fan experience – the Kings at Arco were at the top in the NBA. It was a really cool experience.

Dina Neils, account services representative

I watched the Kings and Warriors two years ago. I’m from the Bay Area. I was rooting for the Warriors. The Kings won, and I was upset. I’m not a Kings fan, but I enjoyed having them here because of the spirit it brings to the city, and the business.

Kathleen Haley, staff reporter

I’ve only been to one game. It was last year, and they lost. The junk food was fun.

Geoff Samek, vice president of product development, co-founder

A memory that sticks out was back in the day when I went to a playoff game early on. This was back when Corliss Williamson was on the team the first time. I think they were playing the Sonics in the first round of the playoffs. I was just a teenager, or maybe 11 or 12. That one stuck out the most. I just remember how loud it was and all the cheering and the fact that we were in the playoffs, and the crowd had all this pent-up energy since they hadn’t been in the playoffs since the first year they were in Sacramento. It was just really exciting being there. I was way up in the nosebleeds in the $10 standing-room-only area. I remember it being crazy loud.

Brandon Darnell, staff reporter

My first Kings game – I don’t remember how old I was, maybe 10 or 12. I went there with my dad and maybe my mom and my sister. The Kings were playing the Detroit Pistons, and I just remember it being really loud, and that was kind of when I got interested in basketball and started playing. I was never any good at it, but I always liked watching the Kings. I think maybe a week later I went to Sportmart in Roseville, and Wayman Tisdale was there signing autographs, and I had that hanging on my wall for several years.

Ben Ilfeld, chief operations officer, co-founder

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.

Kings/Arena Update

2011-03-03T21:56:41Z

As anyone knows who either lives in Sacramento or follows our media, the Kings have asked the NBA for a six-week time extension of the March 1 deadline to file a request to move the Kings to Anaheim. As Mayor Johnson said, “this means one thing: They are trying to cut a deal to leave. They don't have a deal yet, but they hope to in the next few weeks.” Time will tell whether this is the end of Sacramento’s partnership with the Kings. If so, it’s been quite a ride. Since opening night on October 25, 1985, at the original, temporary Arco Arena, through the 1988 opening of the current arena, until February 28, 2011 when the last game was played in “Arco Arena” (now “Power Balance Pavilion”), it has been a roller coaster ride for the team and our community. For more than a decade, this community sold out each and every home game, despite consistent last-place finishes, some forgettable lineups, and only two playoff appearances in 14 years. Then in 1999, the Kings started a run of playoff years that reached a peak in 2002, when the Kings were indisputably the best team in the NBA, and but for poor officiating and free throw shooting, would have won the NBA Championship. Not even the most casual of Sacramento sports fans will ever forget the glory team of Chris Webber, Vlade Divac, Mike Bibby, Doug Christie, Bobby Jackson, Peja Stojakovic and a great cast of bench players who would dive to the floor for every loose ball and fight for every rebound. They were a team that Sacramento could truly be proud of, playing unselfishly and harmoniously, making the collective whole so much greater than the sum of its parts. A reflection of our community, which may not be as photogenic and glamorous as our big coastal city brethren, but is the most livable big city in America. Who in Sacramento hasn’t said when defending our fair city that we may not be the best place to visit, but we are the best place to live?

Yet even during the team’s heyday, there were signs that Camelot was not going to last forever. First, it was the former owners’ unsavory demand for favors that led to the Council’s approval of a $73 million loan in 1997. (To set the record straight, the Kings have made every payment on that back-loaded loan, though the balance remains at $67 million). Then there were several failed attempts to finance a new Downtown arena, culminating in the disastrous Measures Q/R in 2006. Although the sales tax measure was decidedly one-sided in favor of the Kings, the Maloofs still weren’t satisfied and through a series of public relations gaffes, indirectly helped defeat the measure by an astounding 80-20 margin.

Those of you who have followed my career on the Council know that I opposed the Council loan and Measures Q and R. I have not taken a religious position that forever would prohibit the use of public funds for an arena, but I have consistently stood up for taxpayers to ensure that any arena financing deal show clear benefits to the City and its taxpayers, and not a hand out to pampered professional team owners or players.

So where does Sacramento stand now? I agree with our Mayor and others who say that the goal here is bigger than basketball. Today, we will work hard to keep the Kings, using every remedy short of public subsidies possible. That’s why I shared a magical moment with 17,000 other Sacramentans who sold out the Kings game on February 28th and showed the Maloofs what a real home town advantage can be.

But the path to a new entertainment and sports complex will not be an easy one. On Tuesday, February 8, 2011, Council unanimously agreed to select the ICON-Taylor development team to take the next three months to work with city staff to analyze and come up with a finance plan for a new sports and entertainment complex. Council also gave direction that a plan would need to take the Natomas community into consideration. If a new arena were to be built somewhere other than Natomas, there would need to be a project to make up for the loss in that area. The Council did not approve a development contract or location. I believe that the best team was chosen to get straight answers on financing. I reiterated at the February 8th Council meeting that for me it comes down to financing. I’ve never been convinced that an arena can be built without some public financing. The development team plans to move forward even with the most recent news that the King’s ownership are in talks to move the team to Southern California.

ICON is a Denver based company that has built several arenas and sports facilities throughout the world. David Taylor, a local developer has been the driver of much redevelopment in Downtown Sacramento, including the U.S. Bank Tower on Capitol Mall, new City Hall, Esquire Plaza and the Sheraton Grand Sacramento. The team also includes New York based Turner Construction, Populous, a Kansas City, Missouri sports architecture firm and Dan Meis, who designed the Staples Center in L.A.

I’ll keep you posted on these arena developments, but as always, I welcome your ideas as well.

Kings, close but no cigar.

2011-02-14T03:40:17Z

The Sacramento Kings lost another heartbreaker Saturday night, falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder 99-97 in dramatic fashion.

After trailing by as many as 13 points in the fourth quarter, and by 10 with less than three minutes to play, they charged back in the final minutes, nearly completing the dramatic comeback.

With 5.8 seconds left, Samuel Dalembert rebounded a Kevin Durant-missed free throw, and the Kings called a timeout, trailing by two with a chance to send it to overtime or win it with a three-pointer.

Off the inbounds, Tyreke Evans was a bit short on his three-point attempt, and Omri Casspi couldn't get his follow tip to fall.

It was their fifth straight loss, and they ended a brutal six-game homestand at 1-5. Each one of the teams that came into Arco (PowerBalance?) figures to make the playoffs. The worst record among them belongs to Utah, currently sitting at 31-24 and the seventh seed in the West.

They started the homestand with a victory over New Orleans (33-23, 5th W), but then fell to Boston (39-14, 1st seed in the East), San Antonio (45-9, best record in the NBA), the aforementioned Utah, Dallas (38-16, tied 2nd W), and last night to Oklahoma City (34-18, 4th W).

The San Antonio game was the only one of the five in which the Kings weren't highly competitive. The Spurs have a way of making teams look bad.

Saturday night’s game was the third in a row that came down to the final possession.

Of course, basketball being neither horseshoes nor hand grenades, a close loss is still just that: a loss.

Coach Paul Westphal began his postgame presser with a query for the assembled media: "We've been here before, haven't we?"

"We kept fighting back," Westphal said. "I’m proud of our team’s effort. I don’t want to be saying the same thing every time, but it’s true. We are getting close to being able to beat these great teams and we have not broken through yet."

In the end, it was just too much Kevin Durant (35 points, 6 boards, 2 assists, 2 blocks), too much Russell Westbrook (22 points, 5 boards, 7 assists), and way too many turnovers (19, resulting in 26 points).

Evans, for the most part, had a great game, collecting nine rebounds and doling out four assists to go along with his team-high 30 points. Unfortunately, he also led the team with six of those costly turnovers.

DeMarcus Cousins, too, had a solid game (14 points, 12 boards) but was forced to sit much of the third quarter after collecting three personal fouls in the first three minutes of the second half.

To make matters worse, the big rookie got into an altercation with Donte Green following the game, did not joint the team on its flight to Phoenix, and is facing the second suspension of his young career.

Apparently he was unhappy that Green didn't get the ball in to him in the post on the final play of the game. While you like to see that kind of competitive fire in your young star, you would prefer it not come to fisticuffs in the locker room

The Kings knew what they were getting when they drafted the mercurial Cousins, the most talented player in the 2010 draft, with the fifth pick. There's no way he would have fallen past the second pick if there hadn't been questions about his maturity and demeanor.

It doesn't get any easier for the boys in purple as they begin a seven-game road trip with a game today at Phoenix (26-25), followed by rematches with the Thunder and the Mavericks, then games at Miami (39-15, 2nd E) and Orlando (5th E).

No rest for the weary.

The Arena - How It Can Work

2011-02-01T00:57:54Z

If you have lived in Sacramento for any length of time, you will know that Arco Arena (excuse me, Power Balance Pavilion) is on borrowed time. Though it is only 25 years old, the arena was built "on the cheap" - a short term solution for the Sacramento Kings while the city could figure out a long-term solution. Well, my friends... that day is here. The City Council is trying to devise a way to pay for a $600 million arena in a faltering economy. No small feat, but it's not impossible.

What's Wrong With Arco
Arco Arena, while acceptable for many fans - is not acceptable by modern standards. Several notable event promoters such as ~~Beyonce and~~ the NCAA March Madness tournament committee have gone as far as tell us they will never play in Sacramento again. The concourse is narrow, luxury suites are few, and simply stated, the place is a barn compared to other cities. Arco is a hard sell to any basketball player who is used to playing in newer facilities - the Maloofs do what they can, but if we want the Kings to attract talent - we have to offer more than the incredible nightlife of Old Sacramento.

Who's Paying: How it Would Work
Estimates at building an arena vary, but $600 million is the most common number to the costs involved. The Maloofs have already stated they will lease for 30 years at $300million. That's half. Naming rights can fetch up to $60million. $240 million can be paid through a tourism tax. Yes... a tax.

Before you put on the brakes, let's take a visit to Orlando. Orlando used to play in a similar arena to Sacramento - it was built in 1989 and just wasn't meeting the needs of today's fans. They passed a tourism tax on hotels and rental cars to help pay for the new arena which was just opened. Taxpayers are technically paying for it - but not those who live there. When you as a Sacramento resident visit Orlando, your vacation dollars help pay for this arena. For Orlando residents, it's practically a free arena.

Think it can't happen in California? Think again. The San Franciso 49ers' new stadium in Santa Clara is being financed through a tourism tax as well. Tourism taxes are quite popular in most cities, yet Sacramento has not capitalized on it.

Who Would Get The Revenue From the Arena?
In Orlando, The City of Orlando collects revenue from non-NBA games, while the Magic get all the NBA games. There's no reason a similar deal can't be struck here. The Maloofs still benefit because they could have a better facility to draw NBA talent and can sell more luxury boxes to corporate sponsors; however the city of Sacramento doesn't lose out on revenue at the other 200 events a year. What's more, a better facility means an instant attendance boost and a major selling point to attracting (and retaining) NBA talent.

Traffic
A new arena downtown in the railyard would be built near light rail and right off the freeway. It's more centrally located for many, including most who live south of the city and on the 50 corridor, where they would drive 10 less minutes than Arco. Traffic was a concern for AT&T Park in San Francisco as well, and they have handled it very well.

The Natomas issue
I realize a new arena downtown will be a major blow to Natomas. Many restaurants in the area rely on this regular traffic to drive business. However this may be our last chance at building an arena. If the Natomas crowd puts up a public fight on the arena, it could kill the whole project - and bring down the Kings with it. Natomas is a strong community… there is no reason they can't concentrate on building a theme park or another large facility on Arco land. Please support the arena, no matter where it's built.

Money that Could Be Spent Elsewhere
I have heard quite a few cries about an arena for billionaires being built, while it could be better spent on homeless, police, or schools. I would argue that without an arena and without the Kings, I honestly doubt Sacramento will magically lose these problems. In fact, without the Arena and the Kings, I would argue this city would be far less desirable for businesses to move to - for the lack of entertainment would make Sacramento undesirable.

I ask all of Sacramento to give this one a shot. If it comes to a tourism tax, what do we have to lose? You may come up with some reason why you don't like it, but you have to see the bigger picture... is it really worth losing the Kings over? Is it really worth not having a major venue for first-class entertainment in Sacramento? Let's not cut off our nose in spite of our face - we have a great opportunity to cement this city for generations. Let's get it done!

Dive Bar Grand Opening

2011-01-21T05:58:29Z

On Wednesday night, Dive Bar held its grand opening.
The "New K Street" has been covered ad nauseum here and (and here and here and here. . . .) and elsewhere.

George Karpaty's new "entertainment complex" is big news, and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, so I put on my press hat, my dance pants and my shiniest shirt and headed over.

The block was already bumping when I arrived a little before 8 p.m. I went to Dive Bar first, but my contact was nowhere to be found, the mermaids had yet to arrive and the bar was seatless. I decided to to take my leave and begin my night with a beer at the pizza "joint" next door.

Pizza Rock was bustling. The huge dining room was close to packed, and a handful of people were gathered by the host desk awaiting their tables. There were, however, a couple open seats at the long curved bar. I chose one directly underneath the grill of the Peterbilt DJ booth and made myself comfortable.

I am pleased to report that they have 24 oz PBR tallboys (In Wisconsin they call em silos!) for the relatively reasonable price of $4 apiece. Well, $4.40 with tax. Look, I ended up paying $11 for two of em with tip. Like I said, relatively.

I spent a little over an hour at Pizza Rock, taking in the scene and the end of the Kings overtime loss to the Trail Blazers. Some impressions:

– The truck/DJ booth and Sistine Chapel-esque ceiling art are as gaudy, cartoonish and over-the-top ridiculous as they sound. The room is like an Ed Hardy wet dream, which makes sense, seeing as chef Tony Gemignani teamed up with the ubiquitous graphic designer on a line of Ed Hardy pizza boxes. Seriously. That being said, the space is huge, open and comfortable in spite of itself.

– The food looks and smells terrific. (My girlfriend is currently doing a 21-day yoga cleanse, and as a show of solidarity, I am trying to follow her mostly vegetable diet. Except when Korean tacos are involved). The chef became the first American to win The World Pizza Cup competition in Naples, Italy, in 2007. The White anchovy and prosciutto de Pomodorini pizzas were eaten on either side of me, and they both looked outstanding getting rave reviews from their owners. Manny, a recent transplant from Hoboken, described the latter as an "off-the-hook Jersey-style pizza." The meatballs also looked phenomenal. These 21 days can't end soon enough.

– Mayor Kevin Johnson was in the building, and he gave the pizza a thumbs-up.

– In accordance with the name of the place, the music was kind of awesome. Skynyrd, Beastie Boys, Whitesnake, Bon Jovi, Nirvana, Faith No More, 311, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, Dynamite Hack . . . They were all over the map, and I had several, "Hey, this song!" moments. Good stuff.

– A fellow next to me ordered a Malibu and pineapple for his lady friend, and after receiving the drink he asked the bartender to add a little more Malibu, and the barkeep gladly did so. A nice sign.

After the Kings game ended (badly), I headed back over to Dive Bar. Some impressions:

– Mermaids. They are there, swimming around, and it's kind of awesome.

– How awesome will it be six months from now?

– They turned away a few people who were under-dressed. Don't let the name fool you, this Dive Bar has a dress code.

– I think this spot, more than the other two, will have to find its identity. It's not really a lounge, not really a dance club, certainly not a dive bar. Dance music, mermaids, TVs with sports playing, patterned carpeting, no food, bottle service, $300 "booths" that are just couches against the wall.

– Someone offered that it is just a place to go for the people who can't get in to District 30.

– This proved prophetic, as it filled up as soon as a huge line of people who had been waiting to get into D30 were turned way, with apologies and passes to return at a later date.

– They should have called it "Overflow."

– It opens at noon, but doesn't serve food. We'll see how long that lasts.

After being rebuked in my initial attempt to gain entry to District 30, I was able to sneak in on my way out. (Not really, I got to speaking with the manager, who let me in on the caveat that I not take any pictures). A few very brief observations:

– The floor around the main dance floor is kind of bouncy.

– This will succeed. George Karpaty knows his nightclubs. It's everything you might expect from the guy behind Ruby Skye: clean, slick, cool, great sound, comfortable booths, full of beautiful people and at least one professional athlete.

All in all, the “New K Street” left a pretty good first impression. Karpaty knows night clubs, and Gemignani knows pizzas. I've got every confidence in Pizza Rock and District 30 being successes. As long as that happens, Overflow should be fine, too.

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

Kings stomp Nuggets

2011-01-08T02:59:27Z

Thursday nights, the NBA belongs to TNT. Whereas Wednesdays and Fridays might have a dozen games on the schedule (This week featured 11 games on each day), Thursday nights generally feature at most three games, and often only two (this week, just two).

Those two games are featured, consecutively, nationally, on TNT. Usually, of course, these games will feature some combination of the Celtics, Heat, Lakers, Spurs, Bulls, Magic, Mavericks, Nuggets and Thunder – teams with a national fan base or a superstar player.

Once or twice a year, however, in the interest of fairness, the Thursday night spotlight will shine on one of the smaller, oft-forgotten NBA cities. (Almost without exception, it'll be when one of the big boys are visiting. We won't be seeing Steve Kerr and Marv Albert doing a Kings/TWolves game anytime soon).

Thursday, the Denver Nuggets were in town to play your Sacramento Kings, and the national spotlight alit, however briefly, on our fair hamlet.

For a moment, Sacramento was the center of the NBA universe.

Apparently, the Kings like the attention.

'Reke and the boys played easily their best game of the season, handily beating Carmelo and the Nuggets, 122 to 102. The team with the worst record in basketball (Entering the evening. The win put them a game up on the lowly Cavs.) thoroughly outclassed the team that would be the seven seed in the West were the playoffs to start today.

It was a very impressive performance.

The opening stanza of the game was not a harbinger of the symphonic performance to come as the home team fell behind 15-9 despite scoring the first five points of the game on long jumpers by DeMarcus Cousins and Francisco Garcia.

Following a Kings timeout, recently inserted Carl Landry drained a long jumper to get the home team off the schneid. By the time the first quarter ended, the Kings had retaken the lead, 29-27, thanks in large part to Garcia's dead-eye from long range (4 of 6 on threes in the quarter) and Landry's spark off the bench (7 points, 2 of 2 from the floor, 3 of 3 from the line)

In the second quarter, Tyreke Evans took over, looking every bit like the superstar Sacramento fans have been waiting to see all season. He was a perfect 4 of 4 from the floor on two long jumpers and two athletic driving layups. He matched that with a perfect 4 of 4 from the charity stripe. And when he wasn't scoring, he was dishing it with five second-quarter dimes.

By the time it was all said and done, the Kings had put up 40 points in the quarter and built a 69-55 halftime lead.

It was most certainly the best first half of basketball the Kings have played all season, but the game was far from over. Right before play resumed, one of my compatriots in the press box offered ominously "I've got a bad feeling about this."

If you watch enough Kings games, you’re bound to become a bit defeatist, but if you were ever gonna feel good about a Kings performance, this was it.

That being said, the Kings came out in the second half-sloppy and lackadaisical, and the Nuggets, led by Carmelo Anthony (26 points), came storming back. What had been a 16-point lead after Evans scored the first points of the half on a pull-up jumper at the 11:19 mark had totally evaporated less than eight minutes later, when Anthony tied the game at 79 apiece on an 18-foot jumper.

As recently as two weeks ago, this Kings team may have folded like a cheap suit at this point. Coughing up a double-digit lead on national TV to a would-be playoff team probably would have proved too much to bear, and next thing you know, a 16-point lead would have turned into a 16-point deficit. (Ignore, for a moment, that two weeks ago they wouldn't have had the 16 point lead to begin with).

That was then. This is now.

The Kings didn't panic. Without calling a timeout, they calmly took the ball back up the court, and Beno Udrih drained an 18-footer from the elbow.

After Al Harrington missed a three-pointer on the other end, Omri Casspi swished a three-pointer of his own, and the crowd exploded, and the Nuggets were forced to call a timeout.

These were the first five points in a 23-2 run that for all intents and purposes put the game away. It was the Nuggets who folded up shop, unable to put up any kind of a fight in the fourth quarter.

This Kings team bore no resemblance to the one that I saw in my two previous trips to Arco this season, the first a mauling by the Timberwolves, the second a devastating collapse against the Warriors. This is a team reborn.

“It certainly shows what type of team we’re trying to be. To move the ball like we did all night, to play through Tyreke, play through DeMarcus, space the floor and hit shots – it was the way we want to play." Head Coach Paul Westphal said in the postgame press conference.

When he was asked about the team’s recent transformation, Westphal again related it to his two young stars: "Tyreke has had a tough time being healthy, couldn’t be himself, and DeMarcus is early in his career and is learning his game. Those are two players that have been contributing lately at a level that they weren’t able to contribute earlier and that makes everybody else play so much better."

Nuggets point guard Chauncey Billups was asked about the game and payed the Kings a backhanded compliment: “They played well and everything, but that team is not supposed to beat us."

Maybe they weren't "supposed' to, but they certainly did. And they did it while the rest of the NBA watched.

Notes-
-It was the Kings first victory of the season over a team with a winning record.

-The Kings are now 3-2 in their last five games after having lost 22 of their previous 24.

-The Kings’ lead (15) and their point total (69) were both season highs for a first half.

-The point total for the game (122) was also a season high.

-They had six players in double figures in points, led by Evans’ 27 and Cousins' 20.

- At the end of the first quarter, the arena announcer introduced the TNT commentators:
-Chris Webber was greeted with a standing ovation. He responded by waving one arm in a circular motion, in a manner that I will always associate with Arsenio Hall. Roof, roof , roof, roof, roof.
-Keven Harlan received some polite applause.
-Reggie Miller was roundly booed. (Awesome).

All images are the work of my main man David Alvarez.

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.

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

This holiday, don’t give garbage

2010-12-16T16:49:35Z

Give Smart Sacramento promotes waste free experiences in place of traditional holiday gifts

What was your favorite holiday gift of the past? Was it a sweater from J.Crew three years ago? Or maybe it was the CD-Man you got in ’95? I’m guessing it was something that hasn’t gone out of style or become obsolete. My favorite gift in recent memory was a family membership to Fairytale Town. I will always remember the time spent with my children and my family at Fairytale Town, because the memory will never go out of style, be shoved in the back of the closet or go in the "Goodwill" pile.

This year, the City of Sacramento Department of Utilities is challenging you to replace at least one out of every five gifts you plan to give with an experience gift. Using CalRecycle funds, the City has launched Give Smart Sacramento, a program focused on reducing the amount of waste collected this November and December. Our goal is to collect 200 tons less solid waste and 325 tons more recyclables during the holidays.

Local organizations have joined Give Smart by offering discounts towards gifts that don’t produce waste. Promotions include annual passes to California State Railroad Museum, Fairytale Town and Funderland, tickets to “A Christmas Carol”, tickets to Sacramento Kings and more! Sacramento has so many wonderful activities for families to enjoy together. This is the perfect time of year to take advantage of these experiences and support local businesses.

In addition to giving waste free gifts, we can also reduce solid waste by reusing ribbons, bows, and gift bags year after year. Most wrapping paper and packaging material is also recyclable, as are bottles and cans generated at holiday festivities. Styrafoam and packing peanuts are not recyclable.

Visit GiveSmartSacramento.org for a complete list of partners and recycling tips.

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

Kings’ Poor Second Quarter Halts Last Second Comeback Against Knicks.

2010-11-19T02:09:37Z

With both the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks going into Wednesday night’s game on a five-game and six-game losing streak respectively, both teams were looking to get back on the winning track.

You would think the Kings would have a good chance of winning this one. Star guard Tyreke Evans was good to go after spraining his left ankle in Sunday’s loss against the Detroit Pistons, and they were playing a 3-8 Knicks team that was just coming off a high-scoring game against the Denver Nuggets the night before.

But with the help of a monster 40-point second quarter, the Knicks were the ones who would leave Arco Arena victorious, and the Kings still searching for answers along with a six-game skid.

Amar’e Stoudemire and Danilo Gallinari each chipped in with 27 points as the Knicks beat the Kings 113-106. Stoudemire recorded a double-double, adding 10 rebounds to his stat line.

Evans and Carl Landry led the Kings with 23 and 21 points, respectively. Beno Udrih, who was replaced by Luther Head in the starting lineup, contributed to the Kings’ scoring with 18 points off the bench.

The Kings came out of the gate strong. They jumped out to an 8-0 lead within the first three minutes of the first quarter and led the Knicks by as many as 15 points.

Jason Thompson, who started for Omri Casspi, got into early foul trouble and was substituted for rookie DeMarcus Cousins with a little over six minutes to play in the quarter. Cousins made an immediate impact, going 4-6 from the field and scoring 10 first-quarter points.

At the end of the first quarter, Sacramento led 27-14 and held New York to just 21 percent shooting from the field. With the Knicks not being able to find the basket to put the ball in, it looked as though the Kings were on their way to breaking their five-game losing streak.

That is, until the second quarter began. The Knicks started the quarter by going on a 21-8 run to knot the game at 35 about halfway through the quarter. Then the Knicks’ Toney Douglas hit a go-ahead three to give New York its first lead of the game.

Landry tied the game again at 42 with a dunk, but Gallinari hit a jumper that put the Knicks back up 44-42, and New York never looked back for the Kings afterward. New York outscored Sacramento 40-22 in the second quarter and led at halftime 54-49.

“As bad as that was, we were only down five,” Thompson said in reference to the second quarter.

The Kings were able to come within four points late in the fourth quarter on a Beno Udrih layup with about two minutes left.

New York guard Raymond Felton responded with two points of his own before Evans came back down the court with a missed shot and a turnover in the Kings’ next two offensive possessions. That put a stop to a Kings’ potential comeback.

“That was a game that for us wildly fluctuated, mixing in some excellent basketball and some sub-sixth-grade basketball that was indescribably bad,” said Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal.

Cousins, who had a hot-shooting first quarter, shot just one of nine for the rest of the game but still finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

“To be honest, I still really haven’t found my rhythm,” Cousins said. “That’s just an adjustment I’ve got to make, but it’s not about me. It’s about the whole team, and we’ve just got to keep working.”

The second quarter was not the only thing that hurt the Kings Wednesday night. They also gave the Knicks numerous easy baskets that ranged from baskets in the paint to points at the free-throw line.

“Sometimes our defense was great. Sometimes it consisted of giving them dunks and free throws,” Westphal said.

The Knicks scored more than 25 percent of their total points from the free-throw line, making 33 of 39 free throws for the game. Gallinari hit almost half of those free throws for New York, going 16 of 17.

“We’re looking for consistency, and we didn’t have it tonight,” Westphal said.

Notes:

After playing just 34 minutes in four games this season, Kings forward Donté Greene found his way back into the rotation playing 20 minutes and scoring 8 points.

Luther Head and Jason Thompson started Wednesday night’s game in place of Beno Udrih and Omri Casspi.

Photos by Ron Nabity.

DeMarcus Reaches Out

2010-11-15T18:10:37Z

The Sacramento Kings new forward, DeMarcus Cousins, signed autographs at the Jack-in-the-Box on Foothills Blvd in Roseville Saturday night. DeMarcus greeted a max-capacity crowd around 5:30pm signing memorabilia ranging from hats to shirts and snapping pictures with adoring fans.

One set of fans arrived at 8:30am and waited all day just to get DeMarcus’s autograph. When asked why they would wait over 9 hours for a player they stated, “We come out for all of these and never miss them.”

Jack-in-the-Box
5150 Foothills Blvd.
Roseville, CA 95747

Photo by Marc McLaughlin

Marc McLaughlin is a Contributing Writer and Photographer with Sacramento Press

Taste of Arco introduces new food for Kings' fans

2010-10-22T04:38:53Z

Sacramento Kings fans Bobbi Marshall and her son, Michael, got an early look at the new concession menu Wednesday, sampling Chinese chicken salad and cantina carvery sandwiches.

In preparation for the new basketball season, Maloof Sports and Entertainment is partnering with food and beverage partner Levy Restaurants to add new items to the menu. Taste of Arco was held Wednesday to allow season ticket holders to try the new additions.

“What we had we enjoyed, it was fun,” Bobbi Marshall said.

Michael Marshall said that as season ticket holders, having the same food all the time gets boring.

“I like to support anything that the Kings try to do to better their product,” he added. “I think that it is wonderful that they are giving an opportunity for feedback.”

Most of the new items will be available at the concession stands, while others like the carvery sandwiches, will be available in the Skyline Restaurant in Arco Arena.

Some of the new concession fare includes chili cheese king dogs and fries, mini corn dogs with a spicy mustard dipping sauce, nachos grandes with carnitas and chicken, and buffalo chicken tenders with a blue cheese dipping sauce. The traditional favorites will still be served, such as hot dogs and nachos.

New signature items that have been added include funnel fry dippers, which are funnel cakes in the shape of a French fries; cantina carvery sandwiches with turkey and tri-tip; the big cheese, which is very similar to garlic bread; and Niman Ranch sausages and burgers.

One of the new kids' options is the taste club kids meal. It includes a Smuckers Un-crustable peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a box of raisins and a Capri Sun juice drink. The meal comes in a box with 3-D images and 3-D glasses.

Some of the healthier additions include seasonal vegetables and fruits, gluten-free snacks such as pop chips and Lucy’s cookies, a veggie burger with a spicy habanero barbecue sauce, edamame with sea salt and a Chinese chicken salad.

“As a culinarian, as a chef, we are always looking for opportunities to show our creativity,” said Gary Gainey, executive chef at Arco Arena.

The menu prices range from $3.75 for funnel dippers to $15 for the big cheese.

Levy Restaurants was founded in Chicago in 1978 and specializes in sports entertainment dining concessions. Alex Sigua, public relations coordinator for Maloof Sports and Entertainment, said Levy Restaurants became a partner with Maloof Sports and Entertainment in January ~~2009~~ 2010, and this will be their first full basketball season working together.

Levy Restaurants is in partnership with other sports venues such as the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisc., and the organization caters high-profile events, including the Super Bowl and the World Sires.

“The menu is a collaboration of all the managers’ input. We also get guidance from a regional culinary team for Levy,” said Ryan Golpeo, director of operations at Levy Restaurants.

“We want to try to accommodate 99.9 percent of the community,” he said.

Bigger.Badder.Better.

2010-10-13T01:17:25Z

Sacramento's Kings unveiled their newest and highly visible humongous banner today. It's on the side of Parking Garage A at the Sacramento International Airport. At 28ft tall and 55.5ft wide it bears intense images of five of the Kings frontcourt players: veteran center Samuel Dalembert, the NBA’s Rookie of the Month for July, DeMarcus Cousins, rookie shot-blocking sensation Hassan Whiteside and three-year NBA veterans Jason Thompson and Carl Landry. It's all part of their campaign "Here We Rise" which is a tribute to the Kings and the Sacramento Kings community coming together.

Visit http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/37166/Kings_announce_Here_We_Rise_campaign

For further details, visit http://HereWeRise.com

SacPress Photo | Kati Garner

The Court Jester - King's Training Camp / Preseason Preview - Pt. 2

2010-09-28T05:31:44Z

In the second part of my two-part look at the Kings prior to training camp and preseason activities, I focus on the forward situation and possible lineups that Head Coach Paul Westphal could throw out there to start the season.

Since going to print with part one, the Kings have added one more forward to the roster. Marcus Landry is a 6-foot 7-inch second-year forward out of Wisconsin who is also Carl Landry’s younger brother. Add to that the previously mentioned forwards – Conner Atchley, Darnell Jackson and six-year pro Antoine Wright – and you’ve got four players vying for maybe one spot.

I think that this is so much easier to do than calculating what the staff will do with the guard situation. I believe that the choice is, barring some bizarre incident or major improvement in one of the younger guys, the veteran Wright.

Let’s quickly take a look at the other candidates:

Conner Atchley, a 6-foot 10-inch forward/center out of Texas, averaged only 4.6 points per game with only 3.1 rebounds a contest. Add that to his paltry .397 shooting percentage, and he is really just a roster-filler at this point.

Darnell Jackson, a 6-foot 9-inch forward out of Kansas a few years back, shot an incredible .626 from the field with averages of 11.2 points and 6.7 boards per game. Even with the limited minutes given him in his short stint at the pro level, he has shown a nose for the rim. Ironically, after getting a couple of opportunities to get some minutes for Cleveland, he finished the season with Milwaukee. With the Bucks, he was relegated to the pine and got no attention at all.

Marcus Landry, a 6-foot 7-inch prospect from the University of Wisconsin, was coincidentally included in a trade that also involved J.R. Giddens, another Kings’ training camp hopeful. As a non-draftee in the 2009 draft, he managed to get some limited time with the New York Knicks and one game with the Boston Celtics before being assigned to the Maine Red Claws in the NBA D-League.

And lastly, the most experienced player in the group: Antoine Wright. The well-traveled Wright’s previous flight plan looks like this: two years in New Jersey with the Nets, then on to Dallas for the 2007-08 campaign but back to the Nets before the season ended, then played for the Mavericks for 2008-09 before spending last year with the Toronto Raptors.

Let’s dismiss Atchley right away, as he doesn’t seem to fit a need. Now that the Kings have several new big men in Samuel Dalembert, DeMarcus Cousins and Hassan Whiteside, there really is no need for him. It sounds funny to say considering the lack of decent big men on the Kings roster in recent years.

If you throw in Donte Greene and Jason Thompson, the Kings have five players over 6-foot 11 inches. I can’t even remember when we had that kind of length in the frontcourt. Atchley’s out. Let’s move on.

The younger Landry is another training camp roster-filler. It was nice of the Kings to give him a home before the season starts. But unless he does something he is not really know for, like scoring in large clips, his services won’t be needed. At 6-foot 7-inches, I think he will be lost in the shuffle. I’m sorry Marcus, but there is only room for one Landry on this roster. Try again next year when your brother may not even be here if the younger guys continue to develop.

Jackson is the one who has me raising my “People’s Eyebrow.” We know what we are getting, for the most part, with all the other guys. Jackson is intriguing. Originally he was considered a throwaway that was lumped in with the Jon Brockman trade. But given the fact that he was a driving force behind the Kansas Jayhawks’ 2008 championship season, he may be able to offer up some help. He will need to be strong in camp if he is to be considered at all. Again, all of these guys except Wright have very little, if any, experience, and I think that is the key. They need balance. A nice mix of veterans and youth that can bring the spark and fire up this town.

Wright may be the guy who brings that kind of energy. Except for his rookie year, Wright has played in 56 or more games per season. Even though his field goal percentage has hovered just around 40 percent the last four years, he still appears to have something left in the tank. Training camp will really be the test for Wright. Wright needs the Kings more than they need him. Does he still have the hunger to bang game after game and make the sacrifices that will be placed upon him?

He will need to understand that unless the Kings lose a few guys to injury or make a trade for a shooting guard of small forward of star quality and lose a couple of their forwards in the process, he will not get a lot of time.

Facts are facts. The Kings are finally loaded with frontcourt help. And they need to make this an advantage this season. Having Wright around makes a lot of sense. With a boatload of younger talent now, Wright’s seasoned play may bring a needed benefit to the roster. Maturity and stability is what the team will look for in Wright. If he can bring those two things, he will have a spot guaranteed.

The other big question to be settled this preseason is what kind of rotation Westphal is looking for and how he sees the pieces fitting together.

When looking at how to assemble a starting team, you have to follow my logic the rest of the way. There are a few things you need to know, and these are critical as we go forward in understanding my thinking.

1. Carl Landry is NOT a small forward.
2. Donte Greene is NOT a shooting guard or a power forward.
3. Francisco Garcia is NOT a point guard.

If you can accept these realities, the reasons that follow will make much more sense.

Let’s begin with what one so-called expert and a Kings insider both think about the current situation.

The roster that Foxsports.com has concluded the Kings will throw out on the floor, once again, not counting Evans’ one-game suspension, will be as follows:

G Tyreke Evans

G Donte Greene

F Omri Casspi

F DeMarcus Cousins

C Jason Thompson

I have one huge problem with this projected lineup. While I don’t mind the frontcourt possibilities by throwing Cousins, Thompson and Casspi out there, I think I would switch Cousins and Thompson. I’d let Cousins play center and Thompson be the four. Thompson has a little quicker feet, and I think he would have an easier time covering the opposing power forward. That will free up Cousins to cover the basket and use his shot-blocking prowess to guard the rim. Either way, I love having to make the other team get around two guys over 6-foot-11 just to get to the rack.

That leaves the huge problem I still have left. Greene is 6-foot 11-inches. He is not, I repeat, not a shooting guard. This was a hot topic in the Needham house all last season. Greene can run the floor on the break. That’s great, but unless he is able to pass almost immediately upon arriving at the other end of the floor or before, he is stuck. He has shown zero ability to pull up with the jumper at the end of a dribble. That is what defines a shooting guard. Occasionally, Greene can hit a jumper, but it is well after the play has developed. He may catch a pass off a screen and drain one, but other than that, he is horrible at pulling up off the break and sinking one.

Don’t get me wrong – I love Greene’s athleticism. If he can continue slashing to the basket and catching easy passes under or close to the rim and scoring the ball, he is a great asset to the team. Besides that, it seems that Evans really likes being on the floor with him. Don’t underestimate how important that will be. Evans is so important to this team that he will get what he wants a lot of the time, as Westphal will have to concede at times to his budding superstar.

During a recent interview for nba.com, Sacramento’s Director of Player Personnel

Jerry Reynolds proposed this lineup:

G Evans

G Garcia

F Casspi

F Landry

C Dalembert

At first glance, this looks like a lineup I could live with. But let’s scratch away at some of the issues I see with this group of guys.

First off, Garcia is still somewhat of an unknown commodity. Even though he has five years under his belt on this team, he was hurt almost all of last year. Add that to that the fact that we really do have a different chemistry this season and, I believe, time will tell as to how Garcia fits in. He definitely has something to offer that this team needs. I just think that the spark he provides would be more necessary off the bench.

There is no reason to not put Beno Udrih out there as a starter. All he did last year was have his best season yet. If you really dig inside the numbers, you can see why. There is a great stat by Dean Oliver, founder of a great NBA stat analysis website called powerbasketball.com, that is called “approximate value,” or “AV.” It is fairly complex on how he not only came up with this stat, but also fine-tuned it along the way to make sure it is relevant. It is an accumulation of the good things a player does on the court, but then he takes away the bad things that one does. After that, he has finished off the formula with a calculation that gives the player a rating from 1-20.

After grasping how important this stat was, it struck me how important Udrih really is. On that chart of AV, the top three were Evans, Thompson and Udrih. Landry and Greene are almost half of what Udrih is. It’s a huge difference.

Before uncovering this stat, I already believed that the three most indispensable players from last year were Evans, Thompson and Udrih. This new knowledge confirms my suspicions. No doubt about it: Udrih needs to be in the starting lineup.

The “versatility index” or “VI” is another stat developed by Oliver. This stat tries to calculate how well rounded a player is. In this category, the top four were Evans, Kevin Martin, Thompson and Udrih once again. Take out Martin, and they place exactly the same. This time, Landry lags only a little behind Udrih, but they both are far ahead of Greene.

Coincidence? Not hardly. Numbers do mean something. They are what contracts are based on. They are the heart and soul of the value of a player or a team.

Saying that, there is one stat that some people get way too excited about. The dreaded plus/minus category is a horrible judge of basketball proficiency. If you take a look at efficiency or EFF, you will really see a better evaluator of talent.

All you Sergio Rodriguez fans pay attention. Rodriguez was in six of the top 12 starting lineups in terms of having a positive plus/minus last season. A closer look behind the numbers proves this. Rodriguez’s EFF was worse than anyone who is left on the team. He was also inferior in AV to everyone except Garcia, and I attribute that to ’Cisco not getting a lot of time. Rodriguez was tied for last in the versatility index with Greene. Rodriguez had to go. But I digress.

As for why Landry is not in my starting five, I think we have better options now that we have some length on the team. Remember, it’s not about who has the biggest contract or who did well last campaign. It’s about the here and now. On this year’s roster, the Kings will need a strong bench. Honestly, it may be the most important year for the team’s reserves in a long while.

With all this in mind, here is what I propose as the first five:

G Udrih

G Evans

F Casspi

F Thompson

C Dalembert

In a perfect world, here are the back-ups for each of those positions:

G Pooh Jeter (or whoever makes it on the team out of training camp)

G Garcia/Head

F Greene/Wright

F Landry

C Cousins

Why do I fancy this setup?

Starting with both Evans and Udrih on the floor gives Westphal several advantages that the other options don’t offer. Either one can run the point. Either one can shoot. Plain and simple – neither Greene nor Garcia offer that on a steady basis. Greene is the worst shooter of the four at just over 44 percent, and his gunner mentality does cost the team at times. Garcia, as well-rounded as he is, averaged 1.8 assists per game, and Greene averaged only half of that.

Truth be told, as stated in part one, the Kings need Jeter or someone like him to make an impression this year. When the situation occurs, as it often will, when Evans and Udrih are off the floor at the same time, a real leader and floor general will not be there. It presents a scary scenario – one that the Kings had trouble overcoming last year as well.

Contrary to popular belief, the Kings have enough scoring, if a few things fall their way. Evans needs to continue to develop and will. Obviously. His maturity this year will be the key to the season. Casspi, Greene and Thompson all should improve their scoring averages. The combination of a reinvigorated Dalembert, as well as an eager-to-please Cousins, will easily improve the frontcourt scoring potential. Newly signed Wright will also be an asset in this area.

When I think of having Greene, Landry, Garcia, Cousins and even Wright coming off the bench, chills run down my spine. Instant energy, spunk and a lot of intangibles will be the calling card of this group.

Scoring will be better. Enough said.

On the other side of things, the defense will be much improved as the Kings can now clog the lane for the first time in what seems like forever. Lots of possible combinations abound. They could have three guys at 6-foot-11 or better on the floor at the same time. And we’re not talking a bunch of Joe Kleine-like guys, either. They have some real athletes this year.

Dalembert will be guarding the rim along with Cousins and Thompson, and even Hassan Whiteside can come of the bench for a segment or two. Having a bunch of 6-foot 11-inch monsters to swamp the lane will completely change the way other teams think about penetrating on the Kings.

It will be completely different than last year. And all for the good, I’d bet.

As the season progresses, I’d like to see if Garcia can develop into a solid two guard who is capable of earning premium minutes so that Evans can flourish as the point. Along with that, have Cousins move into the starting five and move Dalembert to the pine. He won’t be here next year, realistically, anyway, so get Cousins primed for the long haul next season. Maybe Whiteside can show he belongs over the course of the year. If so, that really makes for some exciting combinations on the floor.

At the end of the year, my dream lineup would be:

G Evans

G Garcia

F Casspi

F Thompson

C Cousins

They would then have Landry, Greene, Dalembert and even Whiteside waiting in the wings to cover the frontcourt. Udrih would be a spark plug off the bench if he got enough minutes – and he would.

Make no mistake about it – this is a season that will impact the Kings for several years to come. Will Evans continue his improvements and show that his leadership ability is not in question? Can Garcia go injury-free and finally live up to his potential? Will Cousins be a pro and take the coaching he will need to succeed? Is Casspi a starter, or will he be relegated to coming off the bench?

Lots of questions lie ahead. The path to improvement is a rocky road. The list of things that can go wrong is endless.

With a steady hand of guidance and the willingness of the guys to buy into Coach Westphal’s philosophy, this team looks better on paper than it has it many a moon.

Westphal can lead these players to the watering hole. Now let’s just hope that the guys are willing to drink the Kool-Aid.

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.

In the Meantime. . .

2010-09-10T03:13:04Z

Think back to your freshman year of high school. Imagine you just went through an especially excruciating day of what was surely an excruciating year. You slept through first period, missed a quiz, got pantsed on the green (or a comparable humiliation), your crush pointed out that you had a "bat in the cave," and everybody laughed at you . . . you get the idea.

Murphy saw your day, and was so moved, that he wrote a law to commemorate it.

Fourteen-year-old you somehow made it through this day from Hell. You got home, got to your room, locked your door and laid on your bed, overwhelmed with a soul-crushing angst that only a 14-year-old can feel.

You put an album in your CD player (In my case. Depending on your age, it could also have been a tape deck, record player, eight-track, MP3 player, or a phonograph.), and played it from beginning to end, as loud as you could get away with.

By the time the record ended, you'd steeled yourself for whatever humiliations the next day might bring.

What album did you just listen to?

I listened to Helmet, "Meantime."

Helmet, an alternative rock metal band that originally formed in 1989 in New York City, (and was pivotal in my surviving freshman year) opened its fall tour last night with a packed show at Harlow's.

When I arrived just before 9 p.m., local metalcore band Will Haven was already on stage, and the crowd was already buzzing. As the musicians filled the room with driving noisecore, I grabbed a PBR and surveyed the crowd.

The audience was skewed toward males in their 30s, tattooed and concert Tee-d, but there were enough outliers to keep it interesting. There was some light to moderate headbanging going on in the crowd as Haven played its last two songs.

Haven finished to enthusiastic cheers and applause from its hometown fans, then began breaking down equipment.

Within 15 minutes of finishing their set, several members of the band were saddled up to the bar, taking shots of whiskey with some friends in the crowd.

This would become something of a theme for the evening.

Next up was Bison B.C. from Vancouver, Canada, and they were awesome. First of all, they looked like a metal band should look – like wooly mammoths personified. With tattoos.

And worthy of a herd of their namesake, their music is thunderous, bone-shaking and most of all, heavy. Really heavy.

These cats have got their own gravitational pull.

They worked the crowd into a minor frenzy, with one particularly agitated fanatic taking headbanging to new and literal heights by banging his head into a pole.

The men from the Great White North threw down the gauntlet and could have easily stolen the show if Helmet had been anything less than stellar.

The headliners, led by recently turned 50-year-old Page Hamilton, proved ready for challenge, however.

They opened with a blistering track off their new album, which was released on Tuesday. After the opening foray, Page began chopping it up with the crowd:

"Can we put whiskey back on the rider?" he asked. "I just love scotch."

Apparently he had been on a juice fast and was only drinking beer. "It sucks" he bemoaned.

It wasn't long before a large shot glass full of a dark amber liquid made it's way to the stage. He offered his thanks before throwing it down enthusiastically.

It was the first of several. So much for only drinking beer.

Page was in a convivial mood and bantered with the crowd on a variety of topics throughout the evening. He talked about football, saying, "the Niners were the first team to win five Super Bowls." About the six-time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers he offered, "At least our quarterback isn't a rapist."

He got raucous applause when he offered his opinion on the basketball team in his adopted home of Los Angeles: "I think we can all agree on one thing: Fuck the Lakers!"

The set was a good mix of old and new, with the highlights being tracks off the aforementioned 1992 album "Meantime" and the recently rereleased 1994 album "Betty."

The crowd, including Midtown stalwart "Ground Chuck," went ballistic when it recognized the opening drum beats and assaultive chords from Helmet's biggest hit, "Unsung." I've always considered it one of the greatest metal songs of all time, and seeing it live just reinforced that opinion.

Helmet left the stage at 11:30, but was back five minutes later taking requests for the three-song encore. Page had some idea of what he wanted to play and nudged the crowd accordingly, but it was still a treat. Like a choose-your-own-adventure, except the adventure was an encore.

The last song of the evening, as chosen by we, the crowd, was "In the Meantime". Other than "Unsung", it's my favorite Helmet song, the title track off the album that I listened to countless times those many years ago. It was the perfect way to end the night, and the crowd reacted to it's crunching power chords and crashing drums with the first and only moshpit of the evening.

I surveyed the scene with a huge smile on my face. I was ready for whatever humiliations that the next day might bring.

Athletes > Cancer

2010-07-27T01:35:26Z

Celebrity athletes are just like you and I. Well, maybe not just like you and I, but similar. They are like richer, better-dressed, more-fit versions of us (Or, in Scot Pollard's case, just richer).

The similarities were on display at the second annual Athletes vs. Cancer golf tournament at the Woodcreek Golf Club, hosted by Matt Barnes on Saturday.

Barnes founded the AVC to honor his mother, who passed away from cancer in 2007. Their mission is to "support research, create awareness, provide screening opportunities and deliver support to cancer patients."
The tournament featured many athletes with local ties, among them former Kings Chris Webber, Scot Pollard, Bobby Jackson, Doug Christie and Brad Miller.

I'm a huge sports fan, an avid golfer and I've lost two uncles to cancer. When I heard about this event, I jumped at the chance to attend.
Heres how it worked: Teams of four paid $2,500 dollars to play in the tournament. Each foursome was joined by a celebrity. There was a shotgun start: All the teams started simultaneously on different holes. (Or almost simultaneously, as there were a few more teams than holes).

The tournament was a scramble, meaning each team member tees off, then they pick the best ball of the five. Everyone takes their next shot from that spot. Rinse and repeat until ball enters cup.
Scrambles are probably the most popular tournament format, because it's the only way your average duffers will ever see negative numbers next to their names.

And decent golfers will see BIG negative numbers next to their names.

The winning team, featuring Kings announcer Grant Napear, finished at a whopping 21 under par. For reference, the PGA record over 18 holes is 13 strokes under par.

This day was not about scoring or winning, however. It was all about fan interaction, players and fans enjoying themselves while raising money for a good cause.

I've never been to a more fan-friendly celebrity event.

At the first tee, a hopeful young lady holding a basketball politely asked Chris Webber, "Mr. Webber! Do you have time for an autograph?"
Webber, who was about to tee off, responded to the crowds delight "Sure, as soon as I hit, I'll sign at every hole, all day."
Webber, who proceeded to bring the house down by mimicking Charles Barkley's notoriously herky jerky backswing as he addressed the ball, spent five minutes signing anything and everything thrown his way. CWebb was charming and affable, telling anyone he missed to meet him at the next tee.

Matt Barnes was, if it's possible, even more accommodating. Later in the day, coming off the the 10th green, he stopped to talk to a group of 40 or so fans, many of whom were having a pool party at one of the course-side homes.
He slowly worked his way through the throng, signing every item given to him, posing for every picture request, engaging every one of his fans personally, if briefly. As he went, he deflected the thanks of the adoring spectators: "No, thank you....We couldn't do this without you. You guys make this happen."

Larry Tipper, who won the honor of caddying for Mr. Barnes through a contest sponsored by this site, was having a blast. "I'm in awe. Everyone has been so great!" said the caddy, who is currently undergoing chemo himself. The 37-year-old, who had delegated much of the caddying responsibilities to his son Jacob, nephew Justin and their buddy Brandon, is scheduled to undergo his final treatment on Friday, which also happens to be his wedding anniversary.

The 30th is a big day for the Tipper family. I have a feeling that they'll be getting good news. Remission is the perfect anniversary gift.

A few other celebrity highlights:

Scot Pollard was a walking highlight. The 6-foot 11-inch Pollard was a fan favorite during his years with the Kings, loved as much for his sense of humor, flamboyant hairstyles and outrageous fashion sense as his hard-nosed play. "Samurai Scot" lived up to reputation on Saturday.

Pollard chose to adorn himself in matching, form fitting, DayGlo floral print shorts and shirt. It was spectacular.

I came across Doug Christie on the course early on in the day. Christie was wearing head-to-toe linen, white pants and a pink shirt. I complimented him on his look and asked him if he'd seen his former teammate Pollard. He hadn't, but luckily our photographer, Steve, had plenty of pictures and was happy to share them.

"That is the worst outfit I've ever seen," Christie offered, laughing. He showed the pictures to his neighbor in the golf cart.
"Is that a one-piece?" she asked before returning the camera.

Not 15 minutes later, I watched as another former King, Bobby Jackson, addressed his ball in the tee box. I looked back and saw the unmistakable sight of Scot Pollard and his floral onesie coming up the previous fairway. He noticed his onetime teammate about to tee off. I could see the wicked look on his face from 130 yards away.

He waited until Jackson had completed his backswing before letting out a booming "BOBBBBBBBBAAAYYYYYYYYYY," which reverberated across the course. Jackson's tee shot went WAY right, and he looked back at Pollard, incredulous. After a moment, he cracked a smile, shook his head and teed up another one. Clearly, this type of high jinx was to be expected from the 10-year NBA center.

We caught up to Jason Kapono and the rest of his fivesome as they were about to tee off on a par three. I heard one of them grumbling about their dearth of beverages. They were happy to hear about the open margarita bar we'd encountered at the next tee box. "Let's get going" said one of the non-celebs.

The first to tee off was a young man of about 13 named Nick, who was clearly on cloud nine. I asked him how he and Jason were getting on, knowing full well what his answer would be.

"Awesome," he replied, grinning from ear to ear. Jason overheard our exchange and produced a large mustard-colored stain on the back of his shorts. "You see what the kid did to me?" I looked from the stain to Nick, who tried to hide a mischievous smile.

After Nick hit a line drive that never got more than 5 feet off the ground but went straight and rolled forever, the next fellow pulled his to the left. Nick's ball was still best. The third guy to hit went WAY left, square into a tree trunk, and the ball rolled back to the front of the tee box. Young Nick still had the best ball, and more to the point, guy No. 3's tee shot ended up well short of the ladies' tees.
"TDO," said one of the fellas. "Yup, TDO for sure."

"TDO" is an unwritten rule that some amateur golfers (generally those of the sophomoric male persuasion) play by, where-in should someone not hit his tee shot past the ladies' tees, it's a "Texas D*ck Out." The offender has to go to his ball, sans pants. After some good-natured ribbing and to riotous laughter, No. 3 dropped trou on the tee box. Thankfully, the underpants stayed put. They hadn't been drinking THAT much.

Kapono hit next, ending Nick's shot at finishing with the best ball by hitting a moonshot that landed softly on the green, pin-high. Jason looks like he may be able to put up negative numbers without the help of the scramble format.
On my way off the course I passed the Kapono fivesome again.

"We just had another TDO," one of the gentleman informed me.

"Same guy?" I asked.

"Same guy," he answered, laughing boisterously.

One final celebrity exchange I had was with former 49ers running back Roger Craig. I asked what he thought of the tournament and how he got involved.

"What Matt's doing is fantastic. Cancer affects all of us," he answered, then added, "I'm here for the Rocklin fans," referring to Niners training camp locale for their glory years from 1981 through 1997. "We made history together."

Twenty years removed from his last Rocklin training camp, he still carries the love from the fans who supported him at those sweltering offseason practices. Pretty cool.

If the response from fans and participants is any measure, the event was an unmitigated success. Although we won't know the final tally for a week or so, we do know a lot of money was raised for a great cause.

I highly recommend attending this event in specific, and celebrity golf tournaments in general. You'll never find athletes more at ease, happier to sign or pose or simply shoot the breeze, than they were on Saturday. Everybody I met regaled me with stories of how great this guy was, how accommodating so and so was, how friendly such and such was. There was only one celebrity who I heard anything negative about, though admittedly his name came up repeatedly.

I won't give his name, because ultimately he showed up and supported a good cause. Also, if you are rubbing people the wrong way at a love-fest like this one, I'm sure there are plenty of negative stories floating around already. Thankfully, he was the one exception that proved the rule.

Not the TDO rule, that's totally different.

All photos courtesy of the one and only Steven Chea. Praise be unto him,

Sacramento Kings Dance Team to Host 2010-11 Auditions July 18 at California State Fair

2010-07-13T16:51:53Z

The Sacramento Kings will host auditions for the 2010-11 Sacramento Kings Dance Team on July 18 at the California State Fair at Cal Expo.

Auditions will be open to the public and will take place on the Cal Expo Main Stage. Registration will begin at 4 p.m. and auditions will begin at approximately 5 p.m. All candidates are encouraged to visit Kings.com for additional information.

All eligible audition candidates must be 18 years of age or older by November 1, 2010 and should wear a two-piece dance ensemble with nude nylons or tights and non-marking soled shoes. Applicants should also bring a copy of their resume and a current headshot to the auditions (photos will not be returned) and enter through the main gate. Access to watch the auditions will be available for fans who purchase a ticket for admission to the California State Fair on July 18.

Kings work out final prospects

2010-06-24T01:32:32Z

As the 2010 NBA Draft approaches the Kings will have some decisions to make regarding who they will take with the fifth and the 33rd picks.

The team hosted Duke's Jon Scheyer, Notre Dame's Luke Harangody, USC's Mike Gerrity, Tulsa's Ben Uzoh, Arkansas' Michael Washington and Azusa Pacific's Dominique Johnson in this morning's workout. All of them were college seniors.

Scheyer played for this year's Duke team that won the 2010 NCAA National Championship. Last season he averaged 18.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game.

He missed his first workout with the Kings because he had strep throat but the 6-foot-six-inch 180 pound guard says that after his workout with the Phoenix Suns tomorrow, he'll have a total of 10 workouts. He also said that he can play both the point guard and shooting guard positions.

"I played point (guard) in the last two years," Scheyer said. "I feel comfortable playing both (positions) especially with the Kings. A guy like Tyreke Evans can play either spot. You just want to complement guys and play off the other guard, I feel I can do that."

Harangody spent all four years at Notre Dame as a power forward. He averaged 21.8 points and 9.1 rebounds per game last season.

His workout with the Kings was his 11th and final workout. At six-foot-eight-inches and 240 pounds, Harangody says that teams say that he may have to play as a small forward at the NBA level. His height and build are considered undersized for the power forward position in the NBA.

Although he says he can play power forward in the league, he's ready to take on a new challenge.

"I feel very comfortable," he said about playing power forward in the NBA. "Obviously, there's going to be nights when there are match-ups are going to be harder than some, but I feel like I can work my way into anything."

Gerrity played under current Kings head coach Paul Westphal when he coached at Pepperdine during the 2005-06 college basketball season. He transferred to Charlotte and played for the team for the 2007-2008 season. He sat out next season after he transferred to USC, where he finished his college career last season.

Gerrity, a six-foot-one-inch 180 pound point guard, averaged 9.3 points and 3.6 assists per game in his one season at USC. He said that he liked reconnecting with his old coach in his only workout.

"It was awesome," he said. "It felt good to just talk to him, catch up and be able to at least have an opportunity to play in front of this organization."

Uzoh, a six-foot-three-inches 196 pound point guard, had his second workout with the Kings. In his senior season he averaged 15.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. Washington, a six-foot-nine inch 239 pound forward, averaged 12.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game as a senior.

Johnson, a six-foot-three-inch 185 pound guard, averaged 17.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game last season.

As the draft workouts come to an end tomorrow, many players will feel what Scheyer says he will feel on draft night.

"I'll be a little nervous Thursday night," he said about waiting for his name to be called in the draft. "I think I'll get an opportunity and that's what matters most to me."

Kings trade Nocioni, Hawes for Sixers' Dalembert

2010-06-17T21:14:56Z

The Sacramento Kings have traded disgruntled forward Andres Nocioni and third-year center Spencer Hawes to the Philadelphia 76ers for center Samuel Dalembert.

Dalembert, an athletic center known for his rebounding and shot blocking, made NBA headlines this season after his native country of Haiti was struck by a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake in January.

He briefly left the Sixers to visit the country and donated $100,000 to UNICEF to aid relief efforts but he played all 82 games of the season as well as the previous three seasons

There were only two games he didn't start in over 328 games the past four seasons. Those games were the 2009-10 season.

Dalembert averaged 8.1 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game this season. His best year came during the 2007-08 season, when he averaged 10.5 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game. He is one of the league's best rebounders, finishing 12th in the league in rebounds.

He was set to make $12.9 million but will make $14.8 million because of a 15 percent trade kicker in the final year of his contract. He is currently the only Haitian-born player in the NBA.

Nocioni said recently that he won't return to the Kings on the Spanish language website Ole. He had the worst season of his career averaging 8.3 points on 39.9 percent field-goal shooting and three rebounds per game last season and expressed his desire to play for a contending team.

Nocioni was acquired from the Chicago Bulls along with Cedric Simmons in 2008 for Brad Miller and John Salmons. He is slated to make $13.4 million the next two years with a $7.5 million team option the Sixers can pick up in 2012, which is unlikely.

Hawes was drafted by the Kings in 2007 with the 10th pick in the draft at 19-years-old. His play regressed last season after showing promise the season before. He averaged 10 points and 6.1 rebounds per game compared to 11.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game the season before.

He will make nearly $3 million next season. He will also be a restricted free agent after next season and will have a qualifying offer of $4 million.

The Kings have lacked rebounding and shot blocking from their center and power forward position and fortunately, Dalembert can provide both. He has a nose for the ball when rebounding his own team's missed shots.

He finished 10th in the league in offensive rebounding with 2.9 offensive rebounds per game, three spots behind the Kings' Jason Thompson, who averaged 3 offensive rebounds per game.

The trade will instantly improve the Kings' defense in the aspects of rebounding and shot blocking. Dalembert may not score much but the Kings' undersized, yet efficient power forward Carl Landry can provide points for the frontline. He averaged 18 points per game in 28 games with the Kings.

Landry doesn't particularly rebound well for his position with 6.5 rebounds per game with the Kings but that's where Dalembert helps. Dalembert and Landry could very well complement each other.

Overall, the Kings got the better part of the deal in terms of immediate help. Hopefully, like Cornstein said, Dalembert will be a "perfect fit" for the Kings.

Kings get No.5 pick in the draft

2010-05-19T05:08:54Z

Despite appearances by former Sacramento King Bobby Jackson, the team’s co-owner Gavin Maloof and the team’s new sideline reporter Jim Gray, the NBA’s Greatest Draft Lottery Party hit a sour note when the Kings received the No.5 pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.

The Kings had the third best chance of receiving the No.1 overall pick after finishing with a record of 25-57 last season and sent NBA Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans to represent the team at the NBA Draft Lottery in Secaucus, N.J.

The Washington Wizards received the first pick in the draft, followed by the Detroit Pistons, New Jersey Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves in that order.

The disappointment rang from New Jersey to Sacramento as Evans shook his head at the same time Kings fans were giving a collective groan at the block party.

Out of all of the NCAA college basketball players, Kentucky’s John Wall has been considered the consensus No.1 pick in the draft since last year.
Ohio State guard Evan Turner, Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors, Kentucky center DeMarcus Cousins, Syracuse forward Wesley Johnson and Wake Forest forward Al-Farouq Aminu are also considered as being top picks in the draft.

Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal has faith that they’ll still get a quality player in the draft.

“We got a good pick,” he said. “We’ll start doing our homework. There’re always good players to draft. I don‘t see any instant franchise changers out there, but there are very good players.”

Kings forward Donte Greene knows that choosing a high draft pick is critical for the team.

“We’re looking to get back into the playoffs,” he said. “We played so well last year. We’re trying to get back to that (and) bring life back to Sacramento. We got it (going) last year and try and get it going next year.”

The Kings are already hard at work looking at candidates for the No. 33 pick. Rider guard Ryan Thompson, brother of Kings big man Jason, Cal point guard Jerome Randle and Houston guard Aubrey Coleman, the nation’s leading scorer, were among 12 players hosted by the Kings so far.

Kings President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie flew overseas to scout players in the Euroleague Final Four.

The 2010 NBA Draft Combine will take place in Chicago , Ill., where draft prospects will be weighed, measured by their height, reach and vertical leap and undergo various drills to test their skills.

After that, teams will continue to bring in draft prospects to determine which players are right for its team.

NBA Draft Lottery Order

Washington Wizards
Philadelphia 76ers
New Jersey Nets
Minnesota Timberwolves
Sacramento Kings
Golden State Warriors
Detroit Pistons
Los Angeles Clippers
Utah Jazz
Indiana Pacers
New Orleans Hornets
Memphis Grizzlies
Toronto Raptors
Houston Rockets

Kings host six draft prospects at practice facility

2010-05-14T05:13:41Z

The Sacramento Kings welcomed six college seniors hoping to make the jump into the NBA this summer.

Jerome Randle from UC Berkeley (Cal), Houston's Aubrey Coleman, Kansas State's Denis Clemente, South Carolina's Devan Downey, Tasmin Mitchell from LSU and Michighan State's Raymar Morgan are preparing for the 2010 NBA Draft, competing for a spot on one of the league's 30 team rosters.

Six other players, including the Kings' Jason Thompson's brother and Rider product Ryan and Seattle University's Charles Garcia, dropped by the practice facility on Tuesday.

Out of the six players who participated in today's workout, Randle, who played about 80 miles away from Sacramento, is the only player who is projected to be drafted in the second round of the 2010 NBA Draft. The rest are projected to be undrafted.

Randle averaged 18.6 points and 4.3 assists per game last season. He played with current Magic forward Ryan Anderson. Anderson played at Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills two years ago. Although Randle said his role at Cal was to score, he wants to lead a team as a point guard.

"I'm really comfortable," the speedy guard said about being a leader on the court. "One thing is you have to take your time. A lot of people just want to speed up the game. If you just take your time and take it possession by possession, I feel like I'll be alright.”

Coleman led the nation in scoring, finished second in steals per game and shot an average of 15 free throws attempts last season. Although he's listed at six-feet-four-inches, he fits the mold of undersized shooting guards in the NBA like Eric Gordon of the L.A. Clippers, O.J. Mayo of the Memphis Grizzlies and Ben Gordon of the Detroit Pistons.

Coleman, however, was tired after flying from a workout with the Miami Heat across the country.

"The Heat, they really wanted to see if we were in shape," he said. "This workout was a little lighter than the Heat’s was."

Coleman was the top scorer in NCAA college basketball last season, scoring 25.6 points per game, and finished second in steals with 2.7 per game. He also rebounded the ball well for his height with 7.4 rebounds per game.

Although he was one of the best scorers in the nation, Coleman said he could set up his teammates as well and that he'd fit well with the Kings.

"I'm a playmaker when my shot's not falling," he said. "I lead the nation scoring and No.2 in steals, and I (rebound) too. I took a look at this team, and I think they could use a scorer."

Clemente, a Puerto Rican native, was the second-leading scorer for the Wildcats, averaging 16.6 points and 4.2 assists per game. He said he models his game like fellow Puerto Rican and Dallas Mavericks guard Jose Barea and Golden State Warriors guard Monta Ellis.

"I want to be there," Clemente said about making the NBA. "To be there, you've got to work, you've got to be dedicated to play basketball. I'm ready to be at this level."

Clemente is familiar with Kings swingman Francisco Garcia, who is from the Dominican Republic.

"That's an inspiration for me to see somebody who came from the (Caribbean islands) and play in the NBA," he said.

There are 450 roster spots in the NBA and most of them are already taken. If any prospects aren't drafted this summer, they still have a chance to make a roster by playing for a team in a summer league or surviving a training camp roster in the Fall. They can also try out for a National Basketball Developmental League team as well and hope to be called upon by its NBA affiliate.

Just because a player doesn't land on a roster before the season starts doesn't mean his career is over. Former King and current Chicago Bulls player Brad Miller was not drafted in the 1998 NBA Draft, and he played in Italy.

The Charlotte Hornets, now in New Orleans, picked him up as a free agent after the NBA season began. Later in his career, he became one of the only five undrafted players in history to play in the NBA All-Star Game. He played in back-to-back all-star games from 2003-04 with the Pacers and Kings, respectively.

Sacramento is one of many stops across the country for these prospects. Maybe one of them might be back to play at Arco Arena, right next door to the practice facility where they were trying to make that dream a reality.

Matisyahu, Grandpa. Grandpa, Matisyahu.

2010-05-06T03:20:10Z

The world’s most popular reggae singer came to Sacramento Sunday and played a show in front of 4,000 ecstatic fans.

This, in and of itself, doesn't seem like it would be all that noteworthy. Big stars play shows in Sacramento, if not all the time, at least semi-frequently. I mean, John Mayer is coming to the Sleep Train Amphitheater in August, right? And Carrie Underwood is coming to Arco in a couple of weeks.

But Matisyahu, the Jewish reggae artist whose album, "Bright Side of Life," has been at the top of Billboard’s reggae charts for six weeks, didn't play at Arco for $45 a seat, or Raley Field for 35 bucks a pop, or even Harlow's for 18 a ducat. He played for free, on the Capitol steps, at the Jewish Heritage Festival.

His opening acts? An eco-friendly fashion show, the L.A. Israeli Youth Dance Team and a raffle drawing. To be fair, a juggler, a face painter and Kings’ Mascot Slamson were also running around, but they spent most of their time in the Kids Zone, so I don't really count them as openers.

When I first heard that Matisyahu would be playing a free show on the Capitol steps, I flat-out did not believe it. "You're lying," I commented on a friend’s Facebook post. The man is an international superstar. He's gonna play a free show at a small heritage festival? Yeah, right. Weird Al Yankovic, maybe, but Matisyahu? Not a chance.

I arrived around 1:15 in the afternoon and got confirmation that the Hasidic beatboxer was, in fact, coming, and the performance would start at 3:15.

My next thought was that someone in Sacramento must have compromising photos of the reggae star. Now, this theory is still entirely plausible, but I no longer consider it likely.

I wandered around the west steps of the Capitol, taking in what was an otherwise average heritage festival:

-Informational booths for places like Hillel, Chabad, Knesset Israel Torah Center, European Wax Center and, of course, The Sacramento Press.

-Food carts, heavy on the falafel.

-A street market featuring vendors selling arts, crafts, clothing and specialty foods, including 2 artisan honey vendors.

-A rock climbing wall, bungee basketball, a blow-up slide and other carnival-type attractions in the kid zone.

When I got there, the crowd was about what you'd expect at a Jewish heritage festival. There were a lot of families, a fair amount of seniors and a gaggle of kids. Nothing out of the ordinary. Everybody was in a celebratory mood, smiling and happy. I was often asked enthusiastically about my shirt, which spelled out "Temple Alameda" in Hebrew. No one seemed the least bit disappointed when I explained sheepishly that I was, in fact, a goy, and wore it for solidarity. Actually, I ended up being invited to more than one upcoming Shabbat dinner.

The only inkling of the concert to come was a smattering of hippy-looking kids and a few dreadlocked truststafarians floating around. But as 3 o'clock approached, the demographic began to shift...dramatically.

Kids on skateboards and BMX bikes started streaming in around 2:30 p.m. Next came the beer-soaked college kids and 20-somethings. The main contingent of the Rastas and 4:20 crowd rolled in in a haze of smoke just before Matisyahu was set to hit the stage

"If my boobs had mouths they'd be so drunk right now!" said a particularly buxom young lady who had apparently been spilling most of her drinks down her shirt.

By 3:15, the west steps of the Capitol were overflowing with one of the strangest, most incredible hodgepodge of people you could ever hope to see. From babies in Pampers to octogenarians in Depends, this truly was an all-ages show. Hasidic Jewish rabbis intermingled with high school punk kids and 30-something hipsters, all of whom wore big smiles on their faces.

It was a beautiful day. Nobody seemed to mind much that the star didn't arrive until close to 3:45. When he did show up, his only accompaniment was a buddy on an acoustic guitar. He had a mellow, conversational tone that he maintained throughout the performance. At one point, his cell phone rang. "Should I answer it?" he asked the audience. He did, on speaker.

"Even if I weren't in front of 4,000 people, I couldn't understand you," he said to the guy on the other end of the line. "This guy’s from Long Island. Even New Yorkers don't like Long Island...except Jones Beach," he joked before hanging up and getting back to the music.

His performance was great – a full hour-and-45-minute set without breaks (not counting several interludes to banter with the crowd and one giant hugging session).

He played a bunch of his hits, a cover or two, and some new stuff. He discussed his newly adopted veganism, his guitarist’s upcoming foray into "master cleanse," lamented that he never got to play football ("I had to go to Hebrew school"), recommended a book (“Eating Animals,” by Jonathon Safron Foer) and queried us on our local rivers. He named both the American and the Sacramento, and he even went for a swim in the former!

The show was set to end at 4:30 p.m., but he stayed on a full hour past the scheduled end time. It would have been totally understandable had he decided to blow through a 30-minute set of a few of his hits and ditched town. I half expected it.

But he did nothing of the sort. He put on a fantastic show and really endeared himself to the crowd with his playful engagement. He seemed genuinely happy to be here, playing a free show at a heritage festival. There aren't many artists of his ilk who'd do the same, let alone be happy about it. But Matisyahu isn't just any artist.

Toda, Matisyahu.

As always, the high quality, professional looking shots are the work of my good friend Ahsan Awan. The others are yours truly throwing darts with a point and click.

If you have any thoughts, questions, or angry diatribes you'd like to direct at me, lindol@gmail.com should do the trick.

Evans makes all-rookie team, Casspi gets votes

2010-04-30T18:53:34Z

Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans was a unanimous selection to the T-Mobile NBA All-Rookie First Team.

This news comes less than a day after he was presented his 2009-10 NBA Rookie of the Year award.

All 30 head coaches had five first team votes (worth two points each) and five second team votes (worth one point) to use. Coaches were not allowed to vote for a rookie on their team.

Evans, Golden State's Stephen Curry and Milwaukee's Brandon Jennings were unanimous choices for the first team, all three receiving 58 points. Kings rookie swingman Omri Casspi, the first Israeli-born player in the NBA, missed the second team, finishing with 13 points and three first place votes.

New Orleans' Darren Collison (46 points) and Chicago Bulls' Taj Gibson (41 points) were also chosen for the first team.

The NBA All-Rookie Second Team consists of New Orleans' Marcus Thornton (31 points) and San Antonio's DeJuan Blair (30 points). Oklahoma City's James Harden, Minnesota's Jonny Flynn and Detroit's Jonas Jerebko were all tied, receiving 22 points to finish the second team.

Evans averaged 20.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

Casspi averaged 10.3 points 4.5 rebounds,1.2 assists and 0.7 steals per game.

Photo by Johnathan Mendick.

Evans receives ROY trophy, scenes from the rally

2010-04-30T03:54:55Z

As the 2009-10 NBA Rookie of the Year, Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans was presented the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy in an afternoon press conference today at Arco Arena.

The press room was jam-packed with local and national media and applause for Evans' achievement.

He received 491 points, with 67 first-place votes worth five points each, 50 second-place votes worth three points and six third place votes worth one point. A panel of 123 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada cast their ballots, and Evans came out on top.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry finished in second place with 391 points, Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings finished in third with 204 points and New Orleans Hornets guard Darren Collison finished fourth with 17 points. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jonny Flynn and Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson tied for fifth with two points each.

Evans, of course, became the fourth rookie to average at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists per game, joining Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James. He averaged 20.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game.

He also became the fifth rookie in franchise history and the first in the team’s Sacramento era to win the award. The Kings haven't had a player win a major award since Bobby Jackson won the Sixth Man award in the 2002-2003 season.

"It's just one of the awards that I had to go for," Evans said after being introduced. "I wanted to dream of it since I was little, and (I) finally got a chance to make my dream come true."

Kings President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie said that Evans receiving the award was exciting for Evans, the team and the community.

"This was a season for Tyreke which unfolded like few others," Petrie said. "We took him at No. 4 in the draft last year because we thought he had a chance. He had star potential and had a chance to develop into a star. I think in his first season he has proven to be every bit of that and even more."

Co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof are glad that President Barack Obama saw star potential in Evans too. Evans met the President when the Maloofs invited them both to dinner in Las Vegas.

"Well, I guess the President was right," Gavin said. "We want to thank President Obama for his recommendation of drafting Tyreke Evans with our fourth pick. So, thank you Mr. President."

The crowd shared a laugh after Gavin's opening statement. He continued about Evans and the future of the Kings.

"It's a great day for us and our organization," he said, "one that I've been waiting for for a long time. It's great for our fans around the country and the world to finally see that this is a person who can take us where we need to go. Tyreke has only scratched the surface. His potential's unlimited."

Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal said that although there were other rookies that could have won the award, Evans was at the top of the class.

"It's something we felt, right from the start, was in his destiny," he said. "He earned it. There was a great group of candidates this year. I think Tyreke stood out and won this award because of his consistency.

"The first day he walked into our training facility, the veterans, as soon as he started playing, they started deferring to him. It's like he has this ability to inspire confidence, that he knows what he's doing out there and is there to win. He's all business."

While today was all about him, Evans didn't forget about the players who helped him get to where he was.

"I couldn't have done it without my teammates," he said. "They started it from the beginning. I had a lot of fun playing with them."

Evans also said that he will sign up to participate in Team USA Basketball's mini-camp in Las Vegas, where he will have the chance to be added to the roster for the FIBA World Basketball Championships in Turkey.

Evans was one of three players invited to join the roster. Curry and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jeff Green were also invited.

No one knows which rookie will have the better career down the road, but Evans proved that he was the rookie of the year.

THE PRESS CONFERENCE

THE RALLY AT ARDEN FAIR MALL

Tyreke Evans named NBA Rookie of the Year!

2010-04-29T21:19:33Z

Tyreke Evans of the Sacramento Kings is the recipient of the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy as the 2009-10 T-Mobile NBA Rookie of the Year.

I attended the press conference and spoke with the Kings General Manager Geoff Petrie, Tyreke's Brother - Doc Evans, Tyreke Evans, Kings owners - Joe & Gavin Maloof, and Tyreke's childhood friend - Duane Davis.

Joe & Gavin Maloof also said President Obama suggested they pick Tyreke during the draft and plan on getting more advice from Obama for the next draft! :)

Tyreke was the fourth pick in the NBA Draft 2009 and averaged 20.1 points, as well as team-high 5.8 assists and 5.3 rebounds. Tyreke joins Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James as the only players in NBA history to average at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists in their rookie season!

Tyreke Evans wins NBA Rookie of the Year award

2010-04-29T20:34:04Z

After a historic season averaging 20.1 points, 5.3 rebounds 5.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game, Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans will be named the 2009-10 NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY).

The 20-year-old Chester, Pa. native became the first Kings player to win a postseason award since Bobby Jackson won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2003 and the fifth rookie in franchise history to win the ROY award.

Maurice Stokes of the Rochester Royals, Oscar Robertson and Jerry Lucas of the Cincinnati Royals and Phil Ford of the Kansas City Kings were the first four. Evans is the first of to win the award in the Sacramento era.

He also became the fourth rookie to average 20 points, five rebounds and five assists per game (20-5-5). The first three were Robertson, the Chicago Bulls' Michael Jordan and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James.

Robertson and Jordan became basketball hall of famers, and James is one of the top players in the NBA.

Evans became the second-straight Memphis University alum to win the award. Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls won last year's award.

He also beat the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry and the Milwaukee Bucks’ Brandon Jennings, who were contenders for the award.

Before Evans won the award, Kings President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie explained what the ROY award would mean for him.

"I think it's certainly a validation of Tyreke's play over the course of the entire year," he said. "He certainly helped elevate our team and give it some great promise for the future going forward. Hopefully, his play at both ends of the court will be rewarded."

The Kings had the best chance at the No.1 pick in the 2009 NBA Draft but fell to the No.4 pick in the lottery, the worst-case scenario.

The Kings picked Evans after Blake Griffin was taken by the Los Angeles Clippers, Hasheem Thabeet was taken by the Memphis Grizzlies and James Harden was taken by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Griffin never played a game due to a knee injury, Thabeet became the highest drafted player to be sent to the National Basketball Developmental League and Harden became a role player for the Thunder.

Evans impressed in the Las Vegas Summer League, averaging 19.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and a steal per game for five games.

Evans earned the starting point guard job, replacing incumbent Beno Udrih. In the home opener, the Kings’ leading scorer, Kevin Martin, was injured.

The team learned after the next game that his wrist was broken and the injury forced him to miss the next 32 games.

During the very next game, Evans exploded for 32 points and seven assists in a 104-99 upset win over the Utah Jazz.

He won two Western Conference Rookie of the Month awards for October/November and December, leading the Kings to a 13-13 record since Martin's injury.

Evans has been the best player on the Kings and became a go-to player late in games. He scored the game-winning lay-up on Dec.19 in Milwaukee with less than a second remaining in the game.

Two nights later, he scored the last nine of 11 points of the game for the Kings and helped his team come back from a 35-point deficit in Chicago to defeat the Bulls 102-98. It was the second-largest comeback in NBA history.

The largest comeback occurred in 1996 when the Utah Jazz overcame a 36-point deficit against the Denver Nuggets.

On Jan. 9, Evans hit his second game-winner of the season to help beat the Nuggets.

Evans and with teammate Omri Casspi were the first Kings since Brad Miller and Peja Stojakovic in 2004 to participate in an All-Star event.

Both were selected to start for the Rookie team in the T-Mobil Rookie Challenge in Dallas. The Rookies beat the Sophomores for the first time in eight years by a score of 140-128.

Evans won the Most Valuable Player award for the game, posting 26 points, six rebounds, five assists and five steals.

Evans also played with Team Sacramento in the Haier Shooting Stars competition with former King Chris Webber and former Sacramento Monarch and current New York Liberty forward Nicole Powell. Team Sacramento finished in third place.

After All-Star Weekend, the Kings traded Martin to the Rockets in a three-team trade with the New York Knicks for Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey, re-enforcing their belief in Evans as part of their future.

On March 10, on a night dedicated to him called Rally for RekeROY (Tyreke Evans for Rookie of the Year) Night, Evans earned his first career triple-double against the Toronto Raptors with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 113-90 win.

Only 17 other players recorded a triple-double this season, including Evans' teammate Beno Udrih.

"It was really exciting to see Tyreke have such a fitting night," Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal said after the game. "There are a lot of (good) rookies this year. For this year, it's not even close (for the rookie of the year award)."

In a poll of 173 NBA players conducted by "Sports Illustrated", Lakers teammates Kobe Bryant and Ron Artest were voted the two toughest defenders in the league.

On March 16, Evans was guarded by both of those players in different times of the game and played exceptionally well.

Evans had a near triple-double with 25 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in the 106-99 loss to the Lakers.

In his first match-up against Evans on Dec. 26, Bryant was already impressed by him.

"Tyreke Evans is going to be a hell of a player," he said after he first played against. "(The Kings start) with him, so he has a really bright future."

For most of the season, Evans was on pace to average 20-5-5. On April 12, he secured that milestone in the second-to-last game of the season by scoring 24 points in a 117-107 loss to the Houston Rockets, but it wasn't easy for him.

"That was the hardest basket I ever had to get in my life," he said after the game. "I was trying to get it done in the first half and get it over with. I never knew that I would come into the NBA and average 20-5-5.

"I watched the game a lot growing up, watching (Anfernee) "Penny" Hardaway. Now actually being here, seeing what it's like, it's just a dream come true."

Only two other players in the NBA finished with 20-5-5 this season – James and Bryant.

After the season was over, Evans was one of three players to receive an invite to Team USA Basketball's mini-camp for a chance to compete in the FIBA World Championships in Turkey this summer.

Evans was consistent from the start of the season and has become one of the players in the NBA, earning the respect of 16-year veteran point guard Jason Kidd.

"He has all the skills," the Dallas Mavericks point guard said. "He has the talent to take over the game in scoring and being able to find guys."

Although there was debate that Curry and Jennings were also deserving of the ROY award, the Kings rookie would be the one to receive his crown.

Read Martin McNeal's thoughts on the ROY award here.

Season Highs

Points: 34 Jan. 18 at Charlotte Bobcats

Rebounds: 11 rebounds (4 times) last March 16 vs, Los Angeles Lakers

Assists: 13 (twice) last March 31 at Minnesota

Steals: 4 (twice) last March 30 at Indiana

Blocks: 3 (3 times) last Jan.18 at Charlotte Bobcats

Statistical Rankings

Category: Rank, (Rank Among Rookies)

Points per game: 16th (1st)

Rebounds per game (among guards): 4th (1st)

Assists per game: 15th (2nd)

Steals per game: 16th (2nd)

Blocks per game (among guards): 15th (1st)

Awards/Accomplishments

Oct./Nov. 2009 NBA Rookie of the Month

Dec. 2009 NBA Rookie of the Month

2010 T-Mobile Rookie Challenge Most Valuable Player

2010 Haier Shooting Stars Participant

Fourth rookie to average 20 points, five rebounds and five assists per game

Team USA Basketball 2010 mini-camp invite

2009-10 NBA Rookie of the Year

Photo Credit: Jonathan Mendick

NBA ROY Award: What’s taking so long?

2010-04-27T00:35:51Z

While 16 teams battle to reach the NBA Finals, nine awards are handed out during the playoffs.

So far, six awards have been given out, but fans of the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors and Milwaukee Bucks ask the question: When is the Rookie of the Year (ROY) award going to be announced?

When the award was given out last year, it was given to the Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose one day before Game 3 at Chicago in the first round of the playoffs.

Although ROY contenders Tyreke Evans of the Kings and Stephen Curry of the Warriors aren’t in the playoffs, Brandon Jennings’ Bucks have already played Game 3 in Milwaukee.

Unlike Rose last year, Jennings didn’t get a trophy.

This seemingly narrows it down to Evans and Curry but it is unknown why the award hasn’t been given out yet.

There were previous events scheduled at Arco Arena during the expected arrival of the award that could have delayed its presentation.

In a mixed martial arts event that lasted over six hours, Jose Aldo and hometown favorite Urijah Faber battled for the World Extreme Cagefighting Featherweight Championship last Saturday among other matches.

The day before, the fighters weighed in at a four-and-a-half hour event.

Evans was attendance at the fight, which Aldo won by unanimous decision.

There were no events scheduled at Oracle Arena in Oakland since the Warriors ended its season.

Curry will be at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C. this week for the Quail Hollow Pro-Am golf tournament.

These facts could be a pre-cursor that Evans won the award. Voting for the award ended over a week ago.

This year the schedule for the postseason awards weren't announced so a team whose player wins an award wouldn't know until right before it was announced.

Why the winner of the award hasn’t been announced is still a mystery and the anticipation remains.

The Most Memorable Moment of the Kings this Season

2010-04-21T14:53:51Z

The fans of the Sacramento Kings: What is your most memorable moment of the season?

with:
Megan Ochoa
Ken Birch
Tonya Flaine
Ronald Mocam
Linda Zisko
Scott Smith
Otis Menosco
Nick Rust
Barbara Rust
Amanda Apoghpa
Renee Terado
Jason Moslehi
Jake Walker
Lorna Madison
Reba Domiguez
Kyle Robert
Emmanuel Ringo

Video by: Chris Morrow

Receive Chris Morrow updates: www.twitter.com/morrowchris

Evans to receive invite to Team USA mini-camp

2010-04-16T22:00:02Z

If making history wasn't enough, Tyreke Evans may not be done making accomplishments this summer.

The Sacramento Kings rookie guard is one of three players confirmed by Team USA Basketball's Managing Director Jerry Colangelo to receive invites to its mini-camp, according to the San Jose Mercury News' Tim Kawakami.

The mini-camp will take place in Las Vegas this July.

Evans, along with Golden State Warriors rookie Stephen Curry and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jeff Green are set to be invited.

"We want to get them into the system and get them ready to play," Colangelo said. "Whether it's this cycle or the next."

Kawakami hinted, via Twitter, that the decision came due to a roster expansion to prepare for players skipping the 2010 FIBA World Championships in Turkey.

If he's selected to the Team USA National Team after mini-camp, Evans could play in the championships in August and September.

Evans already has plans for the summer. He's set to train in Hollywood, according to his trainer, LaMont Peterson.

In his first season in the NBA, Evans won two rookie of the month awards, was voted most valuable player of the Rookie-Sophomore Challenge and became the fourth rookie in NBA history to average 20 points, five rebounds and five assists per game.

He's also a contender for the NBA Rookie of the Year award.

If he plays in the world championships it could be a sneak peek of Evans' improvement over the summer before the NBA season begins.

Rick Adelman possible candidate for Head Coach position at University of Oregon

2010-04-15T09:42:23Z

On Monday, April 12th, while at Arco Arena, when asked about rumors that former Sacramento Kings Head Coach, and current Houston Rockets Head Coach, Rick Adelman, had been mentioned as a candidate for the University of Oregon Men's Basketball Head Coach position, Rockets Assistant Coach, R.J. Adelman, seemed to brush off the question and the rumor by saying "yeah, I heard about that. Who hasn't been named?" However, a source has indicated that the senior Adelman may in fact not only be a candidate, but that an announcement may come in the next several days. Again, the Rockets/Adelman camp seems to dismiss the possibility.

Pictured below: current Houston Rockets Head Coach, Rick Adelman, current Houston Rockets Assistant Coach, R.J. Adelman, and current Houston Rockets (and former University of Oregon) point guard, Aaron Brooks.

The 63 year old coach was a 7th round selection of what was then the San Diego Rockets in the 1968 NBA draft. He played for several teams in the league, including the Kansas City - Omaha Kings, who moved to Sacramento in 1985. Adelman was the Head Coach of the Portland Trailblazers from 1989 to 1994. He was the Head Coach of the Golden State Warriors for two years beginning in 1995. He then became the Head Coach of the Sacramento Kings in 1998, and remained in Sacramento until 2006. He has been the Head Coach of the Houston Rockets since 2007, where, incidentally, he coaches former Oregon point guard, Aaron Brooks, who is a leading contender for the NBA's 2010 Most Improved Player award.

Indeed, the Adelmans are not strangers to Oregon. Before coaching the Trailblazers, Rick Adelman coached at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon. His son, current Houston Rockets Assistant Coach, R.J. Adelman, played college basketball at Salem-based Willamette University. He was a four year letterman in basketball. In fact, before his NBA career, which includes advance scouting work with the Seattle SuperSonics (now the Oklahoma City Thunder) and the Sacramento Kings. R.J. attended the University of Oregon School of Law and practiced law in Portland before joining Maloof Sports and Entertainment, and eventually joining his father in Houston.

Make no mistake, R.J Adelman's response when questioned was not at all inaccurate or misleading. He is an amazingly intelligent and likeable man. Many names have been mentioned in connection with the Oregon vacancy over the past month. Tom Izzo, Tubby Smith, Rick Pitino, Billy Donovan, Jamie Dixon, Mark Turgeon, Brad Stevens and Mike Anderson round out the major college coaches who have been rumored to be in the mix. From professional ranks, there has been mention of P.J. Carlesimo, Rick Adelman, Terry Porter and Fred Jones. Who hasn't been named is more than a fair response.

Simple fairness of the response, however, does not mean there is no truth to the rumor. Perhaps we'll know with more certainty within a few days. Not only would that be news for University of Oregon fans, but it certainly would be news for the NBA, and especially the Western Conference. If Adelman does indeed step into the Head Coach role at Oregon, the Western Conference will change. Since his departure from Sacramento, the Kings have not returned to the NBA playoffs. A departure from Houston, together with the uncertainty surrounding Rockets star, Yao Ming, may actually signal middle tier breakdown that may be just the opportunity Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal and company need - in addition to another top draft pick - to accelerate a return to the playoffs.

One thing is certain. You can't please all of the people all of the time. Whether leaving the Southwest, or returning to the Pacific Northwest, opinions are sure to be mixed. Rick Adelman is an excellent coach. It was a privilege to see him coach the Sacramento Kings, it has been exciting to watch him coach the Houston Rockets, and it would be great to have a coach of his caliber and experience lead the Oregon Ducks.

Kings Fans on Favorite Player

2010-04-14T18:07:21Z

The fans of the Sacramento Kings: Who are the Kings fans favorite player?

Order of appearance:
Megan Ochoa
Ken Birch
Tonya Flaine
Ronald Mocam
Linda Zisko
Scott Smith
Otis Menosco
Nick Rust
Barbara Rust
Amanda Apoghpa
Renee Terado
Jason Moslehi
Jake Walker
Lorna Madison
Reba Domiguez
Kyle Robert
Emmanuel Ringo

Video by: Chris Morrow

Follow Chris' adventures on Twitter: www.twitter.com/morrowchris

Final Home Game is One for the Record Books

2010-04-14T02:01:30Z

Monday night at Arco Arena had more story lines than a modern day movie franchise. Speaking of which, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was in attendance. He was flanked by Mayor Kevin Johnson sitting courtside opposite the Kings' side of center court. Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal entered the game with a contract extension through the 2011-2012 season. Former Kings Head Coach, and current Houston Rockets Head Coach, Rick Adelman lead the opposing team. Former Kings player, Kevin Martin, was on the court for the Rockets. Former Rockets 2-time NBA Champion, 10-time NBA All-Star, and NBA Hall of Fame member, Clyde "The Glide" Drexler was in the house. Rockets forward, Shane Battier, was in street clothes throughout the game. Rockets center, Yao Ming, did not make the trip.

Asked about Yao's condition, Rockets Assistant Coach R.J. Adelman said, "he's improving." Asked about his whereabouts, Adelman would only say this, "he's between here and there." There was no indication of any truth to rumors of an early retirement by the Chinese star. Asked about the rumors that Head Coach Rick Adelman was mentioned regarding the current University of Oregon men's basketball head coaching vacancy, where, incidentally, R.J. attended law school, the young Assistant Coach laughed and said, "yeah, I heard about that. Who hasn't been named?" While that doesn't dismiss the rumor per se, it's safe to say it's highly unlikely. In fact, Houston's lineup features point guard Aaron Brooks, an Oregon Duck alum, who averages 19.8 points per game and is a leading contender for the NBA's Most Improved Player award. In fact, if ESPN's analyst poll results prove accurate, he may be a lock. Versus his performance at Arco Arena last year, Brooks has improved significantly. He did an excellent job guarding Kings guard, Tyreke Evans.

Speaking of awards, perhaps the single greatest moment for the record books came with 6:46 remaining in the fourth quarter. That's when Evans made two free throws to overcome an incredible second half drought. With 3:43 remaining in the third quarter, Evans was so tired that he needed to come out of the game. In fact, he asked the coach to pull him out. When he returned, presumably rested, and with 9:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, the crowd cheered, but the drought continued. Those last two points were the hardest fought that professional basketball has seen in quite some time. Nothing would fall. That is, until, a call finally went his way. Tyreke went to the line and made history.

20-5-5 - Goal Accomplished. That's what the big screen said during a long timeout that revealed more Rockets players looking up at the screen than down at the whiteboard. Despite that amazing accomplishment, momentum did not swing Sacramento's direction. Houston maintained the pace, and the Kings lost the game. While that might dampen some spirits, some sitting courtside were pleased. The loss ensures the Kings of a bottom-five league record that keeps them in the NBA draft lottery pick hunt.

They say a picture says a thousand words. Images from the game tell the story best.

For Sacramento, the final game of the season tips off Tuesday, April 13th at 7:30pm PST when the Kings play the Lakers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Peterson witnesses Evans' growth

2010-04-13T19:57:42Z

Tyreke Evans has been an impact player for the Sacramento Kings. The rookie guard from the University of Memphis has gained national attention for the whole season.

Like all NBA players, Evans had to start somewhere, and LaMont Peterson, part of Team Tyreke, helped him grow into the player he is today.

He joined Team Tyreke along with Evans' older brothers Reggie, Doc and Pooh and cousin Temetrius, along with Evans' best friend, Dwayne Davis.

"I was introduced to his family by a mutual friend," Peterson said. "I thought he was an average 14-year-old. There was nothing physically that stood out about him. He was about 6 feet 3 inches, 165 pounds. It wasn't like there was this great, physical presence."

Then something stood out about Evans that separated him from basketball other prep players in the country.

"I saw where he was ranked," he said. "(He was the) No.1 player in the country, but I didn't see that by just (training) him for the first time."

Six years later, Evans is listed at 6 feet 6 inches and 220 pounds. Coming out of college, he was widely regarded for having an NBA-type body.

After training Evans over an extended time, Peterson saw his talent progress.

"As I got to see him play more and more, I got to appreciate his presence, his savvy, his IQ and what he brings to a team," he said.

After Evans finished high school at American Christian Academy in Aston, Pa. 2008, he played with the Memphis Tigers under head coach John Calapari. Peterson's role would change.

"Coach Calapari had an opening and he hired me as assistant coach on staff," he said. "I made sure the guys were in class. I wasn't allowed on court during practice because of NCAA rules limiting how many staff members are allowed to work on-court during practices."

After a one-and-done freshman season at Memphis, Evans declared for the 2009 NBA Draft. Now, Peterson would have to help Team Tyreke prepare Evans for training in front of NBA scouts across the country. It started by hiring Arm Tellem as his agent.

In Los Angeles, Evans worked out with Tellem's clients, including fellow rookies Wayne Ellington and Gerald Henderson Henderson and NBA stars Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook.

After traveling all over the country for workouts, draft day finally arrived and Team Tyreke members had one team they wanted Evans to land with.

"We felt that Sacramento was the best place for him," Peterson said. "It was a small town, there wouldn't be a lot of pressure on him. We thought that this would be the perfect place for him to grow and develop and become a go-to guy, franchise-type player."

Evans was chosen No. 4 overall in the NBA draft by the Kings, and Team Tyreke’s members’ wishes came true.

"It's surreal," Peterson said." At times it seems like a dream and (unreal) because this is all we've been preparing for.

"His older brother, Reggie Evans, who's his legal guardian and his business manager, put together a plan what we call 'The Blueprint,' and we've stuck to it for the past four years. So, to see this happen is a fruition of four to five years of hard work and effort."

Evans trained in Chester, Penn., before coming to Sacramento for training camp. They felt that Evans would be a starter from day one, Peterson said about Team Tyreke. After preseason ended, Evans played his first NBA game at Oklahoma City against the Thunder.

"It's incredible," he said after watching Evans step on an NBA court for the first time. "It was finally realization of all your dreams. We shared this dream with him. To know you helped play a part in his success – there's no better feeling in the world."

Evans appreciates Peterson's support through the season.

"He's around every game," Evans said. "He's been a big support."

His brother, Doc, agrees with Evans.

"He's been very influential," Doc said about Peterson’s affect on Evans. "He's been really instrumental in getting (Evans') body ready for the college and the pro level. We've been doing that for a long time, and LaMont's been a major part of that."

After Kevin Martin was ruled out to a long-term wrist injury, Evans exploded onto the scene. Now that Evans' season is almost over, Team Tyreke will have training set up for him in Los Angeles.

"We want him to be able to play 40 minutes every game next year," Peterson said. "We want him to be injury-free. Obviously you can't predict injuries, but we do a lot of preventive (things)."

Peterson has been with Evans preparing him for the NBA. There's no reason that his work with him should end anytime soon.

TWO STORIES: TYREKE & KINGS MAKE HISTORY

2010-04-13T18:27:42Z

Tyreke Joins the Elite

Prior to the game, the conversational topic of choice was Tyreke's chase of the 20-5-5 title. (That is, he was on track to join Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Oscar Robertson as the only players ever to average at least 20 points/5 rebounds/5 assists per game in their rookie season.) He had already garnered enough rebounds and assists to guarantee the necessary minimum, so the remaining suspense was to score 24 more points before completing the trifecta.

We all hoped he would do it tonight, but no one had given any thought to his doing it before halftime. Yet, the first half played out more like a Hollywood script than an actual game.

There was Kevin Martin, returning to Sacramento for the first time since his trade to Houston. His loud and warm reception during introductions (a standing ovation for many) was infectious. Martin responded with 26 points in the amazing half, 39 for the game. Even Paul Westphal later admitted that, in conflict with his duties as Kings coach, his heart was happy for KMart.

There was Carl Landry, facing his own former mates for the first time on his new turf. As with Martin, the affectionate embraces with his ex-comrades added a poignant touch as the game was about to start. Landry responded with 13 points in that magical first half.

Martin and Landry warmed the heart, but it was Evans who made the heart flutter. With 3:27 left in the first half, he scored his 20th point, and the tension became palpable throughout Arco Arena. Only 4 points left, he’s racking up almost a point a minute, and 20-5-5 by half time became a realistic possibility.

At 3:06, Evans missed a jump shot, and the crowd groaned. At 2:01, he traveled, and the crowd booed (the refs). At 1:15, he sank two free throws, now needing just one more basket. He missed a jump shot, a lay-up, a jump shot. The half ended without the historic achievement, but with the Kings leading 67-62.

The wait became tormenting. As the second half progressed, the anticipation became a roar every time Evans touched the ball. The anxiety continued, as he missed four more shots, was taken out of the game to settle down, returned to the action at 9:30 of the final quarter, missed again, and then was fouled on a drive to the bucket at 6:46.

Oh, it would have been so much easier and quicker had he simply sunk a basket, rather than have to endure the extended torture of free throws. But with the crowd standing and cheering, Evans, his emotionless face masking a racing heart, rattled in the first, swished the second, and made history. He later confided to me that he couldn’t remember being more nervous than when he stood at the line.

The Kings never really recovered from that stretch of distraction, and went on to lose the game. For fuller coverage and additional insights into Tyreke's accomplishment, see Rob Small’s article. For a more detailed analysis of the entire game, see Marty McNeal’s column.

A SacPress Scoop!
Kings Make History

Unfortunately, I cannot confirm this. No statistics are kept on what you are about to read. But, after speaking with players, fans, and Coach Westphal, I am convinced that this never happened before.

It was earlier in the season last year. I believe it was November 7 against Utah, but I’m too old to trust my memory on the exact game. Coach Westphal matched Sergio Rodriguez (Spain) with Beno Udrich (Slovenia) at the guard position. Omri Casspi (Israel) and Andres Nocioni (Argentina) were at forward. Playing center was Spencer Hawes from a place called America. And, for the first time that anyone could remember, one NBA team was represented by five players from five different countries! You read it here first, at SacramentoPress.com.

Kings Fans on the Coach - Paul Westphal

2010-04-13T15:33:43Z

The coach of the Sacramento Kings - Paul Westphal: What do the Kings Fans thinks about him?

Order of appearance:
Linda Curtis
Megan Ochoa
Ken Birch
Tonya Flaine
Ronald Mocam
Linda Zisko
Scott Smith
Otis Menosco
Nick Rust
Barbara Rust
Amanda Apoghpa
Renee Terado
Jason Moslehi
Jake Walker
Lorna Madison
Reba Domiguez
Kyle Robert
Emmanuel Ringo

Video by: Chris Morrow

Follow Chris' adventures on Twitter: www.twitter.com/morrowchris

A Sports Reporter's Debut

2010-04-12T19:27:11Z

My First Day

5:28 pm: I park at Arco Arena. Told to arrive at 5:30 pm, I feel energized and confident at this rare and auspicious beginning of being right on time. I walk a few steps behind a photographer who is saddled with equipment. It brings back not-so-fond memories of my videography career, memories of walking toward weddings laden with my own baggage, and I smile from my happiness at my empty hands. I then remember the notes, clipboard, digital recorder, and binoculars I left in my car. I turn around, and am no longer “right on time.”

5:35 pm: I am ushered into the press lounge. I knew there would be food, but I had anticipated corn dogs and nachos, not gourmet cuisine from Bella Bru. As I eat, eat some more, and eat some more, I go over my notes and realize that the story I had intended to do would entail more locker room interviewing than I would have after the game. I decide I’ll just do straight game coverage.

6:15 pm: I have a nice conversation with Grant Napier, and we share memories of being Yankee fans growing up on Long Island. He tells me that I also have locker room access prior to the game, so it would be theoretically possible to do the story. Theoretically. He also informs me that the pre-game access ends at 6:15. It occurs to me that the omens, which once looked so promising, might now be telling me to spend the next few hours enjoying the cuisine, and then go home to watch the game on DVR.

6:30 pm: I make my way up to the press box and find my seat, which is reserved by a printed place card. As nonchalantly as possible, I photograph my place card. The fact that my first name is misspelled momentarily distracts me from the disappointment that my last name is misspelled. I note that there are 3 televisions in the press box, and anticipate that televised coverage would be helpful for me and my fellow reporters. For the rest of the evening, all three sets remained tuned to the Giants baseball game.

7:05 pm: The Star-Spangled Banner. I once heard Mark Cuban (Mavericks owner) bragging on radio that he has all his players, foreign and domestic, put their hands to their hearts during the anthem as a way of bonding and expressing fellowship. Sure enough, all the Mavericks make this heartwarming gesture -- except one. I won’t mention his name — but you know who you are, monsieur. (Interesting side note: the Mavericks have a backup guard named Rodrigue Beaubois.) Anyway, the singer is the most adorable little girl this side of Youtube. The crowd roars as she raises her voice an extra octave and almost hits the high note in “land of the FREEEEE.”

The First Quarter: The game does not begin well. Seventy-nine seconds into play, the Kings call a time-out to get reorganized. They hang with the Mavericks for a few minutes, but Kings turnovers and Mavericks points pile up. The sixth turnover occurs, we’re 17 points down, and the first quarter isn’t even over. In fact, there are still 2 more turnovers to come. But, Tyreke steals the ball, scores his 8th point, and the quarter ends with the Kings down by 11.

The Second Quarter: Things are looking better. The Kings close the gap to 6 points and keep it close for most of the quarter. I’m not yelling or whistling, but I’m making quiet fist pumps when we do something good, along with barely audible groans when the ball doesn’t fall our way. I am trying to blend in with the dispassionate demeanors of my colleagues. Then, during one of the time-out giveaways, a reporter jumps eagerly as a rolled up t-shirt is catapulted toward the press box. She later informs me that she was just trying to protect herself. Meanwhile, turnovers are way down, but not the point deficit, and we end the half trailing by 15.

Half-time: I strike up a conversation with Marty McNeal, one of Sacramento’s more renowned sports reporters. We talk about growing up in New York. I ask him where he is working, now that he is no longer with the Bee, and he tell me he is there for The Sacramento Press. To paraphrase Ross Perot, “the giant sucking sound” was my confidence escaping into the rafters of Arco Arena. What can my first sports coverage possibly add to Marty’s, if we are writing for the same people? I start preparing a different game plan for Monday’s season closer against Houston.

Postscript

Monday Afternoon: I find out that I was supposed to upload my story myself...24 hours ago. I think Agent Maxwell Smart said it best, when he said “Sorry about that, Chief.”

Despite Mavericks victory, Kings show promise in another inspired outing

2010-04-12T07:44:36Z

There are three bright spots from the Kings' performance against Dallas on Saturday night. First, the Kings can score, and they can score a lot. No matter who the opponent is, there is no opportunity to relax, let alone have an off day. Tyreke Evans is another bright spot. In his quest to win NBA Rookie of the Year honors, he merely needs to finish out with statistics that keep pace with his season averages. He's doing that. Finally, there's the issue of lottery picks and the NBA draft. The loss against Dallas all but assures Sacramento of finishing the season inside the NBA's bottom five. Accomplishing these three things is something to celebrate now and build upon in the future.

The conversations between some fans before the Mavericks game suggested a loss was inevitable. One fan said that simply looking at the records of the Sacramento Kings (25-55) and the Dallas Mavericks (53-27) revealed how polar opposite the teams are. While the Kings are two off the bottom of the Western Conference standings, and playing their final season games this week, the Mavericks rank second in the west and are ready for the NBA playoffs.

"This should be the Mavericks' year," said Randy Silva, a Kings fan first, but a self-proclaimed fan of the NBA's Western Conference as well. At the very least, the Mavericks do appear poised for a lengthy Western Conference Finals series versus none other than the Los Angeles Lakers. A lot can happen between now and then. Indeed, the Mavericks gave up 108 points to the Kings despite a still defense.

Notwithstanding the final score, the Mavericks do appear different from the Kings. The Mavericks have veteran leadership, show no sign of fourth quarter fatigue, have one of the more active and energetic benches in the league, and they have an even more enthusiastic team owner right behind them. A losing record and an old arena might keep some fans away - attendance was only 15,247 at Arco Arena on Saturday night - but that did not stop Mark Cuban from showing up. Appreciative fans lined up on multiple occasions to take pictures with him, and he obliged every single request.

However, the Dallas offense won the night. 126 total points. Dirk Nowitzki scored 39 points. Jason Kidd, the forever-fantastic regional product who grew up in Oakland Hills, earned yet another amazing triple double adding 11 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds.

Images from the game tell the story of what happened on the court Saturday night.

Final home game of the season: the Houston Rockets. Tip off is shceduled for 7pm PST on Monday, April 12th. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, Kings.com, and the Arco Arena Box Office.

Kings Win and Tyreke Impresses

2010-04-10T06:35:45Z

The fourth overall pick in the 2009 NBA draft has more than met expectations. Simply stated, when Tyreke Evans is on the court, the Kings play inspired basketball. The 116-94 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers simply added to the list of highlights that support his bid for Rookie of the Year honors. Tyreke's 28 points led all scorers, his 7 assists were second only to the Clippers' Baron Davis, and his team-leading 63% shooting from the field was actually the best on either bench. Many fans worried that a win would end the Kings' chances of being part of the draft lottery. However, today's NBA standings reveal that Sacramento remains among the contenders. Scenes from the game tell the story best.

Before you think it was all Tyreke, check out these other notable moments.

Next up, the Dallas Mavericks. Tip off is shceduled for 7pm PST on Saturday, April 10th. Tickets aer available through Ticketmaster, Kings.com, and the Arco Arena Box Office.

The history of the NBA Rookie of the Year

2010-04-10T00:22:50Z

At the end of every season, the NBA Rookie of the Year (ROY) Award is awarded to the best rookie of the season.

Don Meineke was the first to win the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy in the 1952-53 season. Of the 56 ROYs, 21 basketball hall-of-famers, from Oscar Robertson to Michael Jordan, have emerged.

More than 53 percent of retired ROYs were voted into the hall of fame.

The next trophy could be coming to Sacramento as Kings guard Tyreke Evans tries to make history becoming the fourth rookie to average 20 points, five rebounds and five assists for a season. The first three were Robertson, Jordan and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James.

Portland Trail Blazers Television Analyst Mike Rice knows exactly how the ROY is selected because he has a vote.

"Rookie of the year is decided by votes from announcers that see the teams, beat writers that see all the teams all the time," he said. "You can't get a vote if you're a columnist or someone who doesn't see every team during the year. It is just distributed through TV and radio analysts, play-by-play men and beat writers."

Voters cast three votes: A first-place vote worth five points, a second-place vote worth three points and a third-place vote worth one point.
Many rookies who have won the award have gone on to lead their teams to bright futures. Blazers Head Coach Nate McMillan knows this firsthand. His team traded for Brandon Roy, the 2007 ROY, on NBA Draft Day 2006.

The team went from being known as the infamous "Jail Blazers" to a young team with championship potential.

"We thought he had a lot of potential," McMillan said. "He has continued to show the potential that he has. Of course, when you do have a guy that comes in and plays well, as Brandon did, and wins the rookie of the year in a situation where you're trying to gain you're fan base back – it's good to have a player like that, to give the fans something to look forward to in the future"

During his rookie season, Roy was focused on winning rather than the ROY award.

“The whole year I wasn't going for rookie of the year," he said. "I was just trying to do my best to try to help my team win. That's always been my goal. I don't want to put that pressure on myself trying to win an award. So I just always go out there, play to win, good things happen."

The season before the Blazers traded for Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge in June 2006, they finished with a record of 21-61. In Roy's rookie season, the team finished with a 32-50 record. Two seasons after building through the draft and trades, the Blazers earned a 54-28 record.

The San Antonio Spurs also know how a rookie can make an immediate impact. When hall-of-fame center and former ROY David Robinson was injured, the Spurs, a perennial playoff team, slipped to the third-worst record in the NBA and grabbed the top spot in the NBA Draft Lottery.

With the No. 1 pick in the 1997 draft, the team drafted Tim Duncan, who became the 1998 ROY. A year later, he earned his first of four NBA Championships and first of three Finals Most Valuable Player awards.

"It was a great season for me," he said. "Better than that, I was on a very good team, and we made the playoffs, it (was) a great year."

His head coach, Gregg Popovich, thought it was a no-brainer to draft Duncan, who is widely regarded as the best power forward of all time.

"It was a thrill and a pleasure because (he was) already a heck of a player when he came to us," he said. "It was just an unbelievable stroke of luck and good fortune on our part."

There have been ROYs who didn't pan out. Damon Stoudamire was the 1996 ROY for the Toronto Raptors, averaging 19 points and a career-high 9.3 assists per game.

After two and a half seasons in Toronto, he was traded to the Blazers. His numbers dropped, and he was never the same player the Raptors had drafted.

The Kings have numerous connections to the ROY award. Robertson, Maurice Stokes, Jerry Lucas and Phil Ford were ROYs during the franchise's days in Rochester, Cincinnati and Kansas City.

Notable former Kings players Chris Webber and Mitch Richmond were also ROYs, both with the Golden State Warriors.

Kings President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie was a co-ROY in 1971 for the Blazers with hall-of-famer Dave Cowens.

"It was really exciting at the time," Petrie said. "To share it with Dave Cowens of the Boston Celtics, coming from an expansion team like Portland, it was a fun season and I think it was good for the franchise and all of my teammates."

Petrie said he thinks that Evans winning the ROY award could have the same impact on the Kings franchise.

Evans feels like he's had a good season, but he didn't know how well he would play.

"I didn't know that I'd be averaging 20 (points per game)," he said. "When you're doing that, I think that's a blessing for me, being a rookie and coming here making a big impact in this league."

In the end, the voters decide who the ROY award will go to. Along with Evans, Warriors guard Stephen Curry and Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings are also in the running. Rice, who has a vote, has already made up his mind.

"At the start of the year, it looked like Jennings of Milwaukee, of course, was going to be the leader because of his 55-point game," he said. "But once Tyreke Evans got started, he's probably the most consistent of the three rookie of the year candidates. Curry came out late and played well for Golden State.

"I have a vote for rookie of the year, and I'm going to vote for (Evans) because of his consistency, and if you look at his (statistics), no other rookie (is averaging 20 points, five rebounds and five assists per game),” Rice said. “That's Oscar Robertson, MJ and LeBron. Those guys did that their rookie year, and that's putting Tyreke in a great category with those guys. I think he's (deserving) of the rookie of the year, which I think he will win."

Kings #1 Fans & Tyreke Evans

2010-04-09T16:33:56Z

Another winning game for the Sacramento Kings against the Clippers. I spoke with #1 Kings fans before the game.

order of appearance:
Jeff Mackey
Catherine Ewing
RJ Smith
Mathew & Melissa Lyon
Linda Curtis
Blake Butler & Charlie Barry

video by: Chris Morrow
4.8.10 Sacramento

Tyreke Evans - Rookie of the year favorite!

2010-04-08T03:36:22Z

Sacramento Kings Rookie - Tyreke Evans is favorite for the NBA Rookie of the year. Check out the video.

Order of appearance:
Tyreke Evans - #13 Sacramento Kings
Lamont Peterson - Tyreke Evans Personal Trainer
Paul Westphal - Sacramento Kings Head Coach
Jon Brockman - #40 Sacramento Kings
Beno Udrih - #19 Sacramento Kings
Tyreke Evans - #13 Sacramento Kings

What do you think - Rookie of the year?

Kings unable to keep up with Blazers

2010-04-05T00:46:54Z

It was a close game for about 45 minutes when the Sacramento Kings played the Portland Trailblazers on Saturday. But ultimately, the Kings lost, 98-87.

Four of Portland’s starters, including Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, and second-year forward Nicolas Batum, each scored 21 or more points while Beno Udrih, Carl Landry and Jason Thompson each chipped in nice games for the Kings. The game was close all night but it was Kings rookie Omri Casspi who finally got the fans on their feet with a three-pointer. It was followed a couple of possessions later by a tough layup that drew a foul. In the end it was too much Portland scoring that sealed the victory.

The Blazers, one of the league’s hottest teams, are looking to improve their seeding in the playoff race to avoid playing the Lakers in the first round.

The Kings, on the other hand, were coming off an 0-5 road trip and looking to finish the season on a high note with five of their last six games at Arco Arena. Sacramento is going short-handed the rest of the way without Spencer Hawes, who has a season-ending knee injury and Francisco Garcia, who is resting a sore wrist.

Jason Thompson was starting center again and he had a nice game. He avoided the foul trouble that has plagued him much of the year and brought him much time on the bench. Tyreke Evans had a very quiet night, scoring just six points against a tough Blazer defense. Evans was able to get through a handful of times but the layups were not falling. Evans’ quest to become the fourth rookie in NBA history to average 20 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds is becoming more challenging, especially after a night like Saturday. He’ll need to average about 22 points per game in the remaining five games of the season to earn his place in history.

Evans may need those numbers to earn Rookie of the Year honors; fellow rookies Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) and Brandon Jennings (Milwaukee Bucks) are playing well for their respective teams and much of the focus is back on them.

Kings introduce "Skater Night" ticket package

2010-04-03T02:43:15Z

Sacramento Kings fans can buy a package for "Skater Night" on April 10, promoting the Maloof Money Cup.

For $49, fans get two tickets worth $40.50 each to watch the Kings take on Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks, meet professional skaters Ryan Sheckler, Brandon Biebel and Steve Caballero, and the choice of a Biebel skteboard deck by GIRL or Maloof Money Cup hat by Neff.

Fans are invited to bring their skateboards to the outdoor miniskate park before the game, starting at 4 p.m. Skater-themed prizes will be awarded throughout the evening, including a trip to the Maloof Money Cup in Costa Mesa in August.

The Cup, created by Kings co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof, is an annual skateboarding festival that hosts the U.S. Pro Men's and Women's Street Championships, and the U.S. Pro Vert and Maloof Money Cup Amateur championships.

This year, the event will take place in Flushing Meadows in Queens, N.Y., on June 5 and 6 and Costa Mesa from August 4-8.

The event, which was started in 2008, will give out $450,000 in prize money, the biggest pot in professional skateboarding history.

The Maloofs also created the Maloof Skateboarding Assistance Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides monetary support for injured skateboarders and builds skate parks.

Tickets for Skater Night can be purchased at the Arco Arena box office or online at Ticketmaster.

Kings fall to T-Wolves, 108-99

2010-04-01T03:46:37Z

No, you read it right. This is not an early April Fool’s gag. The Sacramento Kings did lose to the Minnesota Timberwolves in their fifth and final game of the road trip.

The Timberwolves (14-60) snapped a 16-game losing streak against the Kings (24-51), who are on a streak of their own. The Kings have lost their last six games.

The Kings followed up last night’s terrible third-quarter performance, where they scored 14, with a second quarter in which they only scored 13.

Minnesota’s big men controlled the paint and ultimately the game.

Minnesota shot 56 percent compared to the Kings’ 46 percent. The Timberwolves are known just as well for their shooting as they are for their winning.

Sacramento could not stop Minnesota down low.

The infamous Darko Milicic scored 15 points, grabbed 10 boards and had five blocks. Milicic averages 5.4 points per game and 4.4 rebounds per game and was able to get his third double-double of the season against the struggling Kings.

Al Jefferson and Kevin Love also contributed to the handling of the Kings, adding double-doubles as well.

Even though Tyreke Evans tied his career-high in assists with 13, the Kings were unable to muster a comeback victory. The Kings made a few runs late, but it wasn’t enough. Evans added 20 points along with three steals.

Donte Greene and Carl Landry also contributed, with Landry scoring 22 and Greene adding 21. Greene shot eight for 13 from the field and made five of six three-pointers.

Add Spencer Hawes to the list of wounded Kings as he sat out with a left hamstring contusion. Garcia (wrist), May (knee) and McGuire (foot), are also injured.

The Kings fly back to Sacramento tonight, where they will get some time to practice before they play the Portland Trailblazers. The Kings look to get their first win against the Trailblazers this season.

&ldquoPeople have texted me a lot saying I got a chance to make history,” Evans said before the game in an interview with Kings play-by-play man Grant Napear. “I try to not let it get to me, but I’m (going to) just go out there and play my game and help my team win.”

Although they didn’t get the win, Tyreke got closer to 20-5-5, currently needing only 107 points and 15 boards in the next six games to etch his name in the history books.

Mayor Johnson learns from trip to New York City

2010-03-31T07:00:03Z

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson advice on what makes other cities successful at a meeting in New York City.

Johnson also met with NBA Commissioner David Stern and Macy’s CEO Terry Lundgren.

"You have to be responsive to the needs of your city," Johnson said that Bloomberg told him. "You have to not only prioritize, but you have to be able to implement, execute and actualize whatever those happen to be."

Johnson listed public safety, education, job creation and economic development as the city's top priorities. There are other issues that Johnson will be looking at.

"Then he said that (there are) things that aren't your priorities that you should be thinking about," Johnson said. "In Sacramento, we've been hit pretty hard by the foreclosure crisis. So, how are we as a city responding to the needs of people in Sacramento, who are losing their homes?"

When Johnson met with Lundgren, the Macy's CEO assured that he supports his store in the Westfield Downtown Plaza mall.

"We had a frank and very straightforward conversation," he said. "He's very committed on the vision we have for the Downtown Plaza. I let him know that we value Macy's and we're committed to making sure his stores are successful."

Johnson called the downtown mall "an embarrassment and an eyesore." The mall recently lost an iconic landmark, the Hard Rock Café. He said that changing the mall's format from inward-facing to outward-facing is an idea that is floating around.

When he said that he visited Stern, he had nothing new to report.

"It was really an update on the arena and the entertainment and sports complex in the railyards," Johnson said.

He did bring some good news home about what Stern said about the city and its team the Sacramento Kings.

"He said this time and time again: that Sacramento is an attractive market to the NBA, and that is why they're committed to being here. He is committed to the Kings being here, (and) he's committed to doing everything that he can to make sure that we're successful."

Click here to watch Mayor Johnson's press conference.

Photo by Rob Small

Tyreke Tuesdays: Evans could return today

2010-03-30T18:41:01Z

After sitting out five games, Sacramento Kings rookie guard Tyreke Evans could play today against the Indiana Pacers.

After sustaining a concussion when the Milwaukee Bucks' Ersan Ilyasova inadvertently hit him with an elbow, he sat out for three games before practicing last Thursday in Boston. When Evans complained of a headache at practice, the team ruled him out for the next two games.

The Kings (24-50) have not done well since Evans' injury, compiling a 1-4 record since then. After beating the Los Angeles Clippers in L.A., the Kings lost at home against the Memphis Grizzlies the next night.

The team left for a five-game road trip and lost to a then seven-win New Jersey Nets team, the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team with the league's best record.

The Kings could have Evans back today in Indianapolis, but teammate Beno Udrih has shined in his absence.

Udrih dished out a career-high 17 assists in the win against the Clippers, matching the Clippers' assist total in the game. He had only one turnover while the Clippers had 17. In the loss to the Cavs, he recorded his first triple-double, posting 18 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists.

Udrih became the second player to achieve a triple-double when facing LeBron James. The first to do it was former King Mike Bibby on Jan. 20, 2005.

During Evans' absence, Udrih has averaged 18.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 11.8 assists and 2.4 steals per game.

Evans will continue his attempt to become the fourth rookie in NBA history to average 20 points, five rebounds and five assists per game. If he plays in the remaining eight games of the season, he needs 104 points, 26 rebounds and only one assist to accomplish this milestone.

Beside the Pacers, the Kings will face the Minnesota Timberwolves the day after in Minneapolis and the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, after the team comes home.

Evans to miss Celtics and Cavs games

2010-03-25T22:08:22Z

Sacramento Kings rookie guard Tyreke Evans will miss the next two games after complaining of a headache during today's practice in Boston.

Evans sustained a concussion last Friday at home when Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova hit him in the head with an elbow late in the fourth quarter.

Evans has missed three games so far and will miss tomorrow's game against the Boston Celtics and Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Swingman Francisco García has started in Evans place for the past three games.

The Kings are 1-2 since Evans was injured, including a loss to the New Jersey Nets, the team with an NBA-worst 8-63 record.

Kings' new Tyreke Evans ticket package: Chasing History

2010-03-25T05:03:39Z

The Sacramento Kings unveiled a new ticket package centering around rookie its phenom Tyreke Evans.

The "Chasing History Ticket Package" is based on Evans trying to reach the milestone of becoming the fourth rookie in NBA history to average 20 points, five rebounds and five assists in a season.

The first three were current NBA superstar LeBron James and basketball hall-of-famers Michael Jordan and Oscar Robertson.

When a ticket worth $40.50 or higher is purchased, it will also include a Tyreke Chasing History 20-5-5 T-shirt. The package is available for only three games: April 3 against the Portland Trail Blazers, April 6 against the San Antonio Spurs and April 8 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Evans is well above the pace to achieving the 20-5-5 mark. Currently, he is averaging 20.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game.

Tickets can be purchased at the ARCO Arena box office or online at Ticketmaster.

Photo by Nathan Carter.

Tyreke Tuesdays: Evans cools off before getting injured

2010-03-24T03:25:50Z

Kings rookie guard Tyreke Evans was playing the best basketball of his rookie season, but his it took a bad turn during last Friday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Late in the fourth quarter, Evans was hit by Ersan Ilyasova while he was swinging his elbows. As a result, Evans sustained a slight concussion, a bruised jaw and two cracked teeth. A fractured jaw was feared to be the diagnosis, and it would have been a horrible end to his spectacular first season in the NBA.

He'll miss at least a week, which includes games against the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, New Jersey Nets and possibly the Boston Celtics.

In the last two games played until his injury, Evans chalked up 20 points, 7.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists and one steal.

In last Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Evans played against two of the toughest defenders in the league. In a recent poll of 173 NBA players by “Sports Illustrated,” Lakers teammates Kobe Bryant and Ron Artest were named as top defenders.

Both of them took turns defending Evans. Both of them couldn't stop him from notching 25 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists – one assist shy of a triple-double. The Kings lost to the Lakers 106-99.

Bryant was asked about whether Evans or Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry was tougher to play against. He was impressed by Evans’ physique.

"I think Tyreke is a grown man," he said after the game.

In the game against the Bucks, Evans had 15 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals and a career-high eight turnovers before getting injured late in the fourth quarter. The game went into double overtime, where the Kings lost 114-108.

In the two games without Evans, the Kings beat the Clippers on Sunday in Los Angeles 102-89 and, the very next night lost at home to the Grizzlies 102-85.

Injuries are nothing new to Evans. He's already missed seven games this season and at least the next game. None of his previous injuries have seemed to slow him down.

Evans is still chasing a milestone, trying to become only the fourth rookie to average 20 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Technically, he could sit out the rest of the season and achieve it. If he were to come back Sunday at Cleveland against LeBron James and the Cavaliers, Evans would need to score at least 164 points, grab 34 rebounds and collect only six assists to achieve what only James, Michael Jordan and Oscar Robertson have done as rookies.

For now, he just needs to rest and prepare to return to the court when he's ready to finish the season.

Photo by Nathan Carter.

John Thomas, Kings part ways

2010-03-24T02:23:11Z

John Thomas has resigned as President of the Sacramento Kings after ten years with the organization. His resignation is effective April 2, 2010.

“We want to thank John for everything he has done for us since we came to Sacramento. He’s been an important leader on our team,” said Joe and Gavin Maloof, owners of the Kings, in a media release.

Thomas is leaving the Kings for personal reasons.

“Ten years is longer than most NBA Presidents get to serve. I want to thank the Maloof family and my extended Kings family of co-workers and fans for the privilege. I’m very excited about the future,” said Thomas.

The King's new management structure has already been assembled.

Joe Maloof will serve as Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Maloof as President of Maloof Sports & Entertainment, and Matina Kolokotronis has been named President of Business Operations.

Geoff Petrie will continue in his role as President of Basketball Operations.

“We are very excited about this new management structure and the strength it will lend our organization,” said Joe and Gavin Maloof.

“This management team’s strong reputation within and knowledge of the Sacramento community as well as its ability to work in partnership with the NBA and other stakeholders and experts will allow our business and basketball operations to work together to better serve our customers and make the Sacramento Kings the best team possible.”

The Maloof Family has owned the Kings since 1998.

King for a Day. . .

2010-03-22T00:44:32Z

"How do you feel about the Sacramento Kings?"

When I was first asked this question a few weeks ago, my initial response was "luke warm". I am from the Bay Area, and, besides a youthful dalliance with the Detroit Pistons (spurred on by an Adrian Dantley signed basketball I received for Christmas, 1987), a lifelong Warriors fan. Now, you might think I would hate the Kings, seeing as they and the Warriors are geographic rivals and all, but you'd be mistaken. I don't hate the Kings.

I hate the Lakers. I hate them intensely. And, as the proverb goes, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend". For the last 20 years, the Warriors have been mostly impotent, unable to present any kind of threat to the Purple and Gold Menace to south. The Kings, however, have often been a worthy foe. Come playoff time, I would often hitch my wagon to the Kings horses. I loved watching the teams of the late 90's with Jason Williams at PG, and Corliss Williamson up front.

I was watching when the Kings realized they weren't gonna get any further with "White Chocolate" and "Big Nasty", they traded them for Mike Bibby and Doug Christie (and his wife) and almost brought a championship to Sacramento. That 2002 series against the Lakers is the 2nd most memorable series of my life (behind the Warriors improbable first round sweep of the Mavericks a few years back, I believe!), and I spent it rooting passionately for the boys from Nor Cal. I remember how raucous Arco would get, and thinking that it must be an amazing place to see a game. I also remember thinking that the best team lost. (Sorry to bring up old stuff but. . . 27 Laker free throws in the 4th quarter? come on!)

The point is, when offered tickets to go to the Kings/Bucks game Friday night, I jumped at the chance. I even headed down to a Sac Press Reke ROY sign making party before the game. I sat with a group of the nicest Kings fans I could ever hope to meet. In the interest of full disclosure I copped to being a Warriors fan soon after joining them. They saw past my Golden State affinity, treated me as one of their own, and for that I am grateful. I went to work on my sign, and I came to a sad realization.

My name is Lindol, I'm 31 years old, the equivalent of a 25th grader, and I make signs at a 3rd grade level. Looking back on it now, I may be giving myself too much credit. At no higher than a 3rd grade level. Mr. and Mrs. Sign Lady were at the party, when they saw my sign, they openly mocked me. By which I mean they did nothing of the sort, and were exceedingly friendly and supportive. They were just being nice, as they would be to any developmentally disabled 31 year old man.

So I took my sad little sign ('Reke Da Freak!), grabbed a 20 ounce Tecate (only 50 cents an ounce!) and headed to my seat, excited to see Tyreke Evans and Brandon Jennings, two of the leaders in the Rookie of the Year chase, go at it. My impressions from the game:

-NBA introductions are fantastic, by far the best of any sport. Being there in person you get to see all the players little ritualized dances and handshakes and what not. Very cool.

-Tyreke showed flashes of greatness, but struggled getting into a rhythm.

-Brandon Jennings did get into a rhythm and was pretty spectacular, 8 of 13 on 3 pointers.

-Where as beers are marked up 700%, a Round Table Pizza that costs 6 bucks in the restaurant, costs 7 at the game and is delivered to your seat. Best deal in the house.

-Lior Suchard is able to bend spoons, guess halftime scores, and turn 1 dollar bills into hundreds, but he isn't able to say please, apparently. Where'd you learn your manners, guy?

-Beno Udrih is pretty darn good.

-Spencer Hawes is also pretty darn good.

-Sean May must not be, double overtime game and he didn't sniff the court.

-Slamson, the Kings Mascot, is trying to bring back rollerblading, I don't like his chances.

-The Kings dance team > The Warriors dance team.

-Mr. Sign Lady sits directly behind Mrs. Sign Lady. Like Goose behind Maverick. Awesome.

-The crowd was raucous, but the arena seemed only about two thirds full. It was a far cry from the cowbell glory days of yore.

-That was the first Israeli flag I've seen held up at an NBA game. Omri Casspi is a pretty cool story.

-It's my fault that the Kings lost. . . . wait, what?

I mean, if you're looking for someone to blame, you could blame the officials who blew an obvious traveling call on Brandon Jennings down the stretch that led to a John Salmons 3 pointer. You could blame Ersan Ilyasova (if that's even his real name!) and his errant elbow that knocked Tyreke out of the game with lacerated gums, chipped tooth, concussion and potentially fractured jaw. Ouch. Or you could blame Ersan a second time for that ridiculous three pointer he hit to tie the game at the end of regulation. You could do all of these things, but you would be wrong.

If you want to know why the Kings blew a 9 point lead with 2 minutes remaining, it's cause that was the point I left my seat and went out to my car to beat traffic. And as I was about to leave the Arena, I actually thought to myself "If you leave, you do know that the Bucks are gonna come back and send it to overtime, if not double overtime, and the Kings are probably going to lose". I said to the voice in my head, "you're probably right, but I don't know how to get out of here, I'm kinda tired, and lets be honest, I'm a Warriors fan, it's a chance I'm willing to take". I was almost home when Ersan hit that 3 pointer, and I didn't need Lior Suchard to tell me what would happen next. Oops, my bad.

You can send your angry emails to lindol@gmail.com, best one gets a sweet "Reke Da Freak" sign, only used once.

RekeROY Party with Sacramento Press

2010-03-19T02:34:49Z

Sacramento Press, in support of the RekeRoy campaign, has organized an exciting pre-game party at Arco Arena tomorrow, March 19th with a special appearance from Tyreke Evans!

Join us to cheer on Tyreke Evans and your Sacramento Kings as they take on the Milwaukee Bucks and their Rookie of the Year candidate Brandon Jennings. The party will include making signs supporting Tyreke Evans for Rookie of the Year AND a visit from Tyreke prior to the game to thank his RekeROY supporters.

Come meet your Rookie of the Year candidate Tyreke Evans! The party starts at 5:30 p.m.

If interested in joining us, visit http://www.groupshavemorefun.com/SacramentoPress to purchase your tickets.

Purchase includes a special lower level ticket for $39.50 (normally $79.50) and entrance to the pre-game sign party. Come meet Tyreke, support the RekeROY campaign and see the Kings take on the Bucks! There are a limited amount of tickets so act fast- We would love for you to join us.

Photo Essay: St. Patrick's Day in Sacramento

2010-03-18T23:05:15Z

Sacramento usually sees large crowds on Second Saturday. But Wednesday, it looked more like Dublin as thousands of green-clad Sacramentans attended block parties, drank green beer and celebrated everything even remotely Irish.

The following is a photo essay, depicting some of the Wednesday evening festivities. The first seven photos are from the de Vere's St. Patrick's Day Block Party.

Outside the de Vere's St. Patrick's Day Block Party on L Street, this dog dressed for the occasion in a green sweater. The party drew thousands of people to the 1500s block of L Street.

Kings mascot Slamson showed up to the block party on stilts and showed off his shamrock-covered blazer. He was a crowd pleaser, and he even sat down for an interview with Sacramento Press' own Sonny Mayugba. Slamson mimed and nodded while answering mostly yes or no questions.

Kings player Jon Brockman (left) speaks with Mayugba (right) during an interview. Mayugba interviewed a number of people throughout the day for a live stream of the event, which can be watched here.

Green beads, hats and Guinness were everywhere inside the de Vere's St. Patrick's Day Block Party. A headband, sticker and glittery hat made this pair of party-goers stand out.

A sea of green fills the 1500 block of L Street.

San Diego band The Silent Comedy played a set of folk-influenced rock, with a fiddle providing an Irish pub-style twist to the set.

Guinness was the preferred drink for many.

Streets of London Pub threw its own party, turning its parking lot into a beer garden.

Though not an Irish Pub, hundreds visited Streets of London to eat Irish food like shepherd's pie and corn beef and cabbage while celebrating St. Patrick's Day in the makeshift beer garden.

Hangar 17 was so full of people, its crowd spilled onto the patio area.

A crowd gathered on the 1400 block of R Street as R15, Venue, Shady Lady and Burgers and Brew all participated in the R Street Block Party.

Searchlights outside Venue illuminated the sky and the large crowd outside the R Street Block Party.

Local band Blvd Park played a mini-set outside the Shady Lady.

Photo essay: A look at the St. Patrick's Day Block Party

2010-03-18T18:18:17Z

Sacramento Press witnessed the block party at de Vere's firsthand. We had a booth set up in the middle of the festivities. Here are some pictures of the festivities.

Beer Brats

Sonny Mayugba interviews the Kennelly Dance Company.

Sonny sits down with Henry de Vere White.

Sonny interviews Rob Kerth for the Sacramento Press livestream.

The Sacramento Kings dancers at the Sacramento Press booth.

Sonny interviews Simon de Vere White.

News 10's Jennifer Smith and camera man check out The Sacramento Press.

Tyreke Tuesdays: Evans' best week yet

2010-03-16T06:24:31Z

Without a doubt, this has been the best basketball Tyreke Evans has played in his rookie season for the Sacramento Kings

The Kings’ 20-year-old guard has averaged 19 points, 8.75 rebounds, 7.75 assists and 0.75 steals per game since March 9. Since then, the Kings have played the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland and home games against the Toronto Raptors, the Blazers and the Minnesota Timberwolves. In that span the team has a 2-2 record.

Evans posted 18 points, six rebounds, six assists and a steal in the 88-81 loss in Portland. The Kings were within three points of the Blazers late in the game, but the experience of the Blazers overtook the Kings – the least-experienced team in the NBA.

The team has an average of 2.2 years of experience, with Beno Udrih, Andres Nocioni and Ime Udoka having been in the league for five years. It also features four rookies in Evans, Omri Casspi, Jon Brockman and newly signed Garrett Temple.

In the next game, Evans went off for his first career triple-double on a night dubbed "RekeROY Night," where fans rallied to support Evans for rookie of the year on a night dedicated to him. He had 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 113-90 win over the Raptors. He became the third rookie this season to register a triple-double, behind the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry and the New Orleans Hornets' Darren Collison.

"I came out in attack mode," Evans said after the game. "The crowd was in it. I was going to come out there and try to bring it."

After the performance he put on that night, Evans has locked up the NBA Rookie of the Year award.

Two days later, the Blazers came to visit and gave the Kings another loss, 110-94. Evans scored eight of his 10 points and seven of his 10 rebounds in the first 14 minutes of the game. After that, he only scored two points and grabbed three rebounds in the second half. The Blazers’ defense limited Evans' scoring. He missed eight of only 12 shots on the night.

"I thought the Blazers' defense was very aggressive," Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal said. "They took away a lot of our first options."
On Sunday, the Timberwolves came into ARCO Arena to play the Kings coming off a tough loss. Evans was one rebound shy of another triple-double with 29 points, nine rebounds, 11 assists and two steals in the 114-100 win over Minnesota.

Evans, so far, has had a great month that rivals LeBron James' March his rookie season in 2004. James averaged 22.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game. Evans is averaging 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game through eight games.

After hovering under an average five rebounds per game for part of the season, Evans is now averaging 20.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Critics who have stated that Evans can't be a point guard are being proven wrong. He is No. 16 in the NBA in assists and assists per game.

Evans has proven that he is a spectacular player and will become even better in the future. Only 20 years old, Evans still has plenty of room to improve, but there's no doubt that he will be a great player for a very long time

Photo Credit: Jonathan Mendick

Blazers pummel Kings 110-94

2010-03-13T23:00:08Z

For a team that was on the second game of a back-to-back, the Portland Trail Blazers played like a fresh team.

After beating the Toronto Raptors and a day of rest, it was the Sacramento Kings that were shut down.

The Blazers defeated the Kings 110-94 in a game where turnovers made the difference.

After achieving a triple-double the game before, Kings rookie guard Tyreke Evans had a double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists.

Kings power forward Carl Landry had 18 points and 6 rebounds, while Francisco Garcia had 17 points off the bench.

Portland led by as many as 26 points and scored 21 points off of the Kings' 20 turnovers. Kings power forward Carl Landry said it was obvious to see how his team lost the game.

"You can look at the box score and see that," Landry said about turnovers costing the game. "That's what killed us."

Blazers guard Brandon Roy, who scored 41 points the night before, had 28 points while shooting 76.9 percent from the floor.

Portland's big man LaMarcus Aldridge scored 12 of his 18 points in the third quarter missing only one shot that quarter.

Not only that, the Blazers made 29 out of 32 free throws and its defense was consistent throughout the night.

"The Blazers' defense was very aggressive," Kings Head Coach Westphal said. "They took away a lot of our first options. We responded like a team that's been together for 11 games."

Since acquiring four new players in the past three weeks the Kings have a 4-8 record. Since the NBA All-Star Weekend, the Blazers, a team that is eighth place in the Western Conference, have a record of 9-4.

The Blazers were a more experienced team playing the least experienced team in the league.

"They ran their plays and we just fell apart," Evans said. "Brandon Roy got hot and Aldridge started hitting (shots). They never looked back."

Although the Kings fell to Portland, the team has shown that it can compete against playoff-bound teams in the past. Too many mistakes that led to turnovers cost the Kings the game.

"I think we can compete with anybody," Landry said. "They're a playoff team, but tonight it had nothing to do with them playing a back-to-back (game). It was us."

The Kings will try to regroup Sunday when the Minnesota Timberwolves come to Sacramento.

Reliving Evans' triple-double night

2010-03-12T07:08:28Z

Wednesday night was Tyreke Evans' night at ARCO Arena.

The Sacramento Kings rookie guard had limited-edition T-shirts and printouts of his face on sticks handed out on a night that was used to promote his rookie of the year campaign.

His choice of music was played during warm-ups before the game. There was a special introduction, which included pyrotechnics and a banner rising in honor of his night, for him. An announced crowd of 13,412 was introduced to the rookie of the year chant, "R-O-Y."

By the end of the game, RekeROY night was more than a success. It sealed the award for him.

Evans, the frontrunner for the NBA's Rookie of the Year award, notched his first career triple-double with an assist to Francisco García late in the fourth quarter. He finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a 113-90 blowout win over the Toronto Raptors.

His memorable night also bumped his stats over 20 points, five rebounds and five assists per game – stats only LeBron James and hall-of-famers Oscar Robertson and Michael Jordan averaged as rookies. Evans is currently averaging 20.3 points, five rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.

After receiving a standing ovation from the fans, he said it was all for them.

"I had a lot of fun," Evans said. "I came out in attack mode, and the crowd was in it. I wanted to come out and have a good night with them honoring me."

Evans had a hot start to the game, grabbing four rebounds in the first quarter. Going into the game, he was averaging 4.9 rebounds per game.

On a drive to the basket, he had an unbelievable shot over the backboard after getting fouled by Toronto's superstar power forward Chris Bosh. The basket was originally waved off, but after a brief meeting they counted Evans' circus shot.

The R-O-Y chants gave him even more motivation after the Kings' slow start in the first half.

"They chanted every five seconds. I just started laughing," he said. "It gave me confidence in the second half."

Evans said he was a little embarrassed due to the fact that he was the center of attention for the entire night, on and off the court.

"They had the NBA all-stars talk about my game," he said about the videos shown on the JumboTron. "I had fun looking up at myself. (The fans) had little sticks with my face."

Another feature on the JumboTron was Mystery Karaoke, where Evans would sing a song, and teammate Beno Udrih would guess it. Both were busy watching it during the time-out.

Evans knew he was close to a triple-double near the end of the game, and he went to García to help him secure it.

"He told me to look for him off the curl," Evans said about the play that gave him the triple-double. "He did it a lot in practice, so I went for him. Hopefully he'd make the shot, and he did."

Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal said that he and the rest of the Kings players enjoyed RekeROY night.

"It was really exciting to see Tyreke have such a fitting night," Westphal said. "There are a lot of (good) rookies this year. For this year, it's not even close (for the rookie of the year award)."

Raptors forward and former Kings rookie Hedo Turkoglu also gave Evans praise after the game.

"The kid is going to be a great player in this league," Turkoglu said about Evans. "Already he's making a huge impact as a player and a leader. I wish him the best, and hopefully he becomes one of the greats."

Evans had two near-triple-double games earlier in the season. After rookie point guards Stephen Curry and Darren Collison for the Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Hornets, respectively, had triple-doubles of their own, LaMont Peterson, Evans' trainer, said it best.

"It's long overdue," he said.