STAYING!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, that is right Kings fans! The Maloof brothers have issued a statement that says, "Out of respect to Kings fans and the regional business community, we have decided to remain in Sacramento for the 2011-12 season." The official press release, viewable on Kings.com, goes on to say that the NBA Board of Governors have given the assurance to the Maloofs that should an arena plan not come to fruition, they [Maloofs] will have their full support in 2012-13 to move the team to another NBA market. We all know that market would likely be Anaheim again.
What does this mean? It means we all better put on our big boy and girl panties and get this arena built. Without it, these past few months will be for nothing. We will have to relive the gut wrenching, heart breaking, tearful goodbyes all over again. I had the pleasure of being at the then thought final Sacramento Kings game. I won't lie, I shed a few tears. I was also among the huge crowd that remained after for the "Here We Sit" movement. Nothing has made me more proud to be a Kings fan. It was a sight to behold. Emotions were running for everyone from Grant and Jerry's tearful send off seen around the world to the signs, sadness, and tears in the arena.
Forget if they build it they will come. It's more like if we build it they will stay!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Round and Round We Go
Well, by the end of today I was hoping to have better news than what I do. However, I don't have bad news, it just isn't what I would consider good news, so let's split it and say it's okay news.
Today should have been the end of it. The Board of Governors should have either voted for or against the move. That isn't exactly what happened though. With Commissioner Stern saying that both Anaheim and Sacramento presentations were compelling, the BOG is not receiving complete enough information. Stern called the Anaheim presentation "incomplete". In what could be seen as glass half full, or glass half empty, Stern announced that the NBA would grant a second extension on the relocation deadline for the Maloofs. The new deadline is now May 2, 2011.
In another twist of this ongoing saga, Mayor Kevin Johnson, as he put it "suited up for the Sacramento Kings" for the first time in his life. The last anyone knew when Johnson flew to New York, after making a brief showing at the Kings season finale loss to the Lakers on Wednesday, was the proposal that was made semi-public by Chris Webber on TNT. No one saw what he presented coming. Johnson, along with Sacramento lobbyist Darius Anderson, presented a proposal that now has billionaire Ronald Burkle in talks to buy the Kings, or at least working to keep them in town. There are three scenarios that Johnson is hoping for.
I have said it, people I know have said it, and those in sports news have said it, the NBA owns the Hornets. If the Maloofs are so dead set on owning an NBA franchise, many are calling for a franchise swap. The Hornets are in the playoffs this season and have top point guard Chris Paul. There is no doubt that owning the Hornets should make anyone happy. I say do something with that. Sacramento wants our team and our players, the Maloofs seem to want an NBA team, is it the Kings? Possibly because of the family history and their father's legacy is wrapped with the Kings.
To make things even more confusing. Since issuing the extension to further figure out the plans of both Anaheim and Sacramento, the head of the relocation committee in charge of the new fact-finding mission is none other than Seattle's own Clay Bennett. This has everyone going, "Huh?" I have seen many references to his appointment from a wolf in the hen house, to Kobe is in charge of the newly formed diversity committee for the NBA. Basically what it boils down to is who is Bennett fighting for? Kings fans and Sacramento or the Maloofs and Anaheim? He is the former owner of the Seattle SuperSonics who shipped them off to Oklahoma City in 2008. It's raising eyebrows all over. Is he trying to correct his mistake by some how trying to make a mends by helping Sacramento keep its sole professional sports team? Or is he pro-relocation, and does he understand what moving means to the Maloofs? He's in charge of figuring out if the facts presented by Mayor Johnson are indeed facts. This seems as if he is more enemy than not, but no one really knows. It is well documented that Bennett and Los Angeles Lakers owner, Dr. Jerry Buss, are pretty close friends. Why does this matter? Well, Buss is quite possibly the loudest adversary to the relocation efforts.
All I can say is stay tuned Kings fans, the fight is not yet over. Here We Stay, Here We Build, Here We Belong!
Today should have been the end of it. The Board of Governors should have either voted for or against the move. That isn't exactly what happened though. With Commissioner Stern saying that both Anaheim and Sacramento presentations were compelling, the BOG is not receiving complete enough information. Stern called the Anaheim presentation "incomplete". In what could be seen as glass half full, or glass half empty, Stern announced that the NBA would grant a second extension on the relocation deadline for the Maloofs. The new deadline is now May 2, 2011.
In another twist of this ongoing saga, Mayor Kevin Johnson, as he put it "suited up for the Sacramento Kings" for the first time in his life. The last anyone knew when Johnson flew to New York, after making a brief showing at the Kings season finale loss to the Lakers on Wednesday, was the proposal that was made semi-public by Chris Webber on TNT. No one saw what he presented coming. Johnson, along with Sacramento lobbyist Darius Anderson, presented a proposal that now has billionaire Ronald Burkle in talks to buy the Kings, or at least working to keep them in town. There are three scenarios that Johnson is hoping for.
- Best Case: Kings and Maloofs remain in Sacramento. With support from Burkle, something could possible work out and come together to get things done in Sacramento. Also, it appears as if Johnson and Anderson are saying the corporate support, once thought to be non-existent, is in place for $8 million annually should the Kings stay and that has the NBA interested. Especially with an expected announcement that changes profit sharing for small market teams in the NBA.
- Less Likely Case: If, and that's a huge if people, the Maloofs decide to sell the franchise (keep in mind they have said over and over that the team is not for sale) there is an ownership group, Burkle and associates, lined up and ready to buy the Kings and keep them in Sacramento.
- Fan Disapproved Case: That if the worst does happen and the Maloofs relocate the Kings to Anaheim, that with Burkle and the ownership group in place, the NBA would consider moving another team to Sacramento. Burkle is worth an estimated $3.2 billion and money talks.
I have said it, people I know have said it, and those in sports news have said it, the NBA owns the Hornets. If the Maloofs are so dead set on owning an NBA franchise, many are calling for a franchise swap. The Hornets are in the playoffs this season and have top point guard Chris Paul. There is no doubt that owning the Hornets should make anyone happy. I say do something with that. Sacramento wants our team and our players, the Maloofs seem to want an NBA team, is it the Kings? Possibly because of the family history and their father's legacy is wrapped with the Kings.
To make things even more confusing. Since issuing the extension to further figure out the plans of both Anaheim and Sacramento, the head of the relocation committee in charge of the new fact-finding mission is none other than Seattle's own Clay Bennett. This has everyone going, "Huh?" I have seen many references to his appointment from a wolf in the hen house, to Kobe is in charge of the newly formed diversity committee for the NBA. Basically what it boils down to is who is Bennett fighting for? Kings fans and Sacramento or the Maloofs and Anaheim? He is the former owner of the Seattle SuperSonics who shipped them off to Oklahoma City in 2008. It's raising eyebrows all over. Is he trying to correct his mistake by some how trying to make a mends by helping Sacramento keep its sole professional sports team? Or is he pro-relocation, and does he understand what moving means to the Maloofs? He's in charge of figuring out if the facts presented by Mayor Johnson are indeed facts. This seems as if he is more enemy than not, but no one really knows. It is well documented that Bennett and Los Angeles Lakers owner, Dr. Jerry Buss, are pretty close friends. Why does this matter? Well, Buss is quite possibly the loudest adversary to the relocation efforts.
All I can say is stay tuned Kings fans, the fight is not yet over. Here We Stay, Here We Build, Here We Belong!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Here We Belong
It is with great angst that I write this article on the eve of what could be the end.
The irony of tomorrow night's game is not lost on me. First was the first "Here We Stay" game was against the Los Angeles Clippers; the second "Here We Stay" game was against the Oklahoma City Thunder, formerly the Seattle Super Sonics; and the final game of the season? The Los Angeles Lakers of course! For the second year in a row the Kings end their season against their potential neighbors. Last year, however, the final game of the season meant nothing when compared to the mass amount of emotion that fans will have at tomorrow's game. I expect to see signs galore from fans all over the arena, myself likely included.
In the eleventh hour, reports are popping up all over the internet implying the first signs of trouble in the Anaheim deal. From things such as legislative action, a potential community block of the $75 million in bonds, Here We Stay, Here We Build, Here We Sit, and now the new information that the roughly $77 million owed to Sacramento is not the only massive loan the Maloofs have. As reported by KFBK, the Maloofs took out a line of credit from the NBA to the tune of $75 million.
That's $152 million in two loans alone. While it is unclean when or if the NBA loan has to be paid before a relocation happens, but the $75 million doesn't cover both loans. That $152 million doesn't even begin to scratch the surface either. Back in 2008, when the Seattle Super Sonics moved to Oklahoma City, the relocation fee was $30 million. those circumstances are far different from what the Kings are facing in relocating to LA. The most obvious difference is the fact that the now Thunder were the only team moving into the state, let alone virtually the same city. Not only is there one major team to contend with in LA, but there are two teams losing out on the deal. Not only that, but the economy has changed so drastically it could pose a threat to obtaining the necessary funds to move.
At this point, I may be grasping at straws, but I refuse to go down without a fight. In a situation that has Kings fans tossing a coin that has five sides instead of two has everyone guessing. The only thing I know is that tomorrow is the last game of the season. It may or may not be the last game the Sacramento Kings ever play. I expect to see waves of emotions from fans throughout the arena tomorrow night. I cannot promise I will not be the among those who are upset.
Before I could even post this, Chris Webber and even long-time critic Charles Barkley have publicly stated their support for the Kings and the arena on NATIONAL TELEVISION!
The irony of tomorrow night's game is not lost on me. First was the first "Here We Stay" game was against the Los Angeles Clippers; the second "Here We Stay" game was against the Oklahoma City Thunder, formerly the Seattle Super Sonics; and the final game of the season? The Los Angeles Lakers of course! For the second year in a row the Kings end their season against their potential neighbors. Last year, however, the final game of the season meant nothing when compared to the mass amount of emotion that fans will have at tomorrow's game. I expect to see signs galore from fans all over the arena, myself likely included.
In the eleventh hour, reports are popping up all over the internet implying the first signs of trouble in the Anaheim deal. From things such as legislative action, a potential community block of the $75 million in bonds, Here We Stay, Here We Build, Here We Sit, and now the new information that the roughly $77 million owed to Sacramento is not the only massive loan the Maloofs have. As reported by KFBK, the Maloofs took out a line of credit from the NBA to the tune of $75 million.
That's $152 million in two loans alone. While it is unclean when or if the NBA loan has to be paid before a relocation happens, but the $75 million doesn't cover both loans. That $152 million doesn't even begin to scratch the surface either. Back in 2008, when the Seattle Super Sonics moved to Oklahoma City, the relocation fee was $30 million. those circumstances are far different from what the Kings are facing in relocating to LA. The most obvious difference is the fact that the now Thunder were the only team moving into the state, let alone virtually the same city. Not only is there one major team to contend with in LA, but there are two teams losing out on the deal. Not only that, but the economy has changed so drastically it could pose a threat to obtaining the necessary funds to move.
At this point, I may be grasping at straws, but I refuse to go down without a fight. In a situation that has Kings fans tossing a coin that has five sides instead of two has everyone guessing. The only thing I know is that tomorrow is the last game of the season. It may or may not be the last game the Sacramento Kings ever play. I expect to see waves of emotions from fans throughout the arena tomorrow night. I cannot promise I will not be the among those who are upset.
Before I could even post this, Chris Webber and even long-time critic Charles Barkley have publicly stated their support for the Kings and the arena on NATIONAL TELEVISION!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
The Missing Piece
It has been well known that in the past the Kings had a number of clutch shooters. In the past you could look to Mike Bibby to nail that last second, buzzer beater shot. As of late, the Kings have been missing that piece.
Many would say, myself included, that prior to the deadline the only person I had any decent amount of trust in was Tyreke Evans. When Tyreke went out and missed 20 games due to the plantar fasciitis in his left foot, there was no one. While we have good perimeter shooters like Beno Udrih, Francisco Garcia, and Omri Casspi; none of them were consistent enough to get the job done. This had DeMarcus Cousins barking for the ball in those last second shot moments. We are all aware of the altercation that ensured after the loss to the Thunder between he and teammate Donte Greene, where Cousins wanted the ball for the opportunity to win the game. Greene in-bounded the ball to the then clutch Evans. Since Evans took his place behind the bench in his street clothes, the Kings went out in search of help. Prior to the February trade deadline, the Kings traded second year King Carl Landry to New Orleans for Marcus Thornton.
I will be the first to admit that I was none to happy about this trade by the numbers. Thornton's numbers were not all that impressive to me. Then he came to Sacramento and I had the opportunity to see him play. He filled the huge hole that Evans' absence left. In all but 2 games since his arrival, Thornton has scored at least 20 points. Thornton has been the saving grace even now that Evans is back. He hit a big three late in the game against Phoenix Suns to give the Kings the 116-113 win. That marked the third win against the Suns this season and both games at Power Balance Pavilion (formerly ARCO Arena) have been thrilling victories. Last night when it looked as if the Kings were doing everything they could to lose the game in the final 2 minutes in Houston, but Thornton had other plans. He hit the big shots and free throws down the stretch to allow the Kings to once again play the role of spoiler for playoff hopes.
It is safe to say that the Kings have found their clutch man. When the game is on the line I want to see the ball in one of two peoples' hands: Marcus Thornton or Tyreke Evans.
Many would say, myself included, that prior to the deadline the only person I had any decent amount of trust in was Tyreke Evans. When Tyreke went out and missed 20 games due to the plantar fasciitis in his left foot, there was no one. While we have good perimeter shooters like Beno Udrih, Francisco Garcia, and Omri Casspi; none of them were consistent enough to get the job done. This had DeMarcus Cousins barking for the ball in those last second shot moments. We are all aware of the altercation that ensured after the loss to the Thunder between he and teammate Donte Greene, where Cousins wanted the ball for the opportunity to win the game. Greene in-bounded the ball to the then clutch Evans. Since Evans took his place behind the bench in his street clothes, the Kings went out in search of help. Prior to the February trade deadline, the Kings traded second year King Carl Landry to New Orleans for Marcus Thornton.
I will be the first to admit that I was none to happy about this trade by the numbers. Thornton's numbers were not all that impressive to me. Then he came to Sacramento and I had the opportunity to see him play. He filled the huge hole that Evans' absence left. In all but 2 games since his arrival, Thornton has scored at least 20 points. Thornton has been the saving grace even now that Evans is back. He hit a big three late in the game against Phoenix Suns to give the Kings the 116-113 win. That marked the third win against the Suns this season and both games at Power Balance Pavilion (formerly ARCO Arena) have been thrilling victories. Last night when it looked as if the Kings were doing everything they could to lose the game in the final 2 minutes in Houston, but Thornton had other plans. He hit the big shots and free throws down the stretch to allow the Kings to once again play the role of spoiler for playoff hopes.
It is safe to say that the Kings have found their clutch man. When the game is on the line I want to see the ball in one of two peoples' hands: Marcus Thornton or Tyreke Evans.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Do We Stay or Do We Go?
Here's the cold hard truth. While showing support for your team one way or another, it is pretty clear that the fans of the Sacramento Kings have no official vote in whether the team, their team, relocates to another city after this season.
While I have discussed the lengths that local groups are going through in the "Here We Stay" and "Sac Deflated" campaigns to show their support and reasons for the Kings to not leave; what I have no mentioned is the newest plan from someone, a boycott. I have not discussed it because the idea is asinine . What good does a boycott do? None! The idea is this, why put money in the Maloofs' pockets if they are just going to pick up and leave? The "Here We Stay" movement isn't about the Maloofs if you really take a step back and look at it. Sure, the fans are trying to pull at the heart strings that the Maloofs are so famous for. However, it is not about them. It is about the fans. The fans who have sat in seats at ARCO 1, ARCO 2, and now Power Balance Pavilion through good times and bad. It's about the season ticket holders who have been there since the very first game. It's about a father taking his son to his first ever NBA game. It's about the fans' love for the game and their team. No matter how bad things ever looked for the Kings, the fans were still there. With rough economic times hitting everyone everywhere Kings games became luxury items not all could afford. So to me, it wasn't the record that kept people from showing up, it was the economy, because people still showed up night after night to watch the Kings try as they would, but still fall far short in the rankings.
Boycotting only hurts the fans. The owners will do what they want without consulting the fans. The fans have essentially had they say during the past when it comes to ballot votes to build this new arena, despite how unrealistic the requests were. The fans coming or not will not change the minds that so many believe are already made up. But need I remind you all, nothing has been decided. The Maloofs simply asked for more time to make a decision. While it appears that a move is inevitable, it hasn't happened yet. If it is to happen, why do you want to miss out on your last opportunities to see your team play in your city? Get over where the money is going because it shouldn't be about it going into the pockets of the owners, but look at is as putting money towards life-long memories.
While I have discussed the lengths that local groups are going through in the "Here We Stay" and "Sac Deflated" campaigns to show their support and reasons for the Kings to not leave; what I have no mentioned is the newest plan from someone, a boycott. I have not discussed it because the idea is asinine . What good does a boycott do? None! The idea is this, why put money in the Maloofs' pockets if they are just going to pick up and leave? The "Here We Stay" movement isn't about the Maloofs if you really take a step back and look at it. Sure, the fans are trying to pull at the heart strings that the Maloofs are so famous for. However, it is not about them. It is about the fans. The fans who have sat in seats at ARCO 1, ARCO 2, and now Power Balance Pavilion through good times and bad. It's about the season ticket holders who have been there since the very first game. It's about a father taking his son to his first ever NBA game. It's about the fans' love for the game and their team. No matter how bad things ever looked for the Kings, the fans were still there. With rough economic times hitting everyone everywhere Kings games became luxury items not all could afford. So to me, it wasn't the record that kept people from showing up, it was the economy, because people still showed up night after night to watch the Kings try as they would, but still fall far short in the rankings.
Boycotting only hurts the fans. The owners will do what they want without consulting the fans. The fans have essentially had they say during the past when it comes to ballot votes to build this new arena, despite how unrealistic the requests were. The fans coming or not will not change the minds that so many believe are already made up. But need I remind you all, nothing has been decided. The Maloofs simply asked for more time to make a decision. While it appears that a move is inevitable, it hasn't happened yet. If it is to happen, why do you want to miss out on your last opportunities to see your team play in your city? Get over where the money is going because it shouldn't be about it going into the pockets of the owners, but look at is as putting money towards life-long memories.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Here We Stay
Lately I have been bombarded with questions about the whirlwind "will they? won't they?" questions swirling around my beloved Sacramento Kings.
While I do not have a real answer about anything that is going on, here is a brief glimpse of what I can see happening as of now.
Since Commissioner David Stern so publicly threw the information about the Kings being in talks with Anaheim to the world it has been a media fire storm in Sacramento. I have had friends and family members contacting me from all over the country asking, "Is it true?" My answer is, yes, it is true that the Maloofs have been in talks with Anaheim to possibly move the team to the LA area. However, this was not really new news to Sacramento fans. The Maloofs have said in the past that they were discussing all possible options when the city of Sacramento failed to come up with a viable and realistic plan for a new arena. An arena plan is currently being worked on by the unanimously chosen Taylor/ICON Group, who back in February, were give a 90-day window to come up with a plan that worked. There have been reports that the study has stopped because of lack of cooperation from the Maloofs or because of their apparent lack of interest in remaining in Sacramento.
One thing is clear, fans in Sacramento are not laying down and losing their team without making their voices heard. For the Kings first home game against the Clippers after the All-Star weekend announcement of the possible relocation, local advocate groups SacDeflated and Here We Stay organized the first "Here We Stay" game where the Kings sold out the arena for the first time in awhile. I had the pleasure of attending that game and it was nothing short of amazing! The fans came out in droves with signs scattered around the arena with sayings, "OUR TOWN, OUR TEAM" "HERE WE STAY" "SACRAMENTO" "DON'T TAKE OUR MEMORIES" along with many signs of a slightly old school looking Mickey Mouse with either a red "x" or other just say no insinuations. It was more than a little ironic that the first "Here We Stay" game was against a possible neighboring team should the relocation happen. That being said, one of my favorite signs was "BEAT LA Don't BE LA". More ironic than that, the last game to occur this season is against the other possible neighbor, the Lakers. This Tuesday, the Here We Stay group is organizing a peaceful show of support at the City Hall meeting to show the continued community support for the Kings and a new arena plan. For information on how to get involved head to the Here We Stay Facebook page linked above.
If there is one thing I know it is this. No one knows what is going on. While one day there are reports that this is a done deal that just needs an official vote, the next day there is a report of the opposite. Whether this is all a scare tactic or not, I do not know. All I know is that I've grown up watching the Kings play in Sacramento for years. Taking the team away from a community that loves them so dearly is heartbreaking. Not only does the city lose a team, but 1,200 plus lose their jobs, community groups lose funding from the Kings and the Maloofs along with the opportunities to see the athletes they idolize play in person.
To me, leaving a city that embraces you to go to an area that has 2 NBA teams, one of which is just now emerging from the shadow of another due only to the addition of super star, Blake Griffin. The LA area is flooded with professional sports teams, NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL, one of which would be the roommate to the Kings if the relocation to the Ducks' Honda Center takes place. LA has never been much to embracing the Kings or their fans. A move there makes no sense to me from a fan stand point. Who wants to go from being #1 to #3 in the NBA and possibly lower in terms of sporting events to go. In the LA area alone there are eight professional sports teams. That is excluding the San Diego area. The Kings would likely become at the best the #5 sports team, but more likely the #7 spot only above the Ducks. While Anaheim is a bigger market, why does everything always have to be about money? Yes, the Maloofs are business men, but the Kings franchise is making money again. Sacramento was one of the hardest hit cities when the economy tanked. It makes sense that games became a luxury not all could afford. With new pricing options, sales are up, which means basically there are butts in the seats.
To see how you can get involved head to the links posted above for SacDeflated and Here We Stay. The next Here We Stay game is scheduled for April 11th against the Thunder (former team of Seattle, we don't want to end up like this). There are lots of options available head to Kings.com for tickets!
While I do not have a real answer about anything that is going on, here is a brief glimpse of what I can see happening as of now.
Since Commissioner David Stern so publicly threw the information about the Kings being in talks with Anaheim to the world it has been a media fire storm in Sacramento. I have had friends and family members contacting me from all over the country asking, "Is it true?" My answer is, yes, it is true that the Maloofs have been in talks with Anaheim to possibly move the team to the LA area. However, this was not really new news to Sacramento fans. The Maloofs have said in the past that they were discussing all possible options when the city of Sacramento failed to come up with a viable and realistic plan for a new arena. An arena plan is currently being worked on by the unanimously chosen Taylor/ICON Group, who back in February, were give a 90-day window to come up with a plan that worked. There have been reports that the study has stopped because of lack of cooperation from the Maloofs or because of their apparent lack of interest in remaining in Sacramento.
One thing is clear, fans in Sacramento are not laying down and losing their team without making their voices heard. For the Kings first home game against the Clippers after the All-Star weekend announcement of the possible relocation, local advocate groups SacDeflated and Here We Stay organized the first "Here We Stay" game where the Kings sold out the arena for the first time in awhile. I had the pleasure of attending that game and it was nothing short of amazing! The fans came out in droves with signs scattered around the arena with sayings, "OUR TOWN, OUR TEAM" "HERE WE STAY" "SACRAMENTO" "DON'T TAKE OUR MEMORIES" along with many signs of a slightly old school looking Mickey Mouse with either a red "x" or other just say no insinuations. It was more than a little ironic that the first "Here We Stay" game was against a possible neighboring team should the relocation happen. That being said, one of my favorite signs was "BEAT LA Don't BE LA". More ironic than that, the last game to occur this season is against the other possible neighbor, the Lakers. This Tuesday, the Here We Stay group is organizing a peaceful show of support at the City Hall meeting to show the continued community support for the Kings and a new arena plan. For information on how to get involved head to the Here We Stay Facebook page linked above.
If there is one thing I know it is this. No one knows what is going on. While one day there are reports that this is a done deal that just needs an official vote, the next day there is a report of the opposite. Whether this is all a scare tactic or not, I do not know. All I know is that I've grown up watching the Kings play in Sacramento for years. Taking the team away from a community that loves them so dearly is heartbreaking. Not only does the city lose a team, but 1,200 plus lose their jobs, community groups lose funding from the Kings and the Maloofs along with the opportunities to see the athletes they idolize play in person.
To me, leaving a city that embraces you to go to an area that has 2 NBA teams, one of which is just now emerging from the shadow of another due only to the addition of super star, Blake Griffin. The LA area is flooded with professional sports teams, NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL, one of which would be the roommate to the Kings if the relocation to the Ducks' Honda Center takes place. LA has never been much to embracing the Kings or their fans. A move there makes no sense to me from a fan stand point. Who wants to go from being #1 to #3 in the NBA and possibly lower in terms of sporting events to go. In the LA area alone there are eight professional sports teams. That is excluding the San Diego area. The Kings would likely become at the best the #5 sports team, but more likely the #7 spot only above the Ducks. While Anaheim is a bigger market, why does everything always have to be about money? Yes, the Maloofs are business men, but the Kings franchise is making money again. Sacramento was one of the hardest hit cities when the economy tanked. It makes sense that games became a luxury not all could afford. With new pricing options, sales are up, which means basically there are butts in the seats.
To see how you can get involved head to the links posted above for SacDeflated and Here We Stay. The next Here We Stay game is scheduled for April 11th against the Thunder (former team of Seattle, we don't want to end up like this). There are lots of options available head to Kings.com for tickets!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Live, Learn, Let Go
Immature, young, loose-cannon, inexperienced, wild, unpredictable, disrespectful, childish, a problem with authority; these are all words or phrases that have been used to describe the Sacramento Kings rookie center/forward DeMarcus Cousins. When I think of DeMarcus I think of a few words: potential, talent, and passion.
I am in no way condoning the behavior of Cousins that is being reported about the post-game locker room altercation with his teammate Donte Greene, following the loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. There have been numerous corrections made to the story about what went on in the locker room. I cannot speak to what actually happened between Cousins and Greene, but if what is being reported is factual, I cannot say it was the best way to go about things. I don't disagree with voicing his frustrations, I voice mine on a regular basis, but the way he went about doing it probably was not the best. It cannot be easy to question the veteran, or at least more veteran players, on a team that is young and seriously lacking that one overall leader. DeMarcus is already at a disadvantage in voicing his opinions being the low man on the totem pole, but his concerns are valid.
Lets face it, no one likes to lose. Not in professional sports, pick-up games in the park, or board games. It cannot be easy for DeMarcus, or any other athlete, to go from a top ranked team and winning program to the pros and be on a team that is currently struggling to add wins to the win column. Speaking from experience, losing those games that you have been in the whole game, or have a chance to win in the last seconds is far worse than the ones you never really had a chance to win to begin with. Frustrations are building for the players, the coaches, and the fans. We are all tired of ALMOST winning. We want to win!
No one is questioning the fact that DeMarcus has heart. If they are, they clearly have not watched the young man play a single game at any point in his basketball career. He had heart and passion in high school, while at Kentucky, and he continues to have it in the NBA. There is no doubt that he will continue to have it either. However, I am not sure I really want him to be the player that takes the last shot to win the game. In the past he has not proven himself to be the clutch play maker. He has thrown an errant pass a few rows into the stands, missed wide open corner threes, and has lost the ball going up at the rim in traffic. He is learning to have patience under the rim and taking his time going up for the easy dunk, but in game winning situations, time is not on an offensive player's side. While Tyreke Evans may have missed the three-point shot that would have won the game for the Kings, he is not to blame. It was a good look and it just didn't fall. No one was under the basket to rebound and put the ball up for a chance to tie the game. At least in that situation, with a struggling Beno Udrih on the floor, in my opinion, Tyreke was the best option for that shot, at least he has a few game winning shots on his NBA resume to back up Coach Westphal's decision to go to him late for the win.
DeMarcus did not travel to Phoenix with the team last night. It is being reported that DeMarcus will rejoin the team in Oklahoma City for tomorrow's game against the Thunder and that he has been fined for the incident. I'm not giving up on DeMarcus, and hopefully the incident is the last of its kind and all players, coaches, critics, and fans can move on.
I am in no way condoning the behavior of Cousins that is being reported about the post-game locker room altercation with his teammate Donte Greene, following the loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. There have been numerous corrections made to the story about what went on in the locker room. I cannot speak to what actually happened between Cousins and Greene, but if what is being reported is factual, I cannot say it was the best way to go about things. I don't disagree with voicing his frustrations, I voice mine on a regular basis, but the way he went about doing it probably was not the best. It cannot be easy to question the veteran, or at least more veteran players, on a team that is young and seriously lacking that one overall leader. DeMarcus is already at a disadvantage in voicing his opinions being the low man on the totem pole, but his concerns are valid.
Lets face it, no one likes to lose. Not in professional sports, pick-up games in the park, or board games. It cannot be easy for DeMarcus, or any other athlete, to go from a top ranked team and winning program to the pros and be on a team that is currently struggling to add wins to the win column. Speaking from experience, losing those games that you have been in the whole game, or have a chance to win in the last seconds is far worse than the ones you never really had a chance to win to begin with. Frustrations are building for the players, the coaches, and the fans. We are all tired of ALMOST winning. We want to win!
No one is questioning the fact that DeMarcus has heart. If they are, they clearly have not watched the young man play a single game at any point in his basketball career. He had heart and passion in high school, while at Kentucky, and he continues to have it in the NBA. There is no doubt that he will continue to have it either. However, I am not sure I really want him to be the player that takes the last shot to win the game. In the past he has not proven himself to be the clutch play maker. He has thrown an errant pass a few rows into the stands, missed wide open corner threes, and has lost the ball going up at the rim in traffic. He is learning to have patience under the rim and taking his time going up for the easy dunk, but in game winning situations, time is not on an offensive player's side. While Tyreke Evans may have missed the three-point shot that would have won the game for the Kings, he is not to blame. It was a good look and it just didn't fall. No one was under the basket to rebound and put the ball up for a chance to tie the game. At least in that situation, with a struggling Beno Udrih on the floor, in my opinion, Tyreke was the best option for that shot, at least he has a few game winning shots on his NBA resume to back up Coach Westphal's decision to go to him late for the win.
DeMarcus did not travel to Phoenix with the team last night. It is being reported that DeMarcus will rejoin the team in Oklahoma City for tomorrow's game against the Thunder and that he has been fined for the incident. I'm not giving up on DeMarcus, and hopefully the incident is the last of its kind and all players, coaches, critics, and fans can move on.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Fans Turn to Social Media to Connect
Years ago the best interaction you could have with fellow fans was to either have them in your home or attend a game. Now, with the evolution of social media fans can interact in a number of ways.
The ability to connect with fans started with Facebook. You can join the fan page of your favorite team and interact with fans from all over the world. Twitter is now the best way, in my opinion, to interact with fellow fans, employees, and players of your favorite teams. With these two social media giants comes great inside information on deals and events surrounding your team. With the advances in social media, comes a new opportunity for Kings fans, and other sports fans as well, live blogs.
As powered by Cover-It-Live, the Kings run an live blog during games. This is the best way for fans to connect with each other. In the Kings blog (or chat as it is commonly referred to as) there is a bond among the fans. It doesn't matter where you are from, who your favorite player is, what your favorite moment has been, or if you are frustrated with the lack of wins in a particular season. Game after game, Kings fans log onto Kings.com to join their "Chat Family" to discuss the current game and events of the team. All fans are welcome! Fans are respectful of opposing teams fans who often come in to chat with Kings fans during the games, everyone is welcome! While last season this chat saw low attendees, this season has been drastically different. With nearly 50 fans checking in for the Boston game and many others checking in consistently throughout the season, it is no wonder many are calling it the best chat in the league. It is in my opinion that every team should offer this type of interaction for their fans!
It is amazing how many fans the Kings have. It is not just local fans either. There are a lot of locals as well as chatters from throughout California, but it extends far beyond the boarders of California. There are chatters from Florida, Oregon, Arizona, Washington, Pennsylvania, New York, Colorado, and Kentucky- that should be no surprise with the addition of former Wild Cat DeMarcus Cousins. The Kings also have international fans. Israel should not surprise anyone, just as Cousins has pulled all of Big Blue Nation's attention to Sacramento, Omri Casspi has done the same with those in Israel. We also boast fans from the Philippines, Ireland, Chile, Argentina, and Germany.
In honor of the international fans I leave you with this:
Mabuhay Kings!
Vamos Kings!
Ir Reis!
gehen Köngie!
לך המלכים
GO KINGS!
The ability to connect with fans started with Facebook. You can join the fan page of your favorite team and interact with fans from all over the world. Twitter is now the best way, in my opinion, to interact with fellow fans, employees, and players of your favorite teams. With these two social media giants comes great inside information on deals and events surrounding your team. With the advances in social media, comes a new opportunity for Kings fans, and other sports fans as well, live blogs.
As powered by Cover-It-Live, the Kings run an live blog during games. This is the best way for fans to connect with each other. In the Kings blog (or chat as it is commonly referred to as) there is a bond among the fans. It doesn't matter where you are from, who your favorite player is, what your favorite moment has been, or if you are frustrated with the lack of wins in a particular season. Game after game, Kings fans log onto Kings.com to join their "Chat Family" to discuss the current game and events of the team. All fans are welcome! Fans are respectful of opposing teams fans who often come in to chat with Kings fans during the games, everyone is welcome! While last season this chat saw low attendees, this season has been drastically different. With nearly 50 fans checking in for the Boston game and many others checking in consistently throughout the season, it is no wonder many are calling it the best chat in the league. It is in my opinion that every team should offer this type of interaction for their fans!
It is amazing how many fans the Kings have. It is not just local fans either. There are a lot of locals as well as chatters from throughout California, but it extends far beyond the boarders of California. There are chatters from Florida, Oregon, Arizona, Washington, Pennsylvania, New York, Colorado, and Kentucky- that should be no surprise with the addition of former Wild Cat DeMarcus Cousins. The Kings also have international fans. Israel should not surprise anyone, just as Cousins has pulled all of Big Blue Nation's attention to Sacramento, Omri Casspi has done the same with those in Israel. We also boast fans from the Philippines, Ireland, Chile, Argentina, and Germany.
In honor of the international fans I leave you with this:
Mabuhay Kings!
Vamos Kings!
Ir Reis!
gehen Köngie!
לך המלכים
GO KINGS!
Monday, January 31, 2011
What Being a Kings Fan Means
As any true sports fan can tell you, there are ups and downs with being a die-hard fan. Even if you are a fan of a winning organization such as the New York Yankees or Pittsburgh Steelers, or even the Los Angeles Lakers, the team can quickly fall off the radar, make moves that disappoint you, or have players who make questionable decisions tarnishing their reputation as well as the organization's.
Claiming to be a Kings fan in public can bring about a negative response in light of the recent events that have gone on in Sacramento. We've fallen off the radar since the golden years of battling for the top spot, with the then heated rivalry with the Lakers. Toady, if you ask a Lakers fan the rivalry is dead; but ask a Kings fan it is still very much alive. If you were fortunate enough to be a fan back in the late 90s and early 2000s you know the heartbreak that comes with having a good team to follow when things do not turn out as they should. You see players suffer season and possibly career ending injuries- see Chris Webber in Dallas, heartbreaking trades- Mike Bibby, Peja Stojakovic, and Kevin Martin, and worse yet the shattering of dreams by a improbable last second shot, see Robert Horry.
It comes as no surprise to me, after being a Kings fan for over 10 years, why people still say that Sacramento has the best fans on the NBA. While ARCO, soon to become Power Balance Pavilion, may not be as nice as other arenas or as full as it used to be, it's still full of fans coming out to show their support for THEIR team. Fans are protective of the players and defend them no matter what. Being a true fan means you take the losses, not well, but you know that there is a better day tomorrow, or at least the promise of one. You accept that you are in the lottery year after year, never getting the top pick, but "winning" the lottery anyway. In the past two years we have been at the bottom, or near the bottom of the NBA basement and still haven't picked higher than #4. If the #4 spot lands us Rookie of the Year in Tyreke Evans and the #5 spot lands us a top rookie in DeMarcus Cousins, I can't complain. While I would prefer to be back in the 20s where we used to be, I find our picks in the lottery to be winning. We might be the youngest team in the NBA this season, but the last two games of the season have proven what we have all known all along. That being young means nothing as long as you can learn to play as a unit.
The games I am referring to is the game on January 28th against the Los Angeles Lakers and the game on the 29th against the New Orleans Hornets. The Kings had lost their last eight meetings with the defending championship Lakers. We are not a particularly strong road team this season either, let alone visiting STAPLES Center. That is a game any Kings fan wants the team to win more than any other, but don't necessarily expect to win. The whole game the Kings played the way we all know they can, together. They played unselfish ball, passed the ball, and gave up individual opportunities to feed a better one of a teammate. DeMarcus Cousins came 1-point from tying his career high of 28-points and only had one foul the whole game. There were 5 Kings in double figures that game. As a Kings fan, we know that every second of the 48 plus minutes of a game matter. We have seen several games where the Kings have had a comfortable lead with time running out only to see a loss clocked by the time the final buzzer goes off. Friday night that didn't happen. The Kings held off the defending champs and beat them 100-95. The Kings are not the best in back to back game situations. One game is usually a loss if both aren't. I was in attendance at Saturday's game against the Hornets. Coming into the game, the Hornets were on a 10-game win streak and are one of the top teams in the East. DeMarcus continued his hot streak from L.A. during that game, tacking on 10 points before making his exit in the first quarter. The Kings lead for most of the game and staved off many runs by the Hornets to win. It was a great game.
To make a long story short, being a Kings fan means ups and downs; disappointments and triumphs. The bad times make the good times that much better. I bleed Black and Purple, I wear my Kings gear proudly. In the end, I am a Kings fan til the day I die, or the Kings cease to exist. Be Proud, Be Loud! That's a good way to be!
Claiming to be a Kings fan in public can bring about a negative response in light of the recent events that have gone on in Sacramento. We've fallen off the radar since the golden years of battling for the top spot, with the then heated rivalry with the Lakers. Toady, if you ask a Lakers fan the rivalry is dead; but ask a Kings fan it is still very much alive. If you were fortunate enough to be a fan back in the late 90s and early 2000s you know the heartbreak that comes with having a good team to follow when things do not turn out as they should. You see players suffer season and possibly career ending injuries- see Chris Webber in Dallas, heartbreaking trades- Mike Bibby, Peja Stojakovic, and Kevin Martin, and worse yet the shattering of dreams by a improbable last second shot, see Robert Horry.
It comes as no surprise to me, after being a Kings fan for over 10 years, why people still say that Sacramento has the best fans on the NBA. While ARCO, soon to become Power Balance Pavilion, may not be as nice as other arenas or as full as it used to be, it's still full of fans coming out to show their support for THEIR team. Fans are protective of the players and defend them no matter what. Being a true fan means you take the losses, not well, but you know that there is a better day tomorrow, or at least the promise of one. You accept that you are in the lottery year after year, never getting the top pick, but "winning" the lottery anyway. In the past two years we have been at the bottom, or near the bottom of the NBA basement and still haven't picked higher than #4. If the #4 spot lands us Rookie of the Year in Tyreke Evans and the #5 spot lands us a top rookie in DeMarcus Cousins, I can't complain. While I would prefer to be back in the 20s where we used to be, I find our picks in the lottery to be winning. We might be the youngest team in the NBA this season, but the last two games of the season have proven what we have all known all along. That being young means nothing as long as you can learn to play as a unit.
The games I am referring to is the game on January 28th against the Los Angeles Lakers and the game on the 29th against the New Orleans Hornets. The Kings had lost their last eight meetings with the defending championship Lakers. We are not a particularly strong road team this season either, let alone visiting STAPLES Center. That is a game any Kings fan wants the team to win more than any other, but don't necessarily expect to win. The whole game the Kings played the way we all know they can, together. They played unselfish ball, passed the ball, and gave up individual opportunities to feed a better one of a teammate. DeMarcus Cousins came 1-point from tying his career high of 28-points and only had one foul the whole game. There were 5 Kings in double figures that game. As a Kings fan, we know that every second of the 48 plus minutes of a game matter. We have seen several games where the Kings have had a comfortable lead with time running out only to see a loss clocked by the time the final buzzer goes off. Friday night that didn't happen. The Kings held off the defending champs and beat them 100-95. The Kings are not the best in back to back game situations. One game is usually a loss if both aren't. I was in attendance at Saturday's game against the Hornets. Coming into the game, the Hornets were on a 10-game win streak and are one of the top teams in the East. DeMarcus continued his hot streak from L.A. during that game, tacking on 10 points before making his exit in the first quarter. The Kings lead for most of the game and staved off many runs by the Hornets to win. It was a great game.
To make a long story short, being a Kings fan means ups and downs; disappointments and triumphs. The bad times make the good times that much better. I bleed Black and Purple, I wear my Kings gear proudly. In the end, I am a Kings fan til the day I die, or the Kings cease to exist. Be Proud, Be Loud! That's a good way to be!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Kings Topple Champs
Going into tonight's game at Staples Center the records stood as Kings (10-33) Lakers (33-13), nearly mirror images of each other. To make matters worse, the Kings had lost their last eight meetings with the Lakers. Things did not look positive, but as any true Kings fan will tell you, "We still believe!"
After a 21-point first quarter show from Kobe Bryant, it had many Kings fans wondering if they were about to see another record breaking night from Bryant, who is on a journey up the NBA's All Time Scorers ladder. Despite the strong start for Bryant, he slowed down, but still finished with 38 points to lead all scorers. But the real story here is the play of the Kings and their young rookie.
DeMarcus Cousins took control early. Less than two minutes into the game Cousins picked up his first foul. This was a bad sign to fans as Cousins has tacked on five and six fouls in the last two games for the Kings. A bad omen this was not. Cousins made shot after shot, play after play. He finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocked shots, all while with only 1 foul for the whole game. Cousins was helped out by his teammates tonight with Casspi finishing with 20, Dalembert 18, Evans 13, and Landry 12.
Tonight the Kings played a full 48 minutes of basketball. There were no late fourth quarter collapses, no implosions, no selfish play. The Kings were a unit tonight in a statement win over the defending champions. While the Kings only have 11 wins starting the second half of the season, Kings fans are still standing strong behind them. As the story title for Sports Center read, "Lakers Crowned", and they weren't talking about their championship win either!
Final score- Kings 100 Lakers 95. Biggest win of the season! Go Kings!
After a 21-point first quarter show from Kobe Bryant, it had many Kings fans wondering if they were about to see another record breaking night from Bryant, who is on a journey up the NBA's All Time Scorers ladder. Despite the strong start for Bryant, he slowed down, but still finished with 38 points to lead all scorers. But the real story here is the play of the Kings and their young rookie.
DeMarcus Cousins took control early. Less than two minutes into the game Cousins picked up his first foul. This was a bad sign to fans as Cousins has tacked on five and six fouls in the last two games for the Kings. A bad omen this was not. Cousins made shot after shot, play after play. He finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocked shots, all while with only 1 foul for the whole game. Cousins was helped out by his teammates tonight with Casspi finishing with 20, Dalembert 18, Evans 13, and Landry 12.
Tonight the Kings played a full 48 minutes of basketball. There were no late fourth quarter collapses, no implosions, no selfish play. The Kings were a unit tonight in a statement win over the defending champions. While the Kings only have 11 wins starting the second half of the season, Kings fans are still standing strong behind them. As the story title for Sports Center read, "Lakers Crowned", and they weren't talking about their championship win either!
Final score- Kings 100 Lakers 95. Biggest win of the season! Go Kings!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Does It Get Any Better?
Last year I could pick my top Tyreke Evans plays for my own personal favorite highlight reel. They included the second best comeback in NBA history with the 35-point come from behind win in Chicago, the first game against Brandon Jennings and practical buzzer beater win, the buzzer beater against the Nuggets, and the steal on Gilbert Arenas only to get fouled and ice the two free throws to win the game, and the infamous free throw that sealed his place in history with 20-5-5 and eventual NBA Rookie of the Year honors.
Tyreke by all accounts is a quiet, reserved young man. He rarely shows emotion on the court good or bad. Sure he explodes to the rim and there is energy, but there were not many occasions where you could read what the then 20-year old was thinking last season. There were bursts of emotions after a few of the games mentioned above, but nothing like we saw from the now 21-year old last night.
Tyreke said many times last year his top moment on the court was the first official buzzer beater against the Nuggets to win the game. He said he always wanted to hit the game winning shot with a buzzer beater. As great as that first one was, one would have to think that after last night's miracle shot that that shot catapulted to the top of the list. I cannot tell you how far he made the shot from. No one else seems to really know either, as I have heard 45, 50, 55, and 60 feet claims. All I know for sure is that it was well beyond the traditional half court shot...and it was nothing but the bottom of the net! After such an amazing shot Tyreke exhibited energy that encompassed what all Kings fans felt at that moment. With teammate Donte Greene already on the court before the ball was even close to the net ready to celebrate as if he knew it was in, Tyreke dodged what would have been a pile at the free throw line and in a running leap, jumped onto the scorers table and took what looked like a bow. In reality the bow was his momentum carrying him forward and that of Greene joining him along with Jeter atop the table, but a bow would have been well deserved. At this moment I cannot think of a better way to have ended the 2010 portion of the season. Here's hoping that that shot gives Tyreke and the rest of the Kings players the confidence that seems to have been lacking lately and sends the team on a winning streak that allows them to climb out of the NBA basement!
Tyreke by all accounts is a quiet, reserved young man. He rarely shows emotion on the court good or bad. Sure he explodes to the rim and there is energy, but there were not many occasions where you could read what the then 20-year old was thinking last season. There were bursts of emotions after a few of the games mentioned above, but nothing like we saw from the now 21-year old last night.
Tyreke said many times last year his top moment on the court was the first official buzzer beater against the Nuggets to win the game. He said he always wanted to hit the game winning shot with a buzzer beater. As great as that first one was, one would have to think that after last night's miracle shot that that shot catapulted to the top of the list. I cannot tell you how far he made the shot from. No one else seems to really know either, as I have heard 45, 50, 55, and 60 feet claims. All I know for sure is that it was well beyond the traditional half court shot...and it was nothing but the bottom of the net! After such an amazing shot Tyreke exhibited energy that encompassed what all Kings fans felt at that moment. With teammate Donte Greene already on the court before the ball was even close to the net ready to celebrate as if he knew it was in, Tyreke dodged what would have been a pile at the free throw line and in a running leap, jumped onto the scorers table and took what looked like a bow. In reality the bow was his momentum carrying him forward and that of Greene joining him along with Jeter atop the table, but a bow would have been well deserved. At this moment I cannot think of a better way to have ended the 2010 portion of the season. Here's hoping that that shot gives Tyreke and the rest of the Kings players the confidence that seems to have been lacking lately and sends the team on a winning streak that allows them to climb out of the NBA basement!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
No Bandwagon Here
Recently someone made the statement that, "All Kings fans are bandwagon fans!" I about jumped out of my skin to argue against this statement.
While it is true that some Kings fans are bandwagon fans, there are far more that are not than those that are. I cannot think of a single professional or collegiate team that does not have bandwagon fans. People will always ride on the coattails of a successful team no matter what the circumstance.
The Kings currently are the not so proud owners of the worst record in the NBA--Again! Sitting at just 5-23, the hopes of a 30 plus win season is looking more unreachable by the game. However, Kings fans continue to flock to ARCO to watch their team play as attendance is up this season. This obviously cannot be attributed to the play of the Kings, but more than likely the new flexible, market demand price structure that the Kings are offering.
In a season that has very few positives thus far, there are some positive things coming out of these losses. Take last night's game against the Clippers; we finally saw the Tyreke Evans of old as he tallied a season-high 32 points. However, in what seems to be a give and take with the news Kings fans receive, Evans stated after the game that he is considering a season ending surgery to take care of the plantar fasciitis he has been suffering in his left foot all season long. After last night's performance fans are hoping that the surgery can wait until after the season. Evans is a key piece of the puzzle that needs to be put together in order to turn this struggling season around. If and when Evans would have the surgery is speculation at this moment, but the main thing is that he gets healthy and he makes the choice that is best for him.
Although there have been moments this season when the Kings young rookie, DeMarcus Cousins, have proven those that passed him up right in doing so, his play is still more positive than not. He has made some juvenile choices from getting kicked out of practice to the most recent choke sign made during the Warriors game. However, he is learning. You cannot expect a 20-year old to automatically understand how to behave in a situation that very few are ever in. It is clear that he has passion. Sometimes that passion comes out in childish ways. He picks up quick fouls and the frustrations that come with that show and his game suffers. But even in all the commotion, DeMarcus has landed himself smack dab in the middle of the Rookie of the Year talks. While it is my opinion that Blake Griffin will probably take the ROY honors this year, it is nice to see the Kings getting recognition for the play of their young players for the second year in a row.
Another bright spot is the play of the Kings other rookie Pooh Jeter. Where DeMarcus lacks the professional experience, Pooh has it from his time spent overseas. While he stands at just 5'11" his heart makes him 10 feet tall on the court. I have seen him stand in the paint and take charges from the biggest, strongest players in the league. He is playing his heart out every night and has become the spark off the bench when he enters the game. He has fans chanting, "We Love Pooh!"
So while these late 4th quarter collapses and even miscues in the second half in general are beyond frustrating, as a fan I choose to look at the glass as half full. I see this team as one that is battling to earn the respect from their teammates, coaches, fellow NBA teams, and their fans. When the fans stop coming, stop cheering, and stop caring, that is when you know there are only bandwagon fans in Sacramento. I don't know any bandwagon fans and I for one am not one. Real fans stick with their team no matter how good or how bad the team is performing, and Sacramento is full of REAL fans who are behind their team 100 percent even if we are frustrated beyond belief right now!
While it is true that some Kings fans are bandwagon fans, there are far more that are not than those that are. I cannot think of a single professional or collegiate team that does not have bandwagon fans. People will always ride on the coattails of a successful team no matter what the circumstance.
The Kings currently are the not so proud owners of the worst record in the NBA--Again! Sitting at just 5-23, the hopes of a 30 plus win season is looking more unreachable by the game. However, Kings fans continue to flock to ARCO to watch their team play as attendance is up this season. This obviously cannot be attributed to the play of the Kings, but more than likely the new flexible, market demand price structure that the Kings are offering.
In a season that has very few positives thus far, there are some positive things coming out of these losses. Take last night's game against the Clippers; we finally saw the Tyreke Evans of old as he tallied a season-high 32 points. However, in what seems to be a give and take with the news Kings fans receive, Evans stated after the game that he is considering a season ending surgery to take care of the plantar fasciitis he has been suffering in his left foot all season long. After last night's performance fans are hoping that the surgery can wait until after the season. Evans is a key piece of the puzzle that needs to be put together in order to turn this struggling season around. If and when Evans would have the surgery is speculation at this moment, but the main thing is that he gets healthy and he makes the choice that is best for him.
Although there have been moments this season when the Kings young rookie, DeMarcus Cousins, have proven those that passed him up right in doing so, his play is still more positive than not. He has made some juvenile choices from getting kicked out of practice to the most recent choke sign made during the Warriors game. However, he is learning. You cannot expect a 20-year old to automatically understand how to behave in a situation that very few are ever in. It is clear that he has passion. Sometimes that passion comes out in childish ways. He picks up quick fouls and the frustrations that come with that show and his game suffers. But even in all the commotion, DeMarcus has landed himself smack dab in the middle of the Rookie of the Year talks. While it is my opinion that Blake Griffin will probably take the ROY honors this year, it is nice to see the Kings getting recognition for the play of their young players for the second year in a row.
Another bright spot is the play of the Kings other rookie Pooh Jeter. Where DeMarcus lacks the professional experience, Pooh has it from his time spent overseas. While he stands at just 5'11" his heart makes him 10 feet tall on the court. I have seen him stand in the paint and take charges from the biggest, strongest players in the league. He is playing his heart out every night and has become the spark off the bench when he enters the game. He has fans chanting, "We Love Pooh!"
So while these late 4th quarter collapses and even miscues in the second half in general are beyond frustrating, as a fan I choose to look at the glass as half full. I see this team as one that is battling to earn the respect from their teammates, coaches, fellow NBA teams, and their fans. When the fans stop coming, stop cheering, and stop caring, that is when you know there are only bandwagon fans in Sacramento. I don't know any bandwagon fans and I for one am not one. Real fans stick with their team no matter how good or how bad the team is performing, and Sacramento is full of REAL fans who are behind their team 100 percent even if we are frustrated beyond belief right now!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Kings Continue to Struggle
Last night was the first night I have attended a game since the beginning of the season and I must say, the team I saw last night was not the same team I saw battling at the beginning of the season.
Fans are crying foul when it comes to head coach, Paul Westphal; rumors are spreading like wild fire, as they always do about near and imminent firings. Just to clarify, this blog is not spreading those rumors or supporting them. According to numerous sources close to Kings owners, Joe has vehemently denied such reports that one or both of the Westphal Petrie pair will be gone in the coming days or weeks and has been reported as saying they are in place for the rest of this season.
Last night the Kings needed a win, the fans needed a win. The Bucks were short handed last night and it makes no sense as to what is causing these late game collapses. While this time we never saw a 23 or 14 point lead disappear, it still stings. These second half "slumps" as some are calling them, I say full on collapses make no sense. I am thinking that the Kings need to just sit on the bench for half time...Put up a screen, wall, a sheet whatever else around them and let them have their half time on the court! After last night's behind the scenes tour of ARCO it is easy to believe that the team that goes in after half gets lost in all the hallways, stairwells, and elevators that lurk beyond the tunnels! The team that comes out after half changes, and not for the better. Last season the third quarter was the teams Achilles heal. This year it seems that each quarter gets its very own heal. I can't figure out if it's the third quarter or the fourth that plagues the Kings more. It may be a combination of both, half of one quarter half of the other! Either way it's becoming disheartening. Last night it took Tyreke until the final 2:00 of the game to score his first point. Yes, that is right. Tyreke Evans didn't score a single point, take a single free throw, nothing until 2:00 left in the 4th quarter. That cannot happen. Once again, Beno Udrih was the team's offense, but just like Tyreke, Beno cannot do it all. He needed help last night and wasn't getting it consistently. The effort seemed to come too little too late last night for the Kings.
I have been a Kings fan for more than 10 years. I carry more than just your basic knowledge of the team and I am much more than the casual fan. However, even I am finding it difficult at times to defend my fan status, but no matter what I am a Kings fan! All I really wanted for Christmas was a Kings victory last night. I know I am not alone in that either. I am hoping that Santa sees past the arguing, the unsportsmanlike conduct, the attitudes, the struggles and says that the Kings have been good boys this year and brings them something tomorrow that gives them back that unity, that chemistry, the heart, the competitiveness, whatever it is that it takes to give this team the win that they so desperately need; that the fans need!
Fans are crying foul when it comes to head coach, Paul Westphal; rumors are spreading like wild fire, as they always do about near and imminent firings. Just to clarify, this blog is not spreading those rumors or supporting them. According to numerous sources close to Kings owners, Joe has vehemently denied such reports that one or both of the Westphal Petrie pair will be gone in the coming days or weeks and has been reported as saying they are in place for the rest of this season.
Last night the Kings needed a win, the fans needed a win. The Bucks were short handed last night and it makes no sense as to what is causing these late game collapses. While this time we never saw a 23 or 14 point lead disappear, it still stings. These second half "slumps" as some are calling them, I say full on collapses make no sense. I am thinking that the Kings need to just sit on the bench for half time...Put up a screen, wall, a sheet whatever else around them and let them have their half time on the court! After last night's behind the scenes tour of ARCO it is easy to believe that the team that goes in after half gets lost in all the hallways, stairwells, and elevators that lurk beyond the tunnels! The team that comes out after half changes, and not for the better. Last season the third quarter was the teams Achilles heal. This year it seems that each quarter gets its very own heal. I can't figure out if it's the third quarter or the fourth that plagues the Kings more. It may be a combination of both, half of one quarter half of the other! Either way it's becoming disheartening. Last night it took Tyreke until the final 2:00 of the game to score his first point. Yes, that is right. Tyreke Evans didn't score a single point, take a single free throw, nothing until 2:00 left in the 4th quarter. That cannot happen. Once again, Beno Udrih was the team's offense, but just like Tyreke, Beno cannot do it all. He needed help last night and wasn't getting it consistently. The effort seemed to come too little too late last night for the Kings.
I have been a Kings fan for more than 10 years. I carry more than just your basic knowledge of the team and I am much more than the casual fan. However, even I am finding it difficult at times to defend my fan status, but no matter what I am a Kings fan! All I really wanted for Christmas was a Kings victory last night. I know I am not alone in that either. I am hoping that Santa sees past the arguing, the unsportsmanlike conduct, the attitudes, the struggles and says that the Kings have been good boys this year and brings them something tomorrow that gives them back that unity, that chemistry, the heart, the competitiveness, whatever it is that it takes to give this team the win that they so desperately need; that the fans need!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
A Rough Start
It is obvious by looking at the Kings' 4-13 record, that this year has started off much worse than fans had hoped for. There are few bright spots to pick out through 17 games. There is more finger pointing going around when it should be individuals taking responsibility for their mistakes.
Here is a look at player stats through the first 17:
After last night's abysmal performance in Los Angeles and having to listen to Bill Walton ramble for nearly an hour, something he said is bothering me more than anything else. He is placing the blame squarely on Tyreke and DeMarcus for the lack of leadership and improvement. How in the world are you going to blame the two youngest players when you have veteran players not taking the lead? I believe it is every players role to be a leader of a team, to say, "Hey guys, come on we're better than this. Let's get it together." It is not DeMarcus' fault either. Need I remind Kings fans and critics that this 20-year old is producing and changing aspects of his game. His foul problems continue, but he has worked on them. Not all the calls against him I agree with, but I am not going to blame the officials. When DeMarcus was in the starting lineup the Kings went 3-1. Since Dalembert has taken his place in the starting lineup, the Kings have gone 1-12. I'm not big on math, but something just isn't adding up with Dalembert starting. I know he is supposed to be defense and that's all good and well, but we need offense too. Their numbers are not that different from each other.
Cousins: 0.7 spg, 0.5 bpg, 39.9% FG
Dalembert: 0.2 spg, 1.9 bpg, 38.8% FG
Sure, Dalembert has almost 2 blocks per game to DeMarcus' .5 a game. To me, the blocked shots are not that much better to justify the 6 point deficit that Dalembert has to DeMarcus on offense. People are still concerned about DeMarcus and his attitude. His getting kicked out of practice earlier this week did not help his standing to his doubters, but I think it is just pure frustration on his part. All the players are frustrated with the way the season is going, it just boiled over that day. How did DeMarcus respond? Well, in the first game since the practice incident, DeMarcus tallied a career high 20 points to go with 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal.
Now everyone is calling foul and wanting Paul Westphal fired. The players are not producing despite the changes Westphal has made. Everyone is always quick to find someone to blame when things get rough and the first is usually the coach. I don't want to see him fired personally.
As the Kings take on the Dallas Mavericks tonight, fans can expect a new lineup to start the game. It is rumored to be Evans, Udrih, Greene, Thompson, Cousins. We shall see what happens, but I am tired of the finger pointing. Each player needs to take responsibility for the problems and work together to fix them. The biggest problem appears to be team chemistry. Just get it together guys!
Here is a look at player stats through the first 17:
- Evans: 17.2 ppg 5.0 rpg 5.4 apg
- Landry: 12.8 ppg 5.3 rpg 0.8 apg
- Udrih: 11.9 ppg 2.9 rpg 4.2 apg
- Cousins: 10.8 ppg 6.7 rpg 1.1 apg
- Garcia: 9.2 ppg 2.1 rpg 1.3 apg
- Casspi: 8.7 ppg 3.5 rpg 0.9 apg
- Greene: 7.0 ppg 3.8 rpg 0.9 apg
- Head: 6.9 ppg 1.9 rpg 2.6 apg
- Thompson: 6.6 ppg 5.1 rpg 0.9 apg
- Dalembert: 4.6 ppg 7.8 rpg 0.9 apg
- Jeter: 3.8 ppg 0.6 rpg 1.4 apg
- Jackson: 3.4 ppg 1.9 rpg 0.1 apg
- Wright: Waived
- Whiteside: Assigned to Reno Big Horns D-League
After last night's abysmal performance in Los Angeles and having to listen to Bill Walton ramble for nearly an hour, something he said is bothering me more than anything else. He is placing the blame squarely on Tyreke and DeMarcus for the lack of leadership and improvement. How in the world are you going to blame the two youngest players when you have veteran players not taking the lead? I believe it is every players role to be a leader of a team, to say, "Hey guys, come on we're better than this. Let's get it together." It is not DeMarcus' fault either. Need I remind Kings fans and critics that this 20-year old is producing and changing aspects of his game. His foul problems continue, but he has worked on them. Not all the calls against him I agree with, but I am not going to blame the officials. When DeMarcus was in the starting lineup the Kings went 3-1. Since Dalembert has taken his place in the starting lineup, the Kings have gone 1-12. I'm not big on math, but something just isn't adding up with Dalembert starting. I know he is supposed to be defense and that's all good and well, but we need offense too. Their numbers are not that different from each other.
Cousins: 0.7 spg, 0.5 bpg, 39.9% FG
Dalembert: 0.2 spg, 1.9 bpg, 38.8% FG
Sure, Dalembert has almost 2 blocks per game to DeMarcus' .5 a game. To me, the blocked shots are not that much better to justify the 6 point deficit that Dalembert has to DeMarcus on offense. People are still concerned about DeMarcus and his attitude. His getting kicked out of practice earlier this week did not help his standing to his doubters, but I think it is just pure frustration on his part. All the players are frustrated with the way the season is going, it just boiled over that day. How did DeMarcus respond? Well, in the first game since the practice incident, DeMarcus tallied a career high 20 points to go with 8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal.
Now everyone is calling foul and wanting Paul Westphal fired. The players are not producing despite the changes Westphal has made. Everyone is always quick to find someone to blame when things get rough and the first is usually the coach. I don't want to see him fired personally.
As the Kings take on the Dallas Mavericks tonight, fans can expect a new lineup to start the game. It is rumored to be Evans, Udrih, Greene, Thompson, Cousins. We shall see what happens, but I am tired of the finger pointing. Each player needs to take responsibility for the problems and work together to fix them. The biggest problem appears to be team chemistry. Just get it together guys!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Legal Woes Continue for Kings
By now many of you may have heard that fifth year player, Antoine Wright, was arrested on suspicion of DUI in Sacramento on Thursday night.
This is starting to become a common occurrence for those affiliated with the Kings organization.
Since 2005, it seems that four people connected with the organization have put themselves in these dangerous and stupid predicaments. In 2005, then head coach, Eric Musselman was arrested for the first of the series of DUIs facing those in the organization. Last year it was Andres Nocioni. Last month, the lesser known of the Maloof brothers, George, was arrested in Las Vegas for suspicion of DUI, and now just a short month later, Antoine Wright is the latest King thrown into the mix.
It begs the question, "What are these guys thinking?" Drinking and driving is a huge problem in this country. In areas like Sacramento where many of the "it" places to go are in the downtown area, there is an added danger to their choices. There are numerous events that take place in the downtown area of Sacramento and at night there is a lot of traffic either pedestrian or car/bike. Drinking and driving is just a dumb thing to do no matter what the area is. In the case of all four men, it isn't like they don't have the money to pay for a cab or even a private driver. Why they would choose to be so irresponsible with their choices I do not know.
DRINKING AND DRIVING IS BAD! DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!
This is starting to become a common occurrence for those affiliated with the Kings organization.
Since 2005, it seems that four people connected with the organization have put themselves in these dangerous and stupid predicaments. In 2005, then head coach, Eric Musselman was arrested for the first of the series of DUIs facing those in the organization. Last year it was Andres Nocioni. Last month, the lesser known of the Maloof brothers, George, was arrested in Las Vegas for suspicion of DUI, and now just a short month later, Antoine Wright is the latest King thrown into the mix.
It begs the question, "What are these guys thinking?" Drinking and driving is a huge problem in this country. In areas like Sacramento where many of the "it" places to go are in the downtown area, there is an added danger to their choices. There are numerous events that take place in the downtown area of Sacramento and at night there is a lot of traffic either pedestrian or car/bike. Drinking and driving is just a dumb thing to do no matter what the area is. In the case of all four men, it isn't like they don't have the money to pay for a cab or even a private driver. Why they would choose to be so irresponsible with their choices I do not know.
DRINKING AND DRIVING IS BAD! DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
ARCO Thunder Succeeds Again!
I find myself slightly without a voice this afternoon as I am still trying to recover from all the melodious "DEFENSE" and "YEAHHHHH" chants that filled ARCO Arena last night.
It was quite the night. Before the start of the game, reigning Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans, received his Rookie of the Year award and a one of a kind, life size mosaic art piece to commemorate the achievement. Just after, the best visiting team introduction was played, and thankfully the song did not get stuck in my head. The Raptors were announced just after a brief video clip of Barney and Friends "I Love You!". There was plenty of drama with the opening ceremony lights, sparks, video footage, the whole works! Carl Landry spoke briefly before tip off welcoming fans and thanking them for their continued support and ended it with an appropriate "Here We Rise!" Which got the crowd going!
That was about all there was to cheer about until the official announcement came that the Giants had won the World Series. In a game where the Kings saw themselves sink to as many as 17 points behind the visiting Raptors, I had all but conceded to the fact that my bad luck streak from last season had carried over! It wasn't until late in the 4th quarter that the momentum finally began to change. With another monster effort by Omri Casspi, after swishing 2 much needed 3-point shots, the Kings were right back in the game. They finally overtook the Raptors for the lead and never looked back. With Tyreke's team leading 23-points they held off to win another home opener taking the team to 3-1 when they take of the undefeated Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. I am worried! The Kings are quickly becoming known as "the Comeback Kings" and there is no way that if they go down an early 15-20 points to the defending champs that they can crawl back from that. The Lakers are likely to continue to strike leaving the deficit just too much to handle.
As good as player defense became in the end, the offensive pushes, the true driving force in Monday night's win was ARCO Thunder! It was loud and fans were behind their team 100% and it was a great thing to hear. The fans at ARCO are truly the 6th Man!
It was quite the night. Before the start of the game, reigning Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans, received his Rookie of the Year award and a one of a kind, life size mosaic art piece to commemorate the achievement. Just after, the best visiting team introduction was played, and thankfully the song did not get stuck in my head. The Raptors were announced just after a brief video clip of Barney and Friends "I Love You!". There was plenty of drama with the opening ceremony lights, sparks, video footage, the whole works! Carl Landry spoke briefly before tip off welcoming fans and thanking them for their continued support and ended it with an appropriate "Here We Rise!" Which got the crowd going!
That was about all there was to cheer about until the official announcement came that the Giants had won the World Series. In a game where the Kings saw themselves sink to as many as 17 points behind the visiting Raptors, I had all but conceded to the fact that my bad luck streak from last season had carried over! It wasn't until late in the 4th quarter that the momentum finally began to change. With another monster effort by Omri Casspi, after swishing 2 much needed 3-point shots, the Kings were right back in the game. They finally overtook the Raptors for the lead and never looked back. With Tyreke's team leading 23-points they held off to win another home opener taking the team to 3-1 when they take of the undefeated Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. I am worried! The Kings are quickly becoming known as "the Comeback Kings" and there is no way that if they go down an early 15-20 points to the defending champs that they can crawl back from that. The Lakers are likely to continue to strike leaving the deficit just too much to handle.
As good as player defense became in the end, the offensive pushes, the true driving force in Monday night's win was ARCO Thunder! It was loud and fans were behind their team 100% and it was a great thing to hear. The fans at ARCO are truly the 6th Man!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Perfection Spoiled
Well, hopes for the first perfect opening road trip in over 10 seasons was spoiled by the late comeback of the New Jersey Nets last night.
The Kings had been behind my as many as 18 points before coming back to hold onto an 8-point lead with 3:00 left in the game. It was a series of missed shots, poor defense, and fouls that allowed the Nets to go on an 11-0 run to come back to take the lead and keep it. The Kings fell 106-100. The Kings that looked so good on Wednesday against the Timberwolves, that kept their cool, made smart plays, and secured the win were gone and the team from last season reappeared. The team that could not close out games where they held the lead late in the 4th quarter. It was a disappointing win.
Tonight the Kings take on the new look Cavs. The Cavs are looking to secure their ninth consecutive win over the Kings. While the Kings look to hand the Post-James Era Cavs their second loss of the season. While some are saying that the Cavs can continue their dominance over the Kings, I am skeptical. The Kings played okay last night night. This will be a test for them early as it is the first back-to-back games of the season, but the Kings have a completely different team facing the Cavs tonight. They have a full roster for the first time in I do not know how long. Last night rookies Whiteside and Jeter were inactive for no other reason than two people had to sit. Everyone on the roster is healthy now that newly acquired center Samuel Dalembert is back on the court from his groin injury.
The Kings are looking to take a 2-1 record home to Sacramento to face the Toronto Raptors on Monday night for their home opener. ARCO is almost sold out for DeMarcus' Sacramento home debut. Fans will be treated to the Rookie of the Year award ceremony, new routines from the Sacramento Kings Dance Team and Kings Breakers, and much more! Wednesday the Kings are taking on the Lakers for their first of four meetings this year.
The Kings had been behind my as many as 18 points before coming back to hold onto an 8-point lead with 3:00 left in the game. It was a series of missed shots, poor defense, and fouls that allowed the Nets to go on an 11-0 run to come back to take the lead and keep it. The Kings fell 106-100. The Kings that looked so good on Wednesday against the Timberwolves, that kept their cool, made smart plays, and secured the win were gone and the team from last season reappeared. The team that could not close out games where they held the lead late in the 4th quarter. It was a disappointing win.
Tonight the Kings take on the new look Cavs. The Cavs are looking to secure their ninth consecutive win over the Kings. While the Kings look to hand the Post-James Era Cavs their second loss of the season. While some are saying that the Cavs can continue their dominance over the Kings, I am skeptical. The Kings played okay last night night. This will be a test for them early as it is the first back-to-back games of the season, but the Kings have a completely different team facing the Cavs tonight. They have a full roster for the first time in I do not know how long. Last night rookies Whiteside and Jeter were inactive for no other reason than two people had to sit. Everyone on the roster is healthy now that newly acquired center Samuel Dalembert is back on the court from his groin injury.
The Kings are looking to take a 2-1 record home to Sacramento to face the Toronto Raptors on Monday night for their home opener. ARCO is almost sold out for DeMarcus' Sacramento home debut. Fans will be treated to the Rookie of the Year award ceremony, new routines from the Sacramento Kings Dance Team and Kings Breakers, and much more! Wednesday the Kings are taking on the Lakers for their first of four meetings this year.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
First Win Brings Good Omen
Last night the Kings defeated the Timberwolves 117-116. To some who look at the type of team that the Timberwolves are, are saying, "Big deal, I'm not impressed!"
I am impressed, however, and here is why. Last season, when Tyreke Evans did not play, the Kings went 2-8. The team struggled all year to close out close games even with Evans' help. This game was a great way to start off the season. It was dramatic in all fashions. In game that was more like riding a teeter totter with the constant lead changes and ties as a spectator, you could just feel it coming down to the wire. That is what happened too! The Kings coming out on top for their first road win to open their season since October 31, 2000, just four days shy of the 10 year mark. This win marked the end of a 6 game season opener losing streak that has stood in place since 2004-2005.
The good news is that in the past 10 years, the Kings have started the season winning 4 of 10 season openers. All four of those years the Kings made it to the playoffs sitting either atop or in second place in the Pacific Division. In 5 of the past 10 seasons the Kings have made it into the playoffs. Of course winning the opener does not automatically get you a bid into the playoffs, but for the Kings, winning game 1 seems to lead the way to a winning season.In the seasons where the Kings have won game 1 they are a combined 261/386 games for a winning percentage of .676. In the Kings final two playoff appearances the season started off on a sour note. In 2004-2005 the Kings slipped from the 2 seed to the 6th seed after opening the season against the Texas Triangle (Dallas, San Antonio, Houston) where they went 0-3. In 2004-05 they were 1-2 to open the season slipping from a 6 seed to an 8 seed only to disappear from the radar after that.
What does all of this mean? Nothing really, but if the past 10 years have taught us anything it is that the Kings tend to fair better when they get a W in game 1. With a three game road trip to start off this season, the Kings are looking to do something they have not done in the past 10 years, have a perfect season opening road trip. In the past 10 years, the Kings have opened the season on the road for 7 seasons and the best record is 2-2 from 2000-01, the same year the Kings last won a season opener on the road. The match-ups for the next two stops: New Jersey Nets Friday and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. The Kings will follow their 3 game road trip with a 4 game home stand starting with their home opener taking place on Monday November 1st against Toronto.
In the past 10 years the Kings best record (10 games) to start the season is 7-3, which happened in both 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons. Can the Kings finally come out blazing? Here's a look at the first 10 games of the 2010-11 season:
I am impressed, however, and here is why. Last season, when Tyreke Evans did not play, the Kings went 2-8. The team struggled all year to close out close games even with Evans' help. This game was a great way to start off the season. It was dramatic in all fashions. In game that was more like riding a teeter totter with the constant lead changes and ties as a spectator, you could just feel it coming down to the wire. That is what happened too! The Kings coming out on top for their first road win to open their season since October 31, 2000, just four days shy of the 10 year mark. This win marked the end of a 6 game season opener losing streak that has stood in place since 2004-2005.
The good news is that in the past 10 years, the Kings have started the season winning 4 of 10 season openers. All four of those years the Kings made it to the playoffs sitting either atop or in second place in the Pacific Division. In 5 of the past 10 seasons the Kings have made it into the playoffs. Of course winning the opener does not automatically get you a bid into the playoffs, but for the Kings, winning game 1 seems to lead the way to a winning season.In the seasons where the Kings have won game 1 they are a combined 261/386 games for a winning percentage of .676. In the Kings final two playoff appearances the season started off on a sour note. In 2004-2005 the Kings slipped from the 2 seed to the 6th seed after opening the season against the Texas Triangle (Dallas, San Antonio, Houston) where they went 0-3. In 2004-05 they were 1-2 to open the season slipping from a 6 seed to an 8 seed only to disappear from the radar after that.
What does all of this mean? Nothing really, but if the past 10 years have taught us anything it is that the Kings tend to fair better when they get a W in game 1. With a three game road trip to start off this season, the Kings are looking to do something they have not done in the past 10 years, have a perfect season opening road trip. In the past 10 years, the Kings have opened the season on the road for 7 seasons and the best record is 2-2 from 2000-01, the same year the Kings last won a season opener on the road. The match-ups for the next two stops: New Jersey Nets Friday and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday. The Kings will follow their 3 game road trip with a 4 game home stand starting with their home opener taking place on Monday November 1st against Toronto.
In the past 10 years the Kings best record (10 games) to start the season is 7-3, which happened in both 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons. Can the Kings finally come out blazing? Here's a look at the first 10 games of the 2010-11 season:
- @Minnesota
- @New Jersey
- @Cleveland
- vs Toronto
- vs Lakers (ESPN)
- vs Memphis
- vs Minnesota
- @Phoenix
- vs Detroit
- vs New York
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
BluPrint: More than Just a Plan
If you have followed articles written about Sacramento Kings' hybrid guard, Tyreke Evans, you will notice that a plan called "the Blu Print" is referenced often. However, you may not know that Blu Print is more than just a plan for the success of the youngest Evans brother.
Sure, the Blu Print was created by Tyreke's older brothers when he was just a tiny tot, dribbling the ball in Chester, PA. It was back then that the whole Blu Print dream began to take shape. In an industry that can swallow up even the most stable of rookies, Tyreke was not your ordinary rookie. He was just 19 with just one year of college under his belt when the 2009-2010 NBA Draft took place. For a 19-year old local hero to get that national spotlight was something Tyreke's older brothers want to make sure did not change what they had worked so hard to establish. They are a close nit group of family, a few close friends, and trainer LaMont Peterson all better known as "Team Tyreke". While the main goal of the Blu Print plan was to reach the NBA and grab that Rookie of the Year title, it doesn't stop there.
Blu Print has become an outlet for creativity in the Evans family. Tyreke is not the only one with talent. If anyone watched any of Donte Greene's U-Stream shows while the Kings were on the road last season you are likely to have caught Donte, Jason Thompson, and Tyreke spitting rhymes, but don't worry, Blu Print Entertainment isn't about Tyreke becoming a rapper like so many other athletes have attempted and failed at. Blu Print Entertainment is a company aimed at seeking out talent in their backyard of Chester, PA and spanning the rest of the country.
Currently the label boasts the musical talents of three different artists: International i, sHERBS and S.W.A.G. All three artists have their own unique sound and back story. There is also a fourth member of the Blu Print musical family that as of now is heard on International i's "Legend to Me" and sHERBS' "Know My Role" her name is Ashley Vitale or as Doc referred to her as "the Lady of Blu Print". You can preview music from all three artists on the newly launched Blu Print Entertainment website . To keep up with the newest happenings surrounding Tyreke, head to Blu Print News blog, it's almost as good as getting the information directly from Tyreke! The first album set to be released is that of founder and CEO of Blu Print, Doc Evans (aka International i) "Just a Sample". No release date is set, but his fans are patiently waiting to hear more from him and the rest of the Blu Print family!
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