It Official the Sacramento Kings Are...

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!

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.

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
3. 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 say that scenario three is the "fan disapproved case" because I do not feel that Sacramento is fighting for just any NBA team. This town loves the Kings. This town wants the players they have watched here, they don't want new players and a new team. In time, would we all grow to love whatever team should take the place of the Kings? I am sure we all would, but for now, it's the one thing we do not want to see happen.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

Relax It's Only Preseason

The Kings have played three preseason games this season; they have won just one. I have been in contact with personal friends that are Kings fans as well as ones that I do not know and all I keep hearing is, "Why isn't Tyreke playing more?" "What's with this starting line-up?" "Why aren't we starting our starters?" etc. I think it is important for all Kings fans to realize that it is preseason. Our players from last year have spots on the roster for this season; others do not.

The preseason, to me anyway, is a time for the training camp invitees to show us what they've got. To show the coaches why they need to be a part of the team's roster going forward. This is really their tryouts. Sure, Summer League gave some of them a chance to strut their stuff, and practices and training camp scrimmages do as well, but it's nothing when compared to actual real game experience. Sure, the caliber of play isn't the greatest, but it isn't the worst either. It's also a time to see who works well with each other and what match ups aren't the best for every game. It's a chance to work out the kinks!

It is important as a fan to realize that preseason games count for nothing in terms of the the regular season. Sure, some guys will cement their standings as starters or even players, but stats count for nothing! I do not want to see a Kings player become this year's Blake Griffin who suffered a season ending injury in a preseason game with the Clippers last year. How would you react to seeing Tyreke or DeMarcus go full force in a preseason game to see their whole season and your hopes of winning knocked out with them? I'm not willing to take that chance! So if Tyreke sits every game until the second game of the season, I'd be okay with that!

So remember, it is only preseason, nothing matters right now! It's more of an opportunity for those trying to make it into the league to get a spot! Starters and stars don't need to go out and give it all they've got on an exhibition game! Conserve that energy for the regular season! If anything we have learned from preseason play this year, at least in the NFL, is that if you win all or most of your preseason games, it doesn't mean you will win in the regular season ones! Take the 49ers who are 0-5 for the season...or the Raiders who did well in preseason but have struggled to gain solid footing in the regular season!

My "Must See Games"

October 27th @ Minnesota 5:00 pm

• It's been 6 long months without a regular season game and Kings fans NEED this!

November 1st -vs- Toronto 7:00 pm

• It's the home opener! ARCO Thunder returns for rekeROY and ROYDMC campaign begins!

November 2nd -vs- Lakers 7:30 pm

• All games against the Lakers are MUST SEE! Rumored to be ESPN broadcasted too!

November 25th @ LA Clippers 7:30 pm

• Kings fans first look at Blake Griffin who was favored last season to be ROY before injury.

December 8th -vs- Washington 7:00 pm

• Kings fans watch former teammates battle it out on the hardwood, see #1 overall pick John Wall at ARCO debut

December 11th -vs- Miami 7:00 pm

• Really, do you have to ask? Wade, Lebron, Bosh and the NWO.

December 14th @ Houston 5:30 pm

• Kevin Martin

December 17th @ Oklahoma City 5:00 pm

• Kevin Durant

January 17th @ Atlanta 1:00 pm

• NBA TV Marquee game

April 13th -vs- Lakers 7:30 pm

• Kings final game of the season "Fan Appreciation Night" and it's against the Lakers!

Now I didn't pick any games for February or March. This isn't to say that there aren't some great match ups in these months. I chose the big games to me this year or ones that hold significance to Kings Fans. I, for one, consider every game a MUST SEE game! Don't forget to join the Kings Faithfuls and Jason Ross for the live blog during the games. To join, just go to Kings.com during all games and click the upper right hand corner that says "Chat Live with Jason Ross" to discuss the game, players, and all things Kings related. We are a pretty fun group if I do say so myself!

Good Bye Sean, Good Luck!

Today it was announced that former Kings player, Sean May, would be signing with the New Jersey Nets for the 2010-11 season. I'm a little bummed! I know he didn't play a lot with us last year, but he was a classy, professional guy who gave his all when he was called upon.

Sean has been in the league since 2005, when he was drafted by Charlotte, after a great run with North Carolina. In his season with the Kings, Sean tallied the following stats:

G GS MPG FG% 3p% FT% OFF DEF RPG APG SPG BPG TO PF PPG

37 4 8.9 0.459 0.000 0.656 0.5 1.4 1.9 0.5 0.3 0.2 0.5 1.2 3.3

I do not know Sean, but he seems to be a great guy willing to interact with his fans via Twitter. So I will be the first to say, "Good luck in New Jersey Sean! Thank you for all the effort you put in last season. I for one will miss watching you play."

Midway in Vegas

So tonight's exciting finish marked what Kings fans hope to be the first of many. With 2.8 seconds left on the clock Demarcus Cousins called for the ball which Donte Greene happily fed him down low. He, for the first time all game, took it up the middle and sank the short hook shot against Minnesota. His reaction to it was similar to that of Tyreke's, "This is my house!" in Chicago in the 35-point comeback win...only I will choose to leave his exact words out of this blog! Cousins has tallied a double-double in all three contests thus far in Vegas. His early performance has Lebron James calling for Wall or Cousins to win ROY.

From the first minute of the first game Hassan Whiteside came out swinging...or is it swatting? Either way, Whiteside has been making his presence around the net known from game one. At one point in the first game against the Pistons, where normal shot blockers block with their hands, Whiteside blocked a shot with his wrist. Yes, I said his wrist, meaning he jumped too high and got above the ball. Upon review of replays of his many blocked shots, he is shown blocking balls that are above the square on the backboard...and he looks so effortless in his ability to jump. 10...9....8.....3...2...1....LIFT OFF! Hassan 33 is headed to outer space!

Other bright spots for this young competitive squad has been the play of Ryan Thompson. Although tonight his play was cut short after taking a hard hit to the head after a collision at the basket, Ryan said via his Twitter account, "Just won our summer league game..it was crazy..hit my head pretty hard but I will be okay for friday." Which is a good sign for Kings fans who are pulling for the kid brother of Jason Thompson to join his brother in Sac-Town this coming season. Ryan has shown to be an aggressive scorer from the early seconds of each game he's started. According to Sacramento area sports reporters, rumor is that the coaching staff is very impressed with the way he is playing. The Kings did workout Ryan in the weeks leading up to this year's draft so some of what he is showing comes as no surprise to them. Newly signed rookie guard, Sloan has been playing well and showing Kings fans just what he intends to bring to the court this season. He has some fancy ball handling skills that have been impressive thus far. His court vision is also developing.

All I know for sure as that I will be lost for the next two months once Summer League play ends. I will be anxiously awaiting October to roll around for preseason contests and then finally....TIP OFF! Kings fans have something to be excited about...and if you have walked around the streets of Sacramento lately you can tell. This city's love affair with the Kings has resumed! Consider that flame rekindled Sac-Town!

Summer League

2010 Las Vegas Kings Summer League team roster has been finalized.

1. Omri Casspi SF 6'9 225 lbs. Israel
2. Donte Greene SF 6'11 226 lbs. Syracuse
3. DeMarcus Cousins C 6'11 270 lbs. Kentucky
4. Hassan Whiteside C 7'0 235 lbs. Marshall
5. Connor Archley F-C 6'10 225 lbs. Texas
6. Dionte Christmas G 6'5 205 lbs. Temple
7. Wayne Chism F 6'9 246 lbs. Tennessee
8. Devan Downey G-F 5'9 170 lbs. South Carolina
9. Lee Cummard G-F 6'7 190 lbs. BYU
10. Jason Ellis F 6'7 200 lbs. Boise State
11. Steven Hill C 7'0 245 lbs. Arkansas
12. Tyren Johnson F 6'8 204 lbs. Louisiana-Lafayette
13. Sylven Landesberg G 6'6 207 lbs. Virginia
14. Tyrese Rice G 6'1 190 lbs. Boston College
15. Donald Sloan G 6'3 205 lbs. Texas A&M
16. Ryan Thompson G 6'6 220 lbs. Rider

Before the actual analysis begins...am I the only one who thinks names will become an issue during practice and games? A Dionte and a Donte? A Tyrese and Tyren not to mention coaches in the habit of calling out to Tyreke? I'm confused just writing this! Thank goodness I'm not coaching!

I'm not going to sell you on current Kings players. If you haven't heard of the two returning players or read my opinions on the two newest members of the Kings...well read my previous posts and get with it! Kidding, but read up on who they are and what they bring to the team on mine and other sites!

Thompson:

A sentimental favorite of mine would be Ryan Thompson. I was hoping he'd get drafted on draft day, but it wasn't in the cards. I thought he would go to San Antonio personally, but I am happy he's playing on our summer league team. I figure we have brothers running things off the court why not have brothers on the court right? We did it once, well sort of, with Mike Bibby and Eddie House (yes they are brother-in-laws). Ryan has a good game, but it's not what I would consider well rounded. He has a good outside shot. Reviewing his sophomore and junior seasons he shot over 42% in both. He didn't have his best shooting year during his senior season. He has an established jumper and can take the ball inside and attack the basket. His biggest improvement needs to come in his defensive game. He has a realistic chance to make the Kings training camp roster, or any teams roster as he is confirmed for Boston's summer league team as well, by proving he can be that long range 3-point shooter in an NBA environment.

Landesberg:

When watching highlight videos, one could only notice the similarities between he and Tyreke. Not saying he's as good as Tyreke is, but he drives to the basket and scores a lot in the paint. He's a good rebounder and FT shooter. He lacks an outside shot shooting 38% 3 pt in his sophomore season.

Christmas:

High scoring ability. Like Kevin Martin, his shot is a little unorthodox, but he finds the bottom of the net more often than not so who cares what it looks like right? He's a good defender, but he lacks athleticism for a guard.

Chism:

He's QUICK!!! He lacks an outside shot with a 32% 3 pt in college and lacks the height and athleticism. The Kings have a pretty stacked front court already and he doesn't add enough to be a likely candidate for a Kings jersey.

Atchley:

Former D-League player for Iowa and Dakota teams. Decent numbers 16.1 ppg 9.5 boards, nearly a double-double. He lacks strength though.

Cummard:

Great shooter! While at BYU never shot under 51.7%, 85+% FT 2 of 3 years, 40+% 3-point shot. However, he's a spot-up shooter and it is unknown if he will be able to create his own shots in the NBA.

Downey:

Decent scorer, perhaps best known for his game against Kentucky in the SEC game. He's more of a SG than a PG and he's lacking size at 5'9"! Come on I'm that tall and I shouldn't be as tall as NBA players if you ask me! Unless your name is Nate Robinson or Muggsy Bogues!

Rice:

Moves well and is a good scorer. Again, he's not that athletic of a PF

Hill:

A former D-League player, did a short stint with Oklahoma City Thunder in 2009. He's a solid defender, but again, Kings are loaded in the front court.

Ellis:

He rebounds well. Aside from that, there's virtually nothing out there on this guy.

Sloan:

Athletic enough, lacks defensive skill set and outside shooting ability.

Johnson:

Sort of athletic, decent off the boards for his senior season, but he has a problem with TURN OVERS! We need to value the ball more as we had an issue with that last season, we don't need another butterfingers on the court!

Some have asked me the following questions, where is Brockman, JT, and Reke? Well, I have the answer to some of those.

I am not sure why Brockman is not listed on the roster as most anticipated he would be. Maybe the Kings feel he doesn't need to prove himself for his spot since they locked him up at least as a restricted free agent going into this all important Summer of Lebron (AKA 2010 Free Agency). JT isn't joining his little brother on the courts in Vegas because he's considered a proven player. This isn't to say that his buddy Donte Greene isn't, but JT isn't leaving Sac in the foreseeable future, so he doesn't have to head to Vegas, but I'm sure he will be there to cheer little bro Ryan on. Tyreke....really? Do you have to ask? One, he's ROY is there any doubt of his skills? Two, he's working out with Team USA and the Kings decided not to take the risk of injuring their star player (see Clippers and Blake Griffin). Tyreke expressed interest in playing for the Summer League team, but the organization decided to protect their assets!

Trades, Drafts, Free Agency OH MY!

There is no denying that these past few weeks talks of Lebron and the rest of the all star free agency have subsided, if only for a little while. With all the coaching changes happening in the east and with the amazing play of the highly underestimated Celtics (yes they've knocked out #1 and #2 seeds in the east and are looking to knock out #1 in the west making that 3 top teams in the NBA) it's easy to overlook the smaller teams and what is happening within. So here is a bit on what I "know" on the Kings and what's going down in Sac Town!

Noc Out as King:

Multiple sources are reporting that Kings' forward Andres Nocioni wants out! He's not shy about it either. This isn't the first time this season we've heard this statement either. It was reported that he wanted out before the trade deadline in February because he felt he wasn't part of the core going forward. The Kings are reportedly in discussion to shop Nocioni for another player. I say great! Give me a player that wants to be in Sacramento. I don't want anyone here who doesn't want to be here!

Return of One Time Fan Favorite Hedo Turkoglu?

It's been said that Hedo wants to return to the team he first called home in the NBA. After departing from Sacramento after the 2002-03 season, Hedo has played for three teams: San Antonio, Orlando, and Toronto. He continued to flourish while in Orlando and he became the player that the Kings began shaping in 2000. Here's my concern, he wanted to go to Toronto, but shortly after arriving it went down hill. He got hit with the party tag and there is just bad blood swirling around the whole situation in Toronto. Maybe the cold weather didn't suit him? I don't know, but if he wants to come back to Sacramento, and if we take him back, don't screw it up Hedo! Be here and be the player you were while you were here and in Orlando. Don't screw us over and let our fans down like you did Toronto's.

Kings Look to Build a "Royal Family":

With multiple teams looking to trade up in the draft, the Kings have come into conversations in the sports blogosphere to be a likely candidate to give up their 5th pick for a proven player. Rumor is that Tayshaun Prince would be a possible from the Pistons should the Kings want to give up the #5 pick. Price would be a great addition to the young squad. He brings experience, leadership, and proven talent to the Kings.

Draft Possibles:

My favorite, and has been since day one, YES even if we had gotten the #1 pick, Demarcus Cousins! Cousins had a work out in Sacramento on Saturday, and from all reports he had a great work out. With all comments being positive, accept that of Sacramento Bee writer Aileen Voision about his body fat percentage and his belly, he's still my #1 man...or would it be #5? I don't know! Favors also worked out with the Kings on Saturday. The two are the top big men in the draft and could both be unavailable come time to select at #5, but the general consensus on mock drafts is that Cousins will go to the Kings.

Only time will tell what is going to happen next Thursday, but there's one thing I know for sure; I as well as hundreds of other Kings fans will be on hand at ARCO Arena for the Draft Party! We rocked downtown for the Greatest Draft Lottery party last month, and this is bound to be just as if not more exciting than that! This is a MUST ATTEND and MUST RSVP event! Without an RSVP you can't get a ticket to get in!! So get your RSVP on! Visit http://www.nba.com/kings/news/kings_draft_party2010.html to get your tickets today! Event doors open at 3:30 pm and the event will start at 4:00 pm. Special guests are scheduled to appear! The best part is....Attendees will receive a voucher for a free ticket to one regular season game in the 2010-2011 season!

Tyreke's Offseason

With the pressure of the Rookie of the Year announcement finally off of Tyreke's mind what is next for the young superstar in training? Just that training! After a few weeks off Tyreke will be hitting the gym hard and as he recently said in his ROY press conference, "I will be working harder than ever before." He's heading off to Las Vegas on Monday to sign up for Team USA, which will start play in July. There is no doubt in Sacramento Fans' minds that Tyreke is the future and that this kid has tremendous potential and Tyreke wants to do right by the Kings Organization, his teammates, coaches, and fans. This offseason he will be spending most of his time in LA with his trainer and friend, LaMont Peterson, working on all aspects of his game that need improvement. His midrange jumper is at the top of that list. But he's working on more than that. He wants to shed the stigma that analysts tagged him with being one of the worst passers...in other words...he doesn't want to be known as the ball hog! He significantly improved his assists as the season progressed, so there is hope for a bright future. Nothing is better than to see a young kid who doesn't rest on his current skills. He could easily say I'm the rookie of the year, what do I need to work on! Thankfully he's been raised by amazing people and have made him a humbled person and athlete who knows he's no where close to the top of his potential in this game and he's willing and eager to put the work in to achieve the best possible skill set he can. The future is bright Kings fans! NBA Teams beware...you think you can prepare for this kid now? Just wait until he brings out a whole new arsenal of skills next season you won't know what to do with him!

NBA 2009-2010 Rookie of the Year

"The NBA selection for the 2009-2010 Rookie of the Year is..."

TYREKE EVANS!!!!!

As if there were any other considerations for the award other than Tyreke! The unofficial word is that Tyreke will be announced as ROY either Thursday or Friday. This breaking Wednesday tradition of the past two years for those receiving the honors.

I don't know what the best part of Tyreke winning this award is. There's the fact that he just deserves it! No one took it away from him...he played hard, tough basketball for the whole season only missing games when he had no choice with injury or a concussion. Then there is what the ROY award means for the Kings organization, the team, the coaches, and more importantly the City of Sacramento and the FANS!!! Tyreke brings home the first major award since Bobby Jackson's Sixth Man award in 2003. This is the first time a Sacramento Era rookie has won the distinguished honor of Rookie of the Year. Tyreke's victory is one that makes even the smallest of Kings fan happy! After a steep decline in wins and in popularity, the Kings and their fans have something and someone to be excited about! Tyreke is the face of our franchise! He is the future, he is the hope! It also goes to show that the playoffs don't mean anything in terms of winning the award, and that cheaters (aka Camp Curry) never prosper! The Kings did their campaigning for Tyreke in the best way possible. They didn't have to resort to calling up every voter across the country and asking them to switch their vote had they already voted for Tyreke or Brandon on the ballot. That's just shameful! If I were Steph Curry, I'd be embarrassed! I wouldn't want to win the award based on that! Not to mention his daddy was behind the majority of the "Smear Tyreke Campaign". No, there wasn't an actual titled campaign, but it's obvious that the Warriors camp was doing everything in their power to strip the young rookie of an honor that he so clearly deserved. Their argument for Curry was laughable...it was simply this...

Sure, Tyreke easily takes the rookie scoring title for the 2009-2010 season, but if you take Steph's numbers from January forward he beats Evans year by a full point. Well guess what, it's called the 2009-2010 Rookie of the Year...not the 2010 Rookie of the Year. Besides all that! I want a player that can show up for the WHOLE season not one who kicks it into high gear for 4 months of the season!

So I end this blog with two things to say....

1) To the Haters: I TOLD YOU SO!!! Don't try and justify it don't diminish it, just accept it for what it is and what true fans always knew it would be! Tyreke is not only our pick for ROY, but the league's and nation's as well!

2)

CONGRATULATIONS TYREKE EVANS FOR WINNING ROOKIE OF THE YEAR!

First of many

First off, Welcome! If you are reading this I hope you find my future posts to be interesting enough to continue to read. The point of this blog is to share my opinions on all things Sacramento Kings related, and perhaps a little more with the NBA in general.

As I sit here waiting for the end of the just begun off-season, I am currently waiting for the announcement every Sacramento fan is dying to here. "The NBA announces its pick for 2009-2010 Rookie of the Year, Tyreke Evans!" For much of the season this was no contest. As Tyreke continued to put up numbers that baffled the best in the league, his rise to the top has never stopped. Sitting atop rookie rankings from week 3 forward, he was the only option. After we watch Brandon Jennings post 55-points in week 2 of the season, he dropped off in statement games. Granted, he's the only top rookie to be in the playoffs, but he had help with the addition of Salmons and the great play of Bogut, who is out due to the injury to his arm. Then there is Stephen Curry...He's talented beyond belief with comparisons already being made to the best point guard in the NBA, Steve Nash. He has great court viewing skills. He sees plays and he makes them. He has a great 3-point shot finishing the 2009-10 season with 43.7% from beyond the arc, but where was this person in the early goings of the season? On the bench, that's where! He was able to even the race and make the discussion a little more interesting as the last 6 weeks of the season Curry and Evans have played leap frog with the top spot on the Rookie Rankings lists. The clear standout based on numbers and consistency this season has always been Tyreke Evans...and ladies and gentlemen he is only 20 years old! That's right, the virtually no name player who was taken in the 4 spot of the draft by the worst team in the NBA last year, who took his team on his back, led the charge in the 35 point comeback in Chicago, hit the game winning shot in Milwaukee, isn't even old enough to drink! Not to mention there is this small thing referred to by the masses as HISTORY! That's right, Tyreke made history on April 12, 2010, at the 6:46 mark of the 4th quarter sinking his 2 free throws to secure his season average of 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists. These numbers may not seem like much, but he's only the 4th rookie to ever do so in their debut NBA season. The others you ask??? Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan, and Lebron James. That's pretty elite company. This season only 2 other players put up those averages in the whole league! Who you ask? Lebron James and Kobe Bryant...again elite company. To give this award to any other rookie would be like reliving the Lakers/Kings 2001-02 series....a dagger to the heart!