Our good friend Chris Daniels showed off these pictures today for the new Sonics’ arena. Seems things are getting close to being a little bit more final. Definitely has me excited to be there opening night in a couple of years.
Definitely starting to really take shape. Again, very excited to be able to get into some games in this beauty in two years. KeyArena will always kind of be home though. It’s a little small, but it’s honestly the best place I’ve ever seen a basketball game.
About Kevin Nesgoda
Kevin has been a sports fanatic his entire life. He grew up loving the Sonics, Mariners and Philadelphia Eagles. Kevin's true heart and passion lie with the Maryland Terrapin basketball team and he cries over the football team. Unlike Bill Simmons, Kevin uses a Macbook Pro to write his columns and not a broken down Lenovo Thinkpad. Kevin will gladly accept your friend request on Facebook (Parental Discretion Advised) and you can follow him on Twitter @KDN4.
Kevin's first novel, "Dead Valley" will be released in paperback, ibook and Kindle on October 31, 2013.
Wild Day today!! Could the rollercoaster ride be coming to end??
I no longer have the stomach of a 20 year old to handle that! So I hope so or at least bust out a kiddie coaster for some of us!
I’m with you Kevin, the Key really does have to quote the great David Stern…the best “sight lines in the NBA.” You can sit in the nosebleeds and still have a great seat.
PS this day keeps getting better: Russell Wilson is playing in the Pro Bowl thanks to Matt Ryan’s injury yesterday.
I’ll start by saying that I’m very happy for Wilson, but the Pro Bowl is already a farce, and it doesn’t help matters when all three of the players who were actually selected aren’t in it. I know all three have legitimate injury situation, but Eli and Brees as Pro Bowlers is a joke.
Oh you know Russell will take this seriously. He’s probably already in Hawaii studying game tape. Yes, the game may have become a joke, but I think it’s cool he made it. Definitely deserves any accolades he receives after the season he’s had.
I guess the toughest thing to swallow is that we get a team but we break some little boy or little girls heart in Sacramento:(
That’s probably going to be my next piece that I write for the site.
Please don’t.
No need for an insincere melodrama.
Agree with dead ball. The SonicsGate letter was more than enough. And even that was taken the wrong way. Let’s just leave it ALL alone and let it be.
I agree with EJ and dead ball foul, just leave it be.
I agree Sonicsman, but not much we can do about that. If it wasn’t Seattle getting the Kings, it could have been another city. That’s why I’m just taking a vow of silence as far as talking to Kings fans. It sucks for them, but I’m not going to try and reach out to try and make them feel better, because I can’t. They will have to deal with their own grief just like we had to. It is what it is.
Dog eat dog. It sucks but we want an NBA team, not friends to sit around a campfire with and sing songs together
I am trying to steer clear of Sac Fans for the most part but when I see CarMichael Dave refer to Chris Hansen as “Clay Hansen” and the “Seattle Thunder” I gotta speak up! That just aint right!! Hansen is far and above Bennett.
Yeah, that’s not right, and not even close. Is Chris going to step foot in Sacramento and say he’s a man possessed to keep the team in Sacramento? Nope, they knew the day the news broke of a possible sale where the Kings were headed. If Clay had bought the Sonics and told everybody from day one, and even before he actually bought the team, I could have lived with hating Schultz only. Just like Sacramento should be doing with the Maloof’s.
Yeah. This is my perspective: let ‘em vent. From what I’ve seen the past two weeks since this news first came out as rumors, Sac really doesn’t seem to have all the facts. They’re a step further with the rumors in the sense that they are hoping for their White Knight to step in.
And now with them thinking the minority group gets first right of refusal? Where did that even come from? I know that rumor has been denied, but come on. They obviously are grasping for straws now..just let them be.
It seems CarMicheal doesn’t know how he got his local team.
Everyone know Chris Hansen is far and above clay bennett, so we don’t need to worry about the comparison between Hansen to Liar-Theif-bennett!!
As for Sacramento Kings fans, we just have to let them deal with their own emotions like we did unlikely okc plunker fans did to us.
I’m with these guys, let it go dude. They need to vent, and if that is the worst they can do then it will be nothing compared to the terrible stuff we said in the emotional outpouring.
Agreed with that. Hansen hasn’t had an ounce of pretense during the whole affair. Bennett strung us along for years, pretending he cared. Wide, wide difference.
Years? He gave us EXACTLY ONE and even that was a mirage.
Carmichael Dave has been extremely low class for the last several days. He seems hellbent on making it personal.between the two cities.
Disagree. He’s responded how any fan that is emtionally attached to his team would. What he posted on twitter wasn’t even that bad. It’s not personal unless you make it personal.
Like Chris would put $30 million dollars down only to have the minority owners come up with the dollars to take the team away from Chris. Yeah Chris doesn’t know what he’s doing at all on this.
Minority owners has no authority on what the majority owner does with the team.
I forget who was on ESPN 710 but he basically said, they are MINORITY owners for a reason. They don’t have the means to come even close to matching Hansen’s offer. It’s a non-issue.
That was Rick Bucher on 710 earlier.
Bleh forgot which thread i was in so i am reposting it here.
Chris Daniels @ChrisDaniels5
I spoke with Sports Law expert Michael McCann (@mccannsportslaw) today… who shed some light on that $30m Kings down payment. #NBASeattle
Chris Daniels @ChrisDaniels5
McCann says “The Kings will be moving to Seattle…I think things are in order for that to happen.” #NBASeattle (@mccannsportslaw)
Chris Daniels @ChrisDaniels5
McCann says $30m payment could open door for Hansen or Maloofs to sue if deal gets rejected… called ‘Tortious Interference’.. #NBASeattle
Chris Daniels @ChrisDaniels5
.@mccannsportslaw says payment establishes business arrangement, and “stronger nexus” between Maloofs/Hansen… #NBASeattle
Chris Daniels @ChrisDaniels5
.@mccannsportslaw: Hansen could say “if you do reject this move I’m going to want ..money back, & I’m gonna sue for it -NBA-, the Maloofs..”
Chris Daniels @ChrisDaniels5
.@mccannsportslaw says it is just “one additional claim” in unlikely event deal falls through. #NBASeattle
That should answer the question about the downpayment.
If Sacramento comes up with a matching offer and the BOG votes to keep them in Sac-town, if Hansen then sues the NBA, he would pretty much kill any chance of landing a team in the future.
Like i said it greats another PR nightmare if NBA gives seattle the shaft AGAIN.
And could force NBA to give Seattle an expansion
This
I doubt hansen would sue to but the tweets was just offering some insight on the 30m down payment.
Agreed!
David Stern does not want to add another tainted to his legacy.
Cause we remember how if the City sued the nba they’d never return under Stern’s watch, right? Totally happened that way..
Wasn’t that part of the reason the mayor caved and settled?
I Am watching the news in Sac on KCRA 3, it is amazing how bad there press is. They just stated that Chris put 30m down to the Maloofs and that the Maloofs can still entertain other offers. they also said thay KJ will have offer for new ownership etcby next week.
This is gonna be an annoying 3 months.
I doubt Maloofs will entertain other offers.
I am done watching Sac’s news as I am going to enjoy today and not get caught up on Sac’s roller coaster. Chris has a strong bid and contact and we have lot to look forwards to. I just wish that Sac would report correct info on the News Stations.
What, they’ve got a rollercoaster too?
Is it as good as ours? :-D
No way it’s s good as ours. Ours is a much, much longer ride.
The Maloofs can not listen to other offers that is part of the reason Chris paid the 30m they also signed a Binding agreement.
I agree, all Sac can do at this point is present offers to the NBA and hope NBA in return disapproves the existing sale between Chris Hansen and the Maloofs. And that won’t happen because I’m sure this has already been worked out.
Yes, that’s why KJ presents to the BOG and not the Maloof’s. I now think the KJ/Sac proposal is nothing but a PR goodwill gesture for SAC and the league. MaGoof’s cannot entertain other offers - it’s a binding agreement. Think about it - - If you accept and sign a purchase agreement, you can’t accept a higher offer. That would be breach of contract and be subject to fines/lawsuits, etc.
KJ’s pitch is basically going to be “can you please rip up this legally binding contract and sign one with these gentlemen instead?”
That’s pretty much what Rick Bucher said on 710 earlier today.
Maybe we can talk about some other things to keep us occupied?
What should the logo/jerseys/uniforms look like?
I wouldn’t mind the uniforms they had before they left, except change the backs so they look like the old one. I know they were the ones we had during the Schultz/Bennett era though.
These, but change the back of the jersey to look like the classic ones
http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100525124942/nba/images/a/ab/Seattle_Supersonics_Road_Uniform.gif
http://cf.juggle-images.com/matte/white/280×280/seattle-supersonics-home-uniform-primary.jpg
I can not wait to see these uniforms to return to court again.
Also I can not to see former Sonics players visiting to Seattle to play us again!. I wonder what reaction they will say? Even Nick Collison is probably screaming his head off in closed and secured room that no one can hear him in okc :) LOL.
Is it just me, or am I about the only person in history who liked the “Pine and Wine” jerseys that they went to the ’96 Finals in?
Not that I’m advocating a return to that design or logo. I’d just be partial to seeing those colours as an alternate road uniform or something. :)
I really liked those too. Though it wouldn’t surprise me if I am in the minority though.
I didn’t mind them. I prefer the green and gold though.
Too Christmas-y
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/21/whats-next-in-sale-of-kings-do-all-roads-point-north/
” This is where Sacramento will makes its last stand — Mayor Kevin Johnson is scheduled to address the BOG and makes his pitch for the owners to reject the sale to Hansen and instead push the Maloofs to sell to a local ownership group. We have detailed how he is putting all of this together and it should be a good offer with legitimate big money. This group will include parties looking to build a new arena in Sacramento. ”
I wonder how the NBA feels about being told what to do and especially being told to push (essentially force) maloofs to sell to local group.
Sacramento city officials had two years to do that, no offense to Sacramento Kings fans, so it is done deal in my eye that the deposit had been paid. Chris Hansen would not pay the deposit without any surprises from NBA or Maloofs.
The only way that can be stopped is the BOG, however, Liar-Theif-clay bennett can not screw up his lover-stern’s legacy by doing that.
You know what i find interesting they could had spent all of last year up to this point taking care of that arena issue by finding other ways to fund the project instead of doing absolutely nothing.
I mean post Maloofs pulled out of arena deal.
This actually still scares me quit a bit
Well so far all it has been is talk talk and more talk.
If i was KJ i would have the ownership group already revealed by now and working on getting that arena issue figured out right now. Neither has happened yet.
If I was KJ - - - I’d wait a day or two to let some of the hoopla die down. I’d want all the attention of that newsday on the Sac offer - wouldn’t want to share the spotlight. Right now it’s all been talk. Could be bluffing as well with no one really willing to step up at the $$ level this deal would now require. You couple that with the fact that it could become a legal mine field.
the thing i dont understand is that carmichael dave hinted at ellison being part of kjs group but then i seen the maloofs shopped hansens offer and ellison turned it down. Doesnt make sense imo. How can the group be taken serious?
nevermind its might be already too late. Hansen has to have an idea on where the BOG is vote wise or why else would it been announced today.
Hey is Twitter down for everyone or just me?
Its been having issues most of the afternoon
Thanks.
Doesn’t twitter realize that we have rumors to chase?
you mean inaccurate baised rumors to chase ;)
The best kind.
Phil Jackson is trending #7 for yahoo searches today btw.
“@ChrisDaniels5: Here is our 5pm story on Kings-to-Seattle, w/comments from @isaiah_thomas2 father, & legal analysis @mccannsportslaw http://t.co/64q5kK5r”
@ChrisDaniels5: Here is our 5pm story on Kings-to-Seattle, w/comments from @isaiah_thomas2 father, & legal analysis @mccannsportslaw http://t.co/64q5kK5r
Hope this one works, last try, sorry.
Just ordered League Pass, yahoo!
I almost did last night. Hahahaha. But im gonna just hang tight the rest of the year until the supes are home
How much does league pass run?$
$99 once or 4 pmts of $24
Aaron Bruski @aaronbruski
The news coming out of SEA about potential claims relating to the $30M is a well-timed PR effort, but legally toothless vs. Sac or the NBA.
‘splain please.
LOL of course Bruski is gonna downplay it. So he saying a sports law legal expert is wrong?
And someone tweeted back asking which law school did you go to LOL.
He’s call reports that saying its too late for Sac being uninformed and misguided.
And what your saying Mr bruski that what you say is not uninformed and not misguided. Speak for yourself?
Just like bruski overplays sactown’s hope, he under plays Hansen and ballmer.
Hansen can totally sue many individuals/orgsnizations/municpalities with tortious interference.
Something is really baffling me reading some a kings fans posts at Kingsfans.com…no offense to them, but they seem totally out of the loop. They would probably say the same thing about us with the info we post here.
One thing that has seem to come out of thin air is that Sac fans think Hansen cannot offer a counter to this counter KJ is trying to put together to the BOG. I haven’t hard that on our end, only theirs. Am I completely off here? Has this topic come up before and I missed it? Why wouldn’t Hansen be able to up his original offer?
Sac fans seem to think if KJ’s deal is equal to Hansen’s the NBA is going to reject our deal in preference of the Kings staying in Sac. That’s all and fine if that’s what it comes down to but I’ve never heard the story of Hansen having a one time offer with no opportunity to match or up the ante.
…furthermore, these poor souls seem to think Hansen is just giving the Maloofs an extra $30M just for the heck of it and would have no legal grounds to sue should the league block this deal.
Kinda sounds like when we all got excited about schultz “lawsuit”
Or the last minute Ballmer group.
Logic tells me thats all the sacto efforts are but being screwed by the league once has me a little jaded i suppose. Im cautiously optimistic but not gonna throw any parts till the bog passes it. Hahaha
*partys
Too bad City of Seattle settled with Bennett we won’t ever know if Schultz would been successful or not in voiding the sales agreement.
like wise with the breach of contract lawsuit against Bennett by the city of Seattle.
Speaking of the Shultz lawsuit, once the new team is here let Howie re file it and win the team back and ship it to SacTown. haha. Too late but funny thought.
Nevermind that none of us really know what going on behind closed doors between Hansen, Maloofs and the NBA.
Also to note people need to realize how little power stern actually when it comes to BOG matters. Sure Stern allowed KJ to speak.
Heck Wojnarowski of yahoo sport has been pretty spot on with his reporting and is being told that he is wrong with what he said recently.
Marni Hughes Q13 FOX News anchor
Lenny Wilkens talks Sonics- join us for the interview tonight at 10. Love Lenny!
Another odd angle that I can’t figure out. Per most reports, KJ/Sac have a strong supportive relationship with Stern and the league. We all know Stern/NBA busted their rear-ends last year in helping the Sac arena finance package. Now let’s assume KJ/Sac does present a competitive comparabe bid and asks the league to not approve the Hansen deal. Isn’t he putting Stern/BOG in an incredibly awkward position by asking them to screw Sea again? Perhaps KJ and Stern have an understanding that this is a PR & face saving posturing by Mayor KJ for re-election. This would allow KJ and the NBA to look good to the city of Sac and its fans. If KJ/Sac make a true competive bid, guess who’s going to look incredibly bad again ?? Stern and the NBA. As we know, that’s not how Stern wants to be remembered on his way out. Rejecting the Hansen offer in favor of the Sac bid would not only piss off a coveted Hansen ownership group, but also could open up all sorts of legal action. When I look at the situation in this light, I’m inclined to believe there will not be a competitive Sac offer. It would really piss off Stern/NBA that KJ put them in this awkward and very public nasty position. Expansion would be the only other alternative for the NBA to save face. Thoughts ?
Well here’s the thought ever consider that KJ talking to BOG is nothing more than letting him talk and the BOG has already decided to approve the sale.
Remember reports(rumor) state 29-0 approval of sale/reloc of the kings to seattle.
To be fair though Wojnarowski was the one reporting the 29-0 approval and he’s been pretty damn accurate so far.
Indeed.
I think the Woj report is a bit misleading. I have no doubt that someone with inside knowledge told him the vote would be unanimous, but that report is based on the set of circumstances right now, when no Sacramento based offer is on the table. If Sacramento makes a competitive offer, it won’t be a unanimous decision.
Why would BOG put themselves into position to lose money here. That’s what exactly will happen if BOG votes no on the Kings sale to Seattle’s group. As its been stated HUGE black eye and RP nightmare and essentially forces them to have to give expansion to Seattle thus costing them money.
With the sale to hansen’s group NBA is expected to make money. The debt to NBA paid off. Relocation fee. Nevermind it increases the value of all the franchises.
Exactly - - - KJ/Sac public posturing only. No real competitive bid forthcoming. If KJ/Sac presents a competitive package - - Stern/NBA will have to choose. KJ would be putting Stern/NBA in an impossible and bad PR position. Can’t see Stern letting KJ put him in that position. Makes logical sense to me, or, perhaps I’m just convincing myself.
KJ isn’t really helping his case by continuing to be quiet about local group and arena deal.
Yup, now I’ve convinced myself. KJ and Stern both know a competitive bid can’t happen. Perhaps a bid will be presented - - but it will purposely & publicly come up short for some reason or another. If KJ wants to maintain a good relationship with the NBA - - - he will not put the NBA in a public bad position. Think about it - - if Sac brings a competitive bid and the BOG approves the Hansen deal - - There will be public outrage and a PR nightmare. Media would play it like this: “The poor City of Sac stepped up to the plate time & time again, even finding local buyers in the 4th qtr and the BOG voted to approve a sale and relocation to an out of town buyer anyways”. OUCH !! - - Not pretty. Sorry, I don’t think Stern/NBA will allow themselves to be put in that public nightmare story.
There will be public outrage/PR nightmare no matter who ends up with the team.
Which one creates a bigger public outrage/PR nightmare moving the team to Seattle or rejecting the sale to Hansen’s group?
I’d also remember that this is the second time in a little over two years that the KJ has had to squabble over the Kings with the BOG.
Does Stern really want to try and help nix the deal, only to see this keep on happening every two years?
At the end of the day, the Maloofs are the problem, and you’d have to think Stern would love to wash his hands of them by now, even if it means moving the Kings to Seattle to do so… two birds, one stone, for him.
Chris Daniels mention on Kiro radio. Link is below. That NBA hates these 11 hour things.
Will KeyArena be ready for the return of the Sonics? From KOMO
http://bit.ly/VlSe0q
I just skimmed the article, but it didn’t seem very informative. I mean, Chris has technically purchased the Kings today and has already got in touch with the city in working on making upgrades for the Key.
As far as the local businesses? You better believe they’ll be ready!
Here’s probably the weirdest part of the article
“The old Sonics hardwood is now in Oklahoma and next season’s games still have to be scheduled before the season tips off in October.” So apparently the “renovations” to the arena in okc didn’t actually include putting in the hardwood or maybe Nickels just decided to give that away too
Yep. That Clay Bennett sure is a thrifty thief!
LOL I like that “thrifty thief”
And Nichols was an absolute idiot. I want our stuff back !!
Just grab The Powerband sleepy mattress arena floor then?
http://tinyurl.com/av56vww
This will work until the new arena is built :P
Vancouver is pretty close to Seattle anyways.
That was my lame attempt at being funny :)
http://kiroradio.com/listen/9951284
Chris Daniels on Kiro Radio
Thanks
he actually goes into pretty good details regarding whats going on in Sac.
Good read here:
Sonic
You’ve seen it a million times, whether on TV, in the movies, in real life, whatever. Some woman decides its time to end it with her man. For good. She’s had it. He calls her one night pleading for one more chance. Begging her for a chance to talk. She always says “you can talk” and then more under her breath finishes with “but I’m not changing my mind.”
This be KJ to BOG.
Exactly - - - still need to have a real solid “public” reason though. Otherwise, it’s the Stern & NBA who have the public black eye.
I’ve convinced myself that this is the way it’s gonna go down. NBA wins/ KJ/City of Sac saves face. Sea gets their team back. Everyone wins - - - - except, of course, the Sac fans. Per the NBA, they would be the most expendable.
Yup, I’m officially off the roller coaster and now on the KC Magic Carpet ride. I’ve convinced myself that’s how it’s gonna play out. I’ll sleep well tonight and have sweet dreams in green & gold. I’m sure Hansen will show up in angel wings.
Of course, until the next story comes out that bumps me off the magic carpet and back on the roller coaster.
Jon Humbert @jonhumbert
Tonight @ 11, we’re going to break down and reveal every major milestone to watch for in 2013 for #NBASeattle & #Sonics.
That would be on KOMO
Another good site:
Sonic mania
“the Maloofs are actually pretty savy businessmen”
http://tinyurl.com/d6u68mu
So KCPQ dude just said that they would “play at the Key Arena for 2, maybe 3 years”. First time I’ve heard 3 years. Hope not.
laporbo,
you never know if you run into delays of the construction of the arena.
Who cares - - - We will have the Sonics. I actually like the Key.
I agree. I would be happy if they play in the Key for 30 years. Go ahead….. delay it all you want.
Agreed — - - I’d be happy to keep playin’ in the Key. That way I know for sure I can get a Dick’s cheeseburger and fries before the games. Truly a great pleasure in life - - - Dick’s and a Sonics game.
When Chris Daniels tweeted a concept pic of the arena next to Krispy Kreme, I responded saying that all SODO needs now is Dick’s. And guess who retweeted and favorited my tweet? Dick’s twitter account.
What do we have to do to start a petition? It would be so awesome. Dick’s has always been a Sonics staple for me. Either pre or post game. Now we are going to have pro sports year round in SODO. It’s the perfect place. How do we get them in touch with Hansen?
I remember dicks had a contest for where the new location would go. So glad it went to Edmonds. Don’t really see a dicks going into sodo since it really wouldn’t have a steady stream of drunken people trying to sober up befor a drive home, but maybe it would make enough on the 120-200 dates for the sporting events down there.
Should have known my Burger joint comment would go into moderation. Apostrophes are too slow on the iphone
Yes you are both right, I shouldn’t be excited to see the new digs. Up yours, new arena.
Great Art Thiel column:
http://sportspressnw.com/2013/01/thiel-the-guilty-pleasure-of-the-return-of-the-nba/
Very good article. Art Thiel tends to be a “glass half empty” writer, so this is out of the norm for him.
Counter punch…
Aaron Bruski@aaronbruski
Sources confirm 2 p.m. presser for KJ in SAC. At least three ownership groups with “heavy hitters” in the mix.
We’ll see, but if there are 3 different ownership groups that are not looking to purchase the team jointly, isn’t it like too many cooks in the kitchen?
why not just combine them into one massive supergroup? do they all have different arena plans? because that could be difficult, the city isn’t going to approve more than one. this still sounds like KJ is scrambling to me.
and the BOG still can’t tell the maloofs who to sell to. they can reject the hansen sale, but the maloofs could then, out of spite, refuse to sell the team or sell to someone else.
Doesn’t the $30 mm down payment protect Chris from these other ownership groups?
Least amount of Collateral Damange: Yes, there will be many “ownership groups” to surface. Nothing but PR orchestrated noise - - - KJ/Sac need to show “best efforts” publicly so they save face with their voting citizens. They will come with a Stern/NBA dictated bid/presentation that will come up purposely short. KJ/Sac: “We gave this our best efforts”. NBA: “We gave Sac every opportunity to keep the Kings” This plan allows for the least amount of collateral damage. All parties looks good, fair & just. Of course, the Sac fans get screwed, but they are the perceived lesser of financial damages by this transaction. At this point, if the transaction would go any other way, financial damages would be much greater. Just can’t seeing it play out any other way.
I don’t know if his plan will work, but I don’t think KJ is doing all this just for PR reasons. At this point no one will blame him if the team leaves. I doubt he would exert all this energy and effort just for appearances.
He has to “appear” to leave no stone unturned. At this point, if he just threw up his hands and said “I tried” that would be unacceptable to the voting public/fans. Just as it would have been for us.
I wonder after the BOG accepts the sale… how will the team go into draft day. Will they be drafting as the Sacramento Kings?
If already approved, I think it would be the Sonics front office draft choice.
WOW - - - that was fun to say. I didn’t even think twice about saying “Sonics draft choice”. Pinch me. It’s been a damn fine day !! Bless Chris Hansen !!
Ooh, good point.
Now off to dream of hearing David Stern read out “… and with the first pick, the Seattle Supersonics take…” :-)
Cali is hinting they will use state contracts with Microsoft as a weapon.
http://news.yahoo.com/maloofs-reach-agreement-sell-nbas-kings-seattle-group-085246308-spt.html
Ha!
Like the state would do anything to Microsoft contracts over this. Nice way to get in the news I guess.
Does any one know what cash ideas are? That doesn’t seem like a competitive offer to me. And 3 potential ownership groups? How does that even work? Does kj think he can just put a few offers out there and expect the bog to say go with this one? That seems to hurt his case. Not to mention they probably are announcing today out of need because of the announcement. The only potentially worrisome part would be the arena ideas. I am sure there will be plenty of rumors on this stuff today.
The three ownership groups are probably more to calm the public, and to show the NBA “Hey look we have interest.” I’m sure over the next six weeks or so it’s going to be narrowed down to one group, and one arena deal to present to the BOG. He’s doing everything he can to gain any sort of momentum for his cause, It’s actually kind of impressive that he pulled three potential ownership groups together is such a timely fashion haha.
The only problem I see is that it makes it look like they really were scrambling and here are the options. They will have to form a singular effort but it seems a little ridiculous to expect anyone to take it seriously if you provide “cash ideas” and 3 options when the team had already been sold to a group that has all its ducks in a row. I just think at this point it is probably too little too late but we will see.
Call me crazy but I think KJ is making a complete and whole hearted effort to keep the kings in Sac. I find it hard to believe that he is making this much noise, and devoting this much time just to save face. KJ loves the NBA, and he loves the kings, but lets not forget he is the mayor of that city. Losing that team isn’t just losing that team. Think of all the jobs lost, and all those corporate dollars evaporated. Not to mention that team is probably one of the main reasons tourists come to HIS city and spend THEIR money. And I’m sure that’s just the tip of the ice berg. At this point I don’t think that KJ really cares if his relationship with the NBA is tarnished because losing the kings does so much more than take the NBA out of Sacramento. He truly believes that he has a chance and he’s going to give it everything he’s got. Going back to that girlfriend reference, He’s gonna be standing outside her window, boombox blaring, singing at the top of his lungs. That being said… Christ Hansen>Kevin Johnson!
I usually try to be above board and not make light of taking the team/disparaging the Sacramento effort but this Seattle times comment had me laughing so much.
“Not so fast Seattle.
KJ is working with a group of billionaires led by Manti Te’o's girlfriend to make an offer of $600 mil”
http://seattletimes.com/html/nba/2020184797_kingshockey22.html
This is interesting in that Bellevue just now informed Mr. Levine they would not be pursuing an arena? Hard to believe they wouldn’t have said something last fall. Glad about this as I really got a sour taste when he was doing interviews back at the end of summer. I know we heard the NHL loves him and he would be a good owner, but it looks like his ship has sailed for good as far as Seattle is concerned.
I didn’t get that at all from the article, he hasnt had contact for awhile, but would still be interested in bringing NHL to Seattle
Maybe I misunderstood the part about the email that he received. I just think that Mr. Hansen probably has other people he might want to work with. Who knows about any of the NHL stuff though as that has all been in the dark.
I don’t think Levin fits into this picture in any way. Bellevue has been very responsible