I’m on the flight preparing to take off and head home.
I’m going to have some thoughts later when I have more time but continue to see that this is just the same script with a different schedule.
All their hope is in K.J.
Great fans in SacTown but way too many people there under the age of twelve were wearing a Durant jersey. The NBA is not nearly as home team focused as it was even 5 years ago.
Looking forward to more thoughts Brian.
I’d have to disagree with your generalization that the nba isn’t as home team focused. Living in Dallas, I’ve adopted the Mavs as my team away from home and am a season ticket holder. Down here you will rarely if ever see a jersey of a non mavs player unless they’re a fan of the visiting team.
I imagine what you witnessed was a byproduct of a team that has been so bad for so long and has no player that fans can attach themselves to. If I live in Sacramento there’s no way I get my kid a Demarcus Cousins jersey. A throwback Webber jersey or something would be cool, but what 12-yo wants that?
This is the main reason why I don’t think we’ll see the bulk of that team play in Seattle. Our owners will be very much about finding role model type players that fans can embrace.
I’m sure the owners dream is that they win the lottery and get themselves Shabazz Muhammad.
I think it depends on if your team is a perennial contender or a perennial loser like the Kings are now. In addition to that is having a player the fans can get behind. The only player that they have right now to cheer for is Isaiah Thomas IMO
I agree I wouldn’t get my son a Cousins jersey. For all the the good he has as a player he has as many negative traits. First quarter last night was a prime example one minute he’s leading the break, grabbing rebounds, slick post moves. The next minute he’s crying to the refs about being called on a foul on the defensive end then not getting a call on the offensive end he’s crying to the refs and he’s taking I’ll advised long range jumpers hanging on the perimeter not even trying to get on the block
Brian Davis described the defensive foul where Cousins was complaining to the ref and the ref didn’t say anything looking the other way and Cousind says ‘aren’t you going to say Anything to me’ and the ref says no and walks away.
He’s more than likely not going to be a high lottery pick but I live Marcus Smart from Ok St.
Seattle would love Marcus Smart, that and he’s a pretty damn good player.
I agree although the Kings are very deep in the backcourt but don’t have a backup C unless you count 6’6″ Chuck Hayes. The draft is deep with big men so I see them going for a big guy.
Alex Len would be a solid get.
I would hate to get Alex Len…Especially with a top 10 pick.
John S is right. If the home team is lousy, you’ll see tons of kids and even adults wearing superstar jersey’s of the away team. Being a Seattle native, I think it probably rubbed Brian the wrong way due to OKC being the name on the front and that’s completely understandable.
I think the Durant jerseys are to be expected - not much different than Jordan, Lebron, or Kobe. Kids under 12 in Sacramento aren’t old enough to have ever seen their team in the playoffs (don’t think they’ve ever had an allstar either), so it’s probably tough to develop a deep connection - particularly if the team is turning over every couple of years.
Cousins is such an enigma - really reminds me of Zach Randolph. In the right environment, he could really thrive. Almost impossible to get equal value for him in trade, but at the same time his value might go lower if the mental lapses continue.
I remember the last year the Sonics were here and the Lakers were in town. I think Kevin Calabro said (or maybe it was one of the TV announcers) that it seemed there were more Laker fans than Sonics fans in the building based on how everyone seemed to be rooting for the Lakers and the colors in the stands. I had some friends who flew up from Los Angeles to see the game because they wanted to visit and have a way to get really great seats to see the Lakers play up close (which they can’t afford in Los Angeles). It was very depressing, great game though. Kobe was really cool to the little six year old daughter of my friends — he high-fived her on his way out when she yelled good-bye to him after the game.
I think by that time everyone was sick of Clay Bennett and it was sort of a last ditch, “why line this guys pockets with $$ when we know in the end, they are probably going to leave us anyway.”
It will be interesting how KJ plays up his #intowin campaign after Ellison spent time with Stern. Will he downplay his expectations, or will this meeting bolster his cause.
I thought it was Burkle who met with Stern…?
It was Burkle.
Oops my bad, got my whales confused.
No worries
So I’ve refrained from putting the cart in front of the horse, as I feel doomed to carry a cosmic curse of jinxing things at last second (I’m sure all us Seattle sports fans feel personally responsible for all the heartbreak as well)… But… I’ve watched several Kings games these past few years (I’ve targeted these guys as the only real option to move since before Hansen emerged), and it’s becoming more and more clear that the really does need to be blown up.
That’s no revelation to even the most casual basketball fan, but I was hopeful that some pieces were indeed salvageable- of those, there are very few. Yes, Cousins is a wreck- he cannot keep his emotions in check, easy to rattle, plays dumb ans sloppy, but you only move that kid if you can’t find leadership to help him. Chuck Hayes is not the guy for that. Totally solid dude, but way too limited: too short, too fat, too slow. JT is league average, making league average pay, so fair value, but certainly a player that can be packaged. The only guy who impresses is Thomas Robinson, and that is more recently, and that is still as an offensive limited player who hustles and plays the boards well- like Faried. You hope he develops in to a poor man’s Faried (who’s drive to get thenrebound is unmatched in the entire league), as Faried is slowly developing a mid-range game this year (developing). TRob has no mid game yet.
The SF’s are a wasteland, you need to decline Garcia’s option (6M) and amnesty Salmons (2 more at 8M- he qualifies). I actually think James Johnson is interesting, but is also full of holes and shouldn’t be resigned. Outlaw must be straight up cut (2 more years at 3M). Maybe this is a spot to go after Iguodala in offseason… If he declines option in Denver.
The most glaring deficiency to me however, is the guard play. Flat out terrible. I can’t believe we may have to sit through 2 more years of Marcus Thornton- dude sucks, sure he can hit a 3 every now and then, but his defense, hustle and game IQ is remedial. Despite being from Seattle, Brooks needs to go as well- not good enough.
The rest of the guards all have major (crippling) weaknesses as well- Jimmer really is too unathletic, he can’t get around screens to keep up with his man. Can’t create off the dribble, either. Gotta love IT, he’s the best- but loyalty aside, he’s way to small (and not Russell Wilson nonsense-small), he is a liability in the defensive end, and guys like Westbrook abuse him on both sides of the ball. Maybe as a change of pace backup, but if IT is your starting PG (again, just from watching), he is putting you at a huge disadvantage (other than from heart/hustle).
But what kills, is that Tyreke is not the answer at all. He really, really- not just theoretically, but really cannot shoot. At all. And it won’t get better. He can defend, he can make amazing plays at rim, but once defenses collapse on him, his game and rim game become a liability. But he is an RFA, so his trade value is low- you CANNOT resign him (I imagine a deal will start at 9m per). Cap killer. What a shame.
The cupboard is bare. You have TRob, maybe Cousins and maybe IT, but all three are far from risk free players…
Again, no jinx!!!
Thanks for that assessment. I’m with you on the whole no jinxing thing. I have only watched 2 Kings games and both were over this past week-NO and OKC last night, so I’m not too familiar with the team. I’ve been relying on you guys and picking up bots and pieces here and there.
Definitely sounds like we need a good role model coach (assistant of some sort, or in player development?) to help with Cousins. Sounds like a mental case.
i think we need to keep Demarcus Cousins, he is alone in this team and he’s frustrated. They not have a PG to make plays, neither don´t have a good defender player. Cousins have some many tools offensively. Cousins and Thomas Robinson are the only guys you have to keep. The rest just trade them..
I like what i saw from Michigan St. Trey Burke seems like Damian Lilliard..
Agreed.
Cage, Mcllvaine, Ervin Johnson, Swift, Sene, Ewing, etc… Cousins would instantly be the best center the Sonics have had since Sikma. Give him a positive change of scenery, put a few respectable veterans on the team, and get a real PG. Then lets see who he is. Talents bigs like DMC don’t come around often.
“Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy”. Chris Hansen…er Ben Franklin
It’s whistling past the graveyard, not to mention in highly poor taste, to break down the various merits of lack thereof of the team we aim to steal. Think how we would have felt to see Oklahomans kicking the tires of our Sonics the last year they were in town.
I feel bad for Sacto. They may be myopically fighting a hopeless battle, but it’s pretty much the same one we fought.
It’s better and worse, there is no pretense that Hansen will move the team, that doesn’t even allow the fans to adequately lies to themselves and each other.
Ripping off a 7-year-old bandaid.
Nobody says thank you.
I do agree about kicking tires. I’m going to watch but hold my thoughts, there is a 1% chance (or less) that we are watching a different franchise in 2 years.
‘Steal’ is too harsh a term, since this is not being done under false pretenses. Zero comfort to Kings fans either way. I just don’t like ridiculing them for making the exact same effort we did make/would be making under the same circumstances.
I also don’t agree that settling the Specific Performance lawsuit on the day of the decision was smart or forward-thinking. Seattle may well have won that case. The NBA isn’t playing nice now because we laid down. They’re allowing a very rich ownership group build an privately-funed arena in a great market they should never have abandoned.
I can’t blame Sacto for pulling out all the stops to try to save their team. I disagree with them on the merits and odds of success, but certainly empathize with the motivation.
I don’t think Nickels wanted to win that case. Had Seattle won, you would have a team for 2 lame duck seasons then the city would’ve wound up with no money to show for it as the lease would be satisfied. By selling out and getting a settlement, he got what HE wanted and that was a fat pay day. He didn’t care about the Sonics at all.
That being said, there is a chance that Bennett would’ve gotten sick of lame duck seasons and would’ve sold the team to Bennett for a big time price and then went to Stern to get the Hornets back to OKC. We’ll never know but what we do know is that the Mayor had no interest in waiting for the judge to decide the case. He wanted the payoff and the payoff only.
My impression was that Seattle settled the suit (literally at the very last minute) because they got tipped-off that the verdict was going against them.
The fact is, the trial hadn’t gone well for the city’s side, and I’ve heard it’s not too unusual for the judge (no jury at that trial) to take the parties s/he’s already decided against and “recommend” that they try to reach as favorable an out-of-court settlement as possible. I’m pretty sure that’s what happened here, considering how quickly Seattle settled between the case being heard and the verdict being announced.
the nightfly,
Not necessary. If the judge ruled in favor of seattle. Bennett could waited the 2 years moved the team anyways and we would have gotten absolutely nothing.
Soundersfan, didn’t Bennett’s big financial backer lose something like 2billion in the economy crash in 2009. So it wouldn’t have been out of the question for them to have then sold to balmer.
Fair enough- I do agree with that. So looks at it more as a general ‘what’s up with the kings post’ whatever their outcome. If they stay in Sacto, these are observations that the franchise will need to address there as well.
But again, I do want to remain respectful, and don’t think it’s fair to get too far ahead.
This is how I think around it, I assume the nonexistent “Sonics” to have no players, since we would likely end up with a franchise with few players that are championship quality.
We would draft some place in the lottery.
We would likely have anywhere between the MLE to 10 mil in cap room to sign a free agent with.
Given that, who do I watch in college?
Who is in the draft?
Who is a FA this summer?
To a great degree, it doesn’t matter who is on the Kings roster right now, they suck, they could stay there and that roster would turn over in 3 years, so, the only consideration anybody would have is how to get most of those players off the roster and what would you get in trade or replacement. That’s kicking tires talk I’m not going to engage in.
We would just as well contract a “fantasy” team of shitty players from around the league. They would have similar skill sets, holes in their games, and contracts, it would be just as useful (or useless).
I expect the whatever franchise ends up here, Hansen and Ballmer will throw money at in the short term in order to turn over the roster from loser to potential winner ASAP.
They might even eat some salary just to make some wholesale moves that bring picks and talent, trades that render who they trade out almost meaningless, so, kicking tires is pointless, you might as well pick any bad team to play GM with, assume you are throwing money around, and see who is realistically out there in trade.
That’s the way I have to look at it until I officially have some franchise to call Seattle’s.
This was going to be the gist of my Tuesday column, but I’m just going to blow past that and just look at free agents and draft picks for a genaric Seattle team.
apparently the Burkle/Stern meeting was about “Sacramento’s future position as an NBA city.”, not saving the kings. AKA “you’re next in line”.
Yeah I would just hold off on any transaction talk. That’s just me I guess but it seems like it is just best to wish they tank the rest of the way.
Rosterbate away! I’m tired of the move speculation. I believe it’s going to happen and am now looking forward to the process of watching a successful team being built.
Lol!
I agree, tired of reading about ROFRcopters and whales, I’m going to something mOre productive like looking at mocks, reading draft profiles and acting like a gm with the roster and imagineing all of that cap space
Problem is, ROFRCopters cannot carry whales…dey too beeeeiig, boss!
Perhaps they can tow them from the Cali coast, through the deepening Panama Canal, all the way to Gotham.
You mean there isn’t a skycrane version of the ROFRcopter?
Yes but due price ees so high, boss! Zey say vee canna borrow so much moneee!!!!
This is going to be a long three months. In Chris we trust. Have faith.
Im certainly not going to push people either way but I know I am comfortable talking roster. A sale bas been announced. Our local guy stepped up and made the move to acquire a franchise and our part is transitioning to be basketball.fans again. Much better use of our energy than participation in the legal discussion.
It’s.going to be fun. I can see the allure with cousins. When bes playing well he does a lot of things really well. The problem is that he is not cosistent minute to minute let alone came in and game out.
Jimmer just isn’t an NBA player. Period.
I’m comfortable talking roster as well. It’s a lot more soothing than getting caught up with all the legal discussion. Of course, I’m having a hard time not getting caught up in it, as I’m so excited for the day the relocation becomes official. One day closet!
I agree with your assessment of Cousins, but I’d really like to see what he can do with a better supporting cast. Just think a better supporting cast, a change of scenery, and some mentoring he could be worth keeping and taking a longer look at.
The biggest problem with Cousins is his contract.
He’s currently in the 3rd year of his rookie contract and eligible for a contract extension this upcoming summer.
Therefore the team(wether it’s the Kings or Sonics) must decide if he’s their guy longterm, as he’s going to ask for something around $10 - $15 mil a year.
So the questions are:
Are you confident he’s your post player of the future and possible franchise player?
Or would you rather rebuild completely and trade him away for the best package(high lottery pick included) available?
Jammer was terrible last night. He hadn’t made a single shot as far as I saw…didn’t watch the entire game though either.
*Jimmer, stupid autocorrect
Watching the game on DVR right now, and he’s 0-4 as of right now.
Jimmer’s just used the wrong way on this roster.
He’s out there playing point guard when the only thing he’s really able to do is shoot.
So instead of having him handle the ball and initiating the offense, he should rather be coming off screens, shooting jumpers and create some space for his teammates that way.
Though, the worst part about the team really is, that he’s the only guy really trying to run plays and something that might look like an offense.
Those other guys(Thomas, Brooks and Evans) are looking to score first and maybe to run some plays if needed.
Watch him attempt to handle the ball, it’s substandard for d league.
Yeah, it’s really bad.
That’s why shooting should be the only thing he should be doing.
Though, he could have an OK career like Kyle Korver, if he’s used correctly and accepts that he’s just a shooter.
Agreed, but now here is coming off a bench, requires some pick or screen, and is replaceable with a late 1st round pick.
I’m not there yet, so I’m going to start looking at 2013 FA’s, and teams facing the luxury tax that they don’t want to pay. There is likely some trading partners wanting to unload a little talent in order to avoid the tax.
I agree, I’m in roster and draft breakdown.
Wouldn’t jimmer be great as a spot shooter situation?
POSITIVE letter to the Times printed! In case it hasn’t already been posted, here’s the letter in its entirety so their click count isn’t inflated.
January 25, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Return of Sonics, arena construction not solidified
Posted by Letters coordinator
News of the return deserves enthusiasm
From the beginning of when we saw possible hope with the return of the Sonics to Seattle, The Seattle Times has been there to shoot down any enthusiasm about the idea [“Sonics return, new arena far from a done deal,” Opinion, Jan. 23].
I understand we should be cautiously optimistic about the success of this venture by Chris Hansen and the rest of his investment team, but let’s look at the facts. The arena deal has been accepted by King County and the city of Seattle and Chris Hansen has the land and money to build the new arena.
Opponents to the idea say it will hurt the environment and it will cause issues with traffic infringing on the Port of Seattle’s productivity. Let me pose it this way. Do you really think a state-of-the-art arena, added restaurants and community gathering areas will be worse than industrial factories in the Sodo area?
The NBA season barely overlaps with the MLB and MLS seasons, and the Seahawks play on Sundays, for the most part. The idea that this will negatively impact the environment and add to traffic on game day (which is already something that Sodo deals with daily) is absurd. Try to enjoy the moment a little.
-Michael Stanton, Sammamish
Good on ya!
No excuses for any of them - - - but they are playing under one big dark cloud right now. Negative uncertainty. Bottom of the heap. . . . Broke, unscrupolous ownership. And they’ve lived under this cloud for awhile now. Don’t know how much it affects them. I know it would weigh on me, especially for this length of time. I bet their play will improve just by having a new city, stellar ownership, front office & coaching changes. No matter what they say publicly, I bet they can’t wait to get out of Sac. The question becomes - - which players truly have the talent to blossom.
Were we to talk rosters, the nba.com mock draft would have a certain team picking 7th and picking Smart.
Curious of one thing though, they have the Thunder picking 6th. HOW??? Did they trade for that pick?
They got Toronto’s pick(top 3 protected, I think) from that James Harden trade.
That’s a pick they got from Houston in the Harden trade. Houston got the pick from Toronto for Kyle Lowry
Thanks. Haven’t followed the trade circuits much.
I like what I have seen from smart. Grab him, then hopefully get wiggins/Parker in 2014 draft
Jimmer can’t handle the ball to NBA standards and his release speed it too slow to get a shot off. Defenders close out so much faster in the NBA than in college. Agree he should be used coming off screens but even the. He isn’t an NBA player. They are not well coached.
I totally agree with that assessment Brian, but what kills his value even more to me is watching him attempt to play D. It is atrocious. He does not have the speed, strength, agility or footwork to get in the right position, and just gets swallowed up by the screener.
I didn’t watch the Kings against okc but during the Kings vs Suns Jimmer came off of a screen and made a jumper slightly right of the key. Beyond that though he had the ball stolen twice and just looked really really slow. If we’re talking roster moves I would be tempted to say trade Jimmer but I honestly don’t know what you could get for him. I’m thinking not a whole lot.
Jimmer has just never looked like an NBA regular to me. He’s a 9th man type. The Kings biggest failure is player development. When you are a lottery mainstay like the Kings are, that’s a prerequisite to get better. This roster is a mess. I’m not sure what to do with Cousins. Trade everyone else as far as I’m concerned. I like players with good habits. This team is selfish.
What will this weekend of well paid minions produce in rumor and fact come Monday?
Last weekend and the following Monday were exciting.
Thoughts?
Did Burke have the 2008 Ballmer and Stern discussion?
Do they focus on 1st position, or keep going for “matching” an offer for a team that already has a signed sales agreement?
Btw, how much does it cost to technically bid on the 7% of the Kings (not how much you are offering, but the administrative cost)? If its cheap we could rake together beer money and make an offer.
What’s the over/under on KJ pressers this coming week?
Over under set at 2, I’ll take the over.
Over.
Still don’t see how someone who purchased minority shares through bankruptcy AFTER a sale agreement could in any way be construed as having Right of First Refusal. They are a new owner.
I’m no lawyer, but that one doesn’t pass the “you got to be f-ing kidding me” test. If ROFR really is the biggest potential obstacle, the sale and approval may be even smoother than we thought.
Lemon,
the auction itself won’t take place until April 19. That’s during the BOG meeting. So i doubt it’ll have that much of an affect cause the NBA would have to approval who ever buys that 7% as new minority owner.
I was thinking the same thing. Also if this language of ROFR is as vague as McCann was saying then it seems like it would cast some serious doubts on whether or not the ROFR is transferable at all.
Mitch was also saying it was vague.
based on what his sources said.
Some people have said that additional $30M Hansen is paying Feb. 1st is roughly the worth of the 7%, but does that add up?
This is just some theories Kings fans have come up with.
I’m thinking that if you use the valuation that Hansen got for the team($525 million) that 7% would be like $37 million and change. So for that theory to pan out the Maloofs would have to use some of their own cash. Unless they’re using the previous evaluation then I think the $30million would cover the 7%.
*36 million and change instead of 37 million and change
The bankrupcy Trustee is likely bring this information to light to drive up the value. Probably a last ditch effort, but the guy works for the creditors of the previous owner. If he can drive the value of the 7% stake up by getting Hansen to overpay, then he has done his job. IMHO, I think it is just a smoke and mirrors campaign to extract additional value. Nothing more, nothing less.
The bankrupcy Trustee is likely bring this information to light to drive up the value. Probably a last ditch effort, but the guy works for the creditors of the previous owner. If he can drive the value of the 7 percent stake up by getting Hansen to overpay, then he has done his job. IMHO, I think it is just a smoke and mirrors campaign to extract additional value. Nothing more, nothing less.
That’s what i am thinking. Trying to raise up the price cause.
my kids were NOT nba-focused until they started playing the video game, and now they are very player-conscious. son #2 dials up memphis games on his computer just to follow rudy gay, whom he’s adopted in video guise. . . hey, whatever works.
i think that kj is well-positioned because when the team leaves (yes, i said when, no offense to sacramento, but it’s their turn to be out in franchise musical chairs) he’ll be the guy who fought the good fight and won’t be the guy who ‘lost’ the team.
that’s their deal. ours will be different. thankfully for us.
Anyone know when NBA issues their next season schedules ? I guess I’ve moved on.
Around late July I think, couple of weeks after the draft and free agency is over with.
Got it. Thanks. I’m ready to buy tix.
Hey guys just joined and cant stand the Seattle Times for anything Sonics even most the posters. I think if we are to look at this roster as constructed; I wouldnt mind keeping Cousins if he meets the ownership and they like him and maybe he would be happier with a change of scenery and new coaching that could give him purpose other than ISO all the time.
I think it would be a good idea to snag Naerlans (sp?) Noel to pair with him (if he is available) to pair with Cousins in the post so we have a talented defensive big man and talented offensive big man. Then the next goal would be to find a starting PG. I dont mind IT being a backup PG/6th man type guy but he isnt a starting PG for a decent team nevertheless a good one. Maybe you could find a team that would be an exception for like Miami but you get the point. SG you can find a lot of and SF. Now great ones obviously is a little harder. But if we stink it up first year back (no one will care much because we’d be happy to be back). The 2014 top 3 picks are going to be highly talented impact type players like Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker, etc.
Also looking at the Free Agents for this offseason if the cap is right we could make an impact signing. Getting a high pick like Noel, Muhammad, Zeller, or McLemore. I think if the move is approved (which I think it will) then we will get a very high pick in my opinion though some argue the lottery isnt controlled but I believe it is. Get any of those players who can help and then make a play on Chris Paul.
A list of FA that intrigues me without knowing the cap situation as I havent looked into it and I agree I wouldnt keep Tyreke. The only reason I say keep Cousins is because you need some talent and maybe someone like Payton/Kemp can help him:
PG
Chris Paul (cap room? if he would leave the Clips and Im not sure if he has re-signed already)
Jose Calderon (10 million this year but a good distributor and shooter)
DJ Augustin
Devin Harris
SG
Kevin Martin
Marco Bellinelli (maybe I would like it)
Martell Webster (bring him home and actual PT)
SF
Chase Budinger
Matt Barnes
PF (If you keep Cousins maybe lessens the need of bigger name guys)
David West
Paul Millsap (dunno if you can pry him from Utah
JJ Hickson
Josh Smith
Jason Maxiell
C
Dwight Howard (dunno bout that)
Al Jefferson
Andrew Bynum (dunno if he has re-signed)
Chris Kaman
John Petro (I kid I kid)
Blair, Dalembertt, etc
Just gave names for food for thought
Welcome.
Yea the seattle times are crazy even some of those that comment are crazy try to claim that they are informative.
Thanks
100% agree with you regarding the Times
One thing i find crazy is those that think minority owners only have to pay the amount based on maloofs share to match but maloofs isn’t the only folks that are selling. One minority owner is also selling so they would have to pay the amount of that 12% to match as well.
Ive heard the the NBA has already vetted the RoFR. Plus I have a feeling since they are already vetting things that can be that they are fast forwarding the process because realistically the NBA doesnt have to worry about Hansen/Ballmer having the financial capabilities which usually slows the sale process MONEY. I asked McCannlaw on twitter how long a process of vetting to get a deal to be voted on might take and he said 3 weeks.
Adrian Wojnarowski in the initial sales rumors about a month ago said that the NBA will vote the next time they meet. The next time they meet is at All Star weekend. I almost wonder, barring injuctions, especially if the RoFR has been vetted that they may vote at the ASG. It would be a feather in Stern’s cap to announce the deal when all eyes are on All Star weekend so he can bask in the Sonics return glory. I think this process may go faster than people are assuming. Especially with KJ sounding a little dismayed at the last Press Conference and talking about the arena and building it without an anchor tenant (he also looked like he hadnt slept for days with huge bags under his eyes). Then the end of the NBA.com piece on the Burkle meeting stated that the NBA owners can vote once the vetting process is complete which sounds like could be done in 3 weeks right before the ASG. GO SONICS
NBA doesn’t like lawsuits. They were not fond of ours. A lawsuit against our deal is essentially game over for sacramento.
The article notes that KJ is expecting (really hoping imo) that the BOG will vote on it in April.
I like this positive thinking
Plus if the NBA votes at All Star weekend and then the Sacramento fans know that its going through as they are going through the five stages of grief. They first were in denial and now are between stages two and three where they are angry (rightfully so @Maloofs) and bargaining(trying to cling to hope of litigation, whales, ect).
Anyways if they voted at All Star weekend and it passed it would allow the community to give aproper good bye the last two months of the regular season plus it allows the ownership in Seattle to get the Key Arena renovations under way so everything is jump started for next season. Plus allows Hansen/Ballmer time to do all the FO stuff and gives outgoing Sacramento FO guys to apply for jobs at seasons end instead of waiting to find out the April BoG decision.
In all honesty if they can get things vetted it is everyones best interest (even Sac if the end game is Sac 2 Sea) to get it approved quickly.
I’ve given up on the drama - it’s just amusement now.
KJ = polictical posturing and positioning Sac (if they get sh*t together) for the next
team.
When I step back and look at the big view - their just isn’t really anything to blow this PSA up. Sure, might be a hiccup or two along the way, but, seriously — It’s a Done Deal !!
I agree. I was on the fence the day after the announcement with what could happen. I’m convinced this is really going to happen, and it’s going to be one heck of a party once it’s finalized!
I agree as well and I think the vote is going to happen faster than most presume. I think that Stern is telling KJ that his best interest is to line up like Seattle did for a future team. Hansen started working on this a long time and probably kicking the tores with the Maloofs a while ago and has had his attorneys check and double check everything to make things as ironclad as possible and tie up every loophole that he possibly could.
There may be some hiccups but if it is to fall apart I think it would be unraveling by now. I guess once we get thru the next week, week and a half we will have too much momentum at that point. I guess we could all be wrong but Im pretty confident in Hansen and Ballmer at this point. They have been two steps ahead since Hansen announced his intentions a year ago.
Line Up Sacramento or a future ream OOPS!
Since I am new and hopefully Brian sees this…..I want to say thank you Brian for all the hard work and dedication, sacrifice, etc. for this cause. You are an integral part of what kept the dream alive during some dim times and sticking up for this city this team and its history/cultural significance.
I think I can speak for every Sonics fan that you were the voice of the masses on so many occasions. All that work is paying off for all of us but you most of all deserve a big fat THANK YOU as well as your friends/colleagues who sacrificed so much time and money for what some people had believed (wrongly) wasa lost cause. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Thanks man. A total privilege to be involved in something so big and with so many good people. I get more credit than I deserve. Lots of people working really hard who didn’t go on the radio.
It’s pretty cool that it’s happening for all of us.
Very well said trolltossin. You certainly do speak for this sonics fan with that thank you.
They said the Burkle/Stern discussions were on the “future position of Sacramento as an NBA city.” both from the SAC bee and USA today. that sounds an awful lot to me like “1st position” for a new team for SAC.
But it could also mean whether the Kings will stay in Sacramento in the future.
I doubt anyone really knows what they talked about.
Stern has nothing to say in the BOG votation, but on the other hand him “blessing” is very important if Burkle want to bring to Sacramento another team in the future.
Anyway, if they talked about keep the Kings in Sac and the conversation were productive, KJ would already say it.
It wouldn’t say future position of Sacramento as an NBA city if it was mostly talking about the Kings staying.
I wonder if they’re trying to cut a deal similar to what Cleveland got after the Browns relocated? Maybe not the guarantee of an E word team but maybe a guarantee on the history, colors, name, etc… staying in Sac?
Seriously doubt Hansen signs deal w Maloofs w/o tacit agreement from the league ahead of time. This meeting was about the future of Sacramento pertaining to the next available team w a minor reference only if Hansen backs out which he won’t.
Plus the end of the AP article about the Burkle meeting brought up in the last sentence that once the agreement has been vetted (a process already underway) that the BoG can vote at anytime. Plus the fact that McCannlaw on Twitter (NBA, CBS guy) said that process could take like 3 weeks which would allow them to vote when they all meet at the All Star Game.
So smart would be our PG next year
We need help at SG/SF/
So do get a FA or just take another bad season to build through the draft
Definitely build through the draft.
Yo, Smart got mad skeows!
Going out and buying up free agents this summer doesn’t seem like the best course of action. I feel like the first two years at the Key can be used to rebuild the franchise and open up the new arena with a strong young team. The Kings are spiraling, hopefully their draft position improves. I think Ben Mclemore and Anthony Bennett are the best two prospects in this draft. Mclemore would definately fill a need on the future Sonics.
The biggest question has to be Demarcus Cousins. Do you believe he’ll mature and utilize his talent or is it time to cash in.
Yeah McLemore would be SWEET for next season and when they do poorly (Ill be haooy no matter what just having them back) we can get a top 3 pick and get Parker/Wiggins/Harrison etc
Lets say we got a top pick and got McLemore and then next year Wiggins/Parker that is a deadly combo two years in row or SF/SG and allows us to find a PG wherever and have a decent core relatively quick. Obviously that is a best case scenario. Id be happy with Noel too and let him develop while we struggle overturning this roster and make a play on Parker or Wiggins in 2014 which they are both some of the best talent in the draft in years.
I wouldnt be upset if we ended up with Shabazz Muhammad either. Bennett would be nice as well. Im not that keen on Zeller though-he seems like a guy that dominates in college but maybe not a franchise player at the next level. Now if we had the 5th pick and Shabazz, Noel, McLemore, and Bennett are off the board then I would be fine with Zeller.
Honestly if we can get him in the 2nd round (assuming he leaves UW) I wouldnt mind getting Wilcox. I think his game will translate to the league well but he seems that maybe someone who will climb into the mid-late 1st round after workouts. He reminds me of a Ray Allen-Rip Hamilton type who at worst would be like a Redick but I think his athleticsm will carry him into be a good player at the next level. If somebody drafts him after the 25th pick they are getting a steal IMO. Players like Wilcox’s style plays well to the NBA as the floor is more spread and he isnt terrible off the bounce.
I can’t wait until all this team talk actually does mean something, it’s exciting.
I agree
KJ/Sac - - - Hail Mary buzzer shot from half court falls short - - - way short. Game over. Seattle wins it.
Kings @ Nuggets tonight, worth a watch
Every time I have watched Cousins he acts really uniterested and looks like he really does not want to be there. The team is overall really bad and needs help. Honestly Robinson and *maybe* Thornton are the only ones worth holding on to. Dump any contracts you can in the offseason, hit Free Agency as much as you can and trade if possible for draft picks with what you have. Its going to be a grim couple of years, but Chris will build a championship team eventually
The Nuggets are a super fun team to watch. Kenneth Faried is awesome.
I agree, watching the Nuggs at GS a couple weeks ago was very entertaining. Both teams play at a good tempo.
I’m definitely watching the Kings @ Nuggets game. I agree that Cousins acts uninterested and looks like he doesn’t want to be there. Robinson is worth holding on to, Thornton I’m not sold on. Cousins is just such a headcase it makes it really hard to want to keep him on the team despite the fact the guy is talented.
If you can resign him and trade him immediately may be an option. I don’t know how much weight he holds as trade bait, but if you can resign him for cheap you may be able to get some draft picks or prospects
I think Cousins is probably the only real trade bait on the team. Even with that said I have no idea what you could get for him though or which team would be in need for someone like Cousins.
I think they would hold onto Cousins unless someone offers a high pick (doubtful but maybe) and see if working with a good coach (I have no doubt they will get a good-great coach) that will motivate Cousins and maybe someone like Payton (as I think they will have a role for him in mentoring, FO, etc.) or Kemp can get him re-focused.
the 2014 draft (wiggins, jabari parker, j randle) will be better than 2013. Make trades to get picks to take some of this guys in the second season with the new arena they will the new face of the sonics
Especially if someon like the Harrison twins stick around and even the Top 7 is going to be stacked with guys like Aaron Gordon being lower than the ones you mentioned. 2014 is going to be LEGIT
I’ve seen some highlight vids of Aaron Gordon not sure how his game will translate to college let alone the NBA but that guy looks like he could be a beast. He has ridiculous athletic ability. I heard he was considering UW, hope that works out, I’d love to watch him play.
I’m on a NHL hockey forum and there is a thread regarding this subject and wow there a couple people that have no idea what they are really talking about.
Here’s one for example
“The minority owners aren’t matching by themselves. They are bidding with Burkle and Mastrov, and potentially Ellison. Their billions will counter Hansen’s group. And Seattle’s benifits are worthy, but Sacramento has a laundry list of benifits, many of which outweigh Seattle’s. most naotably, no major contenders in the market, and strong local government support with an arena deal coupled with years of NBA support for the city.”
Another poster same thread also claims Sacramento already has an done arena deal.
Are you on the HF boards by chance? lol
Yes. Its a great place to catch up on whats going on with the league and potential candidates as future seattle NHL team. Coyotes being one.
Yes. its a nice to discuss whats going on with the NHL. And i been keeping on on whats going on with phx coyotes and any other team that could potentially end up here.
speaking of coyotes their deadline is in 5 days and so far the group thats trying to keep team there has yet to finalize the purchase of the team.
Cousins or Dwight Howard? One headache vs one inigma
Neither imo.
Hoenstly Id rather make a play on Jefferson than Howard. Plus Howard seems like someone who if not in LA will want to go back East or maybe one of the Texas teams
Yes, we should have picked Jefferson in the draft, but Ainge tricked them into taking Robert Swift. I couldn’t believe it at the time. I was really high on Jefferson.
Sacramento definently has some theories out there as they could keep the team. Its just if KJ had guys actually in tow they would be announced. Plus I think Burkle wants the JMA Ventures sight which would have to get approved in a rather quick amount of time.
I doubt KJ would trust Ellison and I still think that the NBA wouldve told Hansen that to stay away before agreeing with Sacramento ownership if we were going to end up getting screwed. I doubt Stern wants his last endeavor involving Seattle to be a bust. We already hate him for what went down with Seattle in 2008 (though he was far from the only one at fault) and he isnt going to want to see Seattle get the shaft again as a parting shot especially with him finally getting Ballmer in tow.
Hansen wouldnt have signed a binding agreement without some assurances (behind closed doors) from either owners or Stern but probably both. Just because Stern says KJ has a shot doesnt mean the BoG has to play ball. At this point the BoG is going to vote for th esale approval and they will vote it in. They all make money from relocation, instant franchise value increase from the Kings valuation raising 75%.
The NBA owners all get a 30% increase in franchise valuation just for getting Seattle back in the league. Its gonna happen they aint going to say no to that increase in franchise value and relocation money.
If we were bidding against the supposed whales (meaning Hansen hadnt signed an agreement with the Maloofs) then I would have serious doubts about this but we already have a deal on the table waiting to be signed off by the BoG.
Yea it seems to be ignored that we have a signed binding agreement that is being vetted by the NBA. Any whale can not put an offer directly to maloofs for the team.
I don’t think Ellison as its been said is that much of a threat. Who’s to say that the Ellison will actually keep the team in Sacramento. If NBA says no to Hansen huge IF i think they rather have the team stay there than approve a sale to Ellison that could potential move the team to San Jose.
If Ellison has to match or exceed Hansen’s bid (I’m talking hypotheticals because I don’t think it’ll happen) he isn’t keeping the team in Sacramento. It’s not worth that much in that city.
In San Jose you have all the Silicon Valley money. He’d get a better ROI there.
I doubt NBA would approve Ellison for that reason.
I don’t want to belittle Sac’s efforts or tell them to give up hope, but maaaan I just want this thing to be over with. I believe it is indeed a done deal, so all of this is just noise that is getting in the way of us just patting Chris and ourselves on the back and celebrating. I realize that’s EXTREMELY selfish since that weight off of our shoulders and champagne popping hits simultaneously with all hope leaving Sac fans and a lot of pain setting in, but again, if it’s done it’s done.
Can’t wait to really just talk basketball again, even though I don’t think I know much of anything about the game or the league anymore.
Wow, nc state looks really good. Unc not so much
I’m sorry, but i found this funny -
Peter Vecsey @PeterVecsey1
Source says almost living lock Phil Jackson will become front office face of Seattle-bound Kings’ franchise. Won’t coach. Will mentor choice
—————-
Rumteen babaei @RumteenB
@PeterVecsey1 dude there still here in sac and will be and your talking about there “new front office” what a joke
————————-
Peter Vecsey @PeterVecsey1
@RumteenB Dummy, it’s THEY’RE still here, not there….and THEIR “new…” not there
i’m dreaming of jackson as front office guy and nate as the coach of the new sonics!
Yea its seem there, they’re and their tend to get mixed up a lot.
Rember this is Peter Vecsey you’re talking about. I’d take anything he says with a grain of salt.
Yeah I don’t care about the info he’s passing along, just think it’s funny that he corrected the guy
I don’t know how many on here follow NHL news or what not.
But it looks like the Oilers are, or are close, to getting a new arena. I don’t know much about it, and while I want Seattle to get an NHL team, I definitely don’t think it’s a good idea for the Oilers to relocate.
Last i heard that the city of edmonton approved an arena deal. The oilers wasn’t going to leave. Katz attempted to use seattle to leverage Edmonton a few million dollars more but backfired. In fact katz dropped his demand.
Thanks, I haven’t really followed it at all so this is helpful. thank you
Watched video’s on Smart and Dario Saric from Croacia.
Both are very good shooters, passers and defenders. Smart is a beast. Compared to Harden. Saris brought Achtung-Baby Schremp and Tony Kucoc to mind. I would grab Wilcox from the Huskies if he comes available in rd 2. 151 days til the draft!
I think another thing that isnt getting much play but might have been discussed is that the arena project at the railyards that the Maloofs backed out of was held back a bit by budget (meaning the extravegence) and the Seattle one seems to be a one of kind type arena. With the foliage and the “green” features which represents our region with all the forests and such. I think it could be a feather in Hansen’s cap while negotiating with the league that we will probably be able be able to build a more extravegent arena (not only because ours speculative cost is quite a bit higher) but because of the district it will be in. It will be one of the biggest “stadium districts” if not the biggest in the US.