Video: Mayor Kevin Johnson with kids who sold lemonade to raise money for new arena

Source: Cowbell Kingdom by Jonathan Santiago

“Small Market, Big Heart“ begins and ends at a lemonade stand run by kids who made it their mission to help the effort to build a new downtown arena.  Following the movie’s premiere back in January, the four boys were welcomed on stage at the Crest Theater by the filmmakers and Mayor Kevin Johnson.

If you still haven’t watched SMBH, you can do so here.

Follow @itsjonsantiago

Sacramento Kings End Of Season Report Cards – Tyreke Evans

Source: A Royal Pain by Bryan Rosa

Coming into this past season, Tyreke Evans and the Kings fan base expected a return to a glory for the former Memphis product after a … [visit site to read more]

Sacramento Kings End Of Season Report Cards – Tyreke Evans - A Royal Pain - A Royal Pain - A Sacramento Kings Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

Better Know a Draftee: 2012 Rookie Wing Prospects

Source: Sactown Royalty by Aykis16

This is the second in a three part series in which I analyze the 2012 NBA Draft by position. As a source I used DraftExpress's mock draft and for statistics I used both DraftExpress and Sports-Reference. All statistics used are for the prior college basketball season. Because of the lack of advanced statistic information, difference in playstyle and the dearth of quality foreign players in this year's draft, I have only included NCAA players in this analysis. For information such as player position, school, height, etc. please click on the player's name and it will take you to their

SBNation.com: Worst NBA Team Slogans Of All-Time

Source: Sactown Royalty by Tom Ziller

SBNation.com: Worst NBA Team Slogans Of All-Time

The Kings make a cameo.

When The NBA Realized That The Maloofs Were Being Ridiculous

Source: Sactown Royalty by Tom Ziller

Apparently, the NBA knew back in late February that the Maloofs were being ridiculous with specific demands on a revised term sheet -- revisions demanded two days after George Maloof told the TV cameras that what we know as 'the deal' was 'fair.'

Ransacked Media is getting some deserved attention for publishing emails between George Maloof and the NBA from back on February 29. (The handshake deal came on February 27 in Orlando.) I'll let you connect the dotes on how Ransacked, an arena deal opponent, got the emails, but regardless, it's valuable information that I'm glad was

Kings' arena saga takes bizarre turn

Source: CSN Bay Area

When it comes to the Maloof family and the city of Sacramento, it's abundantly clear the two sides literally hate each other, dont want anything to do with each other, and soon enough wont have to.

"Small Market, Big Heart": A Documentary About the Kings and Sacramento

Source: Bleacher Report

When you watch the Oklahoma City Thunder on their home floor, the crowd stands out as being almost as impressive as the immensely talented players on the court. These fans are great. They support their guys, they wear the colored t-shirts given to them prior to the game, they clap and cheer and chant. They are everything but too cool to care.

Underneath that, though, there's the lingering pain of Seattle SuperSonics fans who are watching, aching and missing the team that was formerly theirs. While it isn't Oklahoma City's fault, it hurts just the same.

Sacramento Kings fans don't want to have to experience the same thing. Over the past two seasons, Kings fans have been extremely vocal in supporting their franchise and expressing their desire for keeping it in Sacramento. While these fans have been in the news, their passion runs much deeper than news articles and updates. Small Market, Big Heart is a full-length documentary available on YouTube that will show you their story, in their words.

Here's more from the official press release (via Cowbell Kingdom):

Small Market, Big Heart is a full-length documentary designed to share the compelling story of the people of Sacramento and their battle to get and keep a professional sports franchise over the last 27 years. This story has many heroes, but one common theme – a community with a huge heart. As a small market, Sacramento has faced enormous adversity, first in landing an NBA franchise and then maintaining that franchise through both good and bad economic times.  The one constant has always been incredible community support, as the Kings have sold out all of their games in 19 of 27 seasons in Sacramento.

Over the last year, faced with the possibility of losing their team, grassroots movements fought to engage political leaders to fight for Sacramento's one and only professional franchise.  The outcome was nothing short of a miracle, as the combined efforts of many, led to an NBA first — a one year extension for a city to get a new entertainment and sports complex built.

This film will illustrate Sacramento's struggle to remain relevant in the high-stakes game of professional sports.  The story is told through the eyes of long-term members of media, former and current members of the Sacramento Kings franchise, local politicians and lastly, the common members of the Sacramento community that stood tall in the face of adversity.

 

Read more Sacramento Kings news on BleacherReport.com

Thompson, Thomas place 6-7 in ROY rankings

Source: CSN Bay Area

Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson and Kings point guard Isaiah Thomas both finished in the top 10 in the NBA Rookie of the Year balloting.

Chris Paul is the L.A. Clippers' savior -- but there have been others in the NBA (RealClearSports.com)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Chris Paul joins a list of players who turned struggling franchises around.

Isaiah Thomas Places Seventh in Rookie of the Year Voting

Source: Sactown Royalty by Exhibit G

The NBA announced today that Kyrie Irving won this year's NBA Rookie of the Year award. The Kings Isaiah Thomas placed seventh in the voting. Thomas received no first place votes, 6 second place votes, and 10 third place votes.

Although Irving was the expected winner of the award, it is surprising that Thomas finished so low. IT had regularly been debated to place somewhere between second and fourth in voting, in contention with runner-up Ricky Rubio and

Sacramento Kings End Of Season Report Cards – Travis Outlaw

Source: A Royal Pain by Bryan Rosa

When Geoff Petrie acquired Travis Outlaw earlier this season after he was amnestied by the New Jersey Brooklyn Nets, I couldn’t … [visit site to read more]

Sacramento Kings End Of Season Report Cards – Travis Outlaw - A Royal Pain - A Royal Pain - A Sacramento Kings Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

Watch Sacramento King Fan Inspired, ‘Small Market, Big Heart’ Film

Source: A Royal Pain by Bryan Rosa

For those outside of the Sacramento area who didn’t get to watch the film, now thanks to Marley Wocky Studios, you’ll be able to watch the King fan made ‘Small Market, Big … [visit site to read more]

Watch Sacramento King Fan Inspired, ‘Small Market, Big Heart’ Film - A Royal Pain - A Royal Pain - A Sacramento Kings Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

Thomas finishes seventh in Rookie of the Year voting

Source: SacBee by Jason Jones

Kings guard Isaiah Thomas finished seventh in the 2011-12 Rookie of the Year voting.

Cleveland guard Kyrie Irving won with 117 of a possible 120 first-place votes.

Minnesota guard Ricky Rubio was second and Denver forward Kenneth Faried was third.

Thomas received six second-place votes and 10 third-place votes. I had Thomas third on my ballot behind Irving and Rubio.

Below are the results (five points for first place, three for second, one for third).

Rookie, Team 1st 2nd 3rd Total
Kyrie Irving, Cleveland 117 2 1 592
Ricky Rubio, Minnesota - 49 23 170
Kenneth Faried, Denver 1 30 34 129
Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio 1 9 15 47
Iman Shumpert, New York 1 7 7 33
Klay Thompson, Golden State - 5 15 30
Isaiah Thomas, Sacramento - 6 10 28
Brandon Knight, Detroit - 6 3 21
Chandler Parsons, Houston - 3 5 14
MarShon Brooks, New Jersey - 1 1 4
Kemba Walker, Charlotte - - 3 3
Josh Selby, Memphis - - 1 1

Blazers’ Nicolas Batum To Sign First “Good” Offer; Could Kings Be In Play?

Source: A Royal Pain by Bryan Rosa

Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-US PRESSWIRE

visit site to read more]

Blazers’ Nicolas Batum To Sign First “Good” Offer; Could Kings Be In Play? - A Royal Pain - A Royal Pain - A Sacramento Kings Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

Kings’ Isaiah Thomas Places 7th In NBA Rookie Of The Year Voting, Voters Ashamed

Source: A Royal Pain by Bryan Rosa

You’d be hard pressed to find three or four rookies who had better seasons then the Kings’ Isaiah Thomas, but given Sacramento’s wasteland … [visit site to read more]

Kings’ Isaiah Thomas Places 7th In NBA Rookie Of The Year Voting, Voters Ashamed - A Royal Pain - A Royal Pain - A Sacramento Kings Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

WATCH: 'Small Market, Big Heart'

Source: Sactown Royalty by Tom Ziller

Small Market, Big Heart is now available for free online viewing ... right here! (You can full screen down in the lower right corner of the video.) If you saw it at The Crest or on FOX 40 already, there is a new epilogue from Kevin Johnson to enjoy.

You can rep the city with a SMBH t-shirt, too. Support the film(makers).

Here she is. Enjoy, and comment away in this thread.

Now Playing: Small Market, Big Heart

Source: Cowbell Kingdom by Cowbell Kingdom

About Small Market, Big Heart:

Small Market, Big Heart is a full-length documentary designed to share the compelling story of the people of Sacramento and their battle to get and keep a professional sports franchise over the last 27 years. This story has many heroes, but one common theme – a community with a huge heart. As a small market, Sacramento has faced enormous adversity, first in landing an NBA franchise and then maintaining that franchise through both good and bad economic times.  The one constant has always been incredible community support, as the Kings have sold out all of their games in 19 of 27 seasons in Sacramento.

Over the last year, faced with the possibility of losing their team, grassroots movements fought to engage political leaders to fight for Sacramento’s one and only professional franchise.  The outcome was nothing short of a miracle, as the combined efforts of many, led to an NBA first — a one year extension for a city to get a new entertainment and sports complex built.

This film will illustrate Sacramento’s struggle to remain relevant in the high-stakes game of professional sports.  The story is told through the eyes of long-term members of media, former and current members of the Sacramento Kings franchise, local politicians and lastly, the common members of the Sacramento community that stood tall in the face of adversity.

Follow @Cowbell_Kingdom

Isaiah Thomas finishes seventh in NBA Rookie of the Year voting

Source: Cowbell Kingdom by Jonathan Santiago

This season’s Mr. Irrelevant placed seventh in Rookie of the Year voting.  Isaiah Thomas received no first places, but finished with 28 total points towards the NBA’s annual award honoring its best first-year player.

Only Thomas and this year’s winner Kyrie Irving won multiple Rookie of the Month awards.  Thomas earned honors in February and March after becoming the Sacramento Kings’ starting point guard.  Drafted 60th overall, Thomas finished with season averages of 11.5 points and 4.1 assists in 25.5 minutes per game.

See the final voting tally after the jump.

2011-12 KIA NBA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD VOTING RESULTS
Rookie, Team	1st	2nd	3rd	Total
Kyrie Irving, Cleveland	117	2	1	592
Ricky Rubio, Minnesota	-	49	12	70
Kenneth Faried, Denver	1	30	34	129
Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio	1	9	15	47
Iman Shumpert, New York	1	7	7	33
Klay Thompson, Golden State	-	5	15	30
Isaiah Thomas, Sacramento	-	6	10	28
Brandon Knight, Detroit	-	6	3	21
Chandler Parsons, Houston	-	3	5	14
MarShon Brooks, New Jersey	-	1	1	4
Kemba Walker, Charlotte	-	-	3	3
Josh Selby, Memphis	-	-	1	1

Follow @itsjonsantiago

Better Know a Draftee: 2012 Rookie Guard Prospects

Source: Sactown Royalty by Aykis16

This is the first in a three part series in which I analyze the 2012 NBA Draft by position. As a source I used DraftExpress's mock draft and for statistics I used both DraftExpress and Sports-Reference. All statistics used are for the prior college basketball season. Because of the lack of advanced statistic information, difference in playstyle and the dearth of quality foreign players in this year's draft, I have only included NCAA players in this analysis. For information such as player position, school, height, etc. please click on the player's name and it will take you to their

Maloofs Continue To Ignore The Reality That No One Much Likes Them

Source: Sactown Royalty by Tom Ziller

You'll remember that a bunch of local business leaders hastily put together a letter denouncing the Maloofs as NBA owners just before the family went to New York to destroy the Sacramento arena plan. That letter really upset the Maloofs -- they like setting relationships on fire themselves, not to watch someone else handle it.

Well, in the long aftermath of the deal's decomposition, the Maloofs apparently caught wind that not all of those 21 business owners actually signed that letter, so they hired a former FBI investigator to look into it. For what reason? At what end? Great question! But, obviously, some of the business owners took umbrage at a Maloof P.I. prying, and

Abdur-Rahim Earns College Degree

Source: Sactown Royalty by section214

Abdur-Rahim Earns College Degree

Apparently it is legal to leave college for the NBA after only one year, makes millions and millions of dollars, and then go back and complete your degree. Who knew?

Maloof spokesman blasts arena task force for attorney general letter

Source: Cowbell Kingdom by Jonathan Santiago

The arena deal may be dead.  But through their spokespeople, the Maloofs and the city of Sacramento are exchanging words yet again.

“It is becoming clearer that the foundation of Think Big is built on fabrication and deception,” said Maloof spokesman Eric Rose in an email statement to media Monday evening. “The name of the organization should be changed to Think Big Fraud.”

Last Friday, CBS 13 reported that the Maloofs hired an ex-FBI agent to investigate the possibility of forged signatures in a letter to NBA Commissioner David Stern.  That letter, which requested new ownership for the Sacramento Kings, was sent by local business leaders during last month’s Board of Governors’ meetings in New York.

In response to the story, Think Big Executive Director Chris Lehane sent a letter to U.S. Attorney Eric Holder.  The letter requests the Department of Justice to investigate if the Maloofs’ latest hire is an attempt to “harass and intimidate prominent and respected citizens of the region.”

“Second, given the history of professional sports owners being severely sanctioned for the use of private detectives involved in comparable activities, it would appear that the Maloofs are possibly exposing themselves to sanctions,” reads a portion of Lehane’s letter.  ”Former New York Yankee owner George Steinbrenner was permanently suspended by Major League Baseball for hiring a private detective to dig up dirt on Dave Winfield.”

Lehane’s letter can be read in its entirety in a link after the jump.

Think Big Sacramento Letter to U.S. Attorney General’s Office

Follow @itsjonsantiago

Sacramento Kings End Of Season Report Cards – Marcus Thornton

Source: A Royal Pain by Bryan Rosa

Fresh off of a 5 year, $40 million dollar extension, the 2011-12 season was to be the coming out party for Marcus Thornton – and he didn’t … [visit site to read more]

Sacramento Kings End Of Season Report Cards – Marcus Thornton - A Royal Pain - A Royal Pain - A Sacramento Kings Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

Isaiah Thomas a King of Efficiency

Source: A Royal Pain by Marilyn Kenyon, Psy. D.

visit site to read more]

Isaiah Thomas a King of Efficiency - A Royal Pain - A Royal Pain - A Sacramento Kings Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

‘Small Market, Big Heart’ set for online release Tuesday

Source: Cowbell Kingdom by Cowbell Kingdom

From the official press release:

Sacramento, Calif. – The makers of the documentary Small Market, Big Heart will make their film available for online viewing beginning this Tuesday at 9 a.m.

The film, which tells the story of Sacramento’s fight to get and preserve its only professional sports franchise, including the events surrounding a relocation attempt in 2011, will be available at www.smallmarketbigheart.com.

The collapse of the most recent deal for a new entertainment and sports complex in downtown Sacramento is disheartening for many. Because of this, the makers of the film believe it is an appropriate time to spotlight the passion of the Sacramento community through an Internet release.

Small Market, Big Heart premiered at The Crest Theatre and aired on KTXL Fox 40 in January. While Part 2 is not yet complete, an epilogue featuring Mayor Kevin Johnson has been added.

For more information, follow Small Market, Big Heart on Twitter @smbhdocumentary and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/smallmarketbigheart.

In addition to the film’s official website, you can catch the movie here. Cowbell Kingdom will share the film when it goes live in a post tomorrow morning.

Follow @Cowbell_Kingdom

Sacramento Kings’ Isaiah Thomas – “They All Missed Out On Something Special”

Source: A Royal Pain by Bryan Rosa

Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

visit site to read more]

Sacramento Kings’ Isaiah Thomas – “They All Missed Out On Something Special” - A Royal Pain - A Royal Pain - A Sacramento Kings Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

The Relativism Of Coaches, And Keith Smart's Future

Source: Sactown Royalty by Tom Ziller

When teams decide whether or not to replace their head coach, there are two distinct threads of inquiry.

1. Is my coach worth keeping?

2. Is there a better option?

When the answer to Question 1 is cut and dry, the answer to Question 2 is an automatic yes or no. For instance, Kenny Natt was clearly overmatched as an NBA head coach. He was not worth keeping in that role. So whether there was a better option was basically moot; there had to be a better option, even if you couldn't quite put a finger on who exactly it would be.

For Keith Smart, the answer to Question 1 is clear ... but in the other direction. It's clear that even in a

'Small Market, Big Heart' To Be Released Online Tuesday

Source: Sactown Royalty by Tom Ziller

Small Market, Big Heart, the documentary on the history and future of the Sacramento Kings by our friends Blake Ellington, James Ham and Tobin Halsey, will be released online on Tuesday morning. There had been only two public showings since its release: at the Crest and a single showing on Fox 40. Now, it'll be available to everyone with an internet connection.

The filmmakers have an epilogue from Kevin Johnson that's been added.

The doc will be available at www.smallmarketbigheart.com at 9 a.m. Pacific on Tuesday. I highly, highly encourage a viewing or three.

Will Tom Benson Retain Dell Demps and Monty Williams?: Fan's Opinion (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Tom Benson

Abdur-Rahim to receive degree from Cal

Source: CSN Bay Area

He played one season of basketball at Cal, two full seasons with the Kings, was an assistant coach with the Kings for two seasons, and is currently the Kings' assistant GM. Soon, he can call himself a college graduate.

League: No Meeting Scheduled Between David Stern, Manny Pangilinan

Source: Sactown Royalty by Tom Ziller

An NBA spokesman told Sactown Royalty on Saturday that there is no meeting between commissioner David Stern and Filipino tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan scheduled. A report out of Manila this week said that Stern and MVP would meet to discuss a deal to buy the Kings, a team that is not for sale.

MVP has been tied to the Kings via reports and rumors for a while now, and was said to be involved in the Chris Webber group that popped up last year.

Cowbell Kingdom Podcast #39: Grantland's Rafe Bartholomew on Manny Pangilinan (MVP)

Source: Sactown Royalty by jjham15

Cowbell Kingdom Podcast #39: Grantland's Rafe Bartholomew on Manny Pangilinan (MVP)

With rumors circulating again that Manny Pangilinan has interest in purchasing the Sacramento Kings, we bring in Rafe Bartholomew, Grantland contributor and author of the book Pacific Rims: Beermen Ballin' in Flip-Flops and the Philippines' Unlikely Love Affair with Basketball.

Shareef Abdur-Rahim to receive his degree from Cal on Monday

Source: SacBee by Jason Jones

Excuse me for being a homer in this post

Kings assistant general manager Shareef Abdur-Rahim will receive his degree from the greatest public university in the world Monday, May 14.

Abdur-Rahim will receive his degree in Sociology from the University of California at Berkeley with a 3.8 grade-point average.

Abdur-Rahim played a season at Cal before entering the 1996 NBA Draft.

Abdur-Rahim was the third overall pick by the Vancouver Grizzlies in what proved to be one of the better draft classes ever.

Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Ray Allen, Steve Nash, Jermaine O'Neal and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Stephon Marbury, Antoine Walker, Peja Stojakovic and Abdur-Rahim all became All Stars from the Class of 96.

Abdur-Rahim played for Vancouver, Atlanta, Portland and the Kings before retiring in 2008 and joining the coaching staff. He moved to the front office two years later.

"Although I left Cal after only one year, it has always been my goal to complete my degree," Abdur-Rahim said in a statement. "Receiving my degree will be an extremely proud moment for me and my family. I hope it will also help inspire many of the students our foundation proudly serves and encourages."

Abdur-Rahim's foundation is the Future Foundation, which he started in 2001 in his home state of Georgia.

The program works with disadvantaged youth in the Atlanta area to help increase their chances for a college education.

"Much of my work outside basketball has been dedicated to my non-profit organization," Abdur-Rahim said. "The Future Foundation's focus is to help young people reach their educational potential."

More preseason dates

Courtesy of the Los Angeles Lakers releasing their preseason schedule for the 2012-13 season, we have three preseason dates for next season.

The Kings will play the Lakers Oct. 19 in Las Vegas, Oct. 21 in Los Angeles and Oct. 25 in San Diego.

Cowbell Kingdom Podcast Ep 39: Rafe Bartholomew of Grantland on Filipino Mogul Manny Pangilinan

Source: Cowbell Kingdom by Cowbell Kingdom

by Jonathan Santiago and James Ham

Who is Manny Pangilinan?  Rafe Bartholomew of Grantland and author of Pacific Rims, a book on the history of the Philippines love affair with the game of basketball, joins us on the Cowbell Kingdom Podcast to shed some light on the wealthy Filipino business magnate.

An excerpt from the conversation where Bartholomew discussed the All-Star Weekend that featured Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Derrick Rose and Tyreke Evans that Pangilinan organized for the Philippines last summer.

That was something that when I first heard they were planning I said it’s never going to happen.  It just costs too much money, it’s too crazy – it sounded like spin to me.  And then when it happened, it flipped the script on everyone where it’s like “Wow, they really do have the money to pull off a lot more that we thought that they were willing to do.” So it made something like buying a team suddenly seem not so crazy and perhaps overpaying for one.  Because if you look at the way they sort of justified spending all that money on that NBA All-Star Weekend in the Philippines it was because…literally people were calling M.V.P. a hero because he got Kobe Bryant and got him to play in a real game…That sort of goodwill definitely transfers over to M.V.P.’s brands.

Listen after the jump…

---

Music Credit: Ronald Jenkees – Guitar Sound

Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.

Subscribe to the podcast via RSS.

Follow @Cowbell_Kingdom

Eastern Conference semifinals preview

Source: CSN Bay Area

Are the Celtics and Heat on a collision course to meet in the Conference Final? NBA Insider Matt Steinmetz previews the East's final four.

Looking at DeMarcus Cousins' Future by Looking at the Past

Source: Sactown Royalty by Aykis16

DeMarcus Cousins came onto the NBA scene a couple years ago and surprised many of us with his versatility. Coming out of Kentucky, John Calipari had used DeMarcus almost exclusively in the low post, and for good reason. Cousins was a monster down there in college. He was too big, too skilled and had a great set-up man in John Wall feeding him the ball. He scored 15.1 points on 55.8% from the field in just 23.5 minutes per game.

When DeMarcus came to the NBA however, he was allowed a lot more freedom, and immediately used it to show that he was much more than a low post guy. In

Sacramento Kings’ Jason Thompson On Free Agency – “I Just Want To Win”

Source: A Royal Pain by Bryan Rosa

When Jason Thompson‘s name was called that evening at the 2008 NBA Draft, there was a collective “who” among the purple and black loyalists. … [visit site to read more]

Sacramento Kings’ Jason Thompson On Free Agency – “I Just Want To Win” - A Royal Pain - A Royal Pain - A Sacramento Kings Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

Why Sacramento Kings Guard Isaiah Thomas Should Win NBA Rookie of the Year Award

Source: Bleacher Report

Of course, Ricky Rubio and Kyrie Irving are the favorites to win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, but from out of their shadows comes Sacramento Kings guard Isaiah Thomas.

Blasphemy, you may say. You would be wrong.

When he started, Thomas played at the same level as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers guards as well as Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried.

That shows in Thomas' two straight Rookie of the Month awards.

He brought a level of maturity and leadership none of the fellow aforementioned rookies could match.

Thomas probably won't receive the honor, but he should.

 

Stats Don't Lie

In the 37 games Thomas started, he scored just as easily as Kyrie Irving.

His 14.8 points per game in that time came on 10.7 field goal attempts per contest. That's a better clip than Irving's 18.5 points on 14.6 shots per game.

Not only that, in his starts Thomas hit 47.7 percent of his shots—slightly higher than Irving (46.9) and far better than Rubio (33.3).

Given, Rubio's strength came on assists. But Thomas can counter that with a better assist-to-turnover ratio. 

The guard averaged just two turnovers a game while starting. That led to a 2.7-to-1 ratio with assists—which is better than Rubio's 2.56-to-1 or Irving's 1.74-to-1.

Thomas played the point so well that he took over for former Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans, who moved to the three-spot.

Once he did, the Kings moved far better on offense.

The change in the Kings' scoring was obvious, as opposed to the Timberwolves, who averaged two more points per 100 possessions without Rubio playing.

Rubio's passing was more flashy and prolific, but Thomas got it done.

 

Intangibles

When Thomas actually does have a rough time on the court, he takes the blame:

 

I take the blame 4 my teams loss tonight 6 TO's are way too many! I didn't get my Guys going tonight. On 2 the nxt, Lakers 2morrow!

— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas2) March 2, 2012

 

Against the Lakers that next night, he lost the ball just once and dished out six assists. It takes a mature player to take the blame, and put it upon himself to help his teammates.

He's even determined to make his whole team better:

 

Man there ain't nothing like the playoffs, I gotta get MY team there!

— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas2) May 8, 2012

 

Even as a rookie, he showed incredible leadership.

Thomas also has late-game grit, best shown in his heroic game-winning steal-and-assist (which you can see here). He's also known to swish a dagger at the buzzer when needed.

In other words, Thomas has an unrivaled wisdom, attitude and poise.

 

Mr. Irrelevant

Thomas was nearly an undrafted NBA player, but the Kings took the guard with the 60th and final selection in the 2011 NBA draft.

The only truly successful last pick in the draft was Steve Kerr, and Thomas looks poised to join him.

While Thomas will make a name for himself from the end, Irving was taken at the start of the draft.

"He was the No. 1 pick, I was the last pick," Thomas said after the Kings-Cavaliers contest. (via Associated Press). "Why not use that for extra motivation?

When the two squared off in that game, they scored the same amount of points (23).

But Irving tallied just one assist and three rebounds while Thomas went for 11 and 8, respectively.

Thomas' performance has put him in this conversation, while Irving as well as Rubio are more talked about partly because of perception.

The former Washington Huskies guard, though, should take home the NBA Rookie of the Year award.

Read more Sacramento Kings news on BleacherReport.com

Xavier University Legends - NBA Edition: Fan's Analysis (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Xavier University has one of the most successful men's basketball programs in recent NCAA history, including a total of 23 Tournament appearances and a run to the Sweet 16 in 2012. Since 2001 Xavier has made the NCAA Tournament every year except for 2005.

Carmichael Dave Is Gone, And Kings' Imprint On Only Local Sports Station Is Following

Source: Sactown Royalty by Tom Ziller

Carmichael Dave has been canned by KHTK 1140 AM, as we learned yesterday. Don Geronimo, the station's program director and the host of the successful comedy morning show on which Dave was the sidekick until this week, explained what he could on this morning's show. The decision came from above Geronimo, and it's been framed by the company as a contract issue. Dave said on Twitter and here in the StR comments on Wednesday that he didn't ask for more money.

Dave is and has been the only personality on KHTK in years that was a Sacramento Kings fan first and foremost. He began as a caller years ago, back during the Kings' heyday. He wriggled his way all the way

Kings Didn't Suffer Unduly From Injuries

Source: Sactown Royalty by Tom Ziller

One of a couple of excuses peddled to explain the Sacramento Kings' relative lack of progress this season has been injury troubles. But data from the Sixers' stats person published by SB Nation brother site NetsDaily shows that by the raw numbers the Kings were actually pretty fortunate on the injury front.

At least 10 Kings missed time due to injury, but most of the absences were brief. According to the data, Sacramento only lost 73 player-games to injury, the sixth-lowest figure in the league. The most: the

NBA Trade Rumors: Sacramento Kings Shouldn't Hesitate to Deal Tyreke Evans

Source: Bleacher Report

It is time for the Sacramento Kings to part ways with 2009-10 Rookie of the Year, Tyreke Evans. It is clear that they aren't going anywhere with him, and they should start reshaping their roster with a new vision of the future. 

To their credit, they seem to arriving at this very conclusion. 

Ailene Voisin, of the Sacramento Bee, reported, "Kings executives will entertain trade offers for Tyreke Evans this summer."

This is a good start, but the Kings can't be content with "entertaining" offers. They need to actively seek them out and then pull the trigger on the best deal. 

And they should get some decent offers. At 6'6" and 220 pounds, Evans has the handles of a point guard and the scoring and size of a shooting guard. 

Evans' versatility would be valuable to an established team. They could give him a clear role and let him go to work. He would be an excellent option as a sixth man. 

This would be a much better fit than his current role with the Kings. Last season he transitioned from point guard to shooting guard, and he seemed to be lost at times. 

His scoring, assists and rebound numbers have dropped in each of his three seasons in the league. The Kings want him to be a featured part of the offense, and he is not ready to fill that role. 

He is too slow to be a full-time point guard, and his jumper, mid-range game and movement without the ball have left him struggling at shooting guard. 

Sacramento hasn't made the playoffs in six seasons. They have a roster full of holes, and lack any direction. 

The Kings have to find players that have a clear position to field a competent starting five. Trading Evans would allow them to speed up that process. 

Read more Sacramento Kings news on BleacherReport.com

Carmichael Dave Appreciation Thread

Source: Sactown Royalty by Aykis16

In more sad news for the citizens of Sacramento, local radio personality Carmichael Dave today announced that he is no longer with CBS Radio/KHTK.

As if today I am no longer a part of CBS Radio. I'll expand later. To each and every person that has put up with my voice, I love you. I'm not trying to be vague, everything is going at 300mph. Yes I'm fine, no I'm not leaving for something better. KHTK is my home.

Whatever the reason for Dave's departure, he will be missed. Dave was a huge part of the grassroots movement to keep the Kings here, and his "Here We Build" campaign helped kick the fan movement into overdrive. From working with Dave in the grassroots movement, none of his efforts

Cousins on bubble of Team USA pool

Source: CSN Bay Area

Team USA was granted an extension to finalize their Olympic roster Wednesday, giving DeMarcus Cousins an extra month of consideration with Jerry Colangelo and Mike Krzyzewski.

Arrest for torching cab after 2010 Lakers victory (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

LOS ANGELES (AP) A man videotaped torching a taxi after the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA championship two years ago was charged with arson and police will crack down on any fan violence this year if the Lakers, Clippers or Kings triumph, officials said Wednesday.

Kings to play Lakers in San Diego in preseason

Source: SacBee by Jason Jones

It's only May 9, but pieces of the Kings' preseason schedule are coming together.

The Kings will play the Lakers October 25, in San Diego.

For my own personal travel plans, I wonder if this means the Lakers won't host the Kings in the preseason in Las Vegas?

If The Maloofs Want to Renovate Power Balance Pavilion, They Should Pay For It

Source: Sactown Royalty by Aykis16

In today's Sacramento Bee, Ailene Voisin dug deeper into the group behind the plan to renovate Power Balance Pavilion. This group, led by some of the original planners/designers/builders of ARCO I and II, believe they can renovate the building to last for about another decade at the cost of somewhere around $100 million.

As many of you will remember, the subject of renovating Power Balance Pavilion was broached at the notorious George Maloof Press Conference in which the Maloofs and their economist systematically killed the downtown arena deal. In George Maloof's own words:

"Why don’t we look at