Goodbye Sacramento?

Sorry Kings fans, I had to put one of the best buzzer-beaters in one of my favorite rivalries growing up as a kid. I remember being at my friend Shannon's house that day, and a bunch of my friends watch Big Shot Bob hit that three leaving us all in disbelief. It's fitting tonight, the Sacramento Kings play what might be their final game in Arco Arena against the Los Angeles Lakers tonight.


In case you don't know, the Maloof brothers who own the team has been in discussion to move the team to Anaheim and rename them the Royals. The move has been bashed by some, and even guys like Chris Webber are trying to save the Kings. Last night, I was watching TNT's Inside The NBA showed some sympathy for the Kings, and talked at great length about how loyal the fans were and coupled them with Seattle. In my opinion, I thought the over-top sensitivity had to do with Webber and Kenny Smith, both former Kings being at the desk, but I felt it was unnecessary for a perennial moving franchise.

Don't get me wrong, I loved the Kings team that had Webber, Mike Bibby, Vlade Divac, and others trying to dethrone the evil Lakers. But how can people tell me to feel some sadness for a franchise who has moved from Rochester-Cincinnati-Kansas City/Omaha-Sacramento?  I understand teams move, but usually, it's one or two moves, not potentially five if they head to Anaheim. The other thing is if you want to be outspoken about a team leaving, how about the fans actually show up for the games? The Kings are second to last in attendance drawing an average of 13, 796 fans per game is pathetic. Smith, Webber, and Charles Barkley can say all they want about how great the fans were in their day, but when it comes down to numbers, they don't lie.  

The Maloofs are smart businessmen. Right now, most of their money is in Las Vegas, which is struggling worst than the Charlie Sheen Live Tour, so why would they keep the Kings in Sacramento when that business venture is failing as well?  It makes no sense when the Maloofs can provide an alternative team in suburban Los Angeles where all the transplants can see their favorite players on a nightly basis. So long Sac-Town.

-Charlie.