Jan 10, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings fans hold signs against the Maloof
This is a tough time emotionally for fans of the Sacramento Kings. As hard as it’s been to be a Kings fan since the conclusion of the Chris Webber/Vlade Divac era, the franchise still retained some of the most loyal fans the NBA has seen in recent years, in a time where it’s the norm to jump from one team to another as players do the same (I’m looking at you, LeBron).
How would I know? I am one of those fans, and I know a thing or two about following sorry teams.
I’m a California-born DC native that blindly follows the Kings and Washington Wizards…..
Poor me, right?
This is a major blow to a devoted fan base who rang their cowbells for many a season in Arco Arena, stayed loyal in Power Balance Pavillion, and maintained a glimmer of hope through this debacle of a transaction that has been in the back of everyone’s mind for the last few years.
But amidst all of the turmoil and chaos surrounding the sale of the team, is there a way to remain positive?
Life is too short to wallow in sorrow.
For the NBA, this is a move that has the chance to pay immediate dividends.
Seattle is a larger market, which ultimately draws revenue for the league, the team, and the surrounding city. With the recent success of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, it’s a prosperous time to make the move right now. The NFL’s success in Seattle will increase the demand and expectations, but at the same time, it’ll allow a buffer and some margin of error for the new franchise. This will give them time to build properly through the draft a la the Oklahoma City Thunder, rather than go after the panic quick fix of overspending on an underachieving star.
For the team, the move could be a refreshing start. There have been issues with team chemistry for a while now, with the eccentric and erratic DeMarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans playing out of position along with the overload of guards, and players’ relationships and interactions with coaches and team personnel being heated on a regular basis it seems.
This relocation could be the re-jolt the Kings need to get them back on track as a cohesive unit and a winning organization.
For fans, it may be difficult to remain positive, especially those who remain in Sacramento. Such a move can feel like a betrayal.
It’s all business at the end of the day, and that must never be forgotten.
Perhaps the right organization can come in revive a franchise in Sacramento one day.
All one can do is hope, am I right?
It sure paid off for Seattle.
Jan 10, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings fans and Sacramento residents and season ticket holders James Frazier (left) and Karen Roth hold a sign against the Maloof