Why Not an Expansion Team in Sacramento?

[funkykingston]

First and foremost. The Kings NEED to be kept in Sacramento! If there is any justice... Seattle needs to be the city wishing, praying and hoping for an expansion. As VF & others have pointed out, Sac has done everything needed to keep the team! It's amazing how many don't know about the Maloofs backing out of a "done deal" on a brand new arena. This side of the story has been pretty neglected. A lot of my fellow posters on Pacers Digest (our corner of the NBA world) were unaware on Sacramento's efforts. It's just too bad that the Nat'l sports media has neglected to show this going with the "sexy" side of the story focusing on Seattle. I hope the splash made with Burkle and Mastrov is a big one that attracts BIG TIME ATTN. I just personally fear that the BoG will get swept up in the nat'l media hype being peddled by the Hanson group and the Maloofs. Control the media... control perception of the situation.

As far as this talk of expansion... As a fan of another association squad, I sure don't want to see the league expand once again. I personally feel 30 teams in the league are too many when there are so few "difference maker" type players in the league. I have a hard time believing IF the league were to expand... it would just go with 1 team. I'd fully expect them to expand with 2 teams to even things out. This would be like turning on a fire hose to an already watered down product.

Very much appreciate you taking the time to post your thoughts here.

[Jose]

Nice article on RealGM on why the league should NOT relocate the Kings and instead add 2 expansion teams:

http://basketball.realgm.com/blog/22...ver_Relocation

[Section 101]

As far as this talk of expansion... As a fan of another association squad, I sure don't want to see the league expand once again. I personally feel 30 teams in the league are too many when there are so few "difference maker" type players in the league. I have a hard time believing IF the league were to expand... it would just go with 1 team. I'd fully expect them to expand with 2 teams to even things out. This would be like turning on a fire hose to an already watered down product.

I agree it would dilute the talent even more. But 32 teams makes more sense than the 30 now. Both conferences have 16 teams. 4 divisions of 4 teams in each conference. Half the teams from each conference make the playoffs.

[Jose]

I personally feel 30 teams in the league are too many when there are so few "difference maker" type players in the league. I have a hard time believing IF the league were to expand... it would just go with 1 team. I'd fully expect them to expand with 2 teams to even things out. This would be like turning on a fire hose to an already watered down product.

Slightly off-topic, but there is A LOT of talent in this league. If only the games were officiated evenly and impartially and the league would put an end to preferencial treatment, it would be a much more even playing field.

But, superstars sell. Tickets, jerseys, merchandise...

[VF21]

First and foremost. The Kings NEED to be kept in Sacramento! If there is any justice... Seattle needs to be the city wishing, praying and hoping for an expansion. As VF & others have pointed out, Sac has done everything needed to keep the team! It's amazing how many don't know about the Maloofs backing out of a "done deal" on a brand new arena. This side of the story has been pretty neglected. A lot of my fellow posters on Pacers Digest (our corner of the NBA world) were unaware on Sacramento's efforts. It's just too bad that the Nat'l sports media has neglected to show this going with the "sexy" side of the story focusing on Seattle. I hope the splash made with Burkle and Mastrov is a big one that attracts BIG TIME ATTN. I just personally fear that the BoG will get swept up in the nat'l media hype being peddled by the Hanson group and the Maloofs. Control the media... control perception of the situation.

As far as this talk of expansion... As a fan of another association squad, I sure don't want to see the league expand once again. I personally feel 30 teams in the league are too many when there are so few "difference maker" type players in the league. I have a hard time believing IF the league were to expand... it would just go with 1 team. I'd fully expect them to expand with 2 teams to even things out. This would be like turning on a fire hose to an already watered down product.

Thanks, gnome! I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and show your support.

[Mike0476]

First and foremost. The Kings NEED to be kept in Sacramento! If there is any justice... Seattle needs to be the city wishing, praying and hoping for an expansion. As VF & others have pointed out, Sac has done everything needed to keep the team! It's amazing how many don't know about the Maloofs backing out of a "done deal" on a brand new arena. This side of the story has been pretty neglected. A lot of my fellow posters on Pacers Digest (our corner of the NBA world) were unaware on Sacramento's efforts. It's just too bad that the Nat'l sports media has neglected to show this going with the "sexy" side of the story focusing on Seattle. I hope the splash made with Burkle and Mastrov is a big one that attracts BIG TIME ATTN. I just personally fear that the BoG will get swept up in the nat'l media hype being peddled by the Hanson group and the Maloofs. Control the media... control perception of the situation.

It would be awesome if you could share our 7 minute recap video on the last four years of us being "Maloofed."

[butteredbiscuit]

I don't understand why people would even think about saying we should let Seattle buy the Kings and WE get an expansion team. That to me does not make any logical sense at all.

This is the NBA, things happen all the time we dont expect. Who would have expected the Seattle Supersonics to move from Seattle to all places Oklahoma City?Who would have guessed Vancouver Grizzlies moving to Memphis? I know I wouldnt have. I thought San Diego would had a chance at another team before those 2 cities. But it didn't.

It would make sense if the NBA decides that they want to allow the agreement between Hansen and the Maloofs to stand. Then you would have to start thinking expansion. Like I said before, there is no way the City of Sacramento doesnt have a team. Just too obvious when you come up with a billionaire who wants to own a frANCHISE. To me, easy call! If BOG says Deal stands, Sacramento has no choice but to take the expansion team if they still want NBA coming to the city. The billionaire's answer will be YES, we will take expansion.

We just have to look and prepare for both ideas. We just cant be fixated on just one idea because human beings minds change. We might not like the idea that the original Kings might be moving to Seattle but we do have to be prepared for that. I personally dont see it happening but then Stern has be known to change his mind. So we do have to be realistic and consider both sides.

One person said he wouldnt support the NBA if the old Kings left town and a new team was in Sacramento. I dont believe that for a second. Any real Sacramento fan would support any Kings team with local ownership. I have never known a real Sacramento person to ever quit. Even though it is hard for me to say but you did get robbed when you played against us in the Western COnference Finals way back, I was glad to have played the Kings because to me that was the finals to us.

Either way if the Kings stay in Sacramento, you know the new owner is going to blow this whole thing up. You might have Isaiah Thomas, Demarcus Cousins and another player but that is about it. Say byebye to all front office staff for sure. If they go to Seattle, Hansen will blow up the franchise too. Hire maybe Phil Jackson, Larry Bird or RC Buford. I personally if I was the Kings, I would hire Phil jackson and bring his future wife Jeanie to run the business side of the Kings. (of course that is my opinion). Then allow Phil to do all the hiring for the player personnel side. If you couldnt get him, Let Larry Bird do it. He will bring a competitive team in a couple of years through trades.

[Spike]

Why would it make sense for the deal between the Maloofs and Hansen to stand?
Let's think about this logically.

Relocate a team, and give an expansion team to the city where previous team existed OR,
give the new city an expansion team.

It's really that simple. Why make two moves when one will suffice?

As far as blowing the team up, that's a discussion for another thread, but I'm pretty sure Evans + Cousins would stay. Thompson would stay (good fit on good contract). Everyone else depends on how the new GM wants to structure the team. IT, Thornton, Jimmer, TRob could be moved for better fitting pieces, but it's likely that everyone else would be gone...which wouldn't really be a bad thing.

[VF21]

This is the NBA, things happen all the time we dont expect. Who would have expected the Seattle Supersonics to move from Seattle to all places Oklahoma City?Who would have guessed Vancouver Grizzlies moving to Memphis? I know I wouldnt have. I thought San Diego would had a chance at another team before those 2 cities. But it didn't.

It would make sense if the NBA decides that they want to allow the agreement between Hansen and the Maloofs to stand. Then you would have to start thinking expansion. Like I said before, there is no way the City of Sacramento doesnt have a team. Just too obvious when you come up with a billionaire who wants to own a frANCHISE. To me, easy call! If BOG says Deal stands, Sacramento has no choice but to take the expansion team if they still want NBA coming to the city. The billionaire's answer will be YES, we will take expansion.

We just have to look and prepare for both ideas. We just cant be fixated on just one idea because human beings minds change. We might not like the idea that the original Kings might be moving to Seattle but we do have to be prepared for that. I personally dont see it happening but then Stern has be known to change his mind. So we do have to be realistic and consider both sides.

One person said he wouldnt support the NBA if the old Kings left town and a new team was in Sacramento. I dont believe that for a second. Any real Sacramento fan would support any Kings team with local ownership. I have never known a real Sacramento person to ever quit. Even though it is hard for me to say but you did get robbed when you played against us in the Western COnference Finals way back, I was glad to have played the Kings because to me that was the finals to us.

Either way if the Kings stay in Sacramento, you know the new owner is going to blow this whole thing up. You might have Isaiah Thomas, Demarcus Cousins and another player but that is about it. Say byebye to all front office staff for sure. If they go to Seattle, Hansen will blow up the franchise too. Hire maybe Phil Jackson, Larry Bird or RC Buford. I personally if I was the Kings, I would hire Phil jackson and bring his future wife Jeanie to run the business side of the Kings. (of course that is my opinion). Then allow Phil to do all the hiring for the player personnel side. If you couldnt get him, Let Larry Bird do it. He will bring a competitive team in a couple of years through trades.

And so we finally get it. You're a Laker fan.

[Spike]

And so we finally get it. You're a Laker fan.

I can't believe I missed that. It's all so clear now.

[butteredbiscuit]

And so we finally get it. You're a Laker fan.

Yes I am. But I told that to many people on here before in earlier posts when I first came on the site. But I am a basketball fan first and to get back to the point was that Sacramento doesnt deserve to lose the Kings. So what if I am a rival of yours. Does it really matter when both of us are working together to try to keep the Kings in Sacramento? I have never came on here and taunted you for anything. I never said hahah too bad Kings fans this and that and this and that. Nope! Not my style! If you read back, I was always trying to encourage by saying ok wonder if there was a way to get an expansion team, just in case they made the agreement stand. Most Lakers fans dont give a care if you leave or not but I do. Does it matter that I support Mike's organization of keeping the Kings in Sacramento? Yes, to me it does! If there was no chance of Expansion would I support the Kings going to Seattle? NO WAY JOSE!

But I am realistic too, and believe that either way your going to get a team. Either the BOG says the agreement is valid or not, you going to get a team. With Larry Ellison or Burkle, we will have that great rivalry again. I dont blame the fans of Sacramento for not having the rivalry like it once was. Not your fault. It was the Maloof fault. I support the idea of blowing this team up and getting the cowbells back.

Many may not like me because I am a Lakers fan but I know in my heart I try to support the Kings fans effort as much as I can. To me, I dont like the sneaky way this is being handled. Neither party(Maloofs/Hansen) deserve to have a team. I wish I had money!

[Jose]

NO WAY JOSE!

Say what?

[VF21]

Yes I am. But I told that to many people on here before in earlier posts when I first came on the site. But I am a basketball fan first and to get back to the point was that Sacramento doesnt deserve to lose the Kings. So what if I am a rival of yours. Does it really matter when both of us are working together to try to keep the Kings in Sacramento? I have never came on here and taunted you for anything. I never said hahah too bad Kings fans this and that and this and that. Nope! Not my style! If you read back, I was always trying to encourage by saying ok wonder if there was a way to get an expansion team, just in case they made the agreement stand. Most Lakers fans dont give a care if you leave or not but I do. Does it matter that I support Mike's organization of keeping the Kings in Sacramento? Yes, to me it does! If there was no chance of Expansion would I support the Kings going to Seattle? NO WAY JOSE!

But I am realistic too, and believe that either way your going to get a team. Either the BOG says the agreement is valid or not, you going to get a team. With Larry Ellison or Burkle, we will have that great rivalry again. I dont blame the fans of Sacramento for not having the rivalry like it once was. Not your fault. It was the Maloof fault. I support the idea of blowing this team up and getting the cowbells back.

Many may not like me because I am a Lakers fan but I know in my heart I try to support the Kings fans effort as much as I can. To me, I dont like the sneaky way this is being handled. Neither party(Maloofs/Hansen) deserve to have a team. I wish I had money!

We thank you for the support and it's true that you're not like a lot of Laker fans (with some notable exceptions) that have come here to give us grief. BUT you keep saying getting an expansion team or accepting anything less than keeping our team would be okay. It's NOT okay. You cannot possibly imagine how we feel. I understand what you're saying but you need to understand that this is an almost unbearable situation for us. We have given our heart to this team for 28 years. We're clinging to our last hope that it won't all be taken away. When you point out that it'll be okay if they go because we can just start over with an expansion team, it's just not what we want to hear.

I can't speak for anyone else, but right now I'm not interested in people telling us we need to be realistic and face the possibility of losing the team and having nothing to look forward to except expansion. Dude, we know that. Believe me. We've known it and lived with it for a very long time. We don't need - and in my case really don't appreciate - it being thrown in our faces time and time again.

Reality is for people who have given up their dreams. I haven't given up. And I won't.

[funkykingston]

Many may not like me because I am a Lakers fan but I know in my heart I try to support the Kings fans effort as much as I can. To me, I dont like the sneaky way this is being handled. Neither party(Maloofs/Hansen) deserve to have a team. I wish I had money!

I have no issue with a fan of any team taking an interest in this situation and viewing it for what it is, which is what you seem to be doing. That said, I DO think Hansen deserves to have a team. He has a market, he has the money, he has a deal in place for a new arena that is largely privately financed - hard to say he doesn't deserve one. But not the Kings.

If there was no chance of Expansion would I support the Kings going to Seattle? NO WAY JOSE!

There is NO chance of expansion for Sacramento.

If the NBA feels that a sale to the Seattle group is better than keeping them in their existing market then there is absolutely no chance they would grant an expansion team. Without an anchor tenant, any chance of an arena deal dies and the NBA will not return to Sacramento. Not for many, many years at least.

Either the BOG says the agreement is valid or not

One last point. The BOG isn't going to decide whether the agreement is valid or not. I have no doubt that the paperwork signed by Hansen & the Maloofs is "valid". What the BOG does is vote to approve all sales. For an ownership group staying in the same market, this is usually a formality where the finances of the buyer have been vetted and the BOG is just rubber stamping the transfer of the franchise. But for something like this, they are deciding whether or not relocating the team is in the best interests of the team and the league. It's a lot more subjective than simply checking whether the agreement is valid.

[Warhawk]

wonder if there was a way to get an expansion team, just in case

Think about it this way.....given how rich Seattle's ownership team is....maybe they should buy the Lakers and give LA an expansion team? Us Sacramento fans would be very supportive of the idea of LA getting an expansion team very quickly after the Lakers packed up and left. Trust me. After all, Buss would make heaps of money on the team sale at above market price, right? What's the big deal?

[Kingsfan23]

There is NO chance of expansion for Sacramento.

If the NBA feels that a sale to the Seattle group is better than keeping them in their existing market then there is absolutely no chance they would grant an expansion team. Without an anchor tenant, any chance of an arena deal dies and the NBA will not return to Sacramento. Not for many, many years at least.

Disagree. Sacramento has proven to be a viable NBA market, has motivated wealthy buyers, and outline of an arena deal... if for some reason the sale of the Kings to Hansen isn't blocked I could see the NBA rectifying a bad situation by giving us an expansion team just as easy as it would give one to Seattle.

On to the topic I have to be honest about how I feel. I would prefer to keep the Kings franchise where it belongs, right here in Sacramento given its history and ties to the community. As for the current roster itself though, I'm not the most optimistic guy concerning it, and I wouldn't be overly upset in terms of getting an expansion team instead

[Trueblood]

Like just about everyone else, I'd prefer to have the Kings stay right where they are but we have to take into account that this isn't unprecedented. The NBA let the Hornets move to New Orleans and then they gave Charlotte an expansion franchise so when we ask "why would the league do that", it's because they already have.

That being said, expansion into Vancouver and Seattle would be the way to go with New Orleans moving to the EC to even it out at 16 and 16 if expansion is even on the table at all.

Let's assume a worse case scenario of the BOG granting the relocation and there is no expansion. Would this board be fine with Burkle and Mastrov buying the Bucks in a couple years and moving them here or would everyone be done with the NBA for good?

[Glenn]

I was going to post a note similar to Warhawk's note. The first NBA team I followed was from the City of Lakes. The only addition I'd like to add in this "what if" scenario is what if the Buss family got tired of owning basketball teams and got into a snit with the city of Los Angeles. Who cares why but let us say that the city was trying very hard to keep the team in LA and had negotiated a great deal with the help of the NBA. The Busses looked at the deal and said they didn't like it. Because of the further snit this caused, they secretly started negotiations with people from Seattle yet all the time said they had no intention to sell. The Busses were lying. Then, boom, it was obvious they were going to sell and an agreement had been struck. The Busses stated they would not negotiate with a group of owners from LA. No reason is given.

So the door is slammed shut and a team that has a long history in LA will be moved if the BOG agrees to this, Now the BOG collectively thinks "this sucks." The Commissioner tells the city to come up with a group to buy the Lakers at a fair price. The implication is clear that the NBA is not happy with the Buss attitude and in fact think it is a bit devious and certainly is unfair to the city of LA. The Busses had already made one attempt to leave LA which the NBA turned down in order to give LA the chance to meet a certain set of criteria to keep the Lakers. LA met the criteria and everybody was happy including half the Buss family. But a day later, the Busses rejected the new deal.

So now we are up to speed. The Busses had tried to leave LA but were blocked by the NBA. They then secretly began a negotiation and when that became public, they said they would not negotiate with an owners group from LA, who knows why. In oher words, even if a group from LA could match the Seattle group penny for penny, they would not consider the offer from LA.

So here we are. Now what? The easy thing to do would be to ignore the great bid by a group from LA and move the team to Seattle hoping that the NBA would start an expansion team in LA. How would you feel?

[Spike]

NO WAY JOSE!

Say what?

I lol'd.

[kennadog]

Stern has already commented earlier this year, that Sacramento would be unlikely to get an expansion team. Maybe he's changed his mind, but Seattle would be a much better candidate to earn an expansion team that Sacramento. It makes far more sense to keep the Kings right where they are and give Seattle a team.