If Kings move will you root for them to win, lose, or would you no longer care?

[Uncia03]

I will be a Kings fan no matter where they go or if they change their name. Go Kings!

(I would prefer they move to Las Vegas over Anaheim. Though I live about 40 minutes from the Honda Center, O.C. to me is Laker-land. Las Vegas is pretty 'open territory' and it would only be less than a 3 hour drive from here.)

Interestingly enough Las Vegas is just as much Laker Nation as the OC. The Summer League games are packed when the Lakers are playing, even though the Lakers can't field a good team. Also, I try to make the Laker/Kings pre-season games they play each summer in Vegas, and it's a packed house full of Laker fans.

With the dire straights that Vegas is in right now with unemployment and the bad economy combined with all the potential issues that come from gambling I can't see the Maloofs in Vegas anytime soon.
Perhaps if Vegas is able to get an arena built then the Maloofs might lobby to relocate at some point in the future, but if the Maloofs were to leave in the next couple of years I don't see Vegas as their destination.

 

[Uncia03]

I'm with you on this. I admit I'm very angry that we are where we are.

It helps me none to read posts from SoCal fans talking up this like they just got a new Krispy Kreme at the mall and local fans just now figuring out weren't Chicken Littles all those years ago when we started getting worried about the arena.

I haven't seen a single person on this forum indicate that they are happy with the current situation. There are those who are not surprised, and feel that this is what the leadership of Sacramento deserves for not getting anything done, but no-one has said that they can't wait for the Maloofs to move.

There is a small minority taking shots at the Maloofs, and a large majority taking shots at the Sacramento leadership, but no-one around here is cheering. And rightfully so. Kings fans deserve better than to see the team leave, especially when they finally get the two best young stars ever acquired since moving to town.

 

[Geoff]

Of course I will follow them! They are my team. Having said that, I don't have the regional attachment to them since I am not from USA.

I hope they stay in Sacramento but if they move, it makes no difference to my attachment to the team. I would still be a Kings fan! It would feel weird to start off with but to me it would be the same team the only thing different would be the name at the front of the home jersey!

Having said that, I have always hoped that the team stays in Sacramento and still hope thats the case but I can't blame the Maloofs if they do move the team. They have been jerked around for a decade now and every attempt made to build a new arena was rebuffed. The Maloofs have said a million of times that they want to keep the team in Sacramento but looking at it from a "neutral" perspective it might have been their downfall because the group of "suits" on the other side have used that to their advantage in the past rejecting anything that doesn't fully meet their outrageous demands.

100% Co-sign as a fellow foreign fan. I'd prefer they stay in Sacramento, but the town played no part in my becoming a Kings fan, and it won't play any part in my leaving Kings fandom, if that ever happens.

 

[Glenn]

If the Kings move, I will buy the biggest freaking TV I can find with every bell and whistle. I am always a fan.

 

[bajaden]

I probably wouldn't even follow the NBA. At least not until Stern and his ilk are gone.

I don't think you can lay the blame on Stern if the Kings leave. The blame has to go on the city of sacramento for sitting on their hands for the last 10 years. And if any of you think its just the old story of Millionaires taking their ball and moving on, then you know nothing about free interprize. There was never a chance in hell that the Maloofs were going to fork out all the money to pay for an arena. Why should they, when no other team does, and when they don't have the money to begin with. Especially when other cities will line up to bid for their services.

The onus has been on the city of sacramento from the get go. And the people of sacramento to prod the politicians into action. My gut tells me that if the people of the county of sacramento were allowed to vote, they would have passed a measure to finance an arena. You may not like Stern for other reasons, but blame for the Kings moving is misplaced.

 

[bajaden]

Sacramento is a sad sad city. I'm born and raised in LA and only became a fan once Jordan retired and I saw some jaw dropping passes by Jwill and Cwebb back in '98-'99. I've stuck with the heartbreaks and the patch jobs and now with the rebuild. Don't think anything can really stop me from rooting for them and if they came to Anaheim it'll be a short drive to watch them play. Not sure how I'd react to a name change, though.

Am I the only one who thinks if they had to make a name change in the OC because the NHL kings are in the area that the kings will just go back to being called the Royals? Still fits within the Kings theme.

I see any reason they would have to change their name. I grew up in St. Louis which had the Cardinals baseball team. When the NFL Chicago Cardinals were moved to St. Louis, they didn't change their name, and they still haven't, now being the Arizona Cardinals. They even have a great slogan, "Theres a new King in town"

 

[Glenn]

I don't think you can lay the blame on Stern if the Kings leave. The blame has to go on the city of sacramento for sitting on their hands for the last 10 years. And if any of you think its just the old story of Millionaires taking their ball and moving on, then you know nothing about free interprize. There was never a chance in hell that the Maloofs were going to fork out all the money to pay for an arena. Why should they, when no other team does, and when they don't have the money to begin with. Especially when other cities will line up to bid for their services.

The onus has been on the city of sacramento from the get go. And the people of sacramento to prod the politicians into action. My gut tells me that if the people of the county of sacramento were allowed to vote, they would have passed a measure to finance an arena. You may not like Stern for other reasons, but blame for the Kings moving is misplaced.

It is a peculiar phenomena that the citizens and politicians don't get it. There ARE cities lining up. Why? What do they see that we don't see? I still think it's the small town mentality of a city that has no identity. We are a government town and that's it. We have/had a large military retirement community. They weren't born and raised here. We are not a normal city as we have no big industry except government. People in government are transient and have no Sacramento identity. No sense of community. Who can say "I'm from Sacramento and I'm proud." It's more like "I'm from Sacramento and am right within driving distance of San Francisco and Lake Tahoe." How many times have you heard that line?

Why not "I'm from Sacramento, the home of the Kings?" Perhaps because a large number of people living here are really not from Sacramento. I'm not. I'm a Minnesotan and spent most of my life in Minneapolis.

People here look at outsiders with suspicion. Even now, people see the Maloofs as outsiders despite their active participation in the community. In fact, I suspect they have done more than most of us.

This cannot be changed.

We are what we are and part of the reason I am here is because I thought it was the biggest small town in the US. (truth) Now I see where it bites me in the butt.

 

[bajaden]

im amazed and startled at the harsh words aimed at sacramento. ive only been on this planet for 18 years and i know i still have a hella of a lot to learn and experience but i just dont see sacramento being as bad as some of you say it is. and even if it is, it still doesnt feel right listening to you guys put down this city/my hometown like that. im angry also, but theres no reason to say stuff like that. im just asking that you please choose your words more carefully.

What words should we choose? I think sacramento is a great place to live and raise a family. No one is disputing that. Its also a city, and I'm using that term loosely, that remains in the early 1900's as far as thinking like a real city. It denies that there is a real world outside of its city limits. I will admit that I grew up in a real city. When they needed a new arena in St. Louis, they built it. And when it got old, they built another one. My point is, real cities get things done. Yes I realize that the economy is bad right now. But 10 years ago it wasn't. 5 years ago it wasn't. So its not an excuse now. Other than for convienience. The people of sacramento, and I'm talking about a majority, sat around and did nothing for the last ten years because they didn't care enough to do something. The city council did nothing except sit and look pompus, while they pontificated on how they were going to protect the taxpayers.

Well, I guess they did their job. The taxpayers were able to keep their 1/4 of one percent salestax money in thier pocket and probably buy a new car with it. Its all working out well don't you think? The taxpayers are protected, and the Maloofs will get their new arena. Unfortunately it'll be in another city.

 

[bajaden]

I'm with you on this. I admit I'm very angry that we are where we are.

It helps me none to read posts from SoCal fans talking up this like they just got a new Krispy Kreme at the mall and local fans just now figuring out weren't Chicken Littles all those years ago when we started getting worried about the arena.

Personally I have no idea what the hell your talking about. Whereas I live in Ensenada, which is close to San Diego, I would assume your talking about me. And if so, your way off base. I've done nothing but support a new arena in sacramento and I'm still hoping for a last minute bailout with the Taylor plan. Cruzdude lives in Solona beach, and I know he supports a new arena in sacramento. I personally know of at least 5 or 6 more SoCal Kings fans that would love a new arena. And most of us have been lobbying for a new arena for the last 10 years. And thats why I'm pissed now.

The question was, would you still follow the team if they moved, and I said yes. And it would be easier for me. The television would be local, and I wouldn't have to go through all the things I go through now to get the games. The team would be closer and I would actually be able to go to a few games a year. That doesn't mean I wouldn't perfer the team stay in sacramento. My son and daughter live there as does my grandson. I hate the idea of him growing up without one major professional sports team in the city. But hey, the city will be famous. I believe it will be the only top 20 media market city in the united states without a professional team. Something to be proud of, don't you think?

 

[bajaden]

It is a peculiar phenomena that the citizens and politicians don't get it. There ARE cities lining up. Why? What do they see that we don't see? I still think it's the small town mentality of a city that has no identity. We are a government town and that's it. We have/had a large military retirement community. They weren't born and raised here. We are not a normal city as we have no big industry except government. People in government are transient and have no Sacramento identity. No sense of community. Who can say "I'm from Sacramento and I'm proud." It's more like "I'm from Sacramento and am right within driving distance of San Francisco and Lake Tahoe." How many times have you heard that line?

Why not "I'm from Sacramento, the home of the Kings?" Perhaps because a large number of people living here are really not from Sacramento. I'm not. I'm a Minnesotan and spent most of my life in Minneapolis.

People here look at outsiders with suspicion. Even now, people see the Maloofs as outsiders despite their active participation in the community. In fact, I suspect they have done more than most of us.

This cannot be changed.

We are what we are and part of the reason I am here is because I thought it was the biggest small town in the US. (truth) Now I see where it bites me in the butt.

You have nailed my friend. When I moved to sacramento in the mid 60's, I used to comment to relatives back in St. Louis that sacramento was the biggest city, without an actual city. You could learn your way around downtown in about 5 minutes, and it was impossible to get lost. Anyone thats from St. Louis would appreciate that fact. Even people that have lived there all their lives get lost from time to time. I think some have never been seen again.. State and federal workers make up a large part of the citys population. Most of them belong to the public service employee's union, or SEIU. One of the biggest unions in the united states, and in my opinion, one of the reasons the state of california and may other states are in finanical trouble. Almost all unions are of liberal ilk, and therefore, look at corporations as the bad guys.

So if you were a big corporation, just what would be your incentive to build a big beautiful building or plant in sacramento, where you have to fight the city council to even put your name on the building, and the taxes are sky high. So its no wonder there are no corporate skyscrapers downtown. People have a tendecy to plant seeds in fertile ground where they have the best chance to grow. At the moment, the ground in sacramento is full of rocks. And I'm speaking politicly. Its a damm shame, because its still a beautiful city. And hey, its only an hours drive to the mountains or the bay area.

 

[pshn80]

I don't think you can lay the blame on Stern if the Kings leave. The blame has to go on the city of sacramento for sitting on their hands for the last 10 years. And if any of you think its just the old story of Millionaires taking their ball and moving on, then you know nothing about free interprize. There was never a chance in hell that the Maloofs were going to fork out all the money to pay for an arena. Why should they, when no other team does, and when they don't have the money to begin with. Especially when other cities will line up to bid for their services.

The onus has been on the city of sacramento from the get go. And the people of sacramento to prod the politicians into action. My gut tells me that if the people of the county of sacramento were allowed to vote, they would have passed a measure to finance an arena. You may not like Stern for other reasons, but blame for the Kings moving is misplaced.

Agree with you about Stern and crowd. It is not just the City of Sacramento. For instance, if the County were interested they could easily lead the City toward approval. Same for neighboring counties. The problem lies with general lack of support. What we need are a few interested political and financeal leaders like Kevin Johnson to start a fire and keep it burning. I don't believe we are that far away from getting this done but we need more fire now. I may be right and it's not far away but it may not be soon enough. I live in the City of Sacramento and was born here before Christ (BC). Don't act defeated, proceed with confidence and positive action, whatever that is for you.

 

[LoungeLizard]

My allegience to the Kings began when they moved to Sacramento and will end when they leave Sacramento. For me its all about my city. I will be no more than a casual observer if they leave.

 

[bajaden]

I guess the biggest question is what happens to this fourm if the team leaves? I would hate to see it disband. I mean, who would I argue with?

 

[MCPATD]

It would stink big time if they were to move to Orange County. I would still root for them and only get to see them when they come up to play the Warriors. There are some real nice areas of Orange County, like Newport Beach. I may move there if the Kings move. Yes, that's how much of a crazy fan I am I guess.

 

[JB_kings]

Personally I have no idea what the hell your talking about. Whereas I live in Ensenada, which is close to San Diego, I would assume your talking about me. And if so, your way off base. I've done nothing but support a new arena in sacramento and I'm still hoping for a last minute bailout with the Taylor plan. Cruzdude lives in Solona beach, and I know he supports a new arena in sacramento. I personally know of at least 5 or 6 more SoCal Kings fans that would love a new arena. And most of us have been lobbying for a new arena for the last 10 years. And thats why I'm pissed now.

The question was, would you still follow the team if they moved, and I said yes. And it would be easier for me. The television would be local, and I wouldn't have to go through all the things I go through now to get the games. The team would be closer and I would actually be able to go to a few games a year. That doesn't mean I wouldn't perfer the team stay in sacramento. My son and daughter live there as does my grandson. I hate the idea of him growing up without one major professional sports team in the city. But hey, the city will be famous. I believe it will be the only top 20 media market city in the united states without a professional team. Something to be proud of, don't you think?

I wasn't talking about you at all. There are other Orange County people on this board that are already picking out new team names and showing a "too bad - so sad" attitude. I know the city leadership and small minded people of Sacramento can be blamed for this situation and not those who might gain something are not. There are many of us very long time Kings fans that are just about to watch part of their lives walk down the state to a region that has more than enough on it's plate already. So forgive us if we sound like we are angry and hurt. It's very personal for me. And to stay on topic, I'll remain a SACRAMENTO Kings fan until I'm gone. That does not extend to any other city.

 

[pdxKingsFan]

Please lets refrain from union bashing on this. It seems more than a little unfair to suggest that public employees and their unions don't see the benefits of public dollars being invested to keep local jobs, permanent and temporary; public and private. This is not a traditional left/right issue.

 

[Arco Thunder]

I don't know what I will do if the Kings decide to leave. This whole situation has been so heartbreaking for me. I don't even know if I would want to watch any basketball for a while....

 

[UKRAINE]

Sacramento Kings is my team ... Anaheim Kings? Not so much.

 

[bajaden]

Please lets refrain from union bashing on this. It seems more than a little unfair to suggest that public employees and their unions don't see the benefits of public dollars being invested to keep local jobs, permanent and temporary; public and private. This is not a traditional left/right issue.

It wasn't my intent to bash unions, although I will admit to not being a big supporter. It was my intent to explain the political mentality attached to union leadership, which I might add has nothing to do with union membership. Union leadership leans heavily toward the left, or the liberal side. As a result they support people that use corporations and big business as whipping boys. They've been doing it since I was a boy. If you have a city thats dominated by that kind of mentality, its not a user friendly place for big business. No big business or corporations. No corporate sponsers etc. It just is what it is..

 

[twosomeca]

As petty as it is, I think I'd find myself hoping they stay losers and accomplish nothing because watching them prosper in another city would just be too bitter a pill for me to swallow.

I'm not a Kings fan, but my wife is from the city and most of her family all live in the Sac metro. As such, I would never support them and I live in OC.

 

[vikinginferno]

I could not root against this team as long as it has any of the players I have grown to know and love. I will continue to root for this team and these players because that is all I have to hold on to if the team leaves.

 

[twosomeca]

I could not root against this team as long as it has any of the players I have grown to know and love. I will continue to root for this team and these players because that is all I have to hold on to if the team leaves.

I feel you. But where I come from, it's about the city the team represents, which is supposed to be much bigger than any player on said team. The players change, the city shouldn't.

 

[NoBonus]

If the Kings leave town, at this point, I am already so disenchanted with the NBA that I would stop watching NBA hoops altogether. The Sacramento Kings is the only thing I like about the NBA... SACRAMENTO Kings...

 

[Circa_1985_Fan]

If the Kings leave town, at this point, I am already so disenchanted with the NBA that I would stop watching NBA hoops altogether. The Sacramento Kings is the only thing I like about the NBA... SACRAMENTO Kings...

Indeed...I couldn't agree more my friend...the NBA will be dead to me next season, because there will be no 'next season' for us SACRAMENTO KINGS fans.