Kings co-owners Joe and Gavin Maloof haven't been heard from much following the collapse of the deal for a downtown sports and entertainment complex, but the NBA draft always finds the brothers at their most enthusiastic. This year was no different.
On Friday, the day after the team's selection of No. 5 overall pick Thomas Robinson, the Maloofs offered the same sentiment as everyone else within their organization: unexpected and unbridled joy.
Robinson, the Kansas power forward, had been projected to go No. 2 to the Charlotte Bobcats, but instead was available when the Kings selected three spots later.
"We were stunned," Joe Maloof said. "The whole room erupted. Everyone was screaming and hugging. You see so many mock drafts, you didn't think it could happen. Our basketball people had every scenario imaginable ready. But we're just thrilled. This young man is going to mean so much to this team, to our franchise and to our city."
The 6-foot-9, 244-pound Robinson will be introduced to fans at 3 p.m. today at Arden Fair mall, near the entrance to Nordstrom.
"Things are going to get better," Joe Maloof said, adding for the record: "We're not going anywhere. We're not moving. We're not selling. We're going to fix our team – that's what we're going to do. It's like Geoff (Petrie) said. 'We have young bigs, a good set of guards. We have flexibility, and now we want to add to what we have.' "
What to do I
Baseball, Cincinnati at Giants, 1:05 p.m., AT&T Park: The yard will be jumping as the showdown between division leaders continues.
What to do II
Baseball, Colorado Springs at River Cats, 7:05 p.m., Raley Field: Game-time forecast: 80 degrees and sunny.
Weekend poll
Who is your favorite Giants starting pitcher?
• Madison Bumgarner
• Matt Cain
• Tim Lincecum
• Ryan Vogelsong
• Barry Zito
Vote above or leave your comments in the comments field; or go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Friday's results
What do you think of the Kings' first-round draft pick, Thomas Robinson?
• A great pick: 76%
• A disappointment: 2%
• Time will tell: 22%
Total votes: 292
The last word
What you're saying on sacbee.com comments:
• "Now the big question: Can these Kings make the playoffs with this addition?" – boley7 on "Surprise picks threw a twist into initial plan"
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