Last week in this space, we offered a suggestion for Kings fans who want to support the team even though they are fed up with ownership and the uncertain future of the franchise.
The idea was to buy cheap tickets online and go to games, but don't spend money at Sleep Train Arena – hit the Maloofs in their wallets.
We heard criticism that we were suggesting a boycott and our plan would hurt concession workers and possibly cost them their jobs.
That wasn't the intent – the last thing we want to see is a vacant arena and more people out of work – so let's be clear about one thing: We want the Kings to stay in Sacramento, to play in front of capacity crowds, to contend for the playoffs, to have owners engaged in the community.
Remember when the Kings nearly made it to the NBA Finals? Remember when Joe and Gavin Maloof were the toast of Sacramento?
Imagine DeMarcus Cousins averaging 25 points and 15 rebounds, Tyreke Evans running the wing and going strong to the basket, Aaron Brooks dishing out behind-the-back passes, Marcus Thornton and Jimmer Fredette lighting it up from outside, the Kings with a winning record – and Joe and Gavin celebrating on the court.
Sacramento had an exciting, winning team once – and we'd love to see it again.
Live chat update – We expect Joe and Gavin Maloof to accept our invitation to participate in a sacbee.com live chat, perhaps in the next few weeks. Stay tuned for details.
What to watch
NFL, 49ers at Seattle, 5:20 p.m., Ch. 3: It's another battle in prime time for Colin Kaepernick and company.
What to do
NBA, Portland at Kings, 6 p.m., Sleep Train Arena: It's worth the price to see Damian Lillard, the Blazers' rookie point guard.
Weekend poll
If the Kings left town, how would you satisfy your basketball jones?
• Watch the NBA on TV
• Go to Warriors games
• Go to UC Davis and Sac State games
• Go to high school games
• All of the above
• Who needs basketball?
Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field; or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
© Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.
• Read more articles by Tom Couzens
Order Reprint
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "Report Abuse" link below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.