Think of the 28 seasons since the Kings came to Sacramento from Kansas City. They went to the playoffs just 10 times, and they had a winning record just eight times.
Think also of the team's eight-season stretch of near-greatness (1998-2006).
Was being good that seldom the kind of thing only suckers consider acceptable? Was 2002 a blessing or a Robert Horry/too-many-missed-free-throws nightmare?
Don't forget the punch-line losing streaks, on-the-cheap arenas, ownership changes and ridiculous ticket prices. Thirteen of those losing seasons ended with 29 or fewer victories (not counting 22 wins in last year's lockout-shortened season). A 14th could be on the way this year.
Now Sacramento is represented by political leaders and business people who are trying to convince the NBA the Kings should stay here. They are putting city and private money on the table and promising great things – greater than can be found in Seattle, anyway.
History shows fans here will put up with most things. High prices, low performances and a rat-trap gym haven't kept fans from paying to watch a team that wins about 35 percent of the time most seasons.
If the Kings stay, will the new owners have carte blanche to continue to run a second-rate show? Will fan gratitude outweigh ownership accountability?
Or will Sacramento demand something more for its money this time around?
What to do
NBA, Dallas at Kings, 7 p.m., Sleep Train Arena: Only four more home games this season.
Today's poll
If the Kings stay in Sacramento, what is more important to you?
• Better team
• New arena
Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field; or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Thursday's results
What do you most appreciate about the River Cats?
• The stadium: 43%
• The game: 32%
• The possibility of seeing future major-leaguers: 25%
Total votes: 81
Call The Bee's Brian Blomster, (916) 326-5512. Follow him on Twitter @b_blomster.
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