Sydney Zuelke

The duo can barely contain their excitement when looking back on Mitchell’s dominance on defense out of the gate – more specifically, his guarding of fellow 2021 lottery pick James Bouknight during the team’s Summer League opener.

“The way he played defense against Bouknight… If you can’t watch that and understand how that is translatable, then I can’t help you,” Vernon said.

He continues: “And you understand why in college they called Davion Mitchell ‘Off Night.’”

O’Conner describes speaking with an executive from another team who confided in him:

“They have never seen a player enter the NBA better at fighting over screens,” O’Conner says, stating that the exec claimed he has “never seen anyone better” in all his years in the league.

O’Conner and Vernon go on to discuss the importance of “measurables” when drafting and growing players, and how there may be more than meets the eye when it comes to judging young talent such as Davion Mitchell.

Also, watch Davion and co. compete for the Summer League Championship on Tuesday night against the Boston Celtics.

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‘The Ringer’ on Why Davion Mitchell is a ‘Winner’

When discussing the idea of doing a long-form video series on Sacramento Kings newcomer and Rookie of the Year finalist Tyrese Haliburton, there was one common goal.

“[We wanted to show] that Tyrese is like every other 20-year-old kid out there. He is a human, and a very reachable, relatable one at that,” said Emil Vajgrt, Tyrese’s personal photographer and close friend.

“I wanted to relay that not only will Tyrese do amazing things on the court, but the things he does off the court will leave an even longer lasting impression on the city of Sacramento, and our hometown of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.”

The question then was, how does one tell Tyrese’s story with the same amount of conviction and heart as the Iowa State Grad gives on the court.

This is where Kings Video Producer Jacob Soriano stepped in.

“When it came down to the Pre-Production process, we knew we wanted to tell Tyrese’s story from the beginning. We wanted to make sure we talked to the people who shaped him into the player and person he is today,” he explained.

In joining forces, Jacob and Emil were able to capture not only Tyrese’s journey since being drafted, but dig into the core of what got him there in the first place.

“Emil Vajgrt has been telling Tyrese’s story since his high school days at North High,” Soriano boasted of his cohort. “He has helped tremendously in making this series happen with his photos and videos. Along the way, we’ve created a great bond through art with Emil that will last a lifetime.”

First came devising a plan. Soriano explained the process of storyboarding each episode – taking it one episode at a time. The difficult part in telling Tyrese’s story was to include all the highs and the lows. It would be easy to showcase the rook’s star talent – his flashy shots, moves and passes made it easy to edit into a “hype” piece. However, showing all the ups and downs is what the team realized ultimately connects with viewers.

“Overall, no matter the outcome of the season, we wanted to make the message clear that this organization has a star in the making. And this is only The Come Up,” Soriano said.

Once the overall vision was intact, the team used a mixture of tools at their disposal to capture the content in the highest possible quality. For Jacob, a combination of HD mirrorless and DSLR cameras were used; for interviews, he shot on a Sony A7sii and Sony FS7. Additionally, photos provided from Emil were shot on a Canon 1DX.

According to Soriano, shooting interviews for the series was the most difficult part of all, as most interviews were done virtually due to COVID precautions.

“Although we were able to sit down with a few of our players during the season, we still had to follow the NBA Protocols. This includes social distancing, mandatory masks, and modified audio capturing.

“Overall, health and safety was our #1 concern. And if that means we have to interview virtually to tell the story, we were okay with that. We made the best out of what we got and I am proud of that.”

After completing all the hurdles of ideation and filming, comes wrapping all the work together and topping it with a bow. To create this kind of full-scope depiction, comes with an arduous editing process. Each episode took about 3 weeks to edit, and the team went through an extensive review process to finalize.

“Every week we had a ‘Brainstorm Storytelling’ meeting to discuss any storyline changes or modifications of each episode,” Soriano explained. “In addition, we’ve had to meet with our Legal team to discuss any content or media sources we’ve used outside of our organization talking about Tyrese’s season. Overall, each episode was meticulously planned out and edited in order to showcase Tyrese’s story in first season in the NBA.”

When filming was complete, everyone involved in telling Tyrese’s story came away with an even deeper admiration for No. 0 than they started with.

“One thing that surprised me about Tyrese is how humble he really is. He stays ‘Loyal to the Soil’ as Emil tells me,” says Soriano. "He truly loves to play basketball. He truly loves being the 12th pick to the Sacramento Kings.”

Emil couldn’t help but agree, stating: “Tyrese's legacy will long be remembered for what he does for the people. He is relatable, admirable and a leader. Once you listen to him talk, I hope you gain instant respect for the person that he is.”

While his story is nowhere near finished, we look forward to learning even more about the player you never saw coming – Tyrese Haliburton.

View all episodes of The Come Up: The Tyrese Haliburton story here.

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Behind the Lens: The Making of ‘The Come Up’

Throughout the month of May and beyond, the Sacramento Kings are dedicated to celebrating and honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage. Over the course of the month, the Kings developed programming aimed at addressing Asian Hate and how to be an ally, having an open conversation with leaders in the space, supporting Sacramento’s AAPI-owned businesses, and highlighting local AAPI artists and community leaders.

Advancing Racial Equity Through Candid Conversations

As part of the Sacramento Kings efforts to highlight Asian American &amp; Pacific Islander Month, the team hosted another Diversity &amp; Inclusion Council Team Member Forum via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday to discuss their rich heritage, cultural values and today's struggles of the AAPI community.

The panel included Roger Chung, Chair of Ethnic Studies Department at Laney College, Michelle Woo, Co-Founder of For Freedoms, Erin Yoshi, Art-Based Community Strategist and Lauren Oto, Communications &amp; Membership for Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce.

We were honored to celebrate AAPI employees of the Kings throughout the month.

Supporting Sacramento’s AAPI-Owned Businesses

Sacramento is home to so many AAPI owned businesses. Golden 1 Center proudly highlighted local business owners on the verts throughout the month.

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Recap: Kings Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month

In honor of Women's History Month, the Kings organization is celebrating members of the organization who've helped inspire and pave the way for others to follow.

This week, we spoke with Account Manager for Groups &amp; Hospitality Emmy Rodriguez, who shares with us her journey, role models, and the importance of inclusion in today's workplace.

What are your pronouns? She/Her. How would you describe your role and responsibilities with the Sacramento Kings? I’m fortunate to have had different roles and responsibilities during my time with the Sacramento Kings. Currently providing support to Groups, Hospitality, and Ticket Sales initiatives as well as managing different Partnership marketing/activations.  What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of your job? Most rewarding? The most challenging aspect of my job currently is wearing a lot of different hats and prioritizing where to allocate time and resources in a way that best aligns with overall objectives. Ironically, the thing that is challenging is also what I find to be most rewarding. I get to work on a lot of different projects and get to know a lot of great people in departments across the organization.  Who have been your biggest role models? I am blessed to be surrounded by so many great people who have challenged me both professionally and personally. From my colleagues to leaders within the Kings organization I am continuously motivated to grow and push myself outside my comfort zone. I am also inspired by many women who have used the power of sport to make an impact. To name a few: Serena Williams, Doris Burke, Megan Rapinoe, Maria Taylor and the list goes on. How do you think companies can strive to be more inclusive to women in the workplace? I think there are many different ways for companies to create a better environment for women in the workplace. Most importantly it starts with creating an inclusive culture and acknowledging there are ways to not only support but promote women in the workplace as well. Overall, continuously looking to grow people within an organization and finding different/equal opportunities for everyone to succeed. What advice would you give to other women trying to break into the sports and entertainment industry? Advice I would give to other women trying to break into sports/entertainment is to be confident and persistent. There are always going to be obstacles and doubt along the way but you have to be willing to get comfortable with being uncomfortable in order to grow. One of my favorite quotes is, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”  How important is it to you to work for an organization that constantly strives to bring greater awareness and equity to women in the workplace? It is very important. I want to be a part of an organization that not only understands but encourages women to grow and succeed especially in a male dominated industry. I hope we can get to a point where “in the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders.”

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Women's History Month Spotlight: Emmy Rodriguez

This week, we spoke with AP/AR Specialist Iesha Herrera, who shares with us her journey, role models, and the importance of inclusion in today's workplace.

How would you describe your role and responsibilities with the Sacramento Kings? 

I have dual roles in Finance — Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable. My responsibilities are specific to the business operations of income and expenses, mostly tracking, reporting, invoicing, recording payments and initiating collections. 

What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of your job? Most rewarding? 

Currently, the most challenging is how to shift the way we do business efficiently using technology and existing banking platforms and our internal ERP system. Most rewarding is witnessing our finance team implement new ways to do business with both internal and external customers using digital payment networks and existing platforms.

Who have been your biggest role models? 

My mother, and all women that are resilient. “Resilience is very different than being numb. Resilience means you experience, you feel, you fail, you hurt, you fall. But you keep going.” — Yasmin Mogahed.

How do you think companies can strive to be more inclusive to women in the workplace? 

Provide tools of development to support female leaders or leadership roles. Create opportunities and group dynamics that offer opportunities to actively support women in the workplace. 

What advice would you give to other women trying to break into the sports and entertainment industry? 

Reach out and simply introduce yourself while expressing your interest to the Human Resource manager, and provide your resume. Research sports and entertainment companies and their organizational structure, find out who is currently hired and doing the job that you aspire for. Use your professional network to your advantage. Secure employment with companies that have long standing partnerships with the sports or entertainment company of your dreams and learn the ropes. Find ways to add value to your current work experience in similar roles of your dream job. Research all the jobs that you can obtain within the sports and entertainment industry and apply for open positions that you are currently qualified for. Attend hiring and recruiting events if offered.  

How important is it to you to work for an organization that constantly strives to bring greater awareness and equity to women in the workplace? 

It is very important, because I want to represent the organization that I work for, and feel confident that I am being treated fair and impartial. 

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Women's History Month Spotlight: Iesha Herrera

This week, we spoke with Assistant Manager of Guest Services Crystal Huante, who shares with us her journey, role models, and the importance of inclusion in today's workplace.

I’m the assistant manager of Guest Services so in my role I assist my department manager in getting our part-time team members scheduled and ready for events. I specifically oversee the EMT’s and Control. I create event sheets for our department as well as security. I am also one of the points of contacts for the part-time team members during events. And being a team player I will of course help any department that needs it.

What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of your job? Most rewarding? 

The most challenging aspect is probably the time. There can be times where you miss out on a lot of things that a normal 9-5 job wouldn’t miss out on, due to the number of events or the hours you are putting in. The most rewarding is seeing an event/game run smoothly and knowing you had a part in that. Also, seeing our part-time members grow in their positions. 

My mom because she is a strong, hard-working woman who I have tried to emulate in my life. Also, our Director of Security Kevin Curran. Over the 15+ years I’ve known/worked with him he has always been there for me and helped me grow in this industry. I hope I can do the same for someone.

I think companies can be more inclusive by acknowledging and showing appreciation, and having women in more leadership roles — as well as having more women involved in the hiring process.

I would say to try to learn as much as you can about different areas of this industry. Have your main focus but don’t neglect learning in other areas because everything ultimately works together to make an event/game successful. I’ve learned and been involved in everything from guest service, security, ticketing and operations and I feel it really gave me a great overall understanding of this business.  

I think it’s extremely important. I’ve previously worked in a place that didn’t, and it can take a toll on a person and bring employee productivity down because you don’t feel valued or appreciated. That’s why I’m so grateful to work for this organization because they really care.

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Women's History Month Spotlight: Crystal Huante

This week, we spoke with Stockton Kings Athletic Trainer Katherine Babcock, who shares with us her journey, role models, and the importance of inclusion in today's workplace.

How would you describe your role and responsibilities with the Kings? 

In a normal season I am the Head Athletic Trainer for our G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings. During the 20-21 season, I have been acting as an Assistant Athletic Trainer here in Sacramento, with my daily duties being team practice/game medical coverage as well as COVID testing liaison.

I think the most challenging and rewarding aspects of my job are two halves of the same coin. On one side, the G League is very transient and it is hard to develop a relationship with athletes on a roster that is constantly fluctuating. On the other side, it is so awesome to watch the guys that I work with get called up or earn that huge overseas contract. 

Stacy [SVP, Human Resources] made me laugh a little at her coffee chat with her "not big on role models statement" since I feel very much the same. If anything I would shout out my mom, who as a lawyer faced a few of the same challenges I have experienced as a woman breaking into what has traditionally been a male dominated profession.

I feel like it really revolves around building a working environment where everyone feels they can be a beneficial member of the workplace, not necessarily focusing on women. When everyone feels valued, you don’t have to worry about the differences person to person.

Apply to every position that interests you no matter how much of a longshot you think it is. If you don’t even put yourself out there you are never going to get the job you want, and if nothing else the process of applying and interviewing is great experience.

It is really empowering to know that I am working somewhere that really believes in the women that already work here, and is obviously making the effort to keep building on that. I can comfortably go about my daily work knowing that I have a ton of support behind me.

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Women's History Month Spotlight: Katherine Babcock

This week, we spoke with Physical Therapist Aisling Toolan, who shares with us her journey, role models, and the importance of inclusion in today's workplace.

How would you describe your role and responsibilities with the Sacramento Kings?

I am very proud to work here as a physical therapist and athletic trainer. I am a member of our health and performance team, who work on a daily basis to support each of our players in being at their very best from a health and performance stand point, both on and off the court. In my role as part of our medical team, I evaluate our players individually before the season begins to build an injury risk reduction action plan. When injuries do happen, we diagnose the problem alongside our Kaiser team doctors, and then create a pathway back to the court for our player as quickly and safely possible.

What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of your job? Most rewarding?

The most challenging aspect of my job is the difficulty in creating a healthy work/life balance. Our schedule can be unpredictable at times, and during the NBA season we work every day to take care of our players, who themselves play so hard through an intense game schedule. The travel and time away from family can be difficult at times, but it is made worthwhile by being part of a supportive team of people who are all working towards a greater goal.

The most rewarding part of my job is watching a player I have worked to support through an injury or a performance problem achieving his potential. There is such a deep well of possibilities inside each of our players. Over time as the years pass, getting to see the young men I work with becoming husbands and great dads is a lot of fun as well! 

My parents are my first and biggest role models. I grew up in Dublin, Ireland, where opportunities for girls to play sports were limited during my childhood. My parents always supported me in my desire to find an opportunity to play and to follow my dreams, wherever they might take me. From a physical therapy perspective, my mentor at Stony Brook University, Dr. Sharon Martino, was an important force in encouraging me to lean forward into my career and push the boundaries. 

Within the NBA, I read an article in my early 20’s about Dr. Judy Seto, a physical therapist with the LA Lakers, who at that time was working with Kobe Bryant to extend his playing career. That was the first time that I realized that perhaps I too could one day work in the NBA. Closer to home within our Kings organization, I am surrounded by strong women in leadership positions. My biggest role model here is Teena Murray, our VP of Health and Performance, who has shown me that it is absolutely possible for a woman to lead, and lead well, within the male-dominated sports performance space.

How do you think companies can strive to be more inclusive to women in the workplace?

I think inclusion comes only through a multi-faceted and systematic approach. That begins with hiring practices, and making sure that highly qualified female candidates are sought out for consideration during the interview process. Then once women are hired, there must be ongoing support from within the organization to ensure that they are able to succeed within their roles. Women in society take on a larger percentage of the burden of care for children and aging parents, and so inclusive employers should consider this in their family and maternity leave and paid time off policies. Ultimately, a workplace that is better for women will also be a workplace that is better for ALL people. 

What advice would you give to other women trying to break into the sports and entertainment industry?

First of all, I would encourage all women to hold themselves to the highest standards in terms of honing their craft, whatever that might be. Study hard, read widely, become highly qualified and excellent at whatever it is that you do. Secondly, I would say throw yourself into the job you are doing right now 100%. The path to a job in sports and entertainment is not always a straight forward one, but giving your best to the role you’re in right now will only lead to good things. Finally, my favourite Japanese proverb ‘Fall down seven times, get up eight’ comes to mind. You must be doggedly persistent. It will likely not be an easy path, but if you really want something, nobody will keep you from achieving your goals.

How important is it to you to work for an organization that constantly strives to bring greater awareness and equity to women in the workplace?

It is tremendously important, and a huge part of why I am such a proud member of the Sacramento Kings organization. I have never felt so supported on an organizational level by an employer, and I see structures in place here, such as the Women in Sports Network, that are designed to help me to be successful.  If we don’t talk about and address issues such as gender inequality, racism and injustice, they will not magically resolve themselves. I want to be part of building our organization into a winning franchise, so that we can show the world that you can do things the right way AND win.

Sydney Zuelke

‘The Ringer’ on Why Davion Mitchell is a ‘Winner’

Behind the Lens: The Making of ‘The Come Up’

Recap: Kings Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month

Women's History Month Spotlight: Emmy Rodriguez

Women's History Month Spotlight: Iesha Herrera

Women's History Month Spotlight: Crystal Huante

Women's History Month Spotlight: Katherine Babcock

Women's History Month Spotlight: Aisling Toolan