Katie Cracchiolo

Today, as part of National Mentorship Month, the Sacramento Kings announced activations to recognize, support and recruit mentors to drive meaningful change for young people.  

Sa“We are committed to helping create connections, providing networking opportunities and investing in relationships as a powerful tool for the next generation of leaders and change-makers,” said Sacramento Kings Chief Operating Officer Matina Kolokotronis. “By amplifying the importance of mentorship, we are working to close the mentorship gap to enhance and inspire positive youth development, academic success and engagement.”

In January, as part of the Sacramento Kings Community Starting 5 Presented by Quick Quack Car Wash, the work of Improve Your Tomorrow will be highlighted. In the coming weeks, the nonprofit will also meet with members of the Kings franchise to discuss future opportunities for youth and mentors in their program.

Yesterday, as the Kings took on the Atlanta Hawks, the team recognized the impact of MENTOR California and encouraged fans to become more involved in young people's lives in the community by being a mentor.

In addition, the organization will team up with Future Explored, a nonprofit school that teaches adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities about media and film production, to provide a hands-on experience. The Kings digital team will offer a virtual workshop outlining video strategies and trends in the digital space as well as have individuals from Futures Explored shadow them at a game later this season.   

During the week of January 17-21, the franchise will participate in the Team Up for Change Week of Action, continuing to deepen connections with the community by hosting micro-events for youth that spur dynamic conversations and promote healing with an emphasis on mentorship, career exploration, leadership training and advancing pathways to substantial economic mobility for future generations. As part of that week, the organization will partner with MENTOR California to host a virtual Fast Break Mentoring event where youth will learn various components of the sport and entertainment industry from Kings team members. Additional details on the Team Up for Change Week of Action will be released prior to the activations. 

Later in the month, the organization will host a virtual training session with NBA Math Hoops, a comprehensive community program featuring a board game, mobile app, and curriculum that allows students to learn fundamental math skills through the game of basketball. Last season saw 64 teams representing 15 different regions displaying great sportsmanship, teamwork and energy. In August, Sacramento’s Team Unstoppable won the 2021 NBA Math Hoops national championship.  

Throughout the month, the team will be elevating the importance of mentoring through the team’s social channels. 

These activations are a part of the team’s ongoing efforts to support systems that uplift youth and strengthen communities. For the past four years, the Kings have teamed up with Build. Black. to support the annual Kings and Queens Rise Co-ed Youth Sports and Mentoring League, which seeks to interrupt violence by using sport as an agent for change by providing a positive environment for underserved youth through community building and sportsmanship. In addition, the Kings use their music studio to make top entertainment talent accessible to both mentors and mentees, including recording artist Montell Jordan, DJ Samantha Ronson, DJ Steve Aoki, all-female tap dance band Syncopated Ladies, rapper and producer Lupe Fiasco, female rapper and Sacramento native Saweetie, rapper Wale and more.

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Sacramento Kings Continue On-going Commitment to Mentorship

The Sacramento Kings have re-signed guard Terence Davis to a contract, according to General Manager Monte McNair. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

“We are excited that Terence will remain a part of the Kings family,” said McNair. “His combination of scoring, defense, athleticism and energy are integral parts of our team. 

“We are thrilled to see Terence’s continued development in a Kings uniform.” 

“I’d like to thank Monte and Vivek for this incredible opportunity to continue my career in Sacramento,” said Davis. “I can’t wait to get back to work and help this team get back into the playoffs.” 

During the 2020-21 season, Davis amassed averages of 11.1 points (.439 FG%, .372 3pt%, .784 FT%), 3.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 21.5 minutes per game in 27 games (no starts) with the Kings. The Ole Miss product has played two seasons in the NBA with Toronto (2019-20 – 2020-21) and Sacramento (2020-21) after entering the league undrafted in 2019. 

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Kings Re-Sign Terence Davis

The Sacramento Kings will tip-off the Second Half of the 2020-21 regular season versus John Wall and the Houston Rockets at Golden 1 Center on Thursday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. The team then hits the road for a season-long six game trip to visit Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks (March 13), LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets (March 15), Bradley Beal and the Washington Wizards (March 17), Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and the Boston Celtics (March 19), Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers (March 20), plus Collin Sexton and the Cleveland Cavaliers (March 22). To round out the month, the Kings will host a three-game homestand versus the Hawks (March 24), Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors (March 25) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (March 27) before concluding in San Antonio for a two-game series with DeMar DeRozan and the Spurs (March 29 and 31).

Sacramento begins the month of April with a home back-to-back set versus LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers (April 2) then reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks (April 3). The Kings will stagger game locales between California and the road throughout the month, including trips to face Donovan Mitchell and the Utah Jazz (April 10), Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans (April 12), Chris Paul, Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns (April 15), Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks on NBA TV (April 18), the Warriors on NBA TV (April 25) and Los Angeles for a rematch with the Lakers on NBA TV (April 30) to end the month. In between, the team will host the Wizards (April 14), Minnesota Timberwolves (April 20 and 21), Mavericks on NBA TV (April 26) and Jazz (April 28) at Golden 1 Center.

The travels continue into May as the team visits the Mavericks (May 2), Oklahoma City Thunder (May 4) and Indiana Pacers (May 5). The Kings finish the schedule by playing four of their final six games in Sacramento, hosting the Spurs (May 7) and Thunder (May 9 – Mother’s Day, and 11), visiting the Memphis Grizzlies for two games postponed from the First Half (May 13 and 14), then hosting the regular season finale with a home date versus the Jazz (May 16).

The Second Half schedule includes the remainder of Sacramento’s 72 games that were not scheduled in the First Half. Fans still have the opportunity to purchase a cutout so they can be part of the action at Golden 1 Center for the remainder of the season. By simply uploading a photo of themselves, the Kings will transform fans into life-sized printouts and place them in seats throughout the arena, where fans may be able to see themselves on television broadcasts. A portion of the proceeds benefit local nonprofits focusing on health, education, and diversity and inclusion, plus fans will be invited to pick up their cutout at the end of the season. Those interested in purchasing a fan cutout should visit Kings.com/FanCutouts.

For those who can’t wait to get back to games at Golden 1 Center, fans can now secure their seat for the 2021-22 season by placing a deposit for a Quarter-Season Plan, Season Ticket Membership or Premium Waitlist. Visit Kings.com/TicketPlans to compare options, place a deposit or request more information.

KINGS 2020-21 SECOND HALF SCHEDULE KEY FACTS

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Kings Open Second Half Of 2020-21 Season At Golden 1 Center vs. Houston Rockets

Today, inpartnership with Goldman Global Arts and When We All Vote, the Sacramento Kings debuted a digital art campaign to amplify the message of voting through art.A group of diverse artists, including Sacramento local Aliyah Sidqe, have been selected to create digital murals that will be showcased at arenas and stadiums throughout the country and in Times Square. The campaign will be featured on the screens at the Grand Entrance to Golden 1 Center, near the corner of L and 5th Streets and on nine digital billboards throughout the city from October 5 to Election Day, November 3.

“Like sports, art has the ability to bring people together and help to drive a message,” said Sacramento Kings Chief Operating Officer Matina Kolokotronis. “We are thrilled to highlight the moving work of local artist, activist and educator Aliyah Sidqe alongside renowned and talented national artists from across the country. It is our hope that these images will encourage and inspire people to vote in the upcoming election and beyond.”

“It’s important for all of our voices to be heard, especially in times like these,” said Sacramento-based artist, activist and educator Aliyah Sidqe. “So many people have fought for our right to vote. My artwork represents past and present. I hope that it gives people a sense of pride when they view it.”

Other showcased artists include Beau Stanton, Buff Monster, David Flores, Greg Mike, Hueman, Kayla Mahaffey, Kai, Mojo, Peter Tunney, Reggie “RAL86” Le Flore, Shepard Fairey and Queen Andrea. In addition to Golden 1 Center the campaign will be displayed at professional sports arenas and stadiums nationwide including the United Center (Chicago Bulls), Moda Center (Portland Trail Blazers), Banc of California Stadium (Los Angeles Football Club), American Airlines Arena (Miami Heat), Target Center (Minnesota Timberwolves), Fiserv Forum (Milwaukee Bucks), Capital One Arena (Washington Wizards), Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Times Square in New York City.

This digital art campaign is an extension of the team’s commitment to promoting civic engagement. In August, the Kings in collaboration with When We All Vote and RISE, relaunched “Rally the Vote,” a nonpartisan coalition of over 40 professional sports franchises across the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS, WNBA and NWSL focused on encouraging fans to get in the game and make their voices heard by registering to vote and participating in elections. In July, the team announced that Golden 1 Center will be transformed into a Vote Center for 11 days leading up to and on Election Day to enable voters to register to vote and cast their ballots while practicing social distancing. Kings employees will receive a paid day off to vote on November 3 as well as paid time off to serve as poll workers.

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Sacramento Kings, Goldman Global Arts and When We All Vote Partner on Digital Art Campaign Encouraging Voter Awareness

On Monday in New York, ties were broken via random drawings to determine the order of selection for the 2020 NBA Draft.

The Sacramento Kings (28-36) and New Orleans Pelicans (28-36) shared identical records through 2019-20 season play - Orlando contests didn't count against lottery odds.

In the random draw, Sacramento won the tiebreaker with New Orleans and will now have slightly greater odds at a top-four pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

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Kings Win Draft Lottery Tiebreaker

Sacramento Kings guard Cory Joseph and his family are donating face shields through Operation Canadian Shield to help protect thousands of frontline workers in hospitals providing care for COVID-19 patients in his native city of Toronto, Ontario. Joseph and family have teamed up with fellow Canadian and Kings chief of staff and assistant coach Roy Rana, Frontier, Sunnybrook Foundation and University Health Network to coordinate this effort.

“It is heartbreaking to witness the effects of this pandemic around the world, so I wanted to do my part to help where I grew up,” said Joseph. “The courageous work of the hospital community is admirable, and it is important to help protect them. I look forward to providing support in Toronto along with upcoming community efforts throughout Canada and Sacramento as we fight this virus together.”

“This is a tragic situation for all of us, and at the same time it is inspiring to see Cory’s leadership in this effort,” said Rana. “I am honored to help him aid these healthcare heroes back home while they put their lives on the line to save others.”

Operation Canadian Shield is an initiative launched by Flash Reproductions in Toronto to supply frontline workers with essential safety equipment for protection as they treat COVID-19 patients. Funds raised through Operation Canadian Shield provide and distribute shields free of charge to the healthcare community.

The Kings have always been one giant, global family, and this donation is part of the team’s “In This Together” initiative to help provide support during these unprecedented times. Last week, Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic and forward Nemanja Bjelica partnered with General Manager Vlade Divac’s foundation to fund the purchase of ventilators, masks and supplies to support hospitals and medical institutions providing critical care and trauma services in their native Serbia. Earlier this month, the organization announced that the team’s former arena in Natomas will serve as a surge field hospital to provide care for mild to moderate COVID-positive patients. The Sacramento Kings Foundation has committed to donate $250,000 to area community organizations providing food services, essential supplies and other resources and relief to those hardest hit by the crisis. The team will also donate 100,000 medical-grade masks to state and local hospitals and healthcare institutions with a shortage of supplies.

To learn more about “In This Together” and the team’s efforts to give back, visit Kings.com/Together.

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Sacramento Kings Guard Cory Joseph and Family Donate Face Shields to Thousands of Frontline Hospital Workers in Toronto Area

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Sacramento Kings have waived forward Hollis Thompson and guard Tyler Ulis, according to General Manager Vlade Divac.

Thompson was a member of Sacramento’s California Classic and MGM Resorts NBA Summer League 2019 rosters. He averaged 12.7 points (13-28 FG, 4-12 3pt, 8-8 FT), 4.3 rebounds and 26.0 minutes per game in three appearances at the California Classic. In four contests in Las Vegas, Thompson averaged 10.8 points (.581 FG%, 5-10 3pt, 2-2 FT), 6.0 rebounds and 20.1 minutes per game for the Kings.

An early entrant candidate out of Georgetown, Thompson went undrafted in the 2012 NBA Draft and has averaged 7.7 points (.413 FG%, .386 3pt%, .707 FT%), 3.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.6 steals and 24.2 minutes in 265 games (90 starts) in four seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers (2013-17) and New Orleans Pelicans (2016-17). During the 2018-19 season, Thompson accrued averages of 16.6 points (.433 FG%, .338 3pt%, .802 FT%), 6.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.8 steals and 34.0 minutes per game in 30 games (30 starts) with the Northern Arizona Suns, the NBA G League affiliate of the Phoenix Suns.

Ulis, the 34th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, averaged 23.3 points (.392 FG%, .250 3pt%, .811 FT%), 4.0 rebounds, 8.8 assists, 2.0 steals and 33.1 minutes per game in four games (4 starts) for the NBA G League’s Windy City Bulls during the 2018-19 season.

The former Kentucky product has accrued averages of 7.5 points (.403 FG%, .280 3pt%, .808 FT%), 1.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.9 steals and 20.9 minutes per game in 133 career games (58 starts) over three seasons with Phoenix (2016-18) and Chicago (2018-19).

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Kings Waive Thompson and Ulis

The Sacramento Kings today announced the team hired Joe Dumars as a Special Advisor to the General Manager. In this role, Dumars will report to General Manager Vlade Divac and will serve as a resource to the front office. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Joe and I played together in the league and is a legend in our sport,” said Kings General Manager Vlade Divac. “As an experienced and talented basketball executive, I’m excited to have him serve as a special advisor and expert resource for our incredible front office team.”

“I’ve known Vlade for decades, and I’m thrilled to work with him and the Sacramento Kings at such an exciting time for the franchise,” said Dumars.

Dumars joins the Kings with over 30 years of NBA experience both as a player and front office executive in addition to an extensive executive business background. Since 2017, he has served as president of the Basketball Division for Independent Sports &amp; Entertainment (ISE), a full-service sports agency representing more than 300 players from the NBA, NFL and MLB. Outside of basketball Dumars was the founder and CEO of automotive supply company Detroit Technologies Inc. for 10 years (1996-06), helping the company grow to more than $120 million in revenues. He is also the founder and owner of the Joe Dumars Fieldhouse, a multi-purpose, indoor sports complex and entertainment facility with two locations in Detroit.

The Hall of Fame guard served as president of basketball operations for the Detroit Pistons for 13 seasons (2000-14). In 2004, he became the first African American executive to lead an organization to an NBA title. He also guided the team to six straight Eastern Conference Finals appearances, two Conference Championships and was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2003. In 2010, Sports Illustrated named Dumars one of the Top 10 sports executives of the past decade.

During his 14-year NBA career, Dumars won two titles, was named NBA Finals MVP, appeared in six All-Star games and was named All-Defensive First Team four times. He was also a member of the 1994 gold-medal USA Basketball World Championships team. Dumars was the first recipient of the NBA Sportsmanship Award (1995-96), which was subsequently named the Joe Dumars Trophy.

Dumars holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from McNeese State University.