Kings Rocket Department

Today, the Sacramento Kings tip-off their 22nd Annual Black History Month celebration, powered by SMUD. Continuing to build upon the pillars of the organization’s “Pledge to Our Black Community” launched in June 2020, the programming for February includes a technology and investment panel aimed at supporting Black and diverse entrepreneurs, dialogues with Kings coaches and broadcasters and community awards honoring inspiring local leaders.

“Throughout the month, we will continue to promote collective learning, honor Black culture and recognize the contributions of Black leaders locally and nationwide,” said Sacramento Kings Chief Operating Officer Matina Kolokotronis. “We are committed to using our platform to amplify opportunities, resources and mentorship to support our Black youth.”

During each February home game, the organization will recognize and honor a local community member as a Dream All-Star. These individuals include SMUD Chief Diversity Officer Gary King, Lucas Public Affairs Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Cassandra Walker Pye, Yolo County Children’s Alliance Executive Director Jeneba Lahai and United Way California Capital Region CEO Dawnte Early. These awards will be presented in-game in partnership with SMUD.

Tomorrow, as the team hosts the Brooklyn Nets, GRAMMY® award-winning rapper, singer, producer and actor Coolio will perform at halftime. Prior to tip-off, Coolio will sit down with local artists and nonprofits for a studio session presented by Arden Fair in Golden 1 Center’s Music Recording Studio to discuss his journey and passion and celebrate their work in our community. Participating local nonprofits including NAACP, Improve Your Tomorrow and Sacramento Housing Alliance will also be showcased on the arena concourse.

On February 8, as the Kings take on the Minnesota Timberwolves, the organization will highlight the work of Mutual Assistance Network to support local youth and families. Then on February 9, as the Kings face the Timberwolves again, the team will shine a light on West African culture and heritage with a special look at Kings forward Chimezie Metu’s journey to the NBA and the impact of the Basketball Africa League. West African music, dance and art will be on display with tracks by DJ Lisa Nwoye, a performance by Duniya Dance Group and art by Ike Slimster. Additionally, local nonprofits Project Digital Africa, working to bridge the digital gap in Africa and Africa House Sacramento, a multipurpose cultural and educational center, will share information about their efforts with fans on the concourse.

On February 24, the organization will recognize the impact and celebrate the history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) as the team takes on the Denver Nuggets. During the game, the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. will show off their stepping and the ZuZu African Acrobats will perform at halftime. Local nonprofits and organizations, including United College Action Network, Inc. (U-CAN), will be present to provide fans with additional resources.

Prior to the game, the organization will host a panel titled “The Future of Tech &amp; Investing: Supporting Black &amp; Diverse Entrepreneurs” to encourage young, Black, aspiring entrepreneurs in the Sacramento region. The panel, moderated by Kings Analyst Matt Barnes, will feature successful entrepreneurs who will speak about important topics in the technology and investing space and provide mentorship, including Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé, Entrepreneur, Investor, Philanthropist, and two-time NBA All-Star Baron Davis, Founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital Arlan Hamilton, Investor and Venture Capitalist Kesha Cash and Special Advisor for Economic Mobility and Opportunity for Governor Gavin Newsom Michael Tubbs. The event will also feature special guests including, former NBA player, Investor and Entrepreneur Metta World Peace, Entrepreneur and Multi-Platinum Songwriter Michaela Shiloh and Grammy Award Winning Musician, Entrepreneur, Feminist and Activist Madison Calley Jenkins.

This year, the NBA is also hosting a unique fellowship program, aiming to provide career development opportunities in the business of basketball for undergraduate and graduate students from HBCUs. The 10-week paid summer internship will run from June to August, and participants will be selected by NBA teams and the league office to work within various departments, including ticket sales, corporate partnerships, legal, social responsibility, digital and marketing. Interested applicants should apply via the NBA Foundation by February 20.  

On February 28, the Kings and Apple Pay will team up with CodeDay to host 50 local high school students at Golden 1 Center for an afternoon of exploring a future in tech and beyond.

As part of Black History Month, the Kings organization will host two dialogues providing a unique perspective into NBA coaches and broadcasters. Sacramento Kings Interim Head Coach Alvin Gentry and Stockton Kings Head Coach Bobby Jackson will discuss what it is like being head coach in the NBA and NBA G League, respectively. Additionally, Kings Director of Player Development and Assistant Coach Rico Hines and Analyst Matt Barnes will talk about their journeys from UCLA and ways they have used basketball to open doors in their careers. These conversations will debut throughout the month on the team’s website and social channels.

Throughout February, the team will highlight local Black-owned businesses and in partnership with the Black Artist Fund, will feature work from local Black artists on the screens at the Grand Entrance to Golden 1 Center and near the corner of L and 5th Streets. The team will also amplify resource threads from experts and organizations striving to cultivate champions for change.

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Sacramento Kings Celebrate Black History Month

Today, Sacramento Kings center Richaun Holmes underwent a successful procedure at Kaiser Permanente to repair a right eye laceration. The injury was sustained during the second quarter of Wednesday night's contest versus Orlando. Additionally, Holmes underwent concussion screening and was subsequently cleared of any concussive event. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Holmes will be listed as out for the team’s next two games at Charlotte and at Cleveland. His return to play will be updated as appropriate.

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Richaun Holmes Medical Update

Today, the Sacramento Kings announced details of the 20th Annual Season of Doing Good presented by Raley’s. The Kings, Raley’s and the team’s charitable arm, the Sacramento Kings Foundation, will mark the Season of Doing Good with holiday activations including the exciting Eat Like a King and Shop Like a King events.

“As our community continues to reunite safely, we are excited to bring families together through festive events and help brighten spirits,” said Sacramento Kings Chief Operating Officer Matina Kolokotronis. “The Season of Doing Good is focused on bringing joy into homes and hearts, and we look forward to helping to restore the magic of the holidays this year.”

“At Raley’s, we believe in supporting our neighbors all year round but especially when they need it most, and the holidays are often particularly difficult for those in need,” said Raley’s Director of Community Relations Becca Whitman. “With the Kings by our side, we will be able to have an even greater impact on our communities this holiday season.”

This year, the Kings started the Season of Doing Good early by partnering with Macy’s and Make-A-Wish to help grant a wish for a very special little boy. On November 1, Pastor, a 7-year-old who has been diagnosed with leukemia, was able to spend time and share a meal with Santa while experiencing a magical winter wonderland in Golden 1 Center.

On November 18, the Kings and Raley’s will help relieve some of the stress of providing a Thanksgiving meal by donating and distributing 260 turkeys to members of the community at the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento’s drive-thru turkey giveaway alongside the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department. Kings rookie Davion Mitchell and center Richaun Holmes will join volunteers to hand out turkeys, sides, swag and prizes, while supplies last.

Kings players and staff will then co-host Eat Like a King in partnership with Raley’s at Golden 1 Center on December 6. Nearly 250 youth and families associated with more than 20 local nonprofits will enjoy a holiday-themed meal. The event will include cookie decorating, a DJ and a discussion with the players about their favorite holiday memories and traditions.

On December 7, the Kings and Raley’s will partner with Mattress Firm to bring holiday cheer to local senior housing, donating Christmas trees, decorations and pillows. Then on December 16, the Kings and Raley’s will team up to treat Alder Grove Housing Community to Shop Like a King, a secret Santa event. Families will receive gift cards and bags of nonperishable food provided by Raley’s, as well as other surprises.

For media interested in covering Season of Doing Good activities, additional details will be sent in advance of the individual events.

All Season of Doing Good event benefactors and audiences are predetermined and selected in collaboration with Raley’s, local nonprofit partners and community organizations.

The Kings Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works year-round with the goal of supporting the Sacramento region through special events, unique programs and volunteer opportunities. Serving as an agent of change, the Foundation’s ongoing efforts look to #DoGood, impact the world and make #SacramentoProud.

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Sacramento Kings Celebrate the 20th Annual Season of Doing Good  Presented by Raley’s

Today, the Sacramento Kings unveiled the 2021-22 Nike NBA City Edition uniforms. An homage to the past, the uniform celebrates a defining legacy and blends elements from some of the most significant eras that make the Kings who they are today.

“As we celebrate the 75th anniversary season of the League, we are thrilled to commemorate our contributions to the incredible story of the NBA,” said Sacramento Kings President of Business Operations John Rinehart. “These uniforms highlight important moments from our franchise’s past, showcasing the pride we take in our history and how honored we are to call Sacramento home.”

The black base on the uniform represents the strong will and determination of the city while transporting fans back to the no-look circus passes, behind-the-back dribbles, unrivaled ball movement and thunder dunks from the Greatest Show on Court in 2001. The jersey features the script wordmark that has been part of the team’s history through Rochester, Kansas City and permanent home in Sacramento. The uniform includes a fresh twist, incorporating the newer nickname for the city the team has adopted over the years – “Sactown” – displayed proudly on the chest and waistband. The waistband also features a remixed version of the Rochester Royals logo, set in purple and black.

In addition, the asymmetrical stripe is an ode to uniforms worn in the early 2000s era, featuring the current “ball lion” logo set in the 2000s color scheme. Moreover, the logo on the shorts nods to the rising teams taking the court today and ready to take on the world in the years ahead. Lastly, the uniform boasts an anthem that unifies Sacramento’s cowbell-rattling fans, who’ve been long-time supporters of this team. They’ve rallied together to keep them home, all while being “Sacramento Proud” – written in a font used from a previous Kings logo used from 1994-2016.

“With the classic black and purple base with white trim, this Nike NBA City Edition Uniform celebrates a defining legacy and blends elements from some of the greatest eras, characters and highlights that make the Kings who they are today,” says Aaron Cain, VP/GM, Men’s, at NIKE, Inc. “With “Sactown” across the chest and the Sacramento Proud anthem, it’s a uniform that doesn’t just call back to the past but looks to the future for a franchise already writing its next chapter.”

Utilizing the uniform for a historic twenty-five games during the 2021-22 season, the Kings will debut the new black and purple uniform at home when the squad takes on the Toronto Raptors on November 19 at the team’s City Edition Night presented by Dialpad.

The official Nike NBA City Edition collection, featuring assorted apparel, including youth jerseys will be available at the Team Store at DOCO and online at KingsTeamStore.com beginning November 15. Also, in collaboration with Swish Authentics, merchandise that complements the Nike NBA City Edition jersey will drop exclusively in the Team Store in late November. This line will feature a pullover hoodie, letterman’s jacket, knit pullover sweater, shorts, hat and t-shirts with the new City Edition color scheme. Fans can sign up here to be notified when the limited-edition jersey and full line of City Edition gear is available for purchase.

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Sacramento Kings 2021-22 Nike NBA City Edition Uniform Pays Homage to the Past

The Sacramento Kings today announced the team has assigned guard Jahmi’us Ramsey and forward Robert Woodard II to the team’s NBA G League affiliate, the Stockton Kings. 

Stockton will begin Training Camp at the Stockton Kings Practice Facility in Sacramento on Monday night. 

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Kings Assign Jahmi’us Ramsey and Robert Woodard II to Stockton Kings

The Sacramento Kings will open 2021-22 training camp on Tuesday, Sept. 28 at the Kings Practice Facility. Practice availability will be permitted on site (no Zoom) to limited media due to NBA health and safety protocols and practice times will be distributed a day prior to each practice.

SACRAMENTO KINGS 2021-22 TRAINING CAMP ROSTER

HEAD COACH: Luke Walton (College – Arizona) ASSISTANT COACHES: Alvin Gentry (College – Appalachian State University) Mike Longabardi (College – Frostburg State (MD)), Doug Christie (College – Pepperdine), Jonah Herscu (College – Lake Forest College (IL)) ASSISTANT COACH/DIRECTOR OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT: Rico Hines (College – UCLA) ASSISTANT COACH/PLAYER DEVELOPMENT COACH: Stacey Augmon (College – UNLV), Lindsey Harding (College – Duke) HEAD VIDEO COORDINATOR: Isaac Yacob (College – Cal State Northridge) VP, HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE: Teena Murray (College – Queen’s University (Ontario)) DIRECTOR, ATHLETIC HEALTH: Jaspreet Randhawa (College – Vancouver Island University (British Columbia)) DIRECTOR, PERFORMANCE &amp; SPORT SCIENCE: Jesse Green (College - Bond University (AUS)) HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER: Joe Resendez (College – Texas Pan-Am)

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Kings Announce 2021-22 Training Camp Roster

Today, the Sacramento Kings announce a new partnership with Socios.com, a direct-to-consumer platform that leverages blockchain technology to provide the world’s leading sporting organizations with the tools to engage with and monetize their global fanbases.

Starting with the 2021-22 season, the partnership will focus on marketing Socios.com through advertising within Golden 1 Center including on pole pad signage, fan engagement emails, the Kings website and the team’s social media channels. Socios.com will be integrated into the team’s voting activations as the presenting sponsor of polling on the Kings social media platforms, providing numerous opportunities for fans to win.

“The Kings have always been a forward-looking franchise, especially when it comes to the fan experience,” said Sacramento Kings President of Business Operations John Rinehart. “We are excited to add to our blockchain portfolio and partner with Socios.com to continue to be at the forefront in incorporating technology with fan engagement.” 

“I’m delighted the Sacramento Kings have become the latest major US-based sporting organization to join our rapidly expanding network,” said CEO of Socios.com and Chiliz Alexandre Dreyfus. “Socios.com is fast developing into a global fan engagement powerhouse, where passive fans are being transitioned into real players in the day-to-day activities of their favorite teams. This is the start of an exciting partnership that we believe can eventually lead to greatly enhanced fan engagement for fans of the Kings around the world.”

The Kings join a 50+ strong network of major international sporting properties on the Socios.com roster, which includes European soccer giants FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, AC Milan, Atlético Madrid, Manchester City and the Argentina and Portugal national soccer teams, as well as several leading teams from F1, esports and cricket. In addition, the partnership is part of Socios.com’s growing expansion into the US sports industry including the 76ers (NBA), Boston Celtics (NBA), New Jersey Devils (NHL), MMA promotion company UFC® and NASCAR’S Roush Fenway Racing.

The Kings were named the "most innovative company in sports" by Fast Company and “Most Tech Savvy Team of 2016” by Sport Techie and were a recipient of Sports Business Journal’s “Facility of the Year.”

In 2019, the Kings announced the NBA’s first blockchain-powered reward program in collaboration with Blockparty – an enhancement to the NBA’s first predictive gaming application, “Call the Shot.” Also in 2019, the Kings announced a collaboration with CryptoKaiju, creator of the world’s first vinyl toys powered by Ethereum and fully traceable on a public blockchain, to launch the first physical crypto-collectible in professional sports. In 2020, the team launched the NBA’s first Live blockchain-powered auction platform for authentic memorabilia with Consensys and Treum. Last month the team launched a digital collection of 85 NFTs depicting the 1985 commemorative pin given out in the Kings inaugural season in Sacramento and featuring exclusive experiences including 2021-22 Opening Night tickets. In addition, the team piloted the first-ever Smart Ticket NFT Experience Pass for 100 lucky fans during California Classic, NBA summer league games.

Transitioning passive fans into active fans is essential to the future of sport. Our vision is for an extensive network of the world’s leading sporting organizations to achieve this through Fan Tokens and transactional fan engagement on Socios.com. Fan Tokens, collectible, digital assets minted on the Chiliz blockchain, and the Socios.com fan engagement platform enable the world’s biggest sporting properties to plug into a fan influence and fan reward ecosystem. Socios.com has already generated $150M in revenues for sports teams in 2021. Over 40 major sporting organizations, including UFC®, FC Barcelona, Juventus, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City and the Argentina national team have partnered with Socios.com. Aston Martin Cognizant and Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN of Formula One™ will launch Fan Tokens in the near future. Leading esports organizations Team Heretics, NAVI, OG and Alliance have all launched Fan Tokens on the platform. NHL side New Jersey Devils recently became the first US sports franchise to partner with Socios.com, before NASCAR’s Roush Fenway Racing announced plans to launch a Fan Token. Three leading IPL sides have also joined the Socios.com roster. Many more leading sports and entertainment properties from around the world are set to launch Fan Tokens in the near future.  Chiliz, the crypto unicorn behind the Socios.com platform has 120+ employees and has already opened new regional headquarters in Madrid, Istanbul, São Paulo and Buenos Aires. The company will open a new office in North America in the near future. Chiliz $CHZ has been listed on a host of major cryptocurrency exchanges around the world, including Coinbase and Binance.  Socios.com - creators of Fan Tokens - also own www.fantokens.com which will launch soon. The Socios.com app is available in 10 languages. For more information, please visit www.socios.com.

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Sacramento Kings Collaborate with Socios.com on Marketing Partnership

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

“This is a great day for Richaun and the entire Kings organization,” said McNair. “Richaun brings toughness, skill and versatility to the court. His energy is the perfect fit for our style of play and he represents the values of this organization. I’m excited to see what the future holds for him and this tremendously talented team we’re building.” 

The 37th overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft achieved career-high averages of 14.2 points (.637 FG%, .794 FT%), 8.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 29.2 minutes per game through 61 games (all starts) during the 2020-21 season. Entering his seventh season in the NBA, Holmes has averaged 9.5 points (.597 FG%, .741 FT%), 5.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 20.7 minutes per game in 331 games (123 starts) with Philadelphia (2015-16 – 2017-18), Phoenix (2018-19) and Sacramento (2019-20 – 2020-21). 

"I am thankful to Vivek and Monte for this opportunity to continue my career in Sacramento. I've played some of my best basketball in Sacramento but the best is yet to come. I look forward to continuing to push towards the playoffs and beyond.” 

Last season, Holmes finished the year ranking second in the NBA in field goal percentage with .637 percent. The mark placed Holmes first in Kings franchise history for field goal percentage in a season for a player with at least 500 field goal attempts. 

Also during the 2020-21 campaign, Holmes recorded a career-high six blocks in a game on three occasions: Jan. 11 vs. Indiana, Jan. 22 vs. New York and Feb. 1 at New Orleans. Holmes ranked eighth in the NBA in blocks per game with 1.6 upon season’s end. 