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

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

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. 

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Kings Re-Sign Richaun Holmes

Today, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced that Sacramento Kings legends Chris Webber and Rick Adelman, plus Sacramento Monarchs legend Yolanda Griffith and NBA legend and former Kings Head Coach Bill Russell have been elected as part of the 18-member class of 2021. Webber becomes the 16th player in franchise history and the third during the Sacramento-era to earn a Hall of Fame induction. Adelman becomes the second head coach in franchise history and the first during the Sacramento-era to achieve the honors.

“We are incredibly proud that four integral individuals in our organization’s history are being honored in the 2021 Hall of Fame class,” said Sacramento Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé. “Each of them earned a special place in the Kings family and in the hearts of our community, leaving an eternal impact on our franchise that inspires  across generations. Congratulations, Chris, Rick, Yolanda and Bill on this prestigious recognition.”

A five-time NBA All-Star (1997, 2000-2003), Webber led the winningest teams in the Sacramento-era, working with Adelman to carry the Kings to the NBA Playoffs for six straight seasons (1998-99 – 2003-04), back-to-back Pacific Division titles (2001-02, 2002-03), a franchise record 61 regular season wins (2001-02) and a trip to the 2002 NBA Western Conference Finals. His NBA career spanned 15 seasons with the Golden State Warriors (1993-94, 2007-08), Washington Wizards (1994-98), Sacramento Kings (1998-99 – 2004-05), Philadelphia 76ers (2005-2007) and Detroit Pistons (2007). Webber’s Kings jersey was retired by the team on February 6, 2009 and hangs eternally in the rafters at Golden 1 Center among fellow franchise greats.

During his seven seasons in Sacramento, Webber accrued averages of 23.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.51 steals and 1.47 blocks per game in 377 games with the Kings. On January 5, 2001, Webber recorded 51 points (ranking second in Sacramento-era) and set a Sacramento-era single-game record of 26 rebounds versus Indiana.

Webber graces the franchise record book across numerous categories during the Sacramento-era, ranking second in rebounds (4,006), second in field goals made (3,691), third in blocked shots (553), fourth in points scored (8,843) and free throws attempted (2,034), fifth in assists (1,791), steals (568) and minutes played, (14,627) and sixth in free throws made (1,406). In franchise history, Webber ranks fifth in blocked shots, seventh in steals and field goals attempted (7,807), along with eighth in rebounds and field goals made. While with the Kings, Webber earned All-NBA First Team honors in 2001, was named to the All-NBA Second Team on three occasions (1999, 2002, 2003) and to the All-NBA Third Team in 2000. Webber led the NBA in rebounds per game during his first season in Sacramento (1998-99) and triple-doubles (1999-00). He averaged more than 20 points per game for nine consecutive seasons (1994-2003).

Webber’s NBA career began in 1993 as the first overall draft selection by the Orlando Magic and he was named the 1994 NBA Rookie of the Year with the Golden State Warriors. Webber also earned 1993-94 NBA All-Rookie First Team honors. In 1998, the Kings acquired Webber from the Washington Wizards and his tenure in Sacramento began. Throughout his career, Webber ranked among the Top 10 in the NBA in points per game (1997-98, 1999-00, 2000-01, 2002-03), total points scored (1999-00, 2000-01), rebounds per game (1996-97, 1998-99, 1999,00, 2000-01 and 2005-06), field goal percentage (1993-94) and field goals made (1997-98, 1999-00, 2000-01).

Before entering the NBA, Webber was a member of the iconic “Fab Five,” leading University of Michigan to Final Four appearances in 1992 and 1993. He was a Unanimous First Team All-America selection in 1993. As a high school phenom at Detroit Country Day School, he was named the McDonald’s All-American Game MVP, Michigan’s Mr. Basketball, and the Naismith Prep Player of the Year in 1991. 

As the winningest coach in franchise history, Adelman guided the Kings to eight consecutive playoff appearances (1998-99 – 2005-06). Adelman also directed five straight seasons in which the Kings won 50 games or more (2000-01 – 2004-05). Adelman recorded his 700th career win with a 112-93 victory over Portland at ARCO Arena on March 22, 2005. He became the winningest coach in franchise history on March 19, 2004 when Sacramento defeated the Pacers, 94-92, in Indiana. Across eight seasons with the Kings, Adelman posted an overall record of 395-229 (.633) and a 34-35 (.493) record in the NBA Playoffs. 

Owning a lifetime NBA record of 1,042-749 (.582) with Portland (1988-89 – 1993-94), Golden State (1995-97), Sacramento (1998-99 – 2005-06), Houston (2007-08 – 2010-11) and Minnesota (2011-12 – 2013-14), Adelman is the ninth winningest coach in NBA history. He was the fourth coach in NBA history to win 60 or more games in a season with two different teams. Adelman was also named NBA Coach of the Month five times.

In each of his eight seasons as the Kings skipper, Sacramento finished with a record above the .500 mark. The Kings’ climb to a franchise-record 61 wins during the 2001-02 campaign marked a 34-win improvement over a four-year span, which was the highest jump among NBA teams at the time. While with Sacramento, Adelman coached the West Team in the NBA All-Star Game on two occasions (2001 and 2003).

Drafted by the Monarchs as the second overall selection in the 1999 WNBA Draft, Griffith led the Monarchs to the WNBA Championship in 2005 while being named to the All-WNBA First Team and WNBA All-Defensive First Team the same season. Griffith earned WNBA All-Star honors seven times (1999-2001, 2003, 2005-07) and is a two-time Olympic gold medalist (2000, 2004).

In 1999, Griffith earned WNBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, while leading the league in field goals, rebounds, offensive rebounds and steals per game. Griffith became a member of the WNBA’s All-Decade Team in 2006 and the Top 20 Players in the league’s 20-year history in 2016.

Russell, known throughout basketball circles as the greatest champion in NBA history with 11 titles, served as one of the first Kings head coaches in the Sacramento-era, directing the team during the 1987-88 season. On April 16, 1966, Russell made history by becoming the first Black head coach in the NBA when he assumed duties for Red Auerbach with the Boston Celtics.

As an NBA head coach, Russell posted an overall record of 341-290 in the regular season and 34-27 in the playoffs. Originally enshrined as a player in 1975, Russell becomes the fifth Hall of Fame member who will be inducted as both a player and a coach.

Rounding out the Class of 2021 are Val Ackerman, Chris Bosh, Michael Cooper, Bob Dandridge, Cotton Fitzsimmons, Howard Garfinkel, Lauren Jackson, Clarence Jenkins, Toni Kukoc, Pearl Moore, Paul Pierce, Marianne Stanley, Ben Wallace and Jay Wright.

The enshrinement ceremony is scheduled to take place on September 11, 2021 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

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Kings Legends Chris Webber, Rick Adelman Headline Electees Into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

The Sacramento Kings today announced the team has recalled guard Jahmi’us Ramsey from the Agua Caliente Clippers of the NBA G League.

At the NBA G League single site in Orlando, Fla., Ramsey appeared in 12 games (7 starts) and accrued averages of 9.8 points (.356 FG%, .224 3pt%, .857 FT%), 2.5 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 21.0 minutes per game for the Clippers.