Tracee Jay

Today, in honor of 916 Day, the Sacramento Kings revealed Golden 1 Center’s five-year anniversary celebration including sweepstakes, Fan Fest, Hoop Fest and theme nights fans can look forward to for the 2021-22 Season.   

“Golden 1 Center was created to bring people together and has done so for the past five years with performances by entertainment’s biggest acts, Sacramento Kings basketball and community-centered events,” said Sacramento Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé. “We have built a world-class facility in the heart of Sacramento, but what makes Golden 1 Center truly great is its community. We are thrilled to continue welcoming the world’s greatest fans back to the arena with another impressive lineup of concerts, games and events.”

Since opening, the arena has become the center of more than $6.5 billion in investment in the greater Downtown area. With 59 new development projects completed, 28 projects under construction and 81 more projects proposed, Golden 1 Center has been a key part of revitalization efforts across the grid.

To celebrate the arena’s five-year anniversary, fans will have the opportunity to enter a season-long sweepstakes to win free tickets to each event held in the venue through June 2022.  

To learn more about the celebration, sweepstakes and the past five years, visit Golden1Center.com/5 and view a video HERE.

On Saturday, October 9, the Kings will host their annual free Fan Fest and Open Practice in anticipation of the upcoming 2021-22 season at Golden 1 Center. This all-ages event will be free and open to the public, with tickets required for admission. Fans can reserve up to four general admission tickets at Kings.com/FanFest. Fan Fest parking can be reserved online at reserve.sacpark.org for $5 for the West Garage. Anyone paying online will automatically pay $5, while those who pay day of will pay the listed rate. Health and safety protocols for entry to the arena can be found at Kings.com/HealthandSafety. View a highlight video of previous Fan Fest events HERE.

Before Fan Fest, fans will have the opportunity to listen to live DJs and watch or participate in Hoop Fest, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on the DOCO Plaza starting at 11 a.m. Participants must be at least 15 years old and vaccinated to participate as the championship game will be held inside Golden 1 Center on the court. To sign up to participate in Hoop Fest, visit Kings.com/HoopFest. Fans can also visit Tahoe Blue Ridge in the plaza to enjoy food and beverage including new signature cocktails and a selection of flavored popcorn or items from one of DOCO’s other favorite eateries.

Season Ticket Members and Golden 1 Credit Union members will have early access into the arena at 11:45 a.m. with doors opening at 12 p.m. The 916 Crew and Kings Street Team will be on hand, playing games with fans and passing out prizes throughout the concourse and plaza. Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to take photos with the NBA Summer League trophy on the concourse. The full Kings roster and coaching staff will participate in an open practice featuring team drills, skills challenges, a scrimmage, and the traditional rookie dance contest. In addition, fans will have an opportunity to stock up on the newest gear from the Kings Team Store ahead of Opening Night.

Additionally, youth ages 6-14 are invited to participate in a Jr. Kings youth basketball clinic at 9 a.m. on October 9 to coincide with Fan Fest and tip-off Jr. NBA Week. Spots are limited and will be available for purchase at Kings.com/JrKings later this month.

Last month, the Kings announced their full season schedule, which will showcase a number of interactive and immersive theme nights. Breast Health Awareness will take place on October 24 and Mental Health Awareness on January 10, while Salute to First Responders and Service will take place on November 5 and November 8, respectively. The team will celebrate Latinx Heritage on October 14, Diwali on November 3, Native American and Indigenous Heritage on November 24, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage on December 8, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 16, Black History Month tips off on February 2, Lunar New Year will be celebrated on February 5, Women’s Empowerment on March 14, Greek Heritage on March 16 and Slamson’s birthday on March 20. The team will conclude their regular season schedule with a Sixth Man Celebration on April 5. The full list of theme nights can be viewed at Kings.com/Promos.

For more information about Golden 1 Center’s five-year anniversary campaign, Fan Fest, Hoop Fest or to buy tickets to a game, visit Kings.com.

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On 916 Day, Kings Announce Golden 1 Center’s  Five-Year Anniversary Celebration

How would you describe your role with the Sacramento Kings?

My current role with the Sacramento Kings is in membership sales and service, as an account manager of our partial ticket membership packages.  I give our members dedicated year-round service during the season and off-season to assist and answer any question about their account and make sure they have a first in class memorable experience every time they enter the Golden 1 Center.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I enjoy getting to know my members and hearing about all their favorite Sacramento Kings memories and seeing the excitement on their faces on game night. For my members, I also assist with birthday messages on the video screen, player meet-and-greets, and many pre-and post-game fan experiences. To see the little kids light up when they get up close to their favorite players and get autographs makes the whole job so exciting, especially when you help organize it.

My biggest role model is my uncle, Sacramento City Councilman Rick Jennings. His life mission has always been to give back and serve in his community and along with his generosity and strong work ethic.  He is an excellent example of how I want to continue to put people first.  In addition to this, I appreciate how he is so confident in himself and his decision-making.  

Many of his projects give back to his community. He is also the CEO of the Center for Fathers and Families, a Sacramento-based non-profit agency with a strong history of responding to the needs of fathers and their families. This is something that I admire because I believe helping others around you is of utmost importance. By leading with such a strong will and concern for those around him, Rick Jennings taught me how to believe in myself and others around me.  Because of his commitment to service, I’m currently involved in giving back to my community through mentorship programs and various outreaches in Sacramento. 

How would you define Black culture, and why it’s important to celebrate?

Black Culture is something incredible! Black Culture is taking pride in who you are and where you come from, we’ve made such progress over the years. We’ve gone from shackles to owning our own banks, real estate companies, restaurants, and many other thriving businesses. We as a culture must continue stepping out and creating a successful blueprint for the next generation to follow and to make bigger and better.  We must celebrate our progress as a culture because 55 years ago we had to fight for civil rights, not to mention that our first 400 or so years in the Western World were spent in chains. Just think for a second. Black culture in America was established and continued for almost a half-millennium in bondage. We have been free from slavery for only 155 years. So, we need to continue to blaze the trail so we can look back 150+ years from now and not only embrace our roots but embrace our incredible progress.

What advice would you give to fellow African Americans who are striving to succeed in the sports and entertainment industry? 

The most important piece of advice is to be confident in who you are and what you bring to the table. Never stop working hard. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You MUST be dependable and willing to always go the extra mile. The sports and entertainment industry is fast-paced and very exciting.  So, come willing to work and be organized and the sky is the limit.  We’re waiting on you.

As we learn from the past and honor the legacy and contributions of Black leaders from history, how can each take action in the present to build a more just, equal, and inclusive future?

It is common to think that an inclusive model of behavior has to do with others. Instead, it is important to start with ourselves and our own level of awareness, openness, and information on the subject. The more we work on ourselves, it is easier to be sensitive to others and it is more natural to operate more inclusively. 

Why is it important to continue to encourage diversity in the workplace?

Decisive and collective action is needed to build a workplace that promotes cohesion, embraces diversity, nurtures talent, offers opportunities for everyone which helps to improve livelihoods and workplaces. Every company should and must adopt progressive policies and practices which eliminate bias and discrimination to create a culture that’s equitable for everyone.

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Black History Month Spotlight: Account Manager, Membership Services William Ursery

In honor of Black History Month, the Kings organization is highlighting members of the team who have made an impact in their field while also representing their African American heritage.

As the Vice President of Security Operations, I’m responsible for the development, coordination, and implementation of enterprise-wide security and crisis management strategies for the Sacramento Kings organization, to ensure the safety of all guests and employees. 

What I most enjoy about my job is the opportunity to create unique and seamless security protocols across an array of diverse events. Working with my team to ensure a best in class guest experience is very fulfilling. 

There’s been so many dear friends, national figures, and family members who have inspired me and served as role models. However, my mother has been my biggest role model. Growing up in the Jim Crow south, she was not afforded the opportunity to achieve some of the basic successes many enjoy in life. Nevertheless, she was steadfast in her determination to guide her family towards a better life. She taught me how to be resilient when faced with challenges, strength when I felt dismayed, and most importantly, humbleness and appreciation. Like many Black mothers, she sacrificed so much without consideration for herself. She had a vision of a better future for her family. 

Black culture is very unique and defines the beauty and richness of our heritage. It derives from generations of experiences prior to slavery, through slavery, and modern-day successes and challenges.

I feel it’s important to celebrate Black culture because it’s woven into the fabric of American culture. It’s also very important that younger generations learn about their culture and the extraordinary contributions Blacks have made to this country. Celebrating Black culture should be embraced with an equal amount of pride and joy as other cultural traditions and events.

What advice would you give to fellow African Americans who are striving to succeed in the sports and entertainment industry?

There are so many great opportunities in the sports and entertainment industry. I would advise fellow African Americans to be curious and explore the opportunities that you feel a connection to. Leverage your skills and experiences, and most importantly, be present and hold yourself accountable to be your best.

As we learn from the past and honor the legacy and contributions of Black leaders from history, how can each take action in the present to build a more just, equal, and inclusive future? 

I believe the gravitational pull towards a more just, equal, and inclusive society is right in front of us. The challenge is breaking the stigma of fear that many feel in regards to their own personal loss in an equality driven society. Breaking the generational cycle of learned racism and stereotypes aimed at others different from yourself are also significant barriers.

All generations must challenge themselves to be more thoughtful and willing to have uncomfortable conversations. Just as important, non-Blacks should not be made to feel totally responsible for the actions of past generations within their culture. Consistent and meaningful actions are key to continued progress. 

Diversity in the workplace simply makes us better. The enrichment of diverse professional and life experiences contributes to more thoughtful and meaningful engagements across all lines of business. Organizations that embrace this type of learning approach, create a more inclusive and productive work environment.

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Black History Month Spotlight: Vice President of Security Operations Timothy Lea

After an exciting night filled with joy, tears, and celebrations the Kings came away with three stellar selections in Tyrese Haliburton, Robert Woodard II and Jahmi’us Ramsey.

Immediately following the selections, experts graded Sacramento’s Draft with high marks (Link draft grades blog). With more time for conversation, let’s see how analysts continue to weigh in on the team’s big night. 

“The No. 4 prospect on my draft board, Haliburton has potential to be the steal of the draft here for Sacramento, who can pair him immediately with De’Aaron Fox in what could be a dynamic backcourt.”

“Haliburton was in play for some teams in the middle of the lottery, and it’s a little bit surprising how far he slipped—the Suns, in particular, may regret passing. But he’s a great fit here, and my personal favorite player in the draft.”

The Ringer | Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, and J. Kyle Mann:

“I’m happy with what the Kings did. Getting Haliburton at 12, I love love love that fit with De’Aaron Fox. You get the speed of Fox and that feel with Haliburton. Two contrasting styles that I think complement each other very nicely.” 

“It feels like McNair and his guys did a great job. Not a huge surprise as the Morey tree seems to draft really well.”

“A steal this far back in the draft A big guard with impressive playmaking skills, and [Haliburton] may be the highest basketball IQ player in the draft. Fantastic vision and decision making in the pick-and-roll, and he uses his change of pace to throw defenders off.”

“A lot of potential to play either forward spot if he can develop. Woodard has got a strong 6’7″ frame with a 7’1″ wingspan, he shot 42.9% from three last season (2.3 attempts a game), and he has impressive defensive potential because of his length.”

“One of the youngest players in the draft, [Ramsey] already has an NBA build and comes in as a score-first guard who averaged 15 points a game last season. He’s done a lot of damage as an isolation scorer, he’s shows some passing and defensive potential, but Sacramento is betting his shooting skills improve, which would make him a solid secondary shot creation option (or sixth man).”

The Athletic | Sam Vecenie and John Hollinger:

“Haliburton was far and away the most talented player left on the board, and I really don’t understand how he fell this far.”

“One of my favorite picks of the draft so far. I had Woodard as the second-best guy remaining. Elite physical tools, and elite-level character. Already a high-level, switchable defender.”

“A play-making point guard who can defend well, Haliburton is an absolute steal in this draft." 

“His numbers (15.2 points per game, 6.5 assists, 50% FG, 42% from 3-point range) in 2019-20 don't do him justice. Haliburton has a skill-set comparable to Ja Morant and Russell Westbrook in the NBA, but he’ll have to mesh with De’Aaron Fox in Sac Town.”

“[Haliburton] has all the skills of a point guard with his passing and improved shooting plus he excelled during international play.”

“[Woodard] proved in two college seasons that he has the size and drive to be an elite defender, and he improved offensively, particularly three-point shooting (27% to 42.9%).”

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Analysts Weigh-In on 2020 Kings Draft Selections

On October 21st, the Sacramento Kings in partnership with the Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, Indiana Pacers and Fever, Dallas Mavericks and Wings, and Cleveland Cavaliers hosted the third Team Up for Change summit, designed to unite, inspire and activate in and around our communities.

The teams continued in their Team Up for Change efforts by hosting a Week of Action!

From October 22nd to the 28th, the Kings organization engaged young adults ages 14-24 through a variety of activations in collaboration with community organizations and local leaders devoted to empowering the next generation.

The week kicked off with Team up with Sac State.

This event was a social justice and activism panel, where Sacramento State students acquired tips and strategies for effective activism and learned how to get involved deeper in their community.

The Kings teamed up with the Food Literacy Center to distribute recipe kits to students at Leataata Floyd elementary school and their families. Kings Team Members volunteered to hand out kits, and gave out some Kings swag as well!

The Week of Action continued with, Team Up for Teens with Sol Collective.

In partnership with Sol Collective, the Kings helped distribute Sol CARES teen kits. These kits were designed by youth for youth to support each other through these difficult times. Each box is themed, from movie nights to self-care, and the boxes are aimed at bringing joy to young people and remind them that Sol and Sacramento CARE!

The first round of youth were nominated by community members and they ,inturn, have a chance to nominate the next group of teens to receive the gift. The joy of sharing and caring will continue through the end of the year!

Through a series of videos, Sacramento Kings players and coaches thanked their mentors as part of MENTOR CA’s #ThankYourMentor campaign, which launches in November.

Following up, was the career exploration panel.

The Sacramento Kings and College Track collaborated to bring local Sacramento high school students a Virtual Career Exploration and Passion Finding Workshop.

Kings Chairman and Owner Vivek Ranadivé welcomed students and shared his career journey from Bombay to the NBA. Additionally, his son Andre Ranadivé and his wife shared stories and insights with students on their career pathways. Also, Kings staff members from a range of departments gave students insights on their positions within the organization and answered questions about keys to their success and more.

In addition to the Week of Action, the team also launched a two-part online content series focused on continuing the conversation around civic engagement, social inequity and allyship.

Sacramento Kings Vice President of Kings Academy and Professional Development Galen Duncan hosted a two-part panel discussion addressing social justice, allyship, voting and more. He was joined by Player Development Coach Rico Hines, Player Development Assistant Coach Lindsey Harding, Player Development Assistant Coach Bobby Jackson, Head Athletic Trainer Joe Resendez, forward Jabari Parker, guard-forward DaQuan Jeffries and guard Kyle Guy.

While the Week of Action is coming to a close, the Kings commitment to making a change in our community is ever-flowing. Be on the lookout for more community events in the future!

For more information on Team Up for Change, visit Kings.com/TeamUpForChange

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Team Up For Change: Week of Action and Content Series Recap

As part of the Sacramento Kings efforts to highlight Latinx Heritage Month, the team hosted another Diversity &amp; Inclusion Council Team Member Forum via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday to discuss how the state of today’s society impacts the Latinx community and their identity. 

The forum featured Dr. Elvia Ramirez of Sacramento State, Kings Special Assistant to the Executive Board Franco Gallardo and Senior Vice President &amp; General Manager of Golden 1 Center Alex Rodrigo and was hosted by Kings AP/AR Specialist Iesha Herrera.

To help the staff that may not know much about Latinx culture, the forum started with Dr. Elvia Ramirez, Professor of Chicanx/Latinx Studies at Sacramento State., who broke down the terms and identity labels for the numerous Latinx groups and then explained how even the word Latinx may be out of touch to some. 

The words Latino, Latina, Latinx and La Raza are all panethnic labels. 

A panethnic label groups people of various ethnicities and nationalities in one category. Essentially, it’s assumed that these groups share a common culture.

Yet, statistics show that more than half (51%) of Latinx people identify themselves most often by their family’s country or place of origin. 

Dr. Ramirez reminded us all that there is no universal consensus on which identity label to use. 

The term “Hispanic" is criticized because it was created by the government and highlights Spanish and European ancestry only while Latino, Latina and Latinx are critiqued for highlighting European ancestry only. 

Both Hispanics and Latinx are the only group to be identified as an ethnic group, so if you are ever unsure what someone wants to identify as, it’s best to ask! 

Elvia went on to highlight the myths that are out there about Latinxs’ in the United States.

Four in 5 Latinx are U.S. citizens. To add to that, 80% of Mexicans are citizens, which is one of the highest citizenship rates. 

Dr. Ramirez suggested if we want to learn more about the Latinx population from a statistical standpoint, we can consult the Pew Research Center. 

"They are a non-partisan research based center. They provide statistics, relevant, timely and very interesting and fascinating data about the Latinx population.” 

After learning a spectrum of information about the Latinx facts and figures, Kings team members were given an opportunity to share more about their culture.

Iesha Herrera talked about growing up and identifying as both Black and Mexican. 

“I knew that I was Black and I knew that I was Mexican. I was always questioned or challenged with having to pick and choose.” She continued, “Am I Black or am I Mexican?”

From growing up in school and choosing “other” when asked about race, to being forced to pick one at times, it wasn’t easy for Iesha. 

When she talked to her Mexican father about it he said, ‘Mija, you can identify with whatever you want to be. You’re Black you’re Mexican, you’re beautiful and that’s all that matters.’

That explanation still left her puzzled with her sense of identity and having to choose one. 

But she doesn’t have to, and she is proud to check the “other” and in her words, “to this day I still check other because I also identify with being Black.” 

On the other side of the coin is Alex Rodrigo. 

His experience doesn’t mirror the same type of struggle Iesha had, but something that the Latinx culture has as a whole. 

“Not everyone who is Hispanic or Latino is Mexican.”

Alex identifies as a Hispanic male, and his roots are from Colombia. 

His type of struggle was different in that, even in Dr. Elvia’s presentation, while it was recognized the different countries and groups Latinx people come from, still lumped in is South America, where he is from. 

“Listening to Iesha’s experience touched me in many ways because, that’s not something I had to deal with.” He then questioned how that experience could possibly affect someone on a day-to-day? 

With the differing experiences throughout the Latinx community, the Kings want to make sure they can make a difference in the lives of many in this community. 

Iesha and Alex discussed efforts by the Kings organization that have been made and are striving to complete many more. They want to show children in the Latinx space that there are people that identify with them and can help them reach goals they may not have seen as possible. 

It also starts within the organization. The duo spoke about starting a group for Latinx team members of their own, and for anyone else in the organization whose lives touch someone within the community. 

The stories within the Latinx community are still being written, and our Team Members are honored we had the chance to hear a few of those stories today. 

For additional resources, visit Kings.com/Latinx.

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Latinx Heritage Month: Team Member Forum

There’s a new co-captain at the helm of the Kings coaching ranks, and it is highly-respected and longtime NBA coach Alvin Gentry – who was announced as the Associate Head Coach on Oct. 7.

"I’m excited to add Alvin’s valuable experience and leadership to the team," said Head Coach Luke Walton. "His veteran coaching perspective will be a great addition and I look forward to working with him again to continue developing our group."

This will not be the first time Walton and Gentry have crossed paths. They have a storied relationship, with both coaches working alongside each other for the Golden State Warriors, helping lead the team to the 2015 NBA Championship.

Gentry not only has a history of success with Luke, but also solid assistant and head coaching stints with 10 teams across the Association. Gentry has worked as an NBA assistant or head coach every season since 1989-90, and he brings more than 35 years of coaching experience to the Sacramento bench.

Most recently he was the Head Coach of the New Orleans Pelicans.

In the 2018-19 season, the Pelicans earned 48 wins - the third most in team history - while also advancing in the playoffs to the Western Conference Semifinals for only the second time in franchise history.

Gentry has found success in his coaching stints with relating to players and building confidence, noting “you want to try and instill confidence from the start.

Anything that you say from a teaching standpoint, or anything you say that may be negative, you’ve got to follow that up with a lot of positive reinforcement."

It’s very apparent he gets that from his upbringing.

Born in Selby, North Carolina in 1954, Gentry was one of six children born to Bulah Mae and G.H. Gentry.

His parents were married for 63 years before Gentry’s mother passed in 2005. It was seeing his parents show a loving, nurturing environment that shaped Gentry into the coach and man that he is today.

His father never had the chance to learn to read or write, but provided for his family nonetheless by working in a bakery, as a janitor and in a textile factory where he didn’t miss a day of work for 11 consecutive years. Furthermore, G.H. Gentry was a deacon in his church for 67 years, while constantly giving back to his community, even when he had little.

It wasn’t just his father, but his mother also provided by working in a school cafeteria and as a maid.

It was this foundation that shaped Alvin's strive to excel in all facets of life.

Gentry told the Detroit Free Press "I don’t have one of those kind of heartache stories to tell. There was always all kinds of lovin’ in my house."

Alvin can recall his father saying "Treat others with respect, son. Work hard, son. Have character, son. Be accountable, son."

"It was very simple with my dad: Treat people the way you want to be treated," Gentry said. "It’s the same way in coaching. Some guys can handle yelling and screaming and some guys can’t."

This manifests within his coaching style, so that he treats each and every player as an individual.

"One of the things I always laugh at is when you see a coach say, ‘I treat all my players the same, from one to 12.’ Well, I don’t do that, because they are completely different personalities. I don’t even treat my three kids the same way. You’ve just got to think about who you are dealing with and deal with them on an individual basis, I think."

This has served dividends for him in the league. Then Suns General Manager and now Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr, said this about Gentry: "Coaching is all about human relations. I could find 1,000 people that can draw up a pick-and-roll or a zone defense. But how do you manage players? How do you relate to them?"

Kerr added, "...if the players trust you, they’ll let you coach them. They trust him."

Off the court, Alvin Gentry keeps the same ideologies as on - just not as intense.

Speaking to the Shelby Star, his sister Lois Hoskins describes how you only see this side of him come out in basketball games.

"His intensity, when he’s coaching, you really don’t even see that unless he’s coaching, especially when he’s the head coach, and he’s in charge."

His siblings would know best as they still remain as close as ever. It’s always family first.

"From Miami to San Antonio to Phoenix to wherever he happens to be," Lois said. "We have a very close family unit. And I will say, it has afforded us to go to a lot of places and see a lot of things that we may not have been able to see."

Lois’ son, Derrick added, "He’s still closely connected to Cleveland County. Every chance he gets to come home, he comes in the offseason. When they play in Charlotte, he tries to come to get to spend a day with everyone. We’ll grill out or do something. He’s really down to Earth.”

With him, it’s "I’ve got film time, and I’ve got family time.”

With such a strong presence and highly touted dialogue about him throughout his life, it’s no wonder the new Kings Associate Head Coach has had an illustrious career in the NBA and it continues today.

His coaching style should fit well with the system Sacramento likes to run.

With Gentry at the helm, the Pelicans played at the fastest pace in the league in 2017-18, following that up with being second in pace in the 2018-19 season, even faster than the Kings - who ranked No. 3.

Coach Gentry has proven that he is more than capable of helping lead a team to success.

He wants to win, and he wants to do it as a unit.

"...you have to be willing to work, you have to have good chemistry on your team, and if you can put all of that together, you put yourself in a situation where you create a culture that is going to be very positive and give your best opportunity to win.

Gentry remains one of the most well-respected figures in the league and is a welcome addition to Sacramento.

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Gentry's History within the NBA Runs Deep and Continues with Kings

Kings guard De’Aaron Fox linked up with JJ Redick for his second appearance on The Old Man and The Three podcast on Thursday.

As both players spent weeks in the Orlando bubble, insight was shared on some of the favorite and least favorite elements of the eight-game slate.

Fox liked that the Bubble “gave us an AAU vibe” and that he “enjoyed seeing [other NBA players] more than you would have [normally].”

However, at the top of his Bubble pet-peeves was that Florida humidity.

“I’m from [Houston] so I’m used to humidity, but Florida is a different level.”

The conversation eventually shifted towards Kings basketball.

Swipa revealed his feelings leading up to the Draft before he was selected by Sacramento.

“I want[ed] to go to 5, I want[ed] to be the fifth and go to the Kings.”

The Kentucky product made it clear that he wants to be a part of the squad that ends the 14-year playoff drought.

“It’s hard as hell, especially being in the West. But, just being able to part of [making the playoffs] would be something special.” He continued, “If we can end up building a championship contending team, then it’s like you’re winning a championship in Sacramento, that’s looked at a lot differently. You probably feel better than you do with anything else and I just want to be a part of that process.”

For Fox, this process started with a good foundation.

No. 5 cherished the sage advice he received from his previous veteran teammates like Vince Carter, Zach Randolph, Garrett Temple, and George Hill. According to the De’Aaron it’s helped him tailor his game even more.

Swipa knows even with the mentorship he’s received, the work begins in the gym.

“I have to be able to take and make threes.” Fox expanded, “at the end of the day, I know to be valuable and to win, you have to be able to make threes.”

From the hour-long conversation, one thing is clear: De’Aaron is ready to get back to work for Sacramento.