In honor of the team's final games at Sleep Train Arena, Kings.com is catching up with team legends who will be in attendance at the last game to get their thoughts and favorite memories from playing in Sacramento.
Much like how Kings fans gave the team a boost when needed, Bobby Jackson was a pivotal player in providing energy off of the bench during his time in Sacramento.
The former Kings guard electrified and entertained Sacramento basketball fans during his six seasons in the purple and black - playing a crucial role as an offensive spark plug for the team.
B-Jax would also be the first and only Kings player to receive the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award for his efforts in the 2002-03 season.
We caught up with No. 24 to get his thoughts on the team’s final season in Sleep Train Arena.
On what was special about playing in the arena:
“The fans. Most arenas you go to, there’s excitement and there’s history. But it’s always been about the fans for me. They have always been the ones to propel us to wins and to support us if we’re losing and when we’re winning.”
On an instance where the crowd changed the game:
“I can remember in the playoffs when we went to the Western Conference Finals [in 2002], it had to be the loudest arena by far. Fans were standing up throughout the whole game. That was not normal for fans to just stand up and watch a game standing on their feet. It was something that was one of the most exciting moments, but for me to be a part of it and to see the enthusiasm and excitement from the fans was riveting.”
On his favorite memories in the building:
“I have a lot of favorite memories about this building. Number one, I think, would be the first day I stepped in it. People who know me know how appreciative and how blessed I am to be where I came from and to play in the NBA. To sign a multi-year deal with a franchise that believed in me and gave me a shot and a chance, that’s the most important thing to me.”
On being in attendance for the final regular season home game with fellow Kings legends on April 9:
“It will be good to see the fans and to also see old teammates. Also, getting to see the last game being played here is going to be emotional, because this arena has been a staple of our success and it carries a lot of stories and games with it. It will be a very emotional night, but also an exciting night to move into a new era. People won’t forget this arena – this arena is going to be remembered for years and years to come.”
On the opening of Golden 1 Center:
“I’m excited, definitely. I can’t wait to see all the bells and whistles in it. I haven’t even taken a tour yet, because I’m one of those people who want to see the finished product when I take the tour. I can’t wait because it’s really going to revitalize downtown [Sacramento] and put some energy and enthusiasm in there. I know the fans and the players and the [Kings] organization can’t wait because they know it’s going to be the best arena in professional sports history.”
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