Carmichael Dave

Alex Kramers

The Sports 1140 KHTK crew is in San Diego this week following the team's progression through Training Camp. Listen below as they break down Day 2.

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2015 Training Camp Podcast: Day 2

The Sports 1140 KHTK crew is in San Diego this week following the team's progression through Training Camp. Listen below as they break down Day 1, as well as discuss some of Grant's interviews during Media Day on Monday.

2015-training-camp-podcast-day-1

2015 Training Camp Podcast: Day 1

sacjwise

While the team prepares for next month's NBA Draft. Vlade Divac checked in with KHTK's Carmichael Dave, Deuce Mason and Morgan Ragan to talk everything from DeMarcus' All-NBA nod to the prevalent "Hack-A-Shaq" fouling technique.

Take a listen to the second half of Vlade's interview below:

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Divac: 'We Need Consistency'

“The hair still stands up on the back of my neck,” said KHTK 1140 radio personality and diehard Kings fan Carmichael Dave after watching Playing To Win.

The film, which chronicles the team’s relocation saga, debuted to a sold-out audience at the Esquire IMAX Theater in downtown Sacramento on Wednesday.

The event was attended by many of the biggest players in the story, including Mayor Kevin Johnson, Dave, Grant Napear, Jerry Reynolds, Gary Gerould and more.

Following a short introduction, the film opens with a litany of news reports from the morning of Jan. 9, 2013, following a Tweet by food blogger Diana Falk, daughter of NBA agent David Falk, “confirming” the team’s sale to a Seattle-based investment group led by Chris Hansen.

However, to tell the entire story, Playing to Win backtracked to two years prior and the rumored intention of the team to leave Sacramento for Anaheim following the 2010-11 season.

After Sacramento’s 2010-11 season finale – during a fan orchestrated “sit in” which lasted an extended timeframe following the final horn – Carmichael Dave literally and figuratively ascended to become the de facto leader of fans during the Sacramento Kings relocation saga.

Standing on a ladder at center court, wearing a Kings hockey-style jersey and customary backwards hat, Dave produced a prophetic moment that will be etched into the history of the franchise, stating “Who knows what the future holds except this – this thing is not over by a long shot.”

And history has since proven it wasn’t over.

Dave mentions early in the film that he cannot sit around and wait for the story to unfold.

So, near the end of the 2012-13 season, he set out on a “Playing to Win Tour” that would span the width of the country, ultimately arriving in New York for the NBA’s Relocation Committee meeting.

Meanwhile, Mayor Kevin Johnson was determined to find a way in which he could help keep the team in his hometown, starting with the search for a new ownership group.

The film tells the parallel stories of Mayor Johnson and Dave, bouncing back and forth from Dave's travels across the country to drive awareness and share Sacramento’s story to NBA boardrooms, Relocation Committee press conferences and stories of Mayor Johnson's all-encompassing strategy sessions.

A month later, following the “Playing to Win Tour’s" return home and weeks of rampant online rumor and speculation, Carmichael Dave is shown in the film laying on his couch reading Twitter, when a magical post surfaces.

The relocation committee submitted its recommendation for the Kings to remain in Sacramento.

Overcome with joy and relief, the scope of the moment finally hits him as he breaks down in tears, simultaneously as he joins a call with Napear, who is also in tears.

Even though fans know the story and outcome, the phone call shared between two colleagues and friends is a powerful moment in the film and encapsulates the sentiment fans share for their beloved team and relief it was finally all over.

“[The film] really was a love letter,” Dave said, “Not just to the city and the Mayor, but to all the different grassroots movements that really played a vital role in keeping the spirit in the city ignited.”

For information on screenings and more, visit the Playing To Win website.

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'Playing To Win' Debuts in Sacramento

Early in “Down in the Valley,” as Sacramento native and NBA-star-turned-mayor Kevin Johnson describes the conditions of his deprived neighborhood and trying upbringing, his grandmother’s favorite saying serves as foreshadowing for his, and Kings fans, later herculean efforts.

“If a task has once begun, do not leave it until it’s done.”

As the 78-minute documentary – debuting in a 479-seat auditorium inside a quaint Chelsea, N.Y. theater – simultaneously chronicles Johnson’s and the Kings intertwined histories, at its core, the film explores the precious, loyal bond between a team and community, and the emotions engendered when that union is both at its highest peak and on the verge of crumbling.

“The K.J. story is really compelling and really interesting, but I would not have agreed to do the project until I met some of the grassroots fans and realized how passionate they were about the team staying,” explained six-time Emmy Award-winning director Jason Hehir on the SVA Theater red carpet. “That’s what resonated with me because I know what it means to be a fan.”

Before devoting ample time to chants, rallies and pivotal social media crusades, Hehir first lays the groundwork with a detailed look at the previously vagabond Kings road to finding residence in Northern California, as NBA sportswriter and historian Bob Ryan illuminates Sacramento’s aspirations and overwhelming enthusiasm for a sports identity.

“We were hoping to get 5,000 season tickets sold,” recalls original Kings Owner Gregg Lukenbill. “We ended up with applications for 25,000 tickets in a building that sat 10,000 people.”

Archived footage of the first game at ARCO Arena oozes with nostalgia – the electric environment still rivaling that of any sports venue – while a Playoff-like atmosphere resonates despite the team’s sub-.500 record over the course of the subsequent decade.

The film not only fluidly integrates viewpoints from interview participants, including former Kings All-Star Chris Webber and longtime NBA Commissioner David Stern – all of whom marvel at the uniqueness and fervor of the fanbase – but juxtaposes Johnson’s shift from basketball standout to aspiring politician with the Kings volatile on-court fortunes.

Breathtaking highlights of “the greatest show on court” during the late 1990s and early 2000s – a free-flowing, uptempo style contingent on constant motion and precise passing – scintillate to the booming bass of Outkast’s “Bombs Over Baghdad,” cowbells harmoniously clanging in the seats.

Moments later, as Webber and Sacramento radio personality Carmichael Dave reflect on the 2002 Western Conference Finals in separate interviews, a mutual pain resonates in their voices – agony that’s further escalated by mirrored recessions in both the team’s success and city’s declining fiscal climate.

“The political and economic landscape, in some weird way, it paralleled our basketball team,” tells Johnson, who was elected mayor on Nov. 4, 2008.

At the height of the downturn, “Down in the Valley” follows the threads emanating from the dark cloud of relocation to showcase early seeds of a grassroots movement, as fans pledge to donate thousands of dollars toward building a new arena and utilize Twitter campaigns as a vehicle to express their undying support.

The now iconic scene of Kings TV broadcasters Grant Napear and Jerry Reynolds delivering a teary signoff in between long pauses following the 2010-11 season finale – as thousands of diehards thunderously chant in the background and refuse to leave their seats – remains emotionally stimulating – both for the viewer and participants themselves.

“I was very emotional watching it – it brought me back to those moments, which were, at times, really hard to describe because of the ups and downs on a daily basis of what everybody was going through,” said Napear after the premiere. “(The film) was just so well-put together – it chronicled the entire emotional roller coaster that the city of Sacramento went through (and) just completely captured the amazing ride.”

Driven by a proud community galvanized in its front to save the Kings – as throngs of purple-and-black-clad devotees await his arrival at Sacramento International Airport and deafeningly chant outside the St. Regis Hotel in midtown Manhattan – Johnson’s confidence nor upbeat disposition ever show signs of cracking.

The Hall of Fame finalist – fighting off tears at the mere thought of a barren, silent basketball arena in The River City – makes it clear no obstacle would stand in the way of saving the beloved hometown franchise.

“It really felt like we were in a battle to protect something that was ours,” says Johnson. “It was about fighting for my city.”

As the documentary captures the back-and-forth intensity of negotiations in ensuing years, it demonstrates the complexities of the mayor’s obstacles and provides glimpses into his presentations to League executives and team owners, offering a revelatory, unflinching view from every standpoint.

The broader forces of the relocation committee’s decision to keep the Kings in Sacramento are most palpable when Johnson answers a blocked-number call from Stern and raises his arms in euphoric celebration, which transitions to a powerful snapshot of Carmichael Dave – tears streaming down his face – barely able to speak to a similarly weeping, speechless Napear.

“This is a love story – it’s a story of the fans of Sacramento and their team,” said Kings Principal Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé on the red carpet, adding construction on a downtown, state-of-the-art sports and entertainment center is well underway. “They got together and found a way to keep their team.”

At a post-screening Q&amp;A session, Johnson – seated in a director’s chair with a luminous Tribeca Film Festival logo behind him – deflected countless praise thrust upon him to an integral group of spectators, asking all Sacramento natives in the audience to stand.

“This is a Sacramento story – these folks came from 3,000 miles away to be here, and they did their part to keep the team in Sacramento,” he said, looking out at hundreds of applauding supporters.

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Kings '30 for 30' Debuts at Tribeca

Kings General Manager Pete D’Alessandro will be joining KHTK Sports 1140 morning radio host Carmichael Dave to discuss the current state of the Sacramento Kings and future of the team.

The live Q&amp;A was the idea of D’Alessandro, who reached out to Carmichael Dave on December 30th via Twitter.

Fans have been asked to submit their questions for the Kings GM by calling the KHTK Studios at (916) 339-1140.

The question and answer session will be open for one hour, beginning at 8 a.m. and will be broadcasted commercial-free on KHTK 1140 and online here.

For more information, check out Carmichael Dave’s Blog on the Live Q&amp;A.

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Kings GM to Answer Fan Questions

It seemed we were there for a month, and yet just a couple of days at the same time – nonstop moving, tours, arenas, fans, and experiences to last a lifetime.

I keep saying it, but I’ll say it again: It was first-class the whole way.

It’s good to know this organization goes all out in everything it does, and there’s no reason why it won’t translate onto the floor. The players recognize it and, in time, it’ll make the Sacramento Kings a destination franchise.

I knew going in we had a multi-talented ownership group, but I had no idea.

Getting to know people like Chris Kelly, Andy Miller, Lisa Parker, Phil Oates, and so many more really drives the point home. Not only are these people extremely successful and powerful in their own fields, but they also bring an undeniable sense of “can-do” to the Kings, and it’s an awesome thing to watch.

Before we get to some final photos, I want to take a personal moment to thank Vivek, Chris Granger, Matina, Ben Gumpert, and so many others who gave the OK for me to go. The idea of being an embedded fan was cool, and to live out the fantasy on behalf of so many is something I’ll never forget.

Without question, the nine-year-old kid who became a Kings fan when the team landed in Sacramento was on this trip, not a media member – I was, and always will be, a fan first.

As we left Shanghai for Beijing, I looked through the airport food mart for some in-flight snacks. I passed up the first option…

Not much to explain about this pic… We got there safe and sound. You didn’t know I was a pilot?!

The NBA remarked several times behind the scenes about what a dream the Kings players and staff were to work with and, as a Sacramento fan, I was glad to hear it. Reggie Evans and so many others went out of their way to connect with fans and, I assure you, it made their day, if not their year.

On our first full day in Beijing, we went to the Great Wall. I was afraid it would merely be OK…

And I had a chance to take a picture with “The Rock” at the base!

The Wall is massive, and I cannot imagine how it was built so long ago, with so few modern tools. Seeing the players turn into kids when they saw it was amusing as well. This colossus truly is a Great Wonder of the World.

Here’s Kings prez Chris Granger getting ready to ride the toboggan (yes, toboggan) down the Great Wall to the parking lot. Doesn’t get much cooler.

The next day it was off to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. It wasn’t really forbidden, as there were loads of people there. Here’s Kings ownership group member Phil Oates and I having fun right in the middle of the whole thing.

I have to say, one of my favorite parts of the trip was watching the locals take pictures with Kayte Christensen. She must’ve taken as many pictures as the players did. I was curious if they wanted a pic because they thought she was a WNBA player, a beautiful woman, or just tall – maybe all three?? One time, we were at coffee shop in Beijing, and when she got her coffee, we looked at the name on the cup: Madame XL.

It became her nickname for the rest of the trip.

The last event before the final game was the NBA China welcome reception in Beijing. A star-studded affair, even Slamson dressed up for it.

Of course, Shaq was there. He and Vivek had a nice conversation about whatever super successful and smart people talk about.

The Commissioner was there as well, and Kings ownership group member Brad Jenkins and I had a chance to snap a photo with him. How stoked was I? The Commish!

Later, it was off to the MasterCard Centre...

…Where I ran into a couple of cows on the concourse.

Yep, that’s Peja, Vlade, and Mitch, all onscreen in Beijing – legendary NBA 3.0!

Unfortunately, the Kings fell to the Nets in OT.

Afterward, it was off to the plane for our return home!

Here’s the obligatory shot of the in-flight menu again. I can’t resist. Best “airplane food” I’ll ever have.

Wheels down in Sacramento, and it was bittersweet.

Although the entire trip was fantastic, and a lot of new friends were made, I think everyone was happy to be home and to see their respective families.

Next up, it’s time to get some rest, and continue preparation for the new season just around the corner.

I certainly have a much bigger respect for the strains endured by coaches and players that come with extended travel. Although not every trip is as far as China, I’m sure it’s tough acclimating and playing no matter where the team lands.

As a final note, thank you so much for following along.

The feedback has been excellent, and I hope I was successful in giving you a little sliver of what it was like to be on the trip.

Now, let’s hope the team’s off-court bonding shows up on-court, and the turnaround for this franchise continues this season.

I can only imagine what it’s been like for the players. I cannot stress enough how much NBA players are rock stars here in China, and the Kings are no exception.

We started off in Zhujiajiao Watertown. They call it “The Venice of China”.
What a difference an hour makes. Shanghai is the largest “city proper” in the world, yet a quick drive and you’re in an entirely different world.

So many of the things offered in the shops as we passed by were interesting. Here were some live little fish for a small fee.

Tons of stores and all kinds of exotic things.

Seriously, it would see you point your camera, and pose. Sweet!

After much deliberation, we went for noodles and the dumplings. We’ve all been eating a lot of dumplings here.  Unfortunately, half of the menu I just don’t understand.

The aforementioned dumplings and noodles were fantastic.

Gondoliers… Remember, we’re just an hour out of the biggest city in the world. Pretty surreal scene.

After our tour, we went back to the hotel for some needed R&amp;R.

I have a new appreciation for players and their schedule. Obviously a trip across the world doesn’t compare to a trip to Phoenix or even New York, but I always figured because they flew first class and stayed in nice hotels traveling was easier.

While that may be true to a point, it doesn’t take into account jet lag and the wear and tear of travel. I DON’T play basketball for 48 minutes and I’m dragging a bit.

Later in the day, we got all dressed up and went to the NBA Welcome Party at the House of Roosevelt. I’m a huge fan of Anthony Bourdain, and his CNN show “Parts Unknown” had just done a show on Shanghai before we left. One of the spots he visited was the House of Roosevelt, so to see it in person was a little like walking into a TV screen.

It still didn’t prepare me for the view…

It’s a little fuzzy, but they had the entire side of a building lit up for the team’s arrival.

It’s also hard to quantify the amount of adulation the Chinese people have for Yao Ming. I know we hear and read about it, but when the man walks into a room, or an entire arena, the air goes out of the place, completely. He’s an absolute megastar here.

Yao arrived at the party, and before I knew it, he was near me having a very friendly and animated conversation with Vivek. Pretty cool to have an owner who’s only owned a team for a little over a year, yet he’s very connected and admired by basketball players all over the place.

The evening was a fantastic experience. I’m really proud of this team and organization. There’s something to this NBA 3.0 idea, and it’s good to see we’re right smack in the middle of it, and in many ways leading the charge.

Next up: Kings basketball, and an opportunity to see some on-court action!

I took an informal poll of about 20 people on the trip. Last night was our first night of sleep in China, and all but one person woke up at 3 a.m. local time ready to go. Of course it’s quite early, but our body clocks have yet to completely adjust.

Shanghai is as brilliant in the morning as it is at night. We were up and ready to hit an early morning meeting.