18 Facts About The Sacramento Kings

The Early Days of the Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings have a rich history that dates back to the early days of professional basketball. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this storied franchise.

1. The Sacramento Kings were originally known as the Rochester Royals when they were founded in 1923. They played in the National Basketball League (NBL) before joining the Basketball Association of America (BAA) in 1948.

2. The team won its first and only NBA Championship in 1951 while still known as the Rochester Royals. They defeated the New York Knicks in a thrilling seven-game series.

3. The franchise has undergone several relocations and name changes. After Rochester, they moved to Cincinnati in 1957, becoming the Cincinnati Royals. In 1972, they relocated to Kansas City and were known as the Kansas City-Omaha Kings before finally settling in Sacramento in 1985.

Notable Players and Coaches

Over the years, the Kings have been home to some of the most talented players and influential coaches in NBA history.

4. Oscar Robertson, also known as "The Big O," played for the Cincinnati Royals from 1960 to 1970. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history and was the first player to average a triple-double for an entire season.

5. Mitch Richmond, a key player for the Kings in the 1990s, was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014. He was known for his scoring ability and was a six-time NBA All-Star.

6. Chris Webber, who played for the Kings from 1998 to 2005, was a central figure in the team's success during the early 2000s. He was a five-time NBA All-Star and helped lead the Kings to multiple playoff appearances.

7. Rick Adelman, who coached the Kings from 1998 to 2006, is considered one of the best coaches in franchise history. Under his leadership, the team made eight consecutive playoff appearances and reached the Western Conference Finals in 2002.

Memorable Moments and Achievements

The Kings have had their share of unforgettable moments and significant achievements throughout their history.

8. In 2001-2002, the Kings had their best regular-season record, finishing with 61 wins and 21 losses. They secured the top seed in the Western Conference and made it to the Western Conference Finals.

9. The 2002 Western Conference Finals between the Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers is considered one of the most controversial and exciting series in NBA history. The series went to seven games, with the Lakers ultimately winning, but it remains a memorable chapter in Kings' history.

10. The Kings' home arena, the Golden 1 Center, opened in 2016 and is known for its state-of-the-art design and sustainability features. It is the first indoor arena to achieve LEED Platinum certification.

Community Impact and Fan Base

The Kings have a passionate fan base and have made significant contributions to the Sacramento community.

11. The "Here We Stay" campaign in 2011 was a grassroots effort by Kings fans to keep the team in Sacramento amid relocation rumors. The campaign was successful, and the team remained in the city.

12. The Kings are actively involved in community outreach programs, including initiatives focused on education, health, and social justice. They have partnered with local organizations to make a positive impact in the Sacramento area.

13. The team's mascot, Slamson the Lion, has been entertaining fans since 1997. Slamson is a beloved figure at Kings games and community events.

Fun and Quirky Facts

Let's explore some fun and quirky facts about the Sacramento Kings that you might not know.

14. The Kings hold the record for the longest playoff drought in NBA history, having missed the playoffs for 16 consecutive seasons from 2006 to 2022.

15. The team's purple and black color scheme was introduced in 1994 and has become iconic among fans.

16. The Kings have a unique tradition called "Cowbell Kingdom," where fans bring cowbells to games to create a loud and energetic atmosphere. This tradition dates back to the early 2000s.

17. The Kings were the first NBA team to hire a female assistant coach. Nancy Lieberman joined the coaching staff in 2015, breaking barriers and paving the way for more women in coaching roles.

18. The team has a dedicated fan section known as the "Sacramento Proud" section. These fans are known for their unwavering support and enthusiasm, creating a lively and spirited environment at home games.

The Kings' Legacy

The Sacramento Kings have a rich history filled with ups and downs. From their early days as the Rochester Royals to their current home in Sacramento, they've seen it all. The Kings have had legendary players like Oscar Robertson and Chris Webber, and unforgettable moments that have left fans cheering and sometimes heartbroken. Despite the challenges, the team remains a beloved part of the NBA landscape. Their loyal fan base continues to support them through thick and thin, hoping for another shot at glory. The Kings' journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the love of the game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the team, there's always something fascinating about the Kings' story. Keep an eye on them; you never know when they'll make history again.