NBA: Constant rumours make Sacramento Kings look like jokers

The Kings are owned by the Maloof family, who are trying to see just how big a mess they can make of their inept club, writes Steve Dilbeck.

Sacramento Kings players, from left, Jason Thompson, Tyreke Evans and Francisco Garcia watch during the closing moments of their NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat in Sacramento, Calif., Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013. The Heat won 128-99. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) *** Local Caption *** HeatKings Basketball.JPEG-05fa7.jpg
Powered by automated translation

Wanting something tedious to end is a natural human instinct. The three-hour movie; a bombast's harangue; a bad football match.

Meet the Sacramento Kings. Better yet, take the Kings. Somebody, somewhere, please end this NeverEnding Story.

The Kings are owned by the Maloof family, who in recent years have not had the financial wherewithal to compete in the NBA. And now they are trying to see just how big a mess they can make of their inept club.

Last week it was reported the Maloofs agreed to sell the team to a group that would move the Kings to Seattle.

Previously the Kings were said to be moving to Anaheim, California. Then they were being sold to a group in Virginia. There were rumours of interest in San Jose, near San Francisco. Now Seattle.

The Kings play in the NBA's smallest arena, built in 1988 out of town and in the middle of nowhere. In 2006 the Maloofs made a bid to have a US$600 million (Dh2.2m) downtown arena built that would be financed by a sales tax approved by voters. It was overwhelmingly rejected.

The team's future has been cloudy since. Sacramento officials seem to want the team to stay, and it should be noted the city's mayor is the former NBA All-Star guard Kevin Johnson.

But now it seems every month brings another rumour. All while the Kings are working on their seventh consecutive losing season. Enough. Sell the team. End this silliness.

sports@thenational.ae

Follow us