Former Monarchs forward Rebekkah Brunson, a starter on the team that won the 2005 WNBA Championship, hugged Gavin Maloof as the Kings co-owner walked through the tunnel after the Kings' victory over the Nuggets. (The Maloofs recently ceased operations of the franchise, primarily to devote their full attention to rebuilding the Kings). Brunson said she was immensely disappointed by the decision, but harbors no ill feelings. "I understand that this is a business," she said. "It's probably going to take two or three years to completely turn the (Kings) franchise around. But after that, I want them to bring us back. I want them to get another WNBA club. The city is going to miss us." Both Joe and Gavin Maloof have said they are receptive to the idea of owning another WNBA squad in the future, provided the league remains viable."
Coaxing them back
The "We Want You Back" campaign - the Maloofs' attempt to entice former season ticket holders to reinvest in the club - resulted in approximately 100 new/old season ticket purchases during the game, according to a team source. Before tipoff, an estimated 3,000 former season ticket holders took the Maloofs up on their offer of two free tickets, a buffet dinner, and a chat with the head coach. Paul Westphal, who already has plenty on his, um, plate, nonetheless mingled with fans for about 30 minutes as they enjoyed the buffet. Westphal, in fact, has been amazingly accommodating for someone whose main task is turning last year's 17-65 win team into an entertaining and competitive product.
Brockman's effort reminiscent of another JB
They were totally different players, of course, but Brockman is endearing himself to Kings fans because he plays with the passion and energy of former guard whose initials happen to be J.B. - Jon Barry, now a superb NBA analyst with ESPN. I also loved how Brockman explains his success at bumping larger, more talented players under the basket, which enables him to grab an inordinate share of rebounds for an undersized 6-foot-7 power forward. "It is mostly keeping them busy and moving around a lot," he said after collecting 10 boards. "I'm kind of like a pest. I think because I am shorter, I can get a little lower on their legs. That's where all your strength comes from. You're not pushing with your upper body, because then you would be off-balance."
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