After engaging in numerous conversations earlier today with members of the Maloof inner circle, it became pretty obvious that Joe and Gavin Maloof's stature as the oldest of the five siblings was a huge factor in the family's decision not to buck the league's opposition to a move to Anaheim. One thing about the Maloofs - they try not to mess in each other's business. Matriarch Colleen oversees everything. George handles the Palms. Joe and Gavin - known within the league as "the boys" - run the Kings. And even though the family only half-jokingly refers to George as the brains of the empire, there are clear lines of who does what. And clearly, Joe and Gavin are much more connected to Sacramento than the other family members. The prospect of leaving was particularly wrenching for Joe, who during a conversation Monday afternoon, acknowledged that serious differences of opinion about the Kings existed within the family.
A few other tidbits that emerged from today's announcement and David Stern's press conference: (1) the league's intention to "substantially" increase revenue sharing in the next collective bargaining agreement was no small factor in the NBA's decision to nudge the Kings back to Sacramento; (2) if a public/private agreement on a new sports and entertainment complex isn't moving along by next March, Anaheim merely gets back in line with the other suitors for the Kings; and (3) Kevin Johnson's background as a former NBA All-Star can't be understated. Owners love star power, particularly when it involves one of their own. The mayor's impassioned presentation before the Board of Governors - and his persistent presence in Stern's ear leading up to the meetings two weeks ago in New York - cannot be overstated. Placing Ron Burkle in play - either as a potential owner of the Kings or owners or of a future NBA franchise in Sacramento - was huge.
Ultimately, though, this came down to the other owners' skepticism about the viability of a third team in Southern California, Stern's reluctance to relinquish the Sacramento market, KJ's power play, and the gut-check impact of the community's impact on Joe and Gavin Maloof. Joe Maloof hates it when we refer to him as "emotional," but the guy can't resist a tearjerker. And while George Maloof appears miffed about the latest developments, in a second conversation late Monday night, Joe Maloof sounded totally enthused about coming to town with Gavin on Friday and beginning a push for season ticket sales, sponsorships ... and a new arena that would enable the family to remain economically viable in Sacramento and compete with the other 29 franchises.
Stay tuned.
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