Kings Blog and Q&A

I'm sure there will be further discussion about this leading up to the Sept. 7 Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in Springfield, Mass., but for the moment, let's just say, Don Nelson and Reggie Miller are no-brainer selections.

And I always felt that fomer Lakers star Jamaal Wilkes - quiet and unassuming, and an essential member of Pat Riley's Showtime squad - never received the recognition he deserved. But the selection of Nike co-founder Phil Knight as a "contributor" for this year's class makes me shake my head.

While there's no disputing the influence of the sneaker companies and the nice bump they provided for the earnings of college coaches and an innumerable number of high profile athletes, I'm not sure that makes them worthy of inclusion into basketball's Hall of Fame. Then again, it's all about the money.

Amid all the conversation about Virginia Beach's interest in building a new arena and luring a professional franchise to the region, the Kings on Monday released some interesting numbers on season ticket sales and renewals. Just a few tidbits from team publicist Chris Clark:

* The season ticket renewal rate is 80 percent over last season.
* The Kings rank in the top five in the league in group sales.
* Approximately 1,000 fans attended the open house held last Tuesday and Wednesday, with the partial season ticket plans once again proving to be an effective lure. (Back in the day, former Kings president John Thomas refused to offer anything other than full season ticket packages - an arrogant, financially devastating approach given the economic downturn and the Kings' on court decline.

Yet, despite it all, tolks here in Sacramento remain consistent and amazingly resistent: They hold their noses when it comes to the owners and six-plus years of subpar play, but they love their team, probably anticipating an uptick with DeMarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans and rookie Thomas Robinson..

Ruthie Bolton, an original member of the WNBA's now-defunct Sacramento Monarchs, continues to live and work in the area. She also has been writing about growing up in McLain, Miss., her successful college and professional careers, and of particularly relevance given the ongoing 2012 London Games, her experiences with the 1996 and 2000 U.S. Olympic teams. The self-described "Mighty Ruthie" was a major contributor on the teams that won gold medals in Athens and Sydney, respectively.

The former Monarchs star will sign copies of her new release - "The Ride of a Lifetime" - this Sunday from 2-4 p.m., at The Avid Reader, 1600 Broadway.

Bee Sports staff

The Kings have extended head coach Keith Smart's contract through the 2013-14 season, the team announced today.

"Keith's extension gives us the stability we need to continue the development of our team," Geoff Petrie, president of basketball operations, said in a news release. "He has the commitment, energy and vision necessary to succeed in building a winning team. We are all looking forward to working with him as we pursue an exciting and productive future."

Smart was named Sacramento's head coach on Jan. 5, becoming the franchise's 24th head coach. In his first season with the Kings, Smart compiled a 20-39 coaching mark.

"I'm excited to continue this process with the Kings," Smart said. "We're trying to get our franchise moving in the right direction."

Isaiah Thomas hasn't slowed down much since the end of his rookie season.

Thomas completed coursework for his degree in American Ethnic Studies last month at the University of Washington. He's also been playing basketball whenever and wherever he can.

Thomas is also keep a promise he made to himself growing up to bring basketball to youth with the Isaiah Thomas Elite Skills Academy basketball camps he's held this summer.

The Kings will play seven preseason games to start the 2012-13 season, the team announced Wednesday.

The schedule begins with a three-game homestand and ends with four road games, three of them against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Oct. 10 vs. Phoenix, 7 p.m.
Oct. 15 vs. Portland, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17 vs. Golden State, 7 p.m.
Oct. 19 at Los Angeles Lakers (in Las Vegas), 7 p.m.
Oct. 21 at Los Angeles Lakers 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 22 at Phoenix 7 p.m.
Oct. 25 at Los Angeles Lakers (in San Diego) 7 p.m.