The Sacramento Kings’ legacy is a rollercoaster of triumphs and turmoil. From Rochester to Sacramento, fans have witnessed the team’s resilience and controversies. The likes of Nate Archibald and Oscar Robertson have left an indelible mark with their historic achievements. Ownership changes, controversies, and defensive struggles have shaped the team’s narrative. Despite successes and criticisms, players like De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield continue to shine. The Kings’ journey reflects the NBA’s complexities, with past challenges and recent developments influencing their trajectory. Let's discover more about the highs and lows of this iconic franchise.
Established
1923
City
Rochester – Cincinnati – Kansas City – Sacramento
League History
1949 – Present / National Basketball Association
1948 – 1949 / Basketball Association of America
1945 – 1948 / National Basketball League
1923 – 1945 / Various Unknown Leagues
Team History
1985 – Present / Sacramento Kings
1975 – 1985 / Kansas City Kings
1972 – 1975 / Kansas City-Omaha Kings
1957 – 1972 / Cincinnati Royals
1923 – 1957 / Rochester Royals
Nickname
Royals – The Cincinnati Royals are a long-standing NBA team that has existed since the 1940s. The team's original name was the Rochester Royals, but after moving to Cincinnati in 1957, they adopted their current moniker. But where did this nickname come from?
It turns out that there is quite an interesting story behind it! When the franchise first began playing in 1945 as part of the National Basketball League (NBL), they were known as "The Rochester Seagrams," named after their sponsor at the time - Seagram Distillers Company. However, when NBL merged with BAA and formed what we know today as NBA, owners changed their name to reflect more regal origins - hence "Cincinnati Royals."
Interestingly enough, though, this wasn't just due to some random choice by ownership; it was because of a special connection between one particular owner and royalty itself! That man was Les Harrison, who had once served on the board of directors for the British Royal Family’s racing stable called “Royal Stables Ltd,” which he believed gave him the right to use the term “royals" for his basketball team. Thus began an era where fans could proudly cheer on The Cincinnati Royals each season!
Today however, much has changed about both teams' names and locations; despite all these changes over the years, one thing remains the same – love for the history behind them still burns strong among diehard sports fanatics everywhere! So next time you're watching your favorite game or cheering along with other supporters at the stadium, don't forget to take a moment to appreciate how far back roots go...all way back to King George VI himself, perhaps?
Championship
NBA Championships 0
1951
Arena
2016 – Present / Golden 1 Center
2012 – 2016 / Sleep Train Arena
2011 – 2012 / Power Balance Pavilion
1888 – 2010 / ARCO Arena II
1985 – 1988 / ARCO Arena I
*Kansas City*
1974 – 1985 / Kemper Arena
1972 – 1978 / Omaha Civic Auditorium
1972 – 1974 / Kansas City Municipal Auditorium
*Cincinnati*
1957 – 1972 / Cincinnati Gardens
*Rochester*
1955 – 1957 / Rochester War Memorial
1949 – 1954 / Edgerton Park Arena
1923 – 1948 / Unknown Arena
Owner
2013 – Present / Vivek Ranadive
1999 – 2013 / George, Joe and Gavin Maloof
1992 – 1999 / Jim Thomas
1985 – 1992 / Gregg Lukenbill and Joe Benvenuti
1959 – 1985 / Thomas Woods
1923 – 1959 / Les and Jack Harrison
- 1957
- 1960
- 1966
-
Move to Cincinnati
In April 1957, the Harrison brothers moved the Royals to Cincinnati. This move followed a well-received regular-season game played at Cincinnati Gardens on February 1, 1957. The change of venue had been said to have been suggested by Jack Twyman and Dave Piontek, who were two of several roster players on the new Royals from that region. Cincinnati, which had ... -
Oscar Robertson era
In 1960, the team was able to land local superstar Oscar Robertson. Robertson led a team that included Twyman, Wayne Embry, Bob Boozer, Bucky Bockhorn, Tom Hawkins, and Adrian Smith over the next three seasons. The Royals reversed their fortunes with Robertson and rose to title contender. An ownership dispute in early 1963 scuttled the team’s playoff chances when new ... -
New Owners Jacobs
In 1966, the team was sold to Max and Jeremy Jacobs. That same season, the Royals began playing some of their home games in neutral sites such as Cleveland (until the Cavaliers began to play in 1970), Dayton, and Columbus, Ohio which was the norm for the rest of the Royals tenure in the Queen City. New coach Bob Cousy ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Franchise History and Relocation
The Sacramento Kings, initially established as the Rochester Seagrams in 1923, underwent a series of relocations before finding their current home in Sacramento in 1985. The impact of relocation on the team and its fan base was profound.
When the Kings announced their move to Sacramento, there were mixed fan reactions ranging from excitement to disappointment. However, the relocation ultimately paved the way for expansion plans and new opportunities for the franchise. The shift to Sacramento not only brought the team closer to a new audience but also marked a new chapter in the Kings’ history.
The relocation marked a significant turning point, setting the stage for the Kings to establish a strong presence in their new home city.
Key Players and Notable Achievements
With a legacy deeply rooted in triumphs and turmoil, the Sacramento Kings have seen key players leave their mark through notable achievements that have shaped the franchise’s history.
Basketball legends like Nate Archibald, who led the league in scoring and assists in the 1972-73 season, and Oscar Robertson, known for averaging over 30 points in six seasons and winning six NBA assist titles, have contributed significantly to the team’s success.
Players such as Jerry Lucas, Jack Twyman, and Maurice Stokes have been recognized for their outstanding performances, with Lucas even winning Rookie of the Year in 1964.
These historic achievements haven’t only solidified the Kings’ place in NBA history but also inspired future generations of players to strive for greatness.
Ownership Changes and Controversies
Amidst the Sacramento Kings’ journey, shifts in ownership and controversies have played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s narrative. From the aftermath of owner Louis Jacobs’ passing to the unpopular trade of Jerry Lucas by Bob Cousy, ownership struggles have left a mark on the franchise.
The discontent among fans peaked when Oscar Robertson was traded to Milwaukee in 1970, leading to fan outrage. The team’s relocation to Kansas City in 1972 further fueled fan discontent, as the NBA Board of Governors approved the move despite opposition.
These ownership changes and controversies haven’t only influenced the team’s direction but have also reflected the passionate fan base’s enduring loyalty amidst turbulent times.
Successes and Criticisms
Experiencing a resurgence in talent and strategic acquisitions, the Sacramento Kings have garnered both praise for their successes and criticisms for their shortcomings in recent seasons. On the court, the Kings have shown flashes of brilliance with key victories and standout performances from players like De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield.
However, their defensive shortcomings have been a point of contention, with the team struggling to consistently stop opposing offenses. Despite their offensive prowess, the Kings have faced challenges in maintaining a strong defensive presence, leading to mixed results.
While their on-court achievements have been commendable, addressing their defensive weaknesses will be crucial for the Kings to solidify their standing in the league and elevate their overall performance.
Rise, Decline, and Recent Developments
The Sacramento Kings’ journey through rise, decline, and recent developments unveils a narrative of resilience and adaptation in the ever-evolving landscape of professional basketball.
Amidst legal troubles and performance issues during the 2006-07 season, Kevin Martin emerged as a key player, leaving a lasting impact on the team’s dynamic.
Coaching changes also played a pivotal role in shaping the Kings’ trajectory, with Reggie Theus stepping in to replace Musselman, bringing a fresh perspective to the team.
The draft selections of Tyreke Evans and Omri Casspi in 2009, followed by DeMarcus Cousins and Hassan Whiteside in the 2010 NBA draft, marked significant moves towards revitalizing the roster.
Through these shifts, the Kings continue to navigate the complexities of the league with determination and vigor.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
1 / Nate Archibald
2 / Mitch Richmond
4 / Chris Webber
6 / Sacramento Fans “The Sixth Man”
11 / Bob Davies
12 / Maurice Stokes
14 / Oscar Robertson
16 / Peja Stojakovic
21 / Vlade Divac
27 / Jack Twyman
44 / Sam Lacey
*Blue is this team’s history