Category: NBA

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: This Week in 1980, Charlie O. Finley Sold the A’s for $12.7 Million

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By: Amaury Pi-González

On August 21, 1980, Athletics owner Charlie Finley announced at a news conference that he has sold his A’s to Walter A. Haas, Jr., the chairman of the board of the Levi Strauss clothing empire, Haas’s son Walter Jr., and son-in-law Roy Eisenhardt for $12.7 million.

In 1980, Finley agreed in principle to sell to businessman Marvin Davis, who was planning to move the A’s to Denver, but before that, Finley and Davis were to sign a contract, as the NFL’s Oakland Raiders announced they were moving to Los Angeles in 1982. The City of Oakland and Alameda County officials didn’t wanted to be held responsible for losing Oakland status as a big league city and refused to let the A’s out of their lease with the Coliseum. So the A’s were sold and stayed.

Although they have changed ownership a few times since, today’s A’s are in solid ground to continue playing in Oakland. These days, the last thing in mind for the A’s is to move out of Oakland, because soon they will be the only professional team left, after the Warriors move to San Francisco and the Raiders to Las Vegas. That is the good news. Plus, MLB commissioner Robert Manfred has said it all along, “the Bay Area is a two-team market.”

However, there is presently a group called Protect Oakland’s Shoreline Economy that is questioning the A’s proposed move to their favorite location of the Howard Terminal near Jack London Square. Here in the greater Bay Area, there is never a shortage of groups that oppose construction of sports facilities. and this one is the most recent. This is the second chapter of this novela. In December of last year, the A’s plans to build a 35,000 seat ballpark near Lake Merritt was stopped cold, when the community college refused to start negotiations about the proposed park.

All these recent concerns have been rather silenced by the A’s current play on the field, as they have been shocking the baseball world. They just took two out of three from the Mariners and two out of three from the Astros–two of their biggest rivals. This Monday, the Rangers open a three-game series at the Coliseum and then the A’s go on a six-game road-trip to Minnesota and Houston. They return the 30th of this month to say adios to August and welcome September with a four-game series against the M’s, three against the contending Yankees and the Rangers again. I do not believe the A’s bandwagon is close to capacity yet, as there are still a lot of folks who are not 100 percent certain they are going to see postseason play at the Coliseum. But I think they will.

By then, we will see how are the Atléticos de Oakland doing, with two very possible scenarios: 1) winning the division or 2) advancing as one of the two Wild Card teams.

Listen to the A’s games in Spanish on KIQI 1010am/990am, covering the Bay Area, Sacramento, Stockton and the Valley, and on the SAP Channel on NBC Sports California.

Headline Sports podcast with London Marq: Native American groups glad Cleveland removed offensive logo from uniforms and caps; After domestic violence charges, Osuna settling in at Astros; plus more

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On Headline Sports with London:

The Cleveland Indians have removed the offensive Chief Wahoo logo from their caps and uniforms and replaced the logo with the block C. Native American Nations are relieved and glad that the racist logo had been removed. Cleveland said the removal was because the team wants to go in different direction in their marketing.

The Houston Astros’ controversial acquisition of pitcher Roberto Osuna has raised questions about his domestic violence charges and what impact it will have on the Astros clubhouse? Apparently whatever clubhouse issue that might have been was resolved after Osuna recorded his first win Monday night against the San Francisco Giants.

The NBA schedule is ready and has added LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers to play the Golden State Warriors on Christmas day.

The Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has thrown his support in for LeBron after Trump questioned LeBron’s intelligence. The story was national headlines last week and Rodgers said he’s all behind LeBron for his interview with CNN’s Don Lemon.

The WNBA doesn’t get too much national headlines, but they did this week when the Las Vegas Aces canceled their game against the Washington Mystics. The Aces tried flying to Dallas to get a plane to Washington, but were delayed at both Vegas and Dallas. The trip took them some 26 hours to get to Washington. The Aces got to their hotel some four hours before tipoff and said it wasn’t safe to play with no sleep and decided against playing the game. The WNBA ruled that it was a forfeit and a loss in the loss column for the Aces.

Headline Sports podcasts can be heard with London Marq each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

Warriors part ways with longtime PA announcer Matt Hurwitz

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By: Jerry Feitelberg

The Golden State Warriors announced that Matt Hurwitz would not be coming back as the PA announcer at Oracle Arena next season. Hurwitz had held the job for the past 18 years and had seen the Warriors rise from being the NBA’s doormats to poster children who won three championships in the past four years.

It is unclear why the sudden change is being made. Hurwitz, a Bay Area native, maintained a low-key delivery. Moreover, the only thing made publicly known is that the Warriors want to go in a different direction.

But a 47-year-old Hurwitz tried his best to be consistent in his calls, even if Stephen Curry put on a spectacular show on a given night at Oracle Arena.

“My calls are situational-based,” Hurwitz said. “If Curry hits one or two 3-point plays, my call is different than if he hits four or five. The trouble is that he is hitting eight, nine and 10 threes, and I have to pace myself.”

Hurwitz has worked a variety of PA jobs. He does PA work for the NAIA’s Menlo College football games, and he has also been with the IHL’s San Francisco Spiders and the AFL’s San Jose SaberCats. He abides by a few steadfast self-imposed rules.

“First, respect the play on the court,” Hurwitz said. “I don’t talk when there is any action.”

Rule No. 2? Don’t get cute.

“I don’t do nicknames or catchphrases,” Hurwitz said. “That takes away from the game. It is a reflection of how our fans want to be treated. They are smart and loyal.”

Changing PA announcers in the NBA doesn’t happen very often. Since 2010, only four teams until Tuesday changed PA announcers. Those teams were the Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and San Antonio Spurs. In fact, the last team to change announcers was the Spurs, who made the change in 2013.

Bottom line is, everyone has to remember that there are no guarantees in life. Working for a professional sports franchise is great. However, when change inevitably comes, it can come without warnings. Players are traded with no notice. The same goes for employees who work for the team.

The Chinese have an age-old philosophy about this sensitive topic that goes like “One door closes and another door opens.”

So I am certain Hurwitz will be just fine.

3 reasons why the Warriors’ signing of DeMarcus Cousins won’t work out

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By: Ana Kieu

When DeMarcus Cousins joined the Golden State Warriors, this forced many NBA fans to let out a heavy sigh, as the unstoppable force got even more unstoppable. Cousins reportedly signed a 1-year deal worth $5.3 million, which isn’t one of the biggest contracts, but still far less than what he likely could’ve earned with another team.

Cousins technically didn’t do anything he wasn’t allowed to do, according to the NBA salary cap structure. But this debatable fact hasn’t stopped fans from judging Cousins in a similar way like they likely did with Kevin Durant, who did something almost identical  a few years ago.

But here’s the question: Why did the Warriors sign Cousins? Obviously, the signing of Durant was helpful, but is Cousins the real deal?

Here are 3 reasons why the Warriors’ signing of Cousins won’t work out.

1. Is Team Chemistry An Issue?
The Warriors are apparently treating Cousins like he’s the next big thing when that title should be given to Durant.

Sure, Steph Curry may have called Cousins the third Splash Brother, but that doesn’t mean that he’ll be a positive force on the Warriors’ roster.

According to Twitter, Durant may not be Cousins’ biggest fan. Additionally, Draymond Green had a few words with Cousins before the deal was signed, and admitted that they’d need to put their differences aside in order to succeed.

So is the deal really worth the potential team chemistry issues that might arise? Either the Warriors signed Cousins because they know he’s not going to be around for a long time or he’ll be with the team long after Green, Durant and Klay Thompson sign contracts with other teams?

2. He’s Probably Not Going To Stay
On the topic of a short-term stay or an extended lodge, this isn’t likely going to be a long-term relationship between Cousins and Golden State. Regardless of where the Big Four end up, will Cousins really be around for the long run?

There has been speculation that the rest of the NBA didn’t come calling for Cousins and that’s why he signed with the Warriors. If that’s true, this will be nothing more than a showcase year to prove that Cousins isn’t injured. However, if he turns out to be successful, he might get a max contract next summer, but many players who need to prove that they’re worth the big bucks turn out to have no loyalty towards a team.

3. Warriors Have No Moves Remaining
The signing of Cousins was arguably the Warriors’ biggest move this summer. Some fans may suggest the Warriors won’t need to do anything else, but that might not be true, and even if they do, they can’t right now.

If you think that the signing of Cousins automatically means saying goodbye to Nick Young and Jamal Crawford, think again. The Warriors are losing to key players off their bench.

That being said, Cousins’ deal uses up the Warriors’ luxury tax mid-level exception. That means there will be less help from the bench, especially if Cousins recuperates from his injury and spends more time on the court than the Big Four. An injury to any one of these guys could be devastating as there will be fewer options in the backups department.

Sportstalk podcast at Diplomat Steakhouse in downtown Sacramento

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Cast: Michael Duca (mlb.com and host), Jeremy Kahn (SF Giants and Oakland Raiders reporter), Jeremy Harness (SF Giants and PGA reporter), London Marq (Sacramento Kings and SJ Earthquakes reporter), Jeremiah Salmonson (Sacramento Kings reporter), Charlie O (Oakland A’s and Sacramento Kings reporter), Lee Leonard (producer).

Sportstalk is proud to podcast at The Diplomat Steakhouse at 1117 11th Street in downtown Sacramento. Our thanks to our hosts: owner Ramesh Prasad, Marketing Patrick Harbison, Manager Chriss Lamm, Assistant General Manager Danielle “Feisty Spice” Feist, Event Concierge Aimee Spaulding, and Kaitlin Deathriage.

Being diplomatic is our brand’s core binding. We are intuitive when in conducting your dining experience, and can achieve peaceful resolutions to any quandary while facilitating intriguing discussion with anyone on the map. We broadened the scope and magnified the habitual steakhouse fare. We resolve differences by implementing international fusion cuisine to please any and all palates. We strive to achieve a peaceful atmosphere, and our ingenuity gives us the edge to connect to any guest.

Restaurateur, Ramesh Prasad, has has dined worldwide in the vast ever occurring steakhouse traditional fine dining concepts. Complacent with their predictability, he manifested his vision into reality. Sacramento is in the prime of revitalization, and developing a signature steakhouse is pioneering the industries’ cravings.

Warriors notes: The good news keeps on coming

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By: Ana Kieu

The back-to-back defending champion Golden State Warriors have faced a few setbacks so far this offseason, like when their head trainer, Chelsea Lane, left Oakland for a reportedly better job with the Hawks in Atlanta. Lane was arguably one of the most important Warriors even though she wasn’t a player or coach, as she reportedly juggled multiple roles: psychologist, doctor, adviser, trainer, friend and even a part-time comedian.

Anyways, Golden State isn’t showing signs of slowing down anytime soon. They recently re-signed head coach Steve Kerr to a contract extension. Per team policy, terms of the agreement weren’t released.

Warriors president of basketball operations and general manager Bob Myers told NBA.com, “We’re excited to have Steve under contract and poised to lead our team for the next several years … Under his guidance, we’ve been fortunate enough to win three NBA titles in four years and his ability to thrive in all facets of his job is certainly a primary reason for our success. He’s a terrific coach, but more importantly an incredible human being.”

Despite the lack of details, Kerr is the right fit for the Warriors, who have won three championships in four seasons. Kerr also owns a playoff mark of 63-20 or .759, which is currently the highest winning percentage in NBA history amongst head coaches who have coached a minimum of 25 playoff games, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Kerr is the 25th head coach in Warriors’ history and the 20th since the team moved to California in 1962. And, if things continue to work as planned, Kerr will continue to hold down a coaching gig in Oakland.

Also, Golden State appears to be on the right track when it comes to navigating the perplexing free agent market, as they’ve signed NBA star DeMarcus Cousins and Swedish big man Jonas Jerebko along with some other lesser known ballers.

In addition, ESPN reported that Warriors’ Kevin Durant won the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, given annually to an athlete whose leadership has created a positive impact on their community through sports. Durant started the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation, which aims to enrich the lives of at-risk youth from low-income backgrounds through educational, athletic and social programs. Durant also committed $10 million to a local chapter of College Track–a program that helps disadvantaged students attend college, in Suitland, Maryland, donated $1 million to tornado victims in Oklahoma in 2013, and built basketball courts around the world for low-income youth.

Anywho, many sources have speculated that the Warriors’ dynasty may come to an end in the near future, and while that could happen–as no team will continue to dominate forever–they’ve been having a pretty good summer and can possibly do some damage on other teams this coming season.

Jonas Jerebko reportedly makes an easy decision to join Warriors

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By: Ana Kieu

Not all NBA players are fortunate enough to make easy decisions to join other pro basketball teams, but Jonas Jerebko was apparently fortunate to do such a thing.

Jerebko, also known as “the Swedish Larry Bird,” is a Kinna, Sweden, native. The 31-year-old is far from a young rookie, but he’s a 36.3% 3-point shooter who shot 41.4% from beyond the arc with the Utah Jazz last season. Those aren’t exactly excellent numbers, but they’re not going to be labeled as draft bust type of numbers anytime soon…unless if he starts to fall behind for whatever reason it may be.

It’s obvious that Golden State isn’t wasting any time, as they signed Jerebko to a one-year, $4.2 million just days after Utah waived him. Jerebko spent the 2017-18 season with the Jazz. Jerebko also played for the Boston Celtics (2015-17) and Detroit Pistons (2009-15) in the NBA along with Angelico Biella (2007-09), Plannja (2006-07), and Boras (2005-06) in his native Europe.

Of course, Jerebko isn’t on the same level as a healthy DeMarcus Cousins, but the Swedish big man can bring some much-needed depth to the Warriors’ frontcourt. Jerebko has a pretty good ability to shoot the ball, which is going to be vital for a Warriors squad that has struggled to score at times.

According to The Mercury News, Jerebko is optimistic towards Cousins’ Achilles recovery While that’s a good thing, as no one would welcome an unfriendly teammate, only time will tell. Let’s see when Cousins’ target return date will be announced and if he can achieve it.

Jerebko added, “I want to show that its possible to come from Sweden and play for a team like Golden State.”

Jerebko is reportedly going to train in Michigan and return to the Bay Area by the start of the Warriors’ training camp in September.

Warriors head trainer Chelsea Lane to leave Oakland for Atlanta

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By: Ana Kieu

According to Marcus Thompson of The Athletic, Golden State Warriors’ head trainer Chelsea Lane is leaving Oakland for Atlanta. Her new position is the Executive Director of Athletic Performance and Sports Medicine for the Atlanta Hawks.

Lane has worked with the Warriors for three seasons, and was reportedly very popular among the players for her holistic approach as well as honesty. Stephen Curry and Andre Iguodala were two of her biggest supporters. She was the only woman in the NBA to head a team’s training staff.

The Warriors reportedly attempted to keep Lane, but she was interested in a bigger position with the Hawks.

“She’s been amazing, especially for me,” Curry said earlier this year. “Just thinking about all that I’ve been through this year with the ankle and the knee and all that type of stuff, she’s just kept me sane.”

Before joining the Warriors, Lane–a Australian native–worked with the New Zealand national track and field program.

Heat beat the Kings 86-76 in the final game of the California Classic

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Things got rough under the basket in the Heat vs Kings game Photo: Charlie O. Mallonee

The Heat handed the Kings their second loss in the California Classic 86-76. Sacramento tried to close the gap late in the fourth quarter, but their effort was too little too late.

Three things we learned in this game:

Here some of the key stats for the Kings:

Here are some numbers on the Heat’s winning performance:

Coach Lewis’ thoughts on the game:

MB3FIVE meets with the media after the game:

Up next for the Kings

The Kings will practice on Friday and then travel to Las Vegas to get ready for the Summer League Tournament. Sacramento will play its first game on Saturday afternoon at 4:30 pm PDT when they will face the Phoenix Suns. That game can be seen on ESPN.

Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor: DeMarcus didn’t have much patience with his former head coaches and the media when in Sacramento

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streamingaddict.net file photo: Former Sacramento King DeMarcus Cousins had his moments of disagreements with the writers, media, and officials. What will he be like with Golden State.

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with David Zizmor:

With the Warriors brass looking at the LeBron James move to Los Angeles, did the Warriors feel obligated to make a counter move? Not necessarily. The Warriors two seasons ago are a team that ended up winning 73 games and built on their success and ended up going after Kevin Durant. It’s how every season they would go into the free agency period and find guys who are going to make an immediate impact on this team.

The Warriors are never going to stop they’re going to look into free agency this season and they did it they found that not one NBA team looked at DeMarcus Cousins. The reporting was that Cousins, who didn’t get any calls, basically said the two teams he was interested in were the Warriors and the Celtics. They were the two teams who had the best chances of making the championship finals. Cousins agent literally called up the Warriors and inquired about coming to Golden State and here he is.

DeMarcus’ past with officials and head coaches:
Cousins didn’t have much patience for officials and was continuously at the top of the charts for technical fouls after getting called for fouls when he played with the Sacramento Kings. Cousins had a hard time trying to control his emotions on the court. I also attended one of the Warriors-Pelicans games and Cousins had previous run ins with some of his former coaches when at the Kings and instead of the Kings trading Cousins that head coach would end up being fired.

Physically, he has the tools and the skill set to take the center position and he’s got that talent that very few in the NBA centers have and in the history of the league. He can also get out to the three-point line and hit a three. Cousins is a fantastic skills player. He just can’t keep his head in the game long enough to maximize his impact.

David Zizmor does the Warriors podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com