The Sports Informant

By Scott Levin
Sports Informant Contributing Writer

It’s been a tale of two seasons in 2009 for the Sacramento Kings. The Kings record in 2009 was 23-58 (9-41 last season and 14-17 this season), a brutal 35 games below .500 due in large part to the disaster that was the 2008-2009 season. A trade brought instability to the roster and as a result, a heap of losses came with it. The summer marked the turnaround, and the start of the 2009-2010 season has brought excitement back to the team. Here are the top 5 Kings moments of 2009.

#5 – February 6/March 31 – Kings retire the numbers of Webber and Divac

Two of the most powerful Kings moments last year were the celebrations of the Kings past. Chris Webber (#4) and Vlade Divac (#21), the leaders of the Kings successful teams in the 2000s, were honored by having their jerseys raised to the rafters. Several former Kings including Doug Christie and Scot Pollard were on hand for the emotional ceremonies, which brought back memories of joy and disappointment.

#4 – January 14 – Kings win at Golden State 135-133 in 3OT

The 2008-2009 season didn’t offer much in terms of excitement, but most people can remember staying up late to watch this thriller. Kevin Martin tied the game at the end of regulation and then stroked a three pointer from the right wing with 5 seconds left in the 2nd overtime to even the score again. In the 3rd overtime, John Salmons collected a Martin miss and put in a tough jumper on the baseline with 1 second left before being mobbed by his teammates. The clutch hoop brought a happy ending to an exhausting game.

#3 – May 19 through June 25 – NBA Draft 2009

The 2009 NBA Draft could have been a reality TV show for the Kings. First, there was the massive disappointment of losing the lottery and falling all the way to the 4th pick despite suffering through a 17-65 season. Then, there were the flirtations with the flashy Ricky Rubio. In the end, falling to 4th was a blessing for the Kings. Geoff Petrie turned his three draft picks into the potential face of the franchise for years to come (Evans), an unknown super-talent (Omri Casspi) and a blue-collar fan favorite (Jon Brockman).

Omri Casspi, No. 18, and Jon Brockman, background, were two of three first round draft picks for the Kings this season. (Photo courtesy Tom Paniagua)

#2 – December 21 – The comeback Kings stun Chicago

For 30 minutes, the Kings played a game reminiscent of last season – flat and uninspired. The lure of Monday Night Football likely snagged a few fans. But those who stayed with the game were treated to the 2nd best comeback in NBA history. Because of the quickness of the turnaround, it was almost hard to fully appreciate the effort without a second viewing. But what the Kings pulled off in Chicago will be remembered for a long time.

#1 – December 16 – Tyreke stole the ball

Well, kinda. Though he wasn’t credited with a steal on the play, Tyreke Evans’ pickpocket of Gilbert Arenas was the culmination of an amazing night. With a large ARCO crowd (thanks to $1 beer night) and a nationwide audience on ESPN looking on, the Kings took a huge step toward NBA prominence.

Tyreke Evans, left, and Gilbert Arenas battled all night, but Evans stole the show by poking the ball away from Arenas and hitting two free throws to win. (Photo courtesy Greg Ashman)

Once again, it was Evans leading the charge. With the game on the line, he stonewalled the Wizards’ star and iced the game with two free throws. The last minute displayed the progression of Tyreke Evans and the Kings as a team. The two go hand-in-hand.