We're a little over a week away from this year's NBA's Board of Governors meetings, which will be crucial for the future of basketball in both Sacramento and Seattle, as the league's owners consider whether or not to approve the sale of the Kings to Chris Hansen's Seattle group. As a final decision continues to inch closer, let's check in on the latest developments in the saga:
- The removal of Ron Burkle from the potential Sacramento ownership group isn't viewed as a major factor, since his proposed contribution to the team and arena was relatively small, says Aaron Bruski of NBCSports.com (Twitter link). Burkle's contribution and participation have "barely changed," according to Bruski (Twitter link).
- Even in a smaller role, Burkle is considered a vital participant in the development around the proposed arena, according to Dale Kasler, Ryan Lillis, and Tony Bizjak of the Sacramento Bee.
- With Burkle taking a back seat, the Jacobs family's proposed stake in the team figures to increase. But since the NBA is confident that any of the potential investors could carry the bid on their own, shifting smaller amounts from one to another isn't a concern, says Bruski (Twitter links).
- Although it's not expected to be the deciding factor in the NBA's decision, Vivek Ranadive's presence in the Sacramento group, and his potential make an impact in India, makes him a "game-changer," one source tells Bruski (Twitter link).
- Ailene Voisin of the Sacramento Bee has more on Ranadive and the NBA's interest in India.
- Tom Ziller of SBNation.com takes a look at how, in the future, the league can avoid another situation that pits two cities against one another in direct competition for an NBA franchise.