First Time, Long Time With KHTK-AM's Jim Kozimor

Kozimor Discusses Current Kings Situation

That NBA Kings Owners Joe and Gavin Maloof want a new venue to replace Arco Arena is nothing new. The latest development is that San Jose officials have held discussions with the Maloofs, raising the possibility that the team could relocate. Staff Writer Preston Bounds earlier this week discussed the Kings' situation with KHTK-AM's Jim Kozimor, who hosts "The Jim Kozimor Showgram" Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, as well as a weekly "Kings Talk" show.

Q: What has listener reaction been to the news of the Kings possibly moving to San Jose? Are listeners worried?

Kozimor: The variance in opinion ranges from outrage and disgust to apathy. A lot of people have been shocked into thinking, "Now this is a reality." But there are still some people who say, "You know what, the team's no good. It just doesn't bother me right now."

Q: What is your average listeners' opinions of Joe and Gavin Maloof as owners?

Kozimor: Today there is a growing skepticism of the ownership group because the team hasn't been good for a while. But back in '02, '03, the Maloofs could have run for mayor and won in a landslide. I think that there's frustration. But with this discussion of maybe moving the team, it also has rallied some people to say, "Hey, we've got to prove to them that we as fans don't want them to go."

Q: Do listeners feel having a former NBA player in Kevin Johnson as Sacramento Mayor increases the chances of getting an arena deal done?

Kozimor: They think it increases the urgency, because this is not just a mayor who played in the NBA, this is a proactive mayor. The listeners think that Johnson sees this as an important piece to the whole fabric of Sacramento and the region. They also think that this mayor is one who maybe has a better opportunity, because he's willing to be front and center and be the focal point for the discussion. Whereas before, it was a little hit-and-miss.

Q: Will "Operation Sellout" or any other promotional or business community effort revive interest in the team, or does it all depend on more on-court success at this point?

Kozimor: On-court success is certainly going to be the final factor. Even the mayor, who put together "Operation Sellout," concedes that. But it's just a brilliant stroke on the mayor's part to get the business community rallied behind this to show the Maloofs and the others in the ownership group that, "You know what, we still are behind you guys."

Download podcasts of "The Jim Kozimor Showgram" here.