Warriors co-Owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, as well as members of the franchise's leadership team, last night "hosted season-ticket holders for an evening of music, food and drink and some questions and answers." The Warriors said that "approximately 3,000 were in attendance" for the event at Oracle Arena, which also featured Exec Board member Jerry West and new coach Mark Jackson (CSNBAYAREA.com, 9/14). In S.F., Rusty Simmons writes, "Lacob and Guber have done a good job of interacting with fans since they were unanimously approved by the NBA Board of Governors in November, so in many ways this shindig was more about the fans getting to know the Warriors' front office newcomers" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 9/15).
MARCHING ORDERS: Hornets Chair Jac Sperling yesterday said that he is "nearly ready to begin negotiations with 'a handful' of potential buyers who have expressed interest in purchasing the club and keeping it in Louisiana." Sperling said that the franchise "has made substantial progress toward securing the revenue streams necessary to remain in New Orleans long-term." In June, the Hornets launched a 100-day series of events "aimed at attracting more local fan and business backing," and Sperling said that the initiative "has built the Hornets' full season ticket base to 9,007." Sperling added that he "will initiate serious negotiations with prospective buyers" once a "little more progress has been made in terms of ticket sales, sponsorships and a new lease of the state-owned New Orleans Arena" (AP, 9/14).
DANCES WITH WOLVES: In Minneapolis, Chip Scoggins wrote for an organization that "has too often made poor decisions and blunders," the T'Wolves "got it right" by hiring Rick Adelman as their new head coach. The T'Wolves "should be commended," since Adelman was the "best candidate for the job and the Wolves [stepped] forward and made it happen." Scoggins added, "Adelman brings instant credibility to an organization that sorely lacks it. They need direction and some life, on and off the court. ... They should be praised for getting the right guy to try and lead their organization out of its current mess" (STARTRIBUNE.com, 9/12).
