NBA Franchise Notes: Nuggets GM Says He Never Thought About Leaving Denver

Nuggets President Josh Kroenke yesterday said that a recent report saying that the team gave permission to the 76ers to talk with Exec VP/Basketball Operations Masai Ujiri about their GM post "was untrue.” Ujiri said that there was “never any thought to leaving Denver.” Ujiri said, "It wasn't a tough decision for me. As long as this guy (Kroenke) doesn't kick me out, I'm here for whenever.” In Denver, Adrian Dater notes Ujiri is “in the last year of a three-year contract.” Kroenke acknowledged that the “interest from the 76ers could influence the Nuggets wanting to sign him to an extension before it's up” (DENVER POST, 10/2).

FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT: In Detroit, Vince Ellis noted after “generating buzz with the introduction of musical acts during halftimes of Pistons games, Palace Sports & Entertainment personnel hope to top last season.” PS&E VP/Lifestyle Marketing Harlan Hendrickson said that fans can expect the entertainment teams to “pull off a halftime reminiscent of Michael Jackson's landmark music video to the '80s hit ‘Thriller’ with an updated twist.” The dance team will give its “take on the famous ‘Thriller’ dance routine," and fans also will “get a glimpse at a new dance team, ‘The Detail,’ this season.” The organization also announced Motown Mondays and Wired Wednesdays promotions as well as halftime acts “such as The Temptations, Mary Wilson, Gladys Knight, Hammer, Fat Joe, Jay Sean and Bobby Brown are scheduled to appear” (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 9/30).

GRIN & BEAR IT: In Memphis, Geoff Calkins noted Grizzlies season tickets “are up again.” Grizzlies President of Business Operations Greg Campbell said, "We're up about 1,200 over last year.” Former Grizzlies President of Business Operations Andy Dolich said that the team needed to “become a part of the ‘community's DNA.’" Calkins wrote, "It has taken a dozen years, but it feels like it that has finally happened here.” Calkins: “Nobody is saying that there is not work to be done by the franchise. Ticket sales must continue to grow.” But those are “minor compared with the issues of past years,” and they are “evidence of how far the team has come” (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 9/30).

HOOSIER DELIGHT: Pacers Sports & Entertainment President Jim Morris said, "Our ticket sales are going very strong. At this point, we've had more ticket package sales than we had the entire season last year. Our ticket sales across the board are 27-28 percent higher than last year at this point. The renewal rate has been going very well" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 9/30).