NBA Franchise Notes: 76ers' Playoff Run Lacks Buzz In Philly

Magic-76ers Game Four Draws Just 16,464 Fans

LEARNING THE ROPES: In Detroit, Vince Ellis notes Pistons Managing Partner Karen Davidson has assumed ownership duties of the team since her husband, late Pistons Owner Bill Davidson, died last month, but Palace Sports & Entertainment President Tom Wilson said that it "remains unclear how much of a role she will play in the day-to-day operations of the franchise." Wilson: "I think right now she's just trying to absorb what it all means. There was certainly a little bit of knowledge, and obviously you're a fan and everything like that, but the depth of knowledge and understanding of the business is daunting. So she's going to take some time I'm sure before she really inserts herself into anything if she decides to do that." Davidson recently attended the NBA owners meetings in N.Y., and Wilson said that he talks to her "two to three times per week" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 4/26).

FIT FOR KINGS? In Sacramento, Ailene Voisin cited sources as saying that Kings co-Owner Colleen Maloof believes that President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie "holds undue influence over her sons," Kings co-Owners Joe and Gavin Maloof, and she has become "increasingly vocal with her frustrations." Petrie has "remained on the job longer than any other current" NBA GM or President, and next season will be his 16th. But Petrie, with one year remaining on his contract, is "entering the most critical phase of his once-illustrious tenure" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 4/26).

FLORIDA VACATION: The Heat and Hawks next season will play a preseason game at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on October 22. A Magic-Heat preseason game this season drew 12,110 fans to the arena (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 4/28).

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