YAHOO SPORTS' Jeff Eisenberg noted it is "clear the Kings aren't shy about capitalizing" on the marketability of former BYU G Jimmer Fredette, who was drafted 10th in last week's NBA Draft. Kings Owners Joe and Gavin Maloof "put a message on the marquee" outside their Palms Casino in Las Vegas on Friday that said in five-foot letters, "Jimmer Fredette A Sacramento King." It is "no surprise the Kings are intent on capitalizing on the addition of Fredette since this is a small-market franchise in dire need of positive buzz." But ultimately, the "success of Sacramento's Jimmer-based marketing efforts will depend on whether he's a success on the court" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 6/24). After Thursday's Draft, Fredette's schedule included a fanfest at the Sacramento airport; dinner with coach Paul Westphal and "members of the front office; four meet-and-greets with sponsors and season-ticket holders; a formal introductory news conference; a rally at Arden Fair mall; a photo shoot with team staffers; and, finally, a live chat for the team website" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 6/26).
CAN YOU SPARE A DIME? In Milwaukee, Don Walker reported Herb Kohl's Senate financial disclosure form revealed that the Bucks owner "borrowed at least $55 million last year from the NBA's credit facility." Kohl borrowed the money "in three separate loans on behalf of the Bucks," and the records also show that he "used some of the proceeds for investments by two of his trusts." That is "allowable under NBA rules for those borrowing from the $2 billion credit facility." Kohl's disclosure form "also indicates that a 2003 loan from the league matured last year." Bucks VP Ron Walter noted he had not reviewed Kohl's report but said "there is nothing significant going on" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 6/26).
LARRY'S LAST HURRAH? Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird said that "after next season he’s considering stepping away" from the team's front office. The Pacers are "at a turning point," coming off their first playoff appearance since '06, and Bird agreed to "continue to guide the franchise on a year-to-year basis." Bird, 54, said, "It’s a handshake deal. I don’t want a (long-term) contract. ... It’s at a point now in my life where I think it might be time to really reconsider and see how long I want to do this. They asked me to stay another year through the lockout season, the owner did, for a favor. I was leaving, but he asked me to stay, and I will and I’ll get the job done" (BOSTON GLOBE, 6/27).
MANAGING EXPECTATIONS: The Nationals have hired Davey Johnson as manager after Jim Riggleman's sudden resignation last week, and in DC, Jason Reid wrote Nationals GM Mike Rizzo "really needs this to work." Team Owners the Lerners are "writing big checks based on his recommendations and, rightfully, expect to soon receive significant returns on their baseball investments." The Nationals' on-field success this season "is a nice start, and Johnson is experienced at guiding teams with a variety of rosters, so he’ll at least begin in a good place despite the momentary front-office upheaval caused by Riggleman's abrupt resignation." Reid: "Where Johnson goes from here, in large part, will help determine how long Rizzo continues in his job" (WASHINGTON POST, 6/26).
