In Sacramento, Jason Anderson notes the Kings received the '19 NBA Inclusion Innovation Award for their "efforts to support area youth and promote healing in the Sacramento community" following the police-involved shooting of Stephon Clark. In the wake of Clark's death, the Kings "partnered with Build. Black., a group of community leaders organized to support transformational change for black communities in Sacramento." Kings players and staff have "engaged in youth healing forums, education workshops" and a youth basketball league. Kings Owner Vivek Ranadive said that the team was honored to receive the award (SACRAMENTO BEE, 1/9).
HOMEWARD BOUND: In L.A., Nathan Fenno noted the Clippers' proposed Inglewood arena complex has "cleared at least one legal obstacle." L.A. County Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff found that the three-year exclusive negotiating agreement between Inglewood and a Clippers-controlled company to explore building the arena "didn't violate California's Environmental Quality Act." At least "five other lawsuits linked to the project -- which is in the midst of an 18-month environmental review -- have been filed" (LATIMES.com, 1/8).
MOTORING ON: In Detroit, Bill Shea noted since the start of the Pistons and Red Wings respective seasons, secondary market prices for the teams have "gone in the opposite directions for equally mediocre clubs." The Pistons "started the season with a $76 average resale price," and are now averaging $59.28, meaning the team has seen a 22% drop. The Red Wings "began ranked 10th with a $158 resale average," which has since gone up to $178.97, a 13% increase. After 24 home games in Little Caesars Arena, the Red Wings are "averaging 19,039 fans per game, which ranks sixth in the NHL." The Pistons, after 21 home games at Little Caesars Arena, "rank 23rd in the 30-team NBA with an average of 16,021 fans per game" (CRAINSDETROIT.com, 1/8).
