Is this the year of the Kings? Sacramento opened a shiny new building in October after more than a decade of failed attempts. They currently are in the hunt for a Western Conference playoff bid, although they still need plenty of work on the court. And lastly, the Hall of Fame ballot had plenty of familiar faces when it was formally released on Wednesday.
Former Kings' greats Vlade Divac and Chris Webber made the long list of eligible players, but this might be the year for one or even both. Divac has made the ballot as an International contributor, while Webber is back on the list of North American Committee Nominations.
Part of the early European infusion of players in the late 80s and early 90s, the Serbian-born Divac played 16 seasons in the NBA, including six with the Sacramento Kings. He retired in 2005 with career averages of 11.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.2 blocks per game. He is one of seven players in NBA history to post 13,000 points, 9,000 rebounds, 3,000 assists and 1,500 blocks.
After seven seasons with the Lakers and a two-year stop in Charlotte, Divac signed a big five-year deal to join the Kings in 1999. Divac was the glue that kept the Kings together during their impressive run from 1999-2006, including a trip to the Western Conference Finals during the 2001-02 season. He made a single All-Star team in 2001, but his accomplishments to the game of basketball go well beyond his days in the NBA.
The 7-footer currently works with the franchise as the vice president of basketball operations and general manager. He is also in his second term as the president of the Olympic committee for Serbia and he was a member of the 1990 FIBA World Championship team that took home the gold.
Webber rose to national prominence as part of Michigan's "Fab 5" as a college freshman. The 6-foot-10 power forward came to Sacramento via trade for Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond before the NBA lockout in 1998.
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Initially, Webber wanted nothing to do with the Kings, but the charismatic big quickly found a home with Divac, Peja Stojakovic, Jason Williams, Mike Bibby, Doug Christie, Scot Pollard, Bobby Jackson and plenty of others during the golden age of Kings basketball in Sacramento. He was the star of Kings franchise that made eight straight playoff appearances in the late 90s and early 00s.
A gifted passer, scorer and rebounder, Webber made five All-Star appearances, averaging 20.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per game over 15 seasons. He won the 1993-94 Rookie of the Year trophy, was an AP All American at Michigan, took home a first-team All-NBA honor during the 2000-01 season and was All-NBA second-team three times.
Webber suffered a brutal knee injury in May of 2003, which cut his production during his prime. He finished his career as a member of the Warriors during the 2007-08 season, making seven appearances before hanging up his sneakers for good.
Former Kings head coach Dick Motta also appears on the list of eligible individuals, as does Paul Westphal for his time as a player. Former mayor of Sacramento Kevin Johnson continues to garner consideration as well.
A list of finalists will be announced during All-Star weekend in February and the Class of 2017 will be formally unveiled on April 3 during the NCAA's Final Four.
