Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” blared through the speakers as Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson walked on stage at City Hall, hugging Council Members and local investors on a historic day for the Kings and California’s capital city.

“Repeat after me,” began Johnson, addressing a sea of purple-and-black-clad fans who came out to voice their support.

“We did it!” he exclaimed.

“I’m just so excited. As a community, we did what people said we couldn’t do. This was one heck of a comeback – it was the longest of long-shots and we, as a community, rose up and did what nobody, except for the folks in this town and this region, thought we could do.”

The former NBA All-Star described keeping the Kings in Sacramento as a defining and transformative moment, thanking supporters for their unwavering support.

“The fans – you never gave up, you never lost hope, you supported us,” said Johnson. “Every time we fell down, you picked us up and said, ‘Keep fighting … We can do it. Our voices will be heard. We will not be ignored.’ The fans of Sacramento, this is your moment – truly, your moment.”

Throughout the press conference – which included speeches by many of the city’s political leaders and local investor Mark Friedman – team diehards, filling the Council Chambers, mezzanine level and adjacent streets, erupted in uproarious applause and chants.

“How do I even put it into words?” longtime Kings fan Stephan Tetsu asked rhetorically. “When I heard the news, I literally pulled my car over (and) sat there in my car, shaking and crying for a half-hour. I just want to scream right now – I’m so happy.”

Dozens of beaming supporters echoed a similar sentiment.

“I’ve had the biggest smile on my face the last couple of days (and) I can’t stop smiling,” said Chris Solis, a fan since he first caught glimpse of former Kings guard Jason Williams’ dazzling passes. “We’ve been waiting for this moment and it’s finally come.”

Kevin Fippin, who flew to Dallas to show his support for the Kings at the NBA’s Board of Governors pivotal meeting on Wednesday, described the emotional scene while putting the week’s events in perspective.

“It was pretty surreal,” said Fippin, who’s played an integral role in the community’s effort to keep the team in town. “After the decision was announced, we all huddled around computers and phones, listening to the press conference, high-fiving each other, giving out hugs.

“It’s years of work that City Council and these local owners – and even these community leaders and grassroots leaders, like myself – have been working on for so long to get this done. It’s awesome to see it actually happen.”

Kings TV Play-by-Play Announcer Grant Napear reiterated his immense pride for the region that came together for a common cause.

“I think it’s the best part of it – we all feel we accomplished something because everybody did something to save this team,” he said.

“The fans are unparalleled. A lot of fans would’ve jumped ship, a lot of fans would’ve given up – this fanbase never gave up. (During) the last game against the Clippers on April 17, if you’d walked in and didn’t know any better, you would’ve sworn you were at a Playoff game. These fans and this community, I think they’re a big reason why this team is staying here.”

While glancing out at the crowd, local investor Phil Oates revealed he had to hold back tears during the momentous press conference.

“This is what separates us from other towns,” said Oates. “A lot of towns have money, a lot of towns have political will – very few towns have this kind of passion.

“There was somebody who was interviewed last night on the news who said, ‘This is the biggest day since the gold rush.’ I’m not sure it’s an overstatement.”

Radio personality Carmichael Dave – who traveled cross-country in an RV to showcase Sacramento’s support for the team – was similarly all smiles following the gathering, taking time out to pose for photos with appreciative fans.

“This doesn’t happen without the owners, without Mayor Johnson and the City Council, but it doesn’t happen without the fans,” he said. “Without the fans, there is no day like today, and that’s why they’re the best in the world.

“Today means everything, and the only thing that means more than today is tomorrow — the future,” he added. “We earned this, but we have to continue to earn it for years to come, and I’m so confident in our city that we’ll be able to do that.”

Among the jubilant attendees at City Hall, Greg Boehl held his three-year-old daughter in his arms, beaming with joy while visualizing Kings home games and sharing memories with the next generation of young supporters.

“It’s phenomenal,” he said. “I’ve been saying all along, we’ve already had our chance to be Kings fans. We’re fighting for the future so they can experience what we’ve had the privilege of being a part of. It’s beyond words.”

At the conclusion of the hour-long press conference, Mayor Johnson put his fist in the air triumphantly at the podium and delivered a powerful final message.

“This was our Playoffs … we won and we’re champions,” said Johnson. “Long live the Kings!”

With the 2013 NBA Draft Combine underway and scheduled through May 19 in Chicago, a contingent of Kings front office personnel, led by President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie, has joined fellow League executives, coaches and scouts in evaluating 63 players invited to participate in the annual event (see full list below).

While evaluating the second half-improvement of the Kings last season and assessing the young group of incoming draftees, Assistant Coach Bobby Jackson believes the team needs to maintain its up-tempo pace.

“We’re so young, we should be running up and down the floor all night long,” he says. “I think the faster we play, the better we are, and I think the key is to definitely play at a pace other teams don’t like.”

Members of the team’s Basketball Operations Dept. will get an up-close look at many of the top prospects who’ve declared for this year’s NBA Draft.

Players will focus on completing a series of shooting, skill and agility drills – including standing and maximum vertical jumps, bench-press repetitions and three-quarter-court sprints. Participants will also undergo vital measurements, such as height (with and without shoes), weight, wingspan, body-fat percentage and more.

According to DraftExpress.com, among all 2011 Draftees, Kings guard Isaiah Thomas notched the fourth-highest maximum vertical leap (40 inches), while Jimmer Fredette ranked fourth in bench-press repetitions (14) at his position. The previous year, DeMarcus Cousins tied for longest standing reach (9-foot-5) among all invitees.

In addition to physical evaluations, individual interviews play an integral role in the process, allowing teams the initial opportunity to get to know prospects in an effort to assess intangibles such as maturity and motivation.

Fifty of the 60 players chosen in the 2012 Draft partook in last year’s combine, including all 14 Lottery selections and 29 of 30 first-round picks.

Stay current with Kings.com for complete 2013 NBA Draft Lottery and NBA Draft coverage.

2013 NBA Draft Combine Invite List:

(Courtesy: cbssports.com)

NBA Commissioner David Stern announced on Wednesday that the NBA Board of Governors voted (22-8) to reject the relocation of the Sacramento Kings to Seattle.

“The big winner here was Sacramento,” said Stern during a press conference in Dallas.

League owners upheld the Relocation Committee’s April 29 unanimous recommendation (7-0) to deny the application of the team to relocate.

“We will talk to the Maloofs and seek in the next 24 to 48 hours whether we can help facilitate an agreement to be signed between the Ranadive Group and the Maloofs for the sale of the franchise in Sacramento,” added Stern.

Stay current with Kings.com for updates.

In the opening minutes of a home game against the Spurs on Nov. 9, 2012, Kings center DeMarcus Cousins picked off an errant San Antonio pass, dribbled the length of the court and skied for a rim-rattling dunk over forward Danny Green, as nationally-recognized NBA photographer Rocky Widner captured the perfect picture of No. 15’s emphatic throwdown.

After the memorable snapshot was recently voted by Kings fans as the team’s 2012-13 Photo of the Year, Kings.com caught up with the longtime lensman to gain insight into how the image was photographed by remote camera and more.

How would you describe the process of capturing Cousins’ breakaway dunk?

“I sit on one end (of the court) with just my camera in my hands, and then on the other end, there are nine or 10 remote cameras trained on the basket. This photo is from the remote end. There are two (cameras) on the glass, one on the post, one on the floor underneath the post – which is where this shot came from – one each with two assistants and three on the catwalk.

“(If I) take pictures of a dunk, a rebound or a play around the basket at the far end of the court with the camera in my hand, they would be good one out of 100 times, whereas the remote cameras have a lot better chance of catching the action.”

You snapped several images of the Cousins dunk from different angles. How many did you take in all to get this great photo?

“I only get one chance at it because of the strobe lights. There’s only one photo every two seconds (meaning) only one photo per play. I push a button and (the remote cameras) all fire at the same time – there’s not a motor-drive sequence. The (dunk) is close to the ideal spot, so there are eight good photos of that moment in time.”

Fans recently voted it as their favorite Kings photo of the 2012-13 regular season. How much do you appreciate the positive response?

“It means a lot, and it’s nice they enjoyed the photo. It’s definitely a good one.”

What is it about this photo you think fans appreciate?

“I’d say from this angle it looks like (Cousins) is almost jumping over Green, which looks very cool.”

Do you have a favorite photo from the 2012-13 Kings season?

“There are a lot of photos from the season that stand out to me, such as ones of DeMarcus showing emotion and a few other dunks.

“I like the cameras mounted on the backboard that shoot through the glass. I’ve usually favored that view on most plays, as you are looking right into the players’ faces and see the expressions so much better than from most other views.

“But again, (this Cousins dunk is) a good one, and it’s cool fans like it.”

After wrapping up his eighth season as Kings Strength and Conditioning Coach, Daniel Shapiro sat down with Kings.com to provide a breakdown of each player’s offseason program and more.

Check out excerpts from the 2010 NBSCA Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year’s podcast below, and listen to the entire conversation exclusively on the Official Sacramento Kings App.

With strength and quickness so essential to Tyreke Evans’ game, what is the focus of his offseason training?

For a guy like Tyreke, with strength and quickness, we definitely do a lot of agility training, we do some (plyometrics and) conditioning is very important. It’s pretty much an overall strength and conditioning program because, naturally, he’s very gifted athletically. He jumps well, he runs well, he’s very long, he has good, quick feet (and) he has great hand-eye coordination.

DeMarcus Cousins is able to overpower opposing big men as well as able to get past defenders with his quickness. How is his workout regimen tailored to enhance the attributes of his game?

With him being in the paint so much and having to battle guys, him being both athletic –to be able to take guys off the dribble – and also big – and (going up against) some of the biggest (centers) – we’re working a little more on conditioning. (He has) to be able to endure consistent efforts in the paint because it’s hard to do when you’re battling (and) you have to consistently jump and box out.

So, with him, we focus a little more on his lower-body strength … and repetitive power – as far as how many times he can get up and constantly do repetitive motions at a high level.

Isaiah Thomas and Jimmer Fredette made significant strides as second-year guards. How would you characterize their respective training regimens?

When you’re talking about Isaiah and Jimmer, you’re talking about two of the hardest workers I have on the team. They’re two of the most consistent, professional and prideful players. From a strength and conditioning perspective, during the season, they’re with me all the time and they’re very in-tune with their programs, very in-tune with their bodies.

Their training regimens in the offseason are progressive. These guys are not taking a lot of breaks. They love the gym, they love being in the weight room and they love the benefits they get from both playing better and working on their bodies.

How would you describe the process of integrating mid-season acquisitions Patrick Patterson, Cole Aldrich and Toney Douglas into the team’s training program?

Any time you get a player midseason – with only eight to 10 weeks to go – it’s an interesting situation because you have to first find out what they’ve been doing. Our job is to get in touch with the strength and conditioning coach from where they came from (to) find out the program they were on. A lot of (teams) do very similar things, but you still want to find out where they were in their season or in their program.

Then, I spend time with them (during which) I have to not just try to keep on doing some of what they’ve been doing, but put my spin and introduce them to my program. So, there’s a little bit of (time) – I’d say two to three weeks – when you get to know them. It’s kind of like a constant interview of what they’ve been doing, and I throw them in with other guys on the team.

The three guys you just mentioned have great work ethics and they come from a great strength coach in Houston. Those three guys have been a pleasure to work with.

As one of the team’s top scorers, what are key areas you’ve highlighted for Marcus Thornton to continue his ascent and enhance his all-around game?

Marcus Thornton has great genetics – he’s a lean, athletic guy. He’s a guy who has kind of tight hips, so I think if we can work on strengthening his lower body a little more and work on some flexibility, he can probably (become) maybe a step faster, maybe a step more powerful because (he’d) have a stronger range of motion.

He’s a (hard-working) guy, too, in the offseason. He has a great strength coach he works with back in his hometown. He’s back and forth – we get the workouts in here or he comes and meets us in Las Vegas for Summer League. (The goal is to) pretty much keep him where he’s been. Through the three years we’ve had him, he’s been the definition of in-season maintenance.

And One

To listen to the entire podcast – including Shapiro’s complete assessment of the 2012-13 Kings roster, the importance of nutrition and finding balance between cardiovascular work and weight training – visit the Audio section in the Official Sacramento Kings App.

Shortly after the 2012-13 season tipped off, Kings forward James Johnson decided to honor his Samoan heritage by growing out the shortly-cropped hair he’d sported throughout much of his career.

“I’ve been wanting to do it for a while now (because) it’s part of my mom’s culture,” explains Johnson. “But it’s just a process, so you have to figure out different styles to put it in.”

Throughout the year, No. 52 sported cornrows, dreadlocks and a mini-Afro, along with various facial hairstyles, including muttonchops. After learning of his far-sightedness in mid-November, the forward briefly wore goggles, and was oft spotted on-court with a headband in the season’s early goings.

While Johnson reveals he appreciates former Sacramento center Scot Pollard’s many forms of self-expression, the Wake Forest product says he hasn’t drawn inspiration from any athletes or celebrities.

“I’ve never been a follower, so I think I’m the inventor,” says Johnson with a smile. “I’m just doing my own thing.”

Although his teammates have joked the 6-foot-9 forward’s appearances have conjured up memories of former NBA All-Star Allen Iverson and rapper Coolio, the Wyoming native believes his cohorts have taken note of his impeccable flair.

“I’m pretty sure they took heed from my hair swag, so they might copy it during the summertime,” he says with a chuckle. “They didn’t want to do it (during the season).”

While it’s unclear if Johnson’s teammates intend to follow in his fashion footsteps, Johnson has someone new with whom to share grooming guidance.

“I’m going to keep (growing my hair) out,” says No. 52. “I just had a son, so maybe he and I will grow it out together.”

“Hold on one second,” began DeMarcus Cousins during one the team’s first practices of the 2012-13 preseason. “One of you smells good. What is that?”

As a half-dozen journalists burst into laughter, I realized the break in Cousins’ media availability session suddenly put the focus of the huddle on the rookie amongst the bunch.

As No. 15 tilted his head down to get a closer whiff, I quickly recognized my hair’s scent had caught the center’s attention.

“What kind of shampoo do you use?” he asked.

Caught slightly off-guard, I tried to recall the shopping list from one of my first weekends in town. Slightly flustered, I glared back up at Sacramento’s 6-foot-11 center and conjured up it was probably a generic brand.

“Whatever it is,” concluded the Kentucky product, “it smells wonderful.”

While I later discovered the shampoo in question was actually Dove, the unexpected compliment coming from the likes of one of my sports heroes quickly put my new profession in perspective.

In addition to cherishing Kings victories and standout player performances, countless unforgettable interactions, such as my unanticipated conversation with Cousins, stand out as I reflect on my first season as the team’s reporter.

There’s the time I helped settle a lighthearted locker room debate between Jason Thompson and Chuck Hayes about the all-time best Kanye West album (“Graduation”) or when I discussed the latest “Breaking Bad” story arc with John Salmons and Travis Outlaw.

Along with entertaining exchanges with players, coaches and broadcasters, perhaps above all, I appreciated the new workplace I called home and relishing in some of the most exciting events of the season in the close company of fellow diehards.

Just three years ago, I sat near center court with my wife during our first vacation together. Since then – although I had the opportunity to contribute from afar to Kings.com as the team’s Fan Correspondent – I found myself humbled each game night as I walked across the hardwood to my seat at Sleep Train Arena, routinely fist-bumping with Slamson and preparing for the inevitable goose bumps that would come with introductions of the Kings starting lineup.

On Dec. 28, 2012, as I watched James Johnson’s game-winning three-point attempt swish through the net as the final buzzer sounded, I pumped my fist, cheered and high-fived jubilant fans seated with us in Kings HQ. Simultaneously, dozens of participants across the globe celebrated with infinite exclamation points and heaps of praise for No. 52 in the Kings.com Live Chat.

It’s the aforementioned treasured instances I experienced throughout my first full season in Northern California that constantly remind me of what it means to be a lifelong fan who’s earned the opportunity to cover his favorite team.

I applied the same passion in striving to deliver compelling content as I did in celebrating late-game heroics as a purple and black supporter on the East Coast. From in-depth features on the team’s stars (who knew Isaiah Thomas collected fellow NBA teams’ shorts?) and new acquisitions (fun fact: Adele and Korn are on Patrick Patterson’s pregame playlist) to inside looks at players’ fashion choices (Marcus Thornton attended his Sadie Hawkins Dance in a Spud Webb jersey!), helping bring Kings devotees closer to the team has been an incredible experience.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my pieces as much as I’ve appreciated the countless hours that have gone into brainstorming, producing and sharing them while getting to know Kings personnel and legions of enthusiastic fans in person, via Live Chats and across the team’s online network.

While I used to struggle with the time difference, staying up past 12 a.m. ET to catch the end of Kings games, rocking my lucky Mitch Richmond jersey, I’ve gained a new appreciation for the NBA – oftentimes working late-nights, on weekends and during holidays.

Following the April 17 Kings-Clippers game, Thornton glanced up and smiled as I approached his locker, offering a poignant quote.

“You were consistent all year,” said No. 23. “Every game – good or bad – you were here.”

And I’ve loved every minute of it.

Whether it’s relaxing in the comforts of home or taking an overseas trip, many Kings players find it essential to recuperate and recharge after a demanding NBA regular season.

“You have to rest your body and your mind – just try to get yourself back together, mentally and physically,” says 11th-year veteran John Salmons. “I take about a month off, and then it’s full-steam ahead after that, getting ready for the next season.”

“I take a break (for) about three weeks,” says Tyreke Evans, who plans to return to his hometown of Chester, Pa. “Then, I start right back at it, working out again (all summer).”

Although he played in a career-high 69 games in 2012-13, Jimmer Fredette doesn’t expect to take too much of timeout upon arriving at his Colorado home.

“I’ll take a little bit of time off, relax (and) get my body healthy, but as a young person, you don’t need a lot of time off,” explains Fredette. “I’m actually raring to go, trying to improve my game to get better (and) come back ready next year.”

While fellow second-year guard Isaiah Thomas is planning a brief hiatus, he admits it’ll be difficult to refrain from hooping entirely.

“I’ll probably try to take a couple of weeks off – maybe a month – but I’ll still be playing in YMCAs,” says No. 22. “I don’t really take time off – (only) time from (lifting) weights and individual workouts.”

Once he steps back in the gym, in addition to two-a-day sessions beginning as early as 6:30 a.m., the Tacoma native is looking forward to competing in daily pick-up games with numerous players from his hometown.

“Jason (Terry) is not around that much because he coaches his girl’s AAU team during the summer, but Jamal (Crawford), Brandon Roy, Nate Robinson, Aaron Brooks are there, Michael Dickerson comes and plays, plus a lot of overseas guys,” says Thomas. “We have good runs Monday through Friday at noon.”

In the process, the Kings guard aims to become an even tougher matchup for the opposition by fine-tuning his versatility.

“I want to make sure my moves going left are identical to my moves going right – that’s the big thing,” says Thomas. “I want to get my right hand as strong as my left, so even if you force me right, I can do the same things as when I go left.

“I have a few specific things I want to get better at, but overall, I want to come back an even better player, a better shooter, passer – everything.”

No. 22’s teammates have similarly mapped out offseason training agendas, focused on all-around advancement in areas including conditioning, strength and agility.

“I’m working out this year with a trainer, first, (starting) with cardio and core stuff,” says Evans. “After that, I’ll work out with my brother … (we’ll be) back in the gym, just like we used to do, (getting) back to basics.”

Louisiana native Marcus Thornton expects to enjoy the company of his extended family for several weeks before putting his body through a rigorous regimen.

“I’ll do a lot of weight-lifting – power, Olympic lifts,” says No. 23. “I have a trainer back home who’s been training me since high school, so he and I get together to work. We try to get a routine going, depending on what we need, (whether) we’re doing arms or legs that day.”

Determined to stay in top-notch shape year-round, forward Jason Thompson is committed to strength and conditioning training, along with a nutritious diet.

“(I’ll work on) my lower body and my strength – especially with getting older, eating healthy and making sure your knees and your legs are right for years to come (is important),” he says.

Along with rigorous training, many Kings players plan to travel over the coming months, including Fredette, who’ll visit London and Paris with his wife.

Evans has booked a ticket to Bora Bora in French Polynesia, while DeMarcus Cousins plans to visit an exotic island after reconnecting with family in his hometown of Mobile, Ala.

Thompson, an avid world traveler who toured Italy and the Dominican Republic last summer, also has several offseason getaways on tap.

“I’ll go on vacation to a few spots – at least one (will be) Hawaii,” says No. 34. “There are other places I’ll go to throughout the summer, as well.”

As part of his “busy and productive” summer, Cole Aldrich – who’ll graduate from Kansas with a degree in communications in mid-May – is looking forward to a honeymoon excursion after tying the knot in July, as well as checking out nearby destinations.

“We’re going to do a little tour of Northern California – go see Napa, Tahoe and maybe to Redwood (Forest),” he says. “It’ll be a fun road trip.”

Once the calendar hits August, similar to last offseason, Thomas expects to organize workouts with many of his teammates.

“We’ll probably do it towards the end of the summer,” he says. “We’ll see what guys are doing, if they’re available and go from there. I’ll probably be the guy (who organizes everything) because I’m the point guard.”

Kings Head Coach Keith Smart – who was pleased his players previously held voluntary workouts – expects the talented squad to take a major step forward in 2013-14.

“We have to go for the gusto next year,” says Smart. “We have to go for it all … and it starts (during) your summer workouts.”

***

Jimmer’s Blog: Season Overview: No. 7 dishes on takeaways from his second year, summer plans and much more. READ

JT’s Blog: Season Assessment & More: Jason Thompson reflects on the team’s 2012-13 campaign, shares his support for Jason Collins and dishes on offseason plans. READ