Kings Likely to Remain in Sacramento

                It appears the Kings will be staying in Sacramento after all.  The franchise seemed destined to defect to Seattle after the team's majority owners privately “executed a deal that would land a record sale price to a deep-pocketed and respected group that promised a glittering new downtown arena.”

                But on Monday, an NBA ownership committee unanimously voted against moving the Kings out of Sacramento.  There will be another formal vote for all 30 owners on May 13^th but according to ESPN.com, the full body is expected to ratify the recommendation made by the seven members of the relocation committee on Monday.

                The Kings have now likely staved off relocating for the second time in the past three years as the franchise almost moved to Anaheim in 2011.

                Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson took to twitter to explain his excitement:

 "That's what I'm talking about SACRAMENTO!!!!! WE DID IT!!!!!"

                Johnson had to overcome long odds just like the Kings. As of January, he had no competing ownership bid, no plan for a new arena and no working relationship with the Maloof family, the team's owners.

                Johnson was reportedly courted earlier yesterday at a pep rally at a downtown restaurant in Sacramento. Johnson called the owners recommendation a "big day for the city of Sacramento."

                Steve Ballmer and Chris Hansen will likely get the short hand of the stick in this settlement. Ballmer and Hansen bid $365 million for 65 percent of the team and had made a separate deal with a bankruptcy court to pay $15 million for another 7 percent. They were also willing to pay millions more in relocation fees and arena development in a larger market.

                Despite the setback, Hansen has not given up on moving the Kings to Seattle.

                "When we started this process everyone thought it was impossible," Hansen wrote. "While this represents yet another obstacle to achieving our goal, I just wanted to reassure all of you that we have numerous options at our disposal and have absolutely no plans to give up. Impossible is nothing but a state of mind."

                Meanwhile, Johnson wrote another celebratory tweet:

 "I've never been prouder of this city. I thank the ownership group, city leaders, but most of all the BEST FANS IN THE NBA!!!”

                Johnson acknowledged that Seattle, who has been without an NBA team since the Sonics left after the 2007-2008 season, “no doubt deserves a team in the future."

                Seattle mayor Mike McGinn vowed to keep fighting to attain an NBA team.

                "I'm proud of how Sonics fans have rallied together to help Seattle get a team," McGinn said in a statement. "We're going to stay focused on our job: making sure Seattle remains in a position to get a team when the opportunity presents itself."

Mayor Johnson appears to have saved the Kings. (ESPN Photo)

Revis Trade Makes Bucs Playoff Contenders

(AP Image)            

          Newly-acquired Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis has high expectations for his new squad, which has not reached the postseason since 2007. The disgruntled All-Pro cornerback was traded from the New York Jets to the Buccaneers in exchange for the 13^th overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft and a conditional draft pick in either the third or fourth round in the 2014 NFL Draft. The Buccaneers immediately inked Revis to a 6 year, $96 million (no guaranteed money) contract upon acquiring the 27-year-old shut down corner, who missed almost the entirety of the 2012 season after tearing his ACL in Week 2.

            Six months removed from his knee surgery that repaired his torn left ACL, Revis is still unsure if he will be ready for the start of the 2013 season. Revis will likely do everything he can to fully recover in time for the season opener, given that the Buccaneers open their 2013 campaign at MetLife Stadium against Revis’ former team.

            After a major surgery, Revis understands that there will be doubters that will contend he will no longer be the great cover cornerback he was once was before tearing the ACL.

            "People are going to sit here and say, 'How's he going to perform? How's he going to play? Is he going to be like he was before?'" Revis said. "I understand all of that. I'm a hard worker. It's all on me. I'll give it my all."

            Revis asserted that he does not have a chip on his shoulder, despite his displeasure with how he was treated in New York.

            "I don't have nothing to prove to the New York Jets," he said, adding that he still considers himself a great player. "I don't have nothing to prove to nobody. I know my expectations as a player, and that's that."

            Revis could be the perfect addition to a Buccaneers team that ranked dead last in passing defense a season ago.  Earlier in the off-season, the Buccaneers signed former San Francisco 49ers safety Dashon Goldson.

Darrelle Revis Trade from a Patriots Standpoint

                The obvious takeaway from the Revis trade from a New England Patriots viewpoint is that a division rival has been significantly weakened for the time being, making the Patriots’ contests against the Jets this season a heck of a lot easier. Revis played exceptionally well against the Patriots over the years, often making the likes of Randy Moss and Wes Welker non-factors. He recorded two interceptions in nine career games against the Patriots, while shutting down the Patriots’ primary offensive targets. He was a major proponent of the Jets team that upset the Patriots in the 2010 AFC Divisional Round.

            Just like how Jets head coach Rex Ryan was pleased to see Welker depart to the Denver Broncos in the off-season, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will likely be glad he no longer has to prepare for Revis when squaring off against the Jets.

            Jets head coach Rex Ryan commented on the departure of Welker to Denver, saying, "I'm just glad Wes Welker isn't there. I hated Wes Welker. I'm kidding ... kind of. Actually, I'm a huge fan of Wes Welker. He had historical success. That's some big shoes for (Amendola) to fill."

            Belichick will certainly be happy to see Revis out of the AFC East, although he will have to prepare for Revis when the Buccaneers visit Gillette Stadium in Week 3 of the NFL season. Still, the thought of no longer facing off against arguably the leagues’ best cornerback twice a season has to gratify Belichick.

NBA Awards Predictions 2013

MVP

LeBron should win his fourth MVP. (AP Image)

LeBron James- The main catalyst of Miami’s otherworldly 27-game win streak, James should earn his fourth NBA most valuable player award. James led the Heat to their best record in franchise history as Miami finished with the best overall record in the league. If his roughly 27 points per game were not enough to convince voters, then maybe his extraordinary feat of becoming the first player in league history to score 30 points and shoot 60 percent in six straight games will do the trick.

Defensive Player of the Year

Avery Bradley- The Boston Celtics' defense did not miss a beat, despite Rajon Rondo tearing his ACL, because of the defensive prowess of Bradley.  Bradley is by far the best on-ball defender in the NBA, wrecking havoc on every point guard in the league he goes up against. His impressive 1.2 steals per game also furthers his case for the league's best defender.

Rookie of the Year

Lillard shined in his rookie campaign. (Getty Images)

Damian Lillard- Portland's electrifying guard will likely get the unanimous vote for Rookie of the Year. Lillard helped a Blazers team that was expected to be horrific contend in the Western Conference for much of the season. He averaged over 19 points per game and has been stellar from behind the arc, knocking down the fifth most three pointers in the league.

Sixth Man of the Year

J.R. Smith- While Carmelo Anthony may be the Knicks' go-to scorer, Smith can certainly fill that void when his name is called. He averages a league best 17.8 points per game off the bench and nailed two game-winning buzzer-beaters.

Runner-Up: Jamaal Crawford- Crawford has had a sensational season, averaging 16.7 points per game, helping the Los Angeles Clippers win the Pacific Division.

Most Improved Player

Paul George- George has emerged as the Pacers best player with Danny Granger sidelined for most of the season. George made the Eastern Conference All-Star team and rightfully so, given his per-game averages of 17.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists.