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The Kings finished third in the Western Conference, winning a Pacific division crown in 2022-23.
Although Sacramento was immediately ousted by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, ownership felt comfortable running it back with head coach Mike Brown at the helm.
That success was not repeated.
The Kings finished the 2023-24 season with a record of 46-36, good for ninth in the Western Conference. They got revenge on the Warriors, eliminating them during a play-in game, but they were ultimately bounced by the New Orleans Pelicans two days later.
In a world of “what have you done for me lately,” that regression has left Kings ownership with a sour taste, reports James Ham of The Kings Beat. “The failure to repeat the success of the previous year hasn’t sat well with ownership, according to sources. This shouldn’t be a complicated matter, but like everything else in Sacramento, it is.”
Although Brown’s two seasons have brought the franchise more success than it’s seen since 2005-06, they don’t appear interested in the long game. With rumors about Brown possibly seeking an extension, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that talks have been tabled.
ESPN Sources: After engaging in contract extension discussions, the Sacramento Kings and coach Mike Brown have tabled talks. There remains a gulf on a potential deal for Brown, who has one guaranteed season left on his contract. pic.twitter.com/AvYy4gaDGR
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 25, 2024
Success isn’t linear. Brown has revived a fledgling franchise and appears to have the Kings on the right path. If instant results are what ownership seeks, they’ll likely find themselves thrust back into a turnstile where they cycle through underperforming head coaches every few years.
More must-reads:
- Insider drops bombshell report on Kings' extension talks with HC Mike Brown
- 20 cities that should be considered next for NBA teams
- The 'Sacramento Kings first-round draft picks' quiz
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The Air Jordan 11 'Rare Air' Takes Flight This Week
Throughout 2025, Jordan Brand has rightfully focused most of its attention on the 40th anniversary of the Air Jordan 1. However, this year also marks 30 years since the Air Jordan 11 first took flight. In September, Jumpman announced the upcoming release of nine Air Jordan 11 colorways scheduled to be released over several months. One of the most anticipated drops takes place this week. After minor drops at select boutiques last month, the Air Jordan 11 "Rare Air" officially launches globally on Wednesday. Below is a detailed look and breakdown of everything shoppers must know to secure the sneakers. Release Information The Air Jordan 11 "Rare Air" colorway will launch globally at 10:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday, November 5. Online shoppers can buy the sneakers on the Nike SNKRS app, Foot Locker, and other select retailers. Unfortunately for fans, the old-school basketball shoes will not be released in full-family sizing. Instead, they will have a retail price of $235 in adult sizes and $190 in big kid sizes. Nike and Jordan Brand have released several fan-favorite sneakers throughout this year. Despite all of the exciting drops, consumers can still expect these kicks to sell out quickly. Those who miss the initial drop can find the Air Jordan 11 "Rare Air" on trusted sneaker resale websites like StockX and GOAT. Details The "Rare Air" colorway is not an OG colorway, but a new design sporting a vintage aesthetic. Jordan Brand has applied the same pre-aged treatment to the Air Jordans 1, 3, and 4 already this year. Built to close the Rare Air series with a bang, the Air Jordan 11 "Rare Air" sports a tumbled Sail leather that fuses with Fire Red and Deep Royal Blue color-blocking, interchangeable laces, and a tinted outsole for a touch of heritage. Additional details include "Rare Air" on the insoles, Jumpman logos, and Jordan's #23 on the heels. Last but not least, the polarizing 'Jordan' lettering returns for this colorway. Tech Specs Like most of us, the Air Jordan 11 has aged off the basketball court. While the retro hoop shoe is no longer suitable for the hardwood, it still contains enough performance technology to make fans feel like Jordan dominating NBA arenas. All of the familiar performance technology is back. A ballistic-mesh upper keeps athletes fresh, while the full-length Air-Sole unit and Phylon midsole deliver a lightweight, firm ride underfoot. Lastly, the carbon fiber shank plate is still visible from the rubber outsole. The added stability, complemented by a legendary traction pattern, is a reminder of greatness with each step. History Jordan debuted the Air Jordan 11 on May 7, 1995, during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Orlando Magic. Of course, the Bulls lost that game and series. But Jordan's 11th signature sneaker is still synonymous with his comeback and return to the NBA after playing Minor League Baseball. The Air Jordan 11 "Rare Air" is a perfect tribute to one of the most popular silhouettes from the iconic sneaker line. The vintage design applied to the retro basketball shoe makes it a must-have for hoops fans this fall and winter. The holiday shopping season is just getting started, so fans can expect more exciting Air Jordans to be released over the coming weeks. Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's Kicks On SI for all your footwear news from the NBA and beyond. More Air Jordan News
Steelers Rising OL Deserves Opportunity to Start
The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line, which had remained remarkably healthy throughout the early goings of the season, saw Pro Bowl left guard Isaac Seumalo suffer a pectoral strain in the team's loss to the Green Bay Packers during Week 8 that ultimately forced him out of the game in the second half. While Seumalo was deemed healthy enough to start against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9, he was later pulled in the second half of the contest due to his preexisting injury. Spencer Anderson, as a result, stepped into his spot on both occasions and got a chance to prove that he's capable of both handling the starting duties at the position down the line and filling in as a short-term replacement for Seumalo. Anderson Demonstrating His Value After not seeing the field on offense as a rookie in 2023, Anderson filled in for Seumalo as the starting left guard over the first three weeks of the 2024 campaign before sliding over to right guard in Week 4 while the latter dealt with a separate pectoral injury. Anderson allowed just one sack over that stretch, per Pro Football Focus, while largely holding his own as a run blocker as well. This year, the former seventh-round pick out of Maryland became a key component of Pittsburgh's offense as a sixth linemen upon the team's increased utilization of its jumbo package beginning in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings. Anderson has logged 42 snaps at left guard over the past two weeks in place of Seumalo, and he could be in line for more playing time moving forward. Playing Anderson is Steelers' Best Option Pittsburgh clearly values what Anderson brings to the table as its top reserve offensive linemen, and he has the tools necessary to eventually become a fixture in the starting lineup. That's not to say he's a finished product, however, as his experience in the NFL is still rather limited, but he has a golden opportunity to pick up more game reps for as long as Seumalo's injury continues to hamper him. At this point, Pittsburgh should consider sidelining Seumalo as a means of allowing him to recover and not worsen his current condition. Anderson has already proven himself capable of standing in as a reliable substitute, and he hasn't even scratched the surface of his potential. If he can continue to perform at a high level and make the most of what may be considered a potential audition for 2026, than Anderson could become an early favorite to earn the starting left guard job next season considering Seumalo's contract will run out once the current campaign ends. There's certainly still work to do, but Anderson has a shot to cement his place within the Steelers' current and future plans, and the team should seriously consider keeping him on the field for the time being instead of sending an injured Seumalo back out there.
Cowboys Announce Exciting Development on Saturday
Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys are 3-4-1 with a Week 9 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on "Monday Night Football." They're looking to bounce back after losing to the Denver Broncos 44-24 last week. Prescott has been explosive through the first eight games. He has thrown for 2,069 yards, 16 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 101.6 passer rating while completing 70.3% of his passes. The Cowboys have put together one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, ranking second in total yards per game (384.1) and second in points per game (30.8). The unit may soon be getting reinforcement, including from center Cooper Beebe. Beebe started the first two games of the season for the Cowboys. However, he hasn't played since suffering a lateral ankle sprain and foot injury in Week 2 against the New York Giants. On Saturday, though, according to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, head coach Brian Schottenheimer announced Beebe is on track to play against the Cardinals. "Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer says C Cooper Beebe is on track to play against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night," Harris reported. "Hasn’t played since week two when he suffered a lateral ankle sprain and foot injury." After being selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, he has become a consistent figure on Dallas' offensive line. As a rookie last season, he started 16 games, earning a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 65.4. Filling in for Beebe has been fourth-year veteran Brock Hoffman. He's recorded 415 snaps at center this year, committing two penalties and allowing one sack and ranking 29th out of 33 centers with a grade of 56.2. The Cowboys' offensive line has protected Prescott very well. They've allowed just 10 sacks, which is tied for the fourth-least in the NFL. Beebe's return could solidify one of the NFL's top offensive lines, giving Prescott more time and protection in the pocket. Kickoff between the Cowboys and Cardinals is 8:15 p.m. ET Monday at AT T Stadium, airing on ABC and ESPN.
A potential Cowboys Pro Bowl trade target just became available
The Dallas Cowboys have multiple ways in which they could address the defense ahead of the NFL's Nov. 4 trade deadline but fixing the secondary should be at the top of the list. Dallas has Pro Bowl talent at cornerback in Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland but have been devastated by injuries and lack of production, as safeties Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker have also missed time. Many of the top names linked to the Cowboys ahead of the trade deadline have been edge rushers or linebackers but a notable face has now emerged into the fold as a player Dallas should target. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Miami Dolphins are "open" to trading safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and that there "has been interest from multiple teams." For the sake of Cowboys fans' sanity, they will be hoping that Dallas is one of the teams interested in the five-time Pro Bowler. Minkah Fitzpatrick Could Fix Major Cowboys Problem If the Cowboys are brave enough to make a move to acquire Fitzpatrick, he could help bolster a safety room that has made headlines for the wrong reasons this season. In Week 8's loss to the Denver Broncos, the Cowboys went as far as to give undrafted cornerback Reddy Steward his first-career NFL snaps at safety in a last-ditch effort after Aljiah Clark joined the aforementioned Wilson and Hooker as safeties on the roster dealing with injuries. Fitzpatrick would bring a veteran presence to Dallas while also providing continued production. At age 28, it's likely he is past his prime but has still managed to post 50 total tackles (36 solo), one fumble recovery, one interception and seven pass breakups in nine games this season. The Cowboys will host the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night but should stay busy on the phones, especially with the Dolphins. — Sign up for the Cowboys Daily Digest newsletter for more free coverage from Dallas Cowboys on SI — Cowboys' final Week 9 injury report lists 6 players out, including 3 starters on D 3 keys to victory for Dallas Cowboys in pivotal Week 9 matchup vs. Cardinals 3 under-the-radar candidates Cowboys must consider at NFL trade deadline Cowboys secondary catches lucky break with major Cardinals injury news Cowboys-Cardinals live stream options amid ESPN-YouTube TV dispute Meet Camille Sturdivant: Star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix docuseries
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