As the Sacramento Kings kickoff their 2020-21 home schedule Saturday night against the Phoenix Suns, there will be something new greeting the local and national media as they enter the Golden 1 Center at the Northeast entrance.
The new Jerry Reynolds Media Entrance was unveiled today to honor the beloved Jack-of-all-trades who has been a fixture of the franchise since it moved to Sacramento back in 1985. Featuring a plaque and framed images of the former head coach, general manager (Kings and Monarchs), player personnel director, and most recently TV color commentator will adorn the walls inside and outside of the doors of the newly dedicated entrance.
“There has always been and always will be, only one Jerry Reynolds,” said Sacramento Kings Chairman and Owner Vivek Ranadive. “Jerry’s name is synonymous with the history of the Sacramento Kings and he will forever be a member of the franchise’s family. I stand with the entire organization in wishing Jerry and his family nothing but the best throughout his well-deserved retirement.”
“For 35 years, I have been blessed to be a part of this incredible organization, and while I have received other honors throughout my career, this ranks at the top as the most meaningful,” said Jerry Reynolds. “I want to express my deep appreciation to the Kings for their support over the years. I will always have a special place in my heart for Kings fans and all of the players, staff and media colleagues with whom I had the pleasure of working with over my tenure, each person made the journey enjoyable and unforgettable.”
Reynolds officially announced his decision to retire back on November 5, but it was well understood that the organization was moving in a different direction following the sudden resignation of lead-play-by-play announcer, and close friend Grant Napear earlier in the year and the subsequent hiring of ESPN’s Marc Jones to pair with current color commentator Doug Christie for the upcoming season.
Reynolds had already begun scaling back his duties with the team a couple years earlier and It was just the right time for him to move on and start the next phase of his life.
Jerry will continue to follow the Kings closely from his couch in Roseville and we should expect to hear from him and his opinion on the team for many years to come as a frequent guest on local media outlets, but on his own schedule and his own terms.
He is also expected to continue hosting his podcast The Jerry Reynolds Show, so we will not be without that familiar French Lick, IN twang.
And generations of media members entering the G1C will have a constant reminder of someone who’s unwavering devotion to the Sacramento Kings and excellence in every role he held has set a very high standard they can only hope to achieve.
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