The Sacramento Kings made headlines on Thursday with the unveiling of their new blue-and-red City Edition jerseys, paying homage to the team’s past as the Cincinnati Royals. Along with the jersey reveal, the Kings also introduced their new mascot, Roy Al, whose distinctive and somewhat frightening appearance quickly became a topic of conversation on social media.
The Kings’ star guard, De’Aaron Fox, had a candid and memorable reaction when he saw the new mascot for the first time. Speaking to reporters after a shootaround ahead of the team’s first NBA Cup group-play game on Friday, Fox was shown a picture of Roy Al, and his unfiltered response instantly went viral.
“What the f–k is that?” Fox exclaimed, his expression of disbelief prompting immediate laughter from the assembled reporters. After a few moments, he added with a smirk, “He looks like he’d work at a fast-food restaurant.” Fox’s genuine and humorous reaction captured the bewilderment of many fans who were also seeing the unusual mascot for the first time.
The mascot, Roy Al, sports an exaggerated face with a mischievous grin that seemed to both amuse and confuse onlookers.
With his oversized eyes, bright colors, and cartoonish features, Roy Al instantly drew comparisons to various pop culture characters, with some social media users comparing him to a character out of a quirky animated series or even a retro video game villain. The new mascot’s eccentric appearance was a bold choice, and it certainly caught the attention of fans and media alike.
Judging by the laughter in the room, Fox was far from alone in his bewilderment about the new mascot. The introduction of Roy Al sparked a wave of jokes and memes on social media, with fans weighing in on the unexpected design.
While some embraced the playful and nostalgic look, others were left scratching their heads at the peculiar mascot’s appearance.
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Despite the mixed reactions, there is a clear reasoning behind the new look of both Roy Al and the blue-and-red jerseys.
The jerseys and mascot are intended to pay tribute to the Kings’ 15-year run as the Cincinnati Royals, a significant part of the franchise’s history before the team relocated and eventually became the Sacramento Kings.
The blue-and-red color scheme harkens back to the Royals’ era, evoking a sense of nostalgia for longtime fans and connecting the current team to its roots.
Roy Al’s name itself is a play on words, referencing the Royals’ name and incorporating the regal theme that has long been associated with the franchise. The mascot’s quirky design is meant to embody the fun and energetic spirit of the Kings, even if it takes some getting used to for both players and fans.
While Roy Al’s introduction may have been met with some confusion and a bit of laughter, it’s clear that the Kings are embracing their past while looking to the future.
The team’s decision to honor their heritage through the City Edition jerseys and the mascot is a nod to the rich history of the franchise, and it adds an element of excitement and uniqueness to the season.
As the Kings prepare for their NBA Cup group-play game, it remains to be seen how fans will ultimately receive Roy Al. For now, the mascot has certainly sparked conversation and brought some humor to the team.
And if De’Aaron Fox’s reaction is anything to go by, Roy Al is already making an impact—even if it wasn’t exactly the one the Kings intended.
