Hayes could return tomorrow, no extension for Hickson and other Kings news

A few small, noteworthy tidbits we can pass along to you this evening.

Kevin Sherrets, executive producer of Sacramento Kings radio broadcasts, reported earlier today that Chuck Hayes returned to practice and may be able to go tomorrow night against the Denver Nuggets.  Hayes has been out for the last two-and-a-half weeks after dislocating his left shoulder against the Milwaukee Bucks.   Sherrets added this via twitter:

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Sherrets also added that Marcus Thornton did not practice today and is doubtful for tomorrow’s contest versus Denver.

According to Ken Berger of CBS Sports, it doesn’t look like the Kings are ready to commit to J.J. Hickson long term, at least not at this moment.  The Kings are in a bit of a pickle.  Not only did they give up Omri Casspi to get Hickson, but a protected number one as well.  Hickson has struggled to fit in with his new team and stands to lose even more time when Hayes returns from injury some time this week.

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Last week, David Aldridge of Turner Sports reported that Jason Thompson would also not receive an extension.

Tyler Honeycutt has officially been called back from Reno and will be in uniform for Wednesday’s game.  What Honeycutt’s role will be with the Kings is anyone’s guess at this point.  No player has distinguished himself at the small forward position for the Kings this season.  Honeycutt is green, but plays solid defense and has a nice all around offensive game.

And lastly, TV ratings are up for the Kings broadcasts this season.  Here’s the press release from Comcast SportsNet California:

SACRAMENTO, CA (January 24, 2012) – Comcast SportsNet California, the exclusive local television home of the Sacramento Kings, has posted significant rating increases for its Kings telecasts during the first month of the 2011-12 season.

Through 18 games this season, Comcast SportsNet California is averaging a 2.37 household rating, which is equal to an estimated 32,967 households in the Sacramento DMA (Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto) watching per game, a 33 percent increase over the 1.78 average household rating posted at the end of the 2010-11 season.  Plus, Kings games on Comcast SportsNet California are routinely ranking in the top-5 among all programs airing in the same time slot.  Source for all ratings information is provided by Nielsen Media Research

The release also adds that attendance at Power Balance Pavilion is up “nearly 10 percent” this season compared to last season’s numbers.

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