Chicago Sun-Times: KING ME

Here's a rich tale about Joe Maloof.

The Sacramento Kings owner won $1 million in a blackjack tournament Sunday at a casino near San Diego.

He bet $25,000 on the last hand in the winner-take-all tournament and drew blackjack to beat five other finalists.

I don't know how I won," Maloof told the San Diego Union-Tribune. I have no strategy."

The tournament had a $10,000 entry fee. Gavin Maloof, Joe's brother, was ousted in the semifinals.

I guess it was my lucky day," said Joe Maloof, who flew back to Sacramento for the Kings' game Sunday against the Suns. I couldn't believe it when I won. I was giving out a lot of chips as tips afterward. I've got to cut in my three brothers, too."

Joe Maloof still is looking for his lucky season, with an NBA title the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

If I had my choice between Vlade [Divac] making a three-pointer to beat the Lakers in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals, I would take Vlade making that shot," he said.

In case anyone was wondering whether he already had enough money.