by Charlie O. Mallonee
The Sacramento Kings desperately need to create a stable organization for the team, fans and investors. The organization took a major step toward stability by signing Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Vlade Divac to a multi-year contract today.
Divac was named to his current post on August 31, 2015. Prior to being placed in charge of basketball operations, he was Vice President of Basketball and Franchise Operations.
“My commitment to the Sacramento Kings goes back to my days as a player and I’m grateful to continue playing my part in creating a winning future for the Sacramento Kings,” said Divac. “I know that we have what it takes to be a successful franchise and I look forward to continuing to improve and build on the progress that we’ve made.”
Hopefully, this move is the first step in stabilizing the basket operations. With Divac firmly in charge, the Kings should be able to hire a coach that is philosophically compatible with team’s direction and personnel. The installation of a coach who will be around longer than a single season will also help the team meet a goal of becoming stable and successful on the court.
The Kings have not officially parted ways with current head coach George Karl, but it is hard to visualize Karl being retained after the end of this very disappointing season. Divac would be free to hire a head coach that could gain the confidence of the team.
The other major move Divac needs to make is to remove the title of general manager from his business card and hire an experienced G.M. who can handle the nuts and bolts of the salary cap plus trades and free agent signings. This would let Divac run things from the 10,000-foot level and deal with the overall direction of the team, league business, scouting and oversight of the D-league team in Reno.
Vivek Ranadive and the other owners are hoping that they can look back on this day as the one changed the Kings from an “also-ran organization” into real competitor in the National Bassketball Association.
Some of the information in this report was provided by the Sacramento Kings Media Department
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