Head coach & GM options

[Glenn]

Part of my point in writing that note was to point out that Sacramento as a destination for anyone including coaches and free agents doesn't seem to have changed. Although I think our team as a destination will improve we obviously still have a lot to prove to the rest of the league. Getting a new GM will not magically make it easier to acquire FAs so let us not blame whoever is our GM going forward for not bringing in big name FAs. The last big name we got was Vlade so it's been awhile and the Maloofs have hurt us badly.

Anyway, last night was interesting as I felt more peaceful than usual. I think we will all notice that now that the drama is over, we can focus on positives. I just don't think we should expect miracles. I am assuming that as our own players become more content, that people on the outside will change their opinions but then we don't know if the new owners are going to be a whole lot better in their judgment as to how to develop this team going forward. They still have to prove themselves first to our team and then the league. I was surprised that one experienced man with no dog in the fight seemed disappointed that Hansen/Ballmer did not buy the team.

 

[Gilles]

We should expect significant turnaround as toxic atmosphere of uncertainty and penny pinching is gone. But personnel decisions are vital. Hopefully Ranadive was in some contact with Warriors FO and has some insight into quality of assistant GMs or coaches around the League.
Part of appeal of Seattle to Jackson would be owners willing to make huge splash by spending a lot first few years so even with mistakes you could quickly build something extremely competitive. Very few destinations can compete with LA or NY. And Kings is not going to come close even with a lot of money poured into the team. But turns out you can compete with smart roster and salary management.

 

[whozit]

We should expect significant turnaround as toxic atmosphere of uncertainty and penny pinching is gone. But personnel decisions are vital. Hopefully Ranadive was in some contact with Warriors FO and has some insight into quality of assistant GMs or coaches around the League.
Part of appeal of Seattle to Jackson would be owners willing to make huge splash by spending a lot first few years so even with mistakes you could quickly build something extremely competitive. Very few destinations can compete with LA or NY. And Kings is not going to come close even with a lot of money poured into the team. But turns out you can compete with smart roster and salary management.

Considering that they are using his software for data (if I remember the reports correctly), I wouldn't be surprised if he is allowed a copy of the current data as a farewell gesture.

 

[HndsmCelt]

Part of my point in writing that note was to point out that Sacramento as a destination for anyone including coaches and free agents doesn't seem to have changed. Although I think our team as a destination will improve we obviously still have a lot to prove to the rest of the league. Getting a new GM will not magically make it easier to acquire FAs so let us not blame whoever is our GM going forward for not bringing in big name FAs. The last big name we got was Vlade so it's been awhile and the Maloofs have hurt us badly.

Anyway, last night was interesting as I felt more peaceful than usual. I think we will all notice that now that the drama is over, we can focus on positives. I just don't think we should expect miracles. I am assuming that as our own players become more content, that people on the outside will change their opinions but then we don't know if the new owners are going to be a whole lot better in their judgment as to how to develop this team going forward. They still have to prove themselves first to our team and then the league. I was surprised that one experienced man with no dog in the fight seemed disappointed that Hansen/Ballmer did not buy the team.

I would not over red into JP's statement. He loves NY, Chicago, and LA he is big city creature. Coaches and GM's have differing values and needs. Some guys top priority is a big check, others autonomy with the team, some WANT to be able to live on a ranch and hunt. The point is we still have a good shot at top GM'/Coach prospects. Players a different. Fortunately we all we have to do is match offers for Tyreek and all we need are roll players and those we can get.

 

[Padrino]

here's a good article by sam amick that might lend some insight into how vivek ranadive will approach the team's transition under this new ownership group:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2013/05/17/vivek-ranadive-sacramento-kings-owner/2193325/

"I'm going to do what I do in my business, which is surround myself with people that are way smarter than me," he said. "But I am a huge fan. I'm going to be there at all the games, be there to support the team in every way."

it will be great to have an owner on hand at all of the home games again who is both passionate and committed to the rebuilding of this franchise...

That could lead to some of his current co-workers coming along with him. If Kings coach Keith Smart is not retained as is expected, then Warriors assistant Michael Malone – a former assistant in Cleveland and New Orleans who sparked dramatic defensive improvement at each of his NBA stops and has interviewed for several head coaching vacancies – is expected to be a candidate.

Longtime Kings general manager Geoff Petrie is not expected to be retained either after the team's 28-54 campaign, and one possible successor who would certainly bring name recognition was on hand on Thursday night. Warriors legend Chris Mullin, who called Game 6 as a television commentator for ESPN, was in the team's front office from 2004 to 2009 and said he would be open to discussing the situation in Sacramento. He has met Ranadive several times but said they had not yet discussed the possibility.

i don't know how i feel about this information as of yet, however speculative it may be. but it's good to get further affirmation that geoff petrie and keith smart are likely on their way out the door...

 

[HndsmCelt]

here's a good article by sam amick that might lend some insight into how vivek ranadive will approach the team's transition under this new ownership group:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2013/05/17/vivek-ranadive-sacramento-kings-owner/2193325/



it will be great to have an owner on hand at all of the home games again who is both passionate and committed to the rebuilding of this franchise...



i don't know how i feel about this information as of yet, however speculative it may be. but it's good to get further affirmation that geoff petrie and keith smart are likely on their way out the door...

Sam hits and misses, I hope he is wrong about re-treading a GSW assistant coach, but Mullins at the helm might not be a bad idea at all. The guy knows the game and all the players. Hopefully Mullins may have his own ideas about who he would like to see coach.I thought it was funny that Ranadive surrounds him self with guys "smarter than himself" From what I read after graduating MIT with both a BA and MA in 4 years that has to be kinda short list.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

here's a good article by sam amick that might lend some insight into how vivek ranadive will approach the team's transition under this new ownership group:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2013/05/17/vivek-ranadive-sacramento-kings-owner/2193325/



it will be great to have an owner on hand at all of the home games again who is both passionate and committed to the rebuilding of this franchise...



i don't know how i feel about this information as of yet, however speculative it may be. but it's good to get further affirmation that geoff petrie and keith smart are likely on their way out the door...

A few pages back I mentioned how I thought Mike Malone would be the guy. The good news is, he's been a NBA head coaching candidate for a while now, so others clearly think he's close. The bad news is, he isn't SVG or one of the other proven veteran coaches we all sort of wanted.

Keep an eye on GSW assistant GM Travis Schlenk. I think, at this point with only so much time left to pick a new front office and coaching staff .. Schlenk/Malone may be the favorites.

 

[uolj]

Sam hits and misses, I hope he is wrong about re-treading a GSW assistant coach, but Mullins at the helm might not be a bad idea at all. The guy knows the game and all the players. Hopefully Mullins may have his own ideas about who he would like to see coach.I thought it was funny that Ranadive surrounds him self with guys "smarter than himself" From what I read after graduating MIT with both a BA and MA in 4 years that has to be kinda short list.

I'm kind of the opposite. Malone the assistant sounds fine but I'm not too keen on Mullin. Don't ask me why because I probably don't know.

 

[Padrino]

A few pages back I mentioned how I thought Mike Malone would be the guy. The good news is, he's been a NBA head coaching candidate for a while now, so others clearly think he's close. The bad news is, he isn't SVG or one of the other proven veteran coaches we all sort of wanted.

Keep an eye on GSW assistant GM Travis Schlenk. I think, at this point with only so much time left to pick a new front office and coaching staff .. Schlenk/Malone may be the favorites.

i've long maintained that we don't want stan van gundy. he's an egotist who clashed mightily with his star center in orlando and who seems to enjoy calling out his players in the media, as opposed to in-house. it's just not a good fit for a team with demarcus cousins at its core. that said, i agree that our collective preference should be for a veteran coach with some clout. coax the other van gundy brother out of retirement and i would expect good things from this team...

 

[Vlade4GM]

Petrie has done good things in the past, but CLEAN ****ING HOUSE!

 

[Hallama]

I have a feeling Petrie will at least be retained as a consultant, or GM for a transition year or two. Once Petrie gets in front of Vivek, I think V will be impressed by Petrie's "smarts". This is if Petrie wants to stay in the NBA, of course.

 

[Hoovtrain]

I'm kind of the opposite. Malone the assistant sounds fine but I'm not too keen on Mullin. Don't ask me why because I probably don't know.

This is kind of how i feel. I don't recall Mullin being that great when in the GSW FO.

 

[HndsmCelt]

This is kind of how i feel. I don't recall Mullin being that great when in the GSW FO.

If I remember they were committed to Nelly-ball at that time. My only reason to like Mullins is his work ethic, his history of overcoming adversity (almost drank him self out of the league) and his great team play. Might not be nearly enough, but who knows.

 

[jalfa]

I'm kind of the opposite. Malone the assistant sounds fine but I'm not too keen on Mullin. Don't ask me why because I probably don't know.

agreed. I've seen rank fairly high on the lists of other teams searching for a headcoach. it's not the best of solutions, but rather him than a retread. as far as Mullins goes, he was rather underwhelming as a gm. I'm not too familiar with the Warriors' situation, but believe their previous owner was also on somewhat of a tight budget, which might explain some of it, but I'd prefer a fresh start here as well.

 

[sdballer]

This is kind of how i feel. I don't recall Mullin being that great when in the GSW FO.

He was a poor drafter (with the exception of the Ellis 2nd rounder) but he made some very nice trades and complimentary signings.

My concern would be one of style as he was a small ball guy his entire career. He had a great bball iq and was around for a while so you hope enough of the era he played in rubbed off but he wouldn't be my first choice for the front office.

in terms of coaches, if you don't go experienced in van gundy/Sloan I don't mind them picking the best of the long time assistants ready to step up. Malone would definitely be in that category.

 

[Bricklayer]

He was a poor drafter (with the exception of the Ellis 2nd rounder) but he made some very nice trades and complimentary signings.

My concern would be one of style as he was a small ball guy his entire career. He had a great bball iq and was around for a while so you hope enough of the era he played in rubbed off but he wouldn't be my first choice for the front office.

in terms of coaches, if you don't go experienced in van gundy/Sloan I don't mind them picking the best of the long time assistants ready to step up. Malone would definitely be in that category.

Just such a risk with the assistants. Its one you take at certain points, but after 6 years of overmatched coaches taking a risk like that seems dubious. There really is no more time now to sell DMC on us being competitive, and you just have to capture the momentum of the moment for the fans.

I get the feeling though that people were/are just making the dumbfire connection -- part owner GS, who are GS names. Heck, Smart was a GS name too. And we might as well raise Nellie's name up there if we're going to thorough. Got a feeling Vivek might have his own ideas though,

 

[Kingster]

Sam hits and misses, I hope he is wrong about re-treading a GSW assistant coach, but Mullins at the helm might not be a bad idea at all. The guy knows the game and all the players. Hopefully Mullins may have his own ideas about who he would like to see coach.I thought it was funny that Ranadive surrounds him self with guys "smarter than himself" From what I read after graduating MIT with both a BA and MA in 4 years that has to be kinda short list.

Yeah, a very short list.

I would expect Ranadive is going to surround himself with people more knowledgable about the game of basketball than he is, but absolutely nobody is going to be smarter than he is.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

I'm kind of the opposite. Malone the assistant sounds fine but I'm not too keen on Mullin. Don't ask me why because I probably don't know.

agreed. I've seen rank fairly high on the lists of other teams searching for a headcoach. it's not the best of solutions, but rather him than a retread. as far as Mullins goes, he was rather underwhelming as a gm. I'm not too familiar with the Warriors' situation, but believe their previous owner was also on somewhat of a tight budget, which might explain some of it, but I'd prefer a fresh start here as well.

Mullin built the team that upset the Mavericks in 2007, mostly through trades. He doesn't have a super-strong draft record, though:

• Passed on Kris Humphries, Al Jefferson and Josh Smith to take Andris Biedrins in 2004.
• Took Ike Diogu a pick ahead of Andrew Bynum in 2005, and eight ahead of Danny Granger. He did get Monta Ellis in the second round, though.
• I won't hold 2006 against him, since the only players of consequence taken after his pick were Rondo and Milsap, and everyone else missed on them, too.
• I'm tempted to give him a pass in 2007, too, since he had a late pick in the first round, but he did pass on Wilson Chandler and Arron Afflalo to take Marco Bellinelli.
• Passed on Robin Lopez, Marreese Speights, Roy Hibbert, JaVale McGee and JJ Hickson (next five picked) for Anthony Randolph in 2008.

Not the most sterling résumé for someone to fill the GM position of a team as dependent on the draft as ours is.

 

[sdballer]

Just such a risk with the assistants. Its one you take at certain points, but after 6 years of overmatched coaches taking a risk like that seems dubious. There really is no more time now to sell DMC on us being competitive, and you just have to capture the momentum of the moment for the fans.

I get the feeling though that people were/are just making the dumbfire connection -- part owner GS, who are GS names. Heck, Smart was a GS name too. And we might as well raise Nellie's name up there if we're going to thorough. Got a feeling Vivek might have his own ideas though,

I don't disagree. I just think if you can't get one of those 2-3 experienced guys with big resumes, I'd rather go hot assistant prospect (a la thibs) than rehashing a head couch that has bounced around unsuccessfully or a college guy.

 

[HndsmCelt]

Just such a risk with the assistants. Its one you take at certain points, but after 6 years of overmatched coaches taking a risk like that seems dubious. There really is no more time now to sell DMC on us being competitive, and you just have to capture the momentum of the moment for the fans.

I get the feeling though that people were/are just making the dumbfire connection -- part owner GS, who are GS names. Heck, Smart was a GS name too. And we might as well raise Nellie's name up there if we're going to thorough. Got a feeling Vivek might have his own ideas though,

I'd be a bit more worried about a Nelly sighting if Ranadive had been there longer. Let us hope the "experts" he brings are less tied to GSW than to the game as it is played now, and the BUISNESS of team building. I totally agree with the idea that you keep momentum going and bring in the the BIGEST fish you can at coach even if that means taking a little risk on a GM who is his yes man.

 

[Bricklayer]

We can pretty conclusively scratch PJ off the list:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/phil-jackson-seattle-groups-plan-134131066--nba.html


And probably a good thing too, given that I think he's slimey.

 

[Hoovtrain]

He was a poor drafter (with the exception of the Ellis 2nd rounder) but he made some very nice trades and complimentary signings.

My concern would be one of style as he was a small ball guy his entire career. He had a great bball iq and was around for a while so you hope enough of the era he played in rubbed off but he wouldn't be my first choice for the front office.

in terms of coaches, if you don't go experienced in van gundy/Sloan I don't mind them picking the best of the long time assistants ready to step up. Malone would definitely be in that category.

Thanks for the refresher, kind of how i remember it. If thats the case and they are serious, tben as one poster said, keep Petrie on as a consultant. His strong point is the draft, although you wouldnt know it the last 2 years.

EDIT: A couple of my W's buddies also said he gave out some pretty questionable, long term deals with the likes of Dunleavy, Murphy and Foyle. He said a lot of people felt he redeemed himself by the trade to IND.

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

He was a poor drafter (with the exception of the Ellis 2nd rounder) but he made some very nice trades and complimentary signings.

My concern would be one of style as he was a small ball guy his entire career. He had a great bball iq and was around for a while so you hope enough of the era he played in rubbed off but he wouldn't be my first choice for the front office.

I will say this in defense of Mullin: his career as a GM almost exactly overlapped with Nelson's second run with the team. The two years he was their GM that Nelson didn't coach the team, they had a more traditional lineup, with stretch fours like Cliff Robinson and Troy Murphy complimented by bangers like Dale Davis, the under-appreciated Zarko Caparkaba and the aforementioned Biedrins.

So, could his small ball have been him catering to the HoF coach?

 

[kingwin]

I am happy to get malone, bt please no mullins...i think he would be too aggressive...i feel we dont have to blow it up bt jus make the talent fit..

 

[swisshh]

Has there been any talk of Larry Bird coming in? He's had a year away. He has friends in the Kings organization. He's not a big city schmuck like Phil Jackson.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

Just such a risk with the assistants. Its one you take at certain points, but after 6 years of overmatched coaches taking a risk like that seems dubious. There really is no more time now to sell DMC on us being competitive, and you just have to capture the momentum of the moment for the fans.

I get the feeling though that people were/are just making the dumbfire connection -- part owner GS, who are GS names. Heck, Smart was a GS name too. And we might as well raise Nellie's name up there if we're going to thorough. Got a feeling Vivek might have his own ideas though,

Maybe. Hell, Hopefully, if that means SVG

I happen to think it's legit, but who knows at this point. If Malone wasn't as close as he is, then I would be more skeptical, but he's been riding that assistant coach/ head coach line for a while now. He's going to get a job somewhere relatively soon I would think.

Still, I'd like to see the new ownership group open up the coaching search and not just give it to Malone. If hes the best guy when it's all said and done, then fine.

 

[rainmaker]

As far as potential GM's, I'd personally stay away from Mullin as his connection to Nellie and smallball do make me nervous. Actually, I'm leaning towards taking a GM who's never held the position before and will come in with some fire, a huge change from the far too comfortable Petrie. Of course the biggest issue is the potential GM's philosophy and who his mentors were, which can give some possible insight into what type of team they'd build and what type of player they value. Three guys I'd consider.

Tom Penn, a disciple of Pritchard in Por, helped build a team around Roy who's somewhat similar to Reke. Has been offered previous GM jobs but turned them down.

Troy Weaver, disciple of Presti in OKC and responsible for picking Westbrook, who OKC would have passed on. Obviously knows the value of defensive bigs and having role players.

Dennis Lindsay, disciple of Pop in SA. Nuff said. History of those working under Pop who've been successful in this league.

Possibly Kerr, with the hope his philosophy is based on his playing days under Phil in Chi.


I hope in general Vivek learned more from the current GS regime and Jerry West, instead of the previous regime who loved small ball, went with Nelson/Smart and had to be blown up and rescued from themselves.

Still say my top three coaching candidates are JVG, Sloan and McMillan in that order, if Phil isn't interested. And, I'd probably attempt to hire the coach before the GM, then have the new coach be a part of negotiations with the potential gm. I'd rather bring in a coach with a great reputation and then a GM who agrees with the coach's philosophy and can make moves which coincide with that philosophy, rather than first hiring a GM and risking going after a coach who doesn't share the same philosophy. Hire a guy like Mullin as GM and then hire a Sloan/JVG, there could be some issues about the direction and what type of roster/system you want to employ.

 

[funkykingston]

Here were my original lists (in not particular order):

Coaches
Jeff Van Gundy
Mike Malone
Nate McMillan
Stan Van Gundy
Jerry Sloan (if he wants to coach again)


General Managers:
Mike Zarren (Celtics)
Sam Hinkie (Rockets)
Tom Penn (ESPN)
Phil Jackson

All of those coaches are in play (if they are interested in head coaching jobs) though McMillan is apparently interviewing in Philly. And Philadelphia already grabbed the guy I probably liked most among GM candidates in Hinkie. Phil Jackson has already said he didn't want the Sacramento job. It never feels good to be snubbed, but given that I've seen no indication at all that he has any skills as a talent evaluator and has no experience with trades, contracts etc I don't think that's a big blow.

It will be interesting to see which direction the new ownership goes in. This first summer is a huge one.

 

[Padrino]

Here were my original lists (in not particular order):

Coaches
Jeff Van Gundy
Mike Malone
Nate McMillan
Stan Van Gundy
Jerry Sloan (if he wants to coach again)


General Managers:
Mike Zarren (Celtics)
Sam Hinkie (Rockets)
Tom Penn (ESPN)
Phil Jackson

All of those coaches are in play (if they are interested in head coaching jobs) though McMillan is apparently interviewing in Philly. And Philadelphia already grabbed the guy I probably liked most among GM candidates in Hinkie. Phil Jackson has already said he didn't want the Sacramento job. It never feels good to be snubbed, but given that I've seen no indication at all that he has any skills as a talent evaluator and has no experience with trades, contracts etc I don't think that's a big blow.

It will be interesting to see which direction the new ownership goes in. This first summer is a huge one.

i am quite fond of both of your lists. i find that we're in general agreement on what direction the franchise should take, from the top down. and as for the two bolded statements at the end of your post, it will indeed be quite an interesting summer. to be perfectly honest, now that the team is sold to ranadive and is here to stay, i find myself feeling rather anxious about the basketball side of things again. the stakes and expectations have been trapped in the basement for so long that i almost forgot what it was like to hope for truly positive change in the way the kings are managed...

most of the major decisions that need to be made this summer will shape the foreseeable future of this franchise. i've had so much time to form my opinion on how to sculpt this ramshackle team into a winner that i'm going to have to be careful not to cling too tightly to that vision, as surely the new regime will have a great many different opinions than me (though i will steadfastly maintain that trading demarcus cousins would be a mistake, and that re-signing tyreke evans should be priority #1 among player personnel decisions)...

 

[Mr. S£im Citrus]

I'll disagree with the last part of your post in this regard: I think that we should wait and see whom we hire as a coach before we commit to re-signing Evans, and I certainly think that Evans should wait to see whom we hire before he signs with us. I doubt his career could withstand another season of being mis-managed, at this stage of his career.