Kings Fire GM Following Play-In Game Disaster – What’s Next for the Franchise?

Hello, this is Dan Gartland. It was quite unexpected to witness the Mavericks secure another victory.

Highlights from today’s SI:AM:

Travis Hunter’s debut on an SI cover
Prospect from the Navy entering the NFL
Crucial player for the Thunder

The Perpetual Rebuilding of the Kings

The Sacramento Kings are back to the drawing board.

After a decisive defeat by the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA play-in tournament on Wednesday night, the Kings will miss the playoffs for the 18th time in the past 19 years. The Mavericks dominated the game early, leading 71–48 at halftime, and the Kings could not bridge the gap in the latter half. The Mavericks now advance to battle the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, aiming for a spot against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoff’s first round.

Shortly after their defeat, the Kings announced the dismissal of their general manager, Monte McNair, who had been in his position since September 2020. This came as a dramatic decline for someone who was celebrated as the NBA’s Executive of the Year in 2023. This praise followed a major trade he orchestrated with the Indiana Pacers, securing Domantas Sabonis in exchange for Tyrese Haliburton.

At the time, the trade was heavily criticized. Haliburton, only in his second NBA season and a third-place finisher in the previous Rookie of the Year voting, was clearly blossoming into a star. The decision to trade him for an older player puzzled many. However, in Sabonis’s first full season with the Kings, the narrative began to change as he elevated his game, particularly on the defensive end, and became the cornerstone of a Kings team that finished third in the Western Conference under new coach Mike Brown, breaking a 16-year playoff drought, although they exited in the first round.

However, what appeared as a turning point was merely a fleeting success. Last season, the Kings won two games less than the previous year, a record that was not enough to secure a playoff spot in a fiercely competitive Western Conference. This season has been even more disappointing, starting with a 13–18 record in the initial months, which led to Brown’s firing and the promotion of assistant Doug Christie to interim coach. Although the team showed some improvement under Christie, they still finished the season below .500.

This season’s most significant event was the trade of All-Star point guard De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs. Fox had declined a three-year, $165 million max extension from the Kings, expressing his reluctance to commit long-term to a team lacking competitive consistency. His departure was precipitated by the dismissal of Brown, with whom Fox had a strong rapport. Despite a promising start under Christie, the underlying issues within the organization remained, leading to Fox’s trade for Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls.

The ongoing issues can be traced back to decisions made by owner Vivek Ranadivé, including the abrupt firings and questionable trades. These decisions have not only destabilized the team but also led to the dismissal of McNair, who had crafted one of the best rosters in recent Kings history. Despite achieving three consecutive 40-win seasons, a feat not seen since 2005–06, the team is once again at a crossroads.

Now, the Kings are essentially starting over. They lack a head coach, a general manager, and a roster capable of contending in the Western Conference. More concerning is the pervasive issue of an interfering and ineffective owner—a problem more challenging to resolve than any other in sports.

Highlights from Sports Illustrated

• NFL draft prospect and accomplished fisherman Travis Hunter graces the cover of the latest Sports Illustrated, with a feature by Pat Forde. Perhaps it’s time to consider him a triple-threat.

• Rayuan Lane III, juggling the rigorous demands of the U.S. Naval Academy and his aspirations in the NFL, is not your average draft hopeful. Greg Bishop provides a closer look.

• Conor Orr discusses how the Philadelphia Eagles’ atypical approach to team building, diverging from modern Moneyball tactics, isn’t necessarily suitable for all teams.

• Chris Mannix profiles Jalen Williams, a forward for the Thunder who, after being overlooked in the 2022 draft, is now crucial to Oklahoma City’s championship aspirations.

• Quarterback Nico Iamaleava is reportedly transferring to UCLA following a controversial departure from Tennessee.

• With potential trades on the horizon, Kevin Durant is attracting interest from several contending teams.

• Justin Rose reflects on his playoff loss to Rory McIlroy at the Masters, discussing it publicly for the first time.

Top five moments…

…from last night:

5. Hayden White clinches a last-minute victory for Indy Eleven in the U.S. Open Cup.

4. A majestic 448-foot home run by Shohei Ohtani.

3. A group of Yankees fans explode in celebration at an Aaron Judge homer.

2. A bizarre play during the Pirates-Nationals game results in an unusual out at first base by the left fielder.

1. Cody Bellinger’s spectacular diving catch secures the Yankees’ victory over the Royals.