NBA Kings Managing Partner Vivek Ranadive, who faced criticism following Monday’s dismissal of coach Michael Malone, said that his front office “persuaded him to change coaches, partly to change the culture but mainly to start scrapping the old offense,” according to Ailene Voisin of the SACRAMENTO BEE. Ranadive “doesn’t chuck-and-duck.” He “doesn’t hide under his desk,” instead meeting with the media to discuss the change. He said that GM Pete D’Alessandro, Assistant GM Mike Bratz and Advisor to the Chair Chris Mullin “began lobbying for a coaching change several weeks ago.” D’Alessandro and Mullin "flew to Las Vegas eight days ago" to meet with Ranadive, who was attending a software conference. Ranadive said, “When they both flew in on the earliest flight that morning and wanted to meet with me, I knew they were pretty serious. This was different. I told Pete to do what he thought best.” He added, “There is a never a good time to fire someone. It’s a terrible thing. ... [Malone is] an honorable man. He did a good job for us, and I believe that he was absolutely the right choice given the context of when we got him.” Voisin notes Ranadive, D’Alessandro and Mullin “discussed the possibility of shifting” Mullin “from the front office to the bench, but bagged the idea.” While Ty Corbin will be the head coach for the remainder of the season, “other more established candidates will be considered and possibly approached” (SACRAMENTO BEE, 12/17).
MISSING THE MARK? CBS Sports Network’s Jim Rome said of the Kings firing Malone, "This is what happens when the GM and the coach are not on the same page. They never are when the owner hires the coach before the GM. When has that ever worked? Better yet, when has that ever happened? Straight amateur move by the owner.” Yahoo Sports’ Rand Getlin: "The owner is playing fantasy ball with this team. ... It doesn't make much sense. They’re talking about George Karl potentially coming in; can you imagine him taking orders like that?" (“Rome,” CBSSN, 12/16). N.Y. Daily News’ Frank Isola said, "All these owners want to be Mark Cuban, be the big tech guys that are glorified student managers. Mark Cuban hires the right coach, he’s got the right guys running the front office and he’s got the right superstar. That’s how they should follow Mark Cuban” (“Around The Horn,” ESPN, 12/16). NBA TV’s Greg Anthony added, “This situation probably is closest, in some respects, to Golden State with Mark Jackson. I say that because it is not necessarily a reflection of the coaching ability, but more so the connection between the coach and the owner, front office. ... He’s the owner and it’s his team and it’s his choice, but that doesn't necessarily make him an expert" (“NBA GameTime,” NBA TV, 12/16).
