Royal Advice: NBA Kings Name Divac VP/Basketball & Franchise Operations

The NBA Kings yesterday named former NBAer Vlade Divac VP/Basketball & Franchise Operations (Kings). In Sacramento, Ailene Voisin notes Divac’s duties will “consist of advising” Managing Partner Vivek Ranadive, “members of the front office directed” by GM Pete D’Alessandro, and coach George Karl’s staff. Though Divac’s “listed responsibilities are far more expansive than those of the traditional NBA basketball vice president, Ranadive reportedly crafted the position to capitalize on Divac’s unique stature and background as it pertains to his overseas sources and contacts, his familiarity with the franchise and the community, and his obvious preference for an entertaining style long embraced by the respected Karl and characterized by both his Kings squads and the national teams of the former Yugoslavia” (SACRAMENTO BEE, 3/4). Voisin notes Divac, who “will report directly to Ranadive, spent part of Tuesday contacting season-ticket holders and reaching out to longtime acquaintances” (SACRAMENTO BEE, 3/4).