New NBA Kings GM Monte McNair "hit all the right notes in his opening remarks and then spent about 17 minutes answering questions with clear, concise answers during his introductory news conference," according to Jason Anderson of the SACRAMENTO BEE. The 36-year-old McNair comes to the Kings as "one of the youngest general managers in the NBA." He said that he is "eager to work" with Owner & Chair Vivek Ranadive, newly named Chief Strategy Officer Joe Dumars and coach Luke Walton as the Kings "strive for an eventual end to the league's longest active playoff drought after 14 consecutive losing seasons." McNair is "believed to be the third-youngest general manager in the NBA." Raptors GM Bobby Webster, 35, "just completed his third season" under President Masai Ujiri, while Grizzlies Exec VP/Basketball Operations Zach Kleiman, 31, "recently concluded his first season" with the team. Meanwhile, McNair was "asked if he would consult with Dumars, who will remain with the Kings to help drive strategy across the organization's entire portfolio of activities, including business, basketball, new ventures, entertainment and real estate." McNair: "Joe's going to assist Vivek in all aspects of the organization -- business, basketball ... I was hired to be head of basketball operations" (SACRAMENTO BEE, 9/24).
WORKING TOGETHER: THE ATHLETIC's Jason Jones notes no team can "expect long-term success if the coach and head of basketball operations are not in unison." That lack of unity has "been a trademark of the Kings" since Ranadive arrived in '13. That is "not happening" this time, as Walton is "already working with McNair on how to improve the team." McNair believes he is "ready to lead the Kings front office after his time with the Rockets." McNair wants to turn the Kings into a "perennial playoff team like the Rockets, but it will take time" (THEATHLETIC.com, 9/24).
