Vlade Divac has stepped down as general manager of the Sacramento Kings and Joe Dumars has taken on the role of interim executive vice president of the basketball action team, the team announced Friday.
Divac’s defeat came a day after the Kings ended the bubble game with a 136-122 win over the Lakers. They finished the season 31-41 and missed the playoffs for the 14th consecutive year – the longest stretch of the league.
The Kings have not made the league this season since losing to San Antonio in the first round of the 2006 playoffs.
“This was a difficult decision, but we believe it’s the best way forward as we work to build a winning team that deserves our loyal fans,” Kings owner Vivek Ranadive said in a statement. “We are grateful for Vlade’s leadership, commitment and hard work both on and off the court. He will always be a part of our Kings family.”
The Kings informed Luke Walton, who signed an April contract with the team last April, that he will remain as head coach despite the dismissal of the Divac, sources told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.
Divac, 52, had served five years as general manager of the team. Introduced to the Hall of Fame in 2019, Divac played a key role as a player on the Kings from 1998-2004, the last era of the team’s success.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as General Manager for the Kings,” Divac said in a statement. “I want to thank Vivek for the opportunity and acknowledge all the incredible colleagues I had the great pleasure of working with during my tenure. Sacramento and the Kings will always hold a special place in my heart and I wish them all the best movement forward. “
Dumars was hired last summer as a special adviser to Divac. Dumars, a Hall of Famer, won two championships with the Detroit Pistons in 1989 and 1990. He later served as president of the Pistons of basketball services from 2000-2014, and in 2004 won another ring with the team.
“Joe has been a trusted and valued advisor since joining the team last year, and I’m grateful he’s taking on that role at an important time for the franchise,” Ranadive said.
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