A number of ex-Warriors are running the show in Sacramento this year, including owner Vivek Ranadive (former Warriors minority owner), GM Pete D’Alessandro (former Warriors assistant GM), and head coach Michael Malone (former Warriors assistant). Of course, the biggest name to head north this offseason was Hall-of-Famer Chris Mullin, who joined the Kings’ front office in an advisory role.
Mullin recently spoke to Alex Kramers of Kings.com about a number of Kings-related topics, including his relationships with those fellow ex-Warriors, his decision to join the organization, and his views on some of Sacramento’s current players. We’ve rounded up a few of the more notable quotes from the longtime sharpshooter below….
On why he decided to join the Kings’ front office:
“Much like you want to put together a great team on the floor that plays well together, plays to its strengths (and) stays away from its weaknesses, I think Vivek has done that in his hirings on the operations side. For me, when I’m looking at opportunities, my No. 1 (criteria) is what people I’m going to be surrounding myself with — who I’m joining, what the people are like and what’s their vision. Everything was in place, I thought it was a great fit and I’m really excited to be a part of the Kings.”
On advising and working with D’Alessandro:
“It’s really important in the front office to have that chemistry, communication, openness, the willingness to speak your mind and not be concerned about ruffling feathers. I’m really fortunate to be reunited with Pete — I feel great about it.”
On the Kings’ roster and the team’s offseason additions:
“I think there are some really talented young players, and I think when you take that talent and you add the right work habits, the right work ethic, it will blossom, it will keep maturing (and) it will keep progressing.
“I think our GM has done a good job already in the offseason addressing some needs with some additions. Greivis Vasquez – one of the most improved players in the league — I think he’s a pass-first point guard, which will help get that ball moving and I think that becomes contagious. Individual defender [Luc] Mbah a Moute can defend multiple positions, so I think his impact on the defensive end will be key.”
On potential cornerstones for the franchise:
“DeMarcus Cousins, to me, he’s one of the most talented big men in the League. He’s obviously a key. I think Isaiah Thomas has been a really nice player for the Kings. I think he’s a good guy – especially for our young guards like Ben McLemore and Ray McCallum – to learn from (as far as) his work ethic, his poise, his approach to the game, his mental toughness. He’s a nice veteran. Jason Thompson, I think is coming along nicely. There’s a bunch of guys – all of them have strengths – (but) I think the key is going to be how they can come together, because individual numbers don’t really translate into success.”