Chris Mullin Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Kings Coaching Rumors: Mullin, Jent, Malone

December 15th, 2014 at 5:28pm CST by Chuck Myron

The Kings’ head coaching job appears to be George Karl‘s if he wants it, and it seems like he does. Still, the job would be Chris Mullin‘s if he wanted to take it, an opposing GM tells Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports (Twitter link), and Mullin is indeed a possibility, tweets Jason Jones of The Sacramento Bee. Tyrone Corbin is expected to take the job on an interim basis once the Kings make their decision to fire Michael Malone official. Here’s more on a time of uncertainty in California’s capital:

5:28pm update:

Ranadive finds the prospect of Mullin coaching the team “very intriguing,” sources tell Wojnarowski (Twitter link).

4:48pm update:

It was a mutual parting of ways for Jent and the Kings, D’Alessandro told reporters, including Jones (Twitter link).

4:06pm updates:

Jent won’t be on the staff going forward, Corbin confirmed to reporters, as Jason Jones of The Sacramento Bee notes (on Twitter).
Cousins said the news of Malone’s departure, which he heard via Twitter, evoked an emotional reaction among the players and called the day’s rainy weather a fitting backdrop, as Amick and Jones relay (Twitter links).

4:00pm updates:

DeMarcus Cousins said the Kings didn’t consult him about the apparent coaching change, but he trusts the team to work it all out, as he told reporters today, including USA Today’s Sam Amick (Twitter link).
The Kings and assistant coach Chris Jent are expected to part ways, tweets Marc Stein of ESPN.com, who indicates that the team plans to make its decision to fire Malone official on Tuesday.
Sacramento’s front office didn’t believe Jent, who served last season as the team’s top assistant, was the right man for the job, so they interviewed Alvin Gentry and Kurt Rambis for the position, as Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports writes in a full piece. Malone suspected at the time that the team was trying to hire his successor, and so he pursued Corbin, who landed the assistant coaching job and has been loyal to Malone. Gentry was uncomfortable with the notion that the Kings were setting him up as a head-coach-in-waiting, sources tell Grantland’s Zach Lowe, who says the Kings deny that they had that in mind.
There’s more than $4MM that Malone is still to receive under the terms of his contract with the Kings, Wojnarowski writes in the same piece.
The falling out between Malone and Kings management began late last season when Malone wanted the team to add a point guard and the front office instead signed Royce White to a pair of 10-day contracts and pushed Malone to play him, as Wojnarowski details.
GM Pete D’Alessandro was merely the messenger in many cases as he passed along orders from Ranadive that Malone didn’t like, though D’Alessandro and Malone never formed any mutual trust, according to Wojnarowski.
People around the team believe the Kings were waiting for an opportunity to fire Malone and used the team’s struggles of late as an excuse to do so, in spite of the absence of Cousins during the team’s 2-7 stretch over the last nine games, Wojnarowski hears.
The presence of Malone was a major reason why Rudy Gay signed his three-year extension with the team last month, Wojnarowski also writes.

Kings Owner On Malone, Front Office, Cousins

February 17th, 2014 at 9:47am CST by Chuck Myron

Kings owner Vivek Ranadive tells Ailene Voisin of The Sacramento Bee that he expects the team will lose money this year, but he says he’s “not that concerned” about it. Ranadive has officially been in control of the franchise for just eight and a half months, but he’s already made a significant impact. He’s signed off on a max extension for DeMarcus Cousins, hired a new coach, overhauled the front office and kept pushing for a new arena against local opponents and a 2017 NBA-imposed deadline. The software magnate shared a range of thoughts on the team and other subjects with Voisin, and we’ll pass along a few highlights from their Q&A here:

On coach Michael Malone:

I think Michael Malone is going to be a great coach. He was thrown into a situation where there was a lot of dysfunction, and we said the first year is not going to be measured on wins and losses. Do we have a culture? Do we have a system? Are we developing our players? I believe we’re moving in the right direction.

On the philosophical differences between Malone and the front office:

Look, I know people talk about that my coach is always focusing on defense, while guys like Mullie (Chris Mullin, adviser) and Petey (D’Alessandro, general manager) are offense-oriented. And that we have offensive players. It’s no secret the game has become an offensive game, with three-point shots, layups, the rule changes. We all see it. So we have to reconcile that. And I think it’s good. If I had everyone who agreed, why would I want them?

On the team’s player personnel moves since he bought the team:

I’m very pleased with those decisions. When I bought the team, everybody told me the first thing you should do is get rid of DeMarcus, including the previous management. But I just kept an open mind, and I interacted with the young man. And what I saw was a young man who wanted to win and had experienced nothing but chaos during his time with the Kings. Throughout the season he has proven that he wants to win, and he is maturing. I can’t fault him because he wants to win so much.

On whether the notion that the current collective bargaining agreement is more small-market friendly than the one before it influenced his decision to buy the team:

It was a factor when I asked some smart money people to join me. I did explain to them we were at an important point in the evolution of the business. And, yes, in the past, most teams lost money. But with the new TV contract and all the things that were happening, this (NBA) was going to become more like the NFL.

On his accomplishments so far as Kings owner:

“Just kind of stepping back, when I took over, we started from scratch. There is no other word for it than a turnaround. We just paid $535MM for something that had no revenue, no ticket sales, an arena that is falling apart, that had chaos in the locker room, leadership that was falling apart, and so I had to just quickly stabilize everything. And kind of keeping with my philosophy of surrounding myself with people smarter than me, I think I’ve done that. (Team president) Chris Granger is one of the top guys in the NBA.”

Chris Mullin Talks Kings, Vasquez, Cousins

October 9th, 2013 at 11:57am CST by Luke Adams

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.”

Chris Mullin Joins Kings’ Front Office

September 5th, 2013 at 12:26pm CST by Luke Adams

Chris Mullin has officially joined the Kings front office, the team announced today in a press release, naming the Hall-of-Famer advisor to the chairman. ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported yesterday that the Kings would be hiring Mullin in a formal capacity.

"It isn't everyday that a franchise has the opportunity to add an individual of Chris' caliber and reputation," GM Pete D'Alessandro said in a statement. "His passion for the game, unflagging work ethic and will to win, ever-present characteristics which helped define him as one of the NBA's premier players for nearly 20 years, will have a contagious effect on our entire organization."

Mullin becomes the latest in a line of ex-Warriors to join the Kings over the last several months. Vivek Ranadive, the Kings' owner and chairman, previously held a minority stake in the Warriors, while head coach Michael Malone was formerly an assistant in Golden State. As for D'Alessandro, it was Mullin who initially hired him as a Warriors executive in 2004.

According to the Kings' press release, Mullin will take on a number of responsibilities relating to basketball operations. He is expected to advise both Ranadive and D'Alessandro "regarding player transactions and apprising front office and coaching personnel of the team's collegiate and professional scouting efforts."

Pacific Notes: Kings, Mullin, Frye, Suns, Beasley

September 4th, 2013 at 1:57pm CST by Luke Adams

As the opening of training camps inches a little closer, let's round up the latest items out of the Pacific Division…

After having previously acted as a consultant for the Kings, Chris Mullin will join the team's front office in a more formal capacity, according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein. Mullin's role as a senior advisor to GM Pete D'Alessandro and owner Vivek Ranadive figures to expand once the team makes the hiring official, says Stein.
Meanwhile, Kings ownership and local labor unions have reached an agreement related to the construction of Sacramento's new Downtown Plaza arena, as detailed by Ryan Lillis and Dale Kasler of the Sacramento Bee. Officials with the Kings, the city, building trades unions and Turner Construction are prepared to announce the agreement later today, according to the Bee report.
Channing Frye tells Kris Habbas of Bright Side of the Sun that after missing last season with a heart condition, he has been cleared by "numerous doctors" and that a decision on when he'll return to the court is in the Suns' hands.
The Suns made the right move to cut ties with Michael Beasley, and it would still have been prudent even if Beasley hadn't agreed to reduce his salary in the buyout, the Arizona Republic's Bob Young opines. Meanwhile, Tom Ziller of SBNation.com argues that Beasley is an example of why incentive-based deals should be more common in the NBA.
Last night, we looked at a few updates relating to the Lakers and Clippers.

Latest On Tyreke Evans

July 2nd, 2013 at 8:26am CST by Luke Adams

While a number of unrestricted free agents reached agreements with teams yesterday, one restricted free agent was making headlines as well, as word broke that the Pelicans had extended a four-year offer sheet worth a reported $44MM to Tyreke Evans.

Evans also met with the Pistons and Kings on Monday, and according to Sam Amick of USA Today (via Twitter), the 23-year-old old left the meeting with Sacramento encouraged by the team's message. It's not clear how the meeting with Detroit went, though with the Pistons also pursuing Josh Smith and Andre Iguodala, they may not be inclined to top New Orleans' offer for Evans.

According to Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee (via Twitter), Evans has another meeting scheduled for today with the Hawks, who have the cap flexibility to match or exceed the Pelicans' offer if they so choose.

As for the Pelicans, they'll probably want an answer on their offer sheet by later this week, since the team will likely have to trade or release Robin Lopez by July 5th to clear the necessary space for Evans. ESPN.com's Marc Stein tweets that New Orleans' preference is to sign Evans without having to trade Eric Gordon.

Should Evans sign the Pelicans' offer sheet, it's not certain whether the Kings would match it or let him walk. However, Amick does provide one interesting detail on Sacramento's meeting with Evans, tweeting that Chris Mullin is involved on some level with the Kings and was discussed during the meeting. Sacramento offered Mullin a position as a consultant last month, and according to Amick (via Twitter), it's clear the ex-Warrior is advising the team on some level, even if he doesn't have an official title.

Kings Offer Chris Mullin Job As Consultant

June 17th, 2013 at 8:42am CST by Luke Adams

Over the weekend, the Kings reached an agreement to hire Pete D'Alessandro as their new general manager, and it appears as if the team could add another new name to the front office. According to Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee, the Kings have offered Chris Mullin a position as a consultant, and sources tell Jones that Mullin is likely to accept the offer.

As Jones notes, Mullin and D'Alessandro worked together in the Warriors' front office for several seasons back when Mullin was Golden State's head of basketball operations. Sacramento's rumored plan throughout the process has been to pair a veteran, big-name executive with a lesser-known but respected general manager, so hiring Mullin to work with D'Alessandro would provide that sort of partnership.

Jones also points out (via Sulia) that if Mullin were to officially come aboard, it would add more fuel to the rumors linking the Kings to Monta Ellis, since it was Mullin who drafted Ellis in the second round of the 2005 draft. Sacramento will still need to determine whether or not to bring back Tyreke Evans before a pursuit of Ellis becomes a reality, but multiple reports have broached the possibility, and Ellis has history with Mullin, D'Alessandro, and new Kings coach Michael Malone.

Latest On Kings’ GM Search

June 3rd, 2013 at 1:29pm CST by Luke Adams

Following up on his story from last week, ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported earlier today that Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace appeared to be strengthening his position as the frontrunner for the Kings' general manager opening. According to Stein, the sense was that "something would have to go awry" to keep Sacramento from hiring Wallace for the job.

Ken Berger of CBSSports.com suggests, however, the Kings have contacted a number of high-profile candidates as part of their search. In addition to formally interviewing Wallace, Warriors assistant GM Travis Schlenk, and former NBA coach Mike Dunleavy, the Kings have been in contact with former Pacers GM David Morway, and have had "exploratory conversations" with former Pacers president Larry Bird and former Warriors GM Chris Mullin. Both Bird and Mullin have been previously mentioned as potential candidates for the Kings.

One source tells Berger that the process remains "very fluid" while another says that it's still "wide open," with the potential to expand beyond the current group of candidates. With Warriors assistant Michael Malone having already reached an agreement to coach the team, Berger adds that there's some concern within the Kings organization about installing both a first-time coach and a first-time GM, meaning the club would prefer someone with past experience running a team.

According to Berger, there's also some concern about bringing in too many transplants from the Warriors organization. Vivek Ranadive, of course, was a part owner in Golden State before assuming control of the Kings, and there was some speculation that Warriors advisor Jerry West may have some input in the Kings' GM search, which West admantly denied to Sam Amick of USA Today.

"For some reason, I've gotten two or three calls from people (wanting the job) saying that (they) want to get in front of (Ranadive) and could you help, and I think it's ludicrous," West said. "I sent back to them and said that in no way, shape or form am I advising him — period."

While West's role in assisting Ranadive seems to be minimal at best, Berger writes that the new Kings owner may be interested in bringing in a "an experienced, recognizable leader" in an advisory role, similar to the position West has in Golden State.

Coaching Rumors: Pistons, Hollins, Kings, 76ers

May 29th, 2013 at 9:54am CST by Luke Adams

A handful of the NBA's head coaching vacancies have been filled this week, with the Suns, Bobcats, and Hawks all deciding on new head coaches. Still, plenty of jobs remain open, including higher-profile positions in Los Angeles and Brooklyn. Let's round up the latest rumblings on the Association's coaching carousel….

Sam Amick of USA Today follows up on his earlier report (linked below), tweeting that the reason the Kings may move quickly to hire Malone is a fear he'll be gone if they wait. Malone is expected to interview with the Clippers soon, according to Amick (via Twitter). Amick adds that the Kings have yet to contact Chris Mullin about the team's GM position.

Earlier updates:

The Pistons have interviewed Bulls assistant Adrian Griffin for their head coaching opening, reports CSNNW.com's Chris Haynes. While Nate McMillan and Maurice Cheeks are viewed as the favorites in Detroit, Griffin's extensive phone interview with GM Joe Dumars was "impressive," a source tells Haynes. The Bulls assistant also interviewed for the Suns job before Phoenix hired Jeff Hornacek.
Although the Nets are among the teams hoping to speak to Lionel Hollins, the Grizzlies coach told reporters, including Tim Bontemps of the New York Post, that he's not sure Memphis will grant rival suitors permission to talk to him before his contract expires on June 30th.
Marcus Thompson of the Bay Area News Group backs up Peter Vecsey's report that Michael Malone appears likely to be hired as the Kings' next head coach. Sam Amick of USA Today is hearing the same thing, noting that the team could bring Malone aboard before hiring a general manager, which would be an unorthodox approach.
Amick also passes along an update on the Kings' search for a new head of basketball operations, reporting that the team has interviewed Warriors assistant GM Travis Schlenk and will likely interview Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace later this week. The Thunder denied Sacramento permission to speak to OKC's assistant GM Troy Weaver, while Spurs GM R.C. Buford isn't expected to have interest in the Kings job, according to Amick.
The 76ers continue to move slowly in their coaching search, and have yet to formally interview a candidate for the job, says John N. Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Pacific Notes: Kings, Mullin, Hornacek, Jackson

May 28th, 2013 at 9:45pm CST by Zachary Links

Here's the latest out of the Pacific Division..

Chris Mullin is in the mix to become the next General Manager of the Kings, according to Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee (via Twitter). If he pursues the job, Mullin will vie with Spurs President R.C. Buford, Warriors assistant GM Travis Schlenk, and Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace, who are said to be on Vivek Ranadive's wish list for the vacant position.
Jeff Hornacek's experience in working with young players should put him in a good position to succeed with the Suns, writes Bill Oram of The Salt Lake Tribune. The former NBA guard has been considered in the last year by the Magic, 76ers, and Bobcats but finally found the right fit with Phoenix this week.
Marcus Thompson of the Bay Area News Group (via Twitter) hears the Warriors have not begun talks with coach Mark Jackson, though something is expected to get done to avoid lame duck status next year. In Thompson's opinion (link), the Warriors can't do any better than Jackson and the coach's agent should angle for a multi-year extension. After Mike D'Antoni got a three-year, $12MM deal from the Lakers, Thompson (link) believes that Jackson is worth at least that much.