BREAKING: After an ill-fated play-in defeat, the Sacramento Kings and general manager Monte McNair part ways, concluding two years under McNair that saw Sacramento achieve unprecedented back-to-back-to-back 40+ win seasons but miss out on subsequent playoff spots following the 2023 playoffs. Sources close to the team confirm this mutually agreed move.
Breaking: Sacramento Kings and GM Monte McNair Part Ways After Play-In Loss
Shakeup in the Kings’ Front Office
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The Sacramento Kings and general manager Monte McNair have mutually agreed to part ways, effectively ending McNair’s tenure at the helm of the franchise’s basketball operations, sources confirmed to 247Sports.new.
A Quick Rise and Fall
McNair, who took over from Vlade Divac in 2020, leaves behind a mixed legacy. He inherited a team that had missed the playoffs for 16 consecutive seasons, the longest active drought in the league at the time. In his first full season, McNair orchestrated a roster overhaul that culminated in the Kings snapping their playoff drought in 2023, finishing third in the Western Conference with a 48-34 record.
➤ Did you know? The Kings’ 2023 playoff appearance was their first since the 2005-06 season, ending the second-longest playoff drought in NBA history.
Executive of the Year, but Playoffs Eluded
Despite the impressive turnaround, McNair was unable to guide the Kings beyond the Play-In Tournament the past two seasons. The Kings lost in the first round of the 2023 playoffs to the Golden State Warriors in seven games and this year, they fell short in the Play-In Tournament against the Dallas Mavericks, 120-106.
Winning Games, Not Championships
Under McNair, the Kings returned to relevance, winning at least 40 games in each of the past three seasons — a feat they hadn’t accomplished in the previous 16 seasons. However, the question remained unanswered: could they take the next step and become legitimate Western Conference contenders?
What’s Next for the Kings?
The Kings now find themselves at a crossroads. They’ll begin their search for a new general manager, hoping to build on the progress made under McNair. Fans will be eager to see if the new regime can finally breakthrough and end the team’s championship drought, which stretches back to 1986.
➤ "Pro Tip: With the right leadership in place, the Kings’ young core of Fox, Haliburton, and Sabonis could be primed for a deep playoff run."
FAQ
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Q: Why was Monte McNair fired?
A: The decision was mutual between McNair and the Kings’ front office. - Q: Who will be the next general manager?
A: The Kings have not announced any candidates yet, and the search process is ongoing.
The Future of the Kings
As the Kings look towards the future, they’ll be hoping to find a leader who can build on the foundation laid by McNair and guide the team to the next level. The Kings’ faithful will be keeping a close eye on the developments as the franchise enters a new chapter.
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