The Sacramento Kings will move forward without general manager Vlade Divac, who has officially stepped down from his role with the team a day after finishing 3-5 in the bubble and missing the playoffs for the 14th consecutive season, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Divac, 52, was hired by the Kings in 2015 as the team’s vice president of basketball and franchise operations, following the departure of Chris Mullin.
Joe Dumars will be taking over for Divac, and has been named interim executive vice president of basketball operations and will immediately assume interim GM duties as well, per the team.
Dumars, 57, was the 2002-2003 NBA Executive of the Year while he was with the Detroit Pistons.
“This was a difficult decision, but we believe it is the best path ahead as we work to build a winning team that our loyal fans deserve,” Kings owner and chairman Vivek Ranadivé said in a statement. “We are thankful for Vlade’s leadership, commitment and hard work both on and off the court. He will always be a part of our Kings family.”
“Joe has become a trusted and valued advisor since joining the team last year, and I am grateful to have him take on this role at an important time for the franchise,” Ranadivé said in a statement.
The Kings informed head coach Luke Walton that he will remain the team’s coach despite the resignation of Divac, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the General Manager for the Kings,” Divac said in a statement. “I want to thank Vivek for the opportunity and recognize all of the incredible colleagues who 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 moving forward.”
