The Sacramento Kings’ decision to part ways with head coach Mike Brown was made by general manager Monte McNair and not by team owner Vivek Ranadive, according to sources cited by The Athletic.
This decision, however, was initially interpreted across the league as another example of the Kings’ instability under Ranadive’s ownership.
Since he took control of the franchise, the Kings have gone through eight head coaches in just 12 years – a troubling pattern that has often drawn criticism.
“This was a difficult decision, and I want to thank Mike for his many contributions to the organization,” McNair said in a press release issued late Friday.
The relationship between Brown and the Kings appeared strained even before this decision. Negotiations over a contract extension during the previous offseason reportedly highlighted growing tensions.
Despite leading the Kings to the playoffs as the No. 3 seed in 2023, Brown’s tenure took a hit as the team failed to make the postseason this year.
Ranadive, known for his hands-on approach and intense focus on offensive metrics, was reportedly frustrated by the team’s decline in offensive efficiency.
The Kings, who had ranked first in the NBA in this category the previous year, dropped to 13th this season. However, Brown had shifted his priorities, emphasizing defensive improvements.
Under his leadership, the team climbed from 24th to 14th in defensive efficiency – a marked improvement that Brown believed was essential for the team’s long-term success.
The contrasting priorities and the team’s underwhelming performance this season ultimately led to the decision to move on from Brown, marking yet another chapter in the Kings’ tumultuous coaching history.
The move underscores the challenges the franchise faces in finding stability and alignment between ownership, management, and coaching philosophies.
Monte McNair Made Decision For Kings To Fire Mike Brown https://t.co/hODhbk09TY
— RealGM (@RealGM) December 28, 2024
