By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Sacramento Kings general manager Vlade Divac is leaving his post with the Kings, as it was officially announced.
While Divac missed the chance to pick Luka Doncic in the draft two years ago, he was expected to stay on the helm of the team, having a contract until the summer of 2023. However that’s not the case any more.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the General Manager for the Kings,” Divac said in a statement through the team. “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.”
“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 Vivek Ranadive 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.”
The team appointed Joe Dumars to Divac’s former positions as executive vice president of basketball operations and general manager.
“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 June 2019, the Kings named Dumars special advisor to Divac.
It remains to be seen if the Kings will proceed in more change and how Divac’s decision may affect the future of fellow Serb vice president of basketball and team development Peja Stojakovic.
The Kings finished the season 31-41 and missed the playoffs for the 14th consecutive year.
Divac, 52, had served as the team’s general manager for five years. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019, Divac played a significant role as a player on the Kings from 1998-2004, the team’s last era of success.