Vlade Divac has stepped down as general manager of the Sacramento Kings and Joe Dumars has assumed the role of the team’s interim executive vice president of basketball operations, the team announced Friday.
Divac’s exit came a day after the Kings concluded bubble play with a 136-122 win against the Lakers. They finished the season 31-41 and missed the playoffs for the 14th consecutive year — the league’s longest streak.
The Kings haven’t made the postseason since losing to San Antonio in the first round of the 2006 playoffs.
“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 Kings informed Luke Walton, who signed a four-year contract with the team last April, that he will remain as head coach despite the Divac’s resignation, sources told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.
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.
“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.”
Dumars was hired as a special adviser to Divac last summer. A Hall of Famer, Dumars won two championships with the Detroit Pistons in 1989 and 1990. He later served as the Pistons’ president of basketball operations from 2000-2014, winning another ring with the team in 2004.
“Joe has become a trusted and valued adviser since joining the team last year, and I am grateful to have him take on this role at an important time for the franchise,” Ranadive said.
