Without Malone’s defense-driven system keeping the Kings passable on the defensive end, they utterly and completely fell apart. The team, however, would not recover from the blow. There were preexisting philosophical disagreements between Malone and the front office regarding pace, so while the move appeared baseless at first blush, it was a long time coming. The Kings went 2-8 in his absence, at the end of which former head coach Mike Malone was abruptly fired. 500 at 9-6 until franchise player DeMarcus Cousins was forced to sit out with viral meningitis. The Kings actually started out pretty well last year, opening the season 5-1 and holding their ground respectably above. Nancy Lieberman – Hired as second female Assistant Coach in NBA history Peja Stojakovic – Hired as Director of Player Personnel and Development Vlade Divac – Promoted from VP of Basketball Operations to GM Pete D’Alessandro – Former GM, took a front office position with the Denver Nuggets Ray McCallum (PG) – Traded to the San Antonio Spurs Nik Stauskas (SG) – Traded to the Philadelphia 76ers Jason Thompson (PF) – Traded to the Philadelphia 76ers James Anderson (SG) – Signed as free agentĪndre Miller (PG) – Signed with Minnesota Timberwolves as free agentĭerrick Williams (PF) – Signed with New York Knicks as free agentĬarl Landry (PF) – Traded to the Philadelphia 76ers Marco Belinelli (SG) – Signed as free agent
