The Sacramento Kings and General Manager Monte McNair have reached a mutual agreement to part ways, marking two years since McNair played a pivotal role in ending the longest playoff drought in NBA history. This decision followed the conclusion of the Kings’ season, which ended with a 120-106 defeat to the Dallas Mavericks in the Play-In Tournament. The team has yet to make an official announcement, but reports indicate that The Athletic was the first to report McNair’s departure.
Appointed before the 2020-21 season, McNair was instrumental in assembling the team that broke a 16-season playoff absence in 2023, when the Kings achieved a 48-34 record and secured third place in the Western Conference. His efforts were recognized with the NBA Executive of the Year award in the 2022-23 season. Although the Kings reached the playoffs that year, they were eliminated in a seven-game series against the Golden State Warriors. The following seasons saw Sacramento fail to replicate that success, exiting in the Play-In Tournament both times.
Despite achieving at least 40 wins in each of the past three seasons, a feat not accomplished in the previous 16 years, the Kings struggled to establish themselves as serious contenders in the Western Conference. The most recent season saw significant setbacks, including the dismissal of Coach Mike Brown in December and the trade of star player De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio in February. The team’s performance culminated in a ninth-place finish in the conference with a 40-42 record, capped by a decisive loss to the Mavericks.
During McNair’s tenure, the team maintained a 195-205 record. Notable moves under his leadership included acquiring star center Domantas Sabonis from Indiana for Tyrese Haliburton in 2022, signing Malik Monk as a free agent, drafting Keegan Murray, and facilitating a three-team trade that involved sending Fox to San Antonio and bringing Zach LaVine to Sacramento. The Kings are now tasked with deciding whether to retain interim coach Doug Christie, who guided the team to a 27-24 record in the regular season after taking over from Brown.
Christie expressed his desire to continue in his role before the news of McNair’s departure became public, stating his commitment to the position. The incoming general manager will be the fifth executive leader since owner Vivek Ranadive assumed control in 2013. During this period, the Kings have experienced significant turnover, with nine coaching changes — including interim appointments — and possess the fifth worst record in the NBA.
The Evolving Landscape
The recent changes within the Sacramento Kings organization highlight the challenges and volatility inherent in professional sports management. With Monte McNair’s departure, the team faces an uncertain future that could impact various aspects of the franchise and its supporters. Fans might experience a shift in team dynamics and strategies, affecting their engagement and expectations for future performances.
The turnover at key leadership positions, including the general manager and head coach roles, underscores the need for stability and strategic vision to ensure sustained success. As the Kings navigate this transition, there may be implications for player morale, team cohesion, and overall performance in the league. Moreover, these changes could influence ticket sales, fan loyalty, and the economic vitality of the local community that supports the team. As the franchise charts its path forward, its decisions will play a crucial role in shaping its competitive standing and relationship with its fans.
