The Sacramento Kings have had some interesting (read: awful) roster decisions over the last few years. But they sure do look to aim for the stars.
In a piece on DeMarcus Cousins and his situation in Sacramento, ESPN’s Kevin Arnovitz reveals an interesting note about team owner Vivek Ranadive’s aspirations.
One league insider says Ranadive told him some months back that he aspires to assemble a big three in Sacramento, with Russell Westbrook joining Cousins and Rudy Gay. Multiple sources say that Gay, who tore his left Achilles tendon on Jan. 18, has remained with the team rather than being dealt away because Ranadive believes deeply that the small forward would not leave Sacramento; this despite Gay’s stated decision — before his current injury — to opt out of his contract next summer and his desire to be elsewhere as soon as possible, a sentiment expressed to the organization repeatedly.
“Welcome to basketball hell,” Gay reportedly said to Karl upon the coach’s arrival. But to Vivek Ranadive, it’s inconceivable that Gay, or perhaps anyone, would want to play anywhere else.
First let’s make one thing clear: including Rudy Gay in a “big three” makes it a big two and also Rudy Gay.
As for Ranadive’s aspirations, that is one lofty goal. The Kings have been a laughing stock for years and although it appears as though Cousins will sign an extension with the team, his tenure there has been anything but steady.
The Kings need to have some run of consistency with a solid team built around Cousins before they can actually believe a superstar of Russell Westbrook’s caliber will join them. Then again, Ranadive thinks Gay wants to be in Sacramento after everything that has transpired in that situation. So maybe all hope is lost.
