Sacramento Kings: Franchise Will Be a Joke Until Maloofs Relinquish Control
The Maloofs reportedly want to maintain control of the team if it is sold to a Seattle-based group, which is horrible news for current and future fans of the franchise.
According to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, the rumored sale of the Kings may be held up because the Maloofs insist on "keep(ing) a say in how the team is run."
Their demands, if Condotta's source is correct, are completely understandable. The Maloof familyโbrothers Phil, George, Gavin and Joe and sister Adrienne Maloof-Nassifโhave been around the NBA for a very long time.
Their father owned the Houston Rockets, and after he passed away, they sold the team before eventually buying the Kings in 1998. Since then the Maloofs, particularly Gavin and Joe, have been some of the most visible owners in the league.
Unfortunately for Kings fans, they've also been some of the worst owners in the league.
They routinely pay the minimum salary, they trade draft picks for cash, they are reportedly $205 million in debt (h/t Sacramento Bee) and the Kings haven't had a winning season since 2005-06. Sacramento has also had five head coaches since the 2006-07 season, and their best player makes more headlines with his temper than his talent.
Simply put, the Kings are a joke of an organization, and they will continue to be the NBA's punchline until the Maloofs give up the team.
Sadly, I doubt that will happen any time soon.
