Geoff Petrie Takes Active Role in Sacramento Kings Draft

With three of the top 31 picks in the upcoming NBA draft, Kings general manager Geoff Petrie has decided to take an active, hands-on role in the workouts of potential draftees.

On Monday the Kings worked out six players who are expected to be in consideration when the Kings pick at No. 23 and No. 31.

Louisville swingman Terence Williams, North Carolina shooting guard Wayne Ellington, Florida point guard Nick Calathes, Connecticut point guard A.J Price, Missouri power forward DeMarre Carroll, and Texas power forward Damion Jones participated in the Monday workout.

It is unusual for a general manager to take such an active role in these types of workouts.

"It's very unique (to have an executive running a workout), because the GM is running it like he's an assistant coach or an intern," Williams said. "(Usually), you see the GMs in a pretty $10,000 suit, twirling their wedding band around and watching us while having a conversation on the side. This is the first time I'd seen something like that." (Sacramento Bee)

Ellington added, "I think it's definitely unique. Usually you have one of the assistant coaches running the workout and everybody else is watching, so it was good. It was hands on."

Also on hand playing active roles for the Kings were special assistant Shareef Abdur-Rahim, director of player development Fat Lever, and director of player personnel Jerry Reynolds.

There were also about a dozen other members of the organization in attendance, including Kings co-owner Gavin Maloof.

The Kings are still without a head coach, but Petrie said the decision would come “sooner rather than later.”

The three finalists for the position are Lakers assistant Kurt Rambis, former Phoenix and Seattle head coach Paul Westphal, and Boston associate head coach Tom Thibodeau.

Petrie said it was “unlikely” that any other candidates would be interviewed.