Reports: Kings pursuing ex-Sixers GM Sam Hinkie to replace Vlade Divac

By Sports Illustrated and SI Wire/Sports Illustrated
Published

The Kings have received permission from the Sixers to interview former Philadelphia general manager Sam Hinkie about joining Sacramento’s front office, ESPN’s Marc Stein and Zach Lowe report. 

Kings owner Vivek Ranadive “has been quietly searching” for a replacement for current GM Vlade Divac, Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports, though Hinkie is “unsure” of whether he wants the job.

Hinkie was fired by the Sixers last season after three seasons with the team. Philadelphia averaged less than 16 wins per season while Hinkie employed a strategy of tanking aggressively. The plan was met with mixed reception, though public opinion shifted slightly in Hinkie’s favor after Joel Embiid made his debut this season. 

• After the Process: Meet Sam Hinkie 2.0

Divac was widely criticized for his trade that sent DeMarcus Cousins to the Pelicans and the Kings are currently mired in their 11th straight losing season. Divac, a legend on the court for Sacramento, was hired as GM and vice president of basketball operations before the 2015–16 season. 

Hinkie relocated to California’s Bay Area after being fired by the Sixers.