There have been several indications Kings general manager Vlade Divac doesn’t understand the complexities of running an NBA team.
Here’s another.
Sacramento assigned Duje Dukan to its D-League affiliate, the Reno Bighorns, during the All-Star break. That’s apparently not allowed.
D-League release:The NBA Development League today granted a game protest filed by the Bakersfield Jam over its game with the Reno Bighorns on February 16, declaring the game a forfeit in favor of Bakersfield.
The issue in dispute was the Bighorns’ use in the game of an ineligible player, Duje Dukan, who was on assignment from the Sacramento Kings. Unde the collective bargaining agreement, NBA players were not permitted to play in NBA D-League games from February 11 through February 16, during the league’s All-Star break. Dukan recorded 22 points, two rebounds, and one assist in the Bighorns’ 130-126 win over the Jam.
A charitable interpretation: The Kings care more about developing Dukan – an undrafted rookie out of Wisconsin – than winning a D-League (a valid order of priorities). So, they didn’t mind forfeiting this game to get Dukan experience.
Emphasis on charitable.
I’m not even sure that would get Sacramento out of the woods. The Collective Bargaining Agreement requires teams to give NBA players a certain number of days off during the All-Star break. Were Dukan’s workers’ rights infringed?
No wonder Sacramento is looking to hire a general manager.
If you’re a Comcast subscriber in Northern California, you can stream tonight’s Kings-Pelicans game here.
