Chris Mullin, advisor to owner Vivek Ranadivé, has yielded considerable power in the Kings organization.
He reportedly could have become Sacramento’s coach midseason if he wanted the job, but he preferred to wait until next season.
Instead, after the Kings hired George Karl, it sounds as if Mullin will take a different coaching job.
Jon Rothstein of CBSSports.com:St. John’s has offered Chris Mullin the opportunity to be its next head basketball coach and he is expected to accept, multiple sources say.
The two sides were hammering out final details on a contract Sunday that would make Mullin the successor to Steve Lavin, who was fired Friday after five years at the school.
Barring a last-minute snag in the negotiations, the administration is hoping to have a press conference Tuesday or Wednesday.
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This could affect the Kings significantly.
Mullin appeared to be influential in Sacramento, where Ranadivé is an extremely involved owner. Will Ranadivé step back if his Hall of Fame advisor leaves? Or will Ranadivé continue to meddle, now just without as much basketball acumen at his side?
The Kings have a crowded front office with general manager Pete D’Alessandro in the traditional lead, Karl reportedly holding personnel control and Mullin in Ranadivé's ear. That arrangement hasn’t exactly gone smoothly so far, and perhaps the removal of a voice will foster a more productive environment.