HOFer fires shots at $700m owner of Sacramento Kings after Mike Brown's axing

The Sacramento Kings fired coach Mike Brown on Friday, adding to their extensive list of coaching casualties under owner Vivek Ranadive. Afterward, ex-Kings coach George Karl called out Ranadive for his lack of organizational stability.

Upon being hired by Sacramento in 2022, Brown was hailed for reversing the team's fortunes in his first season (2022-23). He led the franchise to a 48-34 record, good for a top-three seed in the Western Conference, ending its 16-year postseason drought. In doing so, he secured his second NBA Coach of the Year award.

Despite missing the playoffs last season, Brown guided the Kings to another winning record (46-36). Nevertheless, the veteran coach was seemingly on a short leash to begin this season, as he was axed Friday following his squad's 13-18 start.

The news irked many current and former coaches, including Karl. The Hall of Famer was fired by Sacramento in 2016 after just one and a half seasons, marking the end of his illustrious coaching career.

On Friday, Karl took to X/Twitter and blasted Ranadive's leadership. The Indian-American businessman has experienced immense success since immigrating from India, amassing a $700 million net worth, per Celebrity Net Worth.

However, Brown marks the Kings' eighth coaching firing since Ranadive took over as owner in 2013. Meanwhile, the franchise has made just one postseason appearance during that span.

"Sacramento is kinda like the Green Bay of the NBA," Karl wrote. "The town deserves owners who respect roles and responsibilities, truth, loyalty and good coaching."

Per ESPN, Brown was informed of his dismissal via phone call while traveling to the team plane for Saturday's road matchup against the LA Lakers. Fourth-year assistant Doug Christie will reportedly succeed him on an interim basis.

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Michael Malone denounces Sacramento's ownership after Mike Brown's firing

Former Kings coach-turned-Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone was among those who took exception to Mike Brown's firing on Friday.

Malone underscored Sacramento's ownership's lack of class and commitment to its coaches.

"I'm not surprised that Mike Brown got fired because I got fired by the same person," Malone said. "And what really pissed me off about it was the fact that they lost (Thursday) night, fifth game in a row, I believe. Tough loss.

" ... They had practiced this morning. He does his postgame media, and he's in his car going to the airport to fly to LA, and they call him on the phone. No class, no balls. That's what I'll say about that."

The Vivek Ranadive-led Kings fired Malone in 2014, midway through his second season. However, Malone has since found his footing in Denver, coaching his 10th campaign with the franchise. That includes leading the Nuggets to their first NBA championship in 2023.

Given Ranadive's questionable ownership track record, he will likely face considerable pressure to find an adequate full-time replacement for Brown.

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