The Sports Informant

By Scott Levin
Sports Informant Contributing Writer

The Maloofs made it official Tuesday, agreeing to a 3-year contract extension with President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie. The move had been in the works for a few weeks, with the Kings spirited play to open the 2009 season reflecting well on the Kings’ architect.

Petrie joined the team in 1994 and since then, he has made Sacramento a relevant basketball town. In his 2nd season with the organization, the Kings reached the playoffs for the first time in 10 years. Petrie is most lauded for his efforts beginning in 1998. His roster makeover included adding attitude risks Chris Webber and Jason Williams, veteran leader Vlade Divac, and league castoffs like Scot Pollard and Jon Barry. All of these puzzle pieces fit together perfectly, and when a replacement was needed, Petrie flawlessly provided the right substitute.

The combination made Sacramento one of the most popular and exciting teams in the league, and the team enjoyed eight straight playoff seasons. But all good things must come to an end and eventually the team fell apart — Webber’s knee and Divac’s age the main culprits. Fans began to grow restless with the apparent sluggishness of the Kings rebuilding process. The team hit rock bottom last season, when a 17-65 record put them dead last in the NBA.

But with his back against the wall, Petrie again proved why he’s the man for the job. He hired Paul Westphal to coach the team and plucked three NBA ready players in the draft. Combined with his previous moves to stockpile young talent including trading for Donte Greene and drafting Jason Thompson, these additions put the team back on the right track, with excitement in Sacramento mounting by the day.

As a result, Petrie has been rewarded for his efforts. He will oversee the next three years of the Kings development. Judging by his track record, it was the right move.