The Sacramento Kings’ Latest Scandal Under Ranadivé Ownership: When Nepotism Meets NBA Nightmares
Look, we’ve all seen dysfunctional NBA franchises before. Hell, we’ve covered plenty of them. But what’s unfolding in Sacramento right now? This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill organizational chaos – this is a master class in how not to run a professional sports team, courtesy of Vivek Ranadivé and his daughter Anjali.
Who Is Chance Comanche?
The latest bombshell involves former Stockton Kings Center Chance Comanche, who was arrested for the kidnapping and murder of 23-year-old Marayna Rodgers. Horrific as that crime is, the real story here isn’t just about Comanche – it’s about the web of dysfunction that allowed a romantic relationship between a GM and a player to potentially influence basketball decisions while team members were too terrified to speak up about a literal murder case.
The Ranadivé Family Business Gets Messier
Here’s where things get particularly nauseating: Anjali Ranadivé, daughter of Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé, wasn’t just the GM of the Stockton Kings – she was reportedly romantically involved with Comanche. According to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation, including athletic trainer Codi Simmons, this wasn’t some secret office romance. This was an open relationship that created a conflict of interest so glaring it would make ethics professors weep.
What did Anjali do with this relationship? She championed Comanche’s stats to the Sacramento Kings, pushing for his promotion to the NBA. Because nothing says “sound basketball judgment” like pitching your boyfriend for a roster spot. The kicker? She had already decided to re-sign him for the 2023-24 season before his arrest turned their world upside down. One month after Comanche’s arrest for murder, Anjali quietly resigned from the team to pursue a PHD and focus on her nonprofit, Jaws and Paws. But the timing is quite a coincidence.
When Basketball Experience Doesn’t Matter
Let’s talk about qualifications for a hot minute. Anjali Ranadivé had exactly zero real basketball experience before daddy handed her the keys to the Stockton Kings. She served as Assistant GM for one season before getting promoted to the top job. That’s like going from intern to CEO because your last name is on the building.
But wait, there’s more! While she was busy being GM and allegedly dating Comanche, Anjali was publicly in a relationship with former Sacramento and Stockton Kings Guard Jeremy Lamb. Talk about keeping it in the basketball family. Lamb spent the 2023-24 season with the team while she was GM, creating yet another potential conflict of interest in an organization that seems to collect them like trading cards.
The Ranadivé Legacy Of Dysfunction
Ever since Vivek Ranadivé purchased the Sacramento Kings in 2013, the franchise has had a history of dysfunction. Sure, he kept the team in Northern California, but at what cost? The organization endured a 16-year playoff drought, and even when they finally broke through, the dysfunction continued to bubble beneath the surface.
This owner has surrounded himself with advisors who have varying degrees of basketball expertise – some legitimate, like the late Jerry West, Vlade Divac, and others. But when your 32-year-old daughter with no basketball background is making personnel decisions based on personal relationships, you’ve crossed a line from nepotism into negligence.
A Championship? Not Under This Ownership
This Comanche situation represents a new low for a franchise that’s already set the bar pretty low. The brutal truth is that the Sacramento Kings will never compete for a championship under the current ownership structure. You can’t build a winning culture when there is no ability to create accountability, as evidenced by the owner’s daughter dating players and advocating for their careers without consequence. The Sacramento Kings fanbase deserves better, and this franchise needs a new owner.
