When a team is having as rough a season as the Sacramento Kings, there are a lot of opinions on how to make them better. But former Kings' player Boogie Cousins has absolutely hit the nail on the head with his suggestion that the rebuild needs to start with the departure of co-owner Vivek Ranadive.
DeMarcus "Boogie" Cousins was drafted by the Kings in 2010 and was with the franchise through 2017. He was a talented, impactful player who also had some definite attitude issues. Boogie was suspended by the team or the league on more than one occasion over the years.
After leaving the Kings in 2017, he bounced around the league for a few years, eventually playing basketball in Puerto Rico, Taiwan, and Mongolia. Injuries have been a huge problem for Boogie, often derailing his career for extended periods.
Boogie calls out Vivek
In a recent appearance on "Run it Back," Boogie discussed the Kings' current situation. He praised the patience and support of the fanbase, but also pointed out the reality that the Kings' problems start at the top with co-owner Vivek Ranadive.
Boogie Cousins says the Kings have a great fanbase, but unfortunately, that’s not enough of a bright spot to Light the Beam 🙃
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) November 12, 2025
After 20 years of losing, Boogie says it’s time for changes at the top of Sacramento’s organization — because a fanbase that’s stuck with their team… pic.twitter.com/rhDv3EXzuz
After becoming co-owner of the Kings in 2013, Ranadive has also become notorious around the league for being heavily involved with his team. That means playing a big part which players are being selected for the team as well as the on-court strategy and style of play.
This has garnered significant criticism from all corners of the league and the franchise. That includes one of his co-owners, Mark Mastrov, who has made comments in the past about Ranadive's single-minded, hands-on style in owning and managing the team.
Cousins is right about the Kings
At this point, one of two things needs to happen for the Kings to be successful. Either Ranadive needs to take a step back and focus on the business side of the operations, or he needs to sell his shares and walk away completely.
After more than ten seasons leading the franchise with very little success to show for it, whatever Ranadive is or isn't doing simply is not working. The Kings are at a point where they need Vivek to let the front office and coaching staff do their jobs.
The other option is that the current situation continues, and Vivek finds out just how far he can push the Kings' fan base before they get fed up and stop caring. The only thing that is certain at the moment is that Boogie is right, and positive change for the franchise has to start at the top.