Vivek Ranadivé and Michael Malone: Changing the Culture of the Sacramento Kings

Vivek Ranadivé and Michael Malone: Changing the Culture of the Sacramento Kings by Marilyn Kenyon

Feb 13, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Sacramento Kings center(15) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. The Mavericks defeated the Kings 123-100. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

For opposing teams who are salivating at the thought of acquiring Sacramento Kings big man DeMarcus Cousins, you may want to wipe your chin.

Despite constant trade rumors surrounding him since he entered the league – even as recently as last week, both new Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive and head coach Mike Malone did their best to squash the rumors today during the first official workout since the sale.

Speaking to the Sacramento Bee’s Jason Jones, Mike Malone said DeMarcus Cousins should be the cornerstone of the Kings franchise while owner Vivek Ranadive suggested he’d like for a “billion Indians” to know who Cousins is.

Per Jason Jones:

Malone says Cousins should be the “cornerstone” of the franchise, could be most talented big man in the game any given night. Ranadive wants DeMarcus Cousins to be well known in India. Malone jokes he and Cousins could host clinics in Mumbai. Vivek would like nothing more than “a billion Indians” to know DeMarcus Cousins.

Malone also suggested that “giving away” players like Cousins is not the way teams win basketball games.