The Maloof family has a long history in the world of basketball. The family's involvement in the sport began in the 1980s when they purchased the Houston Rockets. However, it was their ownership of the Sacramento Kings that brought them the most success and recognition.
The Maloof family purchased the Kings in 1998 and immediately set out to turn the struggling franchise around. They invested heavily in the team, bringing in top talent and building a state-of-the-art arena. Their efforts paid off, and the Kings became one of the most exciting and successful teams in the NBA.
During their tenure as owners, the Maloof family oversaw some of the most memorable moments in Kings history. They were responsible for bringing in players like Chris Webber, Vlade Divac, and Peja Stojakovic, who helped lead the team to the playoffs multiple times. They also played a key role in the development of the "Run TMC" era, which saw the Kings play a fast-paced, high-scoring style of basketball that was beloved by fans.
Despite their success on the court, the Maloof family's ownership of the Kings was not without controversy. They were criticized for their handling of the team's finances, and there were rumors of tension between the family and the city of Sacramento over the construction of a new arena. In 2013, the family sold the Kings to a group of investors led by Vivek Ranadive.
Overall, the Maloof family's tenure as owners of the Sacramento Kings was marked by both success and controversy. They helped turn the team into a powerhouse on the court, but their management of the franchise's finances and relationships with the city of Sacramento were often contentious. Despite these challenges, the Maloof family's impact on the Kings and the NBA as a whole cannot be denied.
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