Ken Catanella

Dan Lovi

Speaking with media following Monday’s Pre-Draft workout, Kings Assistant GM Ken Catanella shared insight into the team’s thought process for the No. 8 pick.

According to Catanella, Sacramento is looking to add a player that can contribute to the franchise right away as well as a player who can be a vital member of the team for years to come.

When asked what type of player the team is interested in, the Assistant GM responded that they are looking for a player who is “very talented, one with the ability to contribute initially but also grow as a player that can be a significant core piece for us for a long time.”

Being able to help the team win from day one is important, but Catanella reiterated that the Kings are not looking for a quick fix. They want to draft a player who can be a part of the long-term solution.

“You’re going to get a very talented individual that’s going to become a long-term piece of your family, that’s going to grow with your coaches and with your staff here and we're going to be able develop him,” said Catanella. “For us, that’s a long-term piece to our puzzle and to our family.”

In addition to the No. 8 overall pick, the Kings also hold the No. 59 selection. The NBA Draft begins at 4 p.m. PDT.

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Kings Looking to Draft Core Piece

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Ken Catanella on Kings Draft

Kyle Ramos

After the conclusion of the regular season in April, the Kings quickly began preparing for the offseason and seasons ahead by bringing in Ken Catanella as the team’s Assistant General Manager.

Catanella was previously with the Detroit Pistons, where he spent five years as Director of Basketball Operations and Assistant General Manager.

Before his career began in NBA front offices, Catanella graduated with his degree from Amherst College, where he also played basketball, and later earned his MBA from Duke University. He would go on to play professionally for Bundesliga’s Cologne 99ers and would also serve as the team’s Assistant General Manager.

Leading up to his current position with the Kings, Catanella has gathered a multitude of experience, working in Wall Street, the NBA’s league offices and the New Jersey Nets, in addition to his previously stated time in Detroit.

Now, Catanella will be alongside Kings General Manager Vlade Divac as the team prepares for the upcoming offseason.

Kings.com had a chance to speak with Ken on his readiness to contribute to Sacramento basketball.

Heading into the offseason, what will you be focusing on stepping into this role as an Assistant General Manager?

“I look forward to collaborating with the Kings front office and basketball operations staff – helping them continue to move to the upper echelon in the League in areas including but not limited to: player evaluation and scouting, player development, analytics, salary cap management and sports science, while putting processes and best practices into place that I’ve observed in the NBA, college and international ranks.”

What excites you most about being a part of the Kings organization?

“Anyone who's been around this league knows about the fans in Sacramento. They're among the best in sports. With our new state-of-the-art arena and a new practice facility, the energy in the city is palpable. This is a tremendous organization that’s on the rise and building something special. I wanted to join during this unique time in the Kings proud history, because I personally crave being part of something bigger than myself. Timing in life can often be instrumental in an individual’s or group’s success, and all signs currently point toward the Kings undergoing a significant resurgence in the months and years ahead. Vlade, Coach Joerger and the people of Sacramento know what great team basketball is all about, and I’m passionate about helping our team bring that winning feeling back to the city and the region.”

As someone who has been in a multitude of positions throughout your career, what are some valuable takeaways from your past experience?

“One of the most important keys is to view the game through a balanced lens – one that considers the importance of in-game scouting, analytics, players’ backgrounds and developing a group that both fits cohesively and cares deeply about each other.”

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Kings Q&A: Assistant General Manager Ken Catanella

Nikki Nicholson

Sacramento, CA - Sacramento Kings Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Vlade Divac announced today that the team has named Ken Catanella as Assistant General Manager.

Catanella has more than ten years of experience in player negotiation, contracts, statistical scouting systems and a comprehensive understanding of the salary cap. He joins the Kings front office after serving the Detroit Pistons for nearly five years as Director of Basketball Operations and Assistant General Manager. Prior to the Pistons, Catanella worked for the NBA and the New Jersey Nets.

“We are focused on building a winning team and part of that process is ensuring we have a sound front office structure,” said Divac. “We are thrilled that Ken Catanella is joining the Kings to help us build on our progress and drive success on the court. Ken’s unique statistical and player expertise will provide a significant boost to our basketball operations team.”

In his role with the Kings, Catanella will function as the organization’s salary cap specialist, support Divac with personnel decisions and day-to-day management of the basketball operations department and assist with the team’s statistical and analytical systems.

A graduate of Amherst College where he played and coached, Catanella’s professional experience includes a stint on Wall Street where he provided analytics to sports franchises examining arena financing. While earning his MBA at Duke University, he served as a graduate assistant to the Blue Devils Men’s Basketball team from 2004-06. Catanella also played professional basketball for the Bundesliga’s Cologne 99ers of the German League and later served as the assistant general manager for the 99ers.

Ken Catanella

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Ken Catanella on Kings Draft

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