Kings deny interest in Hinkie; not looking to hire someone above Divac

"The Process" may not be making its way to Sacramento after all.

The Sacramento Kings released a statement Monday night concerning reports of their interest in possibly hiring former Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie for an undisclosed role.

"The Kings are not hiring Sam Hinkie and have no plans to bring anyone in above Vlade," the team stated, according to the Sacramento Bee's Jason Jones.

Owner Vivek Ranadive was reportedly under pressure from the Kings' minority owners and the NBA to bolster the front office and make it more professional, which would include hiring someone to oversee GM and vice president of basketball operations Vlade Divac.

The team had reportedly received permission to at least speak with Hinkie concerning a position, although his interest in joining the organization was up in the air.

Hinkie spent three controversial years working with the Sixers. During that time, he developed a reputation for intentionally throwing seasons in order to rebuild the roster through the draft, with his "Trust the Process" slogan perfectly describing his train of thought.

Philadelphia averaged fewer than 16 victories per season, resulting in Hinkie stepping down in April of last year.