As managing a professional sports team can lead to a fair share of challenges and obstacles, many executives lean on their supporting cast for a second opinion. The input of everyone is crucial, and although the ultimate decision lies with the highest authority, each person within the front office can influence the outcome by sharing their thoughts.
Take the Luka Doncic trade, for example; the result was highly controversial, and Nico Harrison is still receiving criticism months later, but the Dallas Mavericks’ governor, Patrick Dumont, had somewhat of a say in what happened at last. He shared what his thought process was after the deal went down.
Moreover, once the postseason ended for the LA Clippers, the thought of adding an extra set of eyes before a crucial offseason was evidently up for heavy consideration. This could have been the offseason when superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant might have been moved, and to counter the teams that acquire them, Frank would certainly need another experienced voice.
There is no issue in hiring someone for the role, but the best Frank and the Clippers could do is acquire the right mind. However, yesterday, Shams Charania reported that LA hired Monte McNair, who is not fit based on the decisions he made while he was with the Sacramento Kings.
Former Sacramento Kings general manager Monte McNair, the 2022-23 NBA executive of the Year, is joining the Los Angeles Clippers in an advisor role, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 16, 2025
The LA Clippers did not make the right decision in adding Monte McNair, who made questionable decisions with the Sacramento Kings
While it may be essential to give him a fair shot, what Monte McNair did with the Sacramento Kings should have been a red flag for the LA Clippers’ front office to avoid hiring him. He conducted some great trades, but his worst, which tarnishes all his greatness, was shipping a rising superstar in Tyrese Haliburton to the Indiana Pacers.
The Kings did receive Domantas Sabonis as the main return piece, which was comparable at the time. However, now Indiana is in the NBA Finals, and Sacramento has yet to win a playoff series since the 2003-04 season.
Fortunately, McNair will hold an advisory role in the Clippers’ front office. This must mean his voice should be taken with a grain of salt as his history is not as great as it seems.
All in all, the Clippers did hire one of the most questionable people for the job, especially if they desperately needed an advisor. Better suitors were likely out there, but LA chose the guy who broke down the Kings through a package involving Haliburton.