Sacramento Kings rumors: Can George Karl manage Rondo, Cousins well?

George KarlReuters

George Karl has been known to be a good coach and that talent could very well be put to the test this coming season.

After his celebrated misunderstanding with franchise player DeMarcus Cousins that went as far as possibly trading him, one has to think how Karl would be able to mend ties and work with Cousins after that fiasco.

That planned trade was, of course, botched when team owner Vivek Ranadivé made it known that Cousins was untouchable. Such was seconded by Vlade Divac, a former Kings player and current vice president for the franchise.

For now, it seems the cloud of doubt between Karl and Cousins has simmered down, although all that remains to be seen when the Kings open shop this October.

"We have a lot of time to get back on the same page," Karl said via the Boston Globe. "Summer talk and summer drama, I've always thought, is hype and so much of it is untrue. I'm not going to get into it but Cous and I have to work together to get back to together, and we will," he added.

Another area that will garner a lot of attention is how Karl would deal with Rajon Rondo.

Everyone knows that issue Rondo had in Dallas, specifically with head coach Rick Carlisle. The strained relationship resulted in Rondo opting out so it will be interesting to see if Karl's style will be suited for Rondo.

This early however, Karl knows Rondo's wants and it seems that he plans to give him the freedom he needs to lead the Kings. On whether that pans out well remains to be seen but Rondo is a tested leader on the court.

With two controversial players who can be stubborn, it will also be equally interesting how both players can get on the same page that would translate to Ws.

Rondo got along with Garnett but Cousins is far different. This is a guy who can explode (temperamental both inside and outside) and he is not shy of making his case known. Will Rondo be the same as well?

Looking at the roster of the Kings, they have a formidable bunch who can help the club make a playoff appearance. But it all depends on how Karl gets everyone on the same page, particularly Cousins and Rondo.