Sacramento Kings Keep Coach Doug Christie After Losing Season

The Kings had a 22-59 record this season, which is worse than many teams. They are still choosing to keep their coach.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

Sacramento Kings appear poised to retain Doug Christie as their head coach, according to multiple reports. This decision comes on the heels of a dismal 22-59 record this past season, a performance that would typically trigger immediate change. Sources close to the situation indicate a multiyear contract is being finalized, suggesting a commitment beyond the immediate results.

The team's reported inclination to stick with Christie, even after a statistically poor season, points to factors beyond wins and losses influencing this executive decision.

Christie assumed the interim role in late December after the dismissal of Mike Brown. In his initial stretch, the team posted a more respectable 27-24 record, even reaching the Play-In Tournament. However, the latter part of the season saw a significant downturn. The Kings lost 17 of their final 26 games, finishing the season with an 8-9 record in their last 17 matchups.

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Reports suggest that player support for Christie remains strong. This is a notable point, especially given the team's on-court struggles. The organization seems to be weighing this internal backing, alongside the desire for continuity and a potential avoidance of further offseason upheaval.

The decision also comes ahead of the NBA Draft Lottery. The team's lottery outcome, and the subsequent player acquisition, will be a key factor in evaluating Christie's tenure moving forward. Multiple key players, including Keegan Murray, De'Andre Hunter, Domantas Sabonis, and Zach LaVine, faced significant injury disruptions throughout the season. This has been cited as a reason to temper judgments on Christie's true coaching capabilities. Conversely, players like DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook were largely available.

The Kings face a period of roster reevaluation, with free agency and potential trades on the horizon. Settling the head coaching position is seen as a preliminary step in addressing these broader offseason objectives. Christie himself has expressed a desire to continue building the team's culture in Sacramento.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are the Sacramento Kings keeping Coach Doug Christie after a bad season?
The Kings had a 22-59 record, but reports say they will keep Coach Christie. Player support and a desire for stability seem to be reasons for this choice.
Q: What was Doug Christie's record as coach this season?
Doug Christie took over as coach in December. The team had a 27-24 record at first, but finished the season losing 17 of their last 26 games, ending with an 8-9 record in the final 17 games.
Q: Did injuries affect the Kings' performance this season?
Yes, many key players like Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis had injury problems. This is seen as a reason why judging the coach's ability might be unfair.
Q: What happens next for the Sacramento Kings?
The team is looking at the NBA Draft Lottery and free agency. Keeping the coach is a first step before making other big decisions about the team's future and players.
Q: What do players think about Coach Christie?
Reports suggest that players still support Doug Christie. This player backing is considered important in the team's decision to keep him as head coach.