Sacramento, California – Despite a 22–59 record, which placed them at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, Kings Team sources told ESPN on Sunday that coach Doug Christie is being retained for next season.
Christie initially served as interim head coach in December 2024 after the Kings fired Mike Brown. New general manager Scott Perry took over franchise decision-making last summer and gave Christie a full-time job, signing him to a three-year deal.
Christie’s first full season was unsuccessful in the first month. Sacramento loses starting wing keegan murray In preseason torn thumb ligaments and initial center Domantas Sabonis Partially torn meniscus in November. The Kings stumbled from a 3–13 start to a 12–46 record.
Team sources said Perry and Kings management believe Christie was never given a proper runway on the current roster. Their projected starting lineup never played a single minute together.
Sabonis was limited to 19 games before undergoing season-ending surgery. experienced scorer zach lavine Played in 39 games before undergoing season ending surgery on his right hand.
As the franchise has turned to a youth movement, it has gone 10-13 in its last 23 games. Part of Sacramento’s decision to retain Christie is about the positive development of the rookie centers maxim reynaud And dylan cardwell and first-rounder Nick Clifford.
The batch of wins came at a slight expense to the team’s lottery odds. Kings drop from NBA’s worst record to fourth-worst record utah jazz Entering the final day of the regular season at 22-59.
The next big day for the franchise is lottery night on May 10 when the Kings will find out which top-8 selection they will receive in a loaded draft.
