The Sacramento Kings have fired Coach Michael Malone. This news came as a shock to all and was only Malone’s second season on the job.
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The Kings currently sit at 11-13, but have dropped eight of their last ten games. DeMarcus Cousins has missed the last nine games due to viral meningitis. Without Cousin, the Kings are a different team and cannot be expected to play at the same level. With Cousins on the court, they were 9-6 and looked to be competing for a playoff spot. Included in those 9 wins were victories over the Portland Trailblazers, Los Angeles Clippers (on the road) and San Antonio Spurs, all of which were playoff teams a year ago.
Michael Malone was hired prior to General Manager Pete D’Alessandro by Owner Vivek Ranadiv’e. Seemingly there was an issue with Malone that was more than the current losing streak. Frustration with the way the team was ran seems evident.
Tyrone Corbin will take over the head coaching duties in the interim. Tyrone Corbin has the head coaching experience, serving as the Utah Jazz head coach for three seasons from 2011-2014. Corbin will get a shot at being the head coach but the Kings will explore other options currently not coaching including George Karl and Vinny Del Negro.
The loudest rumors are centered on George Karl, who would like to coach again and the Kings are seemingly interested. Karl and D’Alessandro have a prior relationship from their time in Denver with the Nuggets. Karl would be a great fit with the Kings. He can employ an uptempo offense centered on Cousins and Gay.
With the massive changes that have taken place since the new ownership has taken over, continuity has not been there at any level. The Sacramento Kings front office must get a guy to coach this team that they believe in, whether that is Corbin, Karl, Del Negro or whomever. While the threat of moving is in the rearview mirror the Kings players, coaches and fans need to know that more massive changes will be avoided.
Teams that win and win consistently are examples of stability. From the owner on down, everyone is on the same page, has similar ideas for where the team is headed and what the plans for the future are. If the Kings are in a constant state of flux winning consistently and competing for championships is not a possibility.