At approximately 1:55 Pacific Standard Time, George Karl was introduced as the new head coach of the Sacramento Kings.
Karl thanked the Kings Organization for the tremendous opportunity as well as the city of Sacramento and its fans for showing both their excitement and support.
” I love fans that are passionate about the game, and I think Sacramento fans are not only passionate but knowledgeable.” Karl told reporters.
” I’ve always thought Sacramento is a great, small-market team…There’s an energy to this city that’s contagious, anyone who follows basketball understands Kings fans are renowned for their passionate support of the team.”
The former NBA Coach of the Year fielded numerous questions throughout the press conference. They ranged from his vision and strategy to help bring the Kings back to the playoffs to his All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins.
Kings General Manager Pete D’Alessandro also expressed his optimism and excitement with having Karl at the helm.
” We’re fortunate to take steps towards returning this franchise to prominence with one of the best coaches in basketball.” D’Alessandro said.
You’d be hard pressed to find more than a handful of coaches in the NBA with the kind of track record Karl will bring to the Kings. Karl moved into the 1,000 wins club in 2010, joining only Rick Adelman, Don Nelson, Jerry Sloan, Pat Riley, Phil Jackson, Larry Brown, and Greg Popovich. He is tied with Lenny Wilkens for eighth all time in NBA playoff victories with 80, as well as having coached the NBA All-Star game four times. In his last coaching stint, Karl guided Denver to a 57-win season, and earned Coach of the Year Honors in the process.
” I’ve missed the gym. I’ve missed the game and I want one more shot to win a championship” – George Karl
But that was the past, and this is the present. Present stats tell George Karl there’s plenty of work to be done. He takes over a team that is 18-34 on the season, 4th in the Pacific Division, and 13th overall in the Western Conference.
Feb 17, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings head coach George Karl addresses the media during the press conference to formally announce Karl as new head coach of the Sacramento Kings at the Kings Practice Facility Court. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The Kings have failed to make the playoffs for eight-straight seasons, something that Karl is not accustomed to.
” I’ve come to relieve this team of its basketball hell” Karl said.
With Karl now in charge, the franchise possesses its first head coach with both big name significance, and a proven track record of winning since Rick Adelman was let go nearly ten years ago. If there is one bright spot Karl has going for him, it’s the fact that he possesses one of the NBA’s best young players in All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins
” I’m excited to work with Demarcus. He’s one of the most talented big men I’ve ever coached in my life.” – George Karl
George Karl is a coach who has a history of turning bad franchises into contenders.
For Karl, this can’t be any more challenging than what he accomplished in both Milwaukee and Denver. In both stops he possessed an NBA All-Star or an above average player (Ray Allen, Sam Cassell in Milwaukee, and Kenneth Faried in Denver).
In Sacramento, Karl possesses both Cousins and an above average scorer in Rudy Gay. There, Karl will find his starting point, and 30 remaining games to build his foundation for next season.
Only time will tell if George Karl can bring Sacramento back to past greatness.
Until then? Good luck Mr. Karl, you’ll need it.
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