Kings: Profile On Assistant Coach Jesse Mermuys

Luke Walton did not reassemble his staff from his time with the Lakers, but the only holdover from Los Angeles is Luke’s long-time friend Jesse Mermuys.

Having formed a relationship when both men were at Arizona, Luke Walton and Jesse Mermuys are now coaching mates for the Sacramento Kings. Having a trusted friend on the bench who is an experienced coach and a mentor can only increase the Kings’ chances of success.

Jesse Mermuys Resume

Jesse Mermuys brings 18 years of coaching knowledge with him working as an assistant G.M/Head Coach of the 905 Raptors at his peak in 2015.  He began his career coaching at the high school level, then rose quickly up the ranks in college hoops, finally advancing to PAC-12 program Arizona State, his alma mater. George Karl and the Denver Nuggets gave Mermuys his first NBA position in 2008 as a video coordinator/advanced scout. Next, Mermuys was on the Houston Rockets coaching staff for one season before moving to the Raptors organization.

Toronto is where Mermuys gained most of his experience filling a variety of roles: player development, head coach, and assistant general manager. He was the summer league coach for the Raptots. Mermuys was a trusted member assigned with tasks because of his ability to get it done. When the Lakers hired Walton, it was Mermuys opportunity to coach with Luke., fulfilling a premonition they would coach together after their playing days were over.

Mermuys role for the Kings

Mermuys’ work with the Raptors under Dwane Casey was focused on the defensive side of the ball  This will benefit Sacramento who last season ranked 20th with a defensive rating of 111.5, according to Basketball-Reference.  College does not prepare players for the complexity, speed and strength they face in the league.  Preparing Harry Giles, Marvin Bagley, and De’Aaron Fox to grow and play at a high NBA level will be a challenge for Mermuys.

For Sacramento to take the next step, they will have to focus on their defense. This is where the Kings can improve and see it translate on the court. Setting a goal of 15th or better for a defensive rating is achievable. Scoring points will not be a problem for the Kings.  If the purple and white make the postseason, it is the defense that will be the difference.

Mermuys offensive knowledge is fast paced

Mermuys has more to offer than just defense.  As head coach of 905 Raptors, he worked with and developed talent, which is the main job of G- League coaches. With several players getting promoted to the NBA, Mermuys seems up to the taste. Mermuys has seen how to make a fast pace system work after his years under George Karl‘s tutelage.

Did you know George Karl is the last coach to have the Sacramento Kings ranked #1 in pace? (2015-16)  The Lakers were ranked number #2 in 2017-18 and never ranked lower than 6th in the last three seasons. The style Walton wants his team to play matches what Vlade and Vivek are looking for. “Pace with a purpose” should be the mantra of the Kings team.

Mermuys is a trusted confidant for Walton

Mermuys is not going to draw up a last-second play to win the game. What he will do is teach and encourage with a positive message. This includes coach Luke Walton, who at 38 is the second-youngest head coach in the league. Mermuys had a permanent seat next to Walton with the Lakers, going over film from the previous week, to get prepared for the upcoming opponents.  After work, it was chess that passed the time between the friends.

Jesse is trusted enough to shoot ideas off of and get honest feedback without judgment.  When the Kings hit a rough stretch, it will be Mermuys who will reassure Walton to stay the course. It was assumed that it would be Mermuys who would hire Walton after his NBA career was over.  These two friends work together well with the same coaching philosophy.  The Kings organization has all the bases covered from the front office to bench players.  Vivek spared no expense to ensure the Kings have the tools to make the playoffs.

Now that we have analyzed the top staff of Luke Walton’s  (Igor Kokoskov, Bob Beyer, and Jesse Mermuys), A Royal Pain will look at the rest of the Sacramento Kings staff that are scouts or directors of player development.