So, the thing with Doug Christie is that no one really seems to think he's a good head coach, let alone the guy to lead the Sacramento Kings through what will inevitably be a tough rebuild process. As such, the Kings have to make sure they have an idea of who is going to be next.
Christie technically has two more years left on his contract, but 2027-2028 is a team option. If the front office doesn't like what they're seeing, 2026-2027 could be Christie's last in Sacramento. Fortunately for the Kings, there are several good options out there. Just not Doc Rivers.
5. Tom Thibodeau
A basketball coach since 1981, Thibs' long career seemingly came to an end when the Knicks fired him after 2024-2025. In a somewhat ironic move, they replaced him with recently fired Kings' head coach Mike Brown. Thibs is known for running his guys ragged, particularly his starters, but he also brings high levels of discipline and personal accountability to the roster. He knows the game.
4. Johnnie Bryant
A former college player who went undrafted in 2007, Bryant found his way to the NBA as a coach. He's spent the last 12 years in assistant or associate positions with the Jazz, Knicks, and Cavaliers. Bryant is well known for his focus on and success with developing young stars such as Donovan Mitchell, Damian Lillard, and Jalen Brunson. He could do the same for someone like Darius Acuff Jr.
3. Michael Malone
The former head coach of the Nuggets found himself without a job rather suddenly with three games left in the 2024-2025 regular season and the playoffs approaching. Malone had also just led Denver to their first and only NBA Championship in 2023. He's a strong believer in a player-first approach that relies on defense, accountability, and re-enforcing the fundamentals of the game.
2. Chris Quinn
A former player both in the NBA and in Europe, Quinn spent most of his US career with the Heat. Since then, he has carved out an 11 year long coaching career, most of which has been with the NBA in Miami under the tutelage of Eric Spoelstra. He is a number one head coach contender for a number of teams across the league. Sacramento may be his chance to make a big splash.
1. Rex Kalamian
Kalamian has been an assistant coach in the NBA since 1995, and has worked with several teams. That includes two stints with the Kings as part of their coaching staff. He has a wide breadth of experience, a deep understanding of the game, and a familiarity with the Sacramento franchise. This could be the right time and place for Kalamian to finally step into the big job.
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