Everyone who has touched a basketball is aware that the Sacramento Kings desperately need a new head coach. Doug Christie is not getting the job done, and likely never will. It's time for a big move, like signing a head coach who knows how to win, such as the Golden State Valkyries' Natalie Nakase.
Okay, the reality is this would be a long-shot at absolute best as the Valkyries are not letting Nakase go any time soon. She won WNBA Coach of the Year in 2025 in the team's first season in existence and led them to a WNBA Championship in their second season. That's some good coaching.
At the same time, the Kings need to move the needle at the bench boss position. Christie wasn't hired because he had experience or was suited for the role at all. He's a former player with the Kings, and Vivek Ranadive put nostalgia above all other considerations. Sacramento is paying for that.
The impressive resume that Nakase brings to the table
Nakase, on the other hand, has been coaching basketball since 2008. On top of that, she won two WNBA Championships and a WNBA Commissioner's Cup championship as an assistant coach with the Aces before taking on the Valkyries expansion team. That's real success.
Her experience extends beyond the WNBA, as well. Nakase has coached both men's and women's teams in Europe, Japan, and the United States. That includes a five-season run as an assistant coach with the LA Clippers and their G League affiliate before heading to the WNBA and the Aces.
Nakase's coaching resume is far more impressive than Christie's. It's more than a decade longer, has multiple WNBA championships, and includes a gold medal as an assistant coach with Team USA in the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. Nakase is a better coach than Christie. Period.
What Nakase would do for Sacramento
As a coach, Nakase has a proven track record of excellence at everything the Kings need from a head coach. She has a mind for strategy on offense, can put together a real defensive identity, and knows how to develop players. That includes both rookies and young guns as well as underestimated talent.
The big thing is that she knows how to build a winning culture from the ground up. All you have to do is look at the success of the Valkyries after two seasons of existence. Plus, she has been mentored by some of the most respected head coaches in the NBA and WNBA. She's learned a thing or two.
Again, it's not likely that the Valkyries are going to let her go anytime soon. Nakase is key to their success, and they probably want to run that championship back in 2027. But if the opportunity presents itself, the Kings should drop Christie and bring in Nakase, no questions asked.
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