The Sacramento Kings are closing in on a significant decision regarding their coaching future. On April 29, 2025, sources confirmed that the Kings are finalizing a multiyear contract to remove the interim tag from Doug Christie, making him the franchise's full-time head coach. This decision follows a challenging season where Christie stepped in as interim coach after the firing of Mike Brown in December.
Under Christie's leadership, the Kings posted a respectable 27-24 record, which included a notable improvement in offensive efficiency. The team ranked ninth in the league during Christie's tenure, showcasing a marked difference from their performance earlier in the season under Brown, where they struggled with a 13-18 start.
Despite the positive strides, the Kings' season ended in disappointment, as they were eliminated in the Play-In Tournament after losing to the Dallas Mavericks. This marked yet another missed opportunity for a franchise that has only made the playoffs once in the last 19 seasons, with their last postseason appearance resulting in a first-round exit to the Golden State Warriors in 2023.
Christie's journey back to the helm of the Kings is a story of dedication and connection to the franchise. Having played for the Kings during their golden era from 2000 to 2005, Christie has been a familiar face in the organization, serving as an assistant coach since 2021. His deep-rooted ties to Sacramento and passion for the team have resonated with players and fans alike.
Scott Perry, the newly appointed general manager, expressed his confidence in Christie during his introductory press conference. "What I can tell you is I spent time with Doug Christie already. I first met Doug Christie when he was a player at Toronto, so I admired him as a player, his career. I've watched him this year from afar in terms of his ability to have a presence on the court. I think he's made a connection with players," Perry said. This relationship will be crucial as the Kings look to build a sustainable winner.
Christie's interim coaching stint saw the Kings excel in clutch situations, boasting a 13-10 record in close games compared to a dismal 6-13 under Brown. However, the Kings' late-season performance raised concerns, as they finished with a 7-13 record in their final 20 games, ultimately leading to their early playoff exit.
As he prepares to take on the full-time role, Christie is expected to restructure his coaching staff, having inherited Brown's assistants. This will be an opportunity for him to bring in personnel that aligns with his vision for the team.
The Kings' management has acknowledged the need for stability, as the franchise has cycled through five lead executives and nine head coaches—including interims—since Vivek Ranadive took ownership in 2013. The hope is that the combination of Perry and Christie will provide a steady foundation for the team moving forward.
With a core group of players, including Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, and Malik Monk, the Kings have the talent to compete. However, they face challenges in the upcoming draft, as they currently hold a mere 3.8% chance of moving into the top four picks. The team is also set to lose their first-round draft pick to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a previous deal involving Kevin Huerter.
The Kings' future hinges on how Christie can harness the potential of his roster while instilling a winning culture. Players have expressed their support for Christie, noting his straightforward approach and ability to connect with them. "He did a good job for us when he came in, he tried to keep it real simple for us," Kings guard Keon Ellis remarked during exit interviews. The players' desire for consistency and stability is palpable, and Christie's ascension to head coach could be the first step in achieving that goal.
As the Kings finalize this deal, the organization is looking to turn the page on a tumultuous period and embark on a new chapter under Christie's guidance. With the NBA playoffs still ongoing, the Kings are eager to make the necessary adjustments in the offseason to return to playoff contention. The franchise's fans are hopeful that this decision will lead to brighter days ahead.
