On Sunday November 21, the Sacramento Kings fired had coach Luke Walton and promoted associate head coach Alvin Gentry to take over at the helm as interim head coach. A 6-11 start to the season was undesirable for management, and Walton received all the blame.
Founder of The Ringer, Bill Simmons has commented on the recent events in Sacramento, stating that the management have to look inward before blaming the head coach.
“Last 4 years: Sac took Bagley over Luka, spent lottery picks on THREE point guards, froze on trading Barnes when he had legit trade value, spent actual money on T. Thompson, gave Bogdanovic away for NOTHING… but hey let’s change coaches again. An ongoing ownership catastrophe.”
Last 4 years: Sac took Bagley over Luka, spent lottery picks on THREE point guards, froze on trading Barnes when he had legit trade value, spent actual money on T. Thompson, gave Bogdanovic away for NOTHING… but hey let’s change coaches again. An ongoing ownership catastrophe.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) November 21, 2021
Simmons pointed out that it has been more of a management mishap than the fault of the coaches. They have given up exceptional talents in the last four years and invested in somewhat average players.
It has been revealed that Walton is the second-best coach in Kings history, even as he has won less games (68-93). He has a win-loss percentage of .422 and was in his third season.
Playoff feature has eluded the Kings since 2005-06, where they exited in the first round. Since then, they have changed eight head coaches.
Gentry might be the change the Kings need to turn things around this season. His fast-paced style of offense might benefit the team, considering the personnel on their roster.
De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, and Buddy Hield are all players that can execute Gentry’s gameplay to the T. While the backcourt duo of Fox and Haliburton have been underwhelming so far, they could turn things around with a game plan that suits their style of play.
The Kings will play their first game under Gentry at home against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night. Although the Sixers might once again play without Joel Embiid, they are still a formidable team.
