The Sacramento Kings have released head coach Luke Walton from his duties. The young head coach landed in Sacramento trying to do good things, emulating what he did with the Golden State Warriors in 2016/17 as an interim coach and erasing what he showed with the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, he couldn’t get things going with the young Kings team, who made some interesting moves this offseason, drafting Davion Mitchell and adding veteran players. Nevertheless, things didn’t click for Sacramento this season, and the front office made the decision today.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Kings fired Walton this Sunday following a terrible start to the season.
The Sacramento Kings fired coach Luke Walton on Sunday, sources told ESPN. Kings have lost seven of eight games and dropped to 6-11 on season – leaving them 12th in the Western Conference.
The Sacramento Kings fired coach Luke Walton on Sunday, sources told ESPN. Kings have lost seven of eight games and dropped to 6-11 on season – leaving them 12th in the Western Conference.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2021
Moreover, Woj adds that former New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry is a serious candidate to take over from Walton, trying to lift the Kings’ level in the next games.
Kings associate head coach Alvin Gentry – a five-time head coach in the NBA – is expected get strong consideration to serve as interim head coach. Walton was 68-93 in two-plus seasons as Kings coach.
Kings associate head coach Alvin Gentry – a five-time head coach in the NBA – is expected get strong consideration to serve as interim head coach. Walton was 68-93 in two-plus seasons as Kings coach. https://t.co/jeZIFqmVCd
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 21, 2021
A couple of days ago, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Walton was on the hot seat amid a losing streak. Things didn’t improve for the squad and the Kings have parted ways with Walton.
De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Halliburton, Davion Mitchell, Buddy Hield and co. will have a new coach. Perhaps, this is the change they need to display their best game and compete for a spot in the 2022 NBA playoffs. The job will be hard, but this team can at least fight for a play-in spot.
