Category: Sacramento Kings Blog

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Kings hire Mike Woodson as associate head coach

The Sacramento Kings announced today that Mike Woodson has been named associate head coach. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Mike Woodson brings decades of coaching experience to this staff,” said head coach Doug Christie. “His impact will be extremely valuable, and I’m looking forward to getting to work with him.”

Woodson joins the Kings after more than 40 years in the NBA community. Woodson played 11 seasons in the NBA (1980-1991), before transitioning into coaching where he served as head coach of the Atlanta Hawks (2004-2010) and New York Knicks (2012-2014), leading both franchises to multiple playoff appearances. In 2021, he returned to his alma mater, Indiana University, as head coach of the men’s basketball team.

He began his coaching career as an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1996 and later held assistant roles with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Detroit Pistons, where he helped lead the team to the 2004 NBA Championship. In 2004, he was named head coach of the Atlanta Hawks. During his six-year tenure in Atlanta he led the Hawks to back-to-back 50-win seasons and three consecutive playoff appearances.

Kings hire B.J. Armstrong as assistant general manager

The Sacramento Kings announced today that B.J. Armstrong has been named assistant general manager. Armstrong will report to general manager Scott Perry.

“B.J. has an elite understanding of the game, and his basketball IQ, front office insight, and championship experience will be invaluable as we build towards the future,” said general manager Scott Perry. “He’s been a trusted advisor to me and many others in the basketball world for years, and I’m confident his perspective and leadership will make a significant impact on our organization.”

Armstrong brings over 30 years of NBA experience to Sacramento. After playing 11 seasons in the NBA (1989-2000), Armstrong joined the Chicago Bulls front office before departing in 2005. He then joined Wasserman as an agent and represented several NBA players including Derrick Rose, the No. 1 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft and the youngest player to ever be named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player.

Armstrong was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1989 and played for them for six seasons, winning three NBA championships (1991, 1992, 1993). He also spent time with the Golden State Warriors (1995-1996), Charlotte Hornets (1996-1997), Orlando Magic (1997-1999), and returned to the Bulls for one final season (1999-2000). Armstrong was named an NBA All-Star in 1994. Over 11 seasons, Armstrong averaged 9.8 points and 3.3 assists per game.

Kings name Doug Christie as new head coach

The Sacramento Kings have announced that Doug Christie has been named head coach.

“After careful consideration, I am excited to announce Doug Christie as the next head coach of the Sacramento Kings,” said General Manager Scott Perry. “I’ve known Doug a long time and have been impressed with his leadership, presence, and ability to connect deeply with his players. He embodies the core values we believe in — toughness, discipline, professionalism, a defensive mindset, and a selfless, team-oriented approach on offense. Our goal is to support him fully and help set the stage for his long-term success. We’re excited to move forward with Doug as our leader.”

“I am deeply humbled to be named head coach of the Sacramento Kings,” Christie said. “This organization and city have been home for over 20 years. I want to thank the Kings organization and Scott for their support during this process. For me, this opportunity is all about service to the team, the organization, and the city of Sacramento. My family and I couldn’t be more excited for this new chapter.”

Kings hire Scott Perry as General Manager

The Sacramento Kings announced today that Scott Perry has been named General Manager. Perry will oversee basketball operations and report to the owner and chairman.

“Scott brings a wealth of experience, a sharp basketball mind, and a strong track record of building talented rosters,” said Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé. “He shares our commitment to developing and sustaining a winning culture, and I am excited to welcome him back to Sacramento.”

“I appreciate the opportunity to rejoin the Kings organization and help build a successful team that competes at a high level,” said Perry. “I’m eager to get to work with the players and staff to continue moving the organization forward.”

Kings and GM Monte McNair agree to part ways

The Sacramento Kings announced today that the team and General Manager Monte McNair are mutually parting ways.

“I want to sincerely thank Monte for his leadership and the invaluable contributions he made during his time in Sacramento,” said Sacramento Kings owner and chairman Vivek Ranadivé. “He helped build a strong foundation for continued success here, and we wish him and his family all the best in their future endeavors.”

McNair joined the Kings as general manager in September 2020, overseeing basketball operations. Prior to the Kings, McNair spent 13 years with the Houston Rockets.

Per the Sacramento Bee:

McNair issued a statement on social media thanking Ranadive, players, coaches, staffers and fans.

“Five years ago, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime,” McNair said. “I’ll always be grateful to Vivek and the entire Kings organization for taking a chance on me.

The Beam Team brought so much joy to so many. Thank you to the players, coaches, and staff who played such a vital role in creating those special moments and memories. To the Sacramento community—thank you for welcoming and embracing me and my family. We arrived as a family of four and leave as a family of six. As a California kid, this truly felt like a dream homecoming. To Kings fans—you’re simply the best. I’ll never forget the deafening roar before Game 1 or the countless other unforgettable moments we shared. There will be many more beams in the Kings’ future.”

Good news for Kings on Domantas Sabonis

Via the Sacramento Bee:

Kings center Domantas Sabonis could be back in the lineup much sooner than expected.

The Kings announced Sabonis was a full participant in Sunday’s practice after making significant progress in his recovery from a right ankle sprain.

Sabonis is listed as questionable for Monday’s game against the Boston Celtics at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Malik Monk (illness) and Devin Carter (illness) are also questionable

Kings upgrade Isaac Jones to a standard contract

The Sacramento Kings have converted Isaac Jones’ deal to a standard NBA contract.

A 6-9 forward, Jones has appeared in 31 games for Sacramento this season. Over 11 regular season games with the Stockton Kings, Sacramento’s G League affiliate, he averaged 20.9 points (55.5 FG%), 9.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. Jones originally signed a two-way contract with Sacramento on July 3, 2024 after going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft out of Washington State.

Kings sign Terry Taylor to 10-day contract

The Sacramento Kings have signed Terry Taylor to a 10-day contract.

In three seasons, Taylor has averaged 4.8 points and 2.7 rebounds in 12.3 minutes per game while shooting 58.1% from the field in 95 career games with the Indiana Pacers (2021-23) and Chicago Bulls (2022-24). In 28 appearances for the Stockton Kings this season, Taylor is averaging 17.6 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 34.3 minutes per game.

A native of Bowling Green, Ky., Taylor played four seasons at Austin Peay State University where he finished as the program’s all-time leader in points, scoring 2,507 career points.

Wizards trade Jonas Valanciunas to Kings

The Sacramento Kings announced today that the team has acquired Jonas Valančiūnas in a trade with the Washington Wizards for a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 second-round pick.

During the 2024-25 season, Valančiūnas is averaging 11.5 points (54.7 FG%, 89.6 FT%), 8.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 20.1 minutes per game in 49 games (12 starts). He ranks 24th in rebounds per game, 19th in total rebounds (404) and in field goal percentage, tied for 16th in total offensive rebounds (120), 20th in total defensive rebounds (284) and seventh in free throw percentage this season.

In 13 seasons, Valančiūnas has posted career averages of 13.3 points (56.0 FG%, 79.3 FT%), 9.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists in 25.4 minutes per game in 905 career games (839 starts) with Toronto (2012-19), Memphis (2018-21), New Orleans (2021-24) and Washington (2024-25). Among active players, he ranks 13th in rebounds per game, ninth in total boards (8,500), sixth in total offensive rebounds (2,485) and 12th in total defensive rebounds (6,016) and in field goal percentage. Valančiūnas was selected to the All-Rookie Second Team for his performance during the 2012-13 season and has been a member of the men’s senior Lithuanian national team since 2011.