The Sacramento Kings dragged their feet on finding a replacement for recently fired George Karl, until Dave Joerger became available, that is.
Just a couple of days after Joerger was fired by the Memphis Grizzlies, the Kings are “hopeful” they will finalize a four-year, $16 million deal with the head coach on Tuesday, per ESPN’s Marc Stein.
ESPN sources say that the Kings are hopeful today of finalizing a four-year, $16 million deal with Dave Joerger to be their new coach
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 9, 2016
This news isn’t at all surprising. In his same report that announced Joerger being fired in Memphis, Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical noted the Kings were hot to trot for the head coach.
Apparently, Wojnarowski’s sources were spot on.
In his three years with Memphis, Joerger led the Grizzlies to an overall record of 147-99. However, they took a step back this past season with a record of 42-40, thanks to a rash of injuries that led to the club breaking a record for most players used in a single season.
A guy who made his bones coaching Memphis’ D-League team for years, Joerger preaches tough defense — something the Kings desperately need.
His greatest challenge awaits, as Sacramento hasn’t won in 10 years. A roster full of young players will be his for the molding. And, if things go right, he’ll usher in a new generation of new Kings fans as the organization moves into its brand new facility (Golden 1 Center) in October of this year.