© Sergio Estrada | 2018 Nov 9
To the surprise of many, the Sacramento Kings hold a .500 record 20 games into the 2018-19 season, and look like a fringe playoff team in the Western Conference. For a team that hasn’t earned a trip to the postseason in 12 years, you’d think morale would be at an all time high in Sacramento. That apparently isn’t the case.
A battle is reportedly brewing behind the scenes between head coach Dave Joerger and assistant general manager Brandon Williams, that involves many issues (as detailed in this Chris Haynes piece) including disagreements on free agent targets, and Joerger not giving the Kings’ young players enough minutes for Williams’ liking.
The issues between the two apparently hit a tipping point during shootaround on Thursday, when Joerger asked that Williams be removed from the floor, after being displeased with his presence during Wednesday’s practice, according to NBC Sports.
Kings general manager Vlade Divac issued the following statement through Sam Amick of The Athletic:
“I have advised my front office and coaching staff to not focus on drama and rumors, but instead to focus on continuing to develop our young and exciting team. And that’s what we’re going to do.”
Joerger is under contract through next season, and is in his third season as the Kings’ head coach. Joerger previously served as the coach of the Memphis Grizzlies from 2013-2016, leading the team to the postseason all three years.