SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Sacramento Kings coach Doug Christie indicated that change is coming for the struggling team, describing the path ahead as “bumpy” while emphasizing that the organization is united in its direction.
“Change is hard,” Christie said. “It’s hard. But understand and we understand that we’re not there yet. But we’re about to work at it like crazy. We will totally get there. And it will be bumpy. It will because change is like that. But buckle up. For the real ones, buckle up.”
Christie’s remarks appeared to be a response to reports suggesting the Kings are ready to begin a full rebuild by potentially trading stars such as Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan.
He spoke for about two and a half minutes prior to Tuesday’s game against the Denver Nuggets. Christie began by introducing himself as “Douglas Dale Christie,” then delivered his statement before ending it with two sharp smacks on a table using both hands and walking away without taking any questions.
“When I see the hate, the haters, the fakers — all you guys — you keep that energy,” Christie continued. “That’s good. You keep that. And you know who you are because while you’re doing that, we’re gonna be working. And while you’re doing that, we’re gonna be growing. And while you do that, eventually, we’re gonna be coming the Kings Show. Sac proud, know that.”
The Kings entered Tuesday’s game with a 3-7 record. Christie, who played for Sacramento in the early 2000s, is in his first full season as head coach. He took over on an interim basis after serving as an assistant coach when Mike Brown was fired in December and was retained last spring.
“We’re gonna get it right,” Christie said.