Kings pick up option on Westphal

[PEJA STOJAKOVIC 16]

SACRAMENTO, CA, April 12, 2010 ---- The Sacramento Kings today picked up the option on the contract of head coach Paul Westphal for the 2011-12 season, it was announced by Kings' President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie.

“We’re all excited about the new direction Paul has given our team and his ability to keep our players focused during the course of the season,” said Petrie. “I think he’s done a tremendous job of helping us turn the corner. My congratulations to him and his staff. We continue to look forward to an ongoing great relationship as we rebuild the Kings.”

Westphal was named Sacramento's head coach on June 12, 2009, becoming the franchise’s 23rd head coach. He has a lifetime record of 292-214 (.577) in eight seasons with the Phoenix Suns (1992-93 - 1995-96), Seattle Sonics (1998-99 - 2000-01), and Kings, including a trip to the NBA Finals in 1993 with the Suns.

“I’m very excited to continue to be able to have a chance to build what we have with the Kings,” Westphal said. “It’s been a great experience laying the foundation for years of exciting basketball to come. I’m thrilled by the support of the community, the Maloofs, the front office, and my staff and the players.”


http://www.nba.com/kings/news/paul_westphal_2010_04_12.html

 

[TTown Kings]

Definitely deserved. Looking foward to going into next season with the same staff. A little continuity should do wonders for the rebuild and development of the young guys. I just hope that next year he can decide on a consistent rotation and starting 5.

 

[Amory]

Exciting! I'm happy for PW and believe that he's gonna do a good job in the coming years as we build up an awesome team.

 

[Larry David]

The strong possibility a lockout might wipe out the entire 2011-12 – and management’s understanding of this situation – tempers the news.

 

[D13]

Cool, now he can tank without worry.... please

 

[ReinadelosReys]

Good week for Coach W. Finally got that 25th win bonus and an extension...

 

[Big Cuz 15]

congrats coach!

 

[NoBonus]

Another smart move... Kings keep climbing out of the basement...

 

[sidney]

The strong possibility a lockout might wipe out the entire 2011-12 – and management’s understanding of this situation – tempers the news.

This has more to do with avoiding the team chemistry issues by not having a lame duck coach than it does the 2011-2012 season. It's a stability move and a good one for this young team.

If we get to 40+ wins next year I suspect we'll see another extension next year at this time for the same reason

 

[DoDiGaG0]

been up and down on Paul but all I know is we won 25 games this year(I hope)

and there were around 12 games we lost due to inexperience/choking @ the crunch alone.

I didn't expect us to play at this level @ the beginning of the season.

I want 35+ next year, especially if we get a top 3 pick

 

[Larry David]

This has more to do with avoiding the team chemistry issues by not having a lame duck coach than it does the 2011-2012 season. It's a stability move and a good one for this young team.

To me it's both. By taking the option, you prevent him from being both the lowest paid coach in the league and a lame duck.

Because there is a good shot there won't be a season, the team doesn't really lock anything up beyond next year.

Thus, Paul is still really year to year ... but he can coach without the lame duck label.

 

[RaY Z]

Well deserved.

Did the best with what he had IMO. Not to mention, chemistry seems to be great, even with the 25 win record.

 

[Sparky6string]

Guess this is why he was talking about the King's organization as "we" and "us" at the end of the game last night. He's a little quirky on his starting lineups and he doesn't stress defense enough for me (no NBA coach does) but it's good to have him here.