Theus to be Kings' head coach
- Thread starter 6th
- Start date
Oh, egads, not Fratello (not a concern really, since Fratello's ego is far too large for that and I would imagine he would very much like to coach again).
But Reggie is right about needing that sort of piece. Almost wonder if it might not have been "suggested" to him during the interview process.
Here's a name for you:
Jerry Reynolds.
I am really surprised that Brooks wasn't hired. He is the only one that was cited in the Bee where the Maloofs went goo goo ga ga over. In fact I seem to remember a quote from them (and I'm paraphrasing) "He knocked our socks off" or "he blew us away". Add to it that he has won an NBA championship as a player, he's a local boy, and he was an assistant to some pretty darn good successfull NBA coaches. I just don't get it. What changed with Brooks? He seemed to be way out in front.
Oh, egads, not Fratello (not a concern really, since Fratello's ego is far too large for that and I would imagine he would very much like to coach again).
But Reggie is right about needing that sort of piece. Almost wonder if it might not have been "suggested" to him during the interview process.
Here's a name for you:
Jerry Reynolds.
But Reggie is right about needing that sort of piece. Almost wonder if it might not have been "suggested" to him during the interview process.
Here's a name for you:
Jerry Reynolds.
I hope he says something like this:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Qwq7BYOnDrM
at least if we stink we can have a good sound bite or two.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Qwq7BYOnDrM
at least if we stink we can have a good sound bite or two.
Well we wanted to go young and start over and so we did, including our new coach. I can't complain considering i know nothing about him. I will however complain after the season starts and if the team is doing dreadful. I wish him the best of luck and hope he manages to control the team somewhat. Welcome to the team and may you do better then Muss
Give him a fair chance. That's all I'm asking people to do...
I'm actually embarrassed by some of the comments made here. If I didn't know better, I'd swear this wasn't a Kings fan board.
I'm actually embarrassed by some of the comments made here. If I didn't know better, I'd swear this wasn't a Kings fan board.
give Reggie a chance... i mean his just been signed for christ sake, and already some people are going suicidal! with this gamble, im willing to wait and see what happens...
GO KINGS!
Reggie's cool, but a lot more than just that cliche
The private Reggie I saw close up (or as close as I got):
I first me Reggie Theus at the old Confetti nightclub on Arden Way in fall/winter 1985 and got to know him pretty well, partying with #24 numerous times and hustling chicks as they say. He had a nice condo at exclusive East Ranch in Sac after moving there from rather spartan digs on Bell St. which he had leased when the Kings first came to town. He had a pool table right in the middle of his living room at E.R. and quite often had his trusted cue stick in hand at Confetti - he virtually owned the place 1985-88. Unlike some of his teammates I never saw him out the night before a game and he never, and I mean never, drank alcohol or took illegal drugs. I recall buying him his favorite drink, "O.J. on the rocks," several times when he confessed to not having any money on him or was just too cheap Or occasionally his drinks came complimentary it seemed as he pulled up in his bright cherry red Porsche for valet parking directly at the front door. His NBA salary was about $600,000 at the time. Around Reggie I met a number of other NBA players, like his best friend Robert "Bobby Joe" Reid of the Houston Rockets and later Charlotte Hornets (Robert would always have 2 comp game tix for me when his team was in town). A few of those players I may have gotten to know a bit better because Reggie was rather private, guarded, and only allowed a very small circle of people to enter his private world. While the partying Reggie was legendary going back to his days as 'Rush Street Reggie' in Chicago, I found him just as often in Sacramento preparing for games by viewing VHS video tapes over-and-over, preparing for or just getting back from a bow hunting trip, or being glued to TV during the NCAA Final Four, which he absolutely relished as a giddy fan every March. The party animal Reggie I always thought was a bit of an exaggeration or at least he controlled it and never let it control him. There's a few more tidbit memories flowing back, but maybe I'll save it for later since we now know he's back in town and will be here for awhile.
Reggie on the basketball court, 1985-1988:
One of my oldest and fondest memories was when Reggie Theus addressed fans at ARCO Arena having just taken the microphone from Sacramento City Mayor Anne Rudin after she was booed loudly and embarrassingly. As the announcer introduced team captain Reggie to a thunderous roar of approval he made the comment that it seemed like "HE" was more popular than the mayor - to even greater cheers from the ARCO faithful! Then there was the time he slammed violently head first into the field goal barrier and broke his nose. He only missed a tiny handful of games due to injury or illness while with the Kings and the idea that he was soft, didn't play defense, or didn't have great drive, determination, and heart, was pure myth. But myth, lies and distortions surrounded Reggie for years, lots of it (and this came directly from some of his best NBA buddies) with various people simply jealous and rooting for him to fail. Reggie said to me and other friends on more than one occasion, "life isn't fair." With all his gifts, charm and good looks, Reggie learned that lesson early as his dad died back in ghetto-ridden Inglewood, CA when he was a young teen. I think it affected him, made him mature quicker, and gave him a certain fatalistic attitude. Like I said, I have some other fond memories, but for now I'll just be wishing him all the best! Reggie Theus at age 49 is a great selection for Sacramento Kings Nation and extremely well-prepared for the major challenge ahead as head coach - plus we'll never have to worry about him getting pulled over for DUI.
The private Reggie I saw close up (or as close as I got):
I first me Reggie Theus at the old Confetti nightclub on Arden Way in fall/winter 1985 and got to know him pretty well, partying with #24 numerous times and hustling chicks as they say. He had a nice condo at exclusive East Ranch in Sac after moving there from rather spartan digs on Bell St. which he had leased when the Kings first came to town. He had a pool table right in the middle of his living room at E.R. and quite often had his trusted cue stick in hand at Confetti - he virtually owned the place 1985-88. Unlike some of his teammates I never saw him out the night before a game and he never, and I mean never, drank alcohol or took illegal drugs. I recall buying him his favorite drink, "O.J. on the rocks," several times when he confessed to not having any money on him or was just too cheap
Or occasionally his drinks came complimentary it seemed as he pulled up in his bright cherry red Porsche for valet parking directly at the front door. His NBA salary was about $600,000 at the time. Around Reggie I met a number of other NBA players, like his best friend Robert "Bobby Joe" Reid of the Houston Rockets and later Charlotte Hornets (Robert would always have 2 comp game tix for me when his team was in town). A few of those players I may have gotten to know a bit better because Reggie was rather private, guarded, and only allowed a very small circle of people to enter his private world. While the partying Reggie was legendary going back to his days as 'Rush Street Reggie' in Chicago, I found him just as often in Sacramento preparing for games by viewing VHS video tapes over-and-over, preparing for or just getting back from a bow hunting trip, or being glued to TV during the NCAA Final Four, which he absolutely relished as a giddy fan every March. The party animal Reggie I always thought was a bit of an exaggeration or at least he controlled it and never let it control him. There's a few more tidbit memories flowing back, but maybe I'll save it for later since we now know he's back in town and will be here for awhile.Reggie on the basketball court, 1985-1988:
One of my oldest and fondest memories was when Reggie Theus addressed fans at ARCO Arena having just taken the microphone from Sacramento City Mayor Anne Rudin after she was booed loudly and embarrassingly. As the announcer introduced team captain Reggie to a thunderous roar of approval he made the comment that it seemed like "HE" was more popular than the mayor - to even greater cheers from the ARCO faithful! Then there was the time he slammed violently head first into the field goal barrier and broke his nose. He only missed a tiny handful of games due to injury or illness while with the Kings and the idea that he was soft, didn't play defense, or didn't have great drive, determination, and heart, was pure myth. But myth, lies and distortions surrounded Reggie for years, lots of it (and this came directly from some of his best NBA buddies) with various people simply jealous and rooting for him to fail. Reggie said to me and other friends on more than one occasion, "life isn't fair." With all his gifts, charm and good looks, Reggie learned that lesson early as his dad died back in ghetto-ridden Inglewood, CA when he was a young teen. I think it affected him, made him mature quicker, and gave him a certain fatalistic attitude. Like I said, I have some other fond memories, but for now I'll just be wishing him all the best! Reggie Theus at age 49 is a great selection for Sacramento Kings Nation and extremely well-prepared for the major challenge ahead as head coach - plus we'll never have to worry about him getting pulled over for DUI.
Not New Mexico!
He didn't coach at New Mexico, he coached at their little sister, New Mexico State! Two years of head coaching experience and lots of trouble with players. If you're looking for a disciplinarian, you picked the wrong guy. One of the guys on the team right now was arrested for robbing a pizza delivery guy of a pizza and $20. Then, right before his trial, he was arrested again for bribing someone else to say it was them who had robbed the pizza guy! And he's still on the team. Was suspended for like five days.
He didn't coach at New Mexico, he coached at their little sister, New Mexico State! Two years of head coaching experience and lots of trouble with players. If you're looking for a disciplinarian, you picked the wrong guy. One of the guys on the team right now was arrested for robbing a pizza delivery guy of a pizza and $20. Then, right before his trial, he was arrested again for bribing someone else to say it was them who had robbed the pizza guy! And he's still on the team. Was suspended for like five days.
lol got this from some other board regarding theus' experience...
" Wow, Theus' signing was unexpected, but he'll be a great and underrated pickup for the Kings. He's actually made some historical achievements in his brief coaching career:
1. He's the 1st ever head coach to lead a men's basketball team with a female star to the state championship.
2. Theus coached a difficult, All-Star personality for two years in Anthony Anderson and made it work. Anderson's gone on to star in such vehicles such as My Baby's Daddy and Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London.
Here's a clip of Theus' best work: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meD8-BGc6oY "
" Wow, Theus' signing was unexpected, but he'll be a great and underrated pickup for the Kings. He's actually made some historical achievements in his brief coaching career:
1. He's the 1st ever head coach to lead a men's basketball team with a female star to the state championship.
2. Theus coached a difficult, All-Star personality for two years in Anthony Anderson and made it work. Anderson's gone on to star in such vehicles such as My Baby's Daddy and Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London.
Here's a clip of Theus' best work: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meD8-BGc6oY "
Nothing to Lose
Nothing to lose by hiring Theus. If he loses, they can just fire him. Just like Raiders-new coach every year. After they fire enough coaches, the realization will dawn on them that maybe upper management is the problem. The Kings will lose all fans next year if they keep the same squad with Theus. They will be bottom dwellers again. Petrie has to pull a rabbit out of the hat with major trades. No more tweaking. When you're far off in terms of talent, tweaking doesn't cut it. You got to do something drastic. Here's suggestion on trades and draft. Draft winners-players who get to championship (Ohio State and Florida). Trade for winners-players who's been part of winning team.
Nothing to lose by hiring Theus. If he loses, they can just fire him. Just like Raiders-new coach every year. After they fire enough coaches, the realization will dawn on them that maybe upper management is the problem. The Kings will lose all fans next year if they keep the same squad with Theus. They will be bottom dwellers again. Petrie has to pull a rabbit out of the hat with major trades. No more tweaking. When you're far off in terms of talent, tweaking doesn't cut it. You got to do something drastic. Here's suggestion on trades and draft. Draft winners-players who get to championship (Ohio State and Florida). Trade for winners-players who's been part of winning team.
IMO, this isn't THAT big of a deal. IMO the only way a coach can hurt now is by failing to help the young players progress by not being willing to play them and also be a tutor to them. Don't really know in that case so whatever. The good news from this is that it appears the kings are on board with a full on rebuilding mode and I'm happy about that, it's a long time coming and even though I'm not a fan of the Theus choice I think Larry Brown could've done much more damage to the long term stability of the team. Shaw would've been the best of both worlds, a young coach and has the makings of a franchise coach.
Meh... hard to get too upset since I have more or less advocated for a disposable/temporary guy to develop young tallent, ingnore the record this season, position us for the next loto then try to show the NBA what he cando in 08-09. The guy has nothing to loose and seemed willing to experiment and develop tallent in NM... in short he is NOT that bad a call unless you want to see the Kings nab that number 8 seed THIS season.
The other bright spot is that by singing Reggie Geoff and the Maloofs are sending a clear signal that full rebuild mode is on, no more half arsed stop gap crud I hope. Can't say I am thrilled aobut Reggie but I will hold off on any real criticisim untill after I see waht team gets assembled and wha the does with them.
The other bright spot is that by singing Reggie Geoff and the Maloofs are sending a clear signal that full rebuild mode is on, no more half arsed stop gap crud I hope. Can't say I am thrilled aobut Reggie but I will hold off on any real criticisim untill after I see waht team gets assembled and wha the does with them.
I would think it would be somebody with NBA head coaching experience. More like well, Del Harris, or Phil Johnson, or Carlesimo etc. (not that its going to be any of those guys obviously, but that sort of thing). Probably somebody wiht connections to Reggie or Sacto. Which could actually be a ltitle trobling given his, or our, history.
I mean: Tark?
Jerry? St. Jean? Hughes? Maybe..Motta! What he should do is find some way to hire Chuck Daly for the job (we'll ignore for the moment that Chuck would be the vastly better head coach). thren we could, if nothing else, have the most stylish coaching staff in the league.
In any case, such a move can only increase its chances of it working out, at least tolerably. basically gives us a second chance at the apple, and a chance at shoring up Reggie's lack of experience/credibilty.
It just dawned on me that the top three guards on that first Sac Kings team -- Mike Woodson, Larry Drew and now Theus -- are NBA coaches (Drew is Woodson's assistant). And Mike Bratz was an assistant at one time.
On Carmichael Dave's show, Tank Thompson said that while he'd be honored to be asked to coach with Reggie, he thought Theus probably already had assembled (or at least had in mind) a more experienced group of assistants.
On Carmichael Dave's show, Tank Thompson said that while he'd be honored to be asked to coach with Reggie, he thought Theus probably already had assembled (or at least had in mind) a more experienced group of assistants.
HTML:
Theus got to know the Kings owners, the Maloof family, while at New Mexico State since the family is from New Mexico and supports the program. But Theus said as soon as he was told he was a possible candidate, he asked for 10 tapes of Kings' games from the NBA and started watching the team.
"I don't think it's going to be a quick fix," Theus said. "I do believe that we have to start out and create an identity. From the games I've seen, I couldn't figure out who they were as a team."
Theus said one of the first things he's going to do is meet with Ron Artest and Mike Bibby.
"I want to find out from them how we make this work since it's their team," Theus said. "I'm the leader, but it's their team. I remember as a pro myself that I always liked it when the coach came to me to talk about how we can make it work.
"Both players are high-caliber players and at this point in their careers how much are they willing to sacrifice? But before that we have to start out with an identity and play a certain style to be successful," Theus said.some great liners from our new coach.
nothing else to hope but kings progress from here.
buddy
I mean: Tark? Jerry? St. Jean? Hughes? Maybe..Motta!
Jerry? St. Jean? Hughes? Maybe..Motta!
Hate quoting myself, but just checked Reggie's old coaches, whcih actually is a frequent place to start with these sorts of things (rather than random old guys who may not accept the authority of a neophyte, an old guy who knows the new coach and may want to help him out of the previous relationship):
Larry Costello (another era, likely passed away)
Scotty Robertson (? the old scout?)
Jerry Sloan (obviously not, even if he retired)
Rod Thorn (!) (obviosuly not again)
Paul Westhead (no idea if he and Reggie got along, but this is the sort of guy who could do this, in WNBA now)
Cotton Fitzsimmons (unfortunately passed away a couple of years back)
Kevin Loughery (another legitimate option, long time mediocore NBA coach, out of bball)
Jack McKinney (long gone from the scene)
Phil Johnson (already got the #2 man gig for Sloan)
Jerry Reynolds (yikes)
Bill Russel (er...no)
Mike Fratello (heh, somebody mentioned this, but I forgot that Reggie played for him that one year, still, ego too big, has better gigs)
Matt Guokas (another legit possibility)
Bill Fitch (a name not heard in a long time, but not as impossiboly old as I thought (still quite) not impossible)
and of course college was:
Tark (er...please no, although as gambling Veagsites the Maloofs might love it)
Last edited:
Another name that popped into mind, Brick: Frank Hamblen, who was Phil Johnson's top assistant when the Kings first game to town. He had a brief stint as a head coach and has been with the Lakers forever. Knowledgable NBA guy, good second banana, might be looking for a move with all the crap going on in LA.
I watched Theus coach a few games here in Fresno and at the WAC Tournament in Las Cruces this year. The guy is INTENSE. Calling out plays. Putting a player on blast when he makes a mistake. Diagramming plays BEFORE time-outs. Well prepared. All business. There was no doubt who was in charge of that team. Against Boise State in the WAC Tournament championship game, Coby Karl put a hard foul on one of his players and Theus ran over to the player like a bat out of hell to check up on him. This is NOT the same guy most people here have been making fun of for his "Hang Time" days. I've obviously been for this hire since BEFORE Muss was hired. I just hope Reggie doesn't prove me wrong, and I doubt he will. You'll be surprised at how intense Theus is when he coaches. I'm sure ESPN has some video of him at NMSU so you can see for yourself. And, the Aggies were a run and gun type of team. Jury's out on how defensive minded the 07-08 Kings will be though.
We tried getting Van Gundy and Brown with no success. It's not like Theus was the first choice. I'm all for it.
GO GET 'EM REGGIE!!! WELCOME HOME!!!
How about Doug Collins for an assistant?
We tried getting Van Gundy and Brown with no success. It's not like Theus was the first choice. I'm all for it.
GO GET 'EM REGGIE!!! WELCOME HOME!!!
How about Doug Collins for an assistant?
I have no idea about Theus' approach to the game, just know he was a quality offensive player in the league his whole career. Which doesn't necessarily mean much for his style (yet). The players should respect him given his good history as a player. I just hope Theus puts a significant emphasis on defense and rebounding...
While I don't know too much about Theus, I would of preferred a guy like Shaw, Brooks, Brown over Theus.
Will be interesting to see how things go here.
While I don't know too much about Theus, I would of preferred a guy like Shaw, Brooks, Brown over Theus.
Will be interesting to see how things go here.
Gavin Maloof was just on with Carmichael Dave, no transcipt, but I got some quick notes down.
Gavin: Everyone is really excited about it, happy to have Reggie aboard.
Gavin: Reggie has passion for the Kings, this was his dream job etc..
CD: What was it really that pushed Reggie over the top?
Gavin: 2 yrs ago he went to go see the Bros. Maloof, mentioned NMS program, was the 1st coach of NM to go see them, thought he had a lot of moxy, appreciated his effort. Said he was going to take NM and was going to win, they donated $ to the program. Says Reggie had one of the best turnarounds in college sports
CD: Said there was a lot of nervousness….Muss deal went bad, GP is God in Sacto, was this a team hire? 50-50 or all Maloofs
Gavin says 100% GP is on board, Reggie has passion, charisma, who better to coach the kings than a former king? Everyone is on board, Petrie, Maloor Family
CD: With the way the roster is right now, the Maloofs don’t like losing, it looks like there is going to be some rebuilding going on, …….going with an inexperienced coach over an experienced coach
Gavin says they didn’t have any preconceived notions of who they wanted, just wanted the best person for the job….[Pimped Reggie at NM some more]…came to see them in Vegas told them what he was going to do and did it….
CD: How important was it to have a coach before the draft?
Gavin: It wasn’t a necessity, but it would have been nice. Wanted to do due diligence, find the right guy. Likes that Reg was a king, passionate about being in Sac, spoke to GP several times, High remarks from Rick Pitino etc…. Wanted a guy loyal to Sac, GP and the organization
CD: At any point was LB contacted?
Gavin: Yes, it just didn’t work out. LB is wonderful, just wasn’t the right fit
CG: LB is a HOF etc….from the fans stand point this is an important hire, controversial etc…What made you say no to LB and yes to the new young guy
Gavin: Just wasn’t the right fit. GP was behind this, the family was 100% behind it..., there’s going to be doubters that’s fine they’ll accept that but at the end of the day if they guy does the job….He’s not a vagabond, he has ties to Sacto and was very excited when he spoke with him
CD: What can fans get exited about with Reggie as coach
Gavin: Will get a determined person in for the long haul, to coach the Kings is the ultimate dream for him. The fans will accept him…..in the long run this will be the right move for everyone involved
Gavin: Everyone is really excited about it, happy to have Reggie aboard.
Gavin: Reggie has passion for the Kings, this was his dream job etc..
CD: What was it really that pushed Reggie over the top?
Gavin: 2 yrs ago he went to go see the Bros. Maloof, mentioned NMS program, was the 1st coach of NM to go see them, thought he had a lot of moxy, appreciated his effort. Said he was going to take NM and was going to win, they donated $ to the program. Says Reggie had one of the best turnarounds in college sports
CD: Said there was a lot of nervousness….Muss deal went bad, GP is God in Sacto, was this a team hire? 50-50 or all Maloofs
Gavin says 100% GP is on board, Reggie has passion, charisma, who better to coach the kings than a former king? Everyone is on board, Petrie, Maloor Family
CD: With the way the roster is right now, the Maloofs don’t like losing, it looks like there is going to be some rebuilding going on, …….going with an inexperienced coach over an experienced coach
Gavin says they didn’t have any preconceived notions of who they wanted, just wanted the best person for the job….[Pimped Reggie at NM some more]…came to see them in Vegas told them what he was going to do and did it….
CD: How important was it to have a coach before the draft?
Gavin: It wasn’t a necessity, but it would have been nice. Wanted to do due diligence, find the right guy. Likes that Reg was a king, passionate about being in Sac, spoke to GP several times, High remarks from Rick Pitino etc…. Wanted a guy loyal to Sac, GP and the organization
CD: At any point was LB contacted?
Gavin: Yes, it just didn’t work out. LB is wonderful, just wasn’t the right fit
CG: LB is a HOF etc….from the fans stand point this is an important hire, controversial etc…What made you say no to LB and yes to the new young guy
Gavin: Just wasn’t the right fit. GP was behind this, the family was 100% behind it..., there’s going to be doubters that’s fine they’ll accept that but at the end of the day if they guy does the job….He’s not a vagabond, he has ties to Sacto and was very excited when he spoke with him
CD: What can fans get exited about with Reggie as coach
Gavin: Will get a determined person in for the long haul, to coach the Kings is the ultimate dream for him. The fans will accept him…..in the long run this will be the right move for everyone involved
Last edited:
Sorry, belatedly added the rest. Some guys who are solid candidates in there: Westhead, Guokas, Loughery, maybe even Fitch. Alive , out of coaching for some time, lot of experience, no head coaching pretensions now. Safe picks for a neophyte coach who can play wise old head (and inteh case of Westhead and Fitch, wise old heads who even won titles once back nin the distant past, before subsequently discrediting themselves). Note: Fitch might be too old school (yelling, screaming drill serjeant), but maybe age and the #23 spot would be a mellower, and Westhead...seemed to become a laughingstock at some point.
, out of coaching for some time, lot of experience, no head coaching pretensions now. Safe picks for a neophyte coach who can play wise old head (and inteh case of Westhead and Fitch, wise old heads who even won titles once back nin the distant past, before subsequently discrediting themselves). Note: Fitch might be too old school (yelling, screaming drill serjeant), but maybe age and the #23 spot would be a mellower, and Westhead...seemed to become a laughingstock at some point.