Kings ‘Sensitive’ To Coaching Change in Acuff Jr.’s Rookie Year

Doug Christie's job security has become one of many hot topics for the Sacramento Kings amidst a 1-10 start, but his seat isn't hot yet.

Christie's tenure has been disastrous since the organization appointed him as the head coach. He's sporting a 23-70 record, which includes a franchise-worst 16-game losing streak from Jan. 18 to Feb. 21.

One issue isn't shouldering the brunt of the blame; multiple problems are compounding at once: injuries, lack of cohesiveness and inability to adjust.

Sacramento wants to stand by its 32nd head coach, despite the piling troubles. Sam Amick, senior NBA writer for The Athletic, said the team is "sensitive" to a coaching change and doesn't want rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. to play under three coaches by his second season.

It's the right approach, even if the fan base's frustration grows with every loss.

Acuff shares the same frustration. The 19-year-old said he isn't a loser after the Kings dropped their fourth straight game to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday.

He needs stability more than anything else early in his career, playing for an organization starving for success. Shaking up the coaching staff puts more pressure on general manager Scott Perry to find the right leader.

Sacramento lost its previous franchise superstar, De'Aaron Fox, because of its instability. Fox played for five different coaches in his first seven seasons with the team.

Firing Brown was the straw that broke the camel's back. The point guard declined an extension to stay with the team that drafted him in 2017, and the previous general manager, Monte McNair, traded him to the San Antonio Spurs.

The Kings must right their wrongs with Acuff at the helm. Amick said the organization believes they drafted a generational player.

Acuff has made history several times in 11 games this season. He became the first rookie to score 30 points; joined NBA superstars with multiple 30-point, 10-assist double-doubles and became the first player since 1960-61 to record 200-plus points and 50-plus assists in the first eight games.

The 6-foot-3 guard is carrying the mantle of being the offensive engine every night. It's not adding wins to the record, but it continues to cement the team's belief that they selected the right player to lead them out of a rebuild.

Christie's shown immense trust in his rookie, handing him the keys even with veterans like Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine on the team. Sacramento wants to give the duo a chance before pivoting and finding its 33rd head coach.