The Sacramento Kings head coach played on some iconic teams in the early 2000s. But says this foe is who he wants his team to emulate.
Doug Christie played on some revered Sacramento Kings teams in an era dominated by the late Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal and later Tim Duncan and Dwyane Wade.
One would believe Christie wants to recreate the explosive offenses he played for in the early 2000s for Sacramento. Those Kings teams featured him, Vlade Divac and had Mike Bibby plus Chris Webber providing a one-two shooting touch.
Except Christie found another team he wants his Sacramento squad to emulate on the floor.
It just so happens Christie's team inspiration here is a recent opponent of Sacramento -- one that nearly trounced the head coach's crew inside the Golden 1 Center a few days ago.
"Doug Christie said that the way the Pistons play is exactly what he's looking for from his squad in the future,” NBA reporter for the Kings James Ham posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Tough, physical, defensive-minded group that plays 100% every night.”
That's right -- Christie wants to see more Pistons than any other team...including the Oklahoma City Thunder ecosystem that's populating the league or even Christie's past fast-paced Kings teams.
Clearly, watching Cade Cunningham hit a double-double rubbed off Christie. Or witnessing Jalen Duren hit a double digits in scoring and in rebounds. Plus seeing Tobias Harris become a 20-point scoring threat -- who dropped 24 on the Kings in the 136-127 win.
But Christie likely is inspired by how the Pistons became constructed. Detroit two seasons ago stumbled to a league-worst 14-68 mark. J.B. Bickerstaff ultimately took control as head coach. The Pistons increased their win total by 30 more wins the following season -- ending 44-38 overall and returning to the postseason for the first time since the 2018-19 season.
Now, Detroit is one of the Eastern Conference's best teams with an impressive 24-6 mark. The Pistons' model of building via the NBA Draft has intrigued other teams...and clearly has the attention of Christie.
Granted, Detroit was a force during a time Christie played and in the era of "Cowbell hell" inside Arco Arena. The Pistons created a roster featuring as many as four NBA All-Stars including Ben Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, Richard "Rip" Hamilton and won with Chauncey Billups as a sharpshooter. But Detroit also added Rasheed Wallace in what became an impact trade -- as Wallace helped spearhead two Eastern Conference titles and the 2003-04 NBA Finals title. Now Christie hopes this new Detroit blueprint refuels his 7-23 Kings.