Sacramento Kings Coaches over the Decade: A Story of Royalty

Over the past 10 seasons, the Sacramento Kings have seen their team rise and decline through a rapidly changing roster. The only thing more prone to revision then the team's players, has been their distorted coaching staff.

The team has seen more then its fair share of coaches, ranging from the highly successful Rick Adelman to an alcohol-stricken Eric Musselman. The slow increase of sub-par coaching of the establishment has not only had an effect on the team's playing, but the entire future of the franchise. Despite the deteriorating staff, a light of hope keeps the team going on.

What can we say, coaches work in mysterious ways. And Sacramento is evidence of that.

Rick Adelman (1998-2006)

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SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 25: Head coach Rick Adelman of the Sacramento Kings talks things over with Mike Bibby #10 in the game with the San Antonio Spurs in game two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2006 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2006 at

About

Rick Adelman was easily one of the greatest coaches in Kings history, leading the team through its golden years in Sacramento.

Prior to Adelman's coaching career, the Kings had gone through a devastating .340 win percentage under coach Eddie Jordan in the '97-'98 season. During his stint with the Kings, Adelman was able to nearly double the King's win percentage, garnering a 29.3 percent increase in the team's victory percentage.

Under his leadership, the franchise also rose to national fame through the acquiring of numerous NBA stars such as Mike Bibby (garnered via a trade of Jason Williams), Doug Christie and Chris Webber, as well as Serbian superstars Vlade Divac and Peja Stojakovic. Adelman's last season with the Kings also marked the team's last playoff appearance.

Win Record

Regular Season: 395 - 229

Playoffs: 34 - 35

Claim to Fame

Adelman was the last Kings coach to lead the team to an NBA playoff appearance, as well as the last coach to lead the Kings in an above .500 season.

Reason for Departure

Failure to renew contract

Eric Musselman (2006-2007)

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OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Eric Musselman of the Sacramento Kings looks on against the Golden State Warriors on November 16, 2006 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading

About

Eric Musselman was chosen by the franchise as a coaching replacement for Rick Adelman. Musselman's stint with the Kings was plagued with legal troubles, ranging from his own DUI charges to allegations of animal negligence by recently acquired Ron Artest.

By the end of Musselman's season with the Kings, they had a 33-49 record, the worst in over eight years. The Kings also put out a 20-21 record at home, the first losing home record in 12 years, as well as a missed playoff appearance, the first time in eight years.

Win Record

Regular Season: 33-49

Playoffs: N/A

Claim to Fame

Musselman's coaching career with the Kings marked the beginning of a gradual deterioration of the team's former winning record.

Reason for Departure

Fired by Kings president of basketball operations, Geoff Petrie

Reggie Theus (2007-2008)

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NEW ORLEANS - NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Reggie Theus of the Sacramento Kings calls a play against the New Orleans Hornets at the New Orleans Arena on November 19, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Kings defeated the Hornets 105-96. NOTE TO USER: User e

About

Reggie Theus was hired as a replacement for Musselman for the 2007-2008 Kings season. Under the management of Theus, the Kings traded Mike Bibby to Atlanta in order to make space in the salary cap, marking the departure of the last Kings player that had participated in 2002 NBA Western Conference Finals.

As a result, the Kings relied on superstar Kevin Martin, as well as the recently drafted Spencer Hawes, to lead the team's season. Over the leadership of one and a quarter seasons, Thesus barely managed to increase the King's win percentage, raising it 1.3 percent.

Win Record

Regular Season: 44-62

Playoffs: N/A

Claim to Fame

Theus oversaw the withdrawal of the last King's player from the Adelman years, other then that nothing is worth noting.

Reason for Departure

Fired by Kings management

Kenny Natt (2008-2009)

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NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 20: Francisco Garcia #32 talks with head coach Kenny Natt of the Sacramento Kings during the game against the New Orleans Hornets on December 20, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Hornets defeated the Kings 99-90. NOTE TO USE

About

Kenny Natt suceeded Reggie Theus after his firing in the midst of the 2008-2009 season. Under the leadership of Natt the King's obtained the worst record in the league, 17-65. It marked the first time a Kings coach had fallen below .200 in 24 years.

Win Record

Regular Season: 11-47

Playoffs: N/A

Claim to Fame

Natt had the worst win percentage of any Kings coach since Jack McKinney in 1984. (McKinney, however, coached only a total of nine games for the Kings)

Reason for Departure

Fired by Kings president of basketball operations, Geoff Petrie 

Paul Westphal (2009-Present)

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LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 03: Sacramento Kings head coach Paul Westphal calls out a play against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 3, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Kings 113-80. NOTE TO USER: User expressly

About

Paul Westphal is the current Sacramento Kings coach, as well as the former coach of the Phoenix Suns. Under Westphal's career, the Kings acquired Tyreke Evans, the 2010 Rookie of the Year, as well as Omri Caspi, the first Israeli to play an NBA game. After an exciting win streak towards the end of the 2010-2011 season, many now hope the King's future success lies in the hands of Westphal and his young players.

Win Record

Regular Season: 25-57

Playoffs: N/A 

Claim to Fame

Acquired Rookie of the Year, Tyreke Evans, as well as potential superstars Omri Casspi and DeMarcus Cousins.