Before taking over for the Kings, Dave Joerger lead the Grizzlies to three playoff berths in a competitive Western Conference, notching the second and fourth best records in franchise history. His tenure ended in Memphis due to a lack of job security and Joerger feeling undervalued by the front office.
Joerger instead took his talents to Sacramento, with the goal of ending the Kings’ decade-long playoff drought. Thus far, he’s excelled at his job, currently leading the Kings to their best record since 2006.
With Joerger piloting the high powered offense, much of the team is playing better than ever. De’Aaron Fox’s game has made a huge jump under Joerger’s tutelage, and Buddy Hield has developed into one of the league’s premiere snipers from deep. Any team would love to have a coach who excels at player development, so it begs the question, why would the Kings ever let him go?
Well, it seems there’s trouble in paradise… that is, if Sacramento could ever be called paradise. In an effort to win now, Joerger has limited the playtime of second-overall pick in last year’s draft– Marvin Bagley. With Bagley coming off the bench and only playing 25 minutes a night, Kings assistant GM Brandon Williams has developed an ongoing feud with his team’s coach.
#Kings head coach Dave Joerger reportedly believes assistant GM Brandon Williams has been trying to find a new coach.https://t.co/96vtEz0Mzg
— Kings Nation (@KingsNationCP) November 19, 2018
This clash culminated in Joerger reportedly requesting Williams leave the team’s shootaround before a game in November. Williams expressed frustration that no disciplinary action was taken against Joerger. Five months later, both men are still working for the Kings under a strained relationship.
If Sacramento offers Williams an extension this offseason, it’s very likely that Joerger may try to push himself out of a bad situation, just like he did in Memphis. His success in the league would certainly attract a few suitors, including the Chicago Bulls.
If tensions in Sacramento get any worse, Chicago should jump on the opportunity to hire Joerger. His schemes helped revitalize two struggling franchises, and would be a perfect complement to the fast-paced offense the Bulls want to play.