When the Sacramento Kings fired head coach Michael Malone late Sunday night, it came as a surprise to everyone. Including, apparently, their players. DeMarcus Cousins told reporters Monday that he found out his coach was fired the same way everyone else did: on Twitter.
There are a lot of things about Malone’s firing that are weird, not least of all the timing. But the reasoning is somewhat understandable—Malone didn’t want to play the style that management wanted, and there was a disconnect between him and GM Pete D’Alessandro. Still, it’s not a great look for the organization when their best player finds out his coach is gone via social media.
Synopsis from DeMarcus Cousins at Kings practice: It’s a business. Yes, he was surprised. No, he wasn’t consulted. Yes, he trusts them.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) December 15, 2014
Cousins found out on Twitter. Asked about players’ reaction, “I think this is the perfect weather for this situation.” It’s gray & rainy.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) December 15, 2014
There are a lot of things about Malone’s firing that are weird, not least of all the timing. But the reasoning is somewhat understandable—Malone didn’t want to play the style that management wanted, and there was a disconnect between him and GM Pete D’Alessandro. Still, it’s not a great look for the organization when their best player finds out his coach is gone via social media.
