Assistant coach Vance Walberg has been tight with Kings’ coach George Karl for a long time — he was the first coach Karl hired in Sacramento to help him bring the up-tempo, spread offense Karl loves to the Kings (because owner Vivek Ranadive wanted his team to play that style). The Kings play at the fastest pace in the NBA this season.
The offense that has always been a terrible fit with DeMarcus Cousins and the talent on the Kings’ roster.
Wednesday the Kings fired Walberg. James Ham of CSNBayArea.com has the details.
Vance Walberg has officially been relieved of his duties by the Sacramento Kings.
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) February 18, 2016
“This was a tough decision made after consideration of what is best for the team moving forward." -Vlade Divac on Vance Walberg
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) February 18, 2016
George Karl was very disappointed with the firing of Walberg. Divac said they needed to mix things up - coaches and players.
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) February 18, 2016
This is a shot across the bow of Karl, a way to force offensive changes by sending his system guy out the door. It’s an attempt to jolt this team toward the playoffs, they have 4.5 games to make up and need to get on a run.
Not that it will matter long-term — nobody around the league thinks Karl will be coaching the Kings next season.
The offense also isn’t the Kings’ biggest problem — they are 13th in the NBA in offensive rating. The problem is the 25th-ranked NBA defense — they play a system that requires good perimeter defenders, something the Kings lack. There are rumors the Kings will ask Karl to hire a defensive-minded coach for that vacancy. Although they already have an assistant focused on defense.
It’s the Kings, this is what they do. Expect some roster shakeups, too.
Vlade Divac expects to make a move by tomorrow. Expected to make a move today.
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) February 18, 2016
