Report: Kings considering Chris Mullin for coaching job
Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive is considering hiring Hall of Famer Chris Mullin as head coach, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reports.
The Kings fired second-year head coach Mike Malone on Sunday night after a 2-8 stretch and replaced him with former Utah Jazz coach Ty Corbin on an interim basis.
Wojnarowski reports that Ranadive, who bought the team last year, has focused his attention on Mullin, who is an ownership adviser for the team.
“All [Mullin] has to decide is that's what he wants and the job is his,” an NBA general manager told Yahoo Sports on Monday.
• MAHONEY: Malone takes fall for Kings' unreasonable expectations
The Kings are also reportedly interested in George Karl, who most recently coached the Denver Nuggets and is No. 6 all-time in regular season wins among coaches.
The Kings finished 28-54 last season in Malone's first year with the team. He was previously an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, where Ranadive was once a minority owner. Wojnarowski reports Ranadive has been impressed by Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who is a former player just like Mullin, and wants to follow the same formula in Sacramento.
Mullin played 16 seasons in the NBA, 13 of which were spent with the Warriors. He was a five-time All-Star and averaged 18.2 points per game over his career.
• Power Rankings: Thunder surge, Kings fall
Behind strong play from DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay, the Kings jumped out to a 9-5 start to the season, including victories over the Clippers, Spurs and Trail Blazers. Cousins has been diagnosed with viral meningitis and hasn't played since Nov. 26.
The Kings, who are currently 11-13, have lost their last three games and host the streaking Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. ET.
- Paul Palladino
