Doug Christie Gives Statement After Major Head Coaching News

Christie first joined the Kings organization in a trade before the 2000-01 season, and spent five years as a member of the team. The 2002 season infamously ended in a heartbreaking series to the Los Angeles Lakers. If the Kings had won that series, they had great odds at bringing home the championship trophy. It's clear Christie wants another shot at getting Sacramento a championship.

The Kings owed him a clear chance to do so, after the tumultuous upheaval in both roster and coaching staff that Christie went through during his time as interim. He ended the season 27-24 (.529) under the difficult circumstances.

Between the De'Aaron Fox trade, the departure of Luke Loucks, and the multitude of injuries, Christie was dealt a nearly impossible hand to make a run at the playoffs. But it was clear that he was never going to give up, and instilled that same fight into his team. The Kings' record wasn't incredible, but it was evident that they exhibited that fight during the 51 games.

Christie will now have the opportunity to build out his own staff and (ideally) work closely with Perry to put together a roster that fits his style and goals for the team. During his playing days, Christie was known for his defense and team style of basketball, something he is preaching to his players now as well.

Between his time as a player and now as a coach, Christie has the opportunity to do something truly special in Sacramento. If the Kings are able to build a championship, he'll go down as one of, if not the biggest, stars in Kings history.

Christie is a fan-favorite and, from the outside looking in, a coach that players like to play for as well. That gives him a great start to his coaching career as he looks to finish what he started 25 years ago.