Former Indiana HC joining Kings' coaching staff

Woodson, a longtime NBA coach, most recently had served as the head coach at his alma mater, Indiana University, for the last four seasons.

Woodson got his first NBA experience as a player, serving an 11-year stint as a journeyman guard. He played on the Kings, during both their Kansas City and Sacramento iterations, from 1982-86. Five years after hanging up his sneakers for good, Woodson returned to the league as an assistant coach with the Bucks from 1996-99. He worked in that capacity with several squads through the Pistons’ 2003-04 title season, before getting his first head coaching shot with the Hawks.

Woodson next joined the Knicks, first as an assistant, before taking over from 2012-14. He was next an assistant for the Clippers and then again with the Knicks, before departing for the head coaching gig with Indiana in 2021.

In the NBA, Woodson posted a 315-365 regular season record, plus an 18-28 playoff record. He has led his squads to five playoff appearances during his nine years as a head coach, including three playoff series victories. Woodson went 82-53 in college, and made the NCAA Tournament twice in four years.

Christie, a beloved former Sacramento player, recently had his interim head coaching tag removed, agreeing to a multi-year deal with the club. Bringing in a seasoned NBA head coach to shore up Christie’s staff could be just what the doctor ordered, as Sacramento faces an uncertain future on the hardwood. 

As Charania tweets, Woodson is Christie’s first hire in his new, long-term role. Christie is looking overhaul his bench, as assistant coaches Jay Triano, Jawad Williams, Riccardo Fois, Robbie Lemons and Sam Logwood are all reportedly not returning next season. Assistant coach Leandro Barbosa, however, will be back.