Kings GM Monte McNair, Coach Doug Christie Face Uncertain Futures Ahead of Play-In Game

McNair, who was hired in September 2020, played a key role in ending the Kings’ 17-year playoff drought in 2023. However, the organization has failed to build on that momentum, and now faces elimination in the play-in round for a second straight year.

Sacramento must defeat the Dallas Mavericks at home Wednesday and the Memphis Grizzlies on the road Friday to advance.

After finishing 48-34 in the 2022-23 season, the Kings saw a slight decline with 46 wins last year, followed by a drop to 40-42 this season. The offseason acquisition of DeMar DeRozan has not yielded the impact the front office had hoped for, while the midseason trade of De’Aaron Fox marked a significant shift in the franchise’s direction.

Fox, a former All-Star guard, was dealt to the San Antonio Spurs after informing the Kings he would not sign a contract extension.

Changes have already begun within the organization. Assistant general manager Wes Wilcox departed earlier this year to take the general manager role at the University of Utah, raising questions about the stability of Sacramento’s executive leadership.

Scotto reports that if McNair is dismissed, former Denver Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth is viewed by several league insiders as a potential candidate to replace him. Booth, who helped construct Denver’s 2023 championship roster, remains highly regarded around the league.

McNair, meanwhile, could potentially return to the Houston Rockets’ front office if he becomes available. He previously spent more than a decade with the Rockets before taking the Kings job.

The Kings’ head coaching situation also remains unsettled. Doug Christie has served as interim head coach since December, and his future could hinge on the direction of the front office. Team owner Vivek Ranadive is reportedly a supporter of Christie, who also has the backing of former Kings general manager Vlade Divac.

Divac, who returned to the franchise in 2023 in an ambassador role, has been more visible around the team in recent months. According to Scotto and Sam Amick of The Athletic, that presence has led some around the league to speculate about a possible return to a front office role should a vacancy arise.

Sacramento’s performance in the play-in tournament may ultimately shape the franchise’s next steps as it looks to regain traction in the Western Conference.