Kings eyeing former Knicks HC for top assistant role

Mike Woodson is a leading candidate to become Doug Christie’s top assistant with the Kings, sources tell Sam Amick of The Athletic (X link). A report earlier on Saturday indicated that current lead assistant Jay Triano and four other coaches won’t return to Christie’s staff next season.

Woodson, 67, recently stepped down as head coach at Indiana University after a 19-13 season and a ninth-place finish in the Big 10. Woodson spent four years with the Hoosiers, but he only picked up one NCAA Tournament victory in that time and failed to reach the tournament the past two seasons.

Woodson, who was serving as an assistant coach with the Knicks before leaving for Indiana in 2021, has extensive NBA experience as a coach and a player.

He compiled a 206-286 record as head coach of the Hawks from 2004-2010, taking the team from 13-69 in his first season to 53-29 in his final year. He led Atlanta to three playoff appearances and ranks fourth in franchise history in career coaching wins.

Woodson was hired by the Knicks as an assistant in 2011 and was promoted to head coach midway through the season. He was 109-79 in two and a half years before being fired after the 2013/14 season.

Woodson began his coaching career as an assistant with the Bucks in 1996. In addition to his two tours in New York, he also served as an assistant for the Cavaliers, Sixers, Pistons and Clippers.

He played for six teams in 11 NBA seasons after being selected by the Knicks in the first round of the 1980 draft.