Reggie Theus knew he was on the hot seat. He didn't however, know it would be this hot this early.
The Kings coach entered his second season well aware that the powers-that-be in the organization weren't going to pick up the option on his third season. But after just nine games, Kings co-owner Joe Maloof aired his grievances publicly via radio and newspaper on Friday. Speaking to the "Rise Guys" show on Sacramento sports station, KHTK, Maloof ended the interview with a comment that sparked much speculation about Theus' job security at the moment.
"He's got to get a system," Maloof said. "And if he gets that system and we have confidence in him and he's got a bright future with us. If he doesn't get that system, then you know, you know he better, he better try to get one quickly."
In a later interview with the Sacramento Bee, Maloof expounded on his views.
"Well, I think Reggie's future depends upon Reggie and how he develops our young players," he told the Bee. "It's like anything in life, you have to look at your wins and losses, look at your success. Is your team progressing? Are they getting better? Can you see a bright future for your team?
"The past two years, nobody knew what we were. We didn't know what we were. There was no identity. It didn't seem like there was a path. Now we've got a path with the youngsters and the blend of the veterans."
SPURS 90, KINGS 88: Different opponent. Same outcome. After falling to Phoenix by two points on Friday night when Quincy Douby missed an 18-footer at the end of regulation and the Suns won in overtime, the Kings' third-year guard missed a three-pointer atop the arc against the Spurs.
Spurs forward Tim Duncan hit a runner from the left side with 15.5 seconds left for the game-winner. The Spurs have won two in a row without the injured Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.
