“Keith’s extension gives us the stability we need to continue
the development of our team,” Kings President of Basketball Operations
Geoff Petrie said in a statement. “He has the commitment, energy and
vision necessary to succeed in building a winning team. We are all
looking forward to working with him as we pursue an exciting and
productive future.” The 47-year-old Smart, air max 2012hired as an assistant last
summer, took over for the fired Paul Westphal in January after a 2-5
start. The Kings went 20-39 the rest of the way under Smart during the
lockout-shortened season and then selected Thomas Robinson of Kansas
with the fifth overall pick in the NBA draft. The extension provides
Smart the job security he has never had. The Golden State Warriors
decided not to extend Smart’s contract last year after he hastily
replaced Don Nelson before training camp and led the franchise to a 36
-46 record — a 10-game improvement from the previous season. Smart
also had a stint as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ interim head coach for
the final 40 games in 2003 after taking over for John Lucas. No interim
tag this time. Smart, the former Indiana guard best known for hitting
“The Shot” against Syracuse to win the 1987 NCAA title, is 65-116 as
an NBA head coach. He already has built a strong relationship with
Kings players, notably volatile big man DeMarcus Cousins, in his short
time in California’s capital city and gained the backing of the Maloof
family that owns the team. Smart will be charged with leading a
talented young roster that has yet to blend. Sacramento has missed the
playoffs six straight years, and the franchise’s future is still
uncertain without a long-term arena solution. “I’m excited to
continue this process with the Kings,” Smart said. “We’re trying to
get our franchise moving in the right direction. The goal is to keep
moving in that positive direction, and I’m glad that I get that
opportunity. It’s been great working with Geoff and his staff and
communicating with the Maloofs in this process.” ___ Follow Antonio
Gonzalez at: www.twitter.com/agonzalezAP Copyright 2012 The Associated
Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
the development of our team,” Kings President of Basketball Operations
Geoff Petrie said in a statement. “He has the commitment, energy and
vision necessary to succeed in building a winning team. We are all
looking forward to working with him as we pursue an exciting and
productive future.” The 47-year-old Smart, air max 2012hired as an assistant last
summer, took over for the fired Paul Westphal in January after a 2-5
start. The Kings went 20-39 the rest of the way under Smart during the
lockout-shortened season and then selected Thomas Robinson of Kansas
with the fifth overall pick in the NBA draft. The extension provides
Smart the job security he has never had. The Golden State Warriors
decided not to extend Smart’s contract last year after he hastily
replaced Don Nelson before training camp and led the franchise to a 36
-46 record — a 10-game improvement from the previous season. Smart
also had a stint as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ interim head coach for
the final 40 games in 2003 after taking over for John Lucas. No interim
tag this time. Smart, the former Indiana guard best known for hitting
“The Shot” against Syracuse to win the 1987 NCAA title, is 65-116 as
an NBA head coach. He already has built a strong relationship with
Kings players, notably volatile big man DeMarcus Cousins, in his short
time in California’s capital city and gained the backing of the Maloof
family that owns the team. Smart will be charged with leading a
talented young roster that has yet to blend. Sacramento has missed the
playoffs six straight years, and the franchise’s future is still
uncertain without a long-term arena solution. “I’m excited to
continue this process with the Kings,” Smart said. “We’re trying to
get our franchise moving in the right direction. The goal is to keep
moving in that positive direction, and I’m glad that I get that
opportunity. It’s been great working with Geoff and his staff and
communicating with the Maloofs in this process.” ___ Follow Antonio
Gonzalez at: www.twitter.com/agonzalezAP Copyright 2012 The Associated
Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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