The Sacramento Kings finished third in the Western Conference, winning a Pacific division crown in 2022-2023. Although they were immediately ousted by the Golden State Warriors in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs, ownership felt comfortable running it back with head coach Mike Brown at the helm.
That success was not repeated.
The Kings finished the 2023-2024 season with a record 46-36, which was good for ninth in the Western Conference. They got revenge on the Warriors, eliminating them during a play-in game, but were ultimately bounced by the New Orleans Pelicans two days later.
In a world of “what have you done for me lately,” that regression has left Kings ownership with a sour taste, reports James Ham of The Kings Beat.
“The failure to repeat the success of the previous year hasn’t sat well with ownership, according to sources,” Ham reported. “This shouldn’t be a complicated matter, but like everything else in Sacramento, it is.”
Although Brown’s two seasons have brought the franchise more success than it’s seen since 2005-2006, they don’t appear interested in the long game. With rumors swirling about Brown possibly seeking an extension, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that talks have been tabled.
ESPN Sources: After engaging in contract extension discussions, the Sacramento Kings and coach Mike Brown have tabled talks. There remains a gulf on a potential deal for Brown, who has one guaranteed season left on his contract. pic.twitter.com/AvYy4gaDGR
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 25, 2024
Success isn’t linear. Brown has revived a fledgling franchise and appears to have the Kings on the right path. If instant results are what ownership seeks, they’ll likely find themselves thrust back into a turnstile where they cycle through under-performing head coaches every few years.
