Doug Christie: Kings have ‘every opportunity’ to build a new identity

Sacramento Kings head coach Doug Christie knows last season was one the organization needs to learn from.

The Kings finished 22-60 in Christie’s first full season as head coach, with injuries playing a significant role in derailing the year.

Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray and De’Andre Hunter were among the key players who missed significant time, forcing Sacramento to constantly adjust its lineup and approach.

For Christie, that experience provided some valuable lessons heading into the 2026-27 season.

“When you start out, as Mike Tyson says, everyone starts with a good plan until you get punched in the mouth,” Christie told Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys. “Right away you start losing guys, and now you’re scrambling trying to figure things out.”

The experience forced Christie to grow as a coach, particularly when it came to adapting to circumstances he couldn’t control.

“You learn how to adapt. You learn how to adjust in a long NBA season that is unforgiving,” Christie said. “For me, like organization, accountability, practice time, all those things. You just understand that I’m at a really, really high level after you’ve gone through it.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: Head coach Doug Christie of the Sacramento Kings talks with Maxime Raynaud #42, Zach LaVine #8, and De’Andre Hunter #15 at halftime against the Los Angeles Clippers at Golden 1 Center on February 06, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

That focus on organization and accountability has already carried into the offseason.

The Sacramento Kings have held voluntary workouts ahead of training camp, giving players a chance to start building the foundation Christie wants to see.

While those workouts aren’t mandatory, Christie said the players’ willingness to show up has stood out.

“For them to be willing to come in and do the things that they did, I just, I love them. I respect them for it,” Christie said. “We need as many hours and time and moments on the court as we can get.”

One player Christie is particularly excited to work with is seventh overall pick Darius Acuff Jr. The rookie guard’s ability to play both on and off the ball has already caught his coach’s attention.

“I’ve seen him be a primary ball handler and just dominate the game,” Christie said. “He comes in early, comes back late. Like, that is the type of work ethic. He wants to be great.”

Sacramento will also welcome back a healthy Sabonis, whose leadership and production were sorely missed last season. Christie praised the three-time All-Star’s commitment to his rehabilitation and said he’s excited to have him back in the fold.

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 29: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after a three-point basket made by teammate Keegan Murray #13 in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center on October 29, 2023 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Then there’s Murray, another major piece who was limited by injury last season.

“I’m excited just to have a healthy Keegan Murray,” Christie said, pointing to Murray’s defense, rebounding and effort in addition to his shooting.

For Christie, the goal is bigger than simply improving the Kings’ record. He wants Sacramento to develop an identity fans can recognize.

“When fans come to the arena and if they close their eyes and they open them and they look and they say, ‘That’s Sacramento Kings basketball,’” Christie said, “I’m proud of that team. I love that team. Win, lose, or draw. I’m with that team.”

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Domantas Sabonis has his eyes on a bounce-back season
• Ben Simmons has ‘no limitations’ entering Kings Training Camp
• Doug Christie sets Kings’ defensive standard ahead of 2026-27 NBA season
• Kings GM Scott Perry details Ben Simmons signing, Sacramento’s new team identity
• Sacramento Kings release 2026-27 training camp roster

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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