Kings assistant coach Rex Kalamian has fond memories of his two seasons as an assistant with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but what stands out the most were his chats with head coach Kevin McHale.
"I have had many, many conversations (with McHale)," Kalamian said. "Without hesitation, I would say that he's probably the smartest basketball person I've been around."
McHale moved from vice president of basketball operations to head coach of the Timberwolves on Dec. 8, relieving Randy Wittman on the bench. McHale had previously coached Minnesota during the 2004-05 season, finishing with a 19-12 record after the team fired Flip Saunders.
"He really, really understands the game," Kalamian said. "I hope all the best for him. I don't know if he really likes the coaching thing, but he's a very good teacher and he understands what's going on out there."
McHale said he's never been fond of the traveling aspect of coaching.
"I don't like it at all," said McHale, who is 0-5 since taking over as head coach.
McHale said the transition is "not easy.
"What you really do need to get any kind of rhythm is to have your feet together on the floor and work," he said.
More Kalamian – How does this coaching move affect the jobs of the remaining assistant coaches?
"Right now, as far as bench coaches, it's Kenny (Natt) and I," Kalamian said. "I am sure that Randy (Brown) and Jason (Hamm) will assume much more responsibility and move up to the bench. We will probably do a lot of the same stuff as before and a little bit more."
Kalamian said he would like to see "a lot more ideas, a lot more dialog" between the coaching staff.
Helpful move – Quincy Douby offered a gracious goodbye to former Kings coach Reggie Theus, but the third-year guard wasn't shying away from acknowledging that one man's misfortune may be his gain.
Douby entered Monday's game having sat out three of the previous four games. His playing time in that span consisted of fourth-quarter garbage minutes against the New York Knicks on Saturday.
"I definitely think it will improve my situation," said Douby, who is averaging 4.6 points while shooting a team-low 32.9 percent from the field and 23.3 percent from three-point range. "Coach might want to try other things that he is comfortable with.
"I've got to be on top of my game. It's like a fresh start."
Monday morning – Jason Levien began his eventful first day with the Kings on Monday. The attorney and former agent is the Kings' assistant general manager and team general counsel. Levien joins basketball president Geoff Petrie and vice president Wayne Cooper, both of whom have been with the team 15 years.
Call The Bee's Melody Gutierrez, (916) 326-5521. To get breaking news alerts and game scores sent to your phone, text KINGS to 72737.
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