Here’s what Kings GM Scott Perry thinks about interim coach Doug Christie
Interim Kings coach Doug Christie was the subject of the first question posed to Scott Perry when he was introduced as the team’s new general manager Wednesday at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.
Christie has made it clear how much he wants to keep the job after leading the Kings to a 27-24 record over the final 51 games of the regular season despite dealing with injuries and major roster changes. Perry didn’t rule out the possibility of bringing Christie back as the team’s head coach, but he didn’t make any promises either.
“You’re looking at a guy who’s a veteran of so many coaching searches, I can’t even count them right now,” said Perry, who has 25 years of experience as an NBA executive.
“What I can tell you is I’ve spent time with Doug Christie already. I first met Doug Christie when he was a player at Toronto, so I admired him as a player and his career. I’ve watched him this year from afar in terms of his ability to have a presence on the court. I think he’s made a connection with players.”
Perry arrived in Sacramento on Tuesday and addressed the media for the first time during Wednesday’s press conference. He spoke for 30 minutes, fielding numerous questions regarding the most pressing issues the Kings face after failing to reach the playoffs during a tumultuous 2024-25 season.
The first big decision Perry makes will determine Christie’s future in Sacramento. Other coaches Perry could consider include Taylor Jenkins, Mike Budenholzer, Terry Stotts, Micah Nori, Sam Cassell, Bobby Jackson and Lindsey Harding.
Christie played for the Kings from 2000-05. He was a key member of a team that reached the 2002 Western Conference finals during a run of eight consecutive playoff appearances under former coach Rick Adelman.
Christie left his position as a color commentator for Kings games on NBC Sports California to join the coaching staff as an assistant in August 2021. He served under Luke Walton and Mike Brown before taking over as interim head coach when Brown was fired Dec. 27.
Perry said Christie’s fate could be decided as soon as next week.
“We’ve had a few conversations up to this point,” Perry said. “He was one of the first people who I met with yesterday when I got into town because I’ve only been here a little longer than 24 hours. That said, my phone has incessantly rang for interest in this job, so I’m going to have a few more conversations about this job, and hopefully I can come to some sort of resolution within the next week or so.”
This story was originally published April 25, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
