Dave Joerger

Kyle Ramos

After wrapping up his first season in Sacramento, head coach Dave Joerger’s recently hopped on the airwaves to discuss an array of team-related topics with Deuce Mason and Morgan Ragan of the Deuce and Mo Podcast.

Early in the discussion, Coach Joerger shared his impressions on the sense of community in Sacramento.
“I think everybody thinks about the games, the spirit that’s at the games and the love of the team and I think that’s awesome,” said Joerger. “But it goes way deeper than that in the community. It’s really cool.”

Joerger continued by going into detail about his relationships with the roster and staff, explaining that the day-to-day chemistry is often out of the lens of the public.

“It’s dinner on the road. It’s the conversations here and there. It’s having a real pulse on what’s going on in a guy’s personal life,” Joerger said. “People want to be cared about, not just used as a player. So, you really have to show them that you care about them as a person.”

Joerger also touched on creating a team dynamic amongst his players.

“There’s no magic wand. It’s built on relationships,” Joerger said. “You have to help them build relationships with each other so that they play for each other.”
Although the offseason is in full swing, the team’s head coach still hasn’t taken his mind off basketball.

“You’re always analyzing what’s the best way to give these guys a chance to be successful. Throughout the course of the year you try to get away but it doesn’t escape you,�� said Joerger. “I was sitting out there on the farm up in Minnesota on a tractor pulling trees around on a chain, clearing brush, and I’m thinking about how I can get Buddy Hield a better shot.”

As he was wrapping up his interview with Deuce and Mo, Coach shared a quote from a coaching colleague that he felt applied strongly to his efforts in Sacramento.

“[This coach] told me ‘Coach, you’re going to love coaching young teams. They’re going to go out and they’re going to make mistakes, but you get to teach every day and they’re going to play hard’,” said Joerger. “And I think that’s what our fans appreciate.”

To listen to the full interview on the Deuce and Mo Podcast, click here.

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Coach Joerger Talks Team’s Future with Deuce and Mo

Following the conclusion of the 2016-17 campaign, the attention now shifts forward for the Sacramento Kings.

On Thursday, Kings Vice President of Basketball Operations Vlade Divac and head coach Dave Joerger addressed media at Golden 1 Center to discuss their thoughts on the recently concluded season as well as what lies ahead.

Divac opened with how he felt about the team’s recent performances and the positives he drew from their games.

“The way we played, the way we shared the ball - the guys had fun and they were playing together. That’s exactly what I [wanted to] see for our team.” said Divac. “Coach [Joerger] did a great job and I’m so happy and proud of him and the way he coached those kids.”

Sacramento currently boasts a promising core of young talent, including four players who just finished their rookie campaigns. The likes of Skal Labissiere, Buddy Hield, Georgios Papagiannis, and Malachi Richardson all found ways to contribute for the Kings during their inaugural seasons.

“The first part of the season [the rookies] spent more time up [in Reno],” said Divac. “When we felt like they were ready to step on an NBA court, they came here [to the Kings] and really grabbed the opportunity.”

“We played competitive minutes all season long,” said Joerger. “The younger guys didn’t get free minutes. They earned their minutes.”

Coach Joerger also took time to praise the veterans on the team this season.

“I thought they were classy in the way that they handled it,” Joerger said. “Day in and day out, helping the young guys, holding them accountable.”

In addition to the existing pieces, the Kings will have more opportunities to continue bolstering the roster through both the NBA Draft and free agency this summer. Coach Joerger also touched on how he and Divac will work together to maximize efforts of bringing in new talent.

“[Vlade’s] steering the ship and making player personnel decisions but we work together where I have certain input,” said Joerger. “It’s ongoing conversations about what’s best for the team.”

Towards the end of the season, Divac was pleased with the team’s play and viewed it as an indicator of what’s to come.

“Like a lot of people saw in the last 20 games, we are in the direction that we really want to be [going],” said Divac. “With a young team that develops every day, every game, moving forward, it’s a bright future. I’m excited.”

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Coach Joerger and Vlade Share Excitement For Future

Dan Lovi

Around 60 eager players shuffle into the Kings Practice Facility early on a Sunday morning. There is a sense of excitement yet urgency in the air.

Reno Bighorns Head Coach Darrick Martin has been in their shoes. He knows firsthand the road to the NBA is not easy. That’s why he takes open tryouts like these seriously. That’s why he takes coaching seriously.

“The biggest thing is to be organized at all times,” said Martin. “Always have a first, second and third plan.”

Fortunately for the Bighorns leader, he’s been around influential coaches during his career. He played four years at UCLA under Coach Jim Harrick, who was named College Coach of the Year in 1995. In Sacramento, he learned from the franchise leader in wins, Rick Adelman.

Along with those for whom he played, one coach in particular has had a lasting impact on the former point guard.

“I think CBA coaches, with Coach (Dave) Joerger and Coach (Bryan) Gates’ experience, they understand,” said Martin, who began his professional career in 1994 with the Sioux Falls Skyforce. “That’s something I definitely learned from Flip Saunders by playing for him in the CBA and in the NBA.”

Similar to Joerger, the Bighorns coach doesn’t measure growth in just wins and losses. It’s about teaching the game, and doing the best to prepare players for what lies ahead.

The “D” in D-League doesn’t stand for development without good reason. Martin believes it’s a key component to the success of the players and franchise.

“Guys need time to develop, I think it’s what the D-League is for, “said the Reno coach. “It’s our first and foremost job, to develop, and winning is a byproduct of the guys developing in the right fashion.”

The D-League was founded in 2001 and started with just eight franchises. It has since expanded to 20 teams, with the possibility of further expansion down the road. Martin hopes one day each NBA team will have an exclusive affiliation with a single club.

“That’s the plan, that’s in progress,” he explained. “I’m definitely a proponent of each NBA team having its own affiliate.”

For now, the Bighorns skipper is focused on the day’s tryouts – he’s looking to add a few players to the roster. Momentum is starting to pick up as players move from dribbling and shooting drills to 5-on-5 scrimmages.

“What I like in these tryouts is the energy these guys are bringing,” he said. “The fact we’ve had great energy and they come out here and play hard, it’s a great sign.”

Coming from a coach who made a name for himself over the course of a 13-year NBA career exuding similar qualities, the D-League hopefuls are taking strides in the right direction.

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Chasing the D-League Dream

Since being drafted by the Kings in late June, Skal Labissiere has made an impact on the court for Sacramento. He was the team’s most consistent player at Summer League, averaging 11 points, 5.8 rebounds and one block in five games.

That being said, it’s the impact he’s making off the court that brings to light the type of person Skal really is.

Along with Kings legend Doug Christie, the rookie traveled over 150 miles to attend the California Endowment's Sons and Brothers Camp in Portola, California. The pair spoke to a group of about 100 kids and took questions from the crowd.

Labissiere delved into his childhood growing up in Haiti and the experience of going through the massive earthquake in 2010 that left him unable to walk for weeks. Skal also told the campers “not to listen to critics” and to always maintain belief in yourself.

After the forum, campers joined Skal and Doug on the basketball court, where the duo displayed several basic basketball drills. He also played 3-on-3 with the campers.

“It was super fun. We had some funny kids here and it was a great experience trying to make an impact in some people’s lives,” said Skal. “I enjoyed the whole experience.”

The day after attending the Sons and Brothers Camp, No. 3 flew to South Dakota to join Kings head coach Dave Joerger at a Jr. NBA Camp at Red Cloud Indian School. He participated in drills alongside his coach and signed autographs for the campers.

Participating in community events and making a mark on other people’s lives has always been important to Skal. He was heavily involved in the Lexington community while attending school at the University of Kentucky. The day after arriving in Sacramento, Skal joined fellow rookies Georgios Papagiannis and Isaiah Cousins in surprising Jr. Kings campers.

Not only is the Haitian big man ready to have a positive effect on the hardwood, but in the local community as well.

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Skal Gives Back

It was a long wait, but Malachi Richardson finally joined his new teammates, albeit in Las Vegas.

Richardson was traded to the Kings on Draft night, but since trades are unable to become official until the NBA moratorium ends on July 7, he was unable to practice or communicate with his new team.

While the rest of the Kings Summer League squad practiced in Sacramento this past week, the sharpshooting guard worked on his game in Las Vegas.

“I'm trying to become a total complete player, put it on the floor, mid-range game, the NBA 3-point shot," Richardson told the media after his first practice with the team. "[I’m] really trying to compete and be the best player I can be.”

Although head coach Dave Joerger has only been able to work Richardson for one practice, he already shared fond remarks of the 6-foot-6 first round pick from Syracuse.

“I was impressed, he has a moxie about him," said Joerger. "He’s got long arms, he’s got good size, he has a good feel for the game. I was pretty impressed by him in a situation where he just played, that he picked stuff up.”

Though Malachi wasn't able to work out with his new teammates and coaches until Thursday, he did have the opportunity to work out with another Kings player in Vegas, DeMarcus Cousins.

“[I’ve] been out here in Vegas working out at Impact, working out with DeMarcus," said Richardson. "Just getting ready for the pro game.”

Although Joerger wouldn’t explicitly state how much time Richardson will see in the team’s first game on Friday, he expects him to play.

Fans will get their first chance to watch Malachi and the Kings Summer League squad as they take on the Toronto Raptors at 7 p.m. PDT on NBA TV on Friday, July 8.

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'He Has a Moxie About Him'

Kings Mini-Camp wrapped up in Sacramento Wednesday afternoon, as the team prepares to travel to Las Vegas for one more day of practice before Summer League begins on Friday.

A lot of attention was on rookie point guard Isaiah Cousins, who the Kings selected with the No. 59 pick in this year’s NBA Draft. He is one of the few primary ball handers on the Summer League squad and will be relied upon to run the offense.

Cousins is trying to learn his teammates tendencies while staying aware of what head coach Dave Joerger is expecting.

“As much as he is trying to learn his teammates, he’s trying to learn what I’m looking for,” Joerger said after practice. “He’s trying to be very conscientious of what I’m looking for, so we get on the same page. I think he’s going to be good for us.”

Cousins is embracing the leadership role that he’s worked to earn through camp thus far. When asked if he was the leader of this team he responded with a smile, “I think I definitely am.”

However, the work doesn’t stop for Isaiah once practice is over. He generally remains in the gym working on his shot and spending one-on-one time with his new coach.

“I’m just working on getting better, knowing the plays and knowing the system,” said the former Oklahoma standout. “I’m trying to learn the system and trying to learn what [Joerger is] looking for.”

The Kings started Mini-Camp focusing heavily on defense, but have since transitioned into more offensive drills and learning offensive schemes. The two-a-day practices have been tough for some, but not for No. 10.

“I’m holding up good, I’m a warrior,” said Cousins. “This is nothing to me."

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Isaiah Cousins: Learning the System

The second day of Kings Mini-Camp started the same way as the first; a basic defensive drill and 10 minutes of stretching. However, there was a noticeable difference today, as Georgios Papagiannis – the team’s No. 13 pick from this year’s Draft - made his debut on the practice floor.

“GP” as his teammates lovingly refer to him, was on-hand at the Kings Practice Facility on Monday, but wasn’t yet cleared to practice by FIBA. Following clearance on Tuesday, the young Greek big man hit the hardwood with his teammates for the first time.

Head coach Dave Joerger was impressed with what he saw out of the Kings first round pick.

“He’s got good feet, he’s got good hands, the game doesn’t go faster than he wants it to,” Joerger told the media after practice. “For a lot of young guys the game is going so fast for them. He has a nice presence about him.”

No. 13 watched practice closely on Monday, absorbing some of the offensive and defensive schemes the team was implementing. Still, it’s always nice to be able to experience the drills first hand.

“Today I got the real idea of how the team seems to be,” said Papagiannis. “It’s a great feeling being on the Kings court and I’m ready to play on Friday.”

Georgios, known as a bruising big man for Panathinaikos, is excited to showcase more of his versatility as he enters the NBA, including his long-range shooting ability.

"I'm going to show it in the Summer League on Friday," Papagiannis said. "I'm not the guy who is going to talk right now, I'm going to show it on the court."

Tuesday’s practice was geared more toward the offensive side of the ball, with the team working on spacing, offensive sets and full court passing – also running a full-court scrimmage to close practice.

The Kings have three more practices in Sacramento before heading to Las Vegas to finish camp on Thursday.

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‘It’s a Great Feeling Being on the Kings Court’

Nikki Nicholson

SACRAMENTO, CA - The Sacramento Kings announced today the members of Head Coach Dave Joerger’s coaching staff for the 2016-17 season, naming Elston Turner, Duane Ticknor, Bryan Gates, Corliss Williamson, Nancy Lieberman and Jason March as assistant coaches.

“We’ve united a tremendously dedicated, hard-working coaching staff with a unique, collective set of experiences and strengths that I’m confident will serve the team well moving forward,” said Joerger.

Turner, who will serve as Joerger’s lead assistant, brings 35 years of NBA experience back to Sacramento where he was part of Western Conference All-Star staffs in 2001 and 2003 during his six seasons as an assistant under Rick Adelman (2000-2006). He most recently completed his third season in Memphis serving in the same capacity for Joerger, helping guide the franchise to playoff berths all three years.

The Tennessee native began his coaching career in the CBA (Continental Basketball Association) as an assistant for the Quad City Thunder and player/coach for the Chicago Rockers in 1994-95. His next job stationed him alongside head coaches P.J. Carlesimo and then Mike Dunleavy Sr. on Portland’s bench from 1996-2000. Turner’s 19-year coaching career includes a reunion with Adelman in Houston (2007-11) and two campaigns in Phoenix as an assistant under Alvin Gentry (2011-13). Drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round (43rd overall) of the 1981 NBA Draft, Turner developed a reputation as a tenacious defender, averaging 4.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 505 games (97 starts) over eight seasons with the Dallas Mavericks (1981-84), Denver Nuggets (1984-86, 1988-89) and Chicago Bulls (1986-88). 

A coaching veteran with 30 years of experience at various levels, Ticknor joins the Kings after spending the last three seasons in Memphis. Prior to entering the NBA ranks, he served as head coach of the NBA Development League’s Fort Wayne Mad Ants, guiding the club to a 27-23 record (.540) and an appearance in the 2013 D-League Playoffs. Ticknor’s resume includes two seasons as an assistant coach for the D-League’s Sioux Falls Skyforce (2009-11), two as head coach of the Dakota Wizards (2007-09) and one season in South Korea (2011-12). Additionally, Ticknor spent time in the CBA as head coach of the Gary Steelheads (2002-05), an assistant for the Rapid City Thrillers (1989-92) and in the IBA as head coach of the Black Hills Posse (1995-99), Dakota Wizards (where Joerger served as his assistant coach in 1999-2000) and the Siouxland Bombers (2000-01). A four-time IBA Coach of the Year (1996-98, 2000), Ticknor led his teams to the IBA Finals three times and won the 1997 IBA Championship with Black Hills.

Williamson returns to the Sacramento sidelines for his fourth season on the bench after spending three years as head coach at the University of Central Arkansas (2010-13). His coaching career includes three years at Arkansas Baptist College, two as an assistant before serving as head coach during the 2009-10 season. Drafted 13th overall by Sacramento in the 1995 NBA Draft, Williamson played two stints with the Kings (1995-00, 2004-07), averaging 10.8 points (.492 FG%, .683 FT%), 3.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 22.9 minutes per game in 466 career contests in Sacramento. Considered one of the greatest players in Arkansas state history, he enjoyed a storied collegiate career at the University of Arkansas, helping guide the Razorbacks to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the Sweet 16 in 1993 and an NCAA Championship a year later—earning Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament honors after leading the school to a 76-72 win over Duke.

Gates returns to Sacramento after serving as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves last season and the previous five seasons in a similar capacity with the New Orleans Pelicans. He entered the NBA coaching ranks with the Kings during the 2009-10 season following a highly-successful three-year stint as a head coach in the NBA D-League with the Idaho Stampede, where Gates was a two-time recipient of the Dennis Johnson Development League Coach of the Year Award (2006-07 &amp; 2007-08), compiling a record of 101-51 (.664 winning percentage, tied for highest in league history), including winning the NBA D-League Championship in 2007-08. Gates was also an assistant coach in Idaho for five years, beginning with the team’s inaugural season. His coaching dossier features head coaching experience with the CBL’s Hickory Nutz in the summer of 2003, and the Beirut Blue Stars of Lebanon in 2004-05.

A member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (inducted in 1996), Lieberman begins her second season with the Kings as an assistant coach. The two-time Olympian, three-time All-American, WNBA coach and broadcaster for ESPN/ABC/NBA TV also served as a head coach and assistant general manager for the Dallas Mavericks’ D-League affiliate Texas Legends prior to joining the Kings. As head coach, she guided the Legends to a playoff appearance during the 2010-11 season before working in the team’s front office the following season. Lieberman’s playing resume includes an Olympic Silver Medal (1976) and back-to-back AIAW National Championships with Old Dominion (1979, 1980) where she was thrice named an All-American (1978, 1979, 1980).

March arrives in Sacramento after spending the previous nine seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, most recently as an assistant coach and advance scout. In addition to his responsibilities on the bench, he prepared scouting reports and play diagrams for upcoming opponents. Prior to joining the coaching ranks in 2013, he worked in the Grizzlies video department for six seasons, last serving as director of basketball information and technologies. March’s experience also includes two seasons as the assistant video coordinator with the Phoenix Suns where he was part of a team that advanced to the 2006 Western Conference Finals and two seasons as head video coordinator with the Phoenix Mercury during the team’s WNBA championship run in 2007. A graduate of Florida State University, he earned his bachelor’s degree in education with a specialization in sports management. While in Tallahassee, he assisted the basketball and football programs.