Doug Christie

Official Release

The Sacramento Kings announced today that Doug Christie has been hired as an assistant coach. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.&nbsp;

“It’s been a dream of mine to coach for the Sacramento Kings,” said Christie. “I feel like I have some unfinished business. I’d like to thank my family at NBC Sports California as well as KHTK for an amazing ride. I look forward to working with Coach Walton to deliver a winning team to the great fans of Sacramento.”&nbsp;

“Doug has been a pillar within the Sacramento Kings organization for decades,” said Walton. “I’m excited to add his years of basketball knowledge and energy to our coaching staff and our great group of players.”&nbsp;

Christie played 14 seasons in the NBA and played for seven teams, including the Sacramento Kings from 2000-2005 and was named to NBA All-Defensive First team in 2003 and named NBA All-Defensive Second team in 2001, 2002, and 2004 as he helped Sacramento reach the postseason in each of his five seasons with the Kings. Christie is the Sacramento-era leader in career steals (717) and is also second on the all-time leaders list in career steals for the Toronto Raptors (664).&nbsp;

Since retirement he has trained athletes on every level, studied the game and it’s fundamentals meticulously, which has led him to a revolutionary approach with Mind, Body and Sport. The 14-year NBA veteran attended Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, Wash., where he led the Vikings to their first state basketball championship in 1988. After graduating from Rainier Beach, Christie headed south to Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., where he played three seasons for the Waves from 1989-92. Christie ranks third in career steals (168) in program history and was won back-to-back WCC Player of the Year awards (1990-92).&nbsp;

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Kings Name Doug Christie to Coaching Staff

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Importance of Voting Discussion | Team Up For Change 2020

importance-of-voting-discussion-team-up-for-change-2020

Kyle Ramos

Even with a long list of accomplishments already under Chris Webber’s belt, the Kings legend has still yet to get the nod for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

The most prestigious recognition in hoops has eluded C-Webb with each passing year begging the same question from Kings and basketball fans alike: why is Chris Webber not being inducted this time?

There has been debate between fans, analysts and everyone in between. However, two of the people who know Webber’s game best recently weighed in. Bobby Jackson and Doug Christie both played alongside No. 4 during his memorable tenure in Sacramento and discussed their former teammate on NBC Sports’ Purple Talk podcast.

“I think he is a Hall of Famer, if you look at his numbers, if you look at his career,” Jackson noted. “He didn’t win an NBA championship here in Sacramento, but he allowed us the glory and he gave us a gust of wind that we needed to be relevant.”

“Undoubtedly, in my opinion, [Webber’s] a Hall of Famer, no doubt,” added Christie. “He set the tone of being unselfish and I think that speaks to who he was even more.”

When C-Webb retired in 2008, he finished with an NBA Rookie of the Year award, five All-Star nods, and five appearances on All-NBA teams. The former No. 1 overall selection averaged 20.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.4 steals across his 17 years in the Association.

As noted by NBC Sports, this made the Michigan product one of just five players in NBA history who also tallied averages of more than 20 points, nine rebounds, and four assists across their career. That list includes elite company such as Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Larry Bird and Billy Cunningham.

Jackson also added that Webber “[was] one of the most talented big men I’ve ever seen with his ball handling, his shooting, his passing and he was also a great teammate.”

Whether or not we ever see No. 4 enshrined in basketball immortality remains to be seen, but one thing that’s for sure is that he definitely has the votes of No. 13 and No. 24.

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Chris Webber a ‘No Doubt’ Hall of Famer According to Former Teammates

Jordan Ramirez

"He was such a talent that if you didn’t come and play on the defensive end, he could get 60 on you,” said Mitch Richmond.

Richmond, the former Rookie of the Year, six-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, matched up with Jordan during their playing days.

“If you did come and play hard and play aggressive and made him fight for everything he did or everything he tried to get, he’d get 30," Richmond continued on the Purple Talk podcast. "It was very hard to stop him, but what I would do was be physical with him.”

Kings legend and broadcaster Doug Christie also weighed in, saying he "tried to be extremely physical with him" when he saw Jordan on the court.

“One thing I always appreciated about Mike was he never cried," Christie explained to NBC California's Kings Insider James Ham. "He would just handle his business. If you were physical, he was going to be physical.”

Christie earned NBA All-Defensive First Team (2003) and All-Defensive Second Team (2001, 2002, 2004) honors during his 15-year career.

“I would try to force him off of his spot, make him shoot a jump shot - the point is, you’ve got to pick your poison,” Christie continued. “If you let him get in the air, if you let him get to the basket, it’s pretty much a wrap. Not only will he get fouled, but he’ll finish.”

Both stout defenders in their own right, there was only so much you could do against the GOAT.

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Richmond, Christie Explain Defending Michael Jordan

On a normally unassuming night of preseason NBA action, two heated rivals faced off and once again, took the sports world by storm.

No, not because of a particular play or even the outcome of said game, but a shot — more specifically, a punch — in the direction of Rick Fox thrown by Doug Christie.

It’s a play you’ve seen live, on YouTube or even in GIF form: No. 13 lands an uppercut to the Lakers forward, sparking a memorable moment in the rivalry’s history.

This week, Christie joined NBC Sports NBA Insider Tom Haberstroh's "Habershow" podcast to discuss the infamous moment that October evening.

“There was a lot of venom from the fact that there was a lot of talking going back and forth at that particular time,” said Christie. “And you know, they had won, and I think when you’re competing against someone, you have an idea where you are in the pantheon of that. You know what I mean? And I think they felt us. And I think they might have felt we were a better team than they were.”

No. 13 continued, “But they won. And they had to the two most dominant players probably of the era at the same time, in their alpha dog prime. So when you win, you usually don’t have to say anything, ‘I won.’ But you’re still talking.”

As for the actual game, Sacramento topped Los Angeles 93-88, but that was hardly the story after the game.

“When we got to the preseason, you know they had the [Sacramento] Queens things,” continued Christie. “Rick would always do little stuff and one of them is he would catch the ball at the pinch post, which is the elbow junction, and he would, as you were coming up -- now it’s illegal -- he would pivot into you and hit my thigh. And for me, that’s big because I’m moving around a lot.”

So it was just little stuff and in that particular time, I sold an offensive foul. He hit me and I fell down. So then he threw the ball at me and I caught it, so it didn’t really hit me and I caught it. So as I got up, I hit him in the face with the ball all in one motion and that’s when he kind of mushed me. As soon as he touched me, I just went ‘Bang.’ That was it.”

The rivalry continues to this day, with the next matchup between them coming at Golden 1 Center on Feb. 1.

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Doug Christie Details Infamous Punch

Before stepping into his current role as Sacramento’s General Manager, Vlade Divac was regarded as not only a Kings legend but someone who made a memorable mark on the game of basketball.

Divac’s accomplishments on the hardwood are set to receive the highest honor in hoops as he will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame this weekend. With such a special form of recognition at hand, former teammates and current colleagues chimed in on what made No. 21 so special.

“Vlade has been a transformational leader on and off the court for his entire career. As an international basketball pioneer and global ambassador for the game, he has used his platform to make the world a better place for over three decades,” said Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé.

“From his efforts to start Basketball Without Borders to his lasting impact on how the game is played, he continues to serve as an inspiration and role model for players of all ages around the world.”

Peja Stojakovic, who spent many years playing alongside Vlade and now serves as Sacramento’s Assistant GM, had this to say.

“Vlade was one of the first Europeans to come to the NBA. He opened the gates for European basketball players who dreamed of one day playing in the NBA.”

“I had the opportunity to play with Vlade and witness what kind of player, leader and most importantly what kind of person he is. His friendship has meant a lot to me,” said Stojakovic.

As his former frontcourt running mate, Chris Webber also added some additional praise.

“[Vlade] was one of the first big men hybrids and his impact on the game was felt worldwide,” said C-Webb.

“He was a great teammate and one of the best passers I’ve been honored to play with. All of that being said he is a better man than hooper ... he is a wonderful husband, father and a loyal friend.”

“Vlade Divac is a truly special, incredible and caring human being. From the moment we met what struck me was how true of a person Vlade is and from right there he had a friend for life,” said former teammate and current NBC Sports color commentator Doug Christie.

“From his country being in war and watching his humanitarian efforts, to seeing his love for his family and friends it just speaks to the man he is. Vlade was before his time on the court, a skilled big man that could execute every part of the game and he was the perfect teammate.”

“He was the glue that held our diverse team together,” said Assistant Coach for Player Development Bobby Jackson. “I’m proud to call Vlade a friend and work closely with him as we build the new era of Kings basketball.”

Stay current with all the events of Vlade’s Hall of Fame induction this weekend on Kings social media channels and Kings.com!

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Kings Legends Reflect on Divac’s Hall of Fame Career

sacjwise

At center court, Sacramento Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé with the entire team, front office and executive leadership at his side made a powerful statement:

"We recognize that it’s not just business as usual, and we are going to work really hard to bring everybody together to make the world a better place starting with our own community, and we’re going to work really hard to prevent this kind of a tragedy from happening again."

His message has carried far beyond the communities of Sacramento, through the NBA and across the country. The world is watching what is happening in Sacramento, looking for answers and examples of how to create positive change.

On Thursday, the team took a huge step forward to create change in the local community and beyond, announcing another opportunity to help serve the communities of Sacramento and make the city a better place. Through the Build. Black. coalition, the franchise hopes to create positive dialogues and strike a balance with community groups, civic leaders, and additional champions working to change the city. In a week with uncertainty for families, friends, the city and Kings fans, the team has worked to create a pathway for progress, and a blueprint for the world.

“I think this organization has really stepped up and stepped to the forefront and I wanted to use my voice as much as I could to see what I believe is right and true," said Kings guard Garrett Temple. "It’s a lot of different perspectives and a lot of different things to take into account, but it’s been a pretty hectic week.”

The effort to lift up Sacramento communities started Friday night as Temple, Vince Carter and NBC Sports analyst Doug Christie joined the Build. Black. coalition youth forum – Kings and Queens Rise: A Youth Voice Forum for Healing.

The gathering was designed to help with healing the grief local youth may be experiencing, answer questions about issues facing Sacramento and providing additional resources. With leaders from Voice of The Youth, Sierra Health Foundation Greater Sacramento Urban League, SacACT, Sistallect, NAACP and Black Lives Matter Sacramento, the team is working to start conversations about educational and economic opportunity, as well as workforce preparation.

After the night's events were concluded, Carter reflected on continuing to foster positive growth in the community.

"This is an opportunity where we have a lot of eyes watching and what we've done is set the tone," said No. 15. "This [event] is a stepping stone for what we hope to accomplish."

By starting the conversation with area youth, Carter, Temple and Christie are using their platform to help the region get through a difficult time together. Through a multi-year plan to support transformational change for black communities, the Kings are taking a bold step toward a better city for everyone.

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United for Progress

Sydney Zuelke

On Wednesday, the Sacramento Kings announced a partnership with the Build. Black. coalition – a group of community leaders who have organized in the wake of the Stephon Clark tragedy – and Black Lives Matter Sacramento, in their dedication to fundamentally transform black communities and support black youth in the Sacramento region.

“More than anything, I’m proud of Sacramento and proud of the Kings,” said NBC Sports analyst Doug Christie prior to Thursday’s game against Indiana. “We talk about Sacramento Proud – I think now more than ever, it’s not a just a mouthpiece, it’s real.”

As part of the commitment, the Kings will establish an education fund for Clark’s children and create a multi-year plan in partnership with Build. Black. to support the education of young people – providing workplace preparation and economic tools needed to build an efficacious future.

“That means a great deal,” said Garrett Temple on Thursday night. “What Vivek said after the [March 22] game wasn’t just talk, we wanted to step in and help the community with this problem.”

The organization’s effort begins Friday, March 30, when Vince Carter, Temple and Christie join ‘Kings and Queens Rise: A Youth Voice Forum for Healing’ at the South Sacramento Christian Church.

“It’s real important, it’s about how we can listen to people and bring some smiles to kids’ faces in the midst of what is going on,” continued Temple. “We have to use that influence we have in a positive manner.”

“It’s a touchy, sensitive subject but it is something that needs to be done,” said Carter. “We need to educate ourselves on both sides of the fence.”

The group will be part of a panel of powerful voices in the community helping to facilitate an open dialogue, and ultimately healing.

“Our team was saved by our community, so it’s only right that it comes full circle,” concluded Christie.