Doug Christie is cherishing every moment as a mentor in the NBA after previous stints as a television and radio sports personality. Joining the Sacramento Kings’ hub last summer remains a great thing for him for personal growth and to help the team that has a special place in his heart in the development process.
But, as he took the coaching board and put himself in front as the acting head coach of the Kings’ splendid triumph against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, Christie gained heartwarming support and cheers from his players and fans.
As lovely as these things have sounded, he remains unconvinced yet when asked in media availability if he wants to seize the opportunity and take Sac-town’s vacated coaching helm. He further reiterated that he is focused on what he can offer to the table and the exposure that he can gain as a newbie assistant.
“If you know me, you know I’m more of an in-the-moment person, like this is where I’m at,” Christie said. “I don’t think like that. AG (Alvin Gentry) has done a hell of a job and he’s been so productive with helping me try to be better, and that’s really all I’m going to try to be.
“If they see more and they want more and that opportunity presents itself, that’s what you have to face when the opportunity comes and you deal with it, but I like to stay in the moment and I don’t say that tongue in cheek. That’s just kind of how I try to live.”
Christie was appointed temporarily to take the team’s handling, as interim coach Alvin Gentry remains under health and safety protocols. He isn’t swayed yet on the first victory he captured, but still has that vision moving forward in Sacramento. For now, he is lending his service to push the franchise in contention – 15 years away from a playoff spot.
Rumors might be living in his head that he can be a potential candidate, but Christie remains on course in the present.
“When I say unfinished business, this is a proud city that deserves a high level of basketball when they come out to watch,” Christie said. “And unfortunately, for a long time, it hasn’t been that way, but it does not have to stay that way and it won’t. We’ll get there.”
Christie was a notable figure in the capital city during his playing career, suiting up a Kings’ uniform from 2000 to 2005. His defensive prowess helped the team reach greater heights during the given span, only unfortunate to come up short especially in the 2002 playoffs.
