Sacramento Kings head coach Doug Christie is not facing immediate pressure to keep his job despite the team’s 0-5 start to the 2026-27 NBA season, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.
Amick reported that a Kings source familiar with the organization’s plans said Christie would receive a fair opportunity to be evaluated with a healthier roster.
Sacramento has been without several players expected to have important roles, including Ben Simmons, Keegan Murray, Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell.
Simmons is out for the season with a torn right Achilles tendon, while Murray, Raynaud and Cardwell are dealing with left ankle, right knee and left calf injuries, respectively.
Christie, 56, is in the final guaranteed season of his contract, which includes a team option for the following season.
The Kings’ immediate results have intensified questions about the coaching situation. Sacramento lost 132-120 to the previously winless New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday, falling to 0-5 before continuing its four-game road trip against Memphis on Saturday and Dallas on Monday.
Amick reported that player development remains a central part of Christie’s responsibilities, with rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. a major focus. Acuff scored 34 points, dished out 14 assists and grabbed six rebounds against New Orleans, shooting 13-of-26 from the field.
Acuff is averaging 24.0 points and 6.6 assists through five games, leading all rookies in scoring. However, he is shooting 37.8% from the field and 22.2% from three-point range, while averaging 3.4 turnovers.
Sacramento faces the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday before visiting the Dallas Mavericks on Monday.
