Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings: Mike Malone a “Lock” to Become Head Coach

by Eric He Follow @erichesports

The Sacramento Kings will have a new head coach.

December 12, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors assistant coach Michael Malone (center) instructs during the first quarter of the open practice at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

According to former New York Post sportswriter Peter Vescey, Golden State Warriors assistant coach Mike Malone is a “living lock” to become the next head coach of the Sacramento Kings.

Last week, it was reported that Vivek Ranadive and the rest of the Kings’ new ownership were pursuing Malone and put him on their list of candidates.

Another former Warriors coach, Keith Smart, is currently at the helm in Sacramento as head coach, but it is expected that the new ownership will relieve him of his duties.

Malone came to the Warriors along with Mark Jackson in 2011, and has been pivotal in molding the franchise into the playoff team that they are now. He is the highest-paid assistant coach in the NBA, and is the one who draws up the plays during timeouts in late-game situations.

Prior to joining the Warriors, Malone had 10 years of experience in the NBA as an assistant.

He is one of the hottest commodities on the coaching market, with several teams reportedly interested in his services, including the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers.

Malone was in rumors last offseason as a candidate for the Orlando Magic and Portland Trail Blazers head coaching positions, so he is no stranger to this circumstance.