This is a story of how the Westphal was lost. It's a very short story. Kings coach Paul Westphal was 51-120 in two seasons, so Sacramento sacked him a scant seven games into this lockout-curtailed campaign. We understand that everything has been accelerated in this unusually short season, but either give the guy a little more time or make the move prior to the season getting underway. Coaching transactions weren't restricted during the lockout; it was only players who weren't free to pursue jobs. A 2-5 start for a team filled with callow players (the few veterans have always been reserves) and zero playoff expectations isn't abnormal.
Aside from the characteristic impatience of the Maloof brothers (imagine a pair of Mark Cubans, only dim and douchebaggy),two events sent Westphal packing early. First, Keith Smart was brought in as an assistant by the owners. A coach typically selects his staff, but the Maloofs cleary tabbed Smart to be Westphal's successor, he simply took over much sooner than was planned. Keep in mind, Smart is the same man who was ousted from Golden State after just one year, where he went 36-46. Second, Westphal failed to reign in or reach the talented but troublesome DeMarcus Cousins, at one point ordering Cousins to stay away from the team for supposedly demanding a trade, which Cousins has denied doing.
The Maloofs, whose fortunes comes from casinos, gambled on the combative Cousins. Now, they've doubled down by dismissing the coach. At least Smart has a keen grasp of the situation. When asked what he needs to do in regards to Cousins, that Westphal didn't, Smart said, "Probably have a good relationship with him." The cards may be stacked against Smart because the man he's dealing with isn't playing with a full deck.
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