NBA Rumors: Sacramento Kings Signs Up Four-Year Deal with Dave Joerger as Head Coach

By Jenn Loro - 11 May '16 09:43AM

The Sacramento Kings has just officially added Dave Joerger to the roster as its new head coach after being released by the Memphis Grizzlies for a $16 million four-year contract with the last year being a team option.

Joerger's arrival in Sacramento is the latest attempt by the franchise to end its playoff drought for nearly ten years. The former Grizzlies coach replaces George Karl to become the team's ninth coach since its last participation in the 2006 playoffs under Rick Adelman's mentorship.

"He is a strong and passionate leader with a proven track record of producing results. Dave shares our focus on creating a long-term culture of winning and I look forward to a bright future ahead for the Kings with his leadership on the court," remarked GM Vlade Divac as per NBA.com.

According to CBC Sports, Joerger accrued 147-99 (.598) mark in three seasons as he successfully led the Grizzlies to the playoffs every year. Memphis had two of the three straight fifty wins under Joerger (2012-13 through 2014-15).

This season, the injury-laden team managed to win 42 games in their way to the playoffs but was stopped short in the first round under the crushing might of San Antonio Spurs.

While his Memphis stint was relatively successful, he was often at odds with its owner, Robert Pera. He was offered the job as a replacement to Lionel Hollins after six years of being the Grizzlies' assistant coach but his relationship with the front office was not exactly warm.

Dave Joerger rose to become Sacramento's top favorite after a conclusive talk between him and Divac. His hardcourt accomplishments as Grizzlies coach seemed to have seduced the Kings to get him onboard as soon as possible despite a slew of injuries that handicapped the team throughout the season.

Soon after the Kings sought permission to personally meet him up, Memphis suddenly severed its ties with Joerger which paved the way for his transition to being a free agent, ESPN reported.

Joerger is reportedly paid $2 million a year with only one guaranteed season left on his Memphis contract. The Grizzlies didn't seem to pay him well with his talent, some pundits say.