Sacramento Kings’ Execs have met with Mark Jackson
The firing of Sacramento Kings' coach, Michael Malone, came as a shock to many as rumors quickly circulated regarding who the Kings would bring in to replace him. Early rumors were that Tyrone Corbin would step up as interim coach until the season is over. However, Corbin, who coached his first game in last night's 104-92 loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder, could be out sooner than later as reports about a mystery meeting between Kings' executives and Mark Jackson surfaced.
According to Sam Amick of USA Today Sports, Jackson, who used to coach the Golden State Warriors, met with Kings' front office advisor Chris Mullin, Kings' general manager Pete D'Alessandro and star player, DeMarcus Cousins, who is currently out due to viral meningitis.
"After calling the game courtside for ESPN, Jackson had a lengthy meeting with Mullin, Kings general manager Pete D'Alessandro and franchise centerpiece DeMarcus Cousins inside the 'Chairman's Lounge' where they had requested that arena workers and others give them some privacy. Jackson, Mullin, and Cousins entered the room at approximately 10:20 p.m. Pacific time, with Cousins... D'Alessandro joined them approximately 20 minutes into the meeting, and the group finally exited just before midnight, long after the room had been cleared so that they could have a moment to discuss, well, connect the dots yourself."
Jackson has a history with Mullin and Kings owner, Vivek Ranadive. Jackson and Mullin were both high school basketball stars growing up in New York City. The pair played together at St. John's and became teammates once again in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers from 1997 to 2000. When Jackson was hired to coach the Warriors, Ranadive was a minority owner.
Jackson is currently a color commentator with ESPN. Other names that have been thrown in the coaching mix include George Karl, Mullin, and Vinny Del Negro.
