Gentry’s first correction in his first game as head coach was taking Chimezie Metu out of the starting lineup and replacing him with Moe Harkless prior to Harkless’ injury. The “quick pace of play” narrative surrounding Gentry’s brand of basketball hasn’t really differed from Walton’s. Louis King and Neemias Queta joined the team following strong showcases in the G League, which is exciting for Sacramento fans who follow their game in Stockton - hopefully they’re next in line for their opportunity. Gentry still has kinks to work out with this roster, but the willingness to experiment in real time rather than committing to eight of the same, stale players is a much-needed improvement from Walton. Terence Davis has also been re-introduced to the lineup, and despite the Kings’ bout of injuries, Davis has produced in both of the team’s victories under Gentry. Although a polarizing player in a Kings uniform, it’s undeniable that he was essential in both victories over Portland and Los Angeles.Ĭlearly whatever bad blood between Walton and Bagley has dissipated and the organization has an opportunity to capitalize on Bagley’s development before the trade window opens in coming weeks. We may never know the whole story, but the reintegration of Marvin Bagley III into this roster and more importantly, reintegrating well has been a bright spot in Gentry’s short tenure. More players are seeing minutes and Gentry isn’t afraid to flip the script. So through this very small sampling, it’s hard to completely assess Gentry’s impact on this team, if any, but here are a few noticeable changes I’ve been able to pick out in this five-game run under a new head coach.
It’s a very confusing data size as the games they should have lost, they won and vice versa, but it just wouldn’t be Kings basketball if it all made sense. In the last week, the Kings have lost to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Memphis Grizzlies, picked up a win over the Portland Trail Blazers and split two with the Los Angeles Lakers. Since then, the Kings have played in five contests, and both flashes of promise and peril have come to light in this hybrid brand of basketball Sactown is trying to reclaim. We’re officially 10 days into the Alvin Gentry era of Sacramento Kings basketball after Luke Walton was fired by general manager Monte McNair on Nov.