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Reggie Theus was named coach of the Sacramento Kings this week, replacing Eric Musselman after his disappointing 33 win season which included a DUI for the coach. Things aren't pretty in Sac-town. What happened to the team in the early decade which was an overtime victory away from the NBA Finals (and arguably the NBA Championship) in 2002. Then, they dealt Chris Webber, Peja Stojakovic, lost Bobby Jackson, Vlade Divac and just about all the rest of the crew minus Mike Bibby.

Now, it's Reggie-Time, or "Hang Time," considering Theus' former role as Coach Fuller on NBC's Saturday morning sitcom. Unfortunately for the Kings, this is almost the best coaching experience Theus brings to the Sacramento bench. OK, so that's unfair, as Theus went 41-23 as head coach at New Mexico State over the past two seasons. But, this is Reggie's first NBA gig. Not that this is a huge problem, but I have a feeling that coaching Julie Connor hasn't quite prepared coach Theus for the (Ar)test that lies ahead in Ron-Ron. Artest just recently was quoted as saying that he regretted how his Pacer career ended, and that if he hadn't reacted so quickly, he'd "still be a Pacer now."

A couple of things:

1. Does this mean that Artest isn't happy to be in Sacto? I can't blame him if he isn't. Playing for a mediocre team in a small market where he can't boost his rap career can't be all too pleasing. Perhaps a new coach will help things, but on the other hand, rumors have been flying and Artest may want to be shipped out.

2. Interestingly, on hiring Theus, Kings exec Geoff Petrie cited one of the most intriguing things about Reggie as his ties to Las Vegas (Theus played at UNLV from in the late 1970s, leading them to the Final Four in 1976). The Maloof Brothers, owners of the Sacramento Kings, also own the Palms Casino, and have been agressively rumored to want to move their franchise to the Sin City for years now, and this may be just another step in that direction. Bringing in another guy into fray with Vegas ties who may advocate for that move certainly doesn't hurt its chances of happening.

3. On the other hand, Theus was on the team when it first moved to Sacramento in the mid-1980s, and has said he really enjoys the place. So, who knows?

Labels: Artest, Hang Time, Kevdog, Kings, Reggie, Theus