The Sacramento Kings are shifting gears this season - not by chasing headlines or splashy trades, but by leaning into development. It’s a pivot that signals a long-term vision, and head coach Doug Christie made that clear during a recent interview on The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross.
The message? Sacramento is investing in its future, and that means more minutes - and more responsibility - for the rookies.
Christie, a former defensive stalwart and now the man steering the Kings from the sidelines, emphasized that this isn’t just about giving young guys a look. It’s about building something sustainable. Players like Nique Clifford, Maxime Raynaud, and Dylan Cardwell aren’t just getting garbage-time reps - they’re part of the regular rotation now, and in some cases, they’re closing games.
“We have to develop them,” Christie said, speaking about the trio of first-year players. “We are going to live with their mistakes and make sure that they’re out there.”
That’s a big statement. Especially when you consider the veterans whose minutes are being impacted - names like Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, Malik Monk, and Keon Ellis. These are guys with real NBA experience, but Christie is willing to ride with the rookies in key moments, especially when the energy and effort levels demand it.
So why this shift? According to Christie, it’s about establishing a culture - one rooted in identity and long-term success.
“The object, obviously, is to win the game,” he said. “But ultimately, in my opinion - and I think this is [GM Scott Perry’s] as well - the standard, winning, is the byproduct of playing to that.”
In other words, winning isn’t just about talent. It’s about building a foundation, a set of expectations, and a culture that can sustain success. And for Christie, that starts with giving young players the space to grow - even if that means riding out some rough patches along the way.
It’s not just lip service either. Christie has shown a willingness to go with Raynaud and Cardwell in crunch time, even over established stars like Sabonis and LaVine. That’s not a knock on the vets - it’s a reflection of what Christie is looking for in those moments: energy, defense, rebounding, and hustle.
“That’s where the rotations can sometimes get tricky,” Christie admitted. “With the veterans and the different things, it’s a mismatch sometimes, trying to find who’s going to bring that energy, who’s going to play really hard, who’s going to be on the defensive end, who’s going to rebound the basketball.”
It’s a balancing act - developing talent without sacrificing competitiveness. But Christie seems committed to threading that needle. He talked about “throwing them in the deep end” - letting rookies learn by doing, while still providing the support and structure they need to succeed.
That support comes in the form of film sessions, hands-on coaching, and a clear commitment to player development. But it also comes with patience. Christie knows there will be growing pains - it’s part of the process.
“They’re going to have ups and downs, and we understand that,” he said. “But the whole point is to develop them and support them along their journey at the same time as trying to win.”
It’s a tough balance to strike in the NBA, where every game matters and pressure mounts quickly. But if the Kings can stay the course, this could be the kind of foundational season that pays off down the road.
Developing young talent doesn’t always show up in the win column right away, but it can shape the identity of a franchise for years to come. And in Sacramento, that’s exactly what they’re betting on.