Kings interim coach Doug Christie knows firsthand what it’s like to be traded midseason. He experienced it during his time in Sacramento, where he played for most of his career. So, he understands what De’Aaron Fox went through when the Kings traded their star point guard to San Antonio as part of a three-team deal.
“Ever since the first time I saw him play, I was a big-time fan, and this doesn’t change anything as far as always rooting for him,” Christie said before the Kings’ 116-114 win against Minnesota. “I told him as much.”
Fox was drafted fifth overall by the Kings in 2017 and is currently averaging 25 points and 6.1 assists in his eighth season in the NBA. The Kings traded Fox, along with Kevin Huerter to the Bulls and Jordan McLaughlin to the Spurs. In return, Sacramento acquired Zach LaVine from the Bulls and Sidy Cissoko from the Spurs, along with three first-round and three second-round draft picks.
“Roller coaster, man,” Kings guard Malik Monk said. “We lost three of our brothers, two of them have been with us since I’ve been here. It’s a tough thing.”
The trade added to the series of changes for the Kings, who are battling for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Coach Mike Brown was fired in December, and Christie has talked to some of the younger players about handling the business side of the game.
“I wanted to let them know that I’m here for you, your teammates are here for you,” Christie said. “That’s part of what this is. You’re not out there all alone.”
LaVine, who is averaging 24 points and 4.5 assists in his 11th season, may debut for the Kings against Orlando on Wednesday night. Christie said he’s not ready to compare LaVine to Fox just yet.
“Both of those guys are immensely talented and they bring similar but a little bit different stuff, so not until we actually have Zach will I go down that (road),” Christie said.
With Fox traded, Monk has stepped into the starting point guard role for Sacramento. He finished with 26 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in the victory over the Timberwolves. While he’s no stranger to playmaking, Monk said the new role is still a big adjustment.
“It’s definitely a new opportunity and stage,” Monk said. “Starting at point guard is a big opportunity, and it’s a big thing to feel in this league for sure, especially what Fox did for the organization, for the city of Sacramento. I’m just trying to pick up where he left it.”
