The Sports Informant

By Scott Levin
Sports Informant Contributing Writer

When Paul Westphal was hired to be the Kings fifth coach in as many seasons, he inherited what most believed was a mess. The Kings were coming off a 17-65 season, the worst record in the NBA and the worst record in franchise history.

We’re almost a quarter of the way into the season now, and the returns are in: Paul Westphal gets an “A.”

Last year’s Kings team was a train wreck from the start – a rebuilding team with too many veterans. The slow start cost Reggie Theus his job, and while the midseason trades were necessary to jumpstart the Kings rebuild, the addition of a new coach and six new players did nothing to aid the Kings fractured chemistry or record.

Paul Westphal has engineered a complete turnaround from a year ago. (Photo courtesy Greg Ashman)

The Kings have done a complete 180 from last season, and Paul Westphal is the one pulling the strings. One of the coach’s greatest qualities is his willingness to change when something isn’t working. As a result, all 12 players are forced to be ready at any given moment. Because of this, the Kings have a roster full of players working hard and (gasp!) cheering for each other, a sight not seen in over five years.

The examples of Westphal’s influence can be found throughout the locker room. Kenny Thomas, a player banished from the team the past two seasons, has become a positive influence and speaks of living in Sacramento when his career is over. Beno Udrih, thought to be a bust after last year’s dismal season, has thrived in Westphal’s system. Donte Greene, who started just four games last year, has earned six starts this year, with Westphal rewarding the sophomore for his hard work.

The effect of Westphal was no more evident than in a recent tweet by forward/center Sean May. After a win vs. Indiana, May wrote: “Great day to be a king!” May, who began the year as a starter, did not even see the floor against Indiana. Instead of sulking, May remained upbeat, knowing his time could come at any moment.

Team chemistry is back in Sacramento, and Westphal is the reason.

Story reprinted with permission from Scott Levin. For more from Scott, visit his Examiner page, or read his Sports Informant bio.