The Sacramento Kings are on track to miss the playoffs for the third consecutive year and end up in the lottery. Not many people were optimistic about the Kings' prospects before the season, and it remains true that they are at the bottom of the team standings.
The Kings lead 17-51 heading into their game against the Utah Jazz on Sunday.
Despite their forgettable campaign, Kings coach Doug Christie remains in good spirits. In particular, he is bullish on the team's recent decision to sign Killian Hayes to a two-year contract. Hayes played 10 consecutive games on a 10-day contract with Sacramento before getting a full-time deal.
"He's played really well. When he has the basketball, he controls the basketball, he runs the team, and he organizes and sets us up. Defensively, I think he's been fantastic," Christie said in a video posted by ESPN's James Ham.
Christie said that Hayes can still "grow in different areas", especially once he fully adjusts to their system and culture.
Christie said, "When I look at the totality of what he's done, what we've asked of him and what we've taught him, the good shape he's been in, it comes down to it, I like Killian, and I like everything about him. He's a joy to coach. He tries to do all the right things when he's on the field, impacting wins and helping his teammates."
Doug Christie on Killian Hayes has been locked out of a non-guaranteed contract through the end of the year and into next season: pic.twitter.com/Y1sOFlZs8L
- James Ham (@James_HamNBA) 16 March 2026
The Detroit Pistons selected the 24-year-old Hayes as the No. 7 overall pick in 2020. However, his career has not progressed yet. Last season, he played six games with the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 9.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists.
Hayes will continue his goal of proving that he belongs in the NBA. He was selected ahead of the likes of Denny Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers, Devin Vassell of the San Antonio Spurs, Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers, Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers, and Boston's Peyton Pritchard.
