A 'How Reggie Theus Got Hired' Theory

by Tom Ziller on Jul 19, 2007 10:41 AM PDT in Commentary

Stop Mike Lupica presents an interesting if far-fetched theory on why Reggie Theus was hired as the Kings' head coach:

Apparently the talk among the [Louisville] alumni insiders centers around whether Francisco Garcia was the kingmaker who was responsible for the Sacramento Kings' hiring of Reggie Theus as head coach last month. [...] According to the theory going around (and we should add that it's just a rumor), while Rick Pitino was the head coach, it was assistant coach Reggie Theus whom the players were raving about. Garcia supposedly let management know that it was Reggie Theus who was breaking down game tapes, and preparing the game notes for every match, and was basically the real coach of that Louisville team.

SML gets into the team dynamics involving Garcia, Kevin Martin and Ron Artest, as well as El Flaco's recent move to Aaron Goodwin's stable to bolster the theory.

Everyone knows I adore Flaco, and I really do sincerely believe he is a highly important piece of the Kings puzzle (despite his underwhelming numbers and advanced age relative to most prospects). But can you really base a hire on Garcia's desires? I understand the politics at play, I understand the franchise values Garcia and Martin. But I just can't see the Maloofs and Geoff Petrie sitting in a room, ready to pick a coach and saying "Which one would Francisco prefer?"

At the same time, it does add up. With Corliss Williamson gone, Ron-Ron is the more popular of the to-be-tradeds. (Mike Bibby's clique consisted of himself, Corliss, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, and Ronnie Price, by all accounts. Even Ronnie has been seen with Ron-Ron more lately.) Garcia clearly has Ron-Ron's ear. So yeah, it would make sense for management to get Garcia's squad aboard the Theus train...

... but it's just so unlikely given the power structure of the organization. It'll be something to think about as the next season plays out, though.

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Re: A 'How Reggie Theus Got Hired' Theory

It all makes sense, except for the fact that Garcia is currently a role player on a mediocre team. This isn't MJ or Magic we're talking about here.
Garcia could be a vital part of the future, the "glue" guy on this roster. I'm sure that he gave Theus a glowing review if/when asked. But I can't believe that Theus was considered, interviewed or eventually hired on Garcia's recommendation.

by section214 on Jul 19, 2007 10:55 AM PDT reply actions

Re: A 'How Reggie Theus Got Hired' Theory

Let's not also forget that Pitino, for all his failures on the professional level, has been a spectacular college coach. While I in now way mean to demean Theus' track record...in no small part because dude is now the Kings' head coach...I highly doubt the winner of an NCAA Championship, and a notorious micro manager, would abdicate control of his team to a guy whose previous head coaching experience was with Anthony Anderson and the Deering Tornadoes.

by rbiegler on Jul 19, 2007 12:17 PM PDT reply actions

Re: A 'How Reggie Theus Got Hired' Theory

my theory is that when push came to shove the powers that be went to the true cornerstone of the franchise kenny thomas for advice. and being that kenny went to college at new mexico and theus coached a college in the same state he just happened to recommend "the perfect push-up" reggie theus.

Whether your dominating the playground, the last one to leave the gym, or your big time like Mike Bibby...

by CrownUs93 on Jul 19, 2007 9:56 PM PDT reply actions

Re: A 'How Reggie Theus Got Hired' Theory

Just a little too conspiracy theory for me. Couldn't it be that Garcia simply described his experience with Theus' work habits. Any GM would be crazy not to check references when possible. It doesn't mean he is being catered to. This is very unlikely given Garcia's star power or lack therof.

Reggie has been a winner at every level he has attempted. He has a known work ethic, a personality, and a style that should remedy our sub par season. We need to get behind him. He's a good choice, Petry is a good GM and all evidence points to a better season (DUI, Crimes, and injuries notwithstanding.)

You try you fly; you don't you wont. . .

by raufisonfire on Jul 19, 2007 10:07 PM PDT reply actions

Re: A 'How Reggie Theus Got Hired' Theory

You were really, truly, delicate in your breakdown of the SML post and Garcia's station. Very nicely done, TZ. I'm not being snarky -- I couldn't pull that off.

by KD on Jul 19, 2007 11:53 PM PDT reply actions

Re: A 'How Reggie Theus Got Hired' Theory

My initial reaction on any theory based on this much conjecture is almost always a four-letter word. But yeah, I tried to consider this. Tried.

by Tom Ziller on Jul 20, 2007 7:28 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: A 'How Reggie Theus Got Hired' Theory

Does this mean we'll going to see more of garcia this season? :D

by kingme on Jul 20, 2007 12:15 AM PDT reply actions

Re: A 'How Reggie Theus Got Hired' Theory

I think we were going to anyways, based on his run at the end of last year and Theus' previous connection with him. More minutes wouldn't prove this theory.

by Tom Ziller on Jul 20, 2007 7:28 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: A 'How Reggie Theus Got Hired' Theory

I really don't care how he got hired. The way I see it, they just probably consulted Cisco before hiring Theus. Like what you said, I really doubt the hiring of a coach would depend on what Garcia thinks of him. We really should trade Artest. There is no use in giving him the min utes if he is going to opt out next year

by kingme on Jul 20, 2007 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions

Re: A 'How Reggie Theus Got Hired' Theory

That's a great picture of Donaghy in the article. Hey TZ, a little Sopranos/Donaghy photoshop on the way?

by section214 on Jul 20, 2007 12:54 PM PDT reply actions

Re: A 'How Reggie Theus Got Hired' Theory

Hey Tom, nice post. I just want to clarify - I don't think that Francisco Garcia snapped his fingers and the Maloofs were like "Reggie Theus - you got it!". But the theory, which again was presented to me by some Louisville insiders, kinda makes sense in answering the question of how Reggie Theus came out of nowhere to get the Kings' head coaching position.

He's certainly qualified, as some of your commenters have pointed out. But I don't think he was on anyone's radar for an NBA coaching gig, agree?

I think it is reasonable to believe Francisco Garcia put in a good word for him, hyped him up as the real reason Louisville did so well. Pitino's a great coach, but he's not as actively involved as he once was - he's older now, and probably more reliant on staff; plus note that he hasn't had very much success since Theus left Louisville, albeit it a short period of time. That's because Reggie Theus was strongly responsible for recruiting while at Louisville.

Anyway, yeah, Garcia hypes him up, puts in a good word after the Van Gundy rejection, and his friends - Kevin Martin, Ron Artest, the rest of the crew - maybe also put in a good word. And maybe Garcia's new agent, Goodwin, puts in a good word (knowing that it might help his new client to have a coach familiar with his game in Sacramento), which cements Garcia's switching of agents.

And the Maloofs decide to give Theus an interview, and like what they see enough to hire him. It makes sense in a "behind the scenes" kinda way, though I admit it's nothing more than a rumor.

Best,
SML

by stopmikelupica on Jul 21, 2007 10:20 AM PDT reply actions