Chris Mullin once played for Don Nelson, and now the Hall of Famer from Brooklyn wants to take a page from his former coach as he prepares to fill the Sacramento Kings’ head coaching vacancy.
According to Kings and industry sources, Mullin is expected to replace Mike Malone, who was fired Sunday by the by the team.
“He wants to coach like Don Nelson,’’ a source told NBC 4 New York in confirming the move. “Chris wants to be unconventional in his approach. He’s not going to call a play on every possession.’’
At this point, it will be a surprise if Mullin, 51, who has never been a coach, does not accept the post, sources said. Until Mullin accepts the job, interim head coach Tyrone Corbin will lead the team.
Mullins, a five-time NBA All-Star and member of the original Dream Team in the 1992 Olympics has been an adviser for Sacramento owner Vivek Ranadive, who had been trying to get the Kings to play a different style of offense under Malone. He also played six-plus seasons under Nelson at Golden State, making the playoffs four times.
With the Kings losing seven of their last nine games, Malone was fired as the Kings slumped to 11-13. Malone and GM Pete D’Alessandro were barely on speaking terms.
So while Malone had a great relationship with emerging star DeMarcus Cousins and had been instrumental in Ben McLemore’s development, Ranadive’s wishes for a more open attack led to his dismissal and Mullin’s new gig.
