We aren't even through two weeks in the NBA season and there are already a couple of coaches that are reportedly on the hot seat. This past weekend it was reported that Memphis Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger was in trouble and now it is being reported that George Karl of the Sacramento Kings may have reason to worry, according to Dave Carmichael of KHTK Sports 1140.
Carmichael reports that there is concern internally about Karl's style and effectiveness so far and that the next 48 hours are very important for him. Carmichael also added that "nothing is off the table" so if Kings owner Vivek Ranadive doesn't like what he sees in the next two days Karl may be out of a job.
Karl took over as the Kings head coach towards the end of last season when the Kings were already out of the race and they went 11-19 in Karl's 30 games at the helm. So far this year the Kings are off to a 1-7 start in a season where expectations were much higher due to a roster that has more talent. While the record doesn't look pretty we can cut Karl a little slack here by saying that their schedule has been brutal and they have been without DeMarcus Cousins for four of the eight games.
Besides the poor record for Karl though, there are likely other reasons that the Kings are already considering a change. Karl was in a very public feud with his star player, Cousins, after Karl reportedly attempted to trade him. That relationship has been tumultuous from the jump and although it has gotten better it still may not be all that great. Karl and Rajon Rondo have also been rumored to not be on the same page this season so overall things are not great between Karl and the Kings.
With the next 48 hours being crucial, according to the report, that makes Wednesday's game against the Detroit Pistons extremely important. Coming into the season that would have seemed like an easily winnable game but the Pistons have been great so far this year as they are 5-2 and a win over the Kings may mark the end for Karl. If the Kings can pull out that win it is possible that this situation will end up being a non-story but if they lose it seems like Ranadive and the Kings are impatient enough to make a major change.
