The Sacramento Kings had the eighth spot in the Western Conference at one point but that feels like a long time ago. The Kings have lost seven of their last eight games and are now 4.5 games back of that eighth spot so they have fallen off quite a bit. Sacramento's most recent loss was to the Brooklyn Nets in embarrassing fashion as they allowed the Nets to score a season high in points and make a season best 18 three-pointers. That loss has put head coach George Karl firmly on the hot seat now, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.
Stein reported that the Kings were hopeful to at least get through the All-Star break before they had to worry about Karl's future with the team but instead "the George Watch is on now." This isn't the first time Karl has been on the hot seat this season as he was nearly fired only eight games in when the team worried about his style and effectiveness. Karl also hasn't had the greatest relationship with star player DeMarcus Cousins this season after he tried to trade him this offseason but that relationship is reportedly going OK.
For his part Karl is not worried about being fired at the moment and instead is focusing on the present and trying to win games, according to Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston. "I don't have any control over what other people are thinking or saying. That's their storm, my storm is the next game. I don't believe I'm in limbo," said Karl.
Since the "George Watch" started there has been another report that Kings players have tuned him out. According to Chris Mannix of Yahoo Sports, players are unhappy about inefficient practices and shootarounds and poor in-game adjustments made from the bench. The report also states that the front offices confidence in Karl "has almost completely eroded." The issue isn't just the head coach though, as minority owners are reportedly looking for ways to seize control of the franchise from majority owner Vivek Ranadive.
All in all this situation is a huge mess and it would be a huge surprise if Karl lasts much longer as the head coach. Karl took over the job towards the end of last season and has yet to coach a full year in Sacramento. Overall Karl has a 32-49 record with the Kings in a little less than a full calendar year.
