Keith Smart Returning as Sacramento Kings Coach Next Year

The Kings picked up head coach Keith Smart’s contract option for the 2012-’13 season. Per the Sac Bee: “Keith has done a terrific job of taking control of the direction of the team,’ said Geoff Petrie, the Kings’ president of basketball operations, in a written statement. ‘He is active, engaged and working hard to develop our young players along with a complementary style of play.’ Smart began the season as an assistant coach and was promoted after Paul Westphal was fired following a 2-5 start and a public feud with second-year center DeMarcus Cousins. The Kings are 10-20 since Smart took over as head coach on Jan. 5.”