Michael Malone continues search for new Sacramento Kings assistant coach

Michael Malone stands on the sidelines as the Kings host the Magic. (Photo: Jonathan Santiago)

Michael Malone remains steadfast in his search for a new assistant on his staff.  The Sacramento Kings head coach intends to add another body to the bench after not naming a replacement for his father, Brendan Malone, who left his staff before the start of last season.

“I’m still looking at some guys,” Malone said after the conclusion of the NBA Draft yesterday evening.  “I’ve brought a couple guys in already.  I’m not gonna get into names at this point.”

One name to surface in Malone’s search is a former Sacramento King.  Word broke last month that Tyrone Corbin was reportedly expected to interview for the position.  Corbin last served as head coach of the Utah Jazz, but is currently without a job after the decided not to renew his contract following the end of last season.

Alvin Gentry also emerged as a target for Malone.  The 59-year-old coach spent last year as the associate head coach for the Los Angeles Clippers under Doc Rivers.  Gentry reportedly interviewed for head coaching openings in Utah and Cleveland before eventually taking a spot on the bench with new Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.

“I’m gonna have some more guys come into town next week,” Malone said.  “And then probably within the next couple of weeks, we’ll be able to probably make an announcement as to who I hired.”

Malone is looking to fill the void left by his father, who recently took on an assistant job with the Detroit Pistons.  Malone says he learned of his father’s decision to join Stan Van Gundy’s staff while in Chicago last month for the NBA Draft Combine.

“He had called me up and we had a long talk about it,” Malone said of his father’s move to the motor city.  “He wanted to make sure I was okay with that.  I was more than okay.  He and Stan Van Gundy have a very special relationship.  He had coached in Detroit before.  He’s much closer to home and my mother.  It was an opportunity for him to get back and I was happy for him.

“I’m really more happy for my mother to get him out of the house,” Malone said jokingly.

The Kings head coach ideally wants to add an assistant with long-time NBA experience.  He currently has three main assistants in Micah Nori, Chris Jent and Corliss Williamson as well as two player development coaches in Dee Brown and Ryan Bowen.

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