The Kings won their most games since the 2005-06 season, finishing this year with a 39-43 regular-season record. Even that couldn't save coach Dave Joerger.
On Thursday, general manager Vlade Divac fired Joerger after three years on the job. For Joerger, the news came as a surprise, according to his agent Warren LeGarie.
“I’d be surprised if we’re in the minority of being surprised. It was something that did catch him off guard,” LeGarie said to the Sacramento Bee. “Clearly, Dave has to try to digest this and understand what was it that made them do this. At this point, they certainly have the right. Nobody questions that.
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"We just felt it was something they probably should have considered a little bit longer.”
Joerger was praised around the NBA by the likes of Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, among others for his handling of the young Kings this season. In the eyes of he and his agent, expectations weren't just met but exceeded.
“Obviously, it’s a great disappointment,” LeGarie said. “Dave thought, in light of the youth of the team and other challenges, he did a good job, certainly one that other people have recognized around the league. And, more importantly, exceeded expectations."
[RELATED: What does Joerger's firing mean for Kings?]
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Over three years as the Kings' head coach, Joerger finished with a 98-143 regular-season record. Sacramento missed the playoffs for the 13th straight season this year.