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3 head coach candidates for the Sacramento Kings

By Holden Walter-Warner

PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 20: Head coach Luke Walton talks with Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 20, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 20: Head coach Luke Walton talks with Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 20, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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Sacramento Kings, Head coach
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 05: Darvin Ham Assistant Coach of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of the game against the Toronto Raptors at Fiserv Forum on January 05, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Raptors defeated the Bucks 117-111. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /

3 head coach candidates for the Sacramento Kings: Darvin Ham

Darvin Ham is one of the top candidates without head coaching experience. After winning a title as an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks last year, however, Ham appears ready to make the leap.

It’s not common to hear a bad word about Ham in league circles. He seems to be well-regarded by players, peers, and front offices across the association. Ham played in the NBA for more than a decade, so he can relate well to the concerns of players coming up through the league.

Ham has also paid his dues in the coaching ranks, switching chairs on the bench as soon as his playing career came to a close. He became an assistant and head coach in the G League before rising to the NBA level more than a decade ago. The Bucks are his third assistant coaching gig in the league and he’s the top assistant for the team.

Earlier this year, Ham jumped in for Mike Budenholzer and picked up his first head coaching win, leading the Bucks 121-109 over the Brooklyn Nets. He mentioned liking the experience of being a head coach in comments after the game (H/T ESPN).

One factor that could prevent Ham from going to Sacramento is another offer. His name has also been mentioned in connection with the open Lakers job. While that job comes with more pressure, it also comes with the more immediate prospect of wins. Ham also has experience in the market, serving as an assistant with the Lakers from 2011 to 2013.

Ham wouldn’t be a splashy hire, but he is developing into one of the top assistants in the league. He’s going to get his chance to lead a team soon and the Kings would be smart to jump on that before somebody else does.

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