Is Doug Christie in the hot seat? GM Scotty Perry is off to a poor start

There is no other way to say it: Sacramento Kings are fighting. Although they are recent upset the Denver Nuggetsthey hold a 4-13 record.

This is despite having Russell Westbrook, Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. As a result, questions are being raised about the status of Doug Christie, who is in his first year as head coach. But to hear GM Scotty Perry tell it, he has confidence in Christie’s ability to coach, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick.

“I think what Doug’s strength is, as you were saying, is that he has a lot of natural leadership qualities,” Perry said. “He’s very passionate and emotional about the Sacramento Kings. He was obviously a part of, really, the last team that had sustained success that we talked about. So this means a lot to him. And this is his first year as a head coach, so there’s a learning curve for him as well. But I have full confidence, and that the organization is going to be able to lead this team as well.”

Doug Christie has become a staple for the Kings

From 2000 to 2005, Christie was a regular member of the Kings. He was part of the 2002 team that went all the way to the Western Conference Finals. The team that included Chris Weber, Vlade Divac and Mike Beebe.

Last December, he became a temporary selector after Mike Brown was fired. Sacramento finished with a 40-42 record and missed the postseason.

“I think he’d be the first to tell you we’re not where we want to be,” Perry said. “We haven’t achieved that consistent competitive product on the floor. We haven’t consistently begun to show the identity necessary to create that sustainable winner.”

Still, despite the obvious struggles, Perry recognizes the work Christie has put in.

“But I can tell you, as I can tell the Sacramento community, that this guy is working extremely hard to push every button to do this,” he said. “I’ve been around long enough to know that coaching is not easy. I’m a former coach, and it’s a tough, tough job. But I believe he’s up to it. I’m confident he’s up to it, and we’re going to continue to support him and help him, as we’re going to do with our young players. … I want to help him be in charge and help him be one of the main players and help him lead us to that sustainable win that we’ve been talking about.”

On Monday, the Kings will play against the Minnesota Timberwolves.