According to Sam Amick, top veteran is reportedly the frontrunner to become the lead assistant coach under Sacramento Kings head coach Doug Christie.
His most recent NBA role was as an assistant with the New York Knicks in 2021. From 2021 to 2025, he served as Indiana University’s head coach, following a long NBA coaching career that spans 25 years. His wealth of experience could be a significant asset to Christie, who is entering his first full season as an NBA head coach.
This isn’t the first time Sacramento has shown interest in Woodson. Back in 2016, the Kings interviewed him for their head coaching job after parting ways with George Karl.
Potential Benefits
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Veteran Leadership: At 67, Woodson brings extensive experience, including an overall NBA head coaching record of 315–365. He led the Atlanta Hawks from 2004 to 2010 and coached the New York Knicks from 2012 to 2014. His 14 years as an assistant include stints with the 2004 NBA champion Detroit Pistons and the 2020–21 Knicks, alongside executive Scott Perry.
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Defensive Expertise: Woodson is known for his defensive coaching style—an area where the Kings could use improvement.
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Locker Room Presence: While Christie reportedly earned strong respect from the team this season, Woodson’s addition could further strengthen the team’s leadership dynamic.
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Player Respect: Woodson has consistently received praise from former players. A video featuring ex-Knicks players highlights the regard they have for him.
Potential Concerns
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Limited Tactical Flexibility: While Woodson wouldn’t be in charge of crafting the full game plan as an assistant, some critics have previously pointed out his preference for predictable, stable systems. This trait might not be a major issue in a supporting role, but it’s worth noting.
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Outdated Coaching Approach?: Some of the criticism during his stint at Indiana focused on his reluctance to embrace modern basketball trends—such as an overreliance on post play and a lack of three-point shooting. That said, his 2012 Knicks were actually among the league’s most three-point-heavy teams, showing he’s not entirely averse to modern concepts.
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Time Away From the NBA: Woodson has been off an NBA sideline since 2021. At Indiana, he compiled an 82–53 record and led the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances but missed out the last two seasons before stepping down. While his extensive background as both a coach and former player—who spent time with the Kings franchise—makes the transition back manageable, the league has evolved in the past four years.
If Woodson does land the lead assistant role, Doug Christie would gain a seasoned and well-respected coach whose experience could bring valuable insight and stability. While concerns exist about his recent absence and potential resistance to modern strategies, those gaps could be filled by complementing him with assistants who specialize in today’s fast-paced, analytics-driven style of play.