The L.A. D-Fenders have announced the hiring of Reggie Theus as the new head coach for the upcoming season. President and CEO Joey Buss made the announcement today to hire Theus, who has over 11 years of coaching experience and played 13 seasons in the NBA. Theus is widely respected throughout the NBA, and was named the 21st head coach in Sacramento Kings history.
“We are pleased to welcome Reggie Theus to the D-Fenders,” said Buss. “Reggie’s extensive NBA background coupled with his experience developing players at the collegiate basketball level will make him a great asset to our franchise. We look forward to working with Reggie and building upon the record-setting season we had last year.”
The D-Fenders are coming off one of their best seasons, and are eager to repeat their success once again. Theus has big shoes to fill as he replaces former head coach Eric Musselman, who was named the 2012 NBA Development League Coach of the Year. Musselman left the team after just one year to take a position as an assistant basketball coach with the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Still it seems Theus is more than ready to take on the task, and lead the D-Fenders to the D-League Finals for a second consecutive year. Aside from an impressive resume, Theus spent last season working for Fox Sports Net as an analyst for the Pac-12, and previously spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“I am elated and thankful to have an opportunity to work for a first class organization like the D-Fenders,” said Theus. “Coaching for a franchise that has proven its commitment to developing young players for the next level while also maintaining a competitive team is exciting to me. I am looking forward to getting on the court and continuing the success that the D-Fenders experienced last season.”
Throughout his NBA career he played 13 seasons in Chicago, Kansas City, Sacramento, Atlanta, Orlando and New Jersey. He was a two-time NBA All-Star in 1981 and 1983, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team in 1979. If that doesn’t impress you, he is one of only seven players in NBA history to score over 19,000 points and record over 6,000 assists during his career.