Kings extend coaches contract

 Keith Smart is getting the closest thing he's ever had to a long-term deal as an NBA coach.

The Sacramento Kings extended Smart's contract Monday through the 2013-14 season. Smart's deal had been set to expire after the upcoming season.

The 47-year-old Smart took over for the fired Paul Westphal in January after a 2-5 start. The Kings went 20-39 the rest of the way under Smart during the lockout-shortened season.

The Golden State Warriors decided not to extend Smart's contract last year after he hastily replaced Don Nelson before training camp. Smart also had a stint as the Cleveland Cavaliers' interim head coach for the final 40 games in 2003 after taking over for John Lucas.

Coach Keith Smart Extended.

Yesterday the Kings' organization extended coach Keith Smart through the 13-14 season. Smart took over the coaching position last year after Paul Westphal was fired following a 2-5 start. Smart's record for the rest of the year was a disappointing 20-39 (.339), Keith did manage however to strike up a rapport with Kings' center DeMarcus Cousins. It is likely that this deal was made so as to prevent Smart from becoming a lame duck next year.