Report: Joerger dismisses assistant GM from practice

Sacramento Kings head coach Dave Joerger asked that assistant general manager Brandon Williams not be present at Thursday's shootaround, leagues sources told The Athletic's Sam Amick.

Joerger's decision was a one-time-only move intended to unite the team and remind players to fight for themselves, a source told Amick.

The 44-year-old reportedly believes that Williams is campaigning to replace him and is unhappy the team hasn't taken action.

Kings general manager Vlade Divac issued a statement in response to the reported incident.

"I have advised my front office and coaching staff to not focus on drama and rumors, but instead to focus on continuing to develop our young and exciting team," said Divac. "And that’s what we’re going to do."

The news comes less than two weeks after a reported disconnect between Joerger and Sacramento's front office.

Before Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Joerger maintained that the drama hasn't affected his focus or desire to coach.

"My job is to make sure we are as prepared as we can be for the task in front of us and to try and limit as much distractions as possible with our group," said Joerger, according to The Athletic's Jason Jones.

"When you sign up and you want to be in this business, this is a part of it. Winning, losing, being out in front of the media three times a day, making decisions. I love the last two minutes of a game more than anybody around ... I think that’s my drug and my thrill, and for that you get to deal with some stuff and I’m OK."

The Kings sit 11th in the Western Conference with a 10-10 record entering Thursday's contest.

Joerger is in his third season coaching the club and owns a 69-115 record.