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Gates lands first NBA job

The Stampede coach is a new assistant with the Kings.

BY MIKE PRATERAND BRIAN MURPHY - sports@idahostatesman.com © 2009 Idaho Statesman

Published: 07/17/09


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Gates joins assistants Jim Eyen, Mario Elie and Truck Robinson on Westphal's staff. Longtime coach Pete Carril is a consultant on the staff.

"He's going to be largely dealing with shooting,'' Westphal said. "We've got a strong emphasis on that area, to get everyone to improve their shooting percentage, working with coach Carril, who's got a passion for that.''

The Kings were 25th in the league last year in shooting percentage at 44.7 percent. They finished the season with an NBA-worst record of 17-65, leading to the midseason firing of Reggie Theus and the eventual hiring of Westphal.

The team's current roster includes veteran guard Kevin Martin and rookie point guard Tyreke Evans, this year's No. 4 overall draft pick out of Memphis.

Idaho managing investor Bill Ilett is traveling to Las Vegas on Friday to begin an immediate search process. He hopes to have a new coach within three weeks.

"I'll probably be one of the more popular guys at summer camp," Ilett said.

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