The Sacramento Kings have significantly bolstered their coaching ranks with the strategic addition of D.J. Ham, formerly a respected assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers. This move, reported by insider James Ham of The Kings Beat, signals a proactive approach by the Kings as they prepare for the forthcoming 2025-26 NBA season, aiming to enhance their player development and overall strategic capabilities.
D.J. Ham’s tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers began at the outset of the 2024 season, where he quickly became an integral part of their behind-the-scenes operations. Prior to his main roster involvement, Ham dedicated two impactful years to the Cavaliers’ G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge, showcasing a commitment to the foundational aspects of professional basketball.
His multifaceted role in Cleveland encompassed vital responsibilities as both a video assistant and a specialist in player development. This dual expertise suggests a keen eye for tactical analysis alongside a proven ability to nurture talent, skills that are highly sought after in the competitive landscape of NBA coaching. The Sacramento Kings likely view his comprehensive background as a significant asset.
For the Sacramento Kings, the recruitment of an individual with Ham’s specific skill set underscores their commitment to continuous improvement. His experience in player development, particularly, could prove invaluable as the team looks to optimize the potential of its current roster and integrate future talent, ensuring long-term success and competitiveness in the Western Conference.
Ham’s departure marks another notable shift within the Cleveland Cavaliers’ coaching ecosystem, particularly as they navigate their second season under the leadership of head coach Kenny Atkinson. The Cavaliers have experienced a series of personnel changes within their support staff, indicating a period of significant transition and restructuring.
Indeed, D.J. Ham joins a list of assistants who have recently transitioned out of Cleveland. This includes Jordan Ott, who has ascended to a head coaching position with the Phoenix Suns, and DeMarre Carroll, who also made the jump to the Western Conference earlier this offseason. These movements highlight the dynamic nature of NBA coaching careers.
Adding to his notable resume, D.J. Ham is also the son of Darvin Ham, the accomplished Milwaukee Bucks coach and former head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. This familial connection within the NBA coaching fraternity provides D.J. Ham with a unique perspective and background, undoubtedly influencing his approach to the game and contributing to his rapid ascent in the league.
The acquisition of D.J. Ham by the Sacramento Kings could be a quiet but impactful move, reflecting a deeper strategic vision for the franchise. It signals an investment in specialized coaching talent that can contribute to both immediate performance enhancements and the sustained growth of the team’s promising core in the increasingly competitive NBA landscape.
