NBL: Sydney Kings coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah faces uncertain future

A former NBL MVP has urged the Sydney Kings to lift in order to save their season and their under-fire coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah.

The “unpredictable” and “volatile” Sydney Kings have been urged to “stand up” to save their season and the long-term future of under-fire coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah.

Former NBL MVP Derek Rucker says the Kings lack energy and passion, but their chance to atone starts on Sunday in a must-win clash against the Illawarra Hawks.

Rucker wants Sydney’s talent to match the one percenters, as pressure mounts on coach Abdelfattah to secure his job beyond this season.

The first-year mentor is contracted for the 2024-25 NBL season, but it’s understood his role isn’t guaranteed following the Kings’ slide.

Abdelfattah’s 12 win and 14 loss record places him in ninth overall in the history of Sydney coaches, dating back to 1988.

Mahmoud Abdelfattah argues with the referee. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images.

The Kings could save their season – and coach – on ability alone, but Rucker has doubts based on their inconsistency throughout NBL24.

“We talk about identity and a team showing who they are, we have to throw that out because we don’t know who the Sydney Kings are,” Rucker said on The Basketball Show.

“They just have to try and win games as best they can.

“The identity stuff – all that is out the window.

“Hopefully, they can back door themselves into a deep run into the playoffs. I’m not predicting it to happen, but they have so much talent, so anything is possible with that crew.”

Sydney’s championship defence is on shaky ground after dropping to fifth on the ladder, with just two rounds remaining before the finals.

The Kings have time to resurrect their NBL24 campaign, but former club captain and championship winner Shane Heal also has his concerns.

The Kings are not playing their best basketball. Picture: Getty Images

Heal believes there is “trouble” across the board in Sydney, so he isn’t sure what Kings team will turn up against the Hawks on Sunday.

“How are they going to come out?,” Heal said.

“Are they going to come out with some passion or energy? We haven’t seen that very often from a team as talented as the Kings, they very rarely play to their potential.

“But they need to in this game because they are playing against their rivals the Hawks, who are playing great basketball as the underdogs.

“They look the complete opposite to Sydney because Tatum has done a great job of moulding that team. They look they are playing together and for the coach. They are inspired right now and they’ve already beaten the Kings in Sydney only last month.

“This is going to be a really intriguing game.”

NBL SUNDAY BLOCKBUSTER:

SYDNEY KINGS VS ILLAWARRA HAWKS AT QUDOS BANK ARENA FROM 4PM (AEDT)

Originally published as NBL: Sydney Kings coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah faces uncertain future