The Sydney Kings have parted ways with head coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah, the NBL team announced on Friday.
Abdelfattah just completed the first season of the two-year deal he signed ahead of the 2023-24 NBL season, finishing with a 13-15 record. The Kings' season officially came to an end on Wednesday evening after falling to the New Zealand Breakers in a play-in qualifier.
The Kings informed Abdelfattah of their decision on Thursday, sources told ESPN.
There were high hopes for Abdelfattah, 35, going into the Kings' goal to three-peat as NBL champions, but the franchise endured a volatile season -- finishing fifth on the ladder, as a bottom-two defence -- en route to an early exit from the play-in tournament.
"This was an extremely difficult decision to make - however, we have an obligation to our members and fans and felt a change was needed," Kings CEO Chris Pongrass said.
"We would like to thank Mahmoud for his contributions to the Kings organisation and the Sydney community as a whole. He is a well-respected and talented coach and it was a pleasure to work alongside him this season.
"Mahmoud's character, work ethic and constant positive outlook cannot be questioned. We are grateful for everything he has done this season and for the impact he made on this club. We thank Mahmoud for his commitment this past season."
Abdelfattah had joined the Kings after serving as an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets. Prior to that, he won an NBA G-League Championship as head coach of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
A disconnect began to form between Abdelfattah and the Kings' playing group around the midway point of the season, sources said. The Kings didn't string back-to-back wins together from Round 7 onwards, which was on Nov. 12.
The Kings have had internal discussions about the prospect of Brian Goorjian taking over as head coach, sources said. Goorjian recently turned down the Adelaide 36ers' head coach position.
Going into free agency, the Kings have Alex Toohey (Next Star), Jaylin Galloway, Angus Glover, DJ Hogg (mutual option), and Makuach Maluach (team option) contract for next season. Galloway has significant NBA interest, sources said. There's the potential for him to be on an NBA roster in some capacity next season instead of with the Kings.