Reggie Theus is one of the fortunate ones. He still has a job. He also has health insurance, a nice car and a nicer car, and homes in Northern and Southern California.

What he lacks is security.

Entering his second season, Theus, still boyish after all those losses is guaranteed a paycheck for the duration of 2008-09, but subject to a club option for the third and final year of his deal. If he succeeds this season, the Kings will exercise the option and possibly offer an extension during the offseason.

And if he falters? There will be no sympathy bailout. This is a decent opportunity and a good job, if not a particularly easy one. Theus should come out of this with his mortgages covered.

With the Western Conference not nearly as formidable as in recent seasons, a reasonable expectation for the Kings is this: They compete for a playoff berth while implementing a distinct, discernible style and cut back on the player-coach theatrics.

Last season's victory total (38) was, in fact, fairly amazing considering the Kings ranked near the bottom in assists, rebounds and most significant defensive categories. The major sticking point, of course, was the assist-to-turnover ratio.

Theus, though still admittedly conflicted between an up-tempo game and "smash-mouth" basketball, understands the situation. He won the job only after campaigning exhaustively and convincing GM Geoff Petrie and Maloof family owners of the Kings that he was in accord with the style-of-play issue.

His rookie mistakes decreased by the game. Uncertainty about his job security nonetheless will linger. The first losing streak invariably ignites the chatter for coaches with one-year deals.

"I can't worry about next year," Theus said "I just want to do a good job so Geoff and the Maloofs want me back."