It's looking more likely that Mario Elie will be joining the Nets as an assistant coach whenever the lockout ends. Two weeks ago, David Aldridge first mentioned the possibility of the current Kings assistant coming east, and now Sacramento has hired two new assistants, Keith Smart and Bobby Jackson. Sam Amick of SI tweets that Smart will be replacing Elie.

A New York native, Elie won three NBA championships as a player, including one with Avery Johnson in 1999 with the Spurs. He's been an assistant coach with the Spurs, Warriors, Mavericks and Kings for a total of seven seasons, including one under Johnson in Dallas.

• Kings Add Keith Smart and Bobby Jackson to Coaching Staff - Sacramento Kings
• Kings add Jackson, Smart to coaching staff - Jason Jones - Sacramento Bee