Joerger: Timberwolves job 'interesting,' but focused on Kings

When asked about his interest regarding a potential future opening with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings head coach Dave Joerger didn't exactly slam the door on the idea, but did say he's focused on his current team.

"Obviously I'm a Minnesota kid, so it's interesting," Joerger said, according to NBC's James Ham. "But at the same time, my focus is right here, right now. I mean, we're having a great time with our guys. We're watching them grow every day. I feel like I've worked my tail off."

In addition to being a Minnesota native, Joerger has a history with the Timberwolves. In 2014, he interviewed twice for their head coaching vacancy and reportedly turned down an offer from owner Glen Taylor to instead stay with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Joerger was known to be close with the late Flip Saunders, whose son Ryan was named interim coach in the wake of Tom Thibodeau's firing Sunday.

After an unexpected solid start to the season, Joerger's Kings have gone 2-6 in their last eight games. Still, he believes Sacramento can stay in the playoff conversation in the Western Conference.

"We have an identity, and we're giving ourselves a chance to be in the playoff race," he said. "I think every coach and every player, that's all they ever want in their careers, is an opportunity to be in the playoffs, and that's really where my mindset is now."

Joerger's current contract with the Kings expires after next season.