Smart's contract extended by Kings

SACRAMENTO, March 5 (UPI) -- The Sacramento Kings announced Monday they had extended the contract of Coach Keith Smart through the 2012-13 season.

"Keith has done a terrific job of taking control of the direction of the team," said Geoff Petrie, the team's president of basketball operations. "He is active, engaged and working hard to develop our young players along with a complimentary style of play."

Smart began the current season as an assistant coach under Paul Westphal, but became the head coach when Westphal was fired after a 2-5 start.

The Kings had a 10-20 record under Smart going into Monday's road game against Denver.

Smart was released as Golden State head coach at the end of the 2010-11 season, during which the Warriors went 36-46.