Connelly, a former Washington Wizards assistant, will take the reins and be tasked with turning Sydney's season around. They have won just three games from 12 attempts in 2015.

Connelly was brought into the Kings set-up from the US two weeks ago as the specialist assistant coach because of Cotter's unfavourable results in the previous 12 months. With Cotter at the helm, Sydney have lost 16 of their last 19 games.

It appeared Cotter was on thin ice when Connelly was signed in his assistant's role, with the appointment seeming to indicate an unhappy board was making sure it had another experienced coach ready to take over the top job when the time was right.

Given the Kings have a nine-day break between games, the Kings saw this week as the perfect time to tell Cotter his services were no longer required.

Another two losses - to the New Zealand Breakers and then to Illawarra - all but sealed Cotter's fate. If the expression on Cotter's face after the six-point loss to the Hawks was anything to go by, the beleaguered coach knew his time was up.

Cotter, who did not return Fairfax Media's calls on Sunday, wrote on Twitter that he appreciated the kind words he had heard in the wake of his sacking

"Thanks to all for the positive comments & the support over last few years," Cotter wrote. "Everybody needs to get behind the lads going forward."

In a statement released on Saturday night the Kings said: "Damian is a quality individual with great commitment and character, however with the Kings languishing at the bottom of the NBL ladder with a 3-9 win/loss record, the club decided that a change now was in the best interest of both the club and Damian. The club thanks Damian for his commitment to the organisation and will continue to engage with him regarding his future."

Cotter's sacking drew criticism from a number of high-profile basketballers, including former Kings coach and Australian star Shane Heal.

"Has Kings Chairman Phil Hudson had 5 GMs & 4 coaches in his 6th season running the club? Is this right? 1 playoff?" Heal tweeted.

Andrew Bogut labelled the sacking a "horrible decision", while Kings import Josh Childress also tweeted his displeasure, saying: "It's extremely disappointing to have this happen. @damiancotter is a good coach and a good man."

Although Childress is quite close with Connelly, the dismissal of Cotter could well be a decision that does not sit well with the playing group who on many occasions have tried to shoulder the blame for their poor performances.