After an injury-ridden 45-37 season for the Oklahoma City Thunder which led to them missing the playoffs under coach Scott Brooks, the Oklahoma City Thunder have decided axe Scott Brooks only one week into the offseason. General Manager Sam Presti made it clear that this firing is not due to the past season, but for the long-term success of the franchise.
To most people, this is a move that should have been made a long time ago. This is not a move that should surprise anybody. Brooks is a solid head coach, but he should be working with a team who is rebuilding rather than a team who is trying to win a championship. The players on the Thunder made Brooks look like a better coach. He simply was not the best fit.
More than likely, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook had a say in the firing. Arguably, this was a move to help keep Durant past next season. They both had a great relationship with Brooks on and off the court, but it was not going to get them to where they want to be. That is how the NBA is. It is a business. Regardless of relationships, if the job is not done, changes are going to be made.
Luckily for Brooks, he will find another job as a head coach. He is expected to be a serious candidate for both the Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic head coaching positions. He is a perfect fit for both of those teams. Both organizations are in the rebuilding process, and his experience and leadership could help these young teams develop at a faster rate. Expect a hiring in about a week or two.
For the Thunder, their new coach could be coming from the college level. University of Connecticut head coach Kevin Ollie and Florida head coach Billy Donovan have been on the Thunder’s radar for quite some time. Even though Ollie did play with the Thunder and has great relationships with the players, he is expected to remain in Connecticut. It seems that Donovan will get the job in the end. He has been itching to coach at the NBA level, and a chance to coach some of the best talents is an opportunity that cannot be passed up.
Both sides should continue to do well after this firing. The organization has a great chance to succeed, and Brooks will find another job.
