NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder Head Coach Scott Brooks fired after 7 years in charge
The Oklahoma City Thunder organisation has decided to part ways with their Head Coach Scott Brooks after seven seasons. With the team’s most recent disastrous season, there were numerous reports coming out at the end of the regular season of Brooks’ firing, however there wasn’t any confirmation.
But, on Wednesday morning, the team issued a statement:
“This is an extremely difficult decision on many levels. Scott helped establish the identity of the Thunder and has earned his rightful place in the history of our organization through his seven years as a valued leader and team member,” said Sam Presti, Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager.
“As we all know, this past year we had unique and challenging circumstances and as I have conveyed, not many people could have accomplished what Scott and this team were able to. Therefore, it is very important to state that this decision is not a reflection of this past season, but rather an assessment of what we feel is necessary at this point in time in order to continually evolve, progress and sustain.
“We determined that, in order to stimulate progress and put ourselves in the best position next season and as we looked to the future, a transition of this kind was necessary for the program. We move forward with confidence in our foundation and embrace the persistence and responsibility that is required to construct an elite and enduring basketball organization capable of winning an NBA championship in Oklahoma City.”
“We have a deep appreciation for all that Scott has contributed to the Thunder organization over the last seven years,” said Clayton I. Bennett, Thunder Chairman. “He helped us build the foundation of this team and led us to much success. While a very hard decision, I support the need to transition to a new coach that will allow us to continue the growth and progress that will help us reach all of our goals. We wish Scott and his family only the best as he moves forward.”
The Thunder will initiate the search for a new head coach immediately.
Brooks took over the job as an interim Head Coach on April 15, 2007 and has a record of 338-207 (a win rate of .620). With the likes of All-Stars Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, Brooks led the team to the 2012 NBA Finals and three of the last four Western Conference Finals (2011, 2012 and 2014). He was named the 2009-10 NBA Coach of the Year and also was the Coach of the West All-Stars on two occasions – 2012 and 2014.
Sam Presti has made it quite clear that the recently concluded season had no effect on the decision on the organisation. The team has reached the Conference Finals so many times, but has lacked something that has resulted in the team having no NBA title to show off.
With the management opting for a change in coach, we wait and see if it is the right decision and if the Thunder can win the NBA Championship.