When the Oklahoma City Thunder’s season ended unexpectedly last week, rumors immediately circulated that head coach Scott Brooks might not be around for much longer. Those rumors have been confirmed by the team in a press release issued Wednesday afternoon, the full text of which is reprinted here:
"“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.”"
"Brooks was named head coach of the Thunder on April 15, 2009 after serving as interim head coach during the 2008-09 campaign. Over the course of the last seven seasons, Brooks accumulated a 338-207 (.620) record with the Thunder and was named the 2009-10 NBA Coach of the Year. An NBA veteran of over 24 years as a head coach, assistant and player, Brooks helped guide the Thunder to three appearances in the Western Conference Finals (2011, 2012, 2014), and a trip to the 2012 NBA Finals.“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 move is both perplexing and not completely surprising. Brooks’ tenure with OKC has been mixed, finding regular season and limited postseason success that has often been derailed by injury. That was the case this year, as Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka (among many others) missed significant playing time.
However, Brooks has long been seen as an obstacle to the Thunder’s success. While his track record of developing talent has been exemplary, critics have pointed (perhaps unfairly) that he might not be capable of delivering the team to its ultimate goal of a championship. It looks like the Thunder have decided to move on from Brooks and place their hopes in someone else’s hands.
Perhaps what makes the move so surprising is that the superstar trio of Durant, Westbrook and Ibaka have all been publicly supportive of Brooks in recent days. They acknowledged that injury (and not Brooks’ perceived failings) was the cause of this season’s and past years’ shortcomings.
Ultimately, it seems as though Thunder GM Sam Presti and the ownership group was willing to make a change that might upset players. There is no doubt that Durant’s upcoming free agency has changed the direction the team is moving in, making roster moves that translate into a “win-now” mentality. Trades to acquire Dion Waiters, Enes Kanter and others – at the cost of once-valued draft picks – would indicate this, as is the firing of a well-respected coach like Brooks.
Yahoo Sports Adrian Wojnarowski, who first reported the firing via Twitter, added that Brooks is likely to be a candidate for vacant coaching positions:
Brooks will immediately become a top candidate for the openings in Orlando and Denver, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 22, 2015
As for the Thunder, as per the release, the team will “initiate the search for a head coach immediately.”
Check back with Thunderous Intentions for additional coverage of Brooks’ termination and possible replacement.
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