Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

Beloved OKC Thunder assistant coach Royal Ivey headed to Knicks

By Alex Mcewen

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 23: Actor Rob Lowe high fives Royal Ivey of the Oklahoma City Thunder before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 23, 2012 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 23: Actor Rob Lowe high fives Royal Ivey of the Oklahoma City Thunder before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 23, 2012 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Two OKC Thunder coaches (one existing and one former) landed new jobs with Royal Ivey heading to the Knicks and Monty Williams to the 76ers.

The OKC Thunder lost one of their most respected assistant coaches in Royal Ivey over the weekend. Ivey heads to New York City to join David Fizdale‘s coaching staff on the Knicks. The move is not surprising considering Ivey will be taking on a larger role with the Knicks. Also of note, Ivey is a Queens native.

Ivey began his coaching career with the OKC Blue in 2014 and made his jump to the NBA during the 2016-17 season.

Royal Ivey retired from playing after a total of 11 seasons in the NBA. Appearing in 492 games with Atlanta (188), Milwaukee (93), Philadelphia (150), and Oklahoma City (61). Ivey finished with career averages of 3.3 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.

Furthermore, when Ivey returned to the Thunder as an assistant coach Sam Presti seemed emotionally moved during his press conference. Presti is one of the most poised individuals I have ever seen, the emotion he showed over Ivey depicts Royal’s level of character.

Royal Ivey touched more than just OKC Thunder players and management he was popular around local media as well. Hence Thunder reporter Travis Singleton’s heartfelt message to Ivey via Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjihSu6labq/

Losing another vital veteran

More from Thunderous Intentions

The OKC Thunder lost two well-respected voices within the organization this summer, first Nick Collison announced his retirement and now Ivey is headed to the Eastern Conference. Ivey had not been with the team nearly as long as Collison, however, Ivey played for the team during its infancy stages.

In his retirement essay, Collison mentioned Royal Ivey, stating “Ivey is like a brother to me.”  Collison played with many teammates, his praise for Ivey is yet another example of who Ivey was as a player. With that said, the Thunder will undoubtedly miss Collison’s leadership and Ivey’s mentorship.

Old faces new places

If former Thunder backup center and fan favorite Enes Kanter decides to pick up his player option or sign an extension with the Knicks he will reunite with his former assistant coach. However, Thunder assistant Mark Bryant worked primarily with the bigs while Ivey worked with the guards and wings. Making it unclear if Kanter and Ivey have a relationship.

Monty Williams returns to sidelines:

On a different note, another former OKC Thunder assistant coach Monty Williams is making his official return to coaching as the top assistant in Philadelphia. It is the same role Williams held with the OKC Thunder prior to his wife Ingrid Williams tragic passing. Ingrid’s death was the result of an auto accident, occurring on February, 9th, 2016.

After the devastating ordeal, Williams and his five children relocated to San Antonio, where Ingrid’s parents reside. Monty Williams has popped in and out of Spurs practices, despite Gregg Popovich‘s sour demeanor, he tends to have a soft spot for his former players.

Williams played for Popovich and the Spurs from 1995-98 playing in 154 games over three seasons.

In conclusion, Thunder Nation and the entire TI team wishes Ivey nothing but the best on his next journey. His impact on the Thunder will be remembered much longer than his actual time spent in Oklahoma City. Likewise, TI extends the same messages to Williams as he begins a new journey in Philadelphia. It will be wonderful to see Monty back on the sideline next season.

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