The Oklahoma City Thunder relieved head coach Scott Brooks of his duties on Wednesday afternoon, following seven years with the team.
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Brooks compiled a record of 338-207 with the team, and took OKC to five playoff appearances—including an NBA Finals appearance in 2012. However, the team seemed to have plateaued under his leadership, and he came under fire from critics for what many perceived to be an uninspired offensive strategy.
The Thunder clearly made this move with an eye toward Kevin Durant’s impending 2016 free agency. Presumably they will let KD play an integral advisory role in the forthcoming coaching search, in the hopes of creating a pleasing situation that’d make him more likely to return on a new deal.
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In terms of searching for a replacement for Brooks, no one coaching candidate has emerged above the pack. The Thunder were reportedly interested in UConn’s head coach Kevin Ollie, but Ollie told the media he had no intention of leaving Storrs. Florida Gators coach Billy Donovan is said to be eyeing a move to the NBA level. If so, he’ll surely be a name OKC will vet.
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