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| Photo by Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports |
The Oklahoma City Thunder have fired Scott Brooks. Sam Presti, Thunder GM, released a statement about this (you can find the whole statement in the first link) and this stuck out, “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.”
Who buys this? If KD and crew were on the court more, and OKC was in the playoffs, would a transition be necessary? Part of this is Sam Presti saying what you SHOULD say and another part is a guy like Kevin Ollie appeals to players MORE than Brooks did.
When a team puts all their money and effort into going all the way and they don’t make the playoffs, changes come as fast as cheetahs running through the African terrain. That’s understandable. Injuries were a factor, but the Thunder still should’ve made the playoffs. Russell Westbrook nearly willed them there with an incredible run. It came down to the last game of the season and they had to get the W and the New Orleans Pelicans had to lose. Didn’t happen!
It’s too bad. Scott Brooks is an awesome coach who will find work elsewhere. The players were behind him, but the Oklahoma City Thunder feel they can grab someone who better fits their squad.
Billy Donovan and Kevin Ollie appear to be the early front runners for the OKC job. Kevin Ollie would appeal to the players highly. Ollie played with KD and Westbrook. While Brooks played, he was in a different era than Ollie really.
Kevin Ollie is younger, heck he could probably even suit up and practice with the Thunder! Since OKC’s big two have played with him, they would have that instant connection. Kevin Ollie was a solid ball player too. Surely coaching in the college ranks has prepared him for an NBA job.
Break out the worlds smallest violin, Scott Brooks. Your time with the Thunder is no more. Maybe the Magic or some other opportunity await you! Bring on Kevin Ollie!