Scott Brooks hasn’t coached in a year, but that’s all likely to change come this summer. You’d imagine the former Thunder coach will have his options.
Now, we know one of them, courtesy of The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski:
After the dismissal of coach Randy Wittman, the Washington Wizards have significant interest in pursuing former Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks, league sources told The Vertical.
The Wizards fired Wittman, their coach of the last four-and-a-half years, at the season’s conclusion Wednesday evening. Wojnarowski doesn’t just stop at naming Brooks, though.
Wizards make it official on Randy Wittman dismissal: pic.twitter.com/WLT36ckrdj
— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) April 14, 2016
According to his report, Washington will also consider Jeff Hornacek and Mike D’Antoni. Brooks, meanwhile, has opportunities in Minnesota and Houston.
Brooks may have been the NBA’s most criticized coach during his time in Oklahoma City, but those critiques weren’t always warranted. No, he didn’t have the most imaginative crunch-time offense, but there’s more to coaching than just calling plays during the final few minutes of close games.
He oversaw the development of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant — and don’t underestimate Westbrook’s progression, specifically. Russ didn’t have to end up like this, especially if a coach over-handled him or moved him out of the point guard spot before he become fully comfortable with the position.
It wasn’t just the stars, either. Brooks helped Serge Ibaka, who always had loads of defensive potential, actualize his abilities on D. He watched Steven Adams grow. Reggie Jackson, too.
In the end, Brooks finished his seven years in OKC with a 338-207 record. He helped the Thunder to one NBA Finals appearance and three Western Conference Finals showings during that time.
The Wizards have their own group of younger players, though they’re not necessarily underdeveloped. Brooks could certainly be an asset in helping them evolve, too.
