Oklahoma City Thunder sends coach Carlesimo packing

The Seattle Supersonics relocated to Oklahoma City looking for a new start.  Unfortunately, they haven’t been able to shake their losing ways now that they’re the OKC Thunder and late Friday head coach PJ Carlesimo paid the price.  In an apparent response to the team’s 1-12 start in their first year away from the Pacific Northwest, Carlesimo was fired late Friday night following the Thunder’s 105-80 home loss to the New Orleans Hornets.

Carlesimo was dismissed prior to the team’s flight to New Orleans for the road end of a “home and home” series with the Hornets.  He didn’t make the trip and Assistant Coach Scott Brooks was informed that he was now the interim head coach mid-flight.  Veteran assistant coach Paul Whitehead was also relieved of his duties.

Carlesimo coached Seattle last year before following the team to Oklahoma City prior to the start of the season.  He posted a 21-74 record in 95 games with the team.  His undoing this season wasn’t so much his record but the Thunder’s inability to be competitive in many of the losses.  The team has lost by an average of 12.9 points per game—worst in the NBA.  Only three of the team’s defeats this year have been by single digits.

Team executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti issued the following statement about Carlesimo’s dismissal:

"This was a very difficult decision to make. It is one that I felt was necessary at this time. I am very appreciative of the hard work and effort that P.J. gave to this team and we wish him the best in his future endeavors."

Despite the miserable start to the season, there’s certainly plenty of talent to build around in Oklahoma City led by 2007-2008 rookie of the year Kevin Durant.  Durant is a rare talent and will soon be a fixture on the NBA All Star team for years to come.  Small forward Jeff Green joined Durant on last year’s all rookie team and has proven to be a dependable secondary scoring threat.

Brooks will make his debut as interim head coach on Saturday night against the Hornets.  The team will be attempting to break a ten game losing streak dating back to November 5th.  He’s certainly got a lot of room for improvement—were it not for a 3 point home win over lowly Minnesota the Thunder would be winless for the season.