The Oklahoma City Thunder are reportedly preparing to evaluate Scott Brooks as their head coach of the future. Brooks has one more year on his guaranteed contract with the Thunder before they hold an option on his contract in 2016-17.
Adam Zagoria of SNY.tv reports that the Thunder are now offering serious consideration to UConn head coach Kevin Ollie to replace Brooks:
Kevin Ollie, who led the UConn Huskies to their fourth NCAA championship in 2014, is being “seriously considered” for the Oklahoma City head coaching job, a source close to the situation told SNY.tv.
Ollie teamed with Thunder stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City and remains close with GM Sam Presti. Ollie is considered to be one of the keys to convincing Durant to remain in Oklahoma City after he enters free agency in 2016, the source said.
Ollie signed an extension with UConn after winning the national title in 2014. His deal reportedly carries a $5 million buyout, which may or may not be worth it to the Thunder if they truly feel hiring Ollie would help retain Durant in 2016. Durant and Ollie have a relationship from their time as teammates on the Thunder in 2009-10.
The Thunder missed the playoffs for the first time in six seasons after a slew injuries and a hellish battle for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Even if Ollie might be the first step towards keeping Durant for the future, which is the clear priority, there’s no guaranteeing that the transition for Ollie on the sideline will be seamless. His learning curve could have an adverse affect on the Thunder, which would make this move look foolish in hindsight.
Nevertheless, taking a chance on Ollie seems to be a legitimate consideration for OKC.
