The much-rumored firing of Scott Brooks came to reality in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, which means the Nuggets have a high-profile coach in the mix for their opening.
Brooks is no stranger to the Mile High City as he was an assistant under then-Nuggets coach George Karl from 2003-06. He spent one season as an assistant in Sacramento after that, and then was hired by the Seattle SuperSonics — which later became the Thunder.
He’s also no stranger to playing the up-tempo style the Nuggets are looking for their new coach to implement. The Thunder, led by superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, were annually one of the quickest and highest-scoring teams in the NBA under Brooks.
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Orlando is reported to be very interested in Brooks, who had a .620 winning percentage in seven seasons leading the Thunder. Brooks led Oklahoma City to five playoff appearances, three times to the Western Conference Finals, and once to the NBA Finals. He was named the NBA Coach of the Year for his work during the 2009-10 season. Brooks has a working relationship with Orlando general manager Rob Hennigan, who worked under Thunder general manager Sam Presti in a stint with the Thunder.
In recent seasons Brooks had come under increasing pressure to deliver an NBA title the team flirted with in 2012. This past season Oklahoma City was devastated by injuries.
The Nuggets are also believed to have interest in former NBA coach Mike D’Antoni, current Golden State assistant Alvin Gentry and Florida coach Billy Donovan. They will also formally interview Melvin Hunt, who served as the team’s interim head coach after Brian Shaw was fired March 3.
Nuggets general manager Tim Connelly has said the Nuggets will be thorough and take their time to hire a new coach but would like to have someone in place before the NBA draft June 25.
Christopher Dempsey: cdempsey@denverpost.com or
