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Oklahoma City Thunder: Top 5 Candidates To Replace Scott Brooks

By Gerald Bourguet

March 1, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks watches game action against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 1, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks watches game action against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 13, 2015; New York, NY, USA; U.S. Team head coach Alvin Gentry of the Golden State Warriors instructs during the second half against the World Team at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Alvin Gentry

If you’re looking for the most sure-fire bet to keep the Thunder competitive next season, Alvin Gentry is the safest option. It was only five years ago that he had the Phoenix Suns (surprisingly) in the Western Conference Finals, and if Jason Richardson hadn’t missed one boxout on Ron Artest, Steve Nash may have won a title that year.

That’s not the way the ball bounced and as the Suns dissembled, so too did Gentry’s reputation as a coach. But as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors this season, he’s found success and respect once again, two things he should never have had to earn back in the first place. If the Thunder are looking for a smooth and painless transition, Gentry represents the best choice.

Gentry has NBA head coaching experience, he has experience coaching in the playoffs and this would be his most talented roster he’s ever coached by far. Though he’s never been known as a defense-first coach, he’s probably picked up quite a few things working with Kerr and the NBA’s No. 1 ranked defense all season long.

There might be trepidation about hiring a “has-been,” someone who hasn’t gotten a head coaching gig since his time with the Suns. But that would be a mistake for a franchise that badly needs to hire someone who can handle this kind of high-pressure job. Gentry should be head coaching somewhere next season. Why not Oklahoma City?

Next: No. 1

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