Presti: Jackson, Van Gundy Rumors Are `Rubbish'

OKC's Sam Presti denied any rumors that Phil Jackson or Jeff Van Gundy could be the next coach for the Thunder.

Monday, June 25th 2012, 11:16 am

By: News 9


Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager Sam Presti says he considers reports that Phil Jackson or Jeff Van Gundy could be the next coach of the OKC Thunder to be "rubbish."

Presti said Sunday that discussing a new contract with coach Scott Brooks is at the top of the Thunder's list of priorities. Brooks led Oklahoma City to the NBA Finals last season, but his current contract runs out at the end of the month.

06/24/12 Related Story: Thunder Players and Coaches Reflect On The Past Season

Presti said he considers Brooks "an integral part of our organization and critical to our success." He added that the Thunder wouldn't be where they're at now without Brooks.

Brooks was promoted to head coach early in the 2008-09 season and has overseen a steady development of the team into a championship contender.

Before joining the Thunder organization, Brooks spent the 2006-07 season working as an assistant coach with the Sacramento Kings. His NBA coaching career began with the Denver Nuggets, where he served as an assistant coach under George Karl from 2003-06.

Coach Brooks enjoyed an 11-year (1988-99) playing career in the NBA, appearing in 680 regular season games with Philadelphia, Minnesota, Houston, Dallas, New York, Cleveland and the Los Angeles Clippers. Brooks' teams advanced to the postseason six of his 11 NBA seasons, and in 1994, he was a member of the NBA Champion Houston Rockets.

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