The Wizards coaching vacancy is heating up with rumored candidates like Jeff Hornacek and Mike Dantoni in the mix. However according to ESPN’s Marc Stein, former OKC coach Scott Brooks is the front-runner for the position and it makes perfect sense.
The Wizards, meanwhile, remain in pole position in the chase for Scotty Brooks with the Rockets still engaged in a playoff series
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) April 18, 2016
With Kevin Durant’s free agent summer on the horizon, it’s a wise move by the Wizards to pursue Durant’s former coach. KD and Brooks enjoyed a very close relationship during their time in OKC and experienced success, including a run to the NBA Finals.
Brooks already knows how to utilize Durant very well which was evident in Durant’s lone MVP season. However, Brooks was often criticized for his handling of Westbrook as he began to emerge as the 2nd star, but he will not have the same problem in Washington with the pass first John Wall at the helm.
Durant referred to Brooks as his friend and being forever grateful after Brooks’ firing, so there was definitely a strong bond between the two during his time in OKC. If the Wizards do hire Brooks, the roster of John Wall, Beal, Gortat and a rising young core, could prove to be very enticing to Durant. These factors along with the opportunity to play in his hometown, would be a competitive advantage for the Wizards during free agency this summer.