Scott Brooks: Coach of the Year

After winning the award — and doing so deservedly — the question now becomes, Will Scott Brooks survive the C.O.Y. jinx? Thunder fans (and Brooks himself) certainly hope so. From the Oklahoman: “Is there an NBA Coach of the Year jinx? Nine of the last 14 Coaches of the Year were fired, resigned or retired within two years of winning the award. Ten didn’t make it past three seasons. Two of the other four winners, Doc Rivers in Orlando and Del Harris in 1999 with the Lakers, were fired early in their fourth season after winning the award. ‘Can we enjoy this moment first before we talk about the history of the Coach of the Year award,’ Thunder coach Scott Brooks said, laughing. The only two Coaches of the Year to have sustained success with the same organization the past 15 years were Gregg Popovich (Spurs) and Pat Riley (Heat).”