Mo Cheeks Takes Coaching Job with Thunder

Mo Cheeks, the former head coach for both the Portland Trail Blazers and the Philadelphia 76ers, has accepted a coaching job with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Cheeks will serve as an assistant coach under head coach Scott Brooks.

As a head coach, Cheeks had a combined record of 284-286. After he was fired last season, the Sixers were able to battle back and qualify for the 2009 NBA Playoffs. In the postseason, they gave the Orlando Magic a run for their money in the first round.

Also recently hired as an assistant coach for the Thunder was Rex Kalamian. Kalamian was an assistant coach for the Kings in the last three seasons. He’s also been an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Although the Thunder had a record of 23-59 last season, Oklahoma City appears to have a bright future. Kevin Durant is a stud, Jeff Green is a very good building piece and Russell Westbrook emerged as a good point guard prospect as a rookie last season. As soon as the 2009-10 NBA season, the Thunder could make a push for the playoffs.

Mo Cheeks - Oklahoma City Thunder (Image: Zuma Press)