OKLAHOMA CITY, August 14, 2009 – The Oklahoma City Thunder have added NBA coaching veterans Maurice Cheeks and Rex Kalamian as assistant coaches it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti.
“We are thrilled to add Maurice and Rex to our coaching staff,” said Thunder Head Coach Scott Brooks. “They bring a wealth of NBA experience and solid work ethic that will help our players continued development.”
The Thunder retained Assistant Coach Ron Adams, Assistant Coach/Player Development Mark Bryant and Assistant Coach/Player Development Brian Keefe from last year’s staff.
Cheeks, who brings 30 years of NBA experience to the Thunder bench, was most recently the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers (2005-2008). He compiled a 284-286 (.498) record as a head coach with Philadelphia and Portland. Prior to taking the helm of the Blazers, Cheeks spent seven seasons as an assistant coach with the 76ers. Cheeks, who spent 15 seasons as an NBA point guard, helped the 76ers advance to the NBA Playoffs 10 times in 11 seasons and was a member of the Philadelphia’s 1983 NBA Championship. During his playing career Cheeks was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive team five times (First Team 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986; Second Team 1987) and played in four NBA All-Star games (1983, 1986, 1987, and 1988). The Chicago native retired in 1993 as the NBA’s all-time leader in assists.
Kalamian, a 15-year coaching veteran, most recently held the position of assistant coach with the Sacramento Kings during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons. Prior to joining the Kings, Kalamian spent two years as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves and one season with the Denver Nuggets. The bulk of Kalamian’s NBA experience was gained during nine seasons with the LA Clippers. During his stint in Los Angeles Kalamian held various positions starting in the scouting department and working his way to the bench in 1995.
Below is a full list of the Thunder’s coaching staff for the 2009-10 season.Head Coach:
Scott Brooks, UC IrvineAssistant Coaches: Ron Adams, Fresno Pacific, Fresno State Maurice Cheeks, West Texas State Rex Kalamian, Cal Poly Mark Bryant, Seton Hall Brian Keefe, UNLV