A decade has passed between these two chapters of separate organizations, but it’s hard to deny how similar the rebuilding processes are.
The 2008-09 season was the Thunder’s first year in their new confines of Oklahoma City following the controversial move from Seattle by owner Clay Bennett. However, it was hard to deny the talent that was present, which was spearheaded by a young Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
Following a horrific start, OKC fired P.J. Carlesimo and went to Scott Brooks. Little did they know that small change, plus natural progression from their young stars, would ignite the fire of a rapid ascent less than four years later.