Thunder-Lakers: Brooks gives, gets props

The Scott Brooks press conference to announce his winning the NBA coach of the year award was interesting. Brooks seemed genuinely humbled by the honor.

Brooks reeled off a long list of people he wanted to thank, starting with his family, the Thunder owners and general manager Sam Presti.

Brooks also thanked assistant coaches Maurice Cheeks, Ron Adams, Rex Kalamian, Mark Bryant and Brian Keefe, plus video coordinators Vin Bhavnani, Will Dawkins and Scott Simpson, and the medical staff.

Brooks thanked his players, and interestingly, Kevin Durant and Jeff Green showed up for the press conference. I’m sure they were asked to come by Thunder brass, but I’m also sure they had other things to do. Solid move on their part to come.

NBA BASKETBALL / NAME / NAMING: Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks and general manager Sam Presti pose with the Red Auerbach Trophy during a press conference at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on Wednesday, April 21, 2010. Scott Brooks was named the NBA Coach of the Year. By John Clanton, The Oklahoman ORG XMIT: KOD

Brooks thanked Jim Lynam, coach of the Philadelphia 76ers who in 1988 gave Brooks a chance at the Sixer roster. “Not too many coaches would take a chance a non-athletic, 5-foot-11 guy as a backup point guard,” Brooks said. “He gave me the chance to fulfill my dream.”