Scott Brooks said he expects to remain head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, the same day a report surfaced that said the organization will evaluate him before making that decision.
"I expect to be the coach," Brooks told assembled media during exit interviews Thursday, the day after the Thunder were eliminated from postseason contention. "I expect to be the coach here next season."
The oft-criticized Brooks has the luxury of a Thunder season decimated by injuries in his corner, and conceded that speculation is part of the job.
"In the business of sports, there's always going to be speculation," he said. "You have to be able to do your job regardless of what is out there. I'm proud to be here. I'm excited about the talent that we have here."
Brooks has coached the Thunder since December 2008, leading them to five straight postseason appearances before this year. They reached the NBA Finals in 2012.
Brooks said the Thunder's chemistry improved during the season, specifically referring to the trade deadline deal that moved Reggie Jackson - notably unpopular in the OKC locker room - for Enes Kanter and Kyle Singler.
"At times the chemistry was bad," Brooks said. "We made some changes and things improved."
However, the Thunder couldn't overcome severe injuries to Kevin Durant and Serge Ibaka in a hyper-competitive Western Conference. They missed the postseason with a 45-37 record, a number that would have them seeded sixth in the Eastern Conference.
Durant backed Brooks - one of only two NBA head coaches he's had - on Thursday. "He rallied us, made sure we were all emotionally stable," Durant said.
