The Thunder filled is its assistant coaching vacancy with Ron Adams, a former college head coach with a defensive mindset who owns 17 years of NBA coaching and management experience. Adams comes to Oklahoma City from the Chicago Bulls, whom he served as a special assignments scout.
The hire is expected to be announced today, and Adams will be on the bench for tonight's game against Denver. Adams served as an assistant under former Bulls coach Scott Skiles before Chicago general manager John Paxson moved Adams into a scouting role under new coach Vinny Del Negro. Adams also spent time as an assistant in Milwaukee, San Antonio and Philadelphia and was a player-personnel scout for Portland.
Adams began his coaching career at his alma mater, Fresno Pacific, and coached at the University of Cal-Santa Barbara, Fresno State and UNLV.
SCOUTING GOLDEN STATE
The Warriors had seven players score in double figures in a 112-102 win over the Thunder earlier this month. Andris Biedrins scored 17 points and grabbed 21 rebounds.
"We've been doing a pretty good job rebounding except for (giving up) offensive rebounds," said Desmond Mason. "Against a team like this, even their smalls will crash the boards. Biedrins, that's what he does. He scores a little on offense, but he's relentless on the offensive boards."
WEAVER IN MIX
Rookie guard Kyle Weaver has averaged 3.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists, and averaged 15 minutes in three games since joining the rotation.
"He's a smart defender," Brooks said. "He knows how to put himself in the right position. He's a long athlete who uses his hands well and anticipates well.
"One thing he's learning as he goes is it's a physical league. You might get that call in college, but you're not getting that same type of respect. But he's a smart kid who picks up things pretty quickly."
FAST BREAK
Nenad Krstic will wear No. 12. ... To make room for Krstic the Thunder waived backup center Steve Hill, who played in only one game. ... Joe Smith (leg contusion) did not practice Tuesday but is expected to return tonight after sitting out Monday's game. ... Nick Collison's fractured thumb was hit in Monday's game. The thumb was sore on Tuesday, and it's unlikely Collison will play tonight.
