The Los Angeles Lakers announced the hiring of two new assistant coaches on Wednesday, bringing in Scott Brooks and Nate McMillan, two seasoned professionals with a shared, albeit tumultuous, history.
Both Brooks and McMillan, former NBA head coaches and players, were central figures in a notable incident from the early 1990s.
Back then, Brooks was a point guard for the Houston Rockets, and McMillan was a guard for the Seattle SuperSonics. Their teams clashed in the Western Conference semifinals, and during one of the games in that series, a serious brawl erupted involving both Brooks and McMillan under the basket.
This altercation is remembered as one of the more intense moments of NBA playoff history.
RELATED: Klay Thompson’s Reason For Not Choosing Lakers Revealed In New Report
Now, 31 years later, these former rivals find themselves on the same coaching staff under new Lakers head coach JJ Redick. It’s a remarkable turn of events, demonstrating how time can heal old wounds and bring people together in unexpected ways.
At 59 and 58 years old, respectively, McMillan and Brooks have had ample time to move past their on-court altercation and focus on their extensive coaching careers.
Nate McMillan has an impressive coaching resume, having served as the head coach for the Seattle SuperSonics, Portland Trail Blazers, Indiana Pacers, and Atlanta Hawks. Over 19 seasons, he has compiled a record of 760-668 (.534). Scott Brooks also boasts significant head coaching experience, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder for seven seasons and the Washington Wizards for five. His career coaching record stands at 521-414 (.557) over 12 seasons.
JJ Redick, entering his first year as a head coach, will undoubtedly benefit from the extensive experience and knowledge that McMillan and Brooks bring to the Lakers.
Their presence provides a solid support system for Redick as he navigates his new role. Despite their past conflict, the professional and personal growth of both men promises a harmonious and productive coaching environment.
The Lakers’ decision to hire these two veterans underscores their commitment to building a strong and experienced coaching staff around Redick. With their combined decades of coaching and playing experience, Brooks and McMillan are poised to make significant contributions to the Lakers’ strategies and player development.
As the Lakers gear up for the upcoming season, the intriguing backstory of Brooks and McMillan adds an extra layer of depth to the team’s narrative.
Their reunion is a testament to the enduring nature of professional relationships and the ever-evolving dynamics of the NBA.
