Carlesimo Expects the Team to Be Different in OKC, But Not Necessarily Any Better

More immortal goodness from the Oklahoma City pro basketball club. It's no secret that last season was not the ideal working conditions for Sonics players and coaches. They denied it, claimed they just focused on doing their job on the court. But head coach P.J. Carlesimo will now face the day and acknowledge that yes, the drama did creep into the locker room. From The Oklahoman:

"It was not an ideal working situation, in my opinion, from the players' standpoint. Just the uncertainty that was hovering, the fact that we all came in new, what had gone on in previous years before we got here. There was so much swirling around. It was very uncomfortable."

Here's the punchline: P.J. will tell you that a less hectic 2007-08 wouldn't have made a difference in the team's record: "I don't think we lost games last year because of the situation that we found ourselves in." There you have, the coach of last year's Sonics thinks that squad just plain sucked, and isn't afraid to say it. So what about next season? Carlesimo's hedging his bets on that one. They're not "going to win X more games" but he anticipates "a difference." One that isn't necessarily reflected in wins and losses, but in the heart and soul of players and fans alike.

This is the same guy who recently exclaimed that the move was "the best thing that's ever happened to our basketball franchise and basketball team." If I lived within striking distance of that brave state, I'd rent a helicopter, make my way to Sonics headquarters, and ask P.J. exactly what was so "best" about the move, if last season wasn't marred by controversy, and the next one won't see marked improvements. Again, I guess I just don't appreciate the little things, like how much niftier life in Oklahoma City will be for Kevin Durant, or how badly that longstanding franchise needed a shot in the arm.

P.J. is also a big fan of unnecessary head transplants, but that's strictly top-secret for now.

This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.