P.J. Carlesimo

Lore & Background

Carlesimo served as head coach of four NBA teams and interim head coach of another. He was named Seton Hall University's 'Coach of the Century'. He was an assistant coach for the 1992 Olympic 'Dream Team' and for the San Antonio Spurs teams that won championships in 2003 and 2005.

In Their Own Story

The arena hummed with tension during a timeout in Game 7 of the first round. Carlesimo leaned over the bench, eyes locked on Jason Kidd, his voice cutting through the noise of the crowd. He pointed at the defensive rotations drawn on the clipboard, emphasizing that one mistake was all it took to lose history. The players nodded, wiping sweat from their brows, understanding this moment defined more than just a series.

Reader's Guide

Carlesimo coached Seton Hall from 1982 to 1994, leading them to their first Final Four in 1989. He coached the Portland Trail Blazers from 1994 to 1997, the Golden State Warriors from 1997 until December 1999, and the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder from 2007 until November 22, 2008. He was interim head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from December 27, 2012, to May 5, 2013.

Did You Know?

• Carlesimo was attacked by Latrell Sprewell during a Warriors practice in the 1997–98 season.
• He was the first head coach in Oklahoma City Thunder history.
• Carlesimo led the Nets to a 35–19 record as interim head coach in the lockout-shortened 2011–12 season.