Originally published September 27, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified September 27, 2007 at 4:31 PM

Sonics add Westhead to coaching staff

Six days before the start of training camp, the Sonics put the finishing touches on their coaching staff with the signing of assistant Paul Westhead this morning.

By Percy Allen

Seattle Times staff reporter

Six days before the start of training camp, the Sonics put the finishing touches on their coaching staff with the signing of assistant Paul Westhead this morning.

Terms of the deal were not immediately available for the the former Phoenix Mercury coach, who led the WNBA team to its first league title on Sept. 16.

"We are extremely fortunate to have Paul Westhead join our coaching staff," Sonics coach P.J. Carlesimo said in a statement. "He will be a great resource to our talented players, and also to his fellow coaches."

Westhead, 68, joins assistants Scott Brooks, Mark Bryant and Ralph Lewis.

"I'm happy to join the Sonics staff," Westhead said in a statement. "P.J. and I have worked together and known each other for many years and I'm thankful for the opportunity."

Westhead was a member of Carlesimo's staff in Golden State from 1997-99. He has also been an assistant in Orlando following head coaching stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago and Denver. Westhead guided the Lakers to the 1980 NBA championship and is the only coach to win titles in the NBA and WNBA.

Before his professional career, Westhead spent 18 years as a college head coach, compiling a 285-223 record. He coached at Loyola Marymount from 1985-90 and led the Lions to three consecutive NCAA appearances, including a trip to the Elite Eight in 1990. Westhead also coached at LaSalle and George Mason.

The Sonics will hold a Media Day on Monday and training camp begins Tuesday.

Note

Sonics swingman Kevin Durant signed an endorsement deal with Gatorade, making the No. 2 overall pick the first NBA rookie to partner with the sports drink company. Terms of the deal were not immediately available.

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