The two got to know each other through basketball camps decades ago and grew closer when Carlesimo coached the Golden State Warriors.

"He was a guy who was very, very willing to share with the young coaches, spend time," Carlesimo said. "A great ambassador to the game."

--G Kevin Durant told Sporting News Today that the move from Seattle to Oklahoma City has been positive.

"I'm loving the Oklahoma City," Durant said. "I was just telling that to my teammates last night at dinner. It's a great town. It's quiet, the people are nice, the fans are unbelievable and that's what we need as a team. It goes a long way with us that the fans are there every day, whether we are winning or losing. I'm glad we made the move."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "That's the NBA. Everybody plays that type of schedule. That's not an excuse." -- Coach P.J. Carlesimo after a stretch of five games in seven nights ended with five losses.