P.J. Carlesimo's career in basketball coaching spanned several decades, during which he became known for his roles in both collegiate and professional basketball. His journey in the NBA began when he took on the role of head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers in 1994. Carlesimo's tenure with the Trail Blazers lasted until 1997, during which he led the team to the playoffs each season. Despite these playoff appearances, the team did not advance past the first round, leading to his departure.
Following his time in Portland, Carlesimo joined the Golden State Warriors as head coach in 1997. His stint with the Warriors was challenging, as the team struggled to find success on the court. He remained with the Warriors until 1999, when he was relieved of his duties after a series of disappointing seasons.
Carlesimo's next opportunity came as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs, where he worked under the leadership of Gregg Popovich. This role proved to be a fruitful period in his career, as he was part of the coaching staff that helped guide the Spurs to three NBA championships in 2003, 2005, and 2007. His experience with the Spurs solidified his reputation as a knowledgeable and effective assistant coach.
In 2007, Carlesimo returned to a head coaching position with the Seattle SuperSonics, a team that would soon relocate and become the Oklahoma City Thunder. His time with the Thunder was short-lived, as he was dismissed early in the 2008-2009 season after the team struggled to find its footing.
Carlesimo continued his career as an assistant coach, joining the Toronto Raptors for the 2009-2010 season. He later moved to the New Jersey Nets, where he served as an assistant coach before being promoted to interim head coach in December 2012. Under his leadership, the team showed improvement and secured a playoff berth. However, the Nets decided not to retain him as head coach after the season concluded.
Throughout his career, Carlesimo was known for his defensive strategies and his ability to develop young talent. His coaching style was often described as intense and demanding, which sometimes led to friction with players. Despite these challenges, he remained a respected figure in the basketball community, known for his deep understanding of the game and his ability to adapt to various roles within a coaching staff.
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