AP (SEATTLE)- As the run on coaches continues prior to the 2009 CelticsBlog draft, the Seattle Supersonics finally seem close to a decision, according to reports out of KeyArena.
Sonics general manager Hoyo de Monterrey was spotted in his luxury box at Safeco Field with former Celtics coach and current broadcaster Tommy Heinsohn, taking in a recent Mariners game. Sources say Heinsohn will be announced as the Sonics head coach on Monday.
Heinsohn won a pair of NBA championships as a head coach during his Celtics coaching career, and sports a lifetime record of 427-263. Heinsohn was the 1973 Coach of the Year with Boston.
Reactions are mixed to Heinsohn's hiring. Many Sonics fans like the hiring, pointing to the obvious franchise success. Heinsohn does hold the distinction of being the only man who had some hand in all 17 Celtics titles. However, some fans think the game has passed Heinsohn by. Responding to critics that say the 74-year-old Heinsohn is too old for today's game, Heinsohn simply responded, "Ask Kenny Mauer or Violet Palmer if I lack energy."
Heinsohn then challenged Sonics Community Relations Director Shawn Kemp to a game of one-on-one, and after forcing a bad shot from the Reignman, grabbed the rebound, threw an outlet to himself, hit the fastbreak layup, and gave himself a Tommy Point.