Carlesimo Fired By Warriors

P.J. Carlesimo, whose tenure at Golden State was marked by the Latrell Sprewell choking episode two years ago, was fired Monday by the Warriors.

Carlesimo, whose coaching style was questioned both before and after the Dec. 1, 1997 attack, fell victim of his own poor record. In his third season with the Warriors, the team was 6-21--he second-worst mark in the league. He had an overall mark of 46-123 for a winning percentage of .289, the worst in franchise history.

“It’s been very difficult,” said General Manager Garry St. Jean, who took over as coach. “When you’ve got a situation in our profession where it isn’t working, there comes a point in time when a change is needed.”

St. Jean’s debut as Warrior coach didn’t go well. The Warriors lost to San Antonio, 105-83, as David Robinson scored 28 points.

Carlesimo’s dismissal comes with 2 1/2 years remaining on a reported five-year, $15 million contract.

St. Jean agreed to a multiyear contract encompassing the responsibilities of both jobs.

“I’ve committed to do this,” said St. Jean, a former NBA head coach. “I came here with the objective to get this thing going in the right direction. Obviously, it hasn’t gone like we all planned.”

Also fired was third-year assistant coach Bob Staak. Taking Staak’s place was Brian Winters, former head coach of the Vancouver.

Rod Higgins was the lone holdover, remaining as an assistant coach. Paul Westhead, another assistant under Carlesimo, was reassigned within the organization.

Carlesimo, who wasn’t available for comment, came to Golden State in June 1997 soon after being fired by Portland.