Carlesimo goes to work for Sonics

While P.J. Carlesimo was waiting for his new team to take the Cox Pavilion floor Friday, the team he used to help coach was getting beat on opening day of the NBA Summer League.

Carlesimo, the former San Antonio Spurs assistant, had recently been hired by the Seattle SuperSonics, part of a whirlwind 72-hour stretch.

He was still working for the Spurs on Wednesday, then was named the Sonics' new coach Thursday, and he showed up in Las Vegas on Friday for the summer league.

"It happened so quick, I guess I haven't thought about it," Carlesimo said of his week while watching the Spurs fall to Philadelphia, 65-61. "But I'm leaving a great situation for another great situation. I'm thrilled and excited about the opportunity."

On Friday, he got a first-hand look at Kevin Durant, the team's top draft pick and second overall selection, along with Jeff Green, the No. 5 overall pick who Seattle acquired from Boston in the Ray Allen trade last week.

Carlesimo, who let assistant Ralph Lewis handle the team on the floor so he could observe from the stands, might have been the most popular person inside the gym. A steady stream of well-wishers came by, along with autographic-seeking fans.

"Being here will be good for me," Carlesimo said before the Sonics' 77-66 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. "I'm anxious to watch the rookies and the other guys. We're going to Utah (for the July 13-20 Rocky Mountain Revue), so between here and there, I should get a pretty good read on the new guys."

In five years with the Spurs, Carlesimo earned three championship rings, but he faces a rebuilding chore in Seattle.

• AMUNDSON STARS -- With Philadelphia coach Maurice Cheeks and general manager Billy King looking on, former UNLV star Louis Amundson gave the 76ers brass something to smile about.

Amundson, the 2007 D-League Rookie of the Year, had 16 points and 11 rebounds to help the Sixers defeat the Spurs in the summer league opener for both teams.

"It's good to be back here, and a game like this is good for my confidence," said Amundson, who began last season with the Colorado 14ers of the D-League and finished it with Philadelphia after being released by Utah. "I'm just trying to have fun, play as hard as I can and make a positive impression."

Former Bishop Gorman and Tennessee guard C.J. Watson had 13 points to lead the Spurs. Watson played last season in Italy and is signed with PAOK of Greece.