Good news! Billy Donovan said he would be returning to Thunders, and we are really excited to have him back.
Include the Oklahoma City Thunder among the groups of teams seeking a new head coach.
It was difficult for the two parties to figure out how to move forward together given the likelihood that Oklahoma City will eventually undergo reconstruction, according to insiders. This link: t.co/gKRsM7jYle
After taking over for Scott Brooks at the University of Florida, the former coach left the NCAA to join the Thunder in 2015. He went on to amass a 243-157 record in five seasons, including four consecutive first-round playoff losses.
Guard Luguentz Dort had a breakout season last week, averaging 12.5 points per game, and the Thunder came dangerously close to winning a Game 7 against the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs. However, Donovan was let go again, this time after leading the team to the Western Conference Finals in 2016 with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
Joe Mussatto, online at joe_mussatto
It’s official, according to The Thunder. [t.co/rhLd012lks]
According to Wojnarowski, the split was cordial:
“It’s unclear how long the Thunder might be competitive in the Western Conference after making a shift in strategy due to decreased league revenue caused by the pandemic, especially with significant veterans in place.
“Donovan will be a significant commodity on the open NBA market, and could become a candidate among the openings in Chicago, New Orleans, Philadelphia and Indiana.”
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer has also expressed interest in the Sixers; nevertheless, the team is prioritizing front office issues.
Along with Milwaukee’s Mike Budenholzer, Donovan won the National Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year award this season. His contract was for five years with a team option. Despite losing both Durant and Westbrook throughout his career, Donovan never concluded a season with fewer than 44 wins.
Depending on his preferences, the 55-year-old should have little trouble finding something to do. Teams like the Bulls and Pelicans would be interested in hiring him because of his track record of developing young players like Dort, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Darius Bazley. A number of colleges would also probably be willing to pay top price for his services.
Donovan would have chances to rescue a championship window with the Pacers and Sixers, but if he failed to do so, a severe roster makeover akin to what he went through in Oklahoma City may be in store.
Uncertainty surrounds the Thunder’s upcoming hunt for their fourth coach since relocating to Oklahoma.
