By Jordan Long
The Oklahoma City Thunder went 44-28, making the playoffs as the 5th seed in the Western Conference. They lost in the 1st-round, losing a close game 7 to the Houston Rockets. The Thunder decided to part ways with Head Coach Billy Donovan.
The Thunder hired Donovan after they fired Scott Brooks following the 2015 season. Brooks was an outstanding 338-207, a winning percentage of .620 in his 7 years as Head Coach of the Thunder. Oklahoma City went to the playoffs 5 times with him including a trip to the NBA Finals in 2012. It wasn’t enough to keep his job.
Donovan was a surprise hire. He didn’t have NBA Head Coaching experience but spent 19 years at the University of Florida. The Gators went 467-186 under him, going to the NCAA tournament 12 times. Florida managed to advance to the Final Four 4 times. Donovan was hoping to help Oklahoma City become a constant NBA title threat.
Oklahoma City were 55-37 in his first season. The Thunder made the postseason and advanced to the Western Conference Finals before falling to the Golden State Warriors in 7 games. The Thunder went to the playoffs every year under him. Unfortunately, the Thunder were knocked out in the 1st-round the next three years.
This season the Thunder wanted better results in the playoffs. They faced the Houston Rockets in the 1st-round. It took until game 7 but they were defeated 104-102. Donovan’s contract was set to expire when the playoff run was finished. Oklahoma City talked to him but ultimately decided to part ways.
According to ESPN, Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti said, “We had planned to sit down at the end of the season and discuss the best way to move forward for both of us. After those discussions, it became apparent that we couldn’t provide him the information on the future direction of the team over the next several seasons to give him the level of clarity that he understandably desires at this stage of his career. Therefore, we close this chapter and reflect fondly on all that he has given to the team, organization and community. Billy will always have a place in the Thunder family.”
The Thunder will start a search for their next Head Coach. They should look for one with NBA experience. These could include Nate McMillan, Mark Jackson, and Kenny Atkinson.
Donovan will have his chance to coach in the NBA again. There are rumors the Chicago Bulls are interested in him. If he is not hired by an NBA franchise for Head Coach, he could always be an assistant.
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