Billy Donovan is new Thunder coach

[Pugz]

Kevin Durant has reached out to multiple former Florida players about Billy Donovan, according to sources.

Donovan is considered the only serious candidate for the Oklahoma City Thunder head coaching vacancy.

Durant has become generally positive about the potential hiring of Donovan.

Donovan has interest in speaking to Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka before accepting the job. It is unclear if meetings will be facilitated.

Sam Presti and Donovan have had a relationship for a decade.

Donovan turned down offers from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves last offseason.

 

[elcheato]

He turned down an offer from the Cavs? Since when? 
 
I knew they had interest in talking to him, but I never heard that he turned down a legitimate offer. 

 

[jonathanlambert33]

This would be a risk for the Thunder, IMO.

 

[Mexi]

Ill believe it when he actually coaches a game
Never know if he'll get cold feet again....


Stein says its happening btw

 

[Pugz]

The Oklahoma City Thunder have found the man who will become the third head coach in franchise history.

The Thunder are nearing an agreement on a multiyear deal with University of Florida head coach Billy Donovan, rolling the dice that the two-time national champion can take a star-studded roster to the next level. An announcement is expected to be made Thursday or Friday, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.


Thunder general manager Sam Presti had been clear that he was conducting the search without player input, even though Durant, the league's reigning MVP, can become a free agent after the 2015-16 season. Durant, meanwhile, has reportedly reached out to the substantial roster of former Donovan charges in the NBA, becoming "generally positive" about the potential hire.

Stein reports that it would take an unforeseen collapse to prevent the deal from getting done.

That's not an impossibility, as Donovan agreed to coach the Orlando Magic in 2007 before reversing course. While he's signed through 2020 at Florida, it's believed his buyout is not an impediment at $500,000.

Presti reportedly views Donovan as the ideal philosophical and cultural fit with the franchise and is banking on that to push the team forward and, surely, help retain Durant at season's end.

 

[Pugz]

it's official

 

[elcheato]

Johakeem Noah to OKC

 

[cruzg24]

Damn that was fast.

Al Horford to OKC.

 

[CameronCrazy06]

corey brewer to OKC

 

[Teagz]

Taureen Green to OKC.

 

[CameronCrazy06]

Marreese Speights to OKC

 

[elcheato]

Percy Harvin to OKC 

 

[cruzg24]

Chandler Parsons to OKC

 

[Pugz]

Nick Calathes to OKC

 

[buzzy]

somebody sell a a guy who only catches about three college games a year on this dude

 

[elcheato]

Has the same first name as my brother 

 

[CameronCrazy06]

somebody sell a a guy who only catches about three college games a year on this dude

 
Personally I don't think it's a great hire. I think he's overrated. The SEC is a weak basketball conference outside of Kentucky. He dominated it when Kentucky was down but since they've hardly been an elite program. I think they should've gone harder after Ollie. 

 

[CameronCrazy06]

And don't get me wrong, if that team stays healthy, they'll win 60 games and he'll look great. 

 

[Pugz]

i think it was more of a flashy hire hoping for potential to grow. like you said, if that team stays healthy they'll win a lot of games. he'll look better and then that'll be their selling pitch.

 

[elcheato]

I'm always wary of college coaches. The comparisons he's getting right now to Stevens are foolish. He was an exception, he stood out.