{"id":33292,"date":"2020-09-09T11:35:29","date_gmt":"2020-09-09T15:35:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=33292"},"modified":"2020-09-09T11:35:29","modified_gmt":"2020-09-09T15:35:29","slug":"oklahoma-city-thunder-part-ways-billy-donovan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2020\/09\/09\/oklahoma-city-thunder-part-ways-billy-donovan\/","title":{"rendered":"Oklahoma City Thunder Agrees to Part Ways with Billy Donovan"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/nba-teams\/oklahoma-city-thunder\/\" target=\"_self\">Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> has decided to part ways with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/donovbi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Billy Donovan<\/a><\/strong>. Donavan has been with the team since 2015, making it to the NBA playoffs each and every single year.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Oklahoma City Thunder Part Ways with Billy Donovan<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>After five years with the Thunder, Donovan is no longer head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder. This is according to Adrian Wojnarowski, an ESPN Senior NBA insider said this:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">ESPN Sources: Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan won\u2019t be returning to the Thunder next season. Donovan\u2019s contract expired at season\u2019s end and the sides have decided against pursuing an extension.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/wojespn\/status\/1303498899034984449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 9, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>At the surface, this decision does not make any sense. Donovan had 243 wins and 157 losses with the Thunder. Also, in Donovan\u2019s first season as a head coach, the team made the NBA Western Conference Finals. They would lose the hard-fought series in seven games to the up and coming <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/nba-teams\/golden-state-warriors\/\" target=\"_self\">Golden State Warriors<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, he won the 2020 NBCA Co-Coaches of Year Award along with Mike Budenholzer of the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/nba-teams\/milwaukee-bucks\/\" target=\"_self\">Milwaukee Bucks<\/a> according to Demetrius Harvey of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/college\/florida\/basketball\/nbca-names-former-gators-coach-billy-donovan-co-coach-of-the-year-W8xtULIEWE-h5N031RDfYA\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sports Illustrated<\/a>.\u00a0This was despite losing both <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/georgpa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Paul George<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/westbru01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Russell Westbrook<\/a><\/strong> before the start of the 2019-20 NBA season.<\/p>\n<p>However, it is also true that Donovan has not taken the team past the first round since the 2016 NBA playoffs. Furthermore, this decision was apparently made not just by Thunder management but also by Donovan himself.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Discussions between OKC management and Donovan were described as &quot;collaborative&quot; and &quot;realistic.&quot; Donovan will become a significant coaching candidate in the NBA marketplace. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Iq68Bdi7jr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/Iq68Bdi7jr<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/wojespn\/status\/1303499391316168704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 9, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Potential Reasons for the Oklahoma City Thunder Decision<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The Oklahoma City Thunder has a very bright future. However, it is also true that they are going into a rebuild. Furthermore, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/paulch01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Chris Paul<\/a><\/strong> might want to play for a contender. This is what Paul said according to Eric Gee of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.si.com\/nba\/thunder\/news\/chris-paul-bonds-oklahoam-city-thunder-nba\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sports Illustrated<\/a>:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know what the future holds, but what I can say is that this team, I think I made some connections and bonds with these guys that will last a lifetime.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Even though Paul is appreciative of his time with the Thunder, he is unsure what the future lies for him in a Thunders uniform. Furthermore, this move to a rebuild mode seems to be connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">With reduced league revenues amid pandemic, there remains uncertainty on how long the Thunder might continue with key veterans in place before changing course on playoff contention. The timetable on so many plans in the NBA remain fuzzy. This was an extremely amicable parting. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/jUHQ2kiuEo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/jUHQ2kiuEo<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/wojespn\/status\/1303501868954509312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 9, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><strong>The Future for Billy Donovan<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Donovan and his future in NBA coaching are bright. According to Wojnarowski, the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/nba-teams\/chicago-bulls\/\" target=\"_self\">Chicago Bulls<\/a> are showing interest in Donovan.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The Chicago Bulls are expected to have an interest in considering Donovan for the franchise\u2019s head coaching job, sources tell ESPN. The Bulls are just completing a first-round of interviews with several candidates. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/jUHQ2kiuEo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/jUHQ2kiuEo<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/wojespn\/status\/1303507989043830784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 9, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>There is no doubt there will be more teams interested in Donovan\u2019s services. He is an excellent coach who will find a head coaching job with an NBA team sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n<p>In regards to the Thunder, they have a bright future with young players like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/gilgesh01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/dortlu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Luguentz Dort<\/a><\/strong>. They also have lots of drafts picks coming within the next six years. The future is bright for the Thunder.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">OKC 1sts:<br \/>2020 Own (1-20)<br \/>2020 DEN (11-30)<br \/>2021 Own (HOU 5-30 swap right)<br \/>2021 MIA (HOU 5-30 swap right)<br \/>2022 Own (1-14)<br \/>2022 LAC<br \/>2023 Own (LAC swap right)<br \/>2023 MIA (15-30)<br \/>2024 Own<br \/>2024 LAC<br \/>2024 HOU (5-30)<br \/>2025 Own (LAC and HOU 21-30 swap right)<br \/>2026 Own<br \/>2026 LAC<br \/>2026 HOU (5-30)<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Albert Nahmad (@AlbertNahmad) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AlbertNahmad\/status\/1149481812017569792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">July 12, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Main Photo<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"UwRl0AXURft4_TDA8u-Ltw\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/612886230\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'UwRl0AXURft4_TDA8u-Ltw',sig:'5iS8j_TA8gnfGeBQN6_9Zg3FexwCQTStwOUOS1wQ0j4=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'612886230',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Oklahoma City Thunder has decided to part ways with Billy Donovan. Donavan has been with the team since 2015, making it to the NBA playoffs each and every single year. Oklahoma City Thunder Part Ways with Billy Donovan After five years with the Thunder, Donovan is no longer head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3104,"featured_media":33306,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[22,1608,62],"tags":[545,229,948,54,1489],"class_list":["post-33292","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-thunder","category-basketball","category-nba","tag-billy-donovan","tag-chris-paul","tag-luguentz-dort","tag-oklahoma-city-thunder","tag-shai-gilgeous-alexander"],"modified_by":"Matthew Waldman","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33292","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3104"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33292"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33292\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33306"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33292"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33292"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33292"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}