The Oklahoma City Thunder have been a team of success in the Western Conference in recent years, but they have been unable to turn that into a championship. With missing the playoffs this year, the organization decided it was time to move in another direction and fired longtime player and fan favorite coach Scott Brooks. OKC then brought in college basketball great Billy Donovan. The move was said to have been made to help keep free-agent -to-be Kevin Durant around in Oklahoma.
Thunder General Manger Sam Presti explained to Sports Illustrated that he knows he has to hold on to Durant, not only because of the good that he does on the court, but because of the person he is as well:
"He personifies the Thunder: past, present and future. When he's done playing there will be streets named after him throughout the state and younger generations of Oklahomans will learn about the role Kevin has played in elevating this community in ways beyond basketball."
With being an MVP on and off the court, the Thunder are just now starting the wooing for their star free-agent-to-be. The hire of former University of Florida head coach Billy Donovan is a great start. Donovan won two national titles during his tenure in Gainesville, and he has coached many great current NBA players. Durant isn't very familiar with his new coach, but he told ESPN, from what he has heard, he is excited to work with Billy:
"But I know he's going to do a good job because from what I've heard he works extremely hard, his attention to detail is one of the best and everybody's been telling me he's an NBA coach coaching in college. So I'm excited. I'm very excited to learn from him and get better from him and try my best to do whatever he tells me to do. I can't wait to get started."
Do you think this move will keep Durant in Oklahoma City once he becomes a free agent? How do you think Donovan will do coaching in the pros instead of college ball? Tell us what you think.
