OKC Thunder coaching decision: Billy Donovan in jeopardy

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 27: Head coach Billy Donovan of the Oklahoma City Thunder gestures from the sideline during Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 27, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 27: Head coach Billy Donovan of the Oklahoma City Thunder gestures from the sideline during Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 27, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 16
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 16

Monty Williams:

As another former player, Williams doesn’t have quite the resume Cheeks has, but would still be a qualified candidate to promote.

Williams played in the league from 1994-2003 primarily as a backup small forward and bounced around the league from team to team. He began coaching in 2005 as an assistant for the Trailblazers before taking the head coaching position at New Orleans in 2010. The Pelicans missed the playoffs three out of the five seasons he was coach and were eliminated in the first round in their two playoff appearances under his guidance.

Coaching in the NBA is a difficult job, not only to perform, but also to keep. And spending five years with one organization is something to be proud of. He’s also been on the sidelines in OKC for two seasons now, so he knows what the organization expects.