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Thunder In the news: Donovan returns, Anthony’s selfish position causes stir

By Tamberlyn Richardson

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 27: the Oklahoma City Thunder huddle during Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz on April 27, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 27: the Oklahoma City Thunder huddle during Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz on April 27, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The biggest news from the OKC Thunder is head coach Billy Donovan will return next season.

Sam Presti took to the podium for his end of season presser and dropped a bomb – Billy Donovan will remain the head coach. Thunderous Intentions continue to review exit interviews, but this statement of support by Presti created immediate response.

Hence, In the news dives into the topical articles of the day.

Donovan will return as OKC Thunder Head Coach:

First of all, in his season ending presser Sam Presti confirmed Billy Donovan will return next season. Notably, Thunderous Intentions will offer our insights on the overall Presti conference takeaways shorty. In the interim, this was the big takeaway from Presti’s presser as Brett Dawson of NewsOK cited in his article.

"Billy Donovan, who is 150-96 in three seasons as the Thunder’s head coach, will return for a fourth, Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti said Wednesday at his postseason news conference. Presti’s hope is that Donovan, who’s faced significant roster turnover in his first two offseasons with OKC, will “be able to work with the same core of a team that has a baseline that we’ve established.”"

Carmelo Anthony Doesn’t Hold Back:

It’s no secret Anthony was considered difficult during his tenure in Denver and New York. Consequently, Melo was saved by the ineptitude of ownership, Phil Jackson and a bad team in the Mecca. Oft cited as being the grown up in that situation based on his professionalism.

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For the most part this season in OKC that was also how he was viewed. Seemingly, he did whatever was necessary to make the team work. That was until things didn’t go his way in the postseason. Clearly, Anthony was the defensive sieve Utah pinpointed as a way to become an offensive juggernaut.

A day removed from an early playoff exit the aging star dropped the gauntlet by making his position clear. He will not come off the bench and furthermore is going to refuse to be a catch and shoot player. Well then, I guess you’ll be completely useless to the squad next season Melo.

That may seem harsh, but Anthony should take a page out of Vince Carter’s book. If he wants to extend his playing career and be a valuable contributor Anthony needs to change his mindset and his game.

Sporting News article:

Sean Deveney of Sporting News nails it when he calls Melo stubborn and selfish. Deveney’s article outlines the OKC Thunder offseason checklist.

"As he turns 34 this spring and with his skills diminishing, it’s past time for Anthony to consider different ways he can contribute to a good team, if he is still interested in winning. There are times he seems to long for his days of jacking up shots for the Knicks on the way to another 30-win season. At least then he could point the finger elsewhere — the owner, the coach, the absentee team president — and come across as the mature one in the organization.But Anthony’s stubbornness and selfishness have been exposed with the Thunder, who still owe him $28 million for next season, if Anthony chooses to opt in (as he surely will). It’s highly unlikely that the Thunder can find a trade for Anthony, who probably won’t be keen on a pay cut to pave the way for a buyout, either. The relationship has soured, though, and it might be best for all if a separation can be arranged."

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