OKC Thunder: Top 3 takeaways from Billy Donovan’s media day

Billy Donovan refused to tell media his plans for the starting power forward position.

On Media day you can not expect to get much from a coach. Like most coaches, Billy Donovan kept it simple. He stuck with the bread and butter coach speak that would bore some to tears. However, all was not lost on this day full of excitement and interviews.

Billy Donovan was first up to the podium in the media room, he kicked off Media Day with a 5-minute long press conference. He then shifted down to the OKC Thunder Media Day live stream hosted by sideline reporter Lesley McCaslin. We found out three things from Billy Donovan, and here they are.

Donovan remains mum on starting power forward:

Billy Donovan refused to give us a starter for that up-in-the-air four spot. Once healthy, we know the lineup will be: Russell Westbrook, Andre Roberson, Paul George, and Steven Adams.

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The only question mark is will floor spacing Patrick Patterson or the springy Jerami Grant get the starting nod? My money is still on Patterson. Billy Donovan said “We will have to see.” when asked if Patterson was his guy.

Involved in process on which free agents the OKC Thunder add:

Billy Donovan has a hand in free agency decisions. Sure, it is common for GM’s to fit players to a coaches system–and despite what fans think, Billy does have a system–and no, he does not have full control like other coaches around the league.

However, the role he has, as he described it to Lesley is bigger than originally thought. With Billy Donovan having such a big hand in roster construction and signings, I wouldn’t expect him ousted any time soon. Baring something catastrophic of course.

Loss of Mr. Thunder:

Billy Donovan is still concerned over losing Nick Collison. While average fans, or even some die hard fans might not have realized it, Nick Collison played a huge role for this team. Even last season, where he spent more time on the bench than the floor, he played a critical role with his leadership.

The OKC Thunder season gets underway Sunday for the teams annual blue and white game. The team then takes on the Detroit Pistons on October 3rd.

It will be interesting to see who gets the nod during the preseason, however it is important to note the Thunder will be without Russell Westbrook and Andre Roberson this preseason.