OKC Thunder exit interview: Billy Donovan indicates ‘business as usual’
The annual OKC Thunder exit interviews got kicked off via head coach Billy Donovan as he answered questions about his future, the team’s early exit, and the future.
As the OKC Thunder began the exit interviews perhaps the biggest elephant in the room is whether Billy Donovan will retain his job with the team. Like fans, the pundits had two very specific questions at top of mind – would the bench boss be back and why didn’t he try to take the ball out of Damian Lillard‘s hands.
Donovan on his future:
Fans might not be thrilled by this response as Billy D indicated it’s business, as usual, stating he and Sam Presti spoke on the flight back home and will continue to speak moving forward. With the Thunder having picked up Donovan’s option earlier this season it may seem like a stretch to believe he’ll get fired.
But, recalling last season the Raptors head coach Dwane Casey (who went on to win Coach of the Year) said something extremely similar and then was fired days later.
Donovan on his future: “To me it’s like business as usual." Donovan said he and Presti will continue to talk throughout the summer about the next steps for the team. Donovan had his fifth-year option picked up in December.
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) April 25, 2019
On ‘the shot’ and defense of Lillard:
Hey, Dame was red hot and many of us are asking the same questions. Why not double team him? Why not try to force the ball out of his hands? Lillard already had 47 points prior to ‘the shot’ so it’s not as if he wasn’t cognizant of the issue at hand.
Billy Donovan on not trapping Damian Lillard, said a few things, one that Lillard was really far away from the basket. “We threw our best defender (Paul George) at him in that situation and I think he did a good job of guarding him.”
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) April 25, 2019
On Westbrook:
Donovan cited the continual growth and development of Westbrook as a leader and noted how much he had to deal with coming into the season following another surgery. He noted, Westbrook will take time to digest this season and look at ways he can improve in the offseason.
Donovan felt the up-tempo pace this season and incorporating Paul George more helped Westbrook’s overall game. Notably, Donovan avoided stating the obvious – Russ needs to become a more efficient shooter and the team needs to put more shooters around him.
Donovan on relationship with Westbrook: “Russell has always been respectful. We’ve always communicated, always talked and from a relationship standpoint, I feel good about that.”
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) April 25, 2019
Donovan pointed to missing wings as an area that hurt OKC Thunder:
If there was one area Donovan pointed to as perhaps his way of addressing where the team failed the closes were him citing two missing wing players they expected to have. Although he never stated them by name clearly he was referring to Andre Roberson and the loss of Alex Abrines.
Potential roster changes:
This question was answered fairly typically by Billy D – no commitment to the need to add shooters but he put the onus on Sam Presti always trying to improve the team each season.
Donovan on if significant roster changes are needed, says he liked the group, but “I know being around Sam and the org. for four years they’re always trying to find ways to improve and get better.”
— Erik Horne (@ErikkHorne) April 25, 2019
On injured players:
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Donovan spoke to Andre Roberson’s continual improvement but cited the need for ARob to get back on the court and play. He noted it will require Andre being in game situations to get back his timing.
As for Paul George, Donovan noted PG never complained and played through whatever pain he was in but noted how tough he was and there was uncertainty if he’d be able to play in Game 1 or even lift his arm over his head.
The coach also noted he expects George to address the concerns in the offseason and the medical staff will update him on all the players later today.
Thoughts on the youngsters:
It’s odd to hear Billy D cite the experience both Abdel Nader and Deonte Burton got this year when at least from my perspective neither was given an opportunity to get consistent minutes in the varsity rotation.
Morris and Patterson:
Asked about the future of Markieff Morris and Patrick Patterson the reporter said “it seems the most likely scenario is Markieff signs elsewhere (see this article if you doubt that). While Donovan avoided commenting on Keff he did note Patterson’s professionalism and how he’s always been about the team.
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The above video offers the full Billy Donovan interview. Thunderous Intentions will provide the top lines from all the exit interviews over the next two days so be sure to check the site frequently.