In the news – OKC Thunder interviews put a wrap on season
The OKC Thunder players, coach, and General Manager exit interviews and end of season reflections are front and center in the news.
Although it feels like an eternity since the OKC Thunder season ended it was only seven days ago. Since then the team has emptied out their lockers and met with the press to offer exit interviews.
Going out in the first round for the third consecutive season has left a bad taste in the player’s mouths and the fanbase is left to wonder what precisely does this franchise need to do in order to experience a deep run in the postseason.
Among the most frequently asked questions is whether Billy Donovan will return as the head coach. Sam Presti offered the initial response with an affirmative, although his endorsement wasn’t as effusive as it’s been in the past leaving room for questions.
In fact, Presti’s season end press conference left lots of questions on the table even the ones he supposedly offered answers to.
TI offered up our five key takeaways from Presti’s press conference:
"While Presti is forthright in his interaction with the media it is typical for him to center on the positives rather than the negatives. This year’s conference didn’t deviate from that pattern. The only areas where Presti conceded in this regard were the team’s poor performance in March, free throw shooting struggles, and not having another wing(s) option in place given the exit of Alex Abrines. These points were revisited several times in his responses which on its own is a bit disconcerting as it avoids addressing the larger concerns."
As for Donovan he also responded with his intention to return at his exit interview. In reflection of listening to both Presti and Donovan’s parting thoughts, they were clearly on the same page as they both cited lack of depth on the wings as a key issue to the Thunder failure this season. Both also avoided speaking to the shooting woes which is disconcerting given that one factor alone could be pointed to for several losses this season and in first round oust. T.I. offered up the highlights with opinions on his responses.
"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."
As for the remainder of the exit interviews, each of the players took to the podium on as their final piece of business prior to heading off for their summer and offseason of homework. Click the links below for each of the players:
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- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Russell Westbrook – ‘I’m okay with who I am’ click here
Paul George – injury, Russ misconceptions click here
Steven Adams – Coachable and candid Kiwi click here
Jerami Grant – Hints at potential role change click here
Terrance Ferguson – Summer of growth click here
Dennis Schroder – Provides quote of the day at exit interviews click here
Andre Roberson – Plans for return and Lillard defense click here
Nerlens Noel – Personal growth, free agency plans click here
Markieff Morris – Renewed respect for Westbrook click here
Patrick Patterson – Big man role in NBA, contract options and movies click here
Raymond Felton – Thunder praise and plans to mentor TFerg click here
And for those of you still invested in the playoffs check out our Round 2 series primer by clicking on the link below.
NBA Playoffs Conference Semi Finals Primer. dark. Next
With Sam Presti addressing the media yesterday it marks the end of the team’s season and with it the offseason begins in earnest. Thunderous Intentions will dive into each player with our player season reviews, dissect the season, investigate coaching options — yeah – we still think Billy will be – (or should be) fired. And, of course, we’ll serve up our annual draft prospect and free agent previews.