More questions than answers from OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti -5 takeaways

Billy Donovan’s future:

Of all the questions Presti would face the security of Billy Donovan’s job was clearly going to be at the top of the list. In fact, the question was asked immediately and even after Presti said he expected Donovan to return other questions re-visited the same theme posed differently as the reporters searched for additional insight.

That said, I wouldn’t say Presti was as definitively supportive of Donovan as he’s been in the past. Rather, Presti cited the need to reflect prior to discussing this campaign and what needs to occur moving forward.

"We anticipate Billy being back. If anything would have changed on that, we would have let you know. For me personally, I always think that it’s important to give the coach of the team time to reflect and decompress.  I think you gotta get away from it. Otherwise, you are just being drenched with the end result, which matters, but how you got to that point is equally important when you’re making assessments to inform the future. We’ll do that as we always do and we’ll inform our offseason planning from there."

After the third consecutive sub-par postseason performance by the OKC Thunder, Billy Donovan’s job safety is under fire. And let’s be clear – it should be. Going back to the start of his tenure he can point to winning two series in 2015-16 but even that season was frustrating as the Thunder held a 3-1 series lead prior to choking against the Warriors who went on to win the title.

Donovan’s option was picked up earlier this year to the tune of $6 million dollars, but that shouldn’t be the key factor in why the organization should keep him. Again, Presti’s endorsement of Donovan left room to wonder how committed the organization is to retain him. Reflecting back to the year Scott Brooks was released, he also did his end of season exit interview and it was a week after the season ended that he was let go.

Thunderous Intentions will dive into this topic further as we probe the reasons why the Thunder should move on and options of who should be considered.