In the news for Wednesday, May 22 features coaching updates on Billy Donovan and former OKC Thunder assistant Adrian Griffin, and Toronto attempts to emulate OKC re-signing Paul George via free food for life campaign for Kawhi Leonard.
The Thunderous Intentions writing team and passionate OKC Thunder fans keep hoping to hear an update on Billy Donovan’s job status. Up to this point, the situation is status quo with General Manager Sam Presti’s season end media conference being the last word on the subject.
At the time Presti conveyed he expected Donovan to return. Albeit it wasn’t a ringing endorsement, rather more matter of fact. Presti went on to say the duo needed to take some time to process the season and meet up once more to compare and download their thoughts.
Recently, the Cleveland Cavaliers hired former Michigan Wolverines coach John Beilein and there were whispers Billy Donovan was a highly coveted, if not top choice as the replacement. Of course, anyone in Thunder Nation hoping for his dismissal were praying both Presti would jump at this opportunity to move on from Donovan and that Billy himself would show interest.
Unfortunately, Thunder Wire writer Cody Taylor reports the response from Billy Donovan was not positive.
"While Donovan was thought to be the frontrunner for the job, it was unclear if he had any interest in returning to the college ranks. College basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale said last week that he talked to Donovan and he was happy in his position in Oklahoma City."
Reading further into Donovan’s statement this would also give further credence to his job with the OKC Thunder being secure (sigh). If the Presti – Donovan download meeting has occurred let’s hope it came with tangible direction from Presti on what needs to change.
Grizzlies interview Adrian Griffin for HC vacancy:
Sticking with coaching news former Thunder Associate Coach Adrian Griffin interviewed with the Memphis Grizzlies for their vacant head coaching position. Adrian Wojnarowski reported the news on social media.
The Memphis Grizzlies recently interviewed Toronto Raptors assistant Adrian Griffin for the franchise’s head coaching job, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 21, 2019
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- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
The Grizzlies have recently shown a penchant for the Toronto Raptors given they hired Jerry Stackhouse last summer although he’s since departed to become the Head Coach at Vanderbilt. Memphis also worked with Toronto at the trade deadline to exchange Marc Gasol for Delon Wright, Jonas Valanciunas and C.J. Miles. Clearly, the Grizzlies sees something in the Raptors process they are keen to emulate.
Griffin is a players coach who is both well respected and liked. During his tenure in OKC, one of his greatest accomplishments was teaching Jerami Grant how to position himself in the paint and a technique tied to balance when skying for rebounds or putbacks. There was a direct correlation to Grant’s offensive improvement with the time he put in with Griffin.
Local businesses join Ka’Wine & Dine campaign to retain Kawhi Leonard:
Segueing from this news into the six degrees of separation. The other day I noted how Serge Ibaka used the 2012 OKC Thunder 0-2 comeback effort over the Spurs to inspire his new team. Since then the Raptors have gone on to tie up the Eastern Conference Finals making it a best of three series.
The Raptors are also hoping to channel a similar result to what the OKC Thunder did in their efforts to retain Paul George.
As reported last night on TNT by Kristen Ledlow, Raptors Republic launched a campaign called Ka’Wine & Dine. The premise is simple “wine him, dine him, let’s re-sign him” offers free food for life if Kawhi Leonard re-signs with the Raptors.
Big up @raptorsrepublic for this wicked, fun, city-wide initiative https://t.co/PtjQBuPOGn
— Faizal Khamisa (@FaizalKhamisa) May 22, 2019
Heading into the game there were already more than 50 establishments on board but with the added awareness created from the National TV and social media exposure the campaign has blown up.
Businesses outside the food industry are lining up to participate as well, such as a Law FIrm, a Recording Studio, an Auto Detail Shop, and Uber drivers can offer free rides. It’s likely other area businesses and services will jump on the initiative with it’s growing popularity.
Let’s just say, if Kawhi stays he may never have to pay for anything in the 6ix ever again.
Suffice to say what the OKC Thunder accomplished by retaining Paul George has become the new standard for franchises to emulate in the Association as both the Raptors and Pelicans hope to channel the same results to keep their superstars.
That wraps up in the news for Wednesday, May 22. Enjoy the rest of your day and make sure to stop by regularly for our continuing season end player reviews and draft prospect series.