OKC Thunder Report Card as team enters stretch
A-. . Coach. Oklahoma City Thunder. BILLY DONOVAN
CoY?
At the end of last season, most were calling for Billy Donovan‘s head and in truth, there was good reason for those feelings. It didn’t appear as if there was much of an offense in place other than the “your turn, my turn” sets of Paul George and Russell Westbrook. The team relied on turnovers to create offense, defensive rebounds to get out in the break and iso ball.
Cut to this season and perhaps what we’ve learned is Donovan may be best suited for a team either without superstars or conversely stars focused on team ball and players with the potential to develop into superstars.
This usage of his trio of point guards was looked at with uncertainty (raises hand) at season start but it’s not only working it’s feasting.
While the players have to make it work, there is no denying Donovan’s imprint is on this team.
Related Story. University of Florida honors Billy Donovan. light
Donovan has risen from the depths to be considered a talent at the helm, so much so that his name is bandied about as a potential Coach of the Year candidate.
In terms of what the bench boss may want to consider for the second half, he could look to utilize his youngsters more. Recently because of injury, Donovan was forced into this scenario. Once fully healthy again here’s hoping he continues to give these youngsters more playing time. For one it will afford players like Chris Paul, Danilo Gallinari and Steven Adams extra rest time so they aren’t overly fatigued come the postseason.
Second, getting real game experience is important to development. Consider the Miami Heat as an example with their rookies and sophomores being constantly exposed to game action and subsequently they are already well ahead of their peers. And while the postseason is a different beast it still warrants this strategy. Players need reps and constancy to fit into the system and find their own rhythm.
Donovan’s grade is a cautious A- and much of that is due to the uncertainty of how much of this lies with his influence and how much should be credited to the next person up in the grading …