OKC Thunder head coach Billy Donovan spoke pregame with roster updates, baby news, and winning Coach of Year.
In pre-game media session OKC Thunder head coach, Billy Donovan updated on a number of items and commented on being named co-winner for Coach of the Year by his peers.
Donovan speaks to media pregame
Baby Time!
Firstly, Dennis Schroder has left the bubble to join his wife for the birth of their second child. The NBA hasn’t uploaded the media link yet – so hat tip to Brandon Rahbar of Daily Thunder for the quotes I’m including.
Donovan on Schroder’s time being out: “It happened this morning. He’s with his family. I’ll talk to him later today or tomorrow. He’s out this game and we’ll gather more info from him when we talk to him on the phone.”
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) August 3, 2020
Presumably, Schroder will be in contact with news on the birth – boy or girl. What this means is Schroder will need to have daily COVID-19 tests and produce negative results every day he is away from the Disney bubble in Orlando.
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Hopefully, everything goes well with the birth – with both Mother and child being healthy. If that’s the case presumably Dennis will want to rejoin the team. If he does (and not to suggest if Dennis wants to stay with his family he shouldn’t – only if he wants to return), then this timing is perfect.
Just five days ago Ellen (Schroder’s wife) had sent a message saying it would be two more weeks. That timing would’ve meant Schroder would miss playoff games. Now, it’s more likely he’ll return, and even if he has to do four days of re-quarantining he wouldn’t miss any playoff dates. The four days suggested is the number the association has done to this point but it is not definitive and is done on a case by case basis.
Here’s wishing Dennis, Ellen, and baby brother Schroder a great day and the delivery of a healthy baby!
Ferguson out, Gilgeous-Alexander ready for increased role
As for the semantics, while Schroder is out, Donovan noted Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is prepared to take over and they (Shai, Donovan) have discussed what is required. SGA is ready to handle the duties.
Billy Donovan also updated Terrance Ferguson will be out for the Nuggets game due to a leg contusion.
Donovan on winning Coach of Year
As for being voted as co-winner (with Mike Budenholzer) for Coach of the Year, Donovan was humble and eloquent in his response. Billy made sure to cite his coaching team and players and eloquent in his response:
Billy Donovan on his Coach of the Year being voted on by the coaches: “Obviously I’m very humbled. I’m appreciative and grateful. I think indicidual awards are just a reflection of the coaching staff and the players. But coming from the coaches means a lot.”
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) August 3, 2020
Abdel Nader also spoke and was asked about Donovan winning. He was somewhat overly excited as should be calling Donovan the main leader and keeping the team in the right mindset.
Nader credited Donovan for the identity this team has and was thrilled to see him recognized for those efforts.
And, on SGA stepping in to fill in for Dennis while he’s out, there is confidence in Shai’s capability and no worries among the team. Nader called SGA extremely talented and it’s likely his feelings reflect the entirety of the team.