OKC Thunder: Billy Donovan looks to replicate success with Chicago Bulls

Billy Donovan left OKC Thunder after five seasons taking precious little time to select the Chicago Bulls as his next challenge.

The past five seasons witnessed highs and lows for Billy Donovan while coaching a vast variety of OKC Thunder rosters.

In his initial campaign, he had two MVP talents with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in what was arguably the most disappointing postseason collapse when the Thunder lost the Western Conference Finals to the Golden State Warriors after leading the series three games to one.

That summer Kevin Durant left the Thunder to join the Warriors and the following season was Westbrook’s MVP triple-double season. The next two seasons featured the Westbrook – Paul George tandem. All three of these campaigns resulted in first-round exits.

This last season was arguably Donovan’s best year at the helm working with a roster that wasn’t expected to make the playoffs. The coach showed more creativity similar to how he coached when he led his Florida Gators to back-to-back NCAA titles. He established a strong relationship with captain Chris Paul and directed the growth of youngsters Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Darius Bazley, and Luguentz Dort.

Billy Donovan exits OKC Thunder and signs with Chicago Bulls

With his contract up Billy Donovan met with OKC Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti to discuss the future.  The meeting resulted in both parties mutually agreeing to part ways amicably.

The quote from the OKC Thunder press release indicated the main reason Donovan elected to move on was based on uncertainty for the immediate future of the franchise.

"“We had planned to sit down at the end of the season and discuss the best way to move forward for both of us. After those discussions, it became apparent that we couldn’t provide him the information on the future direction of the team over the next several seasons to give him the level of clarity that he understandably desires at this stage of his career.”"

To follow up on that point, the speculation of analysts and those in the media were Donovan wanted a job with a team who expects to compete for a title. Although the OKC Thunder hasn’t come out formally and stated their intention is to enter a rebuilding phase that is the presumption as Erik Horne detailed in his paid-for subscription Athletic article. Horne also noted though Donovan wasn’t initially interested in the Bulls job he was very impressed with Karnisovas, GM Marc Eversley, and the direction for the franchise.

"According to one person with knowledge of the negotiations, Donovan came away impressed as much with Karnišovas and new general manager Marc Eversley as he was with the job they were selling him. After the two sides concluded the interview process, there was a shared feeling that the marriage was a natural fit."

On Tuesday of this week, news broke that Donovan would take over as the head coach for the Chicago Bulls.  As per Marc J. Spears’ Tweet, others who were interviewed included Stephen Silas, Jamahl Mosley, Dan Craig, Kenny Atkinson, Jarron Collins, Ime Udoka, David Vanterpool, Wes Unseld Jr., Darvin Ham, and Chris Fleming.

Although some might question the Bulls’ job as not much different than returning to the Thunder who boasts several young talents there are definitive differences. The Bulls likely were able to commit to competing for the postseason and improving the already strong youthful core and as noted have a long-range plan.

Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen, Wendell Carter, and Coby White are the young quartet of talent on the Bulls. This youthful core never took to the old school hard-nosed style of Jim Boylen who Billy D replaces. No doubt, Bulls management is looking for a better mix of offense and defense, and given Donovan’s penchant for getting along with his players, his arrival should be met with welcome arms.

LaVine was gaming when he learned of the hire and his initial reaction was very positive. The ESPN article by Adrian Wojnarowski noted Arturas Karnisovas, the new Bulls’ decision-maker was keen to add Donovan and were aggressive in their pursuit.

Karnisovas specifically cited the former OKC Thunder bench bosses record of winning and player relationships as part of the reason he stood out among other coaching candidates available.

"“We are very pleased to welcome Billy and his family to the Chicago Bulls,” Karnisovas said. “The success that he has sustained over the course of his coaching career puts him on a different level. We feel his ability to help his players reach their potential, both individually and collectively, will mesh well with our roster. Whether as a player or as a coach, he has won everywhere his career has taken him, and we hope that will continue here in Chicago.”"

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The 55-year-old coach had an excellent season in OKC and after five straight trips to the playoffs in spite of constantly shifting rosters. In fact, this season was one Donovan could be extremely proud of as his peers voted him co-winner for Coach of the Year alongside peer Mike Budenholzer of the Milwaukee Bucks. Donovan finished third in the media voted award.

Although the Thunder didn’t win their first-round playoff series versus the Houston Rockets they pushed them to seven-game and took were literally one shot away from facing the Lakers.

It’s interesting Donovan elected to take this job when his name was surfacing for other posts like Philadelphia. With the 76ers he would have two bonafide All-Stars in Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Perhaps that job is already slated for Mike D’Antoni who many feel has the edge for the job.

Just like players are quick to discuss aligning to play together presumably the coaches also talk so it wouldn’t be surprising if Donovan and his team felt the other opportunities weren’t already decided even if they haven’t been announced.

No terms or salary have been disclosed as of this posting. We wish Billy Donovan all the best in his new coaching position and look forward to facing the Bulls and welcoming him back to OKC when the 2020-21 season eventually resumes next year.