Thunder Notes: Horford, Westbrook, Donovan

Al Horford considered signing with the Thunder during free agency this past summer in part because of his relationship with Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan, who coached Horford at Florida, Chris Forsberg of ESPN.com relays (ESPN Now link). Horford instead signed a four-year deal with the Celtics. Horford added that his decision may have been impacted by the uncertainty around Kevin Durant‘s future at the time.

“I didn’t say this to anybody, but I was strongly considering [OKC] and just the possibilities of playing under coach again,” Horford said. “Those were realistic things, but at the end of the day I made my decision to be here with Boston.”

Here is more on the Thunder:

• Mavs owner Mark Cuban reaffirmed his belief that Russell Westbrook is not a superstar despite the guard averaging more than 30 points per game and a triple-double per game, Erik Horne of The Oklahoman relays. Cuban beleives a superstar needs to carry a team to 50 wins and a postseason series victory, per Horne.
• Donovan has used a small lineup at times featuring small forwards Jerami Grant at center and Andre Roberson at power forward, guard Anthony Morrow at small forward and a backcourt of Westbrook and Victor Oladipo that the coach beleives should help against teams that spread the floor, Brett Dawson of The Oklahoman writes. Donovan hasn’t used the lineup, which does not feature big men Steven Adams or Enes Kanter, much, but the team is on board with the idea of being more versatile, Dawson adds.