Thunder head coach Billy Donovan will continue coaching the team next season, general manager Sam Presti confirmed today to reporters, including Brett Dawson of The Oklahoman (Twitter link). According to Dawson (Twitter link), Presti expressed enthusiasm about the idea of Donovan returning to coach a similar core of players in 2018/19.
“I think the biggest opportunity for him is in the continuity.” Presti said of Donovan. “Continuity is his best friend going forward.”
Presti addressed a few other topics during his session with reporters, including how the Thunder might achieve that continuity, so let’s round up a few highlights…
- Presti acknowledges that the Thunder are disappointed with the overall result of the 2017/18 season. “And we should be,” he added (Twitter link via Dawson).
- Paul George was a “tremendous fit” for the Thunder, according to Presti, who said it feels like the standout forward has been with the team for more than year (Twitter link via Dawson). Presti added that he feels good about OKC’s relationship with George and has been “really encouraged” by the conversations the club has had with him (Twitter links via Dawson).
- Presti praised Carmelo Anthony‘s willingness to make sacrifices for the Thunder during the regular season, but said it will be up to Anthony whether that role is one he wants to continue in (Twitter link via Dawson). Carmelo is considered extremely likely to pick up his $28MM player option.
- The Thunder would be “really excited” if they’re able to bring back unrestricted free agent Jerami Grant next season, according to Presti (Twitter link).
- More from Presti on the Thunder’s roster outlook for next season: “The opportunity to potentially have [Russell] Westbrook, Paul George and Steven Adams, all three of those guys in their prime years, is extremely exciting for us” (Twitter link via Erik Horne of The Oklahoman).
Why
No way PG comes back if Melo opts in. Donovan is not the coach for this team, Westbrook needs a coach who can match his intensity mentally and Donovan is not that guy to put Russ in his place and settle him down when he forgets there are 4 other guys with him on the court. That said I would ask Houston for Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson for Melo, and try and resign George.
Eric Gordon and Anderson? What are you smoking?!
Melo is only 33 and would fit in a lot better on the Rockets since Paul won’t be getting up 30-40 shots a night like Russ and actually knows how to play under control. It’s a fair deal, the Thunder would have to take on Ryan’s contract so it’s not lop-sided.
Nene is about as productive as Melo – that’s an even trade
I’d trade melo for a wet paper bag if the other team would even take on half his salary for 18-19. It’s a giant boat anchor…..