Oklahoma City Thunder pair Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have reportedly not been consulted by general manager Sam Presti regarding their new coach.
READ MORE:
Donovan in formal talks with Thunder: Gators coach looks set for new job.
Thunder fire Brooks: End of the line after seven seasons in charge.
Ollie to turn down Thunder: UConn coach rules himself out.
According to speculation this week, it appears as though it is merely a matter of time before Florida Gators coach Billy Donovan is appointed as Scott Brooks’ successor.
The two parties are understood to be in formal talks and are nearing an agreement, and although it is a smart move given his vast experience and knowledge, it will still be seen as a risk.
Brooks was fired at the end of the regular season after his failure to deliver a championship to Oklahoma City in seven years, although he was often thwarted by injuries to key players at critical times of the season.
However, OKC are moving on from that era and will now look to start a new one with Donavon. Surprisingly, neither Durant nor Westbrook have had a say in the matter.
“Donovan has had an interest in trying to speak to the Thunder’s key players, including Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka, before accepting the job, but it was unclear if that would be facilitated for Donovan,” league sources told Yahoo Sports.
“Throughout the Donovan process, Presti hasn’t conferred with his top players, nor their agents.”
There are arguments to both sides as many will suggest that there is no need for the players to become involved in the process as ultimately it is the franchise’s decision on who they think is best equipped to bring success.
However, with Durant set for free agency next summer and Westbrook’s influence on the team, it would seem logical to at least ask for their views and opinions on the matter to ensure that everyone within the organisation is on the same page.
It remains to be seen if Donavon is appointed, but it is looking likely that he will be charged with the task of taking this team to the next stage which ultimately has to result in a title.
COMMENTS