Billy Donovan to the Thunder?

[Golden Avalanche]

I'm pretty sure that if one NBA team approaches another team's coach while that coach is under contract it would be considered tampering, so perhaps that's why Oklahoma City isn't making a run at Stevens.

Contracts didn't stop Milwaukee and Jason Kidd from their illicit love affair.

[GGGG]

I guess I don't understand why people talk as if Brad Stevens is some coaching guru and Billy Donovan doesn't add up.  Donovan is a very good coach.

[GOO]

Why does everyone seem to assume that Stevens is on the market for each big college opening and for other NBA teams?  He is known to be unhappy at Boston? 

I don't think the incoming players on FL roster fit our needs or that we will be going after them.  However, the dominos that could fall depending upon who replaces Donovan and as other college jobs then open could result in someone that is a fit for us who we previously recruited.  Dare I say we should hope for some upheavel in the college coaching ranks? 

Crean to FL and Yogi to MU

[GGGG]

Why does everyone seem to assume that Stevens is on the market for each big college opening and for other NBA teams?  He is known to be unhappy at Boston? 

No.

He reminds me of PJ Carlissemo.  (He's a better coach though.)  Everyone assumed he would head back to college if the NBA gig didn't work out, but he realized he liked the NBA more even if it meant serving as an assistant.

[Galway Eagle]

What I don't get is why the Thunder want Billy Donovan.  I want to say Donovan and Presti have some sort of link but I can't recall for sure.  The track record of college coaches going to the pros hasn't been great.  Brad Stevens is showing some promise and I'd actually make a run at him before Donovan.  Stevens at least has NBA experience and had plenty of success in college.

The Thunder have a great roster and should be able to attract a top hire.  It just strikes me as odd that Billy Donovan is the best they can do.  Maybe he'll do great but it just seems like a weak field of coaching prospects if Billy Donovan is the best.  Great college coach; will it translate to the NBA?

Billy has 14 ncaa appearances, 8 sweet 16s, 7 turned into elite 8s, 4 turned to final fours, 3 times got to the championship and two he won. In 19 seasons (three of the years he missed the ncaa he went NIT at least)

He's a top hire, in fact Id take him over calipari or almost any other college coach in the country.

[MUMonster03]

I'm pretty sure that if one NBA team approaches another team's coach while that coach is under contract it would be considered tampering, so perhaps that's why Oklahoma City isn't making a run at Stevens.

And using someone's logic from earlier in this thread, who would want to leave Boston for Oklahoma City?

[Groin_pull]

Why does everyone seem to assume that Stevens is on the market for each big college opening and for other NBA teams?  He is known to be unhappy at Boston? 

I don't think the incoming players on FL roster fit our needs or that we will be going after them.  However, the dominos that could fall depending upon who replaces Donovan and as other college jobs then open could result in someone that is a fit for us who we previously recruited.  Dare I say we should hope for some upheavel in the college coaching ranks? 

Crean to FL and Yogi to MU

No idea. Boston loves Stevens...and he sounds very happy there. His return to college is definitely not imminent.

[brandx]

Contracts didn't stop Milwaukee and Jason Kidd from their illicit love affair.

The owners in NJ wanted to get rid of Kidd.

[warriorchick]

And using someone's logic from earlier in this thread, who would want to leave Boston for Oklahoma City?

Well, for one thing, the cost of living.  OKC could have offered Stevens the same money, but in effect it would be a huge raise.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Well, for one thing, the cost of living.  OKC could have offered Stevens the same money, but in effect it would be a huge raise.

Yeah, but it's still OKC.

[warriorchick]

Yeah, but it's still OKC.

I doubt that during the basketball season, a coach has much time to enjoy the amenities of any city.  However, he can come home to a nicer house and in the off-season, he can jet off to wherever he wants to go.

[LAMUfan]

All you mid-westerners need to stop hating on your own cities, or cities similar to yours.  I'm sure lots of people like OKC

[GGGG]

On the list of things that an NBA coach considers, my guess is location is pretty far down the list.  Jason Kidd moved from Brooklyn to Milwaukee.  Gregg Popovitch has coached in San-freakin'-Anotonio for 20 years.

Here is what they consider:

1. Talent on the roster
2. Good relationship to the GM.
3. Freedom in hiring staff
4. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

You can find a nice place to live in or near every NBA city.  

[JWags85]

You can find a nice place to live in or near every NBA city.  

Exactly.  There is a bunch of oil money in OKC.  It may not be South Beach, but there is plenty of nice stuff if you have the cash.

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

Reckless prediction for next Florida coach: Richard Pitino

[swoopem]

Reckless prediction for next Florida coach: Richard Pitino

I think it'll be Archie Miller

[Spotcheck Billy]

#donedeal

[MU82]

Jeez, I'm obviously talking about the two towns...not the level of basketball. But thanks for pointing out that NBA players are more skilled. And this whole time, I thought college players were the best in the world. 

I guess it wasn't obvious to me. Boy, am I ever embarrassed.

[MU82]

On the list of things that an NBA coach considers, my guess is location is pretty far down the list.  Jason Kidd moved from Brooklyn to Milwaukee.  Gregg Popovitch has coached in San-freakin'-Anotonio for 20 years.

Here is what they consider:

1. Talent on the roster
2. Good relationship to the GM.
3. Freedom in hiring staff
4. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

You can find a nice place to live in or near every NBA city.  

Popovich has a great relationship to the GM.

[muarmy81]

On the list of things that an NBA coach considers, my guess is location is pretty far down the list.  Jason Kidd moved from Brooklyn to Milwaukee.  Gregg Popovitch has coached in San-freakin'-Anotonio for 20 years.

Here is what they consider:

1. Talent on the roster
2. Good relationship to the GM.
3. Freedom in hiring staff
4. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

You can find a nice place to live in or near every NBA city.  

Easy now...I live in San Antonio.  It's one of the best places I've ever lived. (I've lived in WI, TX, GA, IN, VA, WA, and OK)

[Golden Avalanche]

The owners in NJ wanted to get rid of Kidd.

Only after he pulled his undignified stunt. And they've been out of NJ for a few years now.

[willie warrior]

Reckless prediction for next Florida coach: Richard Pitino

They deserve the slimeball.

[GGGG]

They deserve the slimeball.

How is Richard Pitino a "slimeball?"

[ZiggysFryBoy]

How is Richard Pitino a "slimeball?"

He bangs women at Perkins.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

He bangs women at Perkins.

I think he's talking about baby Richard not Daddy Rick