The Thunder will evaluate their coaching situation after missing the playoffs, which means Scott Brooks' future in Oklahoma City is uncertain, according to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.
Thunder may fire Scott Brooks and chase Billy Donovan, per report
The Thunder missed the playoffs for the first time in six years and it might cost Brooks his job.
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Brooks has been much maligned over the years because of his simplistic offensive system. However, both the organization and the players have stood behind him since he led the team to the playoffs for five straight seasons, including one NBA Finals appearance. He still has a year left on his contract and the Thunder's brass have not made any final decisions yet. The team missing the postseason understandably is leading them to reevaluate their commitment to Brooks.
Injuries and not coaching doomed the Thunder's season, though, as Kevin Durant missed most of the year, while Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka also missed time. With Durant's final year under contract coming up, however, the franchise might be looking to shake things up in an attempt to prove to the superstar that they won't accept failure and will do whatever it takes to win a championship. If that means letting Brooks go, it makes sense for them to explore it.
University of Florida coach Billy Donovan is considered to be the front-runner for the position if it becomes available, according to Woj. Donovan is a very successful and respected college coach whose name is always mentioned whenever a position opens up. Sam Presti reportedly has a personal relationship with him, and the Thunder have a very strong core with Durant, Westbrook and Ibaka. Donovan, who has never coached in the NBA, will surely be interested enough to at least hear what Presti has to say.
As for Brooks, his resume is impressive and before the Thunder locked him up to an extension, he was receiving interest from other franchises. Nothing has changed on that front, as Wojnarowski reports that the Nuggets and Magic, which finished the season with interim coaches at the helm, would be interested in hiring Brooks if he becomes available.
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