Thunder, Billy Donovan part ways after five seasons

The Thunder and head mentor Billy Donovan have parted means following 5 seasons.

Donovan led the Thunder to the playoffs in each one particular of his campaigns at the helm, but the team bowed out in the first spherical for the fourth straight 12 months in 2019-20.

Immediately after primary the crew to a 243-157 record, Oklahoma City did not renew his contract, the crew confirmed on Tuesday.

“I have great regard for Billy and will constantly respect our perform jointly. He is a marvelous basketball mentor and we are proud of what he has attained with the Thunder,” stated basic supervisor Sam Presti. “We had prepared to sit down at the close of the season and discuss the very best way to go forward for equally of us. Immediately after those people conversations, it grew to become obvious that we could not provide him the data on the long term route of the crew in excess of the upcoming several seasons to give him the stage of clarity that he understandably dreams at this phase of his job.

“Consequently, we shut this chapter and reflect fondly on all that he has specified to the crew, organisation and neighborhood. Billy will constantly have a spot in the Thunder spouse and children.”

Donovan, whose crew was beaten in Activity 7 of the Western Meeting first round by the Houston Rockets this season, thanked the Thunder for his time with the franchise.

“Coaching the Oklahoma City Thunder the earlier 5 seasons has been a great honour, and I thank Mr. [Clayton] Bennett [Thunder proprietor], Sam and the full corporation for the opportunity,” he stated.

“I have a great regard and admiration for the gamers I coached in Oklahoma, and I also want to thank the coaches I labored with, who gave unbelievable time and abilities to our prevalent aim.

“Lastly, I want to thank the Oklahoma City neighborhood for staying so welcoming to my spouse and children all through our time here. This spot will constantly be distinctive to us. I will constantly hold this organisation in the optimum regard and would like the Thunder and their followers the results they have earned.”