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It’s been two whole weeks since the official new hire of coach Billy Donovan, and Oklahoma City Thunder fans must be very pleased with what has happened so far. During his introduction interview, Donovan spoke about what exactly he believes in as head coach. His on-court philosophy is very similar to that of still rookie head coach Steve Kerr with the Golden State Warriors. It is very possible then, that OKC can grow into a true competitor just as Golden State has this year.
Basketball now, even more than before an argument can be made, boils down to great ball movement. With all the monster athletes now in the NBA, this philosophy will hold truer and truer as years go on. No one player can ever outrun a basketball. That’s why passing is so key, and that’s exactly what coach Donovan believes in.
That’s why the Dallas Mavericks did not advance from the first round of the playoffs this year, and that’s why the Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers have done so well. And that’s also why OKC didn’t even make the playoffs this year — ball movement. Or, in past Thunder terms, lack thereof.
If Donovan can turn Russell Westbrook into a playmaker instead of a scorer first, then the NBA would be put on serious notice. I think he can, and I think the NBA will. It may take time, but coach Donovan has the right philosophy in place to really be effective in Oklahoma City. It’s not about one player taking over a moment in time, but rather about the entire team taking that one moment and running with it to make several at a time.
If the Thunder can learn to play within a very smooth system like Golden State has been taught by coach Kerr, OKC will be able to win a championship. GM Sam Presti may have to make a few more adjustments, especially on the bench, but Donovan is the right man to take OKC to the promised land. Stay tuned to a small turnover in Oklahoma City, no matter how insignificant.
Samuel Martell is Oklahoma City’s beat writer at www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @sram1027, or add him to your network on Google.
