Donovan, Coach of the Year
Oklahoma City Thunder Head Coach Billy Donovan and Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer were named co-coaches of the year by the National Basketball Coaches Association.
The Thunder were expected to win 31.5 games this season and Donovan has guided them to a 41-24 record with a chance to finish second in the Western Conference. Since Thanksgiving, Oklahoma City has gone 35-13 good enough for the league's second-best record in that time span.
The Thunder are also 25-5 in clutch time since November 25th. Normally Sam Presti won't campaign for awards but during a recent conference call, the Oklahoma City General Manager said:
Presti also gives Donovan credit for seeing a player like Steven Adams in a different light. Adams is proving to be one of the league's best passers and can make plays when given the chance.
Donovan is also the tone-setter for the Thunder's selfish attitude while his peers are honoring for the job he's done, the coach credits his veterans for making the younger players feel a part of the organization.
From the Thunder's Press Release:
"During his tenure, the Thunder has made five consecutive playoff appearances, making him one of four active head coaches to guide their teams to the playoffs in each of their first five seasons as a head coach."