Fall of 2020-21 OKC Thunder Offseason Thread- Rebuild or Maintain?

[Old Man Game]

I could see Presti hiring internally (Daigneault) or maybe repatriating some recent departure like Darko or Mark Bryant. You know how much he loves known quantities versus the unknown. And crucially, all those guys all have a history of teaching the game.

Other than Atkinson, I wouldn’t mind taking a chance on an unproven up and comer. Stackhouse is a name I’ve heard tossed around for a while. I’m not going to pretend I have any idea what assistants would be good coaches but I’m not as interested in most retread options.

I'm just not even clear what they want. Are they looking for someone who can at least win enough to make it retain a few fans to float this deal in what are bound to be lean times, or are they going balls to the wall full tank mode?

If its the latter I say give it to someone totally unproven like Daigneault and let the chips fall where they may.

[ThunderBolt]

I could see Presti hiring internally (Daigneault) or maybe repatriating some recent departure like Darko or Mark Bryant. You know how much he loves known quantities versus the unknown. And crucially, all those guys all have a history of teaching the game.

Other than Atkinson, I wouldn’t mind taking a chance on an unproven up and comer. Stackhouse is a name I’ve heard tossed around for a while. I’m not going to pretend I have any idea what assistants would be good coaches but I’m not as interested in most retread options.

I'm just not even clear what they want. Are they looking for someone who can at least win enough to make it retain a few fans to float this deal in what are bound to be lean times, or are they going balls to the wall full tank mode?

If its the latter I say give it to someone totally unproven like Daigneault and let the chips fall where they may.

Ya I’m not sure either. I really thought billy would be back but nothing surprises me.

[Sea2003]

Presti finally did what he should have done years go. Atkinson, Griffon, or cassell would be a great replacement for billy.

[thor19]

We also should change our logo!!

[Old Man Game]

This is interesting to me (from the Athletic):

What is he leaving behind?

Zach Harper, NBA insider: The Thunder immediately become one of the more attractive coaching positions available in the NBA because of low drama and high potential. They have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — one of the top guard prospects in the West — several wing projects with great potential and a boatload of picks from the Russell Westbrook and Paul George trades. It’s a perfect job for the next highly sought after assistant coach.

[QPR]

"We had planned to sit down at the end of the season and discuss the best way to move forward for both of us. After those discussions, it became apparent that we couldn't provide him the information on the future direction of the team over the next several seasons to give him the level of clarity that he understandably desires at this stage of his career," Thunder executive vice president and general manager Sam Presti said in a statement.

"Therefore, we close this chapter and reflect fondly on all that he has given to the team, organization and community. Billy will always have a place in the Thunder family."

Just between me and anyone reading here, I think the guy is extremely lucky his career here was bookended first by KD and at the end by CP3. Both of them made him look like a better NBA coach than he really is in my estimation.

Probably, but you could say the same for a lot of coaches tbh.

[spearsy23]

Ettore Messina still available?

[spearsy23]

Becky hammon would be a Sam presti hire. I'm here for it.

[mr570]

I could see Presti hiring internally (Daigneault) or maybe repatriating some recent departure like Darko or Mark Bryant. You know how much he loves known quantities versus the unknown. And crucially, all those guys all have a history of teaching the game.

Other than Atkinson, I wouldn’t mind taking a chance on an unproven up and comer. Stackhouse is a name I’ve heard tossed around for a while. I’m not going to pretend I have any idea what assistants would be good coaches but I’m not as interested in most retread options.

Who was the Spurs assistant several years ago that everyone was talking about? Think he went to coach in Italy (or was Italian...?).

[getrichordie]

I could see Presti hiring internally (Daigneault) or maybe repatriating some recent departure like Darko or Mark Bryant. You know how much he loves known quantities versus the unknown. And crucially, all those guys all have a history of teaching the game.

Other than Atkinson, I wouldn’t mind taking a chance on an unproven up and comer. Stackhouse is a name I’ve heard tossed around for a while. I’m not going to pretend I have any idea what assistants would be good coaches but I’m not as interested in most retread options.

Who was the Spurs assistant several years ago that everyone was talking about? Think he went to coach in Italy (or was Italian...?).

Ettore Messina

[Sea2003]

Presti is about fleece either Milwaukee or Philly this off-season.

[jambalaya]

Hammon could indeed be the hire. On coaching merits, Spurs heritage, Presti / Bennett interest in national attention / historical actions.


If she isn't a prominent candidate or the pick, there will be questions. Would she outshine Presti? Ask for too much input or too much money? Would they be afraid to fire her?

[getrichordie]

Hammon could indeed be the hire. On coaching merits, Spurs heritage, Presti / Bennett interest in national attention / historical actions.

If she isn't a prominent candidate or the pick, there will be questions. Would she outshine Presti? Ask for too much input or too much money? Would they be afraid to fire her?

Bro... why/how did you post this comment 5 8 times?

[jambalaya]

Phone / site insanely slow / balky. I probably cant fix without going insane.


I did what I could. Tech sometimes Fs up. Can't delete after response.

[retrobro90]

Part of me wants a former player or at least a "player's coach" because the name of the game these next few years is going to be making sure our guys don't sour on OKC/the NBA experience while they lose during the regular season. Hard to tell what assistants are the true diamonds in the rough right now. I've heard Charles Lee on Budenholzer's staff is supposed to be really smart. People seem to like Ime Udoka on Philly. Honestly I'd love a high profile former player just as a shorter term replacement. Billups/Stackhouse etc. Somebody our guys would respect on name alone. See if Jamal Crawford wants the job now that he's probably done playing.

[jambalaya]

Dozens of possibilities. Probably won't weigh in much til finalists named. Udoka could be a preferred Presti candidate.

Whoever it is probably has at least a semi-cool backstory for Presti to enjoy / prop up. But maybe not too cool.

[Pillendreher]

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Half a decade wasted on this nepotism hire. And now that they actually need to suck, they get rid of him. Oh, the irony.

[Pillendreher]

This is interesting to me (from the Athletic):

What is he leaving behind?

Zach Harper, NBA insider: several wing projects with great potential

They have what? This just goes to show how much these national media guys actually know. And it reminds me of Zach Lowe trying to diminish Westbrook's MVP season by claiming that he had plenty support and then failing to mention more players after Oladipo and Adams.

[ThunderBolt]

I’m more interested in trying to find an actual good coach rather than a stop gap just to lead us through a rebuild. The good thing is if we miss on the hire, it’s not as critical at this point in time. Mark Jackson, Brett Brown and guys like that don’t appeal much.

[ThunderBolt]

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