Billy Donovan’s coaching philosophy has always been built on relationships.
It was that way when he was in the collegiate ranks at Florida, and it’s been that way since taking over in Oklahoma City back in 2015. At the time, he told Thunder reporter Nick Gallo that the “most important part to me is that I want to develop a relationship with them (the players)” and that “it’s not really about my voice. This is what can I do to help them?”
His player-first mentality has earned him the distinction of being a player’s coach, something that Dennis Schroder discussed during his exit interview last April.
As noted by Joe Mussatto of The Oklahoman, Schroder said he felt the effectiveness of being a “player’s coach” can go either way, but said that he and Donovan had “good conversations” and “never had issues”.
Back at practice today for the first time since the All-Star break, Schroder was asked about the job Donovan has done this season and told Erik Horne of The Athletic that his head coach “took advice” from players after last year and is keeping “everybody accountable”.
“Billy, he did that last season. You know, was talking to us, took advice from the players. Staying on us when something has to be said. Keeps everybody accountable so that’s a big difference from last year so, yeah, it’s paying off right now.”
Thunder back in practice today for the first time post-All-Star. Dennis Schroder on the job Billy Donovan has done this season: “He keeps everybody accountable. That’s a big difference from last year and it’s paying off right now.” pic.twitter.com/55bCV1BnJP
— Erik Horne (@ErikHorneOK) February 20, 2020
Schroder didn’t provide any indication as to who may not have been held accountable in years past. During the media Q&A, Schroder also touched on there being a “different vibe” in the locker room this season.
Oklahoma City’s unexpected success has Donovan in the conversation for Coach of the Year.
The Thunder are one of the biggest surprises in the NBA. Predicted to win just 31.5 games, they’ve already won 33 as OKC prepares to start the final third of the season.
Currently tied for sixth in the Western Conference, Oklahoma City will have the chance to make up some ground when they host the second-seeded Denver Nuggets on Friday night.