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Oklahoma City Thunder: Top 5 Candidates To Replace Scott Brooks

By Gerald Bourguet

March 1, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks watches game action against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 1, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks watches game action against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators head coach Billy Donovan waves to the fans after reaching his 500th career win against the Tennessee Volunteers at Stephen C. O /

1. Billy Donovan

If we’re going on merit alone, Gentry would take the top spot for me (assuming Thibs is unavailable, as we’ve done throughout this article). But if we’re going to factor in likelihood of actually landing the job, Billy Donovan has to be No. 1. His name has already been mentioned by Woj and ESPN’s Royce Young, due to Donovan’s longstanding relationship with GM Sam Presti.

Donovan is the cream of the crop when it comes to college coaches, having led the Florida Gators to two national championships and four Final Four appearances. Donovan has reportedly been interested in transitioning to the NBA, and that transition wouldn’t be much more appealing than the opportunity to coach Durant and Westbrook.

The question is whether Donovan could be the next Brad Stevens or not. The Boston Celtics are fortunate the transition to the big leagues was so smooth for Stevens, but there’s no guarantee it’d be the same case with Donovan.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Donovan had recently been doing background research on Kevin Durant, which could mean this plan is already in the works. It could also mean nothing, but Donovan’s name seems to be a common sight among Brooks’ possible replacements, so don’t be surprised if you see him coaching the Thunder next season.

Next: The Biggest X-Factor On Every NBA Playoff Team

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