Hoops Habit
Fansided

NBA: Coaches Facing the Most Pressure in 2015-16

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 14, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers reacts against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers reacts against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
May 1, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder new head coach Billy Donovan speaks to the media at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder new head coach Billy Donovan speaks to the media at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Billy Donovan, Oklahoma City Thunder

Kevin Durant will be an unrestricted free agent in 2016. That sentence alone summarizes why it’s of the utmost importance that Billy Donovan not only gets the Oklahoma City Thunder back to the playoffs, but into the NBA Finals.

Anything short of a championship may not be enough to keep this should-be-dynasty together.

The Thunder are led by a star-studded quartet of Durant, Serge Ibaka, Enes Kanter and Russell Westbrook. The supporting cast includes Steven Adams, D.J. Augustin, Anthony Morrow, Cameron Payne, Andre Roberson and Dion Waiters.

That balance of star power and depth is close to unparalleled.

If Donovan is able to get Oklahoma City back to its championship-caliber ways, Scott Brooks‘ success will not haunt him. If he fails to get the Thunder over the hump, however, he could lose Durant next summer.

No first-year coach should have to face that much pressure, but Donovan will.

Next: The Pressure is On