Evaluating 10 possible NBA landing spots for Tom Thibodeau in 2020-21

Oklahoma City Thunder

Leaning on veteran point guard Chris Paul, who is president of the National Basketball Players Association, and rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma City Thunder have a lot to like moving forward. Who the coach is moving forward is in question.

Billy Donovan‘s contract expires at season’s end and there have been no reported talks of an extension. Donovan, 54, has earned the right to stay producing a 239-153 (61 percent) record in five seasons. The only mark against him is the Thunder haven’t advanced out of the first round since his first year.

Paul and Gilgeous-Alexander will be owed $49.5 million combined in the 2021-22 season but the Thunder escape the contracts of Andre Roberson and Steven Adams at season’s end, freeing up around $38 million to spend. Oklahoma City could quickly reload.

Given the leadership of Paul, the development of Gilgeous-Alexander and the openness to fill the roster around them is an attractive opening, plus the ability to work with general manager Sam Presti and a plethora of future draft picks.

In conclusion

The NBA climate is uncertain due to the coronavirus pandemic. Owners may be reluctant to fire a coach, leaving limited options, but contenders windows are likely closing for some of those teams. The Knicks and Nets both have interim coaches in place and the Rockets and Thunder both have positions to fill, though the incumbent may stay in one or both of those situations.

Tom Thibodeau can afford to be picky but there’s a lot to like about these possible openings.