Florida Gators men's basketball coach Billy Donovan is reportedly itching to jump to the NBA, even though he recently signed an extension to remain in Gainesville through the 2019-2020 season.
ESPN reports that despite that deal being in place, there is a $500,000 buyout clause in his deal that will free him from the contract and allow him to pursue an NBA job. Should Donovan make the leap, these three teams stand out as perfect fits.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City has been derailed by injury the past two seasons, but they've also struggled in the postseason when teams are gearing up just for them over the course of a long series. Oklahoma City has two of the NBA's top offensive players in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, but in pressure situations those two often choose to play isolation ball instead of running creative plays beyond pick-and-rolls.
Head coach Scott Brooks deserves credit for developing a number of the Thunder's younger players into legitimate NBA stars, most notably power forward Serge Ibaka, but for them to get over the championship hunt they may need a superior offensive mind on the bench.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards performed better than expected during the postseason last year, and got off to a very hot start in the early part of 2014-15. That start proved to be a bit of a mirage though, and while they still have arguably the most talented backcourt in the NBA their offense is prone to lethal stretches of ineffectiveness.
Part of Washington's issue is that they are overly reliant on long two-point shots, which has become a devalued shot in the modern game. Donovan can be expected to revamp the Wizards' offense and make better use of their John Wall and Bradley Beal, whom Donovan coached in college.
Orlando Magic
Donovan spurned the Magic in 2010 when he signed a deal, then reneged at the last minute to return to the Gators. They'd be wise to not hold a grudge though. The Magic have a very young roster-perfect for Donovan whose proven he can mold young men into champions-and they're currently operating with an interim coach that replaced Jacque Vaughn.
Like Washington, Orlando has a backcourt with young, raw talent. The Magic also have a prolific offensive center, and plenty of athletic tweener forwards. The roster oozes talent but is in need of structure.
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