The Thunder wanted Monty Williams.
They got Monty Williams.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:
Coming from the University of Florida, Donovan needed an assistant with NBA coaching – ideally, NBA head-coaching – experience. Williams provides that.
He did a solid job with the Pelicans, who fired him this offseason. I don’t begrudge New Orleans for trying to upgrade, but Williams proved he belonged in a prominent coaching role.
Is that as a head coach or lead assistant?
Right now, Williams’ stock lands somewhere between.
If the Thunder do well next year – and any team with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka should – expect Williams to get head-coaching interviews after next season. Just like Alvin Gentry, who eased Steve Kerr’s adjustment with the Warriors.
This is a good hire by Oklahoma City and a good destination for Williams. It’s a win-win.
