Billy Donovan is one of the most qualified assistant coaches in the NBA, but his tenure with the San Antonio Spurs won't last very long.
The San Antonio Spurs have one of the most qualified assistant coaches in the NBA. Billy Donovan has won two NCAA titles and made the NBA Finals while coaching the Oklahoma City Thunder.
He is an 11-season NBA veteran, with stints in OKC and Chicago. Known as a floor-raiser, he's one of the chief reasons why the Bulls never fully embraced a tank. Simply put, he's too good a coach to let that happen. On the flip side, one could argue that he's not a good enough coach to get an NBA team a ring.
Either way, the Spurs brought him aboard to replace Sean Sweeney as Mitch Johnson's lead assistant. Perhaps the flashiest move of the offseason so far by San Antonio, the move has little to do with the Spurs and everything to do with what's next.
Why Donovan Agreed to an Assistant Job
Chances are, Donovan could have taken either the Portland Trail Blazers' job or the New Orleans Pelicans' position. However, the Blazers' new owner is a well-known cheapskate, offering Micah Nori an unprecedented deal with two team options. New Orleans, meanwhile, is a dumpster fire with no discernible direction.
So an assistant role on a good team is better than a lead role on a bad team. Plus, should the Spurs win 60 games again on the back of Victor Wembanyama's brilliance, Donovan should be the leader in the clubhouse next offseason.
Sweeney landed the Orlando Magic head coaching job, easily the most attractive. Next summer, it remains to be seen which positions will be open, but the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Houston Rockets could all fire their coaches. We wouldn't be surprised if that happens.
Plus, Steve Kerr might step down after Stephen Curry retires, which could be at the end of next season. After a successful season with the Spurs, Donovan might be first in line to take over the Warriors, and owner Joe Lacob doesn't mind spending.
While Donovan is expected to bring experience, expertise, and a winning pedigree to the young Spurs' team, this is not going to be a long-term arrangement. He's one of the more proven head coaches in the NBA, and as fun as the Spurs seem to be, he should have his sights set on bigger leadership jobs.
San Antonio is just a launching pad.
