In a recent appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix spoke about former Utah Jazz Quin Snyder and possible new destinations for him. Snyder is arguably the hottest name out there in terms of available head coaches, but with the Charlotte Hornets being the only team in the league with a head coaching vacancy, odds are Snyder sits out at least this upcoming season.
Mannix brought up the popular San Antonio Spurs theory of Snyder becoming the heir of Gregg Popovich but also mentioned the Oklahoma City Thunder as a possible destination — a team that hasn’t been mentioned up until Mannix said so.
“Well, I don’t think he lands in Charlotte, which is the last vacant coaching opening. I think Quin — like a lot of assistant coaches or available coaches — are waiting to see what Gregg Popovich does, whether it’s this year or next year. One location that was mentioned to me by someone that knows Quin Snyder: Oklahoma City. That team has a coach right now, but depending on how this season goes, the Thunder may look to make a change next year. Quin Snyder has a great relationship with Sam Presti. So that’s a possibility.”
Presti and Snyder having an established relationship shouldn’t be surprising considering they both spent time with the Spurs. The idea of the Thunder moving on from Mark Daigneault after a clear rebuilding season next year would be a little shocking. But if Presti believes the Thunder are ready to take the next step towards contention, then Snyder can take the team there.
(Full credit to Andrew Sullivan for clipping the soundbite and Down To Dunk’s Albabycakes for sending me the link)
