Carmelo Anthony and Billy Donovan have been inducted into the 2025 class of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, marking a significant milestone for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Anthony's single season with the Thunder in 2017-18 was notable, even if it ended with a first-round playoff exit. His scoring prowess and ten-time All-Star status solidified his legacy as one of the game’s greats. Donovan, who coached the Thunder from 2015 to 2020, is recognized as a top-tier coach with two NCAA championships to his name. His tenure with OKC saw multiple playoff appearances, including a run to the Western Conference Finals.

This induction highlights the Thunder's impact in the league since relocating nearly two decades ago, with many more former players and coaches likely to follow in their footsteps as future Hall of Famers. Under the management of Sam Presti, who became GM in 2007, the Thunder have established a winning tradition, despite not yet securing an NBA championship.

Former OKC Thunder head coach Billy Donovan has been selected for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame's 2025 class, a well-deserved honor acknowledging his impactful coaching career. Donovan, who led the Thunder from 2015 to 2020, achieved a remarkable record of 243 wins against 157 losses, guiding the team to the playoffs every season, including a run to the Western Conference Finals in 2016.

Mark Daigneault, the current Thunder head coach and a former assistant under Donovan, expressed his admiration for Donovan’s leadership, stating that he is not just a great coach but also a wonderful person to work with. This induction not only highlights Donovan's success at the NBA level but also reflects his prior success at Florida, where he won two national championships. Joining him in the Hall of Fame class is former Thunder player Carmelo Anthony, further solidifying the Thunder’s legacy in the league.

Billy Donovan, head coach of the Bulls, has been honored with a selection to the 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Amidst a busy schedule with the Bulls aiming for a playoff appearance, Donovan reflects on the significance of this recognition, especially in the company of legends like Julius Erving and Mike Krzyzewski. His journey from player to coach was filled with uncertainty about the future, making this honor all the more humbling.

In injury news, Lonzo Ball remains sidelined, missing his 18th consecutive game due to a wrist injury, with no clear timeline for his return. Coach Donovan is managing his expectations as the team pushes through the final stretch of the season, with another injury concern surrounding Tre Jones, who is still in a walking boot as time runs out for him to return this season.

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has revealed its Class of 2025, featuring an impressive lineup of both NBA and WNBA legends. Notable names include Carmelo Anthony, a ten-time NBA All-Star, and Dwight Howard, who is celebrated for his defensive prowess with three Defensive Player of the Year awards. WNBA icons Sue Bird and Maya Moore also received first-ballot honors, alongside Sylvia Fowles, a two-time WNBA champion and former MVP. The class further recognizes influential figures like referee Danny Crawford, Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan, and Miami Heat owner Micky Arison. The 'Redeem Team,' led by Mike Krzyzewski, completes the class, marking their historic contribution to USA basketball.

The Chicago Bulls provided a thrilling finale against the Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing their resilience with a stunning last-second victory courtesy of Josh Giddey's half-court buzzer-beater. Despite the team's struggles post-Zach LaVine trade, Coach Billy Donovan's squad has demonstrated remarkable growth and competitive spirit, much to the credit of their new roster members like Kevin Huerter and Zach Collins. The Bulls' recent performance, highlighted by a strong offensive output and the emergence of a young core, signals a promising future.

However, questions linger about the Bulls' playoff potential against stronger teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers. The organization must balance immediate competitiveness with the long-term development of their talents, ensuring that max effort translates to sustainable success. As the season wanes, the Bulls' ability to maintain this momentum becomes crucial, reflecting on the lessons learned about commitment and the necessity of finishing games strongly.