Thunder point guard Dennis Schroder described Billy Donovan as a players' coach in his exit interview last April. Schroder assessed the benefits and drawbacks of that coaching style.

"It can go either way, I think," Schroder said. "If it goes too much and he listens too much to the players, then it can go bad. But like I said, me and him had good conversations, and I never tried to change anything. We never had issues."

Donovan has coached the Thunder to a 33-22 mark as the final third of the season begins. Donovan is likely in the Coach of the Year running.

After practice Thursday, Schroder was reminded of his exit interview quote about Donovan. Schroder was asked if this Thunder team is better suited to follow Donovan's philosophy.