The San Antonio Spurs have begun training camp with a new voice on the bench and a wave of positive momentum. Hall-of-Fame coach Billy Donovan has joined the staff as an assistant, and his early impact is already being felt by players like Carter Bryant. This comes as the Spurs carry a perfect 5-0 record from their final games of the previous season, including a 127-113 win over the Golden State Warriors on April 2, 2026.
Second-year forward Carter Bryant has been quick to seek out Donovan's vast experience. Bryant said he has had multiple conversations with the new assistant, picking his brain about past players and his own development. Donovan's arrival filled a need created when associate head coach Sean Sweeney left to lead the Orlando Magic. The Spurs contacted Donovan during the playoffs about the potential opening.
Veteran center Luke Kornet, who played for Donovan with the Chicago Bulls in the 2020-21 NBA season, is already a fan. Kornet praised Donovan's straightforward and accountable coaching style. He believes Donovan's approach aligns perfectly with the established culture in San Antonio. For Donovan, this move is a chance to contribute to a title contender after 11 seasons as an NBA head coach.
Billy Donovan brings a unique pedigree to the Spurs' coaching staff. He was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025. His resume includes 11 years as an NBA head coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Chicago Bulls. Before that, he spent 19 seasons at the University of Florida, winning back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007.
His son, Billy Donovan III, will also join the organization in a player development role. Donovan's hiring represents a significant addition of institutional knowledge. He told a reporter in August that he simply hopes to "bring value" to a team with championship aspirations. His history of winning and player development is a major asset.
The Spurs are entering this new chapter from a position of strength. They finished last season on a five-game winning run. That streak featured dominant victories, including a 136-111 rout of the Miami Heat on March 23, 2026, and a 127-95 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on March 28. Their most recent result was a 127-113 triumph against the Golden State Warriors.
This winning form provides a solid foundation for integrating new voices like Donovan. The team's identity, built on accountability and a collective drive to win, is something Kornet directly linked to Donovan's methods. As the Spurs look to build on their NBA Finals appearance, adding a coach with Donovan's experience could be a key factor. Fans can track the team's progress on the official [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
Training camp is just the first step. The integration of Billy Donovan into the Spurs' system will be a process watched closely. His ability to connect with young players like Carter Bryant and provide strategic insight for veterans will be tested. The team's recent 129-114 win over the Chicago Bulls on March 31 is a reminder of their offensive firepower.
With the roster largely set, coaching adjustments are a final piece of the puzzle. Donovan's track record suggests he is more than capable of handling the assignment. The Spurs' culture, combined with this new injection of coaching expertise, sets an intriguing stage for the 2026-27 NBA campaign. The goal, as always in San Antonio, is to compete for a championship.
