Today at the Integris Practice Center, the OKC Thunder had another workout today ahead of a vital game against the Utah Jazz
Today, at the OKC Thunder practice, Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott had more time to work with the rest of the Thunder and understand more about their systems. It also allowed Enes Kanter to participate in a full practice with the two new players. After practice, the media were able to interview two players and Coach Billy Donovan today.
Enes Kanter
In a short interview, Kanter talked about the metal plate that is in his arm. Doctors told him that everything should be as normal as possible despite a large chunk of metal in his arm. If Kanter falls, doctors told him to tuck it away safely.
Video Source: Oklahoma City Thunder – Enes Kanter
It is possible that Kanter did this on purpose. Steven Adams has a similar chunk of metal in his hand. Possibly this was an effort from the Stache Brothers to be even more similar.
Kanter was pretty upbeat about his recovery. He did well from a physical standpoint against the New Orleans Pelicans. He was tested physically, which makes sense considering he was playing against the league’s newest twin towers.
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Kanter also let us in on how much an injury can affect a player during an NBA season. When Kanter is playing night in and night out, he is being hit on most possessions. The four weeks that he had out made this feel different.
In another telling statement, Kanter does not believe that he has to worry about the Utah Jazz big men next game. “We have to worry about what we are doing.” That is being positive and having self belief.
Alex Abrines
The 11 three point attempts Alex Abrines took against the Los Angeles Lakers was a hot topic when the Spaniard was interviewed. It should have been too. Any time that the Thunder get the ball into a quality shooters hands like Abrines that often, their offense is flowing.
Video Source: Oklahoma City Thunder – Alex Abrines
With these amount of open looks, Abrines has to be doing something to get free off the ball right? Not true. Russell Westbrook is that good he will just find you. Advice that Abrines gives to anyone playing with Westbrook? Just be ready. He learned from day one that Westbrook will get you the ball. Even when you think you have no chance.
I don’t like comparing to past generation players. This one does remind me of the stories that I used to hear of the Showtime Lakers practices. Word to the wise was always be ready; Magic Johnson was going to hit you-usually in the head-with a pass if you were not.
Abrines spoke on wanting to expand his role. In Europe, Abrines did so much more that he is doing for the Thunder. He attributes that to the quality of player in the NBA. This bodes well for the Thunder as Abrines is going to try and do more with each passing game.
Billy Donovan
To me, Billy Donovan looks and sounds like a man in control. He is aware of the quality of his team and is not afraid to try new things. Today, Donovan looked at pick and roll defense and is genuinely impressed. He is impressed with both Jerami Grant and Gibson and their ability to switch defensively in the pick and roll situation.
Video Source: Oklahoma City Thunder – Billy Donovan
Donovan focused on working new combinations. He put a number of different guys on the floor, seeing how they worked together. Donovan also worked on offensive plays which is where McDermott is going to shine.
The entire OKC Thunder squad have done a great job of integrating the new players into the Thunder systems. The players are taking ownership and helping clear up any confusion Gibson and McDermott may have.
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Also, Donovan could not be happier with the development of Abrines. The OKC Thunder rookie is a long and rangy player who is starting to surprise the NBA as a whole.
Donovan says that the NBA is only just starting to see the rookies ability to put the ball on the floor. He is also bullish about the finishing of Abrines, which is just getting better.
Two areas that Abrines needs to work on are getting physically stronger and improving on defense. Donovan is seeing improvement and that is enough for me.
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